Battery pack and control method of battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack and a control method thereof are provided, in which the battery pack includes a battery module configured to supply power to a load, a voltage sensor configured to measure a voltage of the battery module, a current sensor configured to measure a current output from the battery module to the load, and a controller configured to determine whether a cause of an error occurring in the load is the load or the battery pack based on whether a warning signal corresponding to the voltage of the battery module is generated and whether a current value measured by the current sensor for a certain period of time satisfies a current profile of the load.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery pack and a method for controlling the battery pack. Specifically, this disclosure relates to a battery pack and a method for controlling it that can identify the precise cause of an error occurring in a load in which the battery pack is installed. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, with the widespread adoption of electronic devices such as smartphones and the development of electric vehicles, research on secondary batteries as a power source has been actively conducted. Secondary batteries are provided in the form of battery modules comprising multiple battery cells connected in series and / or parallel, and battery management systems (BMS) that manage the operation of the battery modules.

[0003] When an error occurs in a load (such as a vehicle) that contains a battery pack, the load's control system may be unable to distinguish whether the error is due to improper use of the battery pack or an inability of the battery pack to provide sufficient energy. Misuse of the battery pack by the load's control system corresponds to situations where the battery pack is charged and / or discharged beyond its permissible output. Insufficient energy delivery by the battery pack may correspond to situations where the battery pack cannot meet the current profile required by the load. In other words, when a battery pack-related error occurs in a load, it is difficult to determine whether the cause lies within the battery pack or the load itself. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] This disclosure was made with regard to these issues and is intended to provide a battery pack and a method for controlling the same, wherein when a safety problem occurs under load, it is possible to identify whether the root cause is the battery pack or the load.

[0006] Technical solution

[0007] To address the aforementioned technical problems, according to one aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a battery pack is provided, comprising: a battery module configured to supply power to a load; a voltage sensor configured to measure the voltage of the battery module; a current sensor configured to measure the current output from the battery module to the load; and a controller configured to determine whether the cause of the error in the load is the load or the battery pack based on whether a warning signal corresponding to the voltage of the battery module is generated and whether the current value measured by the current sensor within a specific time period satisfies the current distribution of the load.

[0008] According to another feature of the embodiments of this disclosure, when the current distribution is provided as described above, the controller can determine whether the cause of the error is the load or the battery pack based on whether a warning signal corresponding to the voltage of the battery module is generated and whether the maximum value of the current values ​​measured by the current sensor during the specific time period exceeds a reference current value.

[0009] According to another feature of embodiments of this disclosure, the controller can determine whether the cause of the error is the load or the battery pack based on whether a warning signal corresponding to the voltage of the battery module is generated and whether the amount of current output from the battery module during the specific time period exceeds a reference current.

[0010] According to another feature of the embodiments of this disclosure, the controller can determine whether the cause of the error is the load or the battery pack based on whether a warning signal corresponding to the voltage of the battery module is generated, whether the maximum value of the current values ​​measured by the current sensor during the specific time period exceeds a reference current value, and whether the amount of current output from the battery module during the specific time period exceeds the reference current amount.

[0011] According to another feature of the embodiments of this disclosure, when a warning signal is generated, the controller can determine that the cause of the error is the load.

[0012] According to another feature of the embodiments of this disclosure, when the warning signal is not generated, the maximum value is less than or equal to the reference current value, and the amount of the current is less than or equal to the reference current amount, the controller can determine that the cause of the error is the battery pack.

[0013] According to another feature of the embodiments of this disclosure, when the warning signal is not generated but the maximum value exceeds the reference current value or the amount of current exceeds the reference current amount, the controller can determine that the cause of the error is the load.

[0014] According to another feature of the embodiments of this disclosure, the current distribution can indicate the minimum condition for the current output from the battery pack to the load when a predetermined event occurs.

[0015] According to another feature of the embodiments of this disclosure, the battery pack may further include a memory storing error codes corresponding to warning signals and the causes of errors.

[0016] According to another feature of the embodiments of this disclosure, the memory can remove the stored warning signal after a specific period of time has passed.

[0017] According to another feature of the embodiments of this disclosure, the controller can generate a warning signal when the expected voltage is less than the reference voltage.

[0018] According to another feature of the embodiments of this disclosure, the battery pack may further include a SOC calculation unit for calculating the SOC of the battery module, wherein the controller may generate a warning signal when the voltage of the battery module is less than a reference voltage based on the SOC of the battery module.

[0019] According to another feature of the embodiments of this disclosure, the battery pack may further include a temperature measuring unit for measuring the temperature of the battery module, wherein the controller may generate a warning signal when the voltage of the battery module is less than a reference voltage based on the temperature of the battery module.

[0020] According to another feature of the embodiments of this disclosure, the load may be an electric vehicle.

[0021] To address the aforementioned technical problems, according to another aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a method for controlling a battery pack is provided. This method includes the following steps: measuring the voltage of a battery module supplying power to a load; measuring the current output from the battery module to the load; generating a warning signal when the voltage of the battery module is expected to be less than a reference voltage; determining whether the maximum value among the measured current values ​​within a specific time period exceeds a reference current value; determining whether the amount of current output from the battery module within the specific time period exceeds a reference current amount; and determining whether the cause of the error in the load is the load or the battery pack based on whether the warning signal is generated, whether the maximum value exceeds the reference current value, and whether the amount of current output from the battery pack within the specific time period exceeds the reference current amount.

[0022] Beneficial effects

[0023] Using the aforementioned configuration, when an error occurs under load, the root cause of the error can be accurately identified, allowing for appropriate handling of the battery pack after the error occurs. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 The structure of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated schematically.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a battery management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of current distribution.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of generating a warning signal in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 5This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of generating a warning signal in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figures 7a to 7c This is a diagram used to describe the methods for determining the cause of an error.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 10 The hardware configuration of a battery management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0034] In the following, various embodiments according to this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this document, the same reference numerals will be used for the same components in the drawings, and the same components will be described without redundancy.

[0035] The various embodiments of this disclosure disclosed in this document are merely illustrative of specific structures or functions for the purpose of describing the embodiments of this disclosure, and the various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described in this document.

[0036] As used in the various embodiments, the terms "first," "second," "firstly," "second," etc., may modify various components regardless of their importance and without limiting the components. For example, a first component may be named a second component without departing from the proper scope of this disclosure, and similarly, a second component may be named a first component.

[0037] The terminology used in this document is for the purpose of describing specific exemplary embodiments of this disclosure only and is not intended to limit the scope of other exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, the singular form includes plural references.

[0038] Figure 1 The structure of a battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0039] Reference Figure 1The battery pack 1 may include: a battery module 10, which includes one or more battery cells 11 and is rechargeable / dischargeable; a switching unit 30, which is connected in series to the positive (+) terminal or the negative (-) terminal of the battery module 10 to control the charging / discharging current of the battery module 10; and a battery management system (BMS) 20, which is used to control and manage the battery cells 11 and / or the battery module 10 by monitoring the voltage, current, temperature, etc., to prevent overcharging and over-discharging. The battery pack 1 may also include a battery protection unit (BPU) 40.

[0040] Battery module 10 may include one or more rechargeable and dischargeable battery cells 11. In battery module 10, multiple battery cells 11 may be connected in series and / or in parallel according to the required specifications of battery pack 1. That is, the number of battery cells 11 and the form of their connection can be determined according to the required output (voltage, current, etc.) of battery pack 1. The output voltage of battery module 10 can be provided externally as battery pack voltage through the battery pack (PACK)(+) terminal and battery pack (PACK)(-) terminal, which serve as output terminals. Battery cell 11 may be a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, a lithium-ion polymer battery, a nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery, a nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery, etc., and when battery cell 11 is a rechargeable battery, it is not limited to these.

[0041] BMS20 can control and manage the overall operation of battery pack 1. BMS20 can control the operation of switching unit 30 to control the charging / discharging operation of battery module 10. Additionally, BMS20 can monitor the voltage, current, temperature, etc., of battery module 10 and / or each battery cell included in battery module 10. Sensors or various measurement modules (not shown) used for monitoring performed by BMS20 can be additionally installed in random locations within battery module 10, the charging / discharging path, or battery pack 1. BMS20 can calculate parameters indicating the state of battery module 10 (e.g., SOC or SOH, etc.) based on measurements such as monitored voltage, current, and temperature. That is, BMS20 can function as voltage sensor 21, current sensor 22, and controller 23, as described below.

[0042] BMS20 may include various components, such as a memory storing computer programs for controlling and managing the overall operation of battery pack 1, a microcomputer executing the program and acting as a controller to control the overall operation of BMS20, input / output devices such as sensors, measuring devices, and other peripheral circuits. Additionally, as described above, BMS20 may include circuitry for monitoring the voltage, current, temperature, etc., of the battery cells.

[0043] The switching unit 30 can be a component used to control the current for charging or discharging the battery module 10. Semiconductor switching elements such as relays and MOSFETs can be used as the switching unit 30. The on / off operation of the switching unit 30 can be controlled by the BMS 20.

[0044] Battery pack 1 can also be communicatively connected to an external higher-level controller 2. That is, BMS 20 can send various data about battery pack 1 to the higher-level controller 2 and receive control signals from the higher-level controller 2 regarding the operation of battery pack 1. The higher-level controller 2 can be a control system installed in a load. The load can be any device in which battery pack 1 is installed to operate using power provided by battery pack 1 (e.g., electric vehicle, electric bicycle, etc.). When battery pack 1 is installed in an electric vehicle, the higher-level controller 2 can be a vehicle controller for controlling the driving of the vehicle.

[0045] BPU 40 may include components for stable operation of battery pack 1. BPU 40 may include cooling devices (such as cooling fans) for controlling the temperature in battery pack 1. BPU 40 may also include a fuse for blocking the current path when an overcurrent is generated due to a short circuit or the like.

[0046] According to this disclosure, the BMS20 can determine whether the cause of an error occurring under load lies on the battery pack 1 side or the load side. In other words, the BMS20 can identify the root cause of an error occurring under load. Below, a detailed method for identifying the root cause of an error occurring under load, performed by the battery pack 1 according to this disclosure, will be described.

[0047] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of BMS20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Reference Figure 2 The BMS20 may include a voltage sensor 21, a current sensor 22, a controller 23, a timer 24, and a memory 25.

[0049] Voltage sensor 21 can be configured to measure the voltage of battery module 10 and / or battery cell 11. The voltage of battery module 10 measured by voltage sensor 21 can correspond to the voltage of battery pack 1. The measurement of the voltage of battery module 10 by voltage sensor 21 will be described below.

[0050] Voltage sensor 21 can periodically measure the voltage of battery module 10. Voltage sensor 21 can measure the voltage of battery module 10 at predetermined time intervals based on a clock signal provided by timer 24. For example, voltage sensor 21 can measure the voltage every 0.1 seconds, 1 second, 2 seconds, or at random time intervals.

[0051] The voltage value measured by voltage sensor 21 can be stored in memory 25, as described below. The voltage value stored in memory 25 can be a voltage value measured within a specific time period. Over time, the voltage value stored in memory 25 can be updated using the voltage value measured for the most recent specific time period. That is, the voltage value within a moving window of a specific time period can be stored in memory 25. By storing the voltage value measured within a specific time period in memory 25, storage space may be unnecessarily wasted.

[0052] The current sensor 22 can be configured to measure the current output from the battery module 10 to the load. The current sensor 22 can periodically measure the current output from the battery module 10 to the load. The current sensor 22 can measure the voltage of the battery module 10 at predetermined time intervals based on a clock signal provided by the timer 24. For example, the current sensor 22 can measure the current every 0.1 seconds, 1 second, 2 seconds, or at random time intervals.

[0053] The current value measured by current sensor 22 can be stored in memory 25, as described below. The current value stored in memory 25 can be the current value measured within a specific time period. The amount of current output from battery pack 1 to the load within a specific time period, calculated based on the current value measured within that period, can be stored in memory 25. Over time, the current value and current amount stored in memory 25 can be updated using the current value measured and the calculated current amount for the latest specific time period. That is, the current value and current amount within a moving window of a specific time period can be stored in memory 25. By storing the current value and current amount measured within a specific time period in memory 25, storage space may be unnecessarily wasted.

[0054] Controller 23 can provide a battery pack 1 including a controller that determines whether an error in the load is caused by the load or the battery pack 1 based on whether a warning signal corresponding to the voltage of the battery module 10 is generated and whether the current value measured by the current sensor 22 within a specific time period meets the current distribution of the load. The current distribution can indicate the minimum current output from the battery pack 1 to the load under predetermined event conditions. An error in the load can mean that the voltage output from the battery pack 1 (or battery module 10) is less than a reference voltage.

[0055] Figure 3 This is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of current distribution. The horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates the magnitude of the current. Figure 3 An example of current distribution in an electric vehicle is shown.

[0056] according to Figure 3 The current distribution is such that, under a predetermined condition, the electric vehicle may require battery pack 1 to output a first reference current within a first reference time. The electric vehicle may also require battery pack 1 to output a second reference current within a second reference time when the predetermined condition occurs. Furthermore, under a predetermined condition, the vehicle may also require battery pack 1 to output a third reference current within a third reference time. The first reference current can be 70A, and the first reference time can be 30 seconds. The second reference current can be 120A, and the second reference time can be 4 seconds. The third reference current can be 175A, and the third reference time can be 0.1 seconds. Each reference current and reference time value is an example and is not limited to this.

[0057] When the current distribution is provided as described above, the controller 23 can determine whether the error is caused by the load or the battery pack 1 based on whether a warning signal corresponding to the voltage of the battery module 10 is generated and whether the maximum value of the current values ​​measured by the current sensor 22 within a specific time period exceeds the reference current value. (Refer to...) Figure 3 The controller 23 can determine whether the error is caused by the load or battery pack 1 based on whether a warning signal is generated and whether the maximum value of the current values ​​measured by the current sensor 22 within a specific time period exceeds the third reference current. In this document, the specific time period can be, for example, 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, or a random length. The specific time period can be longer than the longest reference time required by the current distribution.

[0058] In another example, when the current distribution is provided as described above, the controller 23 can determine whether the error is caused by the load or the battery pack 1 based on whether a warning signal corresponding to the voltage of the battery module 10 is generated and whether the amount of current output from the battery module 10 exceeds a reference current during a specific period. (Refer to...) Figure 3 The controller 23 can determine whether the error is caused by the load or the battery pack 1 based on whether a warning signal is generated and whether the amount of current output from the battery module 10 exceeds the reference current amount determined as (first reference current * first reference time) + (second reference current * second reference time) + (third reference current * third reference time).

[0059] In another example, when the current distribution is provided as described above, the controller 23 can determine whether the error is caused by the load or the battery pack 1 based on whether a warning signal corresponding to the voltage of the battery module 10 is generated, whether the maximum value of the current values ​​measured by the current sensor 22 within a specific time period exceeds a reference current value, and whether the amount of current output from the battery module 10 within a specific time period exceeds a reference current amount. (Refer to...) Figure 3The controller 23 can determine whether the error is caused by the load or the battery pack 1 based on whether a warning signal is generated, whether the maximum value of the current value measured by the current sensor 22 within a specific time period exceeds the third reference current, and whether the amount of current output from the battery module 10 exceeds the reference current amount determined as (first reference current * first reference time) + (second reference current * second reference time) + (third reference current * third reference time).

[0060] In this regard, the controller 23 can generate a warning signal corresponding to the voltage of the battery module 10. Specifically, the controller 23 can generate a warning signal when the expected voltage of the battery module 10 is lower than a reference voltage.

[0061] In this configuration, the controller 23 can calculate the state of charge (SOC) of the battery module 10 and generate a warning signal when the expected voltage of the battery module 10 is lower than a reference voltage based on the calculated SOC. For this purpose, the BMS 20 may also include a SOC calculation unit (not shown) configured to calculate the SOC of the battery module 10.

[0062] Alternatively, the controller 23 can measure the temperature of the battery module 10 and generate a warning signal when the expected voltage of the battery module 10 is lower than a reference voltage based on the measured temperature. For this purpose, the BMS 20 may also include a temperature measurement unit (not shown) configured to measure the temperature of the battery module 10.

[0063] When a warning signal is generated, the controller 23 can determine that the cause of the error is the load.

[0064] When the maximum value measured by the current sensor 22 exceeds the reference current value or the current output from the battery module 10 exceeds the reference current value, the controller 23 can determine that the cause of the error is the load, even if no warning signal is generated.

[0065] On the other hand, when no warning signal is generated and the maximum value measured by the current sensor 22 is less than or equal to the reference current value, and the amount of current output from the battery module 10 is less than or equal to the reference current amount, the controller 23 can determine that the cause of the error is the battery pack 1.

[0066] Timer 24 can be configured to provide a clock signal to controller 23. Timer 24 can provide a clock signal to controller 23 to allow voltage sensor 21 and current sensor 22 to periodically measure the voltage and current of battery module 10.

[0067] The memory 25 can store the voltage and current values ​​measured by the voltage sensor 21 and the current sensor 22, respectively. The memory 25 can store voltage and current values ​​within a specific time period. The controller 23 can remove voltage and current values ​​before the specific time period and store newly measured voltage and current values, thereby continuously updating the stored data.

[0068] The memory 25 can be configured to store error codes corresponding to warning signals generated by the controller 23 and the causes of errors determined by the controller 23. In this case, the memory 25 can also remove the warning signals after a specific period of time has passed. The error codes may include a first error code indicating that the battery pack 1 is the cause of the error and a second error code indicating that the load is the cause of the error.

[0069] In this way, BMS20 can periodically monitor the voltage and current of battery module 10, and determine whether the cause of the error lies on the battery pack 1 side or the load side based on the monitored values, warning signals generated based on the expected voltage of battery module 10, and current distribution. By identifying the exact cause of the error, the error can be handled accurately.

[0070] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of generating a warning signal in battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] Reference Figure 4 In operation S10, the controller 23 can periodically measure the voltage and current of the battery module 10 via the voltage sensor 21 and the current sensor 22. In operation S11, the controller 23 can also measure the temperature of the battery module 10 via the temperature measurement unit.

[0072] In operation S12, based on the current voltage and temperature of the battery module 10, the controller 23 can predict the voltage output by the battery module 10 after a predetermined time has elapsed. In other words, the controller 23 can calculate the expected voltage.

[0073] Subsequently, in operation S13, the controller 23 can determine whether the expected voltage of the battery module 10 is less than the reference voltage. In operation S14, when the expected voltage of the battery module 10 is less than the reference voltage ("yes" in operation S13), a warning signal can be generated because the output voltage of the battery pack 1 may have dropped below the reference voltage. In operation S15, the generated warning signal can be stored in the memory 25. The warning signal can be stored in the memory 25 for a specific period of time and can then be removed later.

[0074] Furthermore, when the expected voltage of battery module 10 is greater than or equal to the reference voltage ("No" in operation S13), a warning signal may not be generated, and the method may return to operation S10, since the output voltage of battery pack 1 is unlikely to drop below the reference voltage.

[0075] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of generating a warning signal in battery pack 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] Reference Figure 5 In operation S20, the controller 23 can periodically measure the voltage and current of the battery module 10 using the voltage sensor 21 and the current sensor 22. In operation S21, the controller 23 can calculate the state of charge (SOC) of the battery module 10 using the SOC calculation unit.

[0077] In operation S22, based on the current voltage and SOC of the battery module 10, the controller 23 can predict the voltage output by the battery module 10 after a predetermined time has elapsed. In other words, the controller 23 can calculate the expected voltage.

[0078] Subsequent operations and Figure 4 Operations S13 to S15 are the same.

[0079] Although Figure 4 and Figure 5 One of the temperature and the state of charge (SOC) of the battery module 10 is considered as the expected voltage of the battery module 10, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the controller 23 can calculate the expected voltage by taking into account the temperature, SOC, and the current voltage of the battery module 10. In addition, parameters other than temperature and SOC can be further considered.

[0080] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] Reference Figure 6 In operation S30, the controller 23 can periodically measure the voltage and current of the battery module 10 using the voltage sensor 21 and the current sensor 22. In operation S31, the controller 23 can determine whether the voltage of the battery module 10 is less than a reference voltage. When the voltage of the battery module 10 is greater than or equal to the reference voltage ("No" in operation S31), no error may occur in the load associated with the battery pack 1. Therefore, in this case, the voltage and current of the battery module 10 can be continuously measured.

[0082] When the voltage of battery module 10 is lower than the reference voltage ("Yes" in operation S31), an error may occur in the load associated with battery pack 1. Controller 23 may need to determine whether the cause of the error lies on the battery pack 1 side or on the load side. Therefore, in operation S32, controller 23 may first determine whether a warning signal generated within a specific time period is stored in memory 25.

[0083] In the absence of a warning signal stored in memory 25 (No in operation S32), controller 23 can determine that an error exists in battery pack 1. That is, the error occurring at the load (the voltage of battery module 10 is less than the reference voltage) is caused by battery pack 1. This is because, when the voltage of battery module 10 is expected to be less than the reference voltage, a warning signal should be generated and sent to the load side in advance, but this warning signal has not yet been generated.

[0084] In operation S33, when a warning signal stored in memory 25 ("Yes" in operation S32) is present, controller 23 can determine whether the maximum value among the current values ​​measured within a specific time period exceeds the reference current value. That is, controller 23 can determine whether to control battery pack 1 to output a value greater than the maximum reference current value required in the current distribution.

[0085] When the maximum value of the current measured within a specific time period is less than or equal to the reference current value (No in operation S33), in operation S34, the controller 23 can determine whether the amount of current output from the battery module 10 exceeds the reference current. The reference current can be the maximum amount of current required to output to the current distribution.

[0086] When the amount of current output from battery module 10 within a specific time period is less than or equal to the reference current ("No" in operation S34), the range of current output from battery module 10 is within the required current distribution range. Therefore, in operation S36, controller 23 can determine that the cause of the error is battery pack 1, because an appropriate amount of current needs to be output from battery module 10.

[0087] Furthermore, when the maximum value of the current measured within a specific time period exceeds the reference current value ("Yes" in operation S33), and when the amount of current output from battery module 10 within a specific time period exceeds the reference current value ("Yes" in operation S34), controller 23 can determine in operation S35 that the cause of the error is the load. That is, the current output from battery module 10 exceeds the current required for current distribution, allowing controller 23 to determine that the cause of the error exists on the load side and not on the battery pack 1 side.

[0088] When controller 23 determines in operation S35 or S36 that there is an error in the load or battery pack 1, controller 23 can store the error code corresponding to the aforementioned determination in memory 25. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the cause of the error exists on the battery pack 1 side or the load side based on the error code, and thus the error can be handled appropriately.

[0089] Figures 7a to 7c This is a diagram used to describe the methods for determining the cause of an error. Figures 7a to 7c The current value measured by current sensor 22 is shown. Figures 7a to 7c This can be limited to situations where warning signals are generated and stored. The current distribution requires the outputs of a first reference current i1, a second reference current i2, and a third reference current i3.

[0090] Reference Figure 7a The current output from the battery module 10 can be a first reference current i1, a second reference current i2, or a third reference current i3 as required in the current distribution. The sum of the lengths t1 to t2 and t5 to t6, which are the times for outputting the first reference current i1, can be less than the first reference time. The sum of the lengths t2 to t3 and t4 to t5, which are the times for outputting the second reference current i2, can be less than the second reference time. The length t3 to t4, which are the times for outputting the third reference current i3, can be less than the third reference time.

[0091] Therefore, when the output current is applied, the voltage of the battery module 10 can drop below the reference voltage V1, which may cause errors under load.

[0092] In this case, the current output from battery module 10 is within the required current distribution range, and therefore the cause of the error can be determined to exist on the battery pack 1 side. This can be compared with that by... Figure 6 The "No" operation in S33 and the "No" operation in S34 determine that battery pack 1 has an error.

[0093] Reference Figure 7b The current output from battery module 10 can be either the first reference current i1 or the third reference current i3 required in the current distribution. However, a current exceeding the second reference current i2 can be output during the time period from t13 to t14.

[0094] The sum of the lengths of t11 to t12 and t15 to t16, which are the times for outputting the first reference current i1, can be less than the first reference time. The sum of the lengths of t12 to t13 and t14 to t15, which are the times for outputting the second reference current i2, can be less than the second reference time. The length of t13 to t14, which are the times for outputting the third reference current i3, can be less than the third reference time.

[0095] When the output current is applied, the voltage of the battery module 10 can drop below the reference voltage V1, which may cause errors under load.

[0096] In this situation, the maximum current output from battery module 10 exceeds the reference current required in the current distribution and therefore falls outside the required range in the current distribution. Therefore, the cause of the error can be determined to exist on the load side. This can be related to... Figure 6 The "Yes" operation in S33 determines that the load has an error corresponding to it.

[0097] Reference Figure 7c The current output from the battery module 10 can be a first reference current i1, a second reference current i2, or a third reference current i3 required in the current distribution. The sum of the lengths of t21 to t22 and t25 to t26, which are the times for outputting the first reference current i1, can be less than the first reference time. The length of t23 to t24, which are the times for outputting the third reference current i3, can be less than the third reference time. The sum of the lengths of t22 to t23 and t24 to t25, which are the times for outputting the second reference current i2, can be less than the second reference time.

[0098] When the output current is applied, the voltage of the battery module 10 can drop below the reference voltage V1, which may cause errors under load.

[0099] In this situation, the maximum current output from battery module 10 exceeds the current required for current distribution and therefore falls outside the required range. Therefore, the cause of the error can be determined to exist on the load side. This can be related to... Figure 6 The "Yes" operation in S34 determines that the load has an error corresponding to it.

[0100] In this way, BMS20 can periodically monitor the voltage and current of battery module 10, and determine whether the cause of the error lies on the battery pack 1 side or the load side based on the monitored values, warning signals generated based on the expected voltage of battery module 10, and current distribution. By identifying the exact cause of the error, the error can be handled accurately.

[0101] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling battery pack 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0102] In the current embodiment, the method may include operations S42 and S43, in which the controller 23 determines whether a warning signal exists, and in operation S43, the maximum value among the current values ​​measured within a specific time period exceeds a reference current value. That is, the current embodiment can be compared with... Figure 6The implementation method differs because the operation of determining whether the amount of current output from the battery module exceeds the reference current amount within a specific time period is omitted.

[0103] According to the current implementation method, it can be used with Figure 6 The exact cause of the error is identified in a similar manner to the implementation method.

[0104] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling battery pack 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] In the current embodiment, the method may include operations S52 and S53, in which the controller 23 determines whether a warning signal exists, and in operation S53, the amount of current output from the battery module exceeds a reference current amount within a specific time period. That is, the current embodiment can be compared with... Figure 6 The implementation method differs because the operation of determining whether the maximum value among the current values ​​measured within a specific time period exceeds the reference current value is omitted.

[0106] According to the current implementation method, it can be used with Figure 6 The exact cause of the error is identified in a similar manner to the implementation method.

[0107] Figure 10 The hardware configuration of BMS20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0108] Reference Figure 10 The BMS20 may include a controller (microcontroller (MCU)) 200, a memory 210, a communication interface (communication I / F) 220, and an input / output interface (input / output I / F) 230.

[0109] The MCU 200 can handle various operations and calculations in the BMS20 and control each component.

[0110] The memory 210 may store operating system programs and programs for performing functions of the MCU 200. The memory 210 may include volatile and non-volatile memory. For example, at least one of various storage media such as semiconductor memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc.) may be used as the memory 210. The memory 210 may be a memory embedded in the MCU 200 or an additional memory installed separately from the MCU 200.

[0111] The communication interface 220 may be a component capable of wired and / or wireless communication with the outside world.

[0112] The input / output interface 230 can perform input / output of various input and output signals.

[0113] When the MCU 200 executes the program stored in the memory 210, the MCU 200 can perform functions such as those of the controller 23 and the SOC computing unit of the BMS 20. Furthermore, based on the program stored in the memory 210 and various measurement signals received through the input / output interface 230, the MCU 200 can function as a voltage sensor 21, a current sensor 22, and a voltage sensor.

[0114] Memory 210 can be used as memory 25. MCU 200 can be used as a communication device to communicate with higher-level controller 2 by operating in conjunction with communication interface 220.

[0115] Unless otherwise stated, terms such as “comprising,” “constituting,” or “having” above may mean that the corresponding component may be inherent and should therefore be interpreted as further including rather than excluding other components. Unless otherwise defined, all terms including technical or scientific terms may be interpreted as having the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Similar to terms defined in dictionaries, commonly used terms should be interpreted as having the same meaning as in the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless they are clearly defined in this disclosure.

[0116] The above description merely illustrates the technical concept of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will be able to make various modifications and changes without departing from the basic characteristics of this disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are intended to describe, not limit, the technical spirit of this disclosure, and the scope of the technical spirit of this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. The scope of protection of this disclosure should be interpreted by the appended claims, and all technical concepts within the same scope should be understood to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0117] Cross-references to related applications

[0118] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0119503, filed on September 16, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: A battery module configured to supply power to a load; A voltage sensor configured to measure the voltage of the battery module; A current sensor configured to measure the current output from the battery module to the load; as well as A controller is configured to determine whether the error in the load is caused by the load itself or the battery pack, based on whether a warning signal corresponding to the voltage of the battery module is generated and whether the current value measured by the current sensor within a specific time period meets the current distribution of the load. Specifically, when the voltage of the battery module is expected to be lower than the reference voltage, the controller generates the warning signal. The controller determines whether the error is caused by the load or the battery pack based on whether a warning signal corresponding to the voltage of the battery module is generated, whether the maximum value of the current values ​​measured by the current sensor within the specific time period exceeds a reference current value, and whether the amount of current output from the battery module within the specific time period exceeds a reference current amount. When the warning signal is generated, the controller determines that the cause of the error is the load. Specifically, when no warning signal is generated, the maximum value is less than or equal to the reference current value, and the current quantity is less than or equal to the reference current quantity, the controller determines that the cause of the error is the battery pack. Specifically, if no warning signal is generated, but the maximum value exceeds the reference current value or the amount of current exceeds the reference current amount, the controller determines that the cause of the error is the load.

2. The battery pack of claim 1, further comprising a memory configured to store error codes corresponding to the warning signal and the cause of the error.

3. The battery pack of claim 2, wherein, Once the specific time period has elapsed, the memory removes the stored warning signals.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising a SOC calculation unit configured to calculate the SOC of the battery module. wherein When the voltage of the battery module is expected to be lower than the reference voltage based on the SOC of the battery module, the controller generates the warning signal.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature measuring unit configured to measure the temperature of the battery module. wherein, The controller generates the warning signal when the voltage of the battery module is expected to be lower than the reference voltage based on the temperature of the battery module.

6. The battery pack of claim 1, wherein, The load includes electric vehicles.

7. A method for controlling a battery pack, the method comprising the following steps: Measure the voltage of the battery module supplying power to the load; Measure the current output from the battery module to the load; A warning signal is generated when the expected voltage of the battery module is lower than the reference voltage; Determine whether the maximum value among the current values ​​measured within a specific time period exceeds the reference current value; Determine whether the amount of current output from the battery module during the specific time period exceeds a reference current. as well as Based on whether the warning signal is generated, whether the maximum value exceeds the reference current value, and whether the amount of current output from the battery pack during the specific time period exceeds the reference current, it is determined whether the cause of the error in the load is the load or the battery pack. When the warning signal is generated, the cause of the error is determined to be the load. Specifically, if no warning signal is generated, the maximum value is less than or equal to the reference current value, and the current quantity is less than or equal to the reference current quantity, the cause of the error is determined to be the battery pack. Specifically, if no warning signal is generated, but the maximum value exceeds the reference current value or the amount of current exceeds the reference current amount, the cause of the error is determined to be the load.

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