Parallel connection control method and energy storage device

Abstract

This application provides a parallel operation control method, an energy storage device, and a storage medium. The parallel operation control method includes: sending a parallel operation request command to slave devices; the parallel operation request command includes a first identifier of the master device; receiving device data returned by each slave device; if the device data includes the first identifier, generating a parallel operation control command based on the device data, and sending the parallel operation control command to the slave devices; the parallel operation control command includes the first identifier; the parallel operation control command is used to activate slave devices that meet the parallel operation conditions, or to deactivate slave devices that do not meet the parallel operation conditions. The above method can ensure the accuracy of parallel operation control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of energy storage technology, and in particular relates to a parallel control method and an energy storage device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, energy storage batteries have a wide range of applications, and can be used in various devices, especially energy storage devices. An energy storage device typically has two parallel interfaces, with identical hardware circuitry for both. When a parallel interface detects a connected power conversion unit, that energy storage device is designated as the master device, and the remaining energy storage devices without connected power conversion units become slave devices. The master and slave devices then form a multi-device system. For different multi-device systems, the parallel logic is controlled independently by different master devices.

[0003] However, when two multi-device systems are connected together, their communication buses are also connected simultaneously. A parallel operation command sent by the master device in one multi-device system will also be received by the slave devices in the other multi-device system, which can cause control confusion, lead to parallel operation abnormalities, and result in low accuracy of parallel operation control. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a parallel control method and an energy storage device to solve the problem of low accuracy in parallel control when multiple device systems are connected for communication.

[0005] The first aspect of this application provides a parallel control method applied to a master device, wherein the master device is communicatively connected with a plurality of slave devices to form a multi-device system. The method includes: sending a parallel request instruction to the slave devices; the parallel request instruction includes a first identifier of the master device; receiving device data returned by each slave device; if the device data includes the first identifier, generating a parallel control instruction based on the device data and sending the parallel control instruction to the slave devices; the parallel control instruction includes the first identifier; the parallel control instruction is used to enable slave devices that meet the parallel conditions, or to disable slave devices that do not meet the parallel conditions.

[0006] In the parallel operation control method provided in this application embodiment, the master device sends a parallel operation request instruction to the slave device, and the parallel operation request instruction includes a first identifier of the master device. Subsequently, when the master device receives device data returned by each slave device, if the device data contains the first identifier, it generates a parallel operation control instruction based on the device data. Through the verification of the first identifier by the master device and the slave devices, it can be ensured that when parallel operation is performed between multiple device systems, the slave device only responds to the control operation of a specific master device, guaranteeing the accuracy of the parallel operation control.

[0007] A second aspect of this application also provides a parallel control method applied to a slave device, wherein the slave device and the master device are communicatively connected to form a multi-device system. The method includes: receiving a parallel request instruction sent by the master device; if the parallel request instruction contains a preset identifier, then in response to the parallel request instruction, outputting device data to the master device; receiving a parallel control instruction sent by the master device; if the parallel control instruction contains a preset identifier, then in response to the parallel control instruction, turning on or off the slave device.

[0008] A third aspect of this application also provides an energy storage device, which includes a battery module, a parallel interface, a processor, and a memory. The parallel interface is used to connect with other battery packs or other energy storage devices to form a multi-device system. The processor is used to implement the above-mentioned parallel control method when executing a computer program stored in the memory. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is an application scenario diagram of a parallel control method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a parallel control method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the determination of address allocation instructions provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an energy storage device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a detailed flowchart of the address allocation instructions provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the determination of parallel operation conditions provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the determination of parallel control commands provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of another parallel control method provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the parsing of the address allocation instruction provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a parallel control method provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the parallel control device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0020] Figure 12 This is another structural schematic diagram of the energy storage device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0021] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" in the specification, claims and drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects, rather than to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0022] It should also be noted that the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application or the methods shown in the flowcharts include one or more steps for implementing the method. Without departing from the scope of the claims, the execution order of multiple steps can be interchanged, and some steps can also be deleted.

[0023] Some embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0024] Currently, energy storage batteries have a wide range of applications and can be used in various devices. For example, they can be used in self-moving devices such as automotive equipment, lawnmowers, sweeping equipment, mine clearance equipment, and cruise control equipment. They can also be used in energy storage devices such as mobile energy storage devices, home energy storage devices, or other electronic devices that require energy storage, without any limitations.

[0025] This application only takes the application of energy storage batteries in energy storage devices as an example, combined with... Figure 1 This application describes the application scenarios of a parallel control method provided in the embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 1 As shown, an energy storage device typically has two parallel interfaces, with identical hardware circuitry. When a parallel interface detects a connected power conversion unit, that energy storage device is designated as the master device, and the remaining energy storage devices not connected to a power conversion unit are designated as slave devices. The master and slave devices communicate with each other to form a multi-device system. For different multi-device systems, the parallel operation logic is controlled independently by different master devices. To improve the endurance of energy storage devices, multiple energy storage devices can be configured. In this case, several multi-device systems can be parallelized. Figure 1Taking two multi-device systems as examples, namely the first multi-device system and the second multi-device system, the first multi-device system includes a power conversion unit and master device A, slave devices A1, ..., slave devices An, and the second multi-device system includes a power conversion unit and master device B, slave devices B1, ..., slave devices Bn. Communication between the first and second multi-device systems is achieved by connecting the parallel interface of slave device An with the parallel interface of slave device Bn. However, when the two multi-device systems are connected together, their communication buses are connected simultaneously. Commands sent by the master device in the first multi-device system will also be received by the slave devices in the second multi-device system, leading to control confusion, parallel operation anomalies, and low accuracy in parallel control.

[0026] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a parallel control method that ensures that slave devices only respond to instructions from master devices within the same multi-device system, thereby guaranteeing the accuracy of parallel control.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a parallel control method provided in an embodiment of this application. This parallel control method is applied to a master device, for example, the master device can be an energy storage device. Figure 2 As shown, the parallel control method may include the following steps S11-S13. Depending on different requirements, the order of the steps in this flowchart may be changed, and some may be omitted.

[0028] S11, send a parallel operation request instruction to the slave device; the parallel operation request instruction contains the first identifier of the master device.

[0029] A parallel operation request instruction can be an instruction sent by a master device to several slave devices to request relevant device data. For example, the relevant device data may include, but is not limited to, the battery module's voltage value, temperature value, and remaining battery power. The first identifier is used to uniquely identify the master device within the multi-device system. The first identifier can be the master device's serial number or central processing unit code, and there are no restrictions on this.

[0030] by Figure 1Taking the multi-device system shown as an example, the first multi-device system includes a master device A and several slave devices A1, ..., An, and the second multi-device system includes a master device B and several slave devices B1, ..., Bn. The first identifier of master device A is A***, and the slave devices in the first multi-device system only need to process the parallel operation request command sent by master device A. The second identifier of master device B is B***, and the slave devices in the second multi-device system only need to process the parallel operation request command sent by master device B. When master device A sends a parallel operation request command A to a slave device in the first multi-device system, since the first and second multi-device systems are communicatively connected, this parallel operation request command A will also be received by the slave devices in the second multi-device system. To avoid control confusion, in one embodiment of this application, the first identifier A*** of the master device A is added to the parallel request command. When a slave device in the first multi-device system detects that the preset identifier in the parallel request command is the first identifier A***, it responds to the parallel request command. When a slave device in the second multi-device system detects that the preset identifier in the parallel request command is the first identifier A***, it does not respond to the parallel request command.

[0031] Accordingly, the second identifier of the master device B is B***, the slave device in the second multi-device system responds to the parallel request instruction with the second identifier B***, and the slave device in the first multi-device system does not respond to the parallel request instruction with the second identifier B***.

[0032] S12, receive device data returned by each slave device.

[0033] In at least one embodiment of this application, the device data reflects parameters such as the voltage value, temperature value, and remaining battery power of the slave device. Each slave device has corresponding device data; the parameters for different slave devices may be the same or different, and this is not limited. The device data can be fed back by the slave device in response to a parallel request command sent by the master device, or it can be actively fed back to the corresponding master device at preset time intervals, and this is not limited. The preset time interval is pre-set, for example, a preset time interval of 6 seconds.

[0034] by Figure 1Taking the multi-device system shown as an example, slave devices A1, ..., An in the first multi-device system and slave devices B1, ..., Bn in the second multi-device system can all send device data. Master device A in the first multi-device system can receive device data returned by slave devices A1, ..., An and B1, ..., Bn, and master device B in the second multi-device system can also receive device data returned by slave devices A1, ..., An and B1, ..., Bn. To avoid control confusion caused by master device B in the second multi-device system mistakenly receiving device data returned by slave devices A1, ..., An, or master device A in the first multi-device system mistakenly receiving device data returned by slave devices B1, ..., Bn, the device data contains either master device A's first identifier A*** or master device B's second identifier B***. Master device A and master device B monitor the preset identifiers contained in the device data. When the device data contains the first identifier A***, master device A processes the device data; when the device data contains the second identifier B***, master device B processes the device data.

[0035] S13, if the device data contains a first identifier, then generate a parallel operation control instruction based on the device data and send the parallel operation control instruction to the slave device; the parallel operation control instruction contains a first identifier; the parallel operation control instruction is used to enable a slave device that meets the parallel operation conditions, or to disable a slave device that does not meet the parallel operation conditions.

[0036] In at least one embodiment of this application, the parallel operation condition is related to the voltage value parameter of the slave device. When the voltage value of the battery module of the slave device meets the voltage condition, it is determined that the slave device meets the parallel operation condition; when the voltage value of the battery module of the slave device does not meet the voltage condition, it is determined that the slave device does not meet the parallel operation condition. When the slave device does not meet the parallel operation condition, the master device can generate a parallel operation control command to shut down the slave device; when the slave device meets the parallel operation condition, the master device can generate a parallel operation control command to turn on or keep the device in the on state and send it to the slave device. The method for determining the parallel operation condition can be referred to below. Figure 6 Detailed explanation of the process shown.

[0037] In one embodiment, if there is a slave device An+1 to be integrated into the multi-device system, and if the voltage value of the slave device An+1 to be integrated into the multi-device system meets the voltage conditions of the first multi-device system, the parallel interface of the slave device An+1 to be integrated into the multi-device system is connected to the parallel interface of the slave device An in the first multi-device system, so as to realize the parallel integration of the slave device An+1 to be integrated into the first multi-device system.

[0038] In one embodiment, if the device data does not contain a first identifier, the master device, uniquely identified by the first identifier, does not need to respond to device data that does not contain the first identifier; if the device data contains the first identifier, the master device, uniquely identified by the first identifier, analyzes and processes the device data containing the first identifier to obtain a parallel operation control command. The master device adds the first identifier to the parallel operation control command and then sends the parallel operation control command to the corresponding slave device, which responds to the parallel operation control command by turning on or off the slave device.

[0039] In one embodiment, if the device data does not contain the first identifier, it means that the master device does not need to process the device data, that is, the master device does not respond to the device data.

[0040] For the process of determining parallel control commands, please refer to the following text. Figure 7 Detailed explanation of the process shown.

[0041] In the parallel operation control method provided in this application embodiment, the master device sends a parallel operation request instruction containing the master device's first identifier to the slave device. Then, upon receiving device data returned by each slave device, if the device data contains the first identifier, a parallel operation control instruction is generated based on the device data. The slave device then starts or stops according to this parallel operation control instruction. This application, through the verification of the first identifier by the master and slave devices, enables the slave device to respond only to the control operations of a specific master device during parallel operation between multiple device systems, ensuring the accuracy of the parallel operation control.

[0042] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a method for determining address allocation instructions provided in an embodiment of this application. The method for determining address allocation instructions is applied to a master device and can be executed in... Figure 2 Before step S11. Before the master device sends a parallel request command to the slave device, such as Figure 3 As shown, the process of assigning an address to a slave device includes:

[0043] S111: When an address allocation request is received from a slave device, the first identifier of the master device and the address to be allocated are obtained.

[0044] In one embodiment, an address allocation request refers to a request sent by a slave device newly connected to a multi-device system to the master device to allocate an address in order to complete the address configuration.

[0045] Combination Figure 4 This document illustrates a structural schematic diagram of the energy storage device provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 4As shown, the energy storage device 30 includes a control unit 41, a switching unit 42, a first parallel interface 43, a second parallel interface 44, a first communication bus 45, and a second communication bus 46. The control unit 41 is implemented by a processor, i.e., integrated on the processor. In this embodiment, the parallel interfaces include a first parallel interface 43 and a second parallel interface 44. The first parallel interface 43 is connected to the control unit 41 via the first communication bus 45, and the second parallel interface 44 is connected to the control unit 41 via the second communication bus 46. The switching unit 42 connects the first communication bus 45 and the second communication bus 46, enabling the disconnection or connection of the first communication bus 45 and the second communication bus 46. When the energy storage device 30 detects that the first parallel interface 43 or the second parallel interface 44 is connected to a power conversion unit, it determines that the energy storage device 30 is a master device; otherwise, if the first parallel interface 43 or the second parallel interface 44 is not connected to a power conversion unit, the energy storage device 30 is determined to be a slave device. When the energy storage device 30 is the master device, the control unit 41 within the energy storage device 30 will separate the communication bus between the first parallel interface 43 and the second parallel interface 44. That is, the control unit 41 controls the switch unit 42 to disconnect, causing the first communication bus 45 and the second communication bus 46 to disconnect. Correspondingly, when the energy storage device 30 is a slave device, the switch unit 42 does not need to be disconnected. In this case, the first parallel interface 43 and the second parallel interface 44 of the slave device can be regarded as being on the same bus. The first communication bus 45 corresponding to the first parallel interface 43 is used to realize communication between the master device and the power conversion unit, and the second communication bus 46 corresponding to the second parallel interface 44 is used to realize communication between the master device and the slave device. When a new slave device is connected to the second parallel interface 44 of the slave device, the new slave device can send an address allocation request to the master device through the communication bus connected to the previous level. That is, before the parallel control method is executed, it is also necessary to obtain the connection status of the parallel interface of the energy storage device to determine whether the energy storage device is a master device or a slave device, and then control the switching unit 42 to open or close according to the device's identity, thereby executing the corresponding parallel control method. That is, when the control unit 41 detects that the power conversion unit is connected to the first parallel interface 43 or the second parallel interface 44, it determines that the energy storage device is the master device and controls the switching unit 42 to disconnect the connection between the first communication bus 45 and the second communication bus 46; when the power conversion unit is not connected to either the first parallel interface 43 or the second parallel interface 44, it determines that the energy storage device is the slave device and controls the switching unit 42 to connect the connection between the first communication bus 45 and the second communication bus 46.

[0046] In one embodiment, upon receiving an address allocation request from a slave device, the master device obtains its first identifier and the address to be allocated. Each slave device corresponds to only one address to be allocated, and each slave device's address to be allocated is unique. The master device determines all pre-set allocated addresses and already allocated addresses, determines unallocated addresses based on all allocated addresses and already allocated addresses, and selects the address to be allocated corresponding to the newly connected slave device from the unallocated addresses. The address selection method can be sequential, i.e., selecting the first allocated address from the unallocated addresses as the address to be allocated; or it can be random, i.e., randomly selecting an allocated address from the unallocated addresses as the address to be allocated. The address selection method can be set according to actual needs and is not limited here.

[0047] S112, based on the first identifier and the address to be allocated, generate an address allocation instruction and send the address allocation instruction to the slave device.

[0048] In one embodiment, an address allocation instruction is generated by combining the first identifier corresponding to the master device and the address to be allocated according to a pre-set data format. The pre-set data format can be {first identifier; address to be allocated}, and is not limited thereto. The master device then sends the address allocation instruction to the slave device.

[0049] In one embodiment, the first multi-device system includes slave devices A1, ..., An. All slave devices A1, ..., An have already been assigned addresses. When slave device An+1 to be merged into the first multi-device system, the master device A sends an address allocation instruction to slave devices A2, ..., An, and the slave device An+1 to be merged. Since slave devices A2, ..., An have already been assigned addresses, only the slave device An+1 to be merged needs to respond to the address allocation instruction.

[0050] The generation process for address allocation instructions can be found below. Figure 5 The flowchart shown is explained in detail.

[0051] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the generation of address allocation instructions provided in an embodiment of this application. The method for generating address allocation instructions is applied to the master device. Figure 5 As shown, the specific steps include the following:

[0052] S1111, obtain the device serial number or central processing unit code corresponding to the master device.

[0053] In one embodiment, the device serial number and / or central processing unit code can both be used as strings that uniquely identify the master device.

[0054] S1112, process the device serial number or central processing unit code according to the preset data format to obtain the first identifier.

[0055] In one embodiment, by processing the device serial number or central processing unit code according to a preset data format, a first identifier with a uniform format can be obtained.

[0056] S1113, obtain multiple pre-set allocation addresses.

[0057] In one embodiment, the master device determines all pre-set allocated addresses and allocated addresses within the multi-device system, determines unallocated addresses based on all allocated addresses and allocated addresses, and selects an address to be allocated from the unallocated addresses that corresponds to the newly connected slave device.

[0058] S1114, Select an address to be allocated from multiple allocated addresses according to a preset address allocation strategy.

[0059] In one embodiment, the preset address allocation strategy can be sequential selection, that is, selecting the first allocated address from the unallocated addresses as the address to be allocated. Alternatively, the preset address allocation strategy can be random selection, that is, randomly selecting an allocated address from the unallocated addresses as the address to be allocated. The address selection method can be set according to actual needs and is not limited here.

[0060] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method for determining parallel operation conditions provided in an embodiment of this application. The method for determining parallel operation conditions is applied to the main equipment. Figure 6 As shown, the specific steps include the following:

[0061] S131, Obtain the first voltage value of the battery module of the main device.

[0062] In one embodiment, the parallel operation condition may be related to the voltage difference between the second voltage value corresponding to the battery module of the slave device and the voltage value corresponding to the battery pack with the largest current in the multi-device system. Considering that the battery pack with the largest current in the multi-device system is usually the master device, the parallel operation condition may be related to the voltage difference between the second voltage value of the battery module corresponding to the slave device and the first voltage value corresponding to the battery module of the master device.

[0063] S132, calculate the voltage difference between the first voltage value and the second voltage value.

[0064] In one embodiment, the second voltage value refers to the voltage corresponding to the battery module of the slave device, and the device data includes the second voltage value of the battery module of the slave device. The second voltage value can be obtained by parsing the device data.

[0065] S133, when the voltage difference is less than the preset voltage threshold, it is determined that the slave device meets the parallel operation conditions.

[0066] In one embodiment, the preset voltage threshold is a pre-set threshold used to evaluate whether the slave device meets the parallel operation conditions. When the voltage difference is less than the preset voltage threshold, it is determined that the slave device meets the parallel operation conditions, and the slave device can be connected to the multi-device system, that is, the slave device can be enabled to work in parallel with other slave devices.

[0067] S134, when the voltage difference is greater than or equal to the preset voltage threshold, it is determined that the slave device does not meet the parallel operation conditions.

[0068] If it is determined that the slave device does not meet the parallel operation conditions, this process can be terminated; in addition, in other embodiments, the master device can send a prompt to the slave device, informing the slave device that it does not meet the parallel operation conditions, and shut down the slave device.

[0069] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the determination of parallel control commands provided in this application embodiment. The method for determining parallel control commands is applied to the main equipment.

[0070] In this embodiment, if the device data received by the master device contains a first identifier, the master device generates a parallel operation control command based on the device data and the first identifier, and then sends the parallel operation control command to the slave device, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the specific steps include the following:

[0071] S135, Receive device data returned by the slave device at preset time intervals; the device data includes the temperature value and remaining battery power of the slave device.

[0072] In one embodiment, the preset time interval is pre-set, for example, a preset time interval of 6 seconds. Multiple slave devices in the multi-device system output device data to the master device according to the preset time interval.

[0073] S136, if the device data contains the first identifier, then parse the device data to obtain the temperature value corresponding to the device and the remaining battery power.

[0074] In one embodiment, the device data also includes temperature values ​​and remaining battery power. By parsing the device data, the temperature values ​​and remaining battery power corresponding to the device can be obtained from the device data.

[0075] S137, when the temperature value of the slave device is higher than the preset temperature threshold, a parallel control command for shutting down the slave device is generated.

[0076] In one embodiment, when the temperature of the slave device is higher than a preset temperature threshold, continuing to charge / discharge the slave device in parallel will damage it. Therefore, generating a parallel control command to shut down the slave device can reduce damage to the slave device and ensure the power safety of the multi-device system.

[0077] In one embodiment, turning off the slave device means turning off the charging switch and discharging switch of the slave device, so that the slave device cannot interact with the multi-device system in terms of power, but the slave device is still physically connected to the multi-device system through the parallel interface.

[0078] S138, when the remaining battery power of the slave device is higher than the preset power threshold, generate a parallel control command that only allows the slave device to discharge in parallel.

[0079] In one embodiment, when the remaining battery power of the slave device is higher than a preset power threshold, continuing to charge the slave device in parallel may cause damage to the slave device. Therefore, a parallel control command is generated that only allows the slave device to discharge in parallel to reduce the loss of the slave device and ensure the power safety of the multi-device system.

[0080] In one embodiment, allowing only the slave device to discharge in parallel means turning off the charging switch of the slave device. The discharge switch of the slave device can be turned on or off, so that the slave device cannot perform charging. The slave device is still physically connected to the multi-device system through the parallel interface.

[0081] In one embodiment, a parallel control command refers to an instruction issued by a master device in a multi-device system to enable or disable a specified slave device that does not meet the parallel operation conditions. The parallel control command includes a first identifier, which causes the slave device to respond only to parallel control commands issued by the master device within that specific multi-device system. Furthermore, the parallel control command may also include the slave device number that does not meet the parallel operation conditions, using the slave device code to avoid control confusion caused by other devices that meet the parallel operation conditions incorrectly executing the parallel control command. The slave device number can be a device serial number or a central processing unit (CPU) code; the slave device number only needs to uniquely identify the slave device, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0082] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a parallel control method provided in another embodiment of this application, which is applied to a slave device. Figure 8 As shown, the parallel control method may include the following steps S21-S24. Depending on different requirements, the order of the steps in this flowchart may be changed, and some may be omitted.

[0083] S21, Receive the parallel operation request command sent by the master device.

[0084] In at least one embodiment of this application, the parallel operation request instruction can refer to an instruction sent by a master device to several slave devices requesting the acquisition of relevant device data. Figure 1 Taking the multi-device system shown as an example, the parallel operation request instruction received from the device can be issued by the master device A in the first multi-device system or by the master device B in the second multi-device system.

[0085] S22, if the parallel request instruction contains a preset identifier, then in response to the parallel request instruction, output device data to the master device.

[0086] In this embodiment, the preset identifier is an identifier already stored in the slave device and can be directly retrieved from the memory. If the parallel request instruction contains the preset identifier, it indicates that the parallel request instruction was sent by the master device corresponding to the slave device, and the parallel request instruction will be responded to. If the parallel request instruction contains other identifiers or has no identifier, it indicates that the parallel request instruction was sent by another master device, and the parallel request instruction will not be responded to.

[0087] Specifically, the default identifier is a string used to uniquely identify the master device. The default identifier can be the master device's serial number or CPU code; there are no restrictions on this. Figure 1 Taking the multi-device system shown as an example, the preset identifier can be the first identifier A*** of master device A in the first multi-device system, or the second identifier B*** of master device B in the second multi-device system. If the parallel request instruction includes the preset identifier, the multi-device system corresponding to the preset identifier is determined, and the slave devices in that multi-device system respond to the parallel request instruction by outputting data to the master device. For example, if the preset identifier is the first identifier A***, then the slave devices A1, ..., An in the first multi-device system corresponding to the first identifier A*** respond to the parallel request instruction. If the preset identifier is the second identifier B***, then the slave devices B1, ..., Bn in the second multi-device system corresponding to the second identifier B*** respond to the parallel request instruction.

[0088] In one embodiment, device data refers to data reflecting parameters such as voltage, temperature, and remaining battery power of the slave device. Each slave device has corresponding device data; the device data of different slave devices may be the same or different, without limitation. Device data can be output by the slave device in response to a parallel connection request command sent by the master device, or it can be output at preset time intervals, without limitation. The preset time interval is pre-set, for example, a preset time interval of 6 seconds.

[0089] S23 receives the parallel operation control command sent by the master device.

[0090] In at least one embodiment of this application, the parallel operation control command refers to an instruction issued by the master device in a multi-device system to control the opening or closing of a specified slave device that does not meet the parallel operation conditions. The parallel operation conditions are related to the voltage value parameter of the slave device. When the voltage value of the slave device's battery module meets the voltage condition, the slave device is determined to meet the parallel operation conditions; when the voltage value of the slave device's battery module does not meet the voltage condition, the slave device is determined not to meet the parallel operation conditions. It can be understood that when the slave device does not meet the parallel operation conditions, the master device can generate a parallel operation control command to close the slave device; when the slave device meets the parallel operation conditions, the master device can generate a parallel operation control command to open or keep the device in an open state and send it to the slave device. For example, if there is a slave device An+1 to be paralleled, and the voltage value of the slave device An+1 meets the voltage condition of the first multi-device system, the parallel operation interface of the slave device An+1 to be paralleled is connected to the parallel operation interface of slave device An in the first multi-device system, thereby realizing the parallel operation of the slave device An+1 to be paralleled into the first multi-device system.

[0091] In one embodiment, the parallel operation condition can be related to the voltage difference between the second voltage value corresponding to the battery module of the slave device and the voltage value corresponding to the battery pack with the largest current in the multi-device system. Considering that the battery pack with the largest current in the multi-device system is the master device, the parallel operation condition can also be related to the voltage difference between the second voltage value of the battery module corresponding to the slave device and the first voltage value corresponding to the battery module of the master device. By calculating the voltage difference between the first and second voltage values, if the voltage difference is less than a preset voltage threshold, it is determined that the slave device meets the parallel operation condition; if the voltage difference is greater than or equal to the preset voltage threshold, it is determined that the slave device does not meet the parallel operation condition. When the slave device meets the parallel operation condition, it can be connected to the multi-device system, that is, the slave device can be started to work in parallel with other slave devices.

[0092] S24, if the parallel control command includes a preset identifier, then in response to the parallel control command, the slave device is turned on or off.

[0093] In at least one embodiment of this application, the parallel control command includes a preset identifier, which causes the slave device to respond only to parallel control commands issued by the master device within a specific multi-device system. Figure 1 Taking the multi-device system shown as an example, when the preset identifier is the first identifier A***, the slave device in the first multi-device system responds to the parallel operation control command; when the preset identifier is the second identifier B***, the slave device in the second multi-device system responds to the parallel operation control command.

[0094] In one embodiment, the parallel control command further includes the slave device number that needs to respond to the parallel control execution. Using the slave device number avoids control confusion caused by other slave devices that meet the parallel conditions executing the parallel control command. The slave device number can refer to a device serial number or a central processing unit (CPU) code; it only needs to uniquely identify the slave device and is not limited thereto.

[0095] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the parsing process of address allocation instructions provided in an embodiment of this application. The method for parsing address allocation instructions is applied to a slave device. Figure 9 As shown, it includes the following steps:

[0096] S211, Send an address allocation request to the master device.

[0097] In one embodiment, an address allocation request refers to information sent by a slave device to a master device requesting an address to access a multi-device system.

[0098] S212 receives the address allocation command sent by the master device.

[0099] In one embodiment, when an address allocation request is received from a slave device, the master device's first identifier and the address to be allocated are obtained. The first identifier and the address to be allocated are stored according to a pre-set data format to obtain an address allocation instruction. The pre-set data format can be {first identifier; address to be allocated}, and is not limited here. Then, the address allocation instruction is sent to the slave device.

[0100] S213, parse the address allocation instruction to obtain the first identifier of the master device and the address to be allocated.

[0101] In one embodiment, each slave device corresponds to only one address to be assigned, and the address to be assigned for each slave device is unique. The master device determines all pre-set assigned addresses and already assigned addresses, determines unassigned addresses based on all assigned addresses and already assigned addresses, and selects the address to be assigned corresponding to the slave device from the unassigned addresses. The address selection method can be sequential, that is, selecting the first assigned address from the unassigned addresses as the address to be assigned; or it can be random, that is, randomly selecting an assigned address from the unassigned addresses as the address to be assigned. The address selection method can be set according to actual needs and is not limited here.

[0102] S214, determine the communication address of the slave device based on the address to be assigned.

[0103] In one embodiment, the slave device uses the address to be allocated contained in the address allocation instruction as the communication address of the slave device.

[0104] S215, store the first identifier as the preset identifier.

[0105] In one embodiment, the slave device stores the first identifier of the master device as a credential for receiving relevant instructions sent by the master device in the multi-device system, thereby indicating that the slave device has a master device that controls it.

[0106] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a parallel control method provided in another embodiment of this application, which is applied to the master and slave devices in a multi-device system. Figure 10 As shown, the parallel control method may include the following steps S31-S37. Depending on different requirements, the order of the steps in this flowchart may be changed, and some may be omitted.

[0107] S31, the master device sends a parallel operation request instruction to the slave device; the parallel operation request instruction contains the first identifier of the master device.

[0108] S32, the slave device receives the parallel operation request command sent by the master device.

[0109] S33, if the parallel operation request instruction contains a first identifier, the slave device responds to the parallel operation request instruction by outputting device data to the master device.

[0110] S34, the master device receives device data returned by each slave device.

[0111] S35, if the device data contains a first identifier, the master device generates a parallel operation control instruction based on the device data and sends the parallel operation control instruction to the slave device; the parallel operation control instruction contains a first identifier; the parallel operation control instruction is used to enable a slave device that meets the parallel operation conditions, or to disable a slave device that does not meet the parallel operation conditions.

[0112] S36, the slave device receives the parallel operation control command sent by the master device.

[0113] S37, if the parallel control command includes a first identifier, the slave device responds to the parallel control command by turning on or off the slave device.

[0114] The steps S31-S37 above correspond to steps S11-S13 and steps S21-S24 respectively. For the specific implementation process, please refer to the description of the foregoing embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0115] Please see Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the parallel operation control device provided in an embodiment of this application. In some embodiments, the parallel operation control device 20 may include multiple functional modules composed of computer program segments. The computer programs of each program segment in the parallel operation control device 20 may be stored in the memory of the computer device 30 and executed by at least one processor to perform (see details). Figure 1(Description) The function of parallel control.

[0116] In this embodiment, the parallel control device 20 can be divided into multiple functional modules according to the functions it performs. When the parallel control device 20 is applied to the master device, the functional modules may include: a request instruction sending module 201, a device data receiving module 202, and a control instruction response module 203. The term "module" in this application refers to a series of computer program segments that can be executed by at least one processor and perform a fixed function, and which are stored in memory. In this embodiment, the functions of each module will be described in detail in subsequent embodiments.

[0117] The request instruction sending module 201 can be used to send a parallel operation request instruction to the slave device; the parallel operation request instruction contains the first identifier of the master device.

[0118] The device data receiving module 202 can be used to receive device data returned by each slave device.

[0119] The control command response module 203 can be used to generate a parallel operation control command based on the device data if the device data contains a first identifier, and send the parallel operation control command to the slave device; the parallel operation control command contains a first identifier; the parallel operation control command is used to enable a slave device that meets the parallel operation conditions, or to disable a slave device that does not meet the parallel operation conditions.

[0120] It is understood that the parallel operation control device 20 and the parallel operation control method of the above embodiments belong to the same inventive concept. The specific implementation of each module of the parallel operation control device 20 corresponds to each step of the parallel operation control method in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0121] The module division described above is a logical functional division, and other division methods may be used in actual implementation. Furthermore, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into the same processing unit, or each module can exist physically separately, or two or more modules can be integrated into the same unit. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or in a combination of hardware and software functional modules.

[0122] Figure 12 This is another structural schematic diagram of an energy storage device provided in an embodiment of this application. This application embodiment combines... Figure 12 Describe the structure of the energy storage device. For example... Figure 12 As shown, the energy storage device 30 includes a battery module 31, a parallel interface 32, a processor 33, and a memory 34.

[0123] Those skilled in the art should understand that Figure 12The structure of the energy storage device shown does not constitute a limitation of the embodiments of this application. The energy storage device 30 may also include more or fewer other hardware or software, or different component arrangements than shown. For example, the energy storage device 30 may also include multiple interfaces, such as an output interface, for connecting to a load to supply power to the load.

[0124] Energy storage device 30 can be any electronic device with energy storage capabilities, including self-moving devices such as automotive equipment, lawnmowers, sweeping equipment, mine clearance equipment, and cruise control equipment. Energy storage device 30 can also include mobile energy storage devices, home energy storage devices, or other electronic devices with energy storage battery packs.

[0125] It should be noted that the energy storage device 30 is only an example. Other existing or future electronic products that are applicable to this application should also be included within the scope of protection of this application and are incorporated herein by reference.

[0126] In some embodiments, the energy storage device 30 may further include a battery module 31 that powers various components. Preferably, the battery module 31 can be logically connected to at least one processor 33 via a power management device (not shown), thereby enabling the power management device to manage functions such as charging, discharging, and power consumption. The energy storage device 30 may also include any components such as a power converter and an output display. The power converter may include an AC-DC converter or a DC-DC converter. The energy storage device 30 may also include various sensors, Bluetooth modules, Wi-Fi modules, etc., which will not be described in detail here.

[0127] In some embodiments, the energy storage device 30 may further include a plurality of parallel interfaces 32, which are used to communicate with other battery packs or other energy storage devices to form a multi-device system.

[0128] In some embodiments, the memory 34 stores a computer program that, when executed by at least one processor 33, performs all or part of the steps in the parallel control method described above on the battery module 31. The memory 34 includes read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), one-time programmable read-only memory (OTPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, disk storage, magnetic tape storage, or any other computer-readable medium capable of carrying or storing data.

[0129] Furthermore, the computer-readable storage medium may primarily include a stored program area and a stored data area, wherein the stored program area may store the operating system, an application program required for at least one function, etc.; and the stored data area may store data created based on the use of the energy storage device 30, etc.

[0130] In some embodiments, at least one processor 33 is the control unit of the energy storage device 30. It connects to various components of the energy storage device 30 via various interfaces and lines, and executes programs or modules stored in the memory 34, as well as calling data stored in the memory 34, to perform various functions and process data within the energy storage device 30. For example, when at least one processor 33 executes a computer program stored in the memory 34, it implements all or part of the steps of the parallel control method in this embodiment; or it implements all or part of the functions of the parallel control device. At least one processor 33 may be composed of integrated circuits, such as a single-packaged integrated circuit or multiple integrated circuits with the same or different functions, including combinations of one or more central processing units (CPUs), microprocessors, digital processing chips, graphics processors, and various control chips.

[0131] In some embodiments, at least one communication bus is configured to enable communication between the memory 34 and at least one processor 33.

[0132] The integrated unit implemented as a software functional module described above can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. This software functional module, stored in a storage medium, includes several instructions to cause an energy storage device (which may be a personal computer, an energy storage device, or a network device, etc.) or a controller (processor) to execute portions of the methods of the various embodiments of this application.

[0133] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules is only a logical functional division, and other division methods may be used in actual implementation.

[0134] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as modules may or may not be physical units; they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0135] Furthermore, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or in the form of hardware plus software functional modules.

[0136] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this application is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that this application can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this application. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered exemplary and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this application is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be embraced within this application. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. Furthermore, it is clear that the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or, and the singular does not exclude the plural. Multiple elements or devices recited in the specification may also be implemented by a single element or device in software or hardware. The terms "first," "second," etc., are used to indicate names and do not indicate any particular order.

[0137] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this application.

Claims

1. A parallel control method, applied to a main equipment, characterized in that, The master device is communicatively connected to several slave devices to form a multi-device system, and the method includes: Send a parallel operation request instruction to the slave device; the parallel operation request instruction includes a first identifier of the master device; Receive device data returned from each of the aforementioned devices; If the device data contains the first identifier, a parallel control command is generated based on the device data and sent to the slave device; the parallel control command contains the first identifier; the parallel control command is used to enable a slave device that meets the parallel conditions, or to disable a slave device that does not meet the parallel conditions; the device data includes the second voltage value of the battery module of the slave device; when the voltage difference between the first voltage value and the second voltage value of the battery module of the master device is less than a preset voltage threshold, it is determined that the slave device meets the parallel conditions; when the voltage difference is greater than or equal to the preset voltage threshold, it is determined that the slave device does not meet the parallel conditions.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Before sending the parallel request instruction to the slave device, the method further includes: When an address allocation request is received from the slave device, the first identifier and the address to be allocated of the master device are obtained; Based on the first identifier and the address to be assigned, an address allocation instruction is generated and sent to the slave device.

3. The method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the first identifier and the address to be assigned of the master device includes: Obtain the device serial number or central processing unit code corresponding to the main device; The device serial number or the central processing unit code is processed according to a preset data format to obtain the first identifier; Retrieve multiple pre-set allocation addresses; According to a preset address allocation strategy, an allocation address is selected from the plurality of allocation addresses as the address to be allocated.

4. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, If the device data contains the first identifier, then after generating a parallel operation control command based on the device data and sending the parallel operation control command to the slave device, the method further includes: The device receives device data output by the slave device at preset time intervals; the device data includes the temperature value and remaining battery power of the slave device. If the device data contains the first identifier, then the device data is parsed to obtain the temperature value and remaining battery power corresponding to the slave device; When the temperature value is higher than a preset temperature threshold, a parallel control command for shutting down the slave device is generated. When the remaining battery power is higher than a preset power threshold, a parallel control command is generated that only allows the slave device to discharge in parallel.

5. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the device data does not contain the first identifier, then the device data will not be responded to.

6. A parallel control method applied to a slave device, characterized in that, The slave device and the master device are communicatively connected to form a multi-device system, and the method includes: Receive the parallel operation request command sent by the master device; If the parallel request instruction contains a preset identifier, then in response to the parallel request instruction, device data is output to the master device; Receive the parallel operation control command sent by the master device; If the parallel control command includes the preset identifier, then in response to the parallel control command, a slave device that meets the parallel conditions is turned on or a slave device that does not meet the parallel conditions is turned off. The device data includes the second voltage value of the battery module of the slave device. When the voltage difference between the first voltage value and the second voltage value of the battery module of the master device is less than a preset voltage threshold, it is determined that the slave device meets the parallel conditions; when the voltage difference is greater than or equal to the preset voltage threshold, it is determined that the slave device does not meet the parallel conditions.

7. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send an address allocation request to the master device; Receive the address allocation instruction sent by the master device; Parse the address allocation instruction to obtain the first identifier and the address to be allocated of the master device; The communication address of the slave device is determined based on the address to be assigned. The first identifier is stored as the preset identifier.

8. An energy storage device, characterized in that, The energy storage device includes a battery module, a parallel interface, a processor, and a memory. The parallel interface is used to connect with other battery packs or other energy storage devices to form a multi-device system. The processor is used to execute the computer program stored in the memory to implement the parallel control method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, or to implement the parallel control method as described in any one of claims 6 to 7.

9. The energy storage device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The parallel interface includes a first parallel interface and a second parallel interface; the energy storage device further includes a switching unit, a first communication bus and a second communication bus; the first parallel interface is connected to the processor through the first communication bus, and the second parallel interface is connected to the processor through the second communication bus; The switching unit connects the first communication bus and the second communication bus to control the disconnection or connection between the first communication bus and the second communication bus; the processor is further configured to: When the power conversion unit is detected to be connected to the first parallel interface or the second parallel interface, the energy storage device is determined to be the main device, and the switching unit is controlled to disconnect the connection between the first communication bus and the second communication bus. If no power conversion unit is connected to either the first parallel interface or the second parallel interface, the energy storage device is determined to be a slave device, and the switching unit is controlled to connect the first communication bus and the second communication bus.

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