Device and method for monitoring the state of a battery and device for protecting a battery

Abstract

The battery state monitoring device and method and the battery protection device according to embodiments of the present application can include a first current sensor connected to a positive terminal of a battery to measure a first current value, a second current sensor connected to a negative terminal of the battery to measure a second current value, a contactor including a first contactor positioned between the positive terminal of the battery and the first current sensor and a second contactor positioned between the negative terminal of the battery and the second current sensor, and a controller configured to set a representative current value among the first current value and the second current value and determine whether the representative current value is an abnormal current, and thus, by measuring and monitoring the current using heterogeneous current sensors, the battery current can be stably measured even when one of the current sensors fails, and the battery is protected from the abnormal current based on the representative current value of the battery, thereby providing a battery state monitoring device and method and a battery protection device with high efficiency, high stability, and high reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0173099, filed on December 6, 2021, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for monitoring battery status, and an apparatus for protecting a battery, and more specifically, to an apparatus and method for monitoring battery status, and an apparatus for protecting a battery by measuring and monitoring current using different types of current sensors, thereby protecting the battery from abnormal current even if any one of the current sensors fails. Background Technology

[0003] Recently, with the rapid increase in demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, cameras and mobile phones, and with the booming development of electric vehicles, energy storage devices, robots and satellites, research on high-performance batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged is being actively promoted.

[0004] Among batteries, lithium-ion batteries have attracted much attention due to their advantages of free charging and discharging, extremely low self-discharge rate and high energy density, as they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based batteries.

[0005] Battery protection devices typically include current sensors for measuring current. Current sensors monitor the battery's state by measuring the current flowing in the battery's charging / discharging path and detect overcurrents flowing in the battery pack. Furthermore, the current measured by the current sensor can be used to calculate the state of charge (SOC) or as a basis for determining whether the charging / discharging process is being performed correctly.

[0006] However, since only one current sensor is used in traditional battery protection devices, it is difficult to use the current to diagnose abnormal battery conditions when the current sensor fails. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] To address this problem, the present invention aims to provide a battery state monitoring device with high efficiency, high stability, and high reliability.

[0009] To address this problem, another objective of the present invention is to provide a battery state monitoring method with high efficiency, high stability, and high reliability.

[0010] To address this problem, another objective of the present invention is to provide a battery protection device with high efficiency, high stability, and high reliability.

[0011] Technical solution

[0012] To achieve the purpose of this disclosure, an apparatus for monitoring battery status may include: a first current sensor connected to the positive terminal of the battery to measure a first current value; a second current sensor connected to the negative terminal of the battery to measure a second current value; and a controller configured to set a representative current value between the first current value and the second current value based on whether at least one of the first current sensor and the second current sensor malfunctions, and to monitor the representative current value.

[0013] Here, the first current sensor and the second current sensor are of different types.

[0014] The controller can be configured to: apply power to a first current sensor and a second current sensor to measure a first average current value and a second average current value, respectively; determine whether the first current sensor is malfunctioning based on the first average current value; and determine whether the second current sensor is malfunctioning based on the second average current value.

[0015] The controller can be further configured to compare a first average current value with a specific threshold to determine whether the first current sensor has malfunctioned.

[0016] The controller can be further configured to determine that the first current sensor is malfunctioning when no CAN signal is periodically transmitted from the first current sensor.

[0017] The controller can be further configured to determine that the first current sensor is malfunctioning when an error message is received in the CAN signal periodically transmitted by the first current sensor.

[0018] The first current sensor may include a flux-type current sensor.

[0019] The second current sensor may include a Hall-type dual-channel current sensor, which includes a first channel and a second channel.

[0020] The controller can be further configured to: calculate the average current value in the first channel and the average current value in the second channel separately; and compare the average current value in the first channel and the average current value in the second channel with the current specification of the first channel.

[0021] The controller can be further configured to compare the average current value in the second channel with the current specification of the second channel when the average current value in the first channel and the average current value in the second channel are greater than or equal to the current specification of the first channel.

[0022] The controller can be further configured to determine that the second current sensor is malfunctioning if the average current value in the second channel is greater than the current specification in the second channel;

[0023] And if the average current value in the second channel is less than or equal to the current specification of the second channel, the average current value in the second channel is set as the representative current value of the second current sensor.

[0024] The controller can be further configured to set the average current value in the first channel as the representative current value of the second current sensor if at least one of the average current value in the first channel and the average current value in the second channel is less than the current specification of the first channel and the difference between the average current value in the first channel and the average current value in the second channel is equal to or less than a specific threshold.

[0025] The controller can be further configured to determine that the second current sensor is malfunctioning if at least one of the average current value in the first channel and the average current value in the second channel is less than the current specification in the first channel and the difference between the average current value in the first channel and the average current value in the second channel exceeds a specific threshold.

[0026] The controller can be further configured to: calculate the difference between a first average current value and a second average current value when the first current sensor and the second current sensor are determined to be normal; output the first average current value as a representative current value when the difference is less than a specific threshold; and determine that a current measurement error has occurred in the battery when the difference exceeds the specific threshold.

[0027] The controller can be further configured to output a first average current value as a representative current value when it is determined that the first current sensor is normal and the second current sensor is malfunctioning.

[0028] The controller can be further configured to output a second average current value as a representative current value when it is determined that the first current sensor is malfunctioning and the second current sensor is functioning normally.

[0029] The controller is configured to determine that a battery current measurement error has occurred when it is determined that the first current sensor and the second current sensor have malfunctioned.

[0030] The device used to monitor battery status is applied to a battery protection device that protects the battery by controlling a contactor when the representative current value is greater than or equal to a specific threshold.

[0031] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, a battery protection device may include: a first current sensor connected to the positive terminal of the battery to measure a first current value; a second current sensor connected to the negative terminal of the battery to measure a second current value; a contactor including a first contactor positioned between the positive terminal of the battery and the first current sensor and a second contactor positioned between the negative terminal of the battery and the second current sensor; and a controller configured to set a representative current value between the first current value and the second current value, and to determine whether the representative current value is an abnormal current, wherein the controller compares the representative current value with a specific threshold to determine whether the representative current value is an abnormal current, and controls the contactor to protect the battery based on whether the representative current value is an abnormal current.

[0032] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, a method for monitoring battery status is provided, the monitoring of battery status being performed by: setting a representative current value between a first current value and a second current value based on whether at least one of a first current sensor for measuring a first current value and a second current sensor for measuring a second current value is malfunctioning, wherein the first current sensor is connected to the positive terminal of the battery and the second current sensor is connected to the negative terminal of the battery, the method may include: calculating a first average current value and a second average current value respectively by applying power to the first current sensor and the second current sensor; determining whether the first current sensor is malfunctioning based on the first average current value; determining whether the second current sensor is malfunctioning based on the second average current value; and setting the current value of either the first current sensor or the second current sensor that is functioning normally as the representative current value to monitor the battery.

[0033] Determining whether a first current sensor is malfunctioning based on a first average current value may include comparing the first average current value with a specific threshold to determine whether the first current sensor is malfunctioning.

[0034] The first current sensor may include a flux-type current sensor.

[0035] The second current sensor may include a Hall-type dual-channel current sensor, which includes a first channel and a second channel.

[0036] Calculating a first average current value and a second average current value by applying power to a first current sensor and a second current sensor may include: calculating a first average current value of a first current value measured multiple times by the first current sensor; and calculating the average current value in a first channel and the average current value in a second channel of the second current sensor separately.

[0037] Determining whether the second current sensor is malfunctioning based on the second average current value may include comparing the average current value in the first channel and the average current value in the second channel with the current specification of the first channel.

[0038] Comparing the average current value in the first channel and the average current value in the second channel with the current specification of the first channel may include: when the average current value in the first channel and the average current value in the second channel are greater than or equal to the current specification of the first channel, comparing the average current value in the second channel with the current specification of the second channel.

[0039] Comparing the average current value in the second channel with the current specification of the second channel may include: determining that the second current sensor is malfunctioning if the average current value in the second channel is greater than the current specification of the second channel; and setting the average current value in the second channel as the representative current value of the second current sensor if the average current value in the second channel is less than or equal to the current specification of the second channel.

[0040] Comparing the average current value in the first channel and the average current value in the second channel with the current specification of the first channel may include setting the average current value in the first channel as the representative current value of the second current sensor if at least one of the average current values ​​in the first channel and the average current values ​​in the second channel is less than the current specification of the first channel and the difference between the average current values ​​in the first channel and the average current values ​​in the second channel is less than or equal to a specific threshold.

[0041] Comparing the average current value in the first channel and the average current value in the second channel with the current specification of the first channel may include determining that the second current sensor is malfunctioning if at least one of the average current values ​​in the first channel and the average current values ​​in the second channel is less than the current specification of the first channel and the difference between the average current values ​​in the first channel and the average current values ​​in the second channel exceeds a specific threshold.

[0042] Setting the current value of either the first current sensor or the second current sensor, which is operating normally, as a representative current value to monitor the battery may include: if the first current sensor and the second current sensor are determined to be operating normally, calculating the difference between a first average current value and a second average current value; if the difference is equal to or less than a specific threshold, outputting the first average current value as a representative current value; and if the difference exceeds the specific threshold, determining that a current measurement error has occurred in the battery.

[0043] Setting the current value of either the first current sensor or the second current sensor, which is functioning normally, as a representative current value to monitor the battery may include outputting a first average current value as a representative current value when it is determined that the first current sensor is functioning normally and the second current sensor is malfunctioning.

[0044] Setting the current value of either the first current sensor or the second current sensor, which is functioning normally, as a representative current value for battery monitoring may include outputting a second average current value as a representative current value when it is determined that the first current sensor is malfunctioning and the second current sensor is functioning normally.

[0045] The method for monitoring the battery may further include determining and outputting that a current measurement error of the battery has occurred when it is determined that the first current sensor and the second current sensor have malfunctioned.

[0046] Beneficial effects

[0047] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a battery state monitoring device and method, as well as a battery protection device, may include: a first current sensor connected to the positive terminal of the battery to measure a first current value; a second current sensor connected to the negative terminal of the battery to measure a second current value; a contactor including a first contactor positioned between the positive terminal of the battery and the first current sensor, and a second contactor positioned between the negative terminal of the battery and the second current sensor; and a controller configured to set a representative current value between the first current value and the second current value, and determine whether the representative current value is an abnormal current. Therefore, by using heterogeneous current sensors to measure and monitor the current, the battery current can be stably measured even when one current sensor fails, and the battery can be protected from abnormal currents based on the representative current value of the battery, thereby providing a highly efficient, highly stable, and highly reliable battery state monitoring device and method, as well as a battery protection device. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a traditional battery protection device.

[0049] Figure 2 This is a configuration diagram of a battery protection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of the controller in a battery protection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 4 This is an operation flowchart of a battery status monitoring method in a battery protection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 5This is an operation flowchart illustrating the step of determining whether the second current sensor is malfunctioning in a battery protection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] 1000: First current sensor; 2000: Second current sensor

[0054] 3000: Controller; 4000: Contactor

[0055] 4100: First contactor; 4500: Second contactor

[0056] 5000: Fuse; 5100: First fuse

[0057] 5500: Second fuse; 100: Memory

[0058] 200: Processor; 300: Transceiver

[0059] 400: Input interface; 500: Output interface

[0060] 600: Storage device; 700: Bus

[0061] BPU: Battery Protection Unit / Device Detailed Implementation

[0062] This invention can be modified in various forms and has various embodiments, and specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail below. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments, but rather, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. Throughout the description of the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0063] It should be understood that although terms such as first, second, A, B, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element, without departing from the scope of the invention. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes a combination of or any one of the associated listed items.

[0064] It should be understood that when a component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component, it can be directly coupled or connected to that other component, or there may be intermediate components. Conversely, when a component is referred to as "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another component, there are no intermediate components.

[0065] The terminology used in this application is for describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The singular form includes the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be understood that the terms "comprising" or "having" indicate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this specification, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0066] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0067] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0068] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a traditional battery protection unit.

[0069] refer to Figure 1 Traditional battery protection units (BPUs) are connected to at least one battery and electrically protect the battery from abnormal currents.

[0070] More specifically, traditional battery protection devices (cells) are equipped with a current sensor.

[0071] For example, the current sensor is provided in a non-contact type and is wound around the busbar connecting the battery and the contactor, so that one end of the current sensor can be located at the positive terminal of the battery. However, it is not limited to this description and can be provided in any form that can electrically protect the battery from abnormal current.

[0072] Typically, current sensors protect batteries by detecting overcurrent.

[0073] However, traditional battery protection devices only provide one current sensor, and therefore, when the current sensor fails, it is difficult to detect abnormal or fault currents, thus failing to prevent damage to the battery.

[0074] Therefore, the present invention provides a battery protection device and method for preventing damage to the battery due to the failure of the current sensor by using different types of current sensors, which will be described below.

[0075] Figure 2This is a configuration diagram of a battery protection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] refer to Figure 2 As described above, the battery protection device (BPU) according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected to at least one battery and electrically protects the battery from abnormal currents such as overcurrent. Here, the battery can be a battery module or a battery rack. A battery module has a configuration in which multiple battery cells (cells)—which are the smallest units of a battery—are combined in series and parallel, and a battery rack can include multiple battery modules.

[0077] The battery protection device according to an embodiment of the present invention is described in more detail for each component. The battery protection device (BPU) may include a battery state monitoring unit, a contactor (main contactor; MC, 4000), and a fuse 5000. The battery state monitoring device includes a first current sensor 1000, a second current sensor 2000, and a controller 3000. Here, the battery state monitoring unit may also be provided as a separate device including the first current sensor 1000, the second current sensor 2000, and the controller 3000. Furthermore, the fuse 5000 in the battery protection device (BPU) may not necessarily be used.

[0078] The components of the battery state monitoring device provided as a battery state monitoring unit in a battery protection device (BPU) are described in more detail. The first current sensor 1000 and the second current sensor 2000 may be devices for detecting abnormal currents such as overcurrent generated in the battery.

[0079] The first current sensor 1000 can be connected to the positive terminal of the battery. More specifically, one end of the first current sensor 1000 can be connected to the other end of the first contactor 3100, which will be described later, and the other end of the first current sensor 1000 can be connected to the positive terminal of the DC link.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the first current sensor 1000 may be a flux-type current sensor.

[0081] More specifically, the first current sensor 1000 can use CAN communication to transmit the measured value to the controller 3000, which will be described later. For example, the measured value of the first current sensor 1000 can be provided as a current value or a voltage value.

[0082] Here, the detection accuracy of the first current sensor 1000 can be higher than that of the second current sensor 2000, which will be described later.

[0083] Meanwhile, the second current sensor 2000 can be located on the negative terminal side of the battery. More specifically, one end of the second current sensor 2000 can be located on the other end of the second contactor 3500, which will be described later, and the other end of the second current sensor 2000 can be located on the negative terminal side of the DC link.

[0084] According to an embodiment, the second current sensor 2000 may be of a different type than the first current sensor 1000. In other words, the battery state monitoring device may include different types of current sensors. For example, the second current sensor 2000 may be a Hall-effect current sensor.

[0085] The second current sensor 2000 can transmit the measured value to the controller 3000, which will be described later. For example, the measured value of the second current sensor 2000 can be provided as a voltage measurement result.

[0086] The controller 3000 can supply power to the first current sensor 1000 and the second current sensor 2000.

[0087] Furthermore, the controller 3000 can determine whether at least one of the first current sensor 1000 and the second current sensor 2000 is malfunctioning. Therefore, the controller 3000 can measure the magnitude of the current, even if current measurement is impossible due to an error in one sensor, by using the other sensor that is functioning normally.

[0088] In other words, the controller 3000 can obtain a first current value measured by the first current sensor 1000 and a second current value measured by the second current sensor 2000. Here, when the measured value from the first current sensor 1000 or the second current sensor 2000 is provided as a voltage value, the controller 3000 can convert the obtained measured value into a current value, analyze it, and determine whether the first current sensor 1000 or the second current sensor 2000 is malfunctioning. Therefore, the controller 3000 can monitor the generation of abnormal current in the battery based on the current value measured by the normally functioning sensor among the first current sensor 1000 and the second current sensor 2000. The operation of the controller 3000 for monitoring the state of the battery will be described in more detail using methods for monitoring the state of the battery.

[0089] Simultaneously, the controller 3000 can control the opening and closing operations of the contactor 4000, which will be described later, based on representative current values ​​measured by the first current sensor 1000 and the second current sensor 2000. For example, the contactor 4000 may be a bidirectional contactor.

[0090] According to an embodiment, the controller 3000 can keep the first contactor 4100 or the second contactor 4500 closed if the representative current value measured from the first current sensor 1000 and the second current sensor 2000 is less than a certain reference value. Therefore, the battery can be connected to the charging / discharging circuit through the first contactor 4100 or the second contactor 4500 for charging or discharging.

[0091] Furthermore, when the measured value of the first current sensor 1000 or the second current sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value, the controller 3000 can switch the first contactor 4100 and the second contactor 4500 to an open state, which will be described later. Therefore, the battery can be disconnected from the charging / discharging circuit via the first contactor 4100 and the second contactor 4500.

[0092] According to an embodiment, the controller 3000 may be an RBMS (Rack-Based Management System), or it may be included in an RBMS as part of the RBMS. Refer to the following... Figure 3 The operation of the controller 3000 is described in more detail.

[0093] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of the controller in a battery protection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] refer to Figure 3 The controller 3000 in the battery protection device may include a memory 100, a processor 200, a transceiver 300, an input interface 400, an output interface 500, and a storage device 600.

[0095] According to an embodiment, each component 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 included in the controller 3000 can be connected via bus 700 to communicate with each other.

[0096] In components 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600, memory 100 and storage device 600 may include at least one of volatile storage media and non-volatile storage media. For example, memory 100 and storage device 600 may include at least one of read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM).

[0097] Among them, memory 100 may include at least one instruction executed by processor 200.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the at least one instruction may include: an instruction to calculate a first average current value and a second average current value by applying power to a first current sensor and a second current sensor, respectively; an instruction to determine whether the first current sensor is malfunctioning based on the first average current value; an instruction to determine whether the second current sensor is malfunctioning based on the second average current value; and an instruction to set the current value of either the first current sensor or the second current sensor, which is operating normally, as a representative current value to monitor the battery.

[0099] Processor 200 may mean a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a dedicated processor on which methods according to embodiments of the present invention are executed.

[0100] As described above, processor 200 can execute at least one program command stored in memory 100.

[0101] Return to reference Figure 2 The contactor 4000 of the battery protection unit (BPU) is an electrical switching device and can be operated to open / close by the controller 3000, which will be described later. In other words, the contactor 4000 can charge or discharge the battery, or prevent the battery from charging and discharging, according to commands from the controller 3000, which will be described later. For example, the contactor 4000 can be a magnetic contactor.

[0102] More specifically, contactor 4000 may include a first contactor 4100 and a second contactor 4500.

[0103] One end of the first contactor 4100 can be connected in series with the other end of the first fuse 5100, which will be described later, and the other end of the first contactor 4100 can be connected in series with the positive terminal of the DC link where the first current sensor 1000 is located. In other words, the first contactor 4100 can be located between the positive terminal of the battery and the first current sensor 1000.

[0104] Furthermore, one end of the second contactor 4500 can be connected in series with the other end of the second fuse 5500, which will be described later, and the other end of the second contactor 4500 can be connected in series with the negative terminal of the DC link where the second current sensor 2000 is located. In other words, the second contactor 4500 can be positioned between the negative terminal of the battery and the second current sensor 2000.

[0105] The first contactor 4100 and the second contactor 4500 can be configured as bidirectional contactors. Therefore, the first contactor 4100 and the second contactor 4500 can be opened and closed by the controller 3000 according to the measurement value of the first current sensor 1000 or the second current sensor 2000.

[0106] According to an embodiment, the first contactor 4100 and the second contactor 4500 can be configured to be controlled by the controller 3000 to be in a closed state when the measured values ​​of the first current sensor 1000 and the second current sensor 2000 are less than a predetermined reference value.

[0107] According to another embodiment, the first contactor 4100 and the second contactor 4500 can be configured to be controlled by the controller 3000 to be in an open state when the measured value of the first current sensor 1000 or the second current sensor 2000 exceeds a predetermined reference value.

[0108] Fuse 5000 is one of the main components of the BPU (Battery Unit) and is used to protect the battery in the event of a short-circuit current. It is a protective device that passively disconnects the circuit to protect the battery in the event of a short-circuit current. For example, fuse 5000 is a disposable component and needs to be replaced periodically during its use.

[0109] More specifically, fuse 5000 may include a first fuse 5100 and a second fuse 5500.

[0110] The first fuse 5100 may have one end connected to the positive terminal of the battery and the other end connected to the first contactor 4100.

[0111] The second fuse 5500 may have one end connected to the negative terminal of the battery and the other end connected to the second contactor 4500.

[0112] However, the battery protection device according to an embodiment of the present invention may not necessarily use a fuse 5000.

[0113] The battery protection device according to embodiments of the present invention has been described above. Hereinafter, a battery state monitoring method and a battery protection method executed by a controller in the battery protection device will be described.

[0114] Figure 4 This is an operation flowchart of a battery status monitoring method in a battery protection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] refer to Figure 4 The processor 200 of the controller 3000 in the battery protection device can apply power to the first current sensor 1000 and the second current sensor 2000 respectively, and measure the current value separately to monitor the state of the battery (S1000).

[0116] According to an embodiment, the processor 200 can use the first current sensor 1000 to measure the current value multiple times per second. Here, the first current sensor 1000 can be of the flux type.

[0117] According to another embodiment, the processor 200 can use a second current sensor 2000 to measure the current value multiple times per second. Here, the second current sensor 2000 can be a Hall-type sensor, which includes two channels: a fine channel and a coarse channel.

[0118] Subsequently, the processor 200 can calculate the average current value of the current value of the first current sensor 1000 measured from the first current sensor 1000 and the average current value of the second current sensor 2000 measured from the second current sensor 2000 (S2000).

[0119] According to an embodiment, the processor 200 can use the first current sensor 1000 to calculate the average of multiple current values ​​calculated multiple times per second.

[0120] According to another embodiment, the processor 200 can use the second current sensor 2000 to calculate the average current value of the fine channel and coarse channel current values ​​measured multiple times per second, respectively.

[0121] Then, the processor 200 can determine whether the first current sensor 1000 is malfunctioning based on the calculated average current value. In other words, it can determine whether the first current sensor is working properly (S3000).

[0122] According to an embodiment, the processor 200 can determine whether the first current sensor 1000 is malfunctioning (out of range) by comparing the average current value with a preset first threshold.

[0123] More specifically, when the average current value exceeds a first threshold, the processor 200 can determine that the first current sensor 1000 has malfunctioned. Here, the first threshold is preset and can be included in the specifications of the first current sensor 1000.

[0124] According to another embodiment, the processor 200 can perform sensor loss of communication (LOC) diagnostics to determine whether the first current sensor 1000 is malfunctioning.

[0125] Here, sensor LOC diagnostics may involve determining whether the controller 3000 receives CAN signals periodically transmitted by the first current sensor 1000. For example, if the first current sensor 1000 itself sends a CAN signal to the controller 3000 every 10ms but the controller 3000 does not receive the CAN signal, it can be determined that the first current sensor 1000 is malfunctioning.

[0126] According to another embodiment, in the CAN signal transmitted from the first current sensor 1000, if the controller 3000 receives an error message, the processor 2000 can determine that the first current sensor 1000 has malfunctioned.

[0127] Then, the processor 200 can determine whether the second current sensor 2000 is malfunctioning. Determining whether the second current sensor 2000 is malfunctioning can be performed independently and concurrently with determining whether the first current sensor 1000 is malfunctioning. This will be described later. Figure 5 The steps to determine whether the second current sensor 2000 is malfunctioning are described in more detail.

[0128] According to the embodiment, when it is determined that the second current sensor 2000 is normal (S4000), that is, when it is determined that both the first current sensor 1000 and the second current sensor 2000 are normal, the processor 200 can calculate the difference between the average current value of the first sensor 1000 and the average current value of the second sensor 2000.

[0129] Here, when the difference between the calculated average current value of the first current sensor 1000 and the average current value of the second current sensor 2000 is equal to or less than the second threshold L2 (S5000), the processor 200 can output the average current value of the first current sensor 1000 as a representative current value (S6000). Then, the processor 200 can transmit this representative current value to the BBMS. Here, the second threshold can be a preset reference value.

[0130] Simultaneously, when the calculated difference between the average current value of the first sensor 1000 and the average current value of the second sensor 2000 exceeds a second threshold (S5000), the processor 200 can transmit an operation error signal for the current sensor (S7000). In other words, if both the first and second current sensors are functioning normally, and the difference between the average current value of the first and second current sensors is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the processor 200 can determine that an operation error of the sensor has occurred.

[0131] According to another embodiment, when it is determined that the second current sensor 2000 is malfunctioning, that is, when it is determined that the first current sensor 1000 is normal and the second current sensor 2000 is malfunctioning (S5000), the processor 200 can move to step S6000 again and set the average current value of the first current sensor 1000 as the representative current value.

[0132] At the same time, the processor 200 can determine whether the second current sensor 2000 is malfunctioning. In other words, the processor 200 can determine whether the second current sensor is working properly (S8000).

[0133] According to the embodiment, when it is determined that the second current sensor 2000 is working normally (S8000), that is, when it is determined that the first current sensor 1000 is malfunctioning and the second current sensor 2000 is working normally, the processor 200 can select the second average current value of the second current sensor 2000 as the representative average value (S9000).

[0134] According to another embodiment, when it is determined that the second current sensor 2000 is malfunctioning, that is, when it is determined that both the first current sensor 1000 and the second current sensor 2000 are malfunctioning, the processor 200 can return to step S7000 and transmit an operation error signal of the current sensor.

[0135] Figure 5 This is an operation flowchart illustrating the step of determining whether the second current sensor is malfunctioning in a battery protection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0136] refer to Figure 5 The processor 200 can compare the average current value in the fine channel and the average current value in the coarse channel calculated in step S1000 with the third threshold L3. Here, as mentioned above, the processor 200 can measure the second current value by applying power to the second current sensor 2000 in step S1000, but is not limited to this, and can measure it after step S4000.

[0137] According to an embodiment, when the average current value in the fine channel and the average current value in the coarse channel are greater than or equal to a third threshold L3 (S4100), the processor 200 can compare the average current value in the coarse channel with a fourth threshold (L4). Here, the third threshold L3 can be included in the current specification (A) in the fine channel, and the fourth threshold L4 can be included in the current specification (A) in the coarse channel.

[0138] Here, when the average current value in the coarse channel is greater than the fourth threshold L4 (S4200), the processor 200 can determine that the second current sensor 2000 has malfunctioned (S4300).

[0139] Meanwhile, when the average current value in the coarse channel is less than or equal to the fourth threshold L4 (S4200), the processor 200 can set the average current value in the coarse channel as the representative current value of the second sensor 2000 (S4400).

[0140] According to another embodiment, when at least one of the average current value in the fine channel and the average current value in the coarse channel is less than a third threshold L3 (S4100), the processor 200 can determine whether the difference between the average current values ​​in the fine channel and the coarse channel is normal. Here, the cases where the average current value in the fine channel and the average current value in the coarse channel are less than the third threshold (L3) can include the cases where the average current value in the coarse channel is less than the third threshold (L3) and the average current value in the fine channel is less than the third threshold (L3), or the cases where the average current value in the coarse channel exceeds the third threshold (L3) and the average current value in the fine channel is less than the third threshold (L3), or the cases where the average current value in the coarse channel is less than or equal to the third threshold L3 and the average current value in the fine channel exceeds the third threshold L3.

[0141] Whether the difference in average current values ​​between the fine and coarse channels is normal can be determined by comparing it to a fifth threshold L5. Here, the fifth threshold L5 can be a preset reference value.

[0142] If the difference between the corresponding average current values ​​in the fine channel and the coarse channel is less than the fifth threshold L5, the processor 200 can determine that it is normal (S4500), and set and output the average current value in the fine channel as the representative current value of the second sensor 2000 (S4600).

[0143] Meanwhile, if the difference between the corresponding average current values ​​in the fine channel and the coarse channel exceeds the fifth threshold L5, the processor 200 can move to step S4300 and determine that the second sensor 2000 has malfunctioned.

[0144] Return to reference Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the processor 200 in the battery protection device (BPU) can compare a representative current value with a specific threshold to determine whether an abnormal current has been generated in the battery.

[0145] In addition, the processor 200 can protect the battery by controlling the contactor based on whether an abnormal current occurs.

[0146] Battery state monitoring apparatus and method, as well as battery protection device, according to embodiments of the present invention have been described.

[0147] A battery state monitoring device and method, and a battery protection device according to embodiments of the present invention may include: a first current sensor connected to the positive terminal of the battery to measure a first current value; a second current sensor connected to the negative terminal of the battery to measure a second current value; a contactor including a first contactor positioned between the positive terminal of the battery and the first current sensor and a second contactor positioned between the negative terminal of the battery and the second current sensor; and a controller configured to set a representative current value between the first current value and the second current value, and determine whether the representative current value is an abnormal current. Therefore, by using heterogeneous current sensors to measure and monitor the current, the battery current can be stably measured even when one current sensor fails, and the battery can be protected from abnormal currents based on the representative current value of the battery, thereby providing a highly efficient, highly stable, and highly reliable battery state monitoring device and method, and a battery protection device.

[0148] The operation of the method according to embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a computer-readable program or code on a computer-readable recording medium. A computer-readable recording medium includes all types of recording devices in which data readable by a computer system is stored. Furthermore, the computer-readable recording medium can be distributed across network-connected computer systems to store and execute the computer-readable program or code in a distributed manner.

[0149] Furthermore, computer-readable recording media can include hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Program instructions can include not only machine language code generated by a compiler, but also high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter or similar means.

[0150] Although some aspects of the invention have been described in the context of apparatus, it may also refer to a description of the corresponding method, where a block or apparatus corresponds to a method step or feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in the context of a method may also refer to corresponding blocks or items or features of corresponding apparatus. Some or all of the method steps may be performed by (or using) hardware devices such as, for example, microprocessors, programmable computers, or electronic circuits. In some embodiments, one or more of the most important method steps may be performed by such apparatus.

[0151] The invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof; however, those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications and alterations may be made to the invention in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for monitoring battery status, the device comprising: A first current sensor is connected to the positive terminal of the battery to measure a first current value; A second current sensor is connected to the negative terminal of the battery to measure a second current value; as well as A controller configured to set a representative current value between a first current value and a second current value based on whether at least one of the first current sensor and the second current sensor malfunctions, and to monitor the representative current value. The second current sensor includes a Hall-type dual-channel current sensor, which comprises a first channel and a second channel. The controller is configured as follows: Calculate the average current value in the first channel and the average current value in the second channel separately; The average current value in the first channel and the average current value in the second channel are compared with the current specification of the first channel; and The average current value in either the first channel or the second channel is set as the representative current value of the second current sensor.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first current sensor is of a different type than the second current sensor.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to: Power is applied to the first current sensor and the second current sensor to measure the first average current value and the second average current value, respectively; Determine whether the first current sensor is malfunctioning based on the first average current value; as well as The second current sensor is determined to be malfunctioning based on the second average current value.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The controller is configured to compare the first average current value with a specific threshold to determine whether the first current sensor is malfunctioning.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to determine that the first current sensor is malfunctioning when no CAN signal is periodically transmitted from the first current sensor.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to determine that the first current sensor is malfunctioning when an error message is received in a CAN signal periodically transmitted from the first current sensor.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first current sensor includes a flux-type current sensor.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to: When the average current value in the first channel and the average current value in the second channel are greater than or equal to the current specification of the first channel, The average current value in the second channel is compared with the current specification of the second channel.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The controller is configured to: If the average current value in the second channel is greater than the current specification in the second channel, the second current sensor is determined to be malfunctioning. as well as If the average current value in the second channel is less than or equal to the current specification of the second channel, the average current value in the second channel is set as the representative current value of the second current sensor.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to: If at least one of the average current values ​​in the first channel and the average current values ​​in the second channel is less than the current specification of the first channel, and the difference between the average current values ​​in the first channel and the average current values ​​in the second channel is equal to or less than a certain threshold, then... The average current value in the first channel is set as the representative current value of the second current sensor.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to: If at least one of the average current values ​​in the first channel and the average current values ​​in the second channel is less than the current specification in the first channel, and the difference between the average current values ​​in the first channel and the average current values ​​in the second channel exceeds a certain threshold, then... It was determined that the second current sensor was malfunctioning.

12. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The controller is configured to: Under the condition that the first current sensor and the second current sensor are determined to be normal. Calculate the difference between the first average current value and the second average current value; If the difference is less than a certain threshold, the first average current value is output as the representative current value. If the difference exceeds a certain threshold, it is determined that a current measurement error has occurred in the battery.

13. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The controller is configured to output the first average current value as a representative current value when it is determined that the first current sensor is normal and the second current sensor is malfunctioning.

14. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The controller is configured to output the second average current value as a representative current value when it is determined that the first current sensor is malfunctioning and the second current sensor is functioning normally.

15. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The controller is configured to determine that a current measurement error has occurred in the battery when it is determined that the first current sensor and the second current sensor have malfunctioned.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The device for monitoring battery status is applied to a battery protection device that protects the battery by controlling a contactor when the representative current value is greater than or equal to a specific threshold.

17. A battery protection device, comprising: A first current sensor is connected to the positive terminal of the battery to measure a first current value; A second current sensor is connected to the negative terminal of the battery to measure a second current value; A contactor, the contactor comprising a first contactor positioned between the positive terminal of the battery and the first current sensor and a second contactor positioned between the negative terminal of the battery and the second current sensor; as well as A controller configured to set a representative current value between the first current value and the second current value, and to determine whether the representative current value is an abnormal current. The controller compares the representative current value with a specific threshold to determine whether the representative current value is an abnormal current, and controls the contactor to protect the battery based on whether the representative current value is an abnormal current. The second current sensor includes a Hall-type dual-channel current sensor, which comprises a first channel and a second channel. The controller is configured as follows: Calculate the average current value in the first channel and the average current value in the second channel separately; The average current value in the first channel and the average current value in the second channel are compared with the current specification of the first channel; and The average current value in either the first channel or the second channel is set as the representative current value of the second current sensor.

18. A method for monitoring battery state, wherein the monitoring of battery state is performed by: setting a representative current value between a first current value and a second current value based on whether at least one of a first current sensor for measuring a first current value and a second current sensor for measuring a second current value malfunctions, wherein, The first current sensor is connected to the positive terminal of the battery, and the second current sensor is connected to the negative terminal of the battery. The method includes: The first average current value and the second average current value are calculated by applying power to the first current sensor and the second current sensor, respectively. Determine whether the first current sensor is malfunctioning based on the first average current value; Determine whether the second current sensor is malfunctioning based on the second average current value; and The current value of either the first current sensor or the second current sensor, which is operating normally, is set as a representative current value to monitor the battery. The second current sensor includes a Hall-type dual-channel current sensor, which comprises a first channel and a second channel. Determining whether the second current sensor is malfunctioning based on the second average current value includes: Calculate the average current value in the first channel and the average current value in the second channel separately; The average current value in the first channel and the average current value in the second channel are compared with the current specification of the first channel; and The average current value in either the first channel or the second channel is set as the representative current value of the second current sensor.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, Determining whether the first current sensor is malfunctioning based on the first average current value includes comparing the first average current value with a specific threshold to determine whether the first current sensor is malfunctioning.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The first current sensor includes a flux-type current sensor.

21. The method according to claim 18, wherein, Calculating the first average current value and the second average current value by applying power to the first current sensor and the second current sensor respectively includes: Calculate the first average current value based on the first current value measured multiple times by the first current sensor.

22. The method according to claim 18, wherein, Comparing the average current value in the first channel and the average current value in the second channel with the current specification of the first channel includes: When the average current value in the first channel and the average current value in the second channel are greater than or equal to the current specification of the first channel, The average current value in the second channel is compared with the current specification of the second channel.

23. The method according to claim 18, wherein, Comparing the average current value in the second channel with the current specification of the second channel includes: If the average current value in the second channel is greater than the current specification in the second channel, it is determined that the second current sensor is malfunctioning; and If the average current value in the second channel is less than or equal to the current specification of the second channel, the average current value in the second channel is set as the representative current value of the second current sensor.

24. The method according to claim 18, wherein, Comparing the average current value in the first channel and the average current value in the second channel with the current specification of the first channel includes: If at least one of the average current values ​​in the first channel and the average current values ​​in the second channel is less than the current specification of the first channel, and the difference between the average current values ​​in the first channel and the average current values ​​in the second channel is less than or equal to a specific threshold, then... The average current value in the first channel is set as the representative current value of the second current sensor.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, Comparing the average current value in the first channel and the average current value in the second channel with the current specification of the first channel includes: If at least one of the average current values ​​in the first channel and the average current values ​​in the second channel is less than the current specification of the first channel, and the difference between the average current values ​​in the first channel and the average current values ​​in the second channel exceeds a certain threshold, then... It was determined that the second current sensor was malfunctioning.

26. The method according to claim 18, wherein, Setting the current value of either the first current sensor or the second current sensor, which is operating normally, as a representative current value for monitoring the battery includes: If the first current sensor and the second current sensor are determined to be normal, calculate the difference between the first average current value and the second average current value; If the difference is equal to or less than a specific threshold, the first average current value is output as a representative current value; and If the difference exceeds a certain threshold, it is determined that a current measurement error has occurred in the battery.

27. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The current value of either the first current sensor or the second current sensor that is functioning normally is set as a representative current value to monitor the battery, including outputting the first average current value as a representative current value when it is determined that the first current sensor is functioning normally and the second current sensor is malfunctioning.

28. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The current value of either the first current sensor or the second current sensor that is functioning normally is set as a representative current value to monitor the battery, including outputting the second average current value as a representative current value when it is determined that the first current sensor is malfunctioning and the second current sensor is functioning normally.

29. The method of claim 18, further comprising determining and outputting that a current measurement error of the battery has occurred when it is determined that the first current sensor and the second current sensor have malfunctioned.

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