Battery system, vehicle having such a battery system, and method for operating a battery system

Abstract

This invention relates to a battery system comprising a plurality of battery modules electrically connected in series and / or in parallel in the current loop of the battery system. Each battery module has a plurality of battery cells electrically connected in series and / or in parallel. Each battery module is provided with a switching device configured to electrically connect or disconnect the corresponding battery module from the current loop of the battery system. The battery system includes a receiving portion for additional battery modules, and the receiving portion is provided with a switching device configured to electrically connect or disconnect the additional battery module from the current loop of the battery system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a battery system of the type claimed in the independent claims. Vehicles having such a battery system and methods for operating the battery system are also the subject of this invention. Background Technology

[0002] As is known from the prior art, a battery module can be composed of multiple individual battery cells that can be electrically connected in series and / or in parallel, thereby connecting these individual battery cells together to form a battery module.

[0003] In addition, this battery module is connected as a battery or as a battery system.

[0004] Battery cells age during their lifespan and, for example, lose storage capacity. The problem is that the aging characteristics of different battery cells can be constructed differently. Thus, for example, one battery cell in a battery module may be depleted by the end of its lifespan, while another battery cell in the same module may still be fully usable.

[0005] Here, the end of the service life can be predetermined, for example, by falling below the critical minimum single-cell voltage or by an excessively low SOH (state of health) value.

[0006] Furthermore, battery systems typically include a control device configured to equalize the different voltages of individual battery cells. This enables uniform discharge of the battery module or battery system. In particular, it should also equalize the aging characteristics of the multiple battery cells within the battery module.

[0007] In addition to the aging of individual battery cells, individual cells may also be faulty, thus rendering the entire battery module unusable without a corresponding control device. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The battery system with the features of the independent claims offers the advantage of enabling the continued operation of a battery system with faulty or over-aged battery modules or faulty or over-aged battery cells in a relatively simple manner and method.

[0009] Therefore, a battery system is provided according to the present invention.

[0010] The battery system comprises multiple battery modules. These battery modules can be electrically connected in series and / or in parallel within the current loop of the battery system.

[0011] In addition, these battery modules each have multiple battery cells that are electrically connected in series and / or in parallel.

[0012] In addition, each battery module is equipped with a switching device in such a way that the switching device is configured to electrically connect the corresponding battery module to the current loop of the battery system or electrically disconnect the corresponding battery module from the current loop of the battery system.

[0013] Here, the battery system includes a housing for an additional battery module. A switching device is provided in the housing in such a way that the switching device is configured to electrically connect the additional battery module to the current loop of the battery system, or electrically remove the additional battery module from the current loop of the battery system.

[0014] Advantageous improvements and enhancements to the apparatus proposed in the independent claim can be achieved through the measures listed in the dependent claims.

[0015] The switching device can be configured as a MOSFET switch, for example.

[0016] Preferably, the additional battery module can be mechanically reversibly accommodated in the receiving portion. For this purpose, when the additional battery module is accommodated in the receiving portion, a first electrical connector of the additional battery module can be electrically connected to a first electrical connector of the receiving portion, and a second electrical connector of the additional battery module can be electrically connected to a second electrical connector of the receiving portion.

[0017] In other words, this means that additional battery modules can be inserted into the housing, for example. The housing already includes electrical connectors for the additional battery modules.

[0018] This allows for the simple arrangement of additional battery modules within the battery system.

[0019] In particular, replacing faulty or excessively aged battery cells within a battery module is typically difficult. Furthermore, replacing a single battery module from a group of modules is inherently complex and, in particular, expensive. The possibility of additionally, and especially mechanically reversibly, arranging the entire battery module within the battery system provides the possibility of rapid and relatively cost-effective repairs.

[0020] Advantageously, the switching device includes a first switching device and a second switching device.

[0021] Here, the first switching device is configured to electrically connect the corresponding battery module to or disconnect it from the current loop of the battery system. Here, the second switching device is configured to close the current loop of the battery system when the corresponding battery module is disconnected.

[0022] For example, the first switching device can be constructed such that, in the closed state, the corresponding battery module is electrically connected to the current loop of the battery system, and in the open state, the corresponding battery module is electrically removed from the current loop of the battery system.

[0023] For example, the second switching device can be arranged in a bypass path that bypasses the corresponding battery module and constructed in such a way that it prevents current flow through the bypass path in the open state and allows current flow through the bypass path in the closed state.

[0024] Preferably, when the corresponding battery module is operating without faults, the first switching device is arranged in the closed state and the second switching device is arranged in the open state.

[0025] Preferably, in the event of a malfunction in the corresponding battery module, the first switching device is arranged in the open state and the second switching device is arranged in the closed state.

[0026] Ideally, the battery system should have a control device.

[0027] Preferably, the control device controls the corresponding switching devices of the multiple battery modules in such a way that the corresponding battery module is removed from the current loop of the battery system when a defined aging state is reached or when a fault occurs. For this purpose, the first switching device can be arranged in an open state, and the second switching device can be arranged in a closed state.

[0028] In other words, the control device can remove faulty battery modules from the current loop of the battery system.

[0029] Preferably, the control device controls the switching device of the receiving section in such a way that when one of the multiple battery modules is removed from the current loop of the battery system, the additional battery module housed in the receiving section is connected to the current loop of the battery system.

[0030] In other words, if another battery module is excluded, the control device can connect an additional battery module into the current loop.

[0031] Furthermore, the control device can be constructed in a manner known from the prior art to balance the different individual cell voltages of the battery module or the different voltages of the battery module. This makes it possible to compensate for different aging conditions.

[0032] Of particular note is that the control device can be constructed in such a way that it monitors multiple battery modules and identifies faulty battery modules. A faulty battery module may, for example, have individual cells with a critical minimum single-cell voltage that is below a predetermined value or too low a SOH value. For example, the battery system can be designed to achieve, for example, an operating time of 8 years, 300,000 km, or 15,000 hours. To this end, the battery cells of the battery module are designed to achieve these goals. For example, these goals will not be achieved due to the aforementioned reasons, such as, in particular, accelerated aging or failure.

[0033] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a vehicle comprising the battery system according to the invention just described. This provides the advantage of enabling a relatively quick and cost-effective solution for continuing operation of a battery system with faulty battery cells or faulty battery modules. Particularly in vehicles, accessibility for repairs in fault conditions due to, for example, applied high voltages is only possible for trained professionals. Utilizing the battery system, and especially the vehicle, according to the invention, additional battery modules can be arranged in the current loop of the battery system with relatively few safety precautions.

[0034] This offers the particular advantage of allowing for a short-term readjustment of the vehicle's driving adaptability. For example, it allows for finding the nearest workshop without the need for maintenance assistance.

[0035] Particularly preferred is that the battery system is located in the bottom of the vehicle. Here, the housing can be configured, for example, as an opening that allows easy access and placement of additional battery modules. In other words, this means that the housing can be configured as an empty box. Preferably, storage space can even be provided in the housing or empty box without placing additional battery modules.

[0036] Here, the housing should be arranged so that it can be easily accessed from the vehicle's surroundings. For example, the housing can be closed by a closing device, such as a cover.

[0037] A method for operating a battery system is also the subject of this invention.

[0038] The battery system, in particular the battery system according to the invention described above, includes a plurality of battery modules that can be electrically connected in series and / or in parallel in the current loop of the battery system. Each battery module has a plurality of battery cells that are electrically connected in series and / or in parallel. Each battery module is equipped with a switching device. The switching device electrically connects the corresponding battery module to or disconnects it from the current loop of the battery system.

[0039] Furthermore, the battery system includes a housing for an additional battery module, and the housing is equipped with a switching device. By means of the switching device, the additional battery module can be electrically connected to or electrically disconnected from the current loop of the battery system.

[0040] Of course, the method according to the invention can be improved by utilizing each of the advantageous improvements described in conjunction with the battery module according to the invention.

[0041] In summary, the battery system according to the invention or the method according to the invention provides the advantage of extending the service life of the valuable components of the electrically driven vehicle or battery system, that is, extending the service life of the battery module components.

[0042] Furthermore, a particular advantage is that the additional battery module can be arranged in the housing throughout its entire service life and only connected to the current loop of the battery system in the event of a failure of one of the multiple battery modules, or the additional battery module can be housed in the housing in the event of a failure of one of the multiple battery modules so as to connect it to the current loop of the battery system.

[0043] Especially in vehicles with fault tolerance in the future, such as autonomous vehicles, it makes sense to have additional battery modules already installed in the new vehicle or at the start of driving. Therefore, vehicle downtime is avoided in the event of a fault, as the faulty battery module among multiple battery modules is automatically bridged and the additional battery module can be connected to the current loop of the battery system.

[0044] The battery system or method according to the invention can be applied to all types of electric vehicles, such as EVs, PHEVs, e-buses, e-shuttles, electric work machinery such as excavators and other construction machinery, or stationary battery energy storage devices. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and explained in detail in the following description. Wherein are shown:

[0046] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a battery system according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a battery system 1 according to the present invention is shown.

[0048] The battery system 1 includes multiple battery modules 2.

[0049] Here, multiple battery modules 2 can be electrically connected in series and / or in parallel with each other. In addition, each battery module 2 includes multiple battery cells 3 electrically connected in series and / or in parallel with each other.

[0050] Here, multiple battery modules 2 can be electrically connected to each other in the current loop 4 of the battery system 1. In particular, multiple battery modules 2 can be electrically connected to each other in series and / or in parallel in the current loop 4 of the battery system 1.

[0051] In addition, from Figure 1 As can be seen, the battery system 1 has multiple switching devices 5. Here, each battery module 2 is equipped with a switching device 5. Here, the switching device 5 is configured to electrically connect the corresponding battery module 2 to the current loop 4 of the battery system 1, or electrically disconnect the corresponding battery module 2 from the current loop 4 of the battery system 1.

[0052] For example, the switching device 5 has a first switching device 51 and a second switching device 52.

[0053] For example, an exemplary battery module 20 has such a first switching device 51 and such a second switching device 52.

[0054] The first switching device 51 is configured to electrically connect the corresponding battery module 2, such as the exemplary battery module 20, to the current loop 4 of the battery system 1 or to electrically exclude the corresponding battery module 2, such as the exemplary battery module 20, from the current loop 4 of the battery system 1.

[0055] For example, the first switching device 51 of the exemplary battery module 20 can connect the exemplary battery module 20 to the current loop 4 of the battery module 1 in the closed state.

[0056] For example, the first switching device 51 of the exemplary battery module 20 can electrically exclude the exemplary battery module 20 from the current loop 4 of the battery system 1 when it is in the off state.

[0057] The second switching device 52 is configured here to close the current loop 4 of the battery system 1 when the corresponding battery module 2, such as the exemplary battery module 20, is removed from the current loop 4 of the battery system 1. Here, the exemplary battery module 20 can be removed in particular by means of the first switching device 51. The second switching device 52 is particularly arranged in a bypass path 9 that bypasses the corresponding battery module 2, such as the exemplary battery module 20.

[0058] If, for example, the first switch 51 is open and the second switch 52 is closed, current flows through the current loop 4 of the battery system 1 via the bypass path 9 and the corresponding battery module 2, such as the exemplary battery module 20, is excluded from the current loop 4 of the battery system 1.

[0059] If, for example, the first switch device 51 is closed and the second switch device 52 is opened, current will flow through the current loop 4 of the battery system 1 through the corresponding battery module 20, such as the exemplary battery module 20, and the corresponding battery module 2, such as the exemplary battery module 20, will be connected to the current loop 4 of the battery system 1.

[0060] Furthermore, the battery system 1 includes a housing 6 for an additional battery module 21. It should be noted that, according to... Figure 1 No additional battery module 21 is arranged in the housing 6.

[0061] The receiving portion 6 is constructed such that the additional battery module 21 can be mechanically and reversibly accommodated within it. Specifically, when the additional battery module 21 is accommodated in the receiving portion 6, the first electrical connector of the additional battery module 21 is electrically connected to the first electrical connector 71 of the receiving portion 6, and the second electrical connector of the additional battery module 21 is electrically connected to the second electrical connector 72 of the receiving portion 6. The first connector can, for example, be a positive connector and the second connector can, for example, be a negative connector.

[0062] Here, the receiving part 6 is also equipped with a switch device 50.

[0063] The switching device 50 is configured to electrically connect the additional battery module 21 to the current loop 4 of the battery system 1 or electrically remove the additional battery module 21 from the current loop 4 of the battery system 1.

[0064] In particular, the switching device 50 also includes a first switching device 510 and a second switching device 520.

[0065] The switching device 50 is configured to electrically connect the additional battery module 21 to the current loop 4 of the battery system 1 or electrically remove the additional battery module 21 from the current loop 4 of the battery system 1.

[0066] For example, the switching device 50 has a first switching device 510 and a second switching device 520.

[0067] Here, the first switching device 510 is configured to electrically connect the additional battery module 21 to the current loop 4 of the battery system 1 or electrically disconnect the additional battery module 21 from the current loop 4 of the battery 1.

[0068] For example, the first switching device 510 of the additional battery module 21 can connect the additional battery module 21 to the current loop 4 of the battery module 1 in the closed state.

[0069] For example, the first switching device 510 of the additional battery module 21 can remove the additional battery module 21 from the current loop 4 of the battery system 1 when it is in the off state.

[0070] The second switching device 520 is configured to close the current loop 4 of the battery system 1 when the additional battery module 21 is removed from the current loop 4 of the battery system 1. Here, the additional battery module 21 can be removed in particular by means of the first switching device 510. In particular, the second switching device 520 is arranged in a bypass path 90 that bypasses the additional battery module 21.

[0071] If, for example, the first switching device 510 is open and the second switching device 520 is closed, current flows through the current loop 4 of the battery system 1 via the bypass path 90 and the additional battery module 21 is excluded from the current loop 4 of the battery system 1.

[0072] If, for example, the first switch device 510 is closed and the second switch device 520 is opened, current flows through the current loop 4 of the battery system 1 via the additional battery module 21, and the additional battery module 21 is connected to the current loop 4 of the battery system 1.

[0073] In addition, battery system 1 includes Figure 1 8. Control device that is not visible in the middle.

[0074] Here, the control device 8 controls the corresponding switching devices 5 of the multiple battery modules 2 in such a way that the corresponding battery module 2 is removed from the current loop 4 of the battery system 1 when a certain aging state or fault is reached.

[0075] Here, the control device 8 controls the switching device 50 of the receiving section 6 in such a way that when one of the multiple battery modules 2 is removed from the current loop 4 of the battery system 1, the additional battery module 21 is connected to the current loop 4 of the battery system 1.

[0076] Figure 1 The following state is shown in which the attached battery module 21 is excluded from the current loop 4 of the battery system 1.

[0077] In particular, the battery system 1 is located in the vehicle 10, which is in Figure 1 It is not visible in the middle. In addition, the battery system 1 can be arranged in the bottom 11 of the vehicle 10.

Claims

1. A battery system, comprising Multiple battery modules (2) that can be electrically connected in series and / or in parallel in the current loop (4) of the battery system (1), each battery module having multiple battery cells (3) electrically connected in series and / or in parallel. in, Each battery module (2) is equipped with a switching device (5) in such a way that the switching device (5) is configured to electrically connect the corresponding battery module (2) to the current loop (4) of the battery system (1), or electrically remove the corresponding battery module (2) from the current loop (4) of the battery system (1). The battery system (1) is characterized in that it includes a housing (6) for an additional battery module (21), the housing being provided with a switching device (50) in such a way that the switching device (50) is configured to electrically connect the additional battery module (21) to the current loop (4) of the battery system (1) or electrically remove the additional battery module (21) from the current loop (4) of the battery system (1).

2. The battery system according to claim 1, Its features are, The additional battery module (21) can be mechanically and reversibly accommodated in the receiving portion (6) such that when the additional battery module (21) is accommodated in the receiving portion (6), the first electrical connector of the additional battery module (21) is electrically connected to the first electrical connector (71) of the receiving portion (6), and the second electrical connector of the additional battery module (21) is electrically connected to the second electrical connector (72) of the receiving portion (6).

3. The battery system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, Its features are, The corresponding switching devices (5, 50) include a first switching device (51, 510) and a second switching device (52, 520). The first switching device (51, 510) is configured to electrically connect the corresponding battery modules (2, 20, 21) to the current loop (4) of the battery system (1), or electrically remove the corresponding battery modules (2, 20, 21) from the current loop (4) of the battery system (1). The second switching device (52, 520) is configured to close the current loop (4) of the battery system (1) when the corresponding battery module (2, 20, 21) is removed.

4. The battery system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, Its features are, The control device (8) controls the corresponding switching devices (5) of the multiple battery modules (2) in such a way that the corresponding battery module (2) is removed from the current loop (4) of the battery system (1) when a certain aging state or fault is reached.

5. The battery system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, Its features are, The control device (8) controls the switching device (50) of the receiving part (6) in such a way that, when one of the battery modules (20) is excluded from the current loop (4) of the battery system (1), an additional battery module (21) housed in the receiving part (6) is connected to the current loop (4) of the battery system (1).

6. A vehicle comprising a battery system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The vehicle according to claim 6, Its features are, The battery system (1) is located in the bottom (11) of the vehicle.

8. A method for operating a battery system (1), comprising: Multiple battery modules (2) that can be electrically connected in series and / or in parallel in the current loop (4) of the battery system (1), each battery module having multiple battery cells (3) electrically connected in series and / or in parallel. in, Each battery module (2) is equipped with a switch device (5) in such a manner that the corresponding battery module (2) is electrically connected to the current loop (4) of the battery system (1) or electrically removed from the current loop (4) of the battery system (1) by means of the switch device (5). The battery system (1) is characterized in that it includes a housing for an additional battery module (21), and the housing is provided with a switch device (50) in such a way that the additional battery module (21) can be electrically connected to the current loop (4) of the battery system (1) or electrically removed from the current loop (4) of the battery system (1) by means of the switch device (50).

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