Systems and methods for multi-cell rechargeable energy storage devices

Abstract

A management system for a multi-cell rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) is capable of wireless communication with insecure third-party devices. The management system includes a system controller that communicates with cell monitoring elements arranged to individually monitor the cell cells. Each cell monitoring element includes a cell controller that communicates with a sensor arranged to determine parameters of a corresponding cell within the RESS's cell cells. Each cell controller is configured to execute a secure wireless communication protocol and also configured to execute an open wireless communication protocol. In response to a triggering event, the open wireless communication protocol is activated to enable non-proprietary wireless communication with nearby third-party devices.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Rechargeable energy storage systems (RESS) can be used in stationary energy storage systems or mobile devices, such as as part of an electric vehicle (EV). When used as part of an EV, the electric powertrain uses one or more motors to generate torque, which uses at least part of the energy from the RESS, and the generated torque is transmitted to the powertrain for traction.

[0002] A Residual Energy Storage System (RESS) may include a multi-cell battery pack, associated power electronics, and thermal regulation hardware, which can be controlled via a resident battery controller. The battery controller monitors the current health of the RESS's hardware and software components and controls charging and discharging operations. Other functions may include monitoring and reporting battery pack voltage, individual cell voltage and cell current, state of charge (SOC), and temperature. The battery controller may also perform periodic cell balancing operations to equalize the SOC of individual cells. Individual cell voltages are measured and monitored using associated circuitry to keep the cells within an acceptable voltage window.

[0003] Depending on the specific configuration and application of the motor, the RESS battery cells can be charged via an external charging station and / or via on-board regeneration. Battery control elements collect, monitor, and control battery cell data over time, such as the voltage of individual battery cells or groups of battery cells, the charging and discharging currents to and from individual battery cells or groups of battery cells, and temperature measurements sampled at different locations within the battery system. The battery control elements can be configured to automatically adjust battery control parameters based on the collected battery cell data.

[0004] Battery system layouts can include battery packs divided into multiple battery cell stacks or modules, with each module equipped with an application-specific number of battery cells. Communication between components of the battery system can be achieved via hardwired and / or wireless communication devices and protocols. Proprietary communication protocols, including encryption, must be used to protect and disable in-vehicle wireless communication networks to prevent unintentional or intentional damage or interference from external systems.

[0005] Due to overcharging, battery cell damage, or imbalances in battery cell charging / discharging, the battery pack may experience undesirable thermal conditions. When the rate of heat generation within the battery pack exceeds the rate at which the generated heat can be effectively dissipated through onboard thermal regulation technology or power control actions, a thermal runaway event may occur.

[0006] In the event of an external force or thermal incident, providing detailed information to system administrators, first responders, or another service provider can be useful in helping to develop a response (e.g., deploy countermeasures). Therefore, it is beneficial to have an in-vehicle wireless communication network capable of communicating wirelessly with unsafe third-party devices in a manner that does not compromise the communication integrity of the battery system, and which can be accessed or operated by system administrators, first responders, or another service provider. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The concepts described herein provide a management system for a multi-cell rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) capable of wireless communication with unsecured third-party devices. The management system includes a system controller communicating with multiple cell monitoring elements, wherein the multiple cell monitoring elements are arranged to individually monitor the cell cells of the RESS. Each of the multiple cell monitoring elements includes a cell controller communicating with a sensor arranged to determine parameters of a corresponding cell in the RESS. Each cell controller is configured to execute a secure wireless communication protocol and is also configured to execute an open wireless communication protocol. Each cell controller includes a set of instructions executable to detect a trigger event based on input from a sensor arranged to monitor parameters of a corresponding cell in the RESS. In response to the trigger event, the open wireless communication protocol is activated to enable non-proprietary wireless communication. The cell controller performs wireless communication with a nearby third-party device via the open wireless communication protocol.

[0008] The concepts described herein also provide a management system for a multi-cell rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), comprising a plurality of cell monitoring elements arranged to individually monitor the cells of the RESS, each of said plurality of cell monitoring elements including a cell controller communicating with a sensor arranged to determine parameters of a corresponding cell in the RESS. Each cell controller is configured to execute a secure wireless communication protocol and is configured to execute an open wireless communication protocol. Each cell controller includes a set of instructions executable to detect a trigger event based on input from a sensor arranged to monitor parameters of a corresponding cell in the RESS, to activate the open wireless communication protocol in response to the trigger event to enable proprietary wireless communication, and to wirelessly transmit the parameters of the corresponding cell in the plurality of cell units to a nearby third-party device via the cell controller and the open wireless communication protocol.

[0009] The concepts described herein also provide a management system for a multi-cell rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), in the form of a system controller communicating with multiple cell monitoring elements. The multiple cell monitoring elements are arranged to individually monitor multiple cells of the RESS, and each cell controller is configured to execute a secure wireless communication protocol and an open wireless communication protocol. Each cell controller includes an instruction set executable to detect a trigger event, activate the open wireless communication protocol in response to the trigger event to enable non-proprietary wireless communication, and wirelessly communicate with nearby third-party devices via the cell controller and the open wireless communication protocol.

[0010] One aspect of this disclosure includes a system controller capable of executing a secure wireless communication protocol to monitor each battery cell of the RESS without triggering an event.

[0011] Another aspect of this disclosure includes each battery cell controller being configured to execute a simplified encryption protocol via a front-end peripheral device.

[0012] Another aspect of this disclosure includes each battery cell controller having a location identifier, and wherein each battery cell controller is configured to wirelessly transmit the location identifier to a nearby third-party device via the battery cell controller and an open wireless communication protocol when a triggering event occurs.

[0013] Another aspect of this disclosure includes that each battery cell controller is configured to execute a 2.4 GHz radio frequency (RF) open communication protocol via a front-end peripheral device.

[0014] Another aspect of this disclosure includes that each battery cell controller is configured to perform a 2.4 GHz RF open communication protocol from the battery cell controller to a nearby third-party device via a front-end peripheral device.

[0015] Another aspect of this disclosure includes a temperature sensor arranged to monitor a corresponding one of the battery cells, wherein a triggering event is either: the temperature of the corresponding battery cell is greater than a maximum threshold temperature, or the rate of change of temperature over time of the corresponding battery cell is greater than a maximum threshold rate of change of temperature over time.

[0016] Another aspect of this disclosure includes a current sensor arranged to monitor a corresponding battery cell in a battery cell, wherein a triggering event is one of the following: the current of the corresponding battery cell in the battery cell is greater than a maximum threshold current or the time rate of change of the current of the corresponding battery cell in the battery cell is greater than a maximum threshold time rate of change of current.

[0017] Another aspect of this disclosure includes a voltage sensor arranged to monitor a corresponding battery cell in a battery cell, wherein a triggering event is that the voltage of the corresponding battery cell in the battery cell is less than a minimum threshold voltage of the corresponding battery cell in the battery cell or the time rate of change of the voltage is greater than a maximum threshold time rate of change of the voltage.

[0018] Another aspect of this disclosure includes an emergency message transmitted from a system controller or from another of the multiple battery cell monitoring elements.

[0019] This invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0020] 1. A management system for a multi-cell rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), comprising:

[0021] Multiple battery cell monitoring elements; and

[0022] The system controller communicates with the plurality of battery cell monitoring elements;

[0023] The plurality of battery cell monitoring elements are arranged to individually monitor the plurality of battery cells of the RESS:

[0024] Each of the plurality of battery cell monitoring elements includes a battery cell controller that communicates with a sensor, the sensor being arranged to determine parameters of a corresponding battery cell among the plurality of battery cells of the RESS;

[0025] Each battery cell controller is configured to execute a secure wireless communication protocol and is also configured to execute an open wireless communication protocol.

[0026] Each battery cell controller includes an instruction set that can execute the following:

[0027] Triggering events are detected based on input from the sensors, which are arranged to monitor parameters of a corresponding battery cell in the RESS's battery cells;

[0028] In response to the triggering event, the open wireless communication protocol is activated to enable non-proprietary wireless communication; and

[0029] The parameters of a corresponding battery cell in the battery cell are wirelessly communicated to a nearby third-party device via the battery cell controller and the open wireless communication protocol.

[0030] The management system according to technical solution 1 further includes a system controller capable of executing a secure wireless communication protocol to monitor each of the plurality of battery cells of the RESS in the absence of a triggering event.

[0031] According to the management system of technical solution 1, each battery cell controller configured to execute an open wireless communication protocol includes each battery cell controller configured to execute a simplified encryption protocol via a front-end peripheral device.

[0032] According to the management system of technical solution 1, each battery cell controller includes a location identifier, and each of the battery cell controllers is configured to wirelessly communicate the location identifier to a nearby third-party device via the battery cell controller and an open wireless communication protocol when a trigger event occurs.

[0033] According to the management system of technical solution 1, each battery cell controller configured to execute the open wireless communication protocol includes each battery cell controller configured to execute a 2.4 GHz radio frequency (RF) open communication protocol via a front-end peripheral device.

[0034] The management system according to technical solution 5 includes each battery cell controller configured to execute a 2.4 GHz RF open communication protocol from the battery cell controller to a nearby third-party device via a front-end peripheral device.

[0035] According to the management system of technical solution 1, the sensor arranged to determine the parameters of a corresponding battery cell among the plurality of battery cells of the RESS includes a temperature sensor arranged to monitor the corresponding battery cell; and the triggering event includes a time-varying rate of temperature change of the corresponding battery cell being greater than a maximum threshold temperature.

[0036] According to the management system of technical solution 1, the sensor arranged to determine the parameters of a corresponding battery cell among the plurality of battery cells of the RESS includes a temperature sensor arranged to monitor the temperature of the corresponding battery cell among the battery cells; and the triggering event includes the temperature of the corresponding battery cell among the battery cells being higher than a maximum threshold temperature.

[0037] According to the management system of technical solution 1, the sensor arranged to determine the parameters of a corresponding battery cell among the plurality of battery cells of the RESS includes a current sensor arranged to monitor the corresponding battery cell; and the triggering event includes one of the following: the current of the corresponding battery cell is greater than a maximum threshold current, or the time change rate of the current of the corresponding battery cell is greater than the maximum threshold time change rate of the current.

[0038] According to the management system of technical solution 1, the sensor arranged to determine the parameters of a corresponding battery cell in the battery cells of the RESS includes a voltage sensor arranged to monitor the corresponding battery cell in the battery cells; and the triggering event includes the voltage of the corresponding battery cell in the battery cells being less than a minimum threshold voltage, or the time change rate of the voltage of the corresponding battery cell in the battery cells being greater than a maximum threshold time change rate of voltage.

[0039] A management system for a multi-cell rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), comprising:

[0040] Multiple battery cell monitoring elements are arranged to individually monitor the multiple battery cells of the RESS;

[0041] Each of the plurality of battery cell monitoring elements includes a battery cell controller that communicates with a sensor, the sensor being arranged to determine parameters of a corresponding battery cell among the plurality of battery cells of the RESS;

[0042] Each of the battery cell controllers is configured to execute a secure wireless communication protocol and is also configured to execute an open wireless communication protocol.

[0043] Each of the battery cell controllers includes an instruction set, which is capable of executing:

[0044] Triggering events are detected based on input from the sensors, which are arranged to monitor parameters of a corresponding battery cell among a plurality of battery cells of the RESS.

[0045] In response to the triggering event, the open wireless communication protocol is activated to enable non-proprietary wireless communication; and

[0046] The parameters of a corresponding battery cell among the plurality of battery cells of the RESS are wirelessly transmitted to a nearby third-party device via the battery cell controller and the open wireless communication protocol.

[0047] According to the management system of technical solution 11, each battery cell controller configured to execute an open wireless communication protocol includes each battery cell controller configured to execute a 2.4 GHz radio frequency (RF) open communication protocol via a front-end peripheral device.

[0048] The management system according to technical solution 11 includes each battery cell controller configured to execute a 2.4 GHz RF open communication protocol from the battery cell controller to a nearby third-party device via a front-end peripheral device.

[0049] According to the management system of technical solution 11, each battery cell controller configured to execute the open wireless communication protocol includes each battery cell controller configured to execute a simplified encryption protocol via a front-end peripheral device.

[0050] According to the management system of technical solution 11, each of the battery cell controllers includes a location identifier, and each of the battery cell controllers is configured to wirelessly transmit the location identifier to a nearby third-party device via the battery cell controller and an open wireless communication protocol when a trigger event occurs.

[0051] According to the management system of technical solution 11, the sensor arranged to determine the parameters of a corresponding battery cell among a plurality of battery cells of RESS includes one of a temperature sensor, a current sensor, or a voltage sensor, which is arranged to monitor the corresponding battery cell among the plurality of battery cells.

[0052] According to the management system described in technical solution 11, the triggering event includes a time change rate of one of the temperature, current, or voltage of a corresponding battery cell being greater than the corresponding maximum threshold time change rate.

[0053] According to the management system of technical solution 11, the triggering event includes one of the temperature, current or voltage of the corresponding battery cell in the battery cell being greater than the corresponding maximum threshold of the temperature, current or voltage of the corresponding battery cell in the battery cell.

[0054] A management system for a multi-cell rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), comprising:

[0055] A system controller that communicates with multiple battery cell monitoring elements;

[0056] The plurality of battery cell monitoring elements are arranged to individually monitor the plurality of battery cells of the RESS:

[0057] Each of the battery cell controllers is configured to execute a secure wireless communication protocol and is also configured to execute an open wireless communication protocol.

[0058] Each of the battery cell controllers includes an instruction set, which is capable of executing:

[0059] Detect the triggered event;

[0060] In response to the triggering event, the open wireless communication protocol is activated to enable non-proprietary wireless communication; and

[0061] Wireless communication is established with a nearby third-party device via the battery cell controller and the open wireless communication protocol.

[0062] According to the management system of technical solution 19, the triggering event includes an emergency message transmitted from the system controller or from another unit among the plurality of battery cell monitoring elements.

[0063] The foregoing summary is not intended to represent every possible embodiment or aspect of this disclosure. Rather, the foregoing summary is intended to illustrate some novel aspects and features disclosed herein. The foregoing features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages, of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of representative embodiments and modes of implementing this disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0064] One or more embodiments will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0065] Figure 1 An electrical system having a battery system and a battery control network according to the present disclosure is schematically illustrated.

[0066] Figure 2 A circuit topology according to this disclosure is schematically illustrated.

[0067] Figure 3 The illustration schematically depicts details relating to a wireless node and its communication in normal mode according to this disclosure.

[0068] This disclosure is readily adaptable to various modifications and alternatives, and some representative embodiments have been illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail herein. The novel aspects of this disclosure are not limited to the specific forms shown in the drawings. Rather, this disclosure is intended to cover modifications, equivalents, combinations, or alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0069] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit applications and uses. Embodiments of this disclosure are described herein in terms of functional and / or logical block components and various processing steps. Such block components may be implemented by multiple different hardware components, each configured to perform a specified function. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this disclosure can be advantageously practiced in combination with multiple systems, and the systems described herein are merely exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0070] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals in various views are used to identify similar or identical parts. Figure 1A battery system 10 is schematically depicted, comprising a multi-cell rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) 12 and a distributed battery controller network (C) 50. The battery system 10 described herein is specifically implemented as multiple embedded controllers connected via hardwired connections and / or via secure wireless communication devices and protocols, enabling data transmission to occur within the battery system 10. For simplicity and clarity only, the battery controller network 50 is depicted as... Figure 1 The middle part is schematically depicted as a monolithic device. Figure 2 Examples of hardware implementation methods are described in the document.

[0071] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the memory (M) and the processor (P). Figure 2 The example implementations or other hardware implementations not specifically depicted in the figures may include various memory and / or processor devices, locations, and hardware configurations within the scope of this disclosure. In general, the various controllers constituting the battery controller network 50 are programmed to monitor and regulate the ongoing thermal and electrical operations of the battery system 10. The component controllers of the battery controller network 50 may optionally execute other software programs, including, for example, battery cell balancing, health monitoring, electric range estimation, and / or powertrain control operations, applications of which are known in the art and therefore not described herein.

[0072] The term "controller" and related terms (such as microcontroller, controller, control element, processor, etc.) refer to one or more combinations of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), electronic circuits, central processing units (such as microprocessors), and associated non-transitory memory components in the form of memory and storage devices (read-only, programmable read-only, random access, hard disk drives, etc.). Non-transitory memory components are capable of storing machine-readable instructions in the form of one or more software or firmware programs or routines, combinational logic circuits, input / output circuits and devices, signal conditioning, buffer circuits, and other components, which can be accessed and executed by one or more processors to provide the described functionality. Input / output circuits and devices include analog-to-digital converters and associated devices for monitoring inputs from sensors at a preset sampling frequency or in response to trigger events. Software, firmware, programs, instructions, control routines, code, algorithms, and similar terms refer to the set of instructions executable by the controller, including calibration and lookup tables. Each controller executes control routines to provide the desired functionality. Routines may be executed periodically, for example, once every 100 microseconds during ongoing operation. Alternatively, routines can be executed in response to the occurrence of a triggering event. Communication between the controller, actuator, and / or sensor can be achieved using a direct wired point-to-point link, a network communication bus link, a wireless link, or another communication link. Communication includes exchanging data signals via a conductive medium, including, for example, electrical signals; electromagnetic signals via air; optical signals via optical waveguides; and so on. Data signals can include discrete, analog, and / or digitized analog signals representing input from sensors, actuator commands, and communication between the controller.

[0073] The term "signal" refers to a physically identifiable indicator that conveys information and can be a suitable waveform (e.g., electrical, optical, magnetic, mechanical, or electromagnetic) that can be propagated through a medium, such as DC, AC, sine wave, triangle wave, square wave, vibration, etc.

[0074] The terms “calibration,” “calibrated,” and related terms refer to the result or process of associating desired parameters of a device or system with one or more sensed or observed parameters. The calibration described herein can be simplified to a storable table of parameters, multiple executable equations, or another suitable form that can be used as part of a measurement or control routine.

[0075] A parameter is defined as a measurable quantity that represents a physical property of a device or other component, which can be identified using one or more sensors and / or a physical model. Parameters can have discrete values, such as "1" or "0", or their values ​​can be infinitely variable.

[0076] Figure 1The battery controller network 50 shown receives input signals (arrow CC). I ), and send an output signal (arrow CC) O The battery controller network 50 is implemented as a plurality of controllers as described above, namely electronic control elements and / or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), each having or being able to access the necessary memory (M) and processor (P), as well as other associated hardware and software, such as clocks or timers, input / output circuits, etc.

[0077] exist Figure 1 In the exemplary battery system 10, multiple electrochemical battery cells 14 are arranged or stacked adjacent to each other. If a given battery cell 14 happens to experience a rapid increase in temperature, a domino effect can occur as the rapidly increasing temperature of battery cell 14 propagates to nearby battery cells 14. Therefore, Figure 1 The battery controller network 50 is configured to closely monitor RESS 12. In one embodiment, RESS 12 is configured to have onboard battery cell sensing and battery cell data communication capabilities directly integrated into the structure of RESS 12; in some embodiments, the communication of battery cell data may be performed wirelessly.

[0078] Battery system 10 can be used in a range of applications or systems, including but not limited to road, air, water, or rail vehicles, agricultural equipment, robots, stationary or mobile power equipment, and other mobile or stationary systems. A possible application of battery system 10, and particularly its RESS 12, is as a high-energy direct current (DC) power source used in electric powertrain 16. This electric powertrain 16 can be used in some embodiments to propel motor vehicle 18, such as operator-driven or autonomously driven buses or commercial road vehicles. For this purpose, electric powertrain 16 can be controlled to generate output torque (arrow To) and transmit it to the corresponding front and / or rear wheels 20F and / or 20R mounted relative to the body 22 of motor vehicle 18. Thus, the rotation of wheels 20F and / or 20R in electric or hybrid electric drive mode propels motor vehicle 18 along road surface 24.

[0079] RESS 12 can be used as a high-energy / high-voltage power supply for a motor vehicle 18. In such an embodiment, RESS 12 can be selectively disconnected via a set of high-voltage contactors 11 and configured to power a traction power inverter module (TPIM) 26. TPIM 26 may include multiple sets of semiconductor switches and filtering components arranged in specific phase switching branches, with the on / off states of individual IGBTs, MOFSETs, or other semiconductor switches changing at a specific rate (e.g., using pulse width modulation). Thus, the switching control enables TPIM 26 to receive DC voltage (VDC) from RESS 12 and output multiphase / AC voltage (VAC). As described above, a rotating motor (M E The phase winding of motor 28 can be electrically connected to TPIM 26, so that the output torque from motor 28 (arrow T) O This is ultimately transmitted to the coupled load, in this case, the wheels 20F and / or 20R.

[0080] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating the use of Figure 1 The illustrated exemplary battery controller network 50 is a non-limiting example of a controller architecture that can be embedded within the battery system 10 and used to determine data for each respective battery cell 14 and / or the stack of battery cells thereon. This battery cell data is transmitted as an input signal via hardwired or wireless / radio frequency (RF) transmission (arrow CC). I Part of the report is for example, via a secure RF network at 2.4 GHz or another frequency suitable for the application. Embedded controllers used to build the battery controller network 50 can be positioned at a distance from each other, for example, between 0.1m and 0.5m apart, and therefore, when wireless / RF communication is employed, the specific communication protocol used to implement this teaching can be selected based on this separation distance and with appropriate consideration of electromagnetic interference and other potential sources of signal noise.

[0081] The battery controller network 50 can be configured to include a wireless network with the aforementioned embedded controllers. Specifically, battery cell sensing controllers or battery cell measurement elements (CMUs) 50A are embedded within the RESS 12, and the collection of controllers 50A is collectively designated C1. For example, the RESS 12 can consist of multiple (n) battery cell groups, each battery cell group having an application-specific number of battery cells 14 and a corresponding CMU, namely CMU1, CMU2, CMU3, ..., CMU50A. Each CMU50A is equipped with or communicates with one or more sensors 41, the sensors 41 being arranged via the battery cell sensing controller 34 and a wireless node (T... X)60 to monitor the corresponding battery cell 14. In one embodiment, each MCU 50A may be equipped with a location identifier 43. Alternatively or additionally, the MCU 50B may be equipped with a location identifier 43.

[0082] Sensor 41 is shown centrally and may include one or a combination of a temperature sensor, voltage sensor, current sensor, gas detection sensor, pressure sensor, or another sensor arranged to monitor parameters of the corresponding battery cell 14. The embedded wireless CMU 50A's sensor 41, wireless node 60, and battery cell sensing controller 34 enable direct battery cell sensing and wireless communication of the sensed battery cell data to the battery controller (BCM) 50B, designated C2.

[0083] BCM 50B can reside on or adjacent to RESS 12. Furthermore, BCM 50B is connected to and magnetically isolated from the Battery Disconnect Service Board (BDSB) 50C and the Main Controller 50D, which are labeled C3 and C4, respectively.

[0084] The CMU 50A and BCM 50B in the depicted topology work together during battery operation modes, including a “normal” mode when the main controller 50D is awake or when the vehicle 18 is in drive / charge mode, and a low-power “slow” mode when the main controller 50D is asleep or when the vehicle 18 is in off mode.

[0085] Communication between the CMU 50A and BCM 50B can be achieved via a secure wireless network using a 2.4 GHz wireless protocol through wireless node 60. This allows battery cell data measured by each CMU 50A to be transmitted to the BCM 50B using low-power radio waves via wireless node 60. The 2.4 GHz protocol typically encompasses a frequency range of approximately 2.402–2.480 GHz. Other RF frequency ranges may be used within the scope of this disclosure. Similarly, techniques such as Time Synchronization Channel Hopping (TSCH), and the IEEE 802.15.4e standard for local area networks and metropolitan area networks, or other suitable standards, may be used.

[0086] The BDSB 50C, along with the BCM 50B, can be equipped with its own communication (COMM) chip 35. The BDSB 50C can be programmed for battery-level tasks, such as monitoring the overall battery pack voltage, current, and other values ​​of the RESS 12. The BDSB 50C can be electrically connected to the battery controller 50B via 5V or other suitable low-voltage power lines and electrical ground (Gnd).

[0087] As part of the programmed functions of the BDSB 50C, the BDSB 50C can disconnect in response to predetermined conditions and / or detected electrical faults, commands, or requests. Figure 1 The contactor 11 is used to disconnect the connection of RESS 12.

[0088] Further concerning the battery controller (BCM) 50B, this device can be configured as a control board that receives wired or wireless / RF data from various CMU 50As, and sometimes other communication data from the BDSB 50C. In the illustrated configuration, the BCM 50B includes a power supply (PS) 38, the aforementioned communication chip 35, and a wireless node 60. The power supply 38 can be specifically implemented as a small low-voltage lithium-ion battery or other suitable device, which is then connected to and powers a main control element (MCU) 39, such as another ASIC or a set of processors that performs various programming tasks in the overall management of the battery system 10.

[0089] Exemplary tasks performed by the BCM 50B and / or CMU 50A may include performing threshold checks on sensed parameters. Threshold checks may include, for example, comparing a measured cell voltage to a minimum threshold for cell voltage, comparing a measured cell current to a maximum threshold for cell current, and comparing a measured temperature to a maximum threshold for temperature. Threshold checks may also include comparing the time-varying rate of change of a measured voltage to a maximum time-varying rate of change threshold for voltage, comparing the time-varying rate of change of a measured current to a maximum time-varying rate of change threshold for current, or comparing the time-varying rate of change of a measured temperature to a maximum time-varying rate of change threshold for temperature. Each of these threshold checks can indicate the occurrence of an emergency, such as thermal runaway.

[0090] MCU 39 is also configured to selectively perform a wake-up function, wherein MCU 39 selectively sends a binary wake-up signal (arrow W) to the main controller 50D, thereby triggering MCU 42 of the main controller 50D to perform its assigned task.

[0091] Emergency situations that might benefit from communication with unsafe third-party devices could include thermal runaway events, which could be caused by overcharging, unbalanced charging, or structural damage to the battery, such as from external forces applied to the vehicle. For example, when experiencing a thermal runaway event, Figure 1The lithium-ion embodiment of the battery cell 14 shown will tend to exhibit a specific set of detectable behaviors. Thermal runaway may be confined within a single battery cell 14 or may propagate to adjacent battery cells 14. Initially, the individual cell voltage of the affected battery cell 14 may decrease due to the short-circuited electrodes. As the anode rapidly heats up, chemical reactions occurring within the battery cell 14 may occur, and the heat may eventually damage the protective layers, electrolyte material, and battery cell separator material within the battery cell 14. Exothermic reactions within the battery cell 14 may also generate gases and increase the internal pressure of the battery cell 14. A ruptured battery cell 14 may also release gases and possibly particulate matter. One or more of these phenomena can be sensed by one or more sensors 41 arranged to monitor the respective battery cell 14.

[0092] Figure 3 Details relating to an embodiment of wireless node 60 as part of CMU 50A as part of RESS 12 are schematically illustrated. Wireless node 60 includes hardware in the form of an RF antenna and peripheral devices 61, a microcontroller 62 (including a processor and one or more storage devices), and a sensor interface 63 (including, for example, an analog-to-digital converter). Sensor interface 63 communicates with or is integrated into battery cell sensing controller 34. Wireless node 60 also includes software application 64, a secure RF protocol 65, and an open RF protocol 66.

[0093] As a non-limiting example, software application 64 may include thresholds for sensor calibration, battery cell voltage, battery cell current, temperature, pressure, gas composition, etc.

[0094] Wireless connectivity may include wireless connections to other vehicle-mounted wireless nodes via an RF antenna and peripheral device 61.

[0095] The wireless node 60 periodically monitors one or more sensors 41, which are arranged to monitor the corresponding battery cells 14, and the wireless node 60 performs evaluations such as threshold checks on battery cell voltage, battery cell current, temperature, pressure, gas composition, etc., and the rate of change of battery cell voltage, battery cell current, temperature, pressure, gas composition, etc. over time, which indicates that a thermal runaway event has occurred or another fault has occurred.

[0096] Wireless node 60 employs secure RF protocol 65 to perform one-way or two-way communication between CMU 50A wireless node 60 and MCU 39 and / or other controllers. When operating in normal mode, wireless node 60 periodically monitors and evaluates signals from multiple sensors 41, performs calibration, performs the aforementioned evaluations (such as threshold checks), and employs secure RF protocol 65 to perform one-way or two-way communication with MCU 39 and / or other controllers. Reference arrow 74 illustrates this secure communication path.

[0097] Wireless node 60 employs open RF protocol 66 to perform one-way communication from CMU 50A wireless node 60 to one or more insecure third-party devices 80, which are located near the RF antenna and peripheral device 61 of wireless node 60, i.e., within the signal range of the RF antenna and peripheral device 61 of wireless node 60. When operating in open mode, wireless node 60 employs open RF protocol 66 to perform one-way communication with the insecure third-party device 80. Refer to arrow 71 to illustrate this open wireless communication path.

[0098] During operation, a triggering event can be detected that indicates a need for a more open communication protocol than that achievable with the secure RF protocol 65, such as providing system-critical information in emergency situations. The triggering event can be caused by an event sensed or otherwise determined and located within a specific CMU 50A. Alternatively, the triggering event can be caused by an event sensed or otherwise determined and located outside a specific CMU 50A, such as communication from another CMU 50A or communication from MCU 39.

[0099] When one or more thresholds of the battery cell voltage, battery cell current, temperature, pressure, gas composition, etc., or the rate of change of the battery cell voltage, battery cell current, temperature, pressure, gas composition, etc., exceed the corresponding threshold (which indicates that a thermal runaway event has occurred or another fault has occurred), a triggering event caused by a sensed or otherwise determined event and within a particular CMU 50A can be based on input from the aforementioned sensor 41, which is arranged to monitor the corresponding battery cell 14 of the RESS 12.

[0100] Triggering events caused by events outside a specific CMU 50A can take the form of communication from another CMU 50A or from the MCU 39. In one example, a triggering event may occur when another CMU 50A has already experienced a triggering event, and status or other information needs to be communicated to a third-party device 80 via open wireless communication path 71 and open RF protocol 66. In response to the triggering event, open wireless communication protocol 66 is activated to enable non-proprietary one-way wireless communication. The occurrence of the triggering event, the status of the specific CMU 50A, and, when equipped, location identifier 43 can be communicated to one or more nearby insecure third-party devices 80 via open wireless communication path 71.

[0101] This system advantageously enables wireless communication between information from multiple sensors 41 distributed throughout the battery pack and insecure third-party devices, providing more reliable communication compared to systems with a single communication access point in emergency situations.

[0102] While the best mode of carrying out this disclosure has been described in detail, those skilled in the art will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. The content contained in the above description and / or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative only and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A management system for a multi-cell rechargeable energy storage system, comprising: Multiple battery cell monitoring elements; and The system controller communicates with the plurality of battery cell monitoring elements; The plurality of battery cell monitoring elements are arranged to individually monitor the plurality of battery cells of the rechargeable energy storage system. Each of the plurality of battery cell monitoring elements includes a battery cell controller that communicates with a sensor, the sensor being arranged to determine parameters of a corresponding battery cell among the plurality of battery cells of the rechargeable energy storage system. Each battery cell controller is configured to execute a secure wireless communication protocol and is also configured to execute an open wireless communication protocol. Each battery cell controller includes an instruction set that can execute the following: Triggering events are detected based on input from the sensors, which are arranged to monitor parameters of a corresponding battery cell in the battery cells of the rechargeable energy storage system. In response to the triggering event, the open wireless communication protocol is activated to enable non-proprietary wireless communication; and The parameters of a corresponding battery cell in the battery cell are wirelessly communicated to a nearby third-party device via the battery cell controller and the open wireless communication protocol.

2. The management system of claim 1 further includes a system controller capable of executing a secure wireless communication protocol to monitor each of the plurality of battery cells of the rechargeable energy storage system in the absence of a triggering event.

3. The management system according to claim 1, wherein, Each battery cell controller configured to execute an open wireless communication protocol includes each battery cell controller configured to execute a simplified encryption protocol via a front-end peripheral device.

4. The management system according to claim 1, wherein, Each battery cell controller includes a location identifier, and each of the battery cell controllers is configured to wirelessly communicate the location identifier to a nearby third-party device via the battery cell controller and an open wireless communication protocol when a trigger event occurs.

5. The management system according to claim 1, wherein, Each battery cell controller configured to execute the open wireless communication protocol includes each battery cell controller configured to execute a 2.4 GHz radio frequency (RF) open communication protocol via a front-end peripheral device.

6. The management system of claim 5, comprising each battery cell controller configured to perform a 2.4 GHz RF open communication protocol from the battery cell controller to a nearby third-party device via a front-end peripheral device.

7. The management system according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor arranged to determine parameters of a corresponding battery cell among the plurality of battery cells in the rechargeable energy storage system includes a temperature sensor arranged to monitor the corresponding battery cell; and wherein the triggering event includes a time-varying rate of temperature change of the corresponding battery cell being greater than a maximum threshold temperature.

8. The management system according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor arranged to determine parameters of a corresponding battery cell among the plurality of battery cells in the rechargeable energy storage system includes a temperature sensor arranged to monitor the corresponding battery cell; and wherein the triggering event includes the temperature of the corresponding battery cell being higher than a maximum threshold temperature.

9. The management system according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor arranged to determine the parameters of a corresponding battery cell among the plurality of battery cells of the rechargeable energy storage system includes a current sensor arranged to monitor the corresponding battery cell; and wherein the triggering event includes one of the following: the current of the corresponding battery cell is greater than a maximum threshold current, or the time change rate of the current of the corresponding battery cell is greater than a maximum threshold time change rate of current.

10. The management system according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor arranged to determine the parameters of a corresponding battery cell in the battery cells of the rechargeable energy storage system includes a voltage sensor arranged to monitor the corresponding battery cell in the battery cells; and wherein the triggering event includes the voltage of the corresponding battery cell in the battery cells being less than a minimum threshold voltage, or the time-varying rate of change of the voltage of the corresponding battery cell in the battery cells being greater than a maximum threshold time-varying rate of change of the voltage.

11. A management system for a multi-cell rechargeable energy storage system, comprising: Multiple battery cell monitoring elements are arranged to individually monitor multiple battery cells of the rechargeable energy storage system. Each of the plurality of battery cell monitoring elements includes a battery cell controller that communicates with a sensor, the sensor being arranged to determine parameters of a corresponding battery cell among the plurality of battery cells of the rechargeable energy storage system. Each of the battery cell controllers is configured to execute a secure wireless communication protocol and is also configured to execute an open wireless communication protocol. Each of the battery cell controllers includes an instruction set, which is capable of executing: Triggering events are detected based on input from the sensors, which are arranged to monitor parameters of a corresponding battery cell among a plurality of battery cells in the rechargeable energy storage system. In response to the triggering event, the open wireless communication protocol is activated to enable non-proprietary wireless communication; and The parameters of a specific battery cell in the rechargeable energy storage system are wirelessly transmitted to a nearby third-party device via the battery cell controller and the open wireless communication protocol.

12. The management system of claim 11, wherein each battery cell controller configured to execute an open wireless communication protocol includes each battery cell controller configured to execute a 2.4 GHz radio frequency (RF) open communication protocol via a front-end peripheral device.

13. The management system of claim 11, comprising each battery cell controller configured to execute a 2.4 GHz RF open communication protocol from the battery cell controller to a nearby third-party device via a front-end peripheral device.

14. The management system according to claim 11, wherein, Each battery cell controller configured to execute the open wireless communication protocol includes each battery cell controller configured to execute a simplified encryption protocol via a front-end peripheral device.

15. The management system according to claim 11, wherein, Each of the battery cell controllers includes a location identifier, and each of the battery cell controllers is configured to wirelessly transmit the location identifier to a nearby third-party device via the battery cell controller and an open wireless communication protocol when a trigger event occurs.

16. The management system according to claim 11, wherein, Sensors arranged to determine parameters of a specific battery cell among a plurality of battery cells in a rechargeable energy storage system include one of a temperature sensor, a current sensor, or a voltage sensor, arranged to monitor the specific battery cell among the plurality of battery cells.

17. The management system according to claim 11, wherein, The triggering event includes a time-varying rate of change of one of the temperature, current, or voltage of a particular battery cell within the battery cell, which is greater than the corresponding maximum threshold time-varying rate of change.

18. The management system of claim 11, wherein the triggering event includes one of the temperature, current or voltage of the corresponding battery cell in the battery cell being greater than a corresponding maximum threshold of the temperature, current or voltage of the corresponding battery cell in the battery cell.

19. A management system for a multi-cell rechargeable energy storage system, comprising: A system controller that communicates with multiple battery cell monitoring elements; The plurality of battery cell monitoring elements are arranged to individually monitor the plurality of battery cells of the rechargeable energy storage system. Each battery cell controller is configured to execute a secure wireless communication protocol and is also configured to execute an open wireless communication protocol. Each of the battery cell controllers includes an instruction set, which is capable of executing: Detect the triggered event; In response to the triggering event, the open wireless communication protocol is activated to enable non-proprietary wireless communication; and Wireless communication is established with a nearby third-party device via the battery cell controller and the open wireless communication protocol.

20. The management system according to claim 19, wherein, The triggering event includes an emergency message transmitted from the system controller or from another of the plurality of battery cell monitoring elements.

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