Method and apparatus for charging a battery

Abstract

A battery charging method, comprising: charging a battery based on charging configuration information; and terminating the charging of the battery in response to a charging termination event occurring, wherein the charging configuration information is determined using weight information derived based on battery characteristic information and basic charging configuration information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0124945, filed on Oct. 19, 2018 with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Background Art

[0002] The following description relates to a method and apparatus for charging a battery.

[0003] There are various battery charging methods. For example, a constant current-constant voltage (CCCV) based charging method can charge a battery with a constant current until a specific voltage is reached, and charge the battery with a constant voltage until a preset low current is reached. As another example, a variable current decay (VCD) based charging method can charge a battery with a high current at a low state of charge (SOC), and when the SOC of the battery reaches a certain SOC, charge the battery by gradually decreasing the current. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention is provided to introduce some concepts in a simplified form, which will be further described in the detailed description below. The present invention is not intended to identify the key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] In one general aspect, a battery charging method includes: charging a battery based on charging profile information; and terminating the charging of the battery in response to the occurrence of a charging termination event, wherein the charging profile information is determined using weight information derived from battery characteristic information and basic charging profile information.

[0006] The battery characteristic information may include a value associated with an ion diffusion rate in a reference battery based on a state of charge (SOC) of the reference battery.

[0007] The battery characteristic information may be determined based on a ratio between a change in the charge amount of a reference battery and a change in the voltage of the reference battery. The change in the charge amount of the reference battery and the change in the voltage of the reference battery may be based on a state of charge (SOC) of the reference battery.

[0008] The battery characteristic information may correspond to dQ / dV based on a state of charge (SOC) of a reference battery, where dQ is a change in the charge amount of the reference battery and dV is a change in the voltage of the reference battery.

[0009] The weight information may be derived using dQ / dV values and an adjustment rate in a SOC interval of dQ / dV.

[0010] The battery characteristic information can be determined using the ratio between the open circuit voltage (OCV) difference based on the state of charge (SOC) of a reference battery and the overpotential of the reference battery.

[0011] The battery characteristic information can correspond to (dE S / dE T ) 2 based on the state of charge (SOC) of a reference battery, where dE T is the change in voltage when a current is applied, and dE S is the difference between the open circuit voltage (OCV) before the current is applied and the OCV after the current is applied.

[0012] (dE S / dE T ) 2 values and regulation rates in the SOC range of (dE S / dE T ) 2 can be used to derive weight information.

[0013] The weight information can be derived using characteristic values in the state of charge (SOC) range of the battery characteristic information.

[0014] The charging configuration information can be adjusted from the basic charging configuration information based on the weight information.

[0015] Terminating the charging of the battery can include terminating the charging of the battery in response to the voltage of the battery reaching a threshold voltage.

[0016] Terminating the charging of the battery can include: charging the battery at a constant voltage in response to the voltage of the battery reaching a threshold voltage, and while charging the battery at a constant voltage, terminating the charging of the battery in response to the current of the battery reaching a termination current.

[0017] In another general aspect, a non - transitory computer - readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the above - described method.

[0018] In another general aspect, a battery charging method includes: determining battery characteristic information of a battery based on input information; deriving weight information based on the determined battery characteristic information; and determining charging configuration information based on the derived weight information and basic charging configuration information, where the determined charging configuration information is configured to be used to charge the battery.

[0019] The battery characteristic information can include a value associated with the ion diffusion rate in the battery based on the state of charge (SOC) of the battery.

[0020] Determining battery characteristic information may include determining the battery characteristic information using a ratio between a change in the charge amount of the battery and a change in the voltage of the battery. The change in the charge amount of the battery and the change in the voltage of the battery may be based on the state of charge (SOC) of the battery.

[0021] Determining battery characteristic information may include: determining dQ / dV based on the state of charge (SOC) as battery characteristic information, where dQ is the change in the charge amount and dV is the change in the voltage.

[0022] Deriving weight information may include: deriving weight information based on dQ / dV values and adjustment rates in SOC intervals of dQ / dV based on SOC.

[0023] Determining battery characteristic information may include: determining the battery characteristic information using a ratio between an open circuit voltage (OCV) difference and an overpotential based on the state of charge (SOC) of the battery.

[0024] Determining battery characteristic information may include: determining (dE S / dE T ) 2 based on the state of charge (based on SOC) as battery characteristic information, where dE T is the change in voltage when a current is applied, and dE S is the difference between the open circuit voltage (OCV) before the current is applied and the OCV after the current is applied.

[0025] Deriving weight information may include: using (dE S / dE T ) 2 values and adjustment rates in SOC intervals of (dE S / dE T ) 2 to derive weight information.

[0026] Deriving weight information may include: using characteristic values in a state of charge (SOC) interval of battery characteristic information to derive weight information.

[0027] The battery charging method may further include: deriving different weight information by adjusting the adjustment rate.

[0028] Determining charging configuration information may include: adjusting basic charging configuration information based on the derived weight information.

[0029] The battery charging method may further include: charging the battery based on the determined charging configuration information.

[0030] In another general aspect, a battery charging device includes: a memory configured to store charging configuration information; and a charger configured to charge a battery based on the charging configuration information and to terminate charging of the battery in response to a charging termination event, wherein the charging configuration information is determined using weight information derived from battery characteristic information and basic charging configuration information.

[0031] The basic charging configuration information may be charging configuration information in which the charging current changes stepwise based on the state of charge (SOC) of a reference battery.

[0032] The basic charging configuration information may be charging configuration information based on constant current - constant voltage (CCCV).

[0033] The charging configuration information may be determined by applying the weight information to the basic charging configuration information.

[0034] The weight information may include weight information for each adjustment rate. The charging configuration information may be determined by multiplying the basic charging configuration information by the weight information for each adjustment rate.

[0035] Other features and aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description, the drawings, and the claims. Description of the Drawings

[0036] Figures 1 to 3 is a diagram showing an example of a battery charging system.

[0037] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a battery charging configuration information generation device.

[0038] Figures 5 to 8B is a diagram showing an example of a characteristic estimator of a battery charging configuration information generation device.

[0039] Figures 9 to 10B is a diagram showing an example of a weight derivation unit of a battery charging configuration information generation device.

[0040] Figures 11 to 13 is a diagram showing an example of a regulator of a battery charging configuration information generation device.

[0041] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a battery charging method.

[0042] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing another example of a battery charging method.

[0043] Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a battery charging configuration information generation device.

[0044] Figure 17This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a battery charging device.

[0045] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle.

[0046] Figure 19 This is a diagram showing an example of a terminal.

[0047] Throughout the drawings and the detailed description, the same reference numerals denote the same elements. The drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative dimensions, scales, and depictions of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and convenience. Detailed Description

[0048] The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application. For example, the sequences of operations described herein are merely examples and are not limited to those set forth herein. Rather, it will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application that variations can be made to the cases other than those operations that need to occur in a certain order. Moreover, descriptions of features known in the art may be omitted for increased clarity and conciseness.

[0049] The features described herein may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples described herein. On the contrary, the examples described herein are provided only to illustrate some of the many possible ways of implementing the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein, which will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application.

[0050] Throughout the specification, when an element (e.g., a layer, region, or substrate) is described as "on another element", "connected to", "coupled to", or "attached to" another element, it may be directly "on another element", "connected to", "coupled to", or "attached to" another element, or there may be one or more other elements in between. When an element is described as "between" other elements, it may be directly "between" the other elements, or there may be one or more additional elements in between. Conversely, when an element is described as "directly on another element", "directly connected to", or "directly coupled to" another element, or "directly" between other "elements", there are no additional elements between them.

[0051] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one and any combination of any two or more of the associated listed items.

[0052] Although terms such as "first", "second", and "third" may be used herein to describe various components, parts, regions, layers, or sections, these components, parts, regions, layers, or sections are not limited by these terms. Instead, these terms are only used to distinguish one component, part, region, layer, or section from another. Thus, the first component, part, region, layer, or section mentioned in the embodiments described herein may also be referred to as the second component, part, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the embodiments.

[0053] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing various examples only and are not intended to limit the disclosure. Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the articles "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. The terms "comprising", "including", and "having" specify the presence of the stated features, numbers, operations, structures, elements, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, structures, elements, and / or combinations thereof.

[0054] It should be noted that with respect to the use of the term "may" in an example or embodiment, such as what features an example or embodiment may include or implement, it means that there is at least one example or embodiment that includes or implements such a feature, but not all examples and embodiments are limited thereto.

[0055] As will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application, the features of the examples described herein can be combined in various ways. In addition, although the examples described herein have various configurations, other configurations will also be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application.

[0056] Figures 1 to 3 is a diagram showing an example of a battery charging system 100.

[0057] Referring Figure 1 , the battery charging system 100 may include a battery charging device 110 and a battery 120.

[0058] The battery 120 may be a battery cell, a battery module, or a battery pack.

[0059] The battery charging device 110 may charge the battery 120 based on charging configuration information. The charging configuration information may be determined based on basic charging configuration information and weight information. An example of the charging configuration information is as Figure 2 shown. Referring Figure 2 , the charging configuration information 210 is determined by applying the weight information to the multistep basic charging configuration information 220. The multistep charging configuration information 220 may be basic charging configuration information in which the charging current changes step by step. Another example of the charging configuration information is inFigure 3 is shown. Refer to Figure 3 , the charging configuration information 310 is determined by applying weight information to the basic charging configuration information 320 based on constant current - constant voltage (CCCV). The manner by which the charging configuration information is determined will be described in detail later with reference to Figures 4 to 13 the manner by which the charging configuration information is determined.

[0060] When a charging termination event occurs while charging the battery 120 based on the charging configuration information, the battery charging device 110 may terminate the charging of the battery 120. For example, in response to the voltage of the battery 120 reaching a threshold voltage, the battery charging device 110 may terminate the charging of the battery 120. The threshold may be, for example, 4 volts (V) to 4.2 V. As another example, in response to the voltage of the battery 120 reaching a threshold voltage, the battery charging device 110 may charge the battery 120 with a constant voltage. In this example, when, while the battery 120 is being charged with a constant voltage, the current of the battery 120 reaches a termination current, for example, 0.05 C-rate, the battery charging device 110 may terminate the charging of the battery 120.

[0061] In an example, the battery charging device 110 may charge the battery 120 based on the charging configuration information, thereby reducing the charging time used for charging and improving the life characteristics of the battery 120, such as the life period of the battery 120.

[0062] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the battery charging configuration information generation device 400.

[0063] Refer to Figure 4 , the battery charging configuration information generation device 400 may include a characteristic estimator 410, a weight derivator 420, and a regulator 430.

[0064] The characteristic estimator 410 determines or estimates battery characteristic information based on input information. The battery characteristic information may be, for example, information associated with the characteristics of the materials in the battery cell based on the state of charge (SOC). When describing that the information associated with the characteristics of the materials in the battery cell is "based on the state of charge (SOC)", this means that such information is determined corresponding to various SOCs of the battery. The battery cell may be Figure 1 the battery 120, or a reference battery of the same type as the battery 120. For example, the battery characteristic information may include the characteristic values of the ions in the battery cell for each SOC, for example, the characteristic values of lithium ions. The characteristic values may be values related to the ion diffusion rate in the battery cell, and include, for example, dQ / dV and (dE S / dE T ) 2 any one of or both of these. Reference will be made to Figures 5 to 8BDescribe the characteristic estimator 410 in further detail.

[0065] The weight exporter 420 derives weight information based on the determined battery characteristic information. For example, the weight exporter 420 may use some characteristic values and adjustment rates of the battery characteristic information to derive the weight information. Reference will be made to Figures 9 to 10B Describe the weight exporter 420 in further detail.

[0066] The regulator 430 determines the charging configuration information based on the derived weight information and the basic charging configuration information. For example, the regulator 430 may determine the charging configuration information by applying the weight information to the basic charging configuration information. That is, the regulator 430 may determine the charging configuration information by adjusting the basic charging configuration information based on the weight information. Reference will be made to Figures 11 to 13 Describe the regulator 430 in further detail.

[0067] Figures 5 to 8B FIG. is a diagram showing an example of the characteristic estimator 410 of the battery charging configuration information generation device 400.

[0068] As Figure 5 shown, the characteristic estimator 410 determines or estimates the battery characteristic information based on the input information. The input information may be, for example, the charging information or discharging information of the battery cell, or the electrochemical measurement information of the battery cell.

[0069] In one example, the characteristic estimator 410 may determine or estimate the battery characteristic information based on the charging information or discharging information of the battery cell. For example, as Figure 6A shown, the characteristic estimator 410 derives the relationship information 610 associated with the relationship between the charge amount Q of the battery cell and the voltage V of the battery cell based on the charging information or discharging information of the battery cell, uses the derived relationship information 610 to determine the ratio between the change dQ of the charge amount Q based on the SOC and the change dV of the voltage V based on the SOC, and determines the battery characteristic information using the determined ratio. For example, the characteristic estimator 410 may determine such dQ / dV information based on the SOC or the absolute value of the dQ / dV information as the battery characteristic information. This battery characteristic information may also be referred to as the battery characteristic information based on dQ / dV.

[0070] Figure 6B The dQ / dV information 620 corresponding to the battery characteristic information is shown. Table 1 indicates the characteristic values of the dQ / dV information 620 based on the SOC.

[0071] [Table 1]

[0072] SOC(%) Characteristic value … … k <![CDATA[dQ k / dV k > k+1 <![CDATA[dQ k+1 / dV k+1 > … … N <![CDATA[dQ N / dV N >

[0073] The characteristic value dQ / dV of each SOC can be associated with the ion diffusion rate in the entire battery cell for each SOC, which will be described below with reference to Figure 7A and 7B described.

[0074] As Figure 7A and 7B shown, compared with the absolute value of dQ / dV of each electrode for each SOC, the ion diffusion rate of each electrode of the battery cell based on SOC can change reversely. For example, when the absolute value of dQ / dV is large at a certain SOC, the ion diffusion coefficient in that SOC can be small. In this example, V is the voltage of the battery cell and Q is the charge quantity or the capacity of the battery cell.

[0075] When such a trend is applied to the entire battery cell such that the diffusion rate in each electrode changes in a direction opposite to the change in the absolute value of dQ / dV of each electrode, the change in the ion diffusion rate in the entire battery cell can be estimated to be opposite to the change in the absolute value of dQ / dV of the battery cell. That is, when the relationship between the diffusion rate of each electrode for each SOC and dQ / dV of each electrode for each SOC is applied to the entire battery cell, the ion diffusion rate in the entire battery cell for each SOC can be associated with dQ / dV of the battery cell for each SOC.

[0076] In another example, the characteristic estimator 410 can determine or estimate battery characteristic information based on the electrochemical measurement information of the battery cell for each SOC. The electrochemical information can include, for example, galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) measurement information, but is not limited thereto. The GITT measurement information for each SOC can include dE S and dE T . For example, Figure 8A shows the GITT measurement information 810 of a battery cell with an SOC of k.

[0077] As Figure 8A shown, the GITT measurement information 810 includes dE S_k and dE T_k , where dE S_k is the difference between the open circuit voltage (OCV) before applying the current pulse and the OCV after applying the current pulse, and dE T_k is the change in voltage while applying the current pulse. That is, dE S_k is the difference in OCV or ΔOCV, and dE T_k is the overpotential. The characteristic estimator 410 can be based on dE S_k and dE T_kThe ratio between them determines the characteristic value at SOC of k. For example, the characteristic estimator 410 may use (dE S_k / dE T_k ) 2 to determine the characteristic value at SOC of k. The battery cell can be charged until the SOC of the battery cell becomes k + 1, and the characteristic estimator 410 may use (dE S_k+1 / dE T_k+1 ) 2 to determine the characteristic value at the SOC of k + 1. Through the above method, the characteristic estimator 410 can determine the battery characteristic information including the characteristic value (dE S / dE T ) 2 at each SOC. This battery characteristic information can also be expressed as battery characteristic information based on (dE S / dE T ) 2 .

[0078] Figure 8B shows the (dE S / dE T ) 2 information 820, which is another example of battery characteristic information. Table 2 shows the characteristic values of the (dE S / dE T ) 2 information 820 based on the SOC.

[0079] [Table 2]

[0080] SOC(%) Characteristic value … … k <![CDATA[(dE S_k / dE T_k ) 2 > k+1 <![CDATA[(dE S_k+1 / dE T_k+1 ) 2 > … … N <![CDATA[(dE S_N / dE T_N ) 2 >

[0081] The characteristic value (dE S / dE T ) 2 at each SOC can be associated with the ion diffusion rate in the entire battery cell for each SOC. For example, it can be based on to calculate the ion diffusion coefficient in the active material of each electrode of the battery cell, where m B is the oxide mass, V M is the volume per mole, M B is the molecular weight, A is the electrode area, and T is the current pulse application time. Based on the above equation, it can be estimated that the ion diffusion rate in the entire battery cell is associated with (dE S / dE T ) 2 .

[0082] Figures 9 to 10B is a diagram showing an example of the weight exporter 420 of the battery charge configuration information generation device 400.

[0083] Reference Figure 9 , the weight exporter 420 exports weight information based on the battery characteristic information determined by the characteristic estimator 410. In one example, the weight exporter 420 can use some characteristic values and adjustment rates of the determined battery characteristic information to export weight information. The adjustment rate can be associated with the standard deviation of the exported weight information, and the characteristic value can be a characteristic value in the SOC interval, for example, an interval from 0 to 80%. Hereinafter, reference will be made to Figure 10A to describe the operation of the weight exporter 420 in detail.

[0084] As Figure 10A shown, the weight exporter 420 calculates the average value of the characteristic values in the SOC interval from 0 to 80% of the dQ / dV information 720, and the deviation of each characteristic value, and identifies the characteristic value with the largest deviation among the calculated deviations. As Figure 10B shown, the deviation Δ0 of the characteristic value at SOC = 0 can be the maximum value. In this case, the weight exporter 420 can identify the characteristic value at SOC = 0 as the characteristic value with the largest deviation.

[0085] The weight exporter 420 can define the calculated average value as weight 1, and define the maximum weight based on weight 1 and the adjustment rate. The adjustment rate can be an element that determines the ratio or deviation of the weight information. As Figure 10A shown, in the case where the adjustment rate is 30%, the weight exporter 420 can determine the maximum weight as 1.3 by adding 0.3, which is 30% of the corresponding weight 1, to weight 1.

[0086] The weight exporter 420 can map the identified characteristic value to the maximum weight of 1.3. Therefore, the weight at SOC = 0 can correspond to 1.3.

[0087] The weight exporter 420 can export the weight information by increasing the deviation of each characteristic value in the SOC interval from 0 to 80% by the ratio of the increase of the deviation Δ0 of the identified characteristic value to the difference Δ ω0 between weight 1 and the maximum value. As Figure 10A shown, when the ratio of the increase of Δ0 to Δ ω0 is r, the weight exporter 420 can export the weight ω 20 at SOC = 20 by increasing the ratio r of Δ 20 , and export the weight ω 40 at SOC = 40 by increasing the ratio r of Δ 40 . That is, the weight exporter 420 can determine the value exported by increasing the ratio r of Δ 20 as ω 20 , and determine the value exported by increasing the ratio r of Δ 40The value derived by increasing the ratio r is determined as ω 40 The weight exporter 420 can also derive the remaining weights by increasing each remaining deviation by the ratio r.

[0088] Similar to the content referred to above Figure 10A described, the weight exporter 420 can be based on (dE S / dE T ) 2 Characteristic values in the SOC range from 0 to 80% of the information 820 and a regulation rate of 30% to derive weight information.

[0089] The above reference Figure 10A The method of deriving weight information described is provided only as an example, and the method of deriving weight information is not limited to the content referred to above Figure 10A described. The weight exporter 420 can derive weight information by applying statistical analysis (such as standardization, normalization, etc.) to the battery characteristic information.

[0090] Figure 10B Shows the weight information 1010 based on dQ / dV represented by the symbol ○, and the weight information 1020 based on (dE S / dE T ) 2 The weight information 1010 based on dQ / dV can be the weight information derived from the dQ / dV information 720 as described above Figure 10A stated, the weight information 1020 based on (dE S / dE T ) 2 can be the weight information derived by applying the example described above Figure 10A to (dE S / dE T ) 2 information 820.

[0091] As Figure 10B shown, the average value of the weight information 1010 based on dQ / dV can be 1, while the standard deviation is 8.5%, and based on (dE S / dE T ) 2 the average value of the weight information 1020 can be 1, while the standard deviation is 8.8%. That is, the weight exporter 420 can derive weight information from the characteristic values in the SOC range from 0 to 80% such that the average value of the weight information is 1 and the standard deviation is a preset value.

[0092] In the example, the weight exporter 420 can export at least one set of different weight information by adjusting the adjustment rate. That is, the weight exporter 420 can derive multiple sets of weight information from the battery characteristic information such that the standard deviation of the weight information sets has different values within a preset range, such as 0 to 30%. For example, the weight exporter 420 can export multiple sets of weight information based on dQ / dV such that the standard deviation of each set of weight information based on dQ / dV is 4.3% and 12.8% respectively. In this example, the average value of the weight information sets can be the same as 1. Additionally, the weight exporter 420 can export multiple sets of weight information based on (dE S / dE T ) 2 such that the standard deviation of each set of weight information based on (dE S / dE T ) 2 is 4.4% and 13.2% respectively. In this example, the average value of the weight information sets can be the same as 1.

[0093] In the example, the weight exporter 420 can adjust the exported weight information by adding a value to the weight information. Based on the charging configuration information obtained by applying the adjusted weight information to the basic charging configuration information, rather than based on the charging configuration information obtained by applying the unadjusted weight information to the basic charging configuration information, a higher current can be applied to the battery 120. Therefore, the charging time can be reduced.

[0094] Figures 11 to 13 FIG. is a diagram showing an example of a regulator of a battery charging configuration information generation device.

[0095] As Figure 11 shown, the regulator 430 determines the charging configuration information based on the weight information derived by the weight exporter 420 and the basic charging configuration information. For example, the regulator 430 can determine the charging configuration information by adjusting the basic charging configuration information based on the derived weight information. That is, the regulator 430 can determine the charging configuration information by applying the derived weight information to the basic charging configuration information.

[0096] Figure 12 shows an exemplary charging configuration information and an exemplary multi-step basic charging configuration information 1210. Figure 12The charging configuration information shown corresponds to the result of multiplying the basic charging configuration information 1210 by the dQ / dV-based weight information for each standard deviation or regulation rate (e.g., 4.3%, 8.5%, and 12.8%). In other words, for each standard deviation or regulation rate, the basic charging configuration information 1210 can be multiplied by the dQ / dV-based weight information. The dQ / dV-based weight information for each standard deviation or regulation rate can be applied to various basic charging configuration information, e.g., the CCVC-based basic charging configuration information.

[0097] Figure 13 Other exemplary charging configuration information and exemplary multi-step basic charging configuration information 1210 are shown. Figure 13 The charging configuration information shown corresponds to the result of multiplying the basic charging configuration information 1210 by the weight information based on (dE S / dE T ) 2 for each standard deviation or regulation rate (e.g., 4.4%, 8.8%, and 13.2%). In other words, for each standard deviation or regulation rate, the basic charging configuration information 1210 can be multiplied by the weight information based on (dE S / dE T ) 2 The weight information based on (dE S / dE T ) 2 for each standard deviation or regulation rate can be applied to various basic charging configuration information, e.g., the CCCV basic charging configuration information.

[0098] As Figure 12 and Figure 13 shown, at least one charging configuration information can be stored in the battery charging device 110. The battery charging device 110 can charge the battery 120 based on the charging configuration information stored in the battery charging device 110.

[0099] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a battery charging method.

[0100] In Figure 14 the battery charging method shown, it can be executed by a battery charging configuration information generation device 400 of Figure 4 .

[0101] Referring to Figure 14 , in operation 1410, the battery charging configuration information generation device 400 determines battery characteristic information based on input information. For example, the input information can include charging information or discharging information of battery cells. In this example, based on the charging information or discharging information of battery cells, the battery charging configuration information generation device 400 can determine dQ / dV-based battery characteristic information, e.g., asFigure 10A The dQ / dV information 720 shown. For another example, the input information may include GITT measurement information for each SOC. In this example, based on the GITT measurement information for each SOC, the battery charge configuration information generation device 400 may determine based on (dE S / dE T ) 2 of the battery characteristic information. For example, as Figure 8B shown, the (dE S / dE T ) 2 information 820.

[0102] In operation 1420, the battery charge configuration information generation device 400 derives weight information based on the determined battery characteristic information. For example, based on the battery characteristic information based on dQ / dV, the battery charge configuration information generation device 400 may derive the weight information 1010 based on dQ / dV as Figure 10B shown. For another example, based on the battery characteristic information based on (dE S / dE T ) 2 , the battery charge configuration information generation device 400 may derive the weight information 1020 based on (dE Figure 10B shown. S / dE T ) 2

[0103] In operation 1430, the battery charge configuration information generation device 400 determines the charge configuration information based on the derived weight information and the basic charge configuration information.

[0104] According to one example, the battery charging method described above with reference to Figure 14 may also be performed by the battery charging device 110 of Figure 1 .

[0105] For a more detailed description, reference may be made to the description provided above with reference to Figures 1 to 13 which may be applicable to the description provided with reference to Figure 14 .

[0106] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing another example of the battery charging method.

[0107] In Figure 15 shown, the battery charging method may be performed by the battery charging device 110 of Figure 1 .

[0108] Referring to Figure 15 , in operation 1510, the battery charging device 110 charges based on the charge configuration information Figure 1Charging the battery 120.

[0109] In operation 1520, the battery charging device 110 terminates the charging of the battery 120 in response to the occurrence of a charging termination event. For example, when charging the battery 120 based on the charging configuration information, a charging termination event may occur when the voltage of the battery 120 reaches a threshold voltage. For another example, when charging the battery 120 with a constant voltage, a charging termination event may occur when the current of the battery 120 reaches a termination current. In this example, when the voltage of the battery 120 reaches the threshold voltage, the battery 120 can be charged with a constant voltage.

[0110] In the example, the battery charging device 110 can determine the charging configuration information by performing operations 1410 to 1430 described above before performing operation 1510. Figure 14 described to determine the charging configuration information.

[0111] For a more detailed description, reference can be made to the description provided above Figures 1 to 14 which can be applied to the description provided for reference Figure 15 and provided description.

[0112] Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the battery charging configuration information generation device 400.

[0113] Referring to Figure 16 , the battery charging configuration information generation device 400 may include a processor 1610 and a memory 1620.

[0114] The processor 1610 may be implemented by a characteristic estimator 410, a weight derivator 420, and a regulator 430. The processor 1610 can determine battery characteristic information based on input information, derive weight information based on the determined battery characteristic information, and determine charging configuration information based on the derived weight information and basic charging configuration information.

[0115] The memory 1620 can store the determined charging configuration information.

[0116] For a more detailed description, reference can be made to the description provided above Figures 1 to 15 which can be applied to the description provided for reference Figure 16 and provided description.

[0117] Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the battery charging device 110.

[0118] Referring to Figure 17 , the battery charging device 110 may include a charger 1710 and a memory 1720.

[0119] The memory 1720 can store the charging configuration information.

[0120] The charger 1710 may include a controller, and the operation of the charger 1710 may be implemented by the controller.

[0121] The charger 1710 may charge the battery 120 based on the charging configuration information and terminate the charging of the battery 120 in response to the occurrence of a charging termination event.

[0122] In an example, the battery charging device 110 may include a battery charging configuration information generation device 400. The battery charging configuration information generation device 400 may determine the charging configuration information and allow the memory 1720 to store the determined charging configuration information therein.

[0123] For a more detailed description, reference may be made to the description provided above Figures 1 to 16 which may be applicable to the reference Figure 17 and the description provided.

[0124] The battery charging device 110 may be provided in various electronic devices or apparatuses including a battery, such as a walking assistance device, a vehicle, a terminal, etc.

[0125] Figure 18 is a diagram showing an example of the vehicle 1800.

[0126] Referring to Figure 18 , the vehicle 1800 includes a battery pack 1810. The vehicle 1800 may be a vehicle using the battery pack 1810 as a power source. For example, the vehicle 1800 may be an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.

[0127] The battery pack 1810 includes a battery management system (BMS) and a plurality of battery cells or battery modules. The BMS may monitor the battery pack 1810 to verify whether an abnormality has occurred in the battery pack 1810 and control the battery pack 1810 not to be overcharged or over-discharged. Additionally, in the case where the temperature of the battery pack 1810 is greater than a first temperature (e.g., 40 °C) or less than a second temperature (e.g., -10 °C), the BMS may perform thermal control on the battery pack 1810. Further, the BMS may perform cell balancing to balance the respective SOCs of the battery cells in the battery pack 1810.

[0128] In an example, the vehicle 1800 may include a battery charging device 110. The battery charging device 110 may charge the battery pack 1810 or the battery cells in the battery pack 1810 based on the charging configuration information. According to the example, the vehicle 1800 may include a battery charging configuration information generation device 400. The battery charging configuration information generation device 400 may determine the charging configuration information of the battery pack 1810 or the charging configuration information of each battery cell in the battery pack 1810.

[0129] For a more detailed description, reference may be made to the description provided above Figures 1 to 17 and provided, which may be applicable to the reference Figure 18 and the provided description.

[0130] Figure 19 is a diagram showing an example of the terminal 1910.

[0131] Reference Figure 19 , the terminal 1910 includes a battery charging device 110 and a battery 120. The terminal 1910 may be, for example, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a tablet personal computer (PC), a mobile terminal such as a wearable device, etc. However, the terminal 1910 is not limited to the above examples.

[0132] The battery charging device 110 may be provided in the form of an integrated circuit (IC), but is not limited thereto.

[0133] The battery charging device 110 may receive power from a power source 1920 in a wired or wireless manner, and may use the power to charge the battery 120 based on charging configuration information. According to an example, the terminal 1910 may further include a battery charging configuration information generation device 400. The battery charging configuration information generation device 400 may determine the charging configuration information of the battery 120.

[0134] For a more detailed description, reference may be made to the description provided above Figures 1 to 18 and provided, which may be applicable to the reference Figure 19 and the provided description.

[0135] Performing the operations described in this application, in Figure 1 , 4The feature estimator 410, weight exporter 420, regulator 430, processor 1610, memory 1620, charger 1710, and memory 1720 shown in FIGS. 5, 9, 11, 16, and 17 are implemented by hardware components configured to perform the operations described in this application that are performed by hardware components. Examples of hardware components that can be used to appropriately perform the operations described in this application include: controllers, sensors, generators, drivers, memories, comparators, arithmetic logic units, adders, subtractors, multipliers, dividers, integrators, and any other electronic components configured to perform the operations described in this application. In other examples, one or more of the hardware components that perform the operations described in this application are implemented by computing hardware, e.g., by one or more processors or computers. The processor or computer can be implemented by one or more processing elements, such as logic gate arrays, controllers, and arithmetic logic units, digital signal processors, microcomputers, programmable logic controllers, field programmable gate arrays, programmable logic arrays, microprocessors, or any other device or combination of devices configured to respond and execute instructions in a defined manner to achieve the desired result. In one example, the processor or computer includes or is connected to one or more memories that store instructions or software executed by the processor or computer. The hardware components implemented by the processor or computer can execute instructions or software, such as an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications running on the OS, to perform the operations described in this application. The hardware components can also access, manipulate, process, create, and store data in response to the execution of the instructions or software. For simplicity, the singular terms "a processor" or "a computer" can be used in the description of the examples described in this application, but in other examples, multiple processors or computers can be used, or the processor or computer can include multiple processing elements, or multiple types of processing elements, or both. For example, a single hardware component or two or more hardware components can be implemented by a single processor, or two or more processors, or a processor and a controller. One or more hardware components can be implemented by one or more processors, or a processor and a controller, and one or more other hardware components can be implemented by one or more other processors, or another processor and another controller. One or more processors, or a processor and a controller, can be implemented as a single hardware component, or two or more hardware components. The hardware components can have any one or more of different processing configurations, examples of which include a single processor, independent processors, parallel processors, single instruction single data (SISD) multiprocessing, single instruction multiple data (SIMD) multiprocessing, multiple instruction single data (MISD) multiprocessing, and multiple instruction multiple data (MIMD) multiprocessing.

[0136] Performing the operations described in this application Figure 14 and 15The method described above is executed by computing hardware, e.g., by one or more processors or computers, which are implemented as described above to execute instructions or software to perform the operations described in this application that are performed by the method. For example, a single operation or two or more operations may be executed by a single processor, or two or more processors, or a processor and a controller. One or more operations may be executed by one or more processors, or a processor and a controller, and one or more other operations may be executed by one or more other processors, or another processor and another controller. One or more processors, or a processor and a controller, may execute a single operation, or two or more operations.

[0137] Instructions or software for controlling a processor or computer to implement the hardware components and execute the above method are written as a computer program, code segment, instruction, or any combination thereof, for instructing or configuring the processor or computer, either individually or jointly, to operate as a machine or special-purpose computer for performing the operations performed by the hardware components and method described above. In one example, the instructions or software include machine code directly executable by the processor or computer, such as machine code generated by a compiler. In another example, the instructions or software include higher-level code executable by the processor or computer using an interpreter. A person of ordinary skill in the art can readily write the instructions or software based on the block diagrams and flowcharts shown in the figures and the corresponding descriptions in the specification, which disclose algorithms for performing the operations performed by the hardware components and method described above.

[0138] Instructions or software for controlling a processor or computer to implement the hardware components and execute the methods as described above, as well as any associated data, data files, and data structures, are recorded, stored, or fixed on one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable storage media include read-only memory (ROM), random access programmable read-only memory (PROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), flash memory, non-volatile memory, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD+R, CD-RW, CD+RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM, BD-ROM, BD-R, BD-R LTH, BD-RE, Blu-ray or optical disc storage, hard disk drive (HDD), solid state drive (SSD), flash memory, card memory such as multimedia card micro or card (e.g., Secure Digital (SD) or Extreme Digital (XD)), magnetic tape, floppy disk, magneto-optical data storage device, optical data storage device, hard disk, solid state disk, and any other device configured to store instructions or software and any associated data, data files, and data structures in a non-transitory manner and provide the instructions or software and any associated data, data files, and data structures to a processor or computer so that the processor or computer can execute the instructions.

[0139] While the present disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application that various changes in form and detail may be made in these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein are considered to be illustrative only and not for purposes of limitation. The description of a feature or aspect in each example is considered to be applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results can still be achieved if the techniques described are performed in a different order, and / or if the components in the described system, architecture, device, or circuit are combined in a different manner, and / or are replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is defined not by the detailed description but by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents should be construed as being included in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery charging method, comprising: Charging the battery based on charging configuration information; And Terminating the charging of the battery in response to the occurrence of a charging termination event, where the charging termination event occurs when the voltage of the battery reaches a threshold voltage or when the current of the battery reaches a termination current. Wherein, the charging configuration information is determined using weight information derived based on battery characteristic information and basic charging configuration information. Wherein, the basic charging configuration information includes charging configuration information in which the charging current gradually changes based on the state of charge (SOC) of a reference battery, or charging configuration information based on constant current - constant voltage (CCCV), wherein the battery characteristic information includes a value associated with the ion diffusion rate in the reference battery based on the SOC of the reference battery, and Wherein, the weight information is derived using characteristic values in the SOC interval of the battery characteristic information.

2. The battery charging method according to claim 1, wherein, The battery characteristic information is determined using the ratio between the change in the charge amount of the reference battery and the change in voltage, and wherein the change in the charge amount of the reference battery and the change in the voltage of the reference battery are based on the SOC of the reference battery.

3. The battery charging method according to claim 1, wherein, The battery characteristic information corresponds to dQ / dV based on the SOC of the reference battery, and Wherein, dQ is the change in the charge amount of the reference battery, and dV is the change in the voltage of the reference battery.

4. The battery charging method according to claim 3, wherein, The weight information is derived using the dQ / dV values and an adjustment rate in the SOC interval of dQ / dV, where the adjustment rate is associated with the ratio or deviation of the weight information.

5. The battery charging method according to claim 1, wherein, The battery characteristic information is determined using the ratio between the open circuit voltage (OCV) difference based on the SOC of the reference battery and the overpotential of the reference battery.

6. The battery charging method according to claim 1, wherein, The battery characteristic information corresponds to (dE S / dE T ) 2 , where dE T is the change in voltage when a current is applied, and dE S is the difference between the open circuit voltage OCV before the current is applied and the OCV after the current is applied.

7. The battery charging method according to claim 6, wherein, Using (dE S / dE T ) 2 in the SOC range of, the (dE S / dE T ) 2 value and regulation rate to derive weight information, where the regulation rate is associated with the ratio or deviation of the weight information.

8. The battery charging method according to claim 1, wherein, The charging configuration information is adjusted from the basic charging configuration information based on the weight information.

9. The battery charging method according to claim 1, wherein, Terminating the charging of the battery includes charging the battery with a constant voltage in response to the voltage of the battery reaching the threshold voltage.

10. A non - transitory computer - readable storage medium storing instructions, which when executed by a processor cause the processor to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 - 9.

11. A battery charging method, comprising: Determining the battery characteristic information of the battery based on input information; Deriving weight information based on the determined battery characteristic information; And Determining the charging configuration information based on the derived weight information and the basic charging configuration information, Wherein, the basic charging configuration information includes charging configuration information in which the charging current gradually changes based on the state of charge (SOC) of a reference battery, or charging configuration information based on constant current - constant voltage (CCCV), wherein the battery characteristic information includes a value associated with the ion diffusion rate in the reference battery based on the SOC of the reference battery. Wherein, the weight information is derived using characteristic values in the SOC interval of the battery characteristic information, and Wherein, the determined charging configuration information is configured to charge the battery.

12. The battery charging method according to claim 11, wherein, Determining the battery characteristic information includes determining the battery characteristic information using the ratio between the change in the charge amount of the battery and the change in the voltage of the battery, and Wherein, the change in the charge amount of the battery and the change in the voltage of the battery are based on the SOC of the battery.

13. The battery charging method according to claim 11, wherein, Determining the battery characteristic information includes determining dQ / dV based on SOC as the battery characteristic information, and Wherein, dQ is the change in the charge amount, and dV is the change in the voltage.

14. The battery charging method according to claim 13, wherein, The derived weight information includes deriving weight information based on dQ / dV values and regulation rates in the SOC range of dQ / dV based on the SOC, where the regulation rate is associated with the ratio or deviation of the weight information.

15. The battery charging method according to claim 11, wherein, Determining battery characteristic information includes determining battery characteristic information using the ratio between the open circuit voltage OCV difference and the overpotential based on the SOC of the battery.

16. The battery charging method according to claim 11, wherein, Determining battery characteristic information includes determining (dE S / dE T ) 2 as battery characteristic information, and where dE T is the change in voltage when a current is applied, and dE S is the difference between the open circuit voltage OCV before the current is applied and the OCV after the current is applied.

17. The battery charging method according to claim 16, wherein, The deriving weight information includes using the SOC-based (dE S / dE T ) 2 The SOC range (dE S / dE T ) 2 The weight information is derived by using a value and an adjustment rate, where the adjustment rate is associated with a proportion or deviation of the weight information.

18. The battery charging method according to claim 11, further comprising: Deriving different weight information by adjusting the regulation rate, where the regulation rate is associated with the ratio or deviation of the weight information.

19. The battery charging method according to claim 11, wherein, Determining charging configuration information includes adjusting the basic charging configuration information based on the derived weight information.

20. The battery charging method according to claim 11, further comprising: Charging the battery based on the determined charging configuration information.

21. A battery charging device, comprising: A memory configured to store charging configuration information; And A charger configured to charge the battery based on the charging configuration information and terminate the charging of the battery in response to the occurrence of a charging termination event, where the charging termination event occurs when the voltage of the battery reaches a threshold voltage or when the current of the battery reaches a termination current. Wherein, the charging configuration information is determined using the weight information derived based on the battery characteristic information and the basic charging configuration information. Wherein, the basic charging configuration information includes charging configuration information in which the charging current gradually changes based on the state of charge SOC of a reference battery, or charging configuration information based on constant current - constant voltage CCCV, where the battery characteristic information includes values associated with the ion diffusion rate in the reference battery based on the SOC of the reference battery. Wherein, the weight information is derived using characteristic values in the SOC range of the battery characteristic information.

22. The battery charging device according to claim 21, wherein, The charging configuration information is determined by applying the weight information to the basic charging configuration information.

23. The battery charging device according to claim 21, wherein, The weight information includes weight information for each regulation rate, and wherein, the charging configuration information is determined by multiplying the basic charging configuration information by the weight information for each regulation rate, where the regulation rate is associated with the ratio or deviation of the corresponding weight information.

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