Charging pile, electric device, charging system and heating method of battery pack

Abstract

The application provides a charging pile, an electric device, a charging system and a battery pack heating method, which can be applied to new energy vehicles. The charging pile comprises a power unit and a charging gun, and the charging gun is used for connecting the power unit and the electric device. The charging pile is used for: receiving a first message from the electric device, the first message carrying a first current value required for heating a battery pack of the electric device; controlling the power unit to perform charging and discharging between the power unit and the battery pack based on the first current value; wherein a second current value output by the power unit when heating the battery pack is not higher than the first current value. Based on the above scheme, the current can flow into and out of the battery pack repeatedly. Since the battery pack has internal resistance, heat is generated when the current flows into and out of the battery pack, and the heat can heat the battery pack to a suitable working temperature. Moreover, the battery pack is heated by means of the charging pile, and no modification needs to be made to the structure of the electric device itself, thereby saving cost.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of new energy vehicles, and more particularly, to a charging pile, an electric device, a charging system, and a heating method of a battery pack. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a new energy vehicle, a battery pack is a very important component. The most widely used battery pack in current new energy vehicles is a lithium ion battery. Lithium ions are very sensitive to temperature. When the temperature of the battery pack decreases with the outside temperature, the activity of lithium ions inside the battery pack will also decrease, thereby causing the charge and discharge performance of the battery pack to decrease, and in severe cases, low-temperature lithium precipitation may occur, affecting the cycle life and safety of the battery pack. Therefore, a method is needed to heat the battery pack so that the battery pack can still maintain a relatively suitable working temperature when the outside temperature is too low.

[0003] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a scheme to heat the battery pack so that the battery pack can work at a suitable temperature. SUMMARY

[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide a charging pile, an electric device, a charging system, and a heating method of a battery pack, so as to heat the battery pack and enable the battery pack to work at a suitable temperature.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a charging pile, comprising: a power unit and a charging gun, the charging gun being used to connect the power unit and an electric device; the charging pile is configured to: receive a first message from the electric device, the first message carrying a first current value required for heating a battery pack of the electric device; control the power unit to perform charging and discharging between the battery pack based on the first current value; wherein a second current value output by the power unit when charging the battery pack is not higher than the first current value.

[0006] It should be understood that the second current value is the current size output by the charging pile when charging the battery pack, but the charging and discharging are frequently switched here for heating the battery pack, and therefore, the second current value can also be understood as the current size output by the charging pile when heating the battery pack. Or, the second current value is the current size flowing from the charging pile into the battery pack during the process of the charging pile heating the battery pack.

[0007] Based on the charging pile provided in the present application, the charging and discharging between the power unit and the battery pack is controlled to make the current repeatedly flow into and out of the battery pack. Since the battery pack has internal resistance, heat is generated when the current flows into and out of the battery pack, and the heat can heat the battery pack to make the battery pack reach a suitable working temperature. This scheme does not need to make changes to the structure of the electric device itself, does not need to add new structures, and will not increase the cost. Moreover, the heat generated by the inflow and outflow of the current in the internal resistance of the battery pack is used to heat the battery pack, the heating is more uniform, and the heating effect is better.

[0008] In combination with the first aspect, in some possible implementation manners of the first aspect, the charging pile is further configured to send a second message to the electric device, and the second message carries a second current value.

[0009] The current value output by the charging pile when heating the battery pack can be determined based on the first current value, but since the capability range of the charging pile itself may not include the first current value, the second current value output by the charging pile when heating the battery pack can be less than or equal to the first current value, and the specific size of the second current value can be determined by the charging pile in combination with the first current value and the capability of the charging pile, and the second message is sent by the charging pile to the electric device to inform the electric device.

[0010] In combination with the first aspect, in some possible implementation manners of the first aspect, the first message further carries a voltage value and / or a frequency value required for heating the battery pack, the voltage value is used to indicate the voltage size output by the charging pile when charging the battery pack, and the frequency value is used to indicate the frequency size of switching between charging and discharging of the charging pile and the battery pack.

[0011] The heating parameters carried in the first message can not only include the current value, but also include the voltage value and / or the frequency value required for heating the battery pack. The voltage value is the voltage size output by the charging pile when charging the battery pack, but the charging and discharging are frequently switched here to heat the battery pack, and therefore, the voltage value can also be understood as the voltage size output by the charging pile when heating the battery pack.

[0012] Of course, the charging pile can also not indicate the voltage value and the frequency value, and the charging pile can charge and discharge the battery pack according to the pre-set voltage value and frequency value.

[0013] In combination with the first aspect, in some possible implementation manners of the first aspect, a first switch is connected between the power unit and the charging gun, and a second switch is connected between the battery pack in the electric device and the charging pile; before controlling the power unit to charge and discharge the battery pack based on the first current value, the charging pile is further configured to receive a third message from the electric device, the third message is used to indicate that the second switch is closed, and control the first switch to be closed.

[0014] There are switches in the charging pile and the electric device to control the connection or closure of the circuit. For safety considerations, the charging pile will close the switch in the charging pile only after detecting that the switch between the battery pack in the electric device and the charging pile is closed.

[0015] With reference to the first aspect, in some possible implementation manners of the first aspect, after the power unit is controlled to charge and discharge the battery pack based on the first current value, the charging pile is further configured to: receive a fourth message from the electric device, the fourth message being used to request to stop heating the battery pack; and control the power unit to stop charging and discharging the battery pack.

[0016] When it is necessary to stop heating the battery, the electric device sends a fourth message to the charging pile to request the charging pile to stop heating the battery pack, so that the power unit stops charging and discharging the battery pack, that is, stops heating the battery pack.

[0017] It should be understood that the power unit stopping charging and discharging the battery pack includes: the power unit stopping discharging the battery pack and charging the battery pack; or the power unit stopping charging the battery pack and stopping discharging the battery pack.

[0018] Optionally, when the charging pile is used to control the power unit to stop charging and discharging the battery pack, the charging pile is specifically used to: control the power unit to charge the battery pack when the electric device has a charging demand; or control the power unit to stop working when the electric device does not have a charging demand.

[0019] The charging pile can charge the battery pack when the battery pack has a charging demand, and can stop charging the battery pack when the battery pack does not have a charging demand, that is, stop working.

[0020] With reference to the first aspect, in some possible implementation manners of the first aspect, the power unit includes: an alternating current (AC)-direct current (DC) conversion module, a bidirectional DC-DC conversion module, and an energy storage module; the AC-DC conversion module is connected to the power grid; the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module is connected between the AC-DC conversion module and the charging gun; and the energy storage module is connected in parallel to a direct current bus between the AC-DC conversion module and the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module.

[0021] Optionally, when the charging pile is used to control the power unit to charge and discharge the battery pack based on the heating parameter, the charging pile is specifically used to control the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module to work bidirectionally, so that the power unit charges and discharges the battery pack based on the heating parameter.

[0022] It should be understood that the bidirectional working of the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module can specifically mean that the current can flow bidirectionally in the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module, that is, the current can flow from the charging pile to the battery pack and from the battery pack to the charging pile.

[0023] As the energy storage module is used, the charging and discharging between the power unit and the battery pack can be specifically implemented by the charging and discharging between the energy storage module and the battery pack, so that the current can be prevented from flowing into the power grid, thereby avoiding the influence of high-frequency current on the power grid.

[0024] Optionally, when the charging pile controls the power unit to stop charging and discharging between the power unit and the battery pack, the charging pile is specifically configured to: control the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module to work unidirectionally to charge the battery pack by the power unit in the case that the electric device has a charging demand; or control the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module to stop working in the case that the electric device has a charging demand.

[0025] It should be understood that the unidirectional working of the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module can specifically mean that the current can flow unidirectionally in the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module, that is, the current can flow from the charging pile to the battery pack or from the battery pack to the charging pile. In the present application, the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module works unidirectionally, so that the current can flow from the charging pile to the battery pack. In this way, the battery pack can be charged.

[0026] When the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module stops working, the current no longer flows between the charging pile and the battery pack, at this time, the battery pack cannot be heated or charged.

[0027] Optionally, the AC-DC conversion module is a unidirectional AC-DC conversion module, or a bidirectional AC-DC conversion module that works unidirectionally.

[0028] Using the unidirectional AC-DC conversion module or controlling the bidirectional AC-DC conversion module to work unidirectionally can mean that the current can flow unidirectionally in the AC-DC conversion module. In the present application, using the unidirectional AC-DC conversion module or controlling the bidirectional AC-DC conversion module to work unidirectionally can make the current flow from the power grid to the charging pile, and the current cannot flow from the charging pile to the power grid.

[0029] Therefore, by using the unidirectional AC-DC conversion module or controlling the bidirectional AC-DC conversion module to work unidirectionally, the current can be prevented from flowing into the power grid when the battery pack is discharged, thereby avoiding the influence of high-frequency current on the power grid.

[0030] Optionally, the energy storage module is an energy storage battery or a capacitor.

[0031] With reference to the first aspect, in some possible implementation of the first aspect, the power unit comprises: a bidirectional AC-DC conversion module and a bidirectional DC-DC conversion module; the bidirectional AC-DC conversion module is connected to the power grid; and the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module is connected between the bidirectional AC-DC conversion module and the charging gun.

[0032] Optionally, when the charging pile controls the power unit to charge and discharge the battery pack based on the heating parameter, the charging pile is configured to control the bidirectional AC-DC conversion module and the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module to work bidirectionally, so that the power unit charges and discharges the battery pack based on the heating parameter.

[0033] It should be understood that the bidirectional working of the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module specifically means that the current can flow bidirectionally in the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module, that is, the current can flow from the charging pile to the battery pack and from the battery pack to the charging pile.

[0034] The bidirectional working of the bidirectional AC-DC conversion module specifically means that the current can flow bidirectionally in the bidirectional AC-DC conversion module, that is, the current can flow from the power grid to the charging pile and from the charging pile to the power grid.

[0035] In this way, the current can repeatedly flow into and out of the battery pack, thereby achieving heating of the battery pack.

[0036] Optionally, when the charging pile controls the power unit to stop charging and discharging the battery pack, the charging pile is configured to: in the case that the electric device has a charging demand, control the bidirectional AC-DC conversion module and the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module to work unidirectionally, so that the power unit charges the battery pack; or in the case that the electric device has no charging demand, control the bidirectional AC-DC conversion module and the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module to stop working.

[0037] It should be understood that the unidirectional working of the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module specifically means that the current can flow unidirectionally in the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module. In this application, the unidirectional working of the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module can make the current flow from the charging pile to the battery pack. The unidirectional working of the bidirectional AC-DC conversion module means that the current can flow unidirectionally in the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module. In this application, the unidirectional working of the bidirectional AC-DC conversion module can make the current flow from the power grid to the charging pile. In this way, the battery pack can be charged.

[0038] When the bidirectional AC-DC conversion module and the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module stop working, the current no longer flows between the power grid and the charging pile, and cannot flow between the charging pile and the battery pack. At this time, the battery pack cannot be heated or charged.

[0039] In a second aspect, the present application provides an electric device, comprising a battery pack configured to provide electric energy to the electric device; the electric device is configured to: detect that a temperature of the battery pack is lower than a first preset value; and send a first message to a charging pile, the first message carrying a current value required for heating the battery pack.

[0040] That is, the electric device can detect the temperature of the battery pack, and once it is detected that the temperature is lower than the first preset value, it can be determined that the battery pack needs to be heated, and then the current value required for heating is sent to the charging pile.

[0041] Based on the electric device provided by the present application, by sending the current value required for heating the battery pack to the charging pile, the charging pile can heat the battery pack based on the current value. That is, the battery pack is heated by the charging pile without the need to modify the structure of the electric device itself, without the need to add new structures, and without the need to increase the cost. Moreover, the battery pack is heated by the heat generated by the inflow and outflow of the current in the internal resistance of the battery pack, and the heating is relatively uniform and the heating effect is good.

[0042] In combination with the second aspect, in some possible implementation manners of the second aspect, the first message further carries a voltage value and / or a frequency value required for heating the battery pack, the voltage value being used to indicate the voltage size output by the charging pile when charging the battery pack, and the frequency value being used to indicate the frequency size of switching between charging and discharging between the charging pile and the battery pack.

[0043] The heating parameters carried by the first message can not only include the current value, but also include the voltage value and / or the frequency value required for heating the battery pack. The voltage value can also be understood as the output voltage value of the charging pile when heating the battery pack. Of course, the charging pile can also not indicate the voltage value and the frequency value, and the charging pile can charge and discharge the battery pack according to the pre-set voltage value and the frequency value.

[0044] In combination with the second aspect, in some possible implementation manners of the second aspect, the charging pile is configured to charge and discharge the battery pack, and the electric device is further configured to receive a second message from the charging pile, the second message carrying a second current value, the second current value being the current value output by the charging pile when heating the battery pack, and the second current value being not higher than the first current value.

[0045] It should be understood that, although the second current value is the current size output by the charging pile when charging the battery pack, the charging and discharging are frequently switched here for heating the battery pack, and therefore the second current value can also be understood as the current size output by the charging pile when heating the battery pack. Or, the second current value is the current size flowing from the charging pile to the battery pack in the process of heating the battery pack by the charging pile.

[0046] Since the capability range of the charging pile itself can not include the first current value, the second current value output by the charging pile when heating the battery pack can be less than or equal to the first current value, and the specific size of the second current value can be determined by the charging pile and sent to the electric device by the charging pile.

[0047] In combination with the second aspect, in some possible implementation manners of the second aspect, a second switch is connected between the battery pack and the charging pile; after receiving the second message, the electric device further controls the second switch to be closed, and sends a third message to the charging pile, where the third message is used to instruct the second switch to be closed.

[0048] There are switches in the charging pile and the electric device to control the connection or closure of the circuit, and for safety considerations, the charging pile will close the switch in the charging pile only after detecting that the switch between the battery pack in the electric device and the charging pile is closed.

[0049] In combination with the second aspect, in some possible implementation manners of the second aspect, the electric device further detects that the temperature of the battery pack is higher than a second preset value, and sends a fourth message to the charging pile, where the fourth message is used to request to stop heating the battery pack.

[0050] The second preset value can be the same as or different from the first preset value, for example, the second preset value is higher than the first preset value. The application does not limit this.

[0051] In the third aspect, the application provides a charging system, including a charging pile and a charging device, the charging pile including a power unit and a charging gun, the charging gun being used to connect the power unit and an electric device; the electric device including a battery pack, the battery pack being used to provide electric energy to the electric device; wherein the electric device is used to detect that the temperature of the battery pack is lower than a first preset value, and is used to send a first message to the charging pile, the first message carrying a first current value required for heating the battery pack; the charging pile is used to control the power unit and the battery pack to charge and discharge based on the first message, and a second current value output by the power unit when charging the battery pack is not higher than the first current value.

[0052] In combination with the third aspect, in some possible implementation manners of the third aspect, the first message further carries a voltage value and / or a frequency value required for heating the battery pack, the voltage value being used to indicate the voltage size output by the charging pile when charging the battery pack, and the frequency value being used to indicate the frequency size of switching between charging and discharging of the charging pile and the battery pack.

[0053] In combination with the third aspect, in some possible implementation manners of the third aspect, the charging pile is further used to send a second message to the electric device, and the second message carries the second current value.

[0054] With reference to the third aspect, in some possible implementation modes of the third aspect, the power unit is connected with the charging gun through a first switch, and the battery pack in the electric device is connected with the charging pile through a second switch; the electric device is further configured to control the second switch to be closed, and configured to send a third message to the charging pile, the third message being used to instruct the second switch to be closed; the charging pile is further configured to control the first switch to be closed based on the received third message.

[0055] With reference to the third aspect, in some possible implementation modes of the third aspect, the electric device is further configured to detect that the temperature of the battery pack is higher than a second preset value, and configured to send a fourth message to the charging pile, the fourth message being used to request to stop heating the battery pack; the charging pile is further configured to control the power unit to stop charging and discharging the battery pack based on the received fourth message.

[0056] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a heating method of a battery pack, the method being applied to a charging pile, the charging pile comprising a power unit and a charging gun, the charging gun being used to connect the power unit and an electric device; the method comprises: receiving a first message from the electric device, the first message carrying a first current value required for heating a battery pack of the electric device; controlling the power unit to charge and discharge the battery pack based on the first current value; wherein a second current value output by the power unit when charging the battery pack is not higher than the first current value.

[0057] With reference to the fourth aspect, in some possible implementation modes of the fourth aspect, the method further comprises: sending a second message to the electric device, the second message carrying the second current value.

[0058] With reference to the fourth aspect, in some possible implementation modes of the fourth aspect, the first message further carries a voltage value and / or a frequency value required for heating the battery pack, the voltage value being used to indicate a voltage size output by the charging pile when heating the battery pack, and the frequency value being used to indicate a frequency size at which the charging pile switches between charging and discharging the battery pack.

[0059] With reference to the fourth aspect, in some possible implementation modes of the fourth aspect, the power unit is connected with the charging gun through a first switch, and the battery pack in the electric device is connected with the charging pile through a second switch; before the power unit is controlled to charge and discharge the battery pack based on the first current value, the method further comprises: receiving a third message from the electric device, the third message being used to instruct the second switch to be closed; and controlling the first switch to be closed.

[0060] In a possible implementation of the fourth aspect, after the control power unit performs charging and discharging between the battery pack and the electric device based on the first current value, the method further includes: receiving a fourth message from the electric device, the fourth message being used to request to stop heating the battery pack; and controlling the power unit to stop charging and discharging with the battery pack.

[0061] In a possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the controlling the power unit to stop charging and discharging with the battery pack includes: controlling the power unit to charge the battery pack when the electric device has a charging demand; or controlling the power unit to stop working when the electric device does not have the charging demand.

[0062] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a heating method of a battery pack, the method being applied to an electric device, the electric device including the battery pack, the battery pack being used to provide electric energy for the electric device; the method includes: detecting that a temperature of the battery pack is lower than a first preset value; and sending a first message to a charging pile, the first message carrying a first current value required for heating the battery pack.

[0063] In a possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the first message further carries a voltage value and / or a frequency value required for heating the battery pack, the voltage value being used to indicate a voltage size output by the charging pile when charging the battery pack, and the frequency value being used to indicate a frequency size of switching between charging and discharging of the charging pile and the battery pack.

[0064] In a possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the charging pile is used to perform charging and discharging between the battery pack and the electric device, and the method further includes: receiving a second message from the charging pile, the second message carrying a second current value, the second current value being a current size output by the charging pile when charging the battery pack, and the second current value being not higher than the first current value.

[0065] In a possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the battery pack and the charging pile are connected with a second switch, and after the second message from the charging pile is received, the method further includes: controlling the second switch to be closed; and sending a third message to the charging pile, the third message being used to indicate that the second switch is closed.

[0066] In a possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the method further includes: detecting that the temperature of the battery pack is higher than a second preset value; and sending a fourth message to the charging pile, the fourth message being used to request to stop heating the battery pack.

[0067] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a computer readable storage medium, comprising a computer program which, when executed on a computer, causes the method of the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect to be implemented.

[0068] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) which, when executed on a computer, causes or enables the method of the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect to be implemented.

[0069] It should be understood that the technical solutions of the third aspect to the seventh aspect correspond to the first aspect or the second aspect, and the beneficial effects achieved by each aspect and the corresponding possible implementation are similar, which will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0070] Figure 1 is a scenario diagram suitable for the heating method of the battery pack provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0071] Figure 2 is an architecture diagram of the charging system suitable for the embodiments of the present application;

[0072] Figure 3 is a flow diagram of the heating method of the battery pack provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0073] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of one possible architecture of the charging pile provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0074] Figure 5 is a possible flow diagram of the heating method of the battery pack provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0075] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the current value of the battery pack changing with time when heating provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0076] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the current value of the battery pack changing with time when heating and charging simultaneously provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0077] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another possible architecture of the charging pile provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0078] Figure 9 is another possible flow diagram of the heating method of the battery pack provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0079] Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram of the device for heating the battery pack provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0080] Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram of another device for heating a battery pack provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0081] Figure 12 is another schematic block diagram of a device for heating a battery pack provided by an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] The technical solutions in the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0083] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a scene applicable to a heating method for a battery pack provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in the figure, the scene shows a charging pile 110 and an electric device 120, the charging pile 110 is connected to a power grid through an electric wire and obtains electric energy from the power grid; the charging pile 110 includes a charging gun 1101 and can charge the electric device 120 through the charging gun 1101. The electric device includes a battery pack 1201, and the electric device 120 can be connected to the charging gun 1101 through a charging interface and obtain electric energy, and the electric device 120 can store the obtained electric energy in the battery pack 1201 for use. Figure 1

[0084] Among them, the electric device 120 may, for example, be a new energy vehicle as shown in the figure, or may be other devices powered by electric energy, for example, but not limited to, an electric motorcycle, an electric bicycle, an electric scooter, an electric ship, an electric airplane, an electric flying car, an electric mower, an electric construction equipment, an electric car, a golf cart, an electric train, etc., and the present application does not limit this. Figure 1

[0085] When using the above-mentioned devices powered by electric energy in an environment with excessively low temperature, the temperature of the battery pack will decrease with the temperature of the outside environment. At present, the battery pack used is mainly a lithium ion battery, and lithium ion is very sensitive to temperature, and the activity of lithium ion will also decrease, thereby causing the charge and discharge performance of the battery pack to decrease. In severe cases, it may cause low-temperature lithium precipitation, affecting the cycle life and safety of the battery pack. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a method for heating the battery pack, so that the battery pack can still maintain a relatively suitable working temperature when the outside temperature is excessively low.

[0086] ​​In view of this, this application provides a method for heating a battery pack. By controlling the repeated charging and discharging between the power unit and the battery pack within the charging pile, the heat generated by the repeated inflow and outflow of current through the battery pack's internal resistance is used to heat the battery pack, bringing it to a suitable operating temperature. In this way, the battery pack of electric devices can be heated using existing charging pile architecture without modifying the structure of the electric device itself or adding new structures, thus avoiding increased costs. Furthermore, heating the battery pack using the heat generated by the inflow and outflow of current through the battery pack's internal resistance results in more uniform heating and a better heating effect.

[0087] See Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a charging system for a battery pack heating method applicable to embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the system includes a charging station and electric equipment. The charging station includes a power unit and a charging gun; the electric equipment includes a battery pack.

[0088] based on Figure 2 Based on the provided system architecture, this application proposes a method for heating a battery pack. Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of the battery pack heating method provided in an embodiment of this application. The following is in conjunction with... Figure 3 The method for heating the battery pack is explained in detail.

[0089] The electric device can continuously monitor the temperature of the battery pack. When the battery pack temperature falls below a first preset value and needs to be heated, the electric device can send a first message to the charging station. The charging station can receive the first message from the electric device, which carries a first current value required to heat the battery pack. After receiving the first message, the charging station then controls the power unit to charge and discharge the battery pack to heat it.

[0090] Alternatively, in another implementation, the charging station can actively collect the temperature of the battery pack in the electric device, and determine that the battery pack needs to be heated when the temperature of the battery pack is lower than a first preset value.

[0091] As mentioned earlier, the power unit heats the battery pack by generating heat from the internal resistance of the battery pack during frequent switching between charging and discharging. The current value used to charge the battery pack is determined based on a first current value. Since the charging station's capacity may not include this first current value, the current value output by the charging station for heating the battery pack (e.g., denoted as the second current value) can be no higher than the first current value. In other words, the first current value carried in the first message can be considered the maximum allowable current value of the electric device's battery pack, and the charging station can determine the second current value for heating the battery pack within a range no higher than the first current value.

[0092] After determining the size of the second current value, the charging pile can send a second message carrying the second current value to the electric device to inform the charging pile that the battery pack can be heated and the size of the second current value.

[0093] Optionally, the first message also carries a voltage value and / or a frequency value required for heating the battery pack. The voltage value refers to the size of the voltage output by the charging pile when heating the battery pack, and the frequency value refers to the size of the frequency at which the charging pile switches between charging and discharging the battery pack. Generally, the charging pile can directly heat the battery pack according to the voltage value and / or the frequency value carried in the first message, without the need to re-determine the voltage value and / or the frequency value for heating the battery pack based on the first message.

[0094] Alternatively, the electric device can also not indicate the voltage value and the frequency value required for heating the battery pack to the charging pile. The charging pile can input a current to the battery pack based on a preset voltage value, and can charge and discharge the battery pack based on a preset frequency value. Exemplarily, the preset voltage value and the preset frequency value can be voltage values and frequency values defined in a standard. The present application does not limit this.

[0095] In the present charging system, a first switch is connected between the power unit in the charging pile and the charging gun, and a second switch is connected between the battery pack in the electric device and the charging pile. For safety reasons, the charging pile will only close the first switch to power on the charging gun after the second switch is closed, that is, after the charging pile and the battery pack are connected. One possible implementation is that after the second switch is closed, the electric device can send a third message to the charging pile to indicate that the second switch has been closed, and the charging pile will only control the first switch to close after receiving the third message.

[0096] When the battery pack of the electric device does not have a heating requirement, for example, when the temperature of the battery pack is higher than a second preset value, or when the user actively stops heating, the electric device can send a fourth message to the charging pile to request to stop heating the battery pack. The second preset value can be the same as or different from the first preset value described above, for example, the second preset value is higher than the first preset value. The present application does not limit this. After receiving the fourth message, the charging pile controls the power unit to stop charging and discharging the battery pack, that is, to stop heating.

[0097] When the electric device does not have a heating requirement, the electric device can still have a charging requirement. After the charging pile stops heating the battery pack, if the electric device still has a charging requirement, the power unit can be controlled to charge the battery pack; if the electric device does not have a charging requirement, the power unit can be controlled to stop working.

[0098] For example, the charging pile applicable to the heating method of the battery pack provided in the embodiments of the present application can have two possible architectures, and the two possible architectures are described in detail as follows.

[0099] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of one possible architecture of the charging pile provided in the embodiments of the present application. As shown in the figure, Figure 4 the system includes a charging pile and an electric device. The charging pile includes a power unit and a first controller, and the power unit includes an AC-DC conversion module, a bidirectional DC-DC conversion module and an energy storage module. The electric device includes a battery pack and a second controller. The first controller is a module for performing control functions in the charging pile, and the second controller is a module for performing control functions in the electric device.

[0100] Figure 4 For example, the charging pile and the electric device do not show all the components. For example, the charging pile and the electric device further include a charging interface. The charging interface of the charging pile can be connected with a charging gun, and the battery pack in the electric device can be connected with the charging interface through a wire. When charging, the current can flow through the charging gun through the charging interface of the charging pile, and then flow into the charging port of the electric device, and then flow into the battery pack, so as to charge the electric device. The following describes each module in Figure 4 and the connection relationship thereof in detail.

[0101] Figure 4 In the charging pile shown in the figure, the AC-DC conversion module is connected to the power grid to obtain electrical energy from the power grid. When the AC-DC conversion module is working, it can convert the alternating current of the power grid into direct current. The AC-DC conversion module can be a unidirectional AC-DC conversion module or a bidirectional AC-DC conversion module. If the AC-DC conversion module is a bidirectional AC-DC conversion module, in the present embodiment, the bidirectional AC-DC conversion module can also be kept in a unidirectional working state to avoid the backflow of electrical energy to the power grid.

[0102] The bidirectional DC-DC conversion module is connected between the AC-DC conversion module and the charging gun. It can be understood that the DC-DC conversion module can convert the direct current on one side to the direct current on the other side and can change the voltage size. In the present embodiment, a bidirectional DC-DC conversion module is used, which can switch between unidirectional and bidirectional working states. The function of the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module can be realized by two unidirectional DC-DC converters, or by a resonant LLC circuit or a buck boost circuit, which is not limited in the present application.

[0103] One possible design is that the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module includes a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) tube or an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT).

[0104] The energy storage module, connected in parallel between the AC-DC conversion module and the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module, can be used to store and release electric energy. The energy storage module can be in the form of a capacitor or an energy storage battery, and the present application does not limit this.

[0105] The first controller is in communication connection with the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module and the AC-DC conversion module, and can control the operation of the AC-DC conversion module and the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module. Moreover, the first controller can establish a communication connection with the second controller through the charging gun and the charging interface, and send and receive requests with the second controller.

[0106] The first controller can be used to control various modules in the charging pile. In this embodiment, the first controller can be in communication connection with the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module to control the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module to switch between unidirectional and bidirectional operation; the first controller can also be in communication connection with the AC-DC conversion module to control the operation or non-operation of the AC-DC conversion module; and the first controller can also be in communication connection with the switch in the charging pile to control the closing or opening of the switch.

[0107] Figure 4 The second controller can be used to control various modules in the electric device. In this embodiment, the second controller can be in communication connection with the battery pack to obtain real-time temperature and other parameters from the battery pack; the second controller can also be in communication connection with the switch in the electric device to control the closing or opening of the switch; and the second controller can establish a communication connection with the first controller through the charging interface and the charging gun, and perform signaling interaction with the first controller. For example, the second controller can perform signaling interaction with the first controller when the battery pack of the electric device has a charging, heating, or other demand.

[0108] By way of example and not limitation, the communication connection between the first controller and the second controller includes an Ethernet (such as registered jack (RJ) 45 wire, optical fiber) connection, an industrial serial bus connection (such as recommended standard (RS)-485, RS-232, controller area network (CAN) bus), and the like, which are included but not limited by the present application.

[0109] It should be understood that a plurality ofFigure 4 The charging piles shown can be deployed in the same charging pile system, in which each charging pile can be connected to the power grid through a respective AC-DC conversion module.

[0110] In the charging pile system described above, the energy storage modules of the charging piles can be independent or shared. The first controllers of the charging piles can independently control the respective bidirectional DC-DC conversion modules to work in different states, such as unidirectional working or bidirectional working. In this way, at the same time, different charging piles in the charging pile system can implement charging or heating of the battery packs of different electric devices, thereby meeting the needs of different electric devices.

[0111] Based on the architecture shown, the application provides a heating method for a battery pack. Figure 4 Based on the architecture shown, the application provides a heating method for a battery pack. Figure 5 is a possible flowchart of the heating method for a battery pack provided by an embodiment of the application. Figure 5 The method 500 shown can be performed by a charging pile, specifically, a controller of the charging pile, such as a first controller shown in Figure 4 or a component of the controller, such as a chip, a chip system, or other modules that can be used to implement part or all of its functions, which are not limited in the application.

[0112] Figure 5 The method 500 shown can include steps 510 to 520, and the following exemplary detailed description of each step in the method 500 is based on the first controller as the execution subject.

[0113] In step 510, the first controller receives a heating request from the second controller.

[0114] It should be understood that the heating request can be regarded as an example of the first message.

[0115] As described above, the first controller is the controller of the charging pile, and the second controller is the controller of the electric device. The second controller can send a heating request to the first charger when the battery pack of the electric device has a heating demand, and the heating request can be used to request heating of the battery pack of the electric device. Accordingly, the first controller can receive the heating request.

[0116] Before the user needs to heat the battery pack, the charging gun of the charging pile needs to be connected to the charging interface of the electric device. The electric device can detect the temperature and other parameters of the battery pack in real time, and if the temperature of the battery pack is lower than the threshold of the normal working temperature, the electric device can send a heating request to the charging pile through the charging interface.

[0117] In step 520, the first controller controls the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module to operate bidirectionally based on the received heating request, so that current flows bidirectionally between the energy storage module and the battery pack.

[0118] like Figure 4 As shown, the energy storage module is connected in parallel on the DC bus between the AC-DC conversion module and the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module. One end of the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module is connected to the energy storage module, and the other end is connected to the battery pack via a charging gun. The bidirectional DC-DC conversion module can control the current to flow back and forth between the energy storage module and the battery pack at a certain frequency by changing the voltage across its terminals.

[0119] To prevent high-frequency voltage and current fluctuations from impacting the power grid when current flows from the battery pack to the energy storage module, the first controller can also disable the AC-DC conversion module, thereby isolating the grid from the effects of high-frequency voltage and current fluctuations during the heating process.

[0120] The change in current value of the battery pack over time when the battery pack is heated is as follows: Figure 6 As shown, the waveform of the current can be approximated as a sine wave, with the current repeatedly flowing into and out of the battery pack at a certain frequency. Due to the internal resistance of the battery pack, heat is generated when the current flows into and out of the battery pack, and this heat can heat the battery pack to bring it to a suitable operating temperature.

[0121] When the battery pack temperature exceeds a second preset value, the second controller can send a stop heating request to the first controller. The stop heating request is used to request the cessation of heating the battery pack. Based on the received stop heating request, the first controller controls the bidirectional DC-DC converter module to stop bidirectional operation.

[0122] It should be understood that this request to stop heating can be considered an example of a fourth message.

[0123] There are two possible scenarios where the first controller stops the bidirectional DC-DC converter module from operating bidirectionally. One scenario is that the first controller does not receive a charging request, or receives a stop-charging request. In this case, it can be determined that the battery pack currently has no charging demand, and the first controller can control the bidirectional DC-DC converter module to stop operating. Afterward, current will no longer flow into or out of the battery pack. The other scenario is that the first controller receives a charging request but does not receive a stop-charging request. In this case, it can be determined that the battery pack currently has a charging demand, and the first controller can control the bidirectional DC-DC converter module to operate unidirectionally. Afterward, current will no longer flow from the battery pack to the charging station.

[0124] By the above method, the battery pack below the normal working temperature threshold can be heated to a temperature suitable for its work. The above process of heating the battery pack can be implemented alone according to the user's needs, or simultaneously with the charging process, which is not limited in the present application. Table 1 shows the working mode of the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module and the AC-DC conversion module under several possible working conditions.

[0125] Table 1

[0126] Working condition Working mode Heating only, no charging Bidirectional DC-DC conversion module works bidirectionally, AC-DC conversion module does not work No heating, only charging Bidirectional DC-DC conversion module works unidirectionally, AC-DC conversion module works Heating and charging simultaneously Bidirectional DC-DC conversion module works bidirectionally, AC-DC conversion module works

[0127] One possible situation is that the user needs to charge the battery pack of the electric device, and can choose to heat first and then charge, that is, first select the working condition of heating only and not charging, and then select the working condition of not heating and charging only; or can choose the working condition of heating and charging at the same time.

[0128] If the user chooses to heat first and then charge, after the battery pack reaches a temperature suitable for its work, the second controller can send a charging request to the first controller, and the charging request is used to request charging the battery pack. The first controller controls the AC-DC conversion module to work based on the received charging request. At the same time, the first controller can control the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module to work unidirectionally, so that the current can flow in the direction of flowing into the battery pack, and cannot flow in the opposite direction.

[0129] When the AC-DC conversion module is working, the alternating current on the grid side can be converted into direct current and output to the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module.

[0130] One possible situation is that when the first controller receives the charging request, the AC-DC conversion module is in a working state, for example, it is charging the energy storage module, etc. In this case, the first controller can not have to perform the operation of controlling the AC-DC conversion module to work, in other words, the operation of the first controller controlling the AC-DC conversion module to work is optional.

[0131] It should be understood that if the user does not need to heat the battery pack of the vehicle, but only needs to charge, the operation of the charging pile is the same as that of the charging pile after the battery pack reaches a temperature suitable for work.

[0132] If the user chooses to heat and charge at the same time to obtain higher charging efficiency. The second controller can send a charging request to request charging the battery pack at the same time of sending the heating request in response to the user's choice. The first controller can control the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module to work bidirectionally based on the received heating request; and can control the AC-DC conversion module to work based on the received charging request.

[0133] It should be understood that the charging request and the heating request are only for distinguishing different functions, and do not limit the number of signals. For example, the charging request and the heating request can be carried in different signals, or can be carried in the same signal.

[0134] In the state of charging and heating, the current inflow and outflow of the battery pack changes over time as shown in the current waveform. Figure 7 The waveform of the current can be approximated as a waveform obtained by upwardly shifting a sine function.

[0135] In this state, for the battery pack, there is both current inflow and current outflow, and heat is generated when the current flows into and out of the battery pack, which can heat the battery pack. Overall, the current inflow is greater than the current outflow, so the battery pack will still be charged.

[0136] Another possible situation is that the user has the use demand of the electric device, and then the reservation service can be used. For example, in the case of low temperature, the working temperature of the battery pack is affected by the air temperature and decreases, which leads to the decrease of the performance of the battery pack, and further affects the use experience of the electric device. Therefore, the user can use the heating service according to the time when the electric device is needed to be used. That is, the working condition of only heating but not charging is selected.

[0137] The process of heating the battery pack can refer to the foregoing description, which will not be repeated here.

[0138] Because different devices use different battery packs, the parameters of the battery packs are also different, such as the capacity, working temperature, etc. of the battery packs are not the same. Therefore, the parameters of different battery packs can be calibrated to meet the needs of the battery packs in charging, heating, etc.

[0139] Optionally, the heating request carries a heating parameter, and the heating parameter includes a parameter required for heating the battery pack. For example, the heating parameter includes a first current value required for heating the battery pack. The first current value can be calculated by the electric device based on the battery pack itself.

[0140] The first controller can determine whether the first current value falls within the capability range of the charging pile according to the capability range of the charging pile. If yes, the heating request can be permitted, such as sending a permission signal to notify the second controller that the heating request is permitted; if not, the first controller can also permit the heating request, such as sending a permission signal. Optionally, the permission signal can include a second current value supported by the charging pile, so that the second controller can calculate the temperature rise rate, the heating time, etc. according to the second current value supported by the charging pile, which is not limited in the present application.

[0141] The message for carrying the permission signal can be a second message, and the heating parameter carried in the second message includes a second current value supported by the charging pile.

[0142] Optionally, the heating parameter further includes a voltage value and / or a frequency value required for heating the battery pack. Generally, the voltage value and the frequency value required for heating the battery pack can fall within the capability range of the charging pile, and the first controller can heat the battery pack based on the voltage value and the frequency value included in the heating parameter. If the voltage value and the frequency value required for heating the battery pack do not fall within the capability range of the charging pile, the first controller can also send the voltage value and the frequency value supported by the charging pile to the second controller through the second message.

[0143] Of course, the charging pile can also not indicate the voltage value and the frequency value, and the charging pile can charge and discharge the battery pack according to a pre-set voltage value and a pre-set frequency value. For example, the voltage value and the frequency value can be pre-defined voltage value and frequency value in a standard.

[0144] As the time for heating the battery pack increases, the temperature of the battery pack is constantly changing, and the parameter required for heating the battery pack can also change. Therefore, the second controller can send a heating request to the first controller to inform the first controller of the latest heating parameter each time the parameter required for heating the battery pack changes, so as to facilitate the first controller to adjust the parameter used by the charging pile to heat the battery pack according to the latest received heating request. The first controller can also send a permission signal to the second controller in response to each received heating request, and the specific process is as described above, which will not be described here.

[0145] After the first controller and the second controller interact with the heating parameter, the first controller and the second controller can continue to work based on the flow shown in Figure 3 Since the specific process has been described in detail above, it will not be described here.

[0146] Based on the above method, the charging pile controls the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module to work bidirectionally, so that the current repeatedly flows into and out of the battery pack. Since the battery pack has an internal resistance, heat is generated when the current flows into and out of the battery pack, and the heat can heat the battery pack to a suitable working temperature. This scheme does not need to modify the structure of the electric device itself, nor does it need to add new structures, and it will not increase the cost. Moreover, the heat generated by the current flowing into and out of the internal resistance of the battery pack can heat the battery pack uniformly and effectively. In addition, when the current flows bidirectionally between the battery pack and the charging pile, the energy storage module is used to accept the current from the battery pack and output the current to the battery pack, which can avoid the influence of high-frequency current on the power grid.

[0147] Figure 8is a schematic diagram of another possible architecture of the charging pile provided in the embodiments of the present application. As shown in Figure 8 The system includes a charging pile and an electric device. The charging pile includes a power unit and a first controller, and the power unit includes a bidirectional AC-DC conversion module and a bidirectional DC-DC conversion module. The electric device includes a battery pack and a second controller. The first controller is a module in the charging pile for performing control functions, and the second controller is a module in the electric device for performing control functions.

[0148] Figure 8 Only for example, the charging pile and the electric device are not shown in their entirety. For example, the charging pile and the electric device further include a charging interface, respectively. The charging interface of the charging pile can be connected with a charging gun, and the battery pack in the electric device can be connected with the charging interface through a wire. When charging, the current can flow through the charging gun via the charging interface of the charging pile, and then flow into the charging port of the electric device, and then into the battery pack, so as to achieve charging of the electric device. The following will make a detailed description of each module in Figure 8 and the connection relationship thereof.

[0149] Figure 8 In the charging pile shown in the figure, the bidirectional AC-DC conversion module is connected to the power grid to obtain electric energy from the power grid. When the bidirectional AC-DC conversion module is working, it can convert the alternating current of the power grid into direct current, or convert the direct current on the direct current bus into alternating current. The AC-DC conversion module can be a bidirectional AC-DC conversion module. If the AC-DC conversion module is a bidirectional AC-DC conversion module, in the present embodiment, the bidirectional AC-DC conversion module can be kept in a one-way working state to avoid the backflow of electric energy to the power grid; or it can be kept in a bidirectional working state to make the electric energy backflow to the power grid. The bidirectional DC-DC conversion module is connected between the bidirectional AC-DC conversion module and the charging gun. For related description of the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module, please refer to the foregoing description in conjunction with Figure 4 .

[0150] The first controller is in communication connection with the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module and the bidirectional AC-DC conversion module, and can control the bidirectional AC-DC conversion module and the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module to work. Moreover, the first controller can establish a communication connection with the second controller through the charging gun and the charging interface, and send a request to the second controller.

[0151] The first controller can be configured to control various modules in the charging pile. In the embodiment, the first controller can be communicatively connected with the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module, and configured to control the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module to switch between the unidirectional and bidirectional working modes. The first controller can also be communicatively connected with the bidirectional AC-DC conversion module, and configured to control the bidirectional AC-DC conversion module to work or not to work. The first controller can also be communicatively connected with the switch in the charging pile, and configured to control the switch to be turned on or off.

[0152] Figure 8 In the electric device shown, the second controller can be configured to control various modules in the electric device. The related description of the second controller can refer to the related description of the first controller in the foregoing Figure 4 , which will not be repeated here.

[0153] It should be understood that a plurality of charging piles as shown in Figure 8 may be deployed in the same charging pile system, and each charging pile in the charging pile system can be connected to the power grid through a respective bidirectional AC-DC conversion module.

[0154] In the charging pile system described above, the bidirectional AC-DC conversion modules of the charging piles can be independent or shared. When the bidirectional AC-DC conversion modules of the charging piles are independent of each other, the first controllers of the charging piles can independently control the bidirectional AC-DC conversion modules to work or not to work. In this way, at the same time, different charging piles in the charging pile system can charge or heat the battery packs of different electric devices, thereby meeting the needs of different electric devices.

[0155] Based on the architecture shown in Figure 8 , the present application provides a heating method for a battery pack. Figure 9 is another possible flowchart of the heating method for a battery pack provided by the embodiments of the present application. Figure 9 The method 900 shown can be performed by a charging pile, specifically, a controller of the charging pile, such as the first controller shown in Figure 8 ; or a component of the controller, such as a chip, a chip system, or other modules that can be used to implement part or all of the functions thereof, which will not be limited in the present application.

[0156] Figure 9 The method 900 shown can include steps 910 to 920, and the following exemplary detailed description of each step in the method 800 is based on the first controller as the execution subject.

[0157] In step 910, the first controller receives a heating request from the second controller.

[0158] It should be understood that the heating request can be regarded as an example of the first message.

[0159] As mentioned above, the first controller is the controller of the charging pile, and the second controller is the controller of the electric device. The second controller can send a heating request to the first charger in the case that the battery pack of the electric device has a heating demand, and the heating request can be used to request heating the battery pack of the electric device. Accordingly, the first controller can receive the heating request.

[0160] Figure 8 The charging pile shown can be used to charge the battery pack while heating, or can be used to heat the battery pack alone without charging. The present application does not limit this. Similar to the method 500, whether to charge the battery pack while heating or to heat alone without charging can be determined according to the user's demand. The second controller can send a charging request to the first controller at the same time as sending the heating request according to the user's demand, so as to trigger the charging of the battery pack while heating; or the second controller can send the heating request to the first controller without sending the charging request according to the user's demand, so as to trigger the heating of the battery pack alone without charging.

[0161] In order to reduce the influence of high-frequency voltage and current fluctuations on the power grid, the first controller can recommend the user to charge and heat the battery pack at the same time by sending the heating request to the second controller.

[0162] In step 920, the first controller controls the bidirectional AC-DC conversion module and the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module to work bidirectionally based on the received heating request, so that the current flows bidirectionally between the power grid and the battery pack.

[0163] As shown in Figure 8 The bidirectional DC-DC conversion module is connected to the bidirectional AC-DC conversion module through the DC bus at one end, and is connected to the battery pack through the charging gun at the other end. The bidirectional DC-DC conversion module can control the current to flow back and forth between the bidirectional AC-DC conversion module and the battery pack at a certain frequency by changing the voltage at both ends. And the bidirectional AC-DC conversion module can convert the alternating current on the power grid side into direct current and transmit it to the DC bus side when the current flows from the power grid to the battery pack; or can convert the direct current on the DC bus side into alternating current and feed it back to the power grid side when the current flows from the battery pack to the power grid.

[0164] The current flowing into and out of the battery pack and the change over time when the battery pack is charged and heated are similar to Figure 7 The current flowing into and out of the battery pack and the change over time when the battery pack is heated alone are similar to Figure 6 The current flowing into and out of the battery pack and the change over time when the battery pack is heated alone are similar to

[0165] When the temperature of the battery pack is higher than the second preset value, the second controller can send a stop heating request to the first controller, the stop heating request being used to stop heating the battery pack. The first controller controls the bidirectional AC-DC module and the bidirectional DC-DC module to stop bidirectional conversion based on the received stop heating request.

[0166] It should be understood that the stop heating request can be regarded as an example of the fourth message.

[0167] There are two possible cases for the first controller to control the bidirectional AC-DC module and the bidirectional DC-DC module to stop bidirectional conversion. One possible case is that the first controller does not receive the charging request or receives the stop charging request, and it can be determined that the battery pack currently has no charging demand. The first controller can control the bidirectional AC-DC module and the bidirectional DC-DC module to not work. Thereafter, no current flows into or out of the battery pack. Another possible case is that the first controller receives the charging request and does not receive the stop charging request, and it can be determined that the battery pack currently has charging demand. The first controller can control the bidirectional AC-DC module and the bidirectional DC-DC module to unidirectional work. Thereafter, no current flows from the battery pack to the charging pile.

[0168] Through the above method, the battery pack below the normal working temperature threshold can be heated to a temperature suitable for its work. The above process of heating the battery pack can be implemented simultaneously according to the user's demand, and if the battery pack is already at a temperature suitable for its work, the charging process can also be implemented alone, which is not limited in the present application.

[0169] Table 2 shows the working modes of the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module and the bidirectional AC-DC conversion module under several possible working conditions.

[0170] Table 2

[0171] Working condition Working mode Heating only, no charging Bidirectional DC-DC conversion module works bidirectionally, bidirectional AC-DC conversion module works bidirectionally No heating, only charging Bidirectional DC-DC conversion module works unidirectionally, bidirectional AC-DC conversion module works unidirectionally Heating and charging simultaneously Bidirectional DC-DC conversion module works bidirectionally, bidirectional AC-DC conversion module works bidirectionally

[0172] Similar to the foregoing heating request, the heating request can optionally carry a heating parameter. The heating parameter includes a parameter required for heating the battery pack. Exemplarily, the heating parameter includes a first current value required for heating the battery pack. The first controller can determine a second current value used for heating the battery pack according to the capability of the charging pile, and send the second current value to the second controller through the second message. The second current value is the actual current value used by the charging pile when heating the battery pack, which can be less than or equal to the first current value.

[0173] Optionally, the heating parameter further includes a voltage value and / or a frequency value required for heating the battery pack. The first controller can also determine the voltage value and the frequency value used for heating the battery pack according to the capability of the charging pile, and send the voltage value and the frequency value to the second controller through the second message.

[0174] Similar to the foregoing charging request, the charging request optionally carries a charging parameter. The charging parameter includes a parameter required for charging the battery pack. Exemplarily, the charging parameter includes a voltage value and a current value required for charging the battery pack.

[0175] wherein the voltage value required for heating the battery pack and the voltage value required for charging the battery pack can be the same, and the current value required for heating the battery pack and the current value required for charging the battery pack are not necessarily the same. In addition, the charging parameter and the heating parameter change over time, and affect and restrict each other.

[0176] It can be seen from Table 2 that, in the two working conditions of heating only and heating while charging, the working modes of the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module and the bidirectional AC-DC conversion module do not change, but it can be understood that, since the working condition of heating only requires working according to the heating parameter, and the working condition of heating while charging requires working according to the heating parameter and the charging parameter, the parameters in the two working conditions can be different. For example, the current value of the input or output battery pack is different.

[0177] Similar to the method 500, the first controller can determine whether it is within the capability range of the charging pile according to the received heating parameter and charging parameter, and send a permission signal to the second controller in response to the heating request and the charging request of the second controller. For the sake of brevity, the details are not repeated here.

[0178] Based on the foregoing method, the charging pile controls the bidirectional working of the bidirectional AC-DC conversion module and the bidirectional working of the bidirectional DC-DC conversion module, so that the current repeatedly flows into and out of the battery pack. Since the battery pack has an internal resistance, heat is generated when the current flows into and out of the battery pack, and the heat can heat the battery pack to a suitable working temperature. This scheme does not need to modify the structure of the electric device itself, nor does it need to add new structures, and will not increase the cost. Moreover, the battery pack is heated by the heat generated by the inflow and outflow of the current in the internal resistance of the battery pack, and the heating is relatively uniform and the heating effect is good.

[0179] Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram of the device for heating the battery pack provided by the embodiments of the present application. As shown in Figure 10 The device 1000 can include a transceiver module 1010 and a control module 1020.

[0180] The device can be used to implement the function of the charging pile in the method embodiment shown in Figure 3 or Figure 5 or Figure 9 the function of the first controller in the method embodiment shown in

[0181] Exemplarily, the apparatus 1000 is configured to implement the functions of the electric device in the method embodiments shown in Figure 3 In the method embodiments shown in the functions of the charging pile, the transceiver module 1010 can be configured to receive a first message from the electric device, the first message carrying a first current value required for heating a battery pack of the electric device; the control module 1020 can be configured to control the power unit to perform charging and discharging between the battery pack based on the first current value; wherein a second current value output by the power unit when heating the battery pack is not higher than the first current value.

[0182] The apparatus 1000 is configured to perform the various processes of the method embodiments shown in the foregoing Figure 3 , Figure 5 or Figure 9 For brevity, the foregoing related descriptions are not repeated here.

[0183] In another possible design, the apparatus can be configured to implement the functions of the electric device in the method embodiments shown in Figure 3 or the functions of the second controller in the method embodiments shown in Figure 5 or Figure 9 .

[0184] Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram of another apparatus for heating a battery pack provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 11 The apparatus 1100 can include a detection module 1110 and a transceiver module 1120.

[0185] Exemplarily, the apparatus 1000 is configured to implement the functions of the electric device in the method embodiments shown in Figure 3 In this case, the detection module 1110 can be configured to detect the temperature of the battery pack; and the transceiver module 1120 can be configured to send a first message to the charging pile, the first message carrying a current value required for heating the battery pack.

[0186] The apparatus 1100 is configured to perform the various processes of the method embodiments shown in the foregoing Figure 3 , Figure 5 or Figure 9 For brevity, the foregoing related descriptions are not repeated here.

[0187] It should be understood that the division of modules in the embodiments of the present application is illustrative, and is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, another division manner can be used. In addition, each functional module in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated in one processor, or can be physically separated, or two or more modules can be integrated in one module. The integrated module can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional module.

[0188] Figure 12is another schematic block diagram of the device for heating battery pack provided in the embodiments of the present application. As shown in the figure, the device 1200 can include at least one processor 1210, which can be used to implement the functions of the charging pile or the functions of the first controller in the above method embodiments, or can also be used to implement the functions of the electric device or the functions of the second controller in the above method embodiments. For details, refer to the detailed description in the method examples, which will not be repeated here. Figure 12

[0189] The device 1200 can further include a memory 1220 for storing program instructions and / or data. The memory 1220 is coupled with the processor 1210. The coupling in the present application is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms, for information interaction between devices, units or modules. The processor 1210 can operate in cooperation with the memory 1220. The processor 1210 can execute the program instructions stored in the memory 1220. At least one of the at least one memory can be included in the processor.

[0190] The device 1200 can further include a communication interface 1230 for communicating with other devices through a transmission medium, so that the devices in the device 1200 can communicate with other devices. The communication interface 1230 can be, for example, a transceiver, an interface, a bus, a circuit or a device capable of realizing the transceiving function. The processor 1210 can use the communication interface 1230 to transceive data and / or information, and is used to implement the functions of the device 1200. Figure 5 or Figure 9 The method for heating battery pack described in the corresponding embodiments.

[0191] The specific connection medium between the above processor 1210, memory 1220 and communication interface 1230 is not limited in the present application. In the present application, the processor 1210, memory 1220 and communication interface 1230 are connected through a bus 1240. Figure 12 The connection mode between other components is only schematically illustrated, and is not limited. The bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For convenience of representation, only one thick line is used in the figure, but it does not mean that there is only one bus or only one type of bus. Figure 12 Figure 12

[0192] ​​​In the embodiments of the present application, the processor can be a general processor, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component, and can implement or execute the disclosed methods, steps and logic block diagrams in the present application. The general processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in the present application can be directly embodied as hardware processor execution or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor.

[0193] According to the method provided in the present application, the present application further provides a computer readable storage medium, which stores program codes, when the program codes are run on a computer, the computer is caused to execute Figure 3 , Figure 5 or Figure 9 the heating method of the battery pack described in the corresponding embodiments.

[0194] According to the method provided in the present application, the present application further provides a computer program product, which comprises: computer program codes. When the computer program codes are run on a computer, the computer is caused to execute Figure 3 , Figure 5 or Figure 9 the heating method of the battery pack described in the corresponding embodiments.

[0195] The technical solutions provided by the present application can be realized by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof, in whole or in part. When realized by software, it can be realized in the form of computer program product in whole or in part. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the present application are generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a terminal device or other programmable devices. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer readable storage medium to another, for example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center through wire, such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). The computer readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server, data center, etc. integrated with one or more available media. The available media can be magnetic media (such as floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), optical media (such as digital video disc (DVD)), or semiconductor media, etc.

[0196] The above is only a specific embodiment of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical range disclosed in the present application, which should be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A charging pile, characterized in that, include: A power unit and a charging gun, the charging gun being used to connect the power unit and an electric device; The charging pile is used for: Receive a first message from the electric device, the first message carrying a first current value required to heat the battery pack of the electric device; The power unit is controlled to charge and discharge the battery pack based on the first current value; wherein, when the power unit charges the battery pack, the second current value output is not higher than the first current value; A first switch is connected between the power unit and the charging gun, and a second switch is connected between the battery pack in the electric device and the charging pile. Before controlling the power unit to charge and discharge with the battery pack based on the first current value, the charging pile is also used for: Receive a third message from the electric device, the third message being used to indicate that the second switch is closed; Based on the received third message, the first switch is controlled to close.

2. The charging pile as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The charging pile is also used to send a second message to the electric device after receiving the first message, the second message carrying the second current value.

3. The charging pile as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first message also carries a voltage value and / or frequency value required to heat the battery pack, wherein the voltage value is used to indicate the voltage level when the charging pile charges the battery pack, and the frequency value is used to indicate the frequency at which the charging pile and the battery pack switch between charging and discharging.

4. The charging pile as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, After controlling the power unit to charge and discharge with the battery pack based on the first current value, the charging pile is further used for: Receive a fourth message from the electric device, the fourth message being used to request a stop to heating the battery pack; The power unit is controlled to stop charging and discharging with the battery pack.

5. The charging pile as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When the charging pile is used to control the power unit to stop charging and discharging with the battery pack, it is specifically used for: When the electric device has a charging requirement, control the power unit to charge the battery pack; or If the electric device does not have the required charging, the power unit is controlled to stop operating.

6. An electric device, characterized in that, Includes a battery pack for providing electrical energy to the electric device; the electric device is used for: The temperature of the battery pack was detected to be lower than a first preset value; Send a first message to the charging station, the first message carrying a first current value required to heat the battery pack; The charging pile is used for charging and discharging with the battery pack, and the second current value output by the charging pile when charging the battery pack is not higher than the first current value; A second switch is connected between the battery pack and the charging pile; The electric device is also used for: Control the second switch to close; A third message is sent to the charging pile, the third message being used to instruct the second switch to be closed.

7. The electric device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The first message also carries a voltage value and / or frequency value required to heat the battery pack, wherein the voltage value is used to indicate the magnitude of the voltage output by the charging pile when heating the battery pack, and the frequency value is used to indicate the frequency at which the charging pile and the battery pack switch between charging and discharging.

8. The electric device as described in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The electric device is also used to receive a second message from the charging pile, the second message carrying a second current value.

9. The electric device as described in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The electric device is also used for: The temperature of the battery pack was detected to be higher than a second preset value; A fourth message is sent to the charging station, the fourth message being used to request that the heating of the battery pack be stopped.

10. A charging system, characterized in that, The system includes a charging pile and an electric device. The charging pile includes a power unit and a charging gun. The charging gun connects the power unit and the electric device. The electric device includes a battery pack that provides electrical energy to the electric device. The electric device is used to detect that the temperature of the battery pack is lower than a first preset value, and is used to send a first message to the charging pile, the first message carrying a first current value required to heat the battery pack; The charging pile is used to control the charging and discharging between the power unit and the battery pack based on the first message, wherein the second current value output by the power unit when charging the battery pack is not higher than the first current value; A first switch is connected between the power unit and the charging gun, and a second switch is connected between the battery pack in the electric device and the charging pile. The electric device is also used to control the second switch to close and send a third message to the charging pile, the third message being used to indicate that the second switch is closed. The charging pile is also used to control the first switch to close based on the received third message.

11. The system as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The first message also carries a voltage value and / or frequency value required to heat the battery pack, wherein the voltage value is used to indicate the magnitude of the voltage output by the charging pile when charging the battery pack, and the frequency value is used to indicate the magnitude of the frequency at which the charging pile and the battery pack switch between charging and discharging.

12. The system as described in claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The charging pile is also used to send a second message to the electric device, the second message carrying the second current value.

13. The system as described in claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The electric device is also used to detect that the temperature is higher than a second preset value, and to send a fourth message to the charging pile, the fourth message being used to request to stop heating the battery pack; The charging pile is also used to control the power unit to stop charging and discharging with the battery pack based on the received fourth message.

14. A method for heating a battery pack, characterized in that, The invention is applied to charging piles, which include a power unit and a charging gun, the charging gun being used to connect the power unit and an electric device. The method includes: Receive a first message from the electric device, the first message carrying a first current value required to heat the battery pack of the electric device; The power unit is controlled to charge and discharge the battery pack based on the first current value; wherein, when the power unit charges the battery pack, the second current value output is not higher than the first current value; A first switch is connected between the power unit and the charging gun, and a second switch is connected between the battery pack in the electric device and the charging pile. Before controlling the power unit to charge and discharge with the battery pack based on the first current value, the method further includes: Receive a third message from the electric device, the third message indicating that the second switch is closed; Based on the received third message, the first switch is controlled to close.

15. A method for heating a battery pack, characterized in that, Applied to electric equipment, the electric equipment including a battery pack for providing electrical energy to the electric equipment; The method includes: The temperature of the battery pack was detected to be lower than a first preset value; Send a first message to the charging station, the first message carrying a first current value required to heat the battery pack; The charging pile is used for charging and discharging with the battery pack, and the second current value output by the charging pile when charging the battery pack is not higher than the first current value; A second switch is connected between the battery pack and the charging pile; The method further includes: Control the second switch to close; A third message is sent to the charging pile, the third message being used to instruct the second switch to be closed.

16. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed, it implements the method as described in claim 14 or 15.

17. A computer program product, the computer program product comprising a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed, it implements the method as described in claim 14 or 15.

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