Battery pack protection method, protection device for executing protection method and battery pack

Abstract

The invention provides a protection method of a battery pack, a protection device for executing the protection method and the battery pack. A protection device for a battery pack, the battery pack comprising a battery module, the protection device comprising: a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the battery module; and a control device configured to execute a protection operation of the battery pack if a first temperature value measured by the temperature sensor during use of the battery module is greater than a first temperature limit value, and correcting the first temperature limit value according to a second temperature value measured by the temperature sensor after performing the protection operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a protection method for a battery pack, and a protection device and a battery pack for performing the protection method. Background Art

[0002] Secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged are different from primary batteries that only provide irreversible conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used as power sources for small electronic devices (such as mobile phones, laptops or portable cameras), and high-capacity secondary batteries are used as power sources for hybrid vehicles, etc.

[0003] Generally, a secondary battery cell includes an electrode assembly, a housing that accommodates the electrode assembly, and an electrode terminal electrically connected to the electrode assembly, and the electrode assembly includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator inserted between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. An electrolyte solution is injected into the housing so that the charging and discharging of the battery cell can be performed by an electrochemical reaction between the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the electrolyte solution. The shape of the housing (such as a cylindrical or rectangular shape) varies according to the use of the battery cell.

[0004] Battery cells can be connected in series and / or in parallel to form a battery module with high energy density. A battery pack can include one or more battery modules according to the required specifications.

[0005] In a battery pack, overheating of a battery cell may occur due to short circuit, open circuit, overcurrent, overvoltage, high temperature environment, etc.

[0006] If the temperature value of the battery cell is higher than a predetermined temperature limit, the protection circuit protects the battery pack by performing protection actions such as stopping charging and discharging, etc. Generally, the temperature limit is preset when the battery pack is shipped, and battery packs with the same specifications are set to have the same temperature limit.

[0007] Even after the protection operation is performed, a phenomenon occurs in which the temperature of the battery cell continues to rise for a predetermined period of time due to residual heat.

[0008] The residual heat after the protection operation is performed in the battery pack varies according to the output of the battery pack when the protection operation is performed. The degree of temperature increase of the battery cells after the protection operation may vary according to the output of the battery pack when the protection operation is performed.

[0009] If a battery pack is mounted on an electronic device (e.g., a cleaner) whose output is adjusted in multiple stages, the output of the battery pack varies according to the output of the mounted electronic device. If the battery pack is used in common, the output of the battery pack varies according to the output of the electronic device on which the battery pack is mounted. However, the existing protection circuit performs a protection operation using a fixed temperature limit value, so there is a problem that if the output of the battery pack changes, it is difficult to cope appropriately. Summary of the invention

[0010] In a first aspect, an embodiment relates to a protection device for a battery pack, the battery pack comprising a battery module, the protection device comprising: a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the battery module; and a control device (e.g., a controller) configured to perform a protection operation of the battery pack if a first temperature value measured by the temperature sensor during use of the battery module is greater than a first temperature limit, and to correct the first temperature limit after performing the protection operation based on a second temperature value measured by the temperature sensor.

[0011] The protection device of the first aspect further includes: a storage device, which can be configured to store at least one temperature limit value corresponding to at least one output value of the battery pack. The protection device of the first aspect, wherein the controller can also be configured to select the first temperature limit value according to the output value of the battery pack. The protection device of the first aspect, wherein if the battery pack outputs a first output value and the temperature limit value corresponding to the first output value has been stored in the storage device, the controller can also be configured to use the temperature limit value corresponding to the first output value as the first temperature limit value. The protection device of the first aspect, wherein if the battery pack outputs a second output value different from the first output value and the temperature limit value corresponding to the second output value has been stored in the storage device, the controller can also be configured to use the temperature limit value corresponding to the second output value as the first temperature limit value. The protection device of the first aspect, wherein if the battery pack outputs a third output value different from the first output value and the temperature limit value corresponding to the third output value is not stored in the storage device, the controller can also be configured to use a predetermined default value as the first temperature limit value.

[0012] The protection device of the first aspect, wherein if the second temperature value is greater than a maximum allowable temperature value, the controller may be further configured to correct the first temperature limit value to be reduced by a predetermined value.

[0013] The protection device of the first aspect, wherein if the second temperature value is less than or equal to the maximum allowable temperature value, the controller may be further configured to maintain the first temperature limit value.

[0014] A protection device of the first aspect, wherein, if the protection operation is performed while the battery pack is discharging to output a first output value and the temperature limit corresponding to the first output value is not stored in the storage device, the controller may also be configured to store the first temperature limit in the storage device as the temperature limit corresponding to the first output value.

[0015] In a second aspect, an embodiment relates to a battery pack, the battery pack comprising: a battery module; and a protection device for the battery pack. The protection device may include: a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the battery module; and a controller configured to perform a protection operation of the battery pack if a first temperature value measured by the temperature sensor during use of the battery module is greater than a first temperature limit value, and to correct the first temperature limit value according to a second temperature value measured by the temperature sensor after performing the protection operation.

[0016] In a third aspect, an embodiment relates to a protection method for a battery pack, the method comprising: measuring a first temperature value of a battery module included in the battery pack while the battery pack is discharging; if the first temperature value is greater than a first temperature limit, performing a protection operation of the battery pack; after performing the protection operation, measuring a second temperature value of the battery module; and correcting the first temperature limit based on the second temperature value.

[0017] The protection method of the third aspect also includes: selecting the first temperature limit value according to the output value of the battery pack. The protection method of the third aspect, wherein selecting the first temperature limit value may include: if the battery pack outputs a first output value and a temperature limit value corresponding to the first output value has been stored, then selecting the stored temperature limit value corresponding to the first output value as the first temperature limit value. The protection method of the third aspect, wherein selecting the first temperature limit value may include: if the battery pack outputs a second output value different from the first output value and a temperature limit value corresponding to the second output value has been stored, then selecting the stored temperature limit value corresponding to the second output value as the first temperature limit value. The protection method of the third aspect, wherein selecting the first temperature limit value includes: if the battery pack outputs a third output value different from the first output value and a temperature limit value corresponding to the third output value has not been stored, then selecting a default value as the first temperature limit value.

[0018] The protection method of the third aspect, wherein correcting the first temperature limit may include: if the second temperature value is greater than a maximum allowable temperature value, correcting the first temperature limit to be reduced by a predetermined value.

[0019] The protection method of the third aspect, wherein correcting the first temperature limit may include: if the second temperature value is less than or equal to a maximum allowable temperature value, maintaining the first temperature limit.

[0020] The protection method of the third aspect further includes: if the protection operation is performed while the battery pack is discharging to output a first output value and the temperature limit value corresponding to the first output value is not stored, storing the first temperature limit value as the temperature limit value corresponding to the first output value. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Features will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art by describing exemplary embodiments in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 A battery pack according to one or more embodiments is schematically illustrated.

[0023] Figure 2 is a flow chart of a method for protecting a battery pack according to one or more embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Example embodiments will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, they may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey exemplary implementations to those skilled in the art.

[0025] In the accompanying drawings, the sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. It should also be understood that when a layer or element is referred to as being "on" another layer or substrate, it can be directly on the other layer or substrate, or there may be intervening layers. In addition, it should be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "below" another layer, it can be directly below, and there may also be one or more intervening layers. In addition, it should also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "between" two layers, it can be the only layer between the two layers, or there may also be one or more intervening layers. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout.

[0026] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The operational effects of embodiments of the present disclosure and methods for implementing the same will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same constituent elements, and their repeated description will not be provided. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the described embodiments may be modified in various ways, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Embodiments are provided as examples so that the present disclosure may be thorough and complete, and aspects and features of the present disclosure will be fully provided to those skilled in the art.

[0027] Therefore, in order to fully understand the aspects and features of the present disclosure, processes, factors, and skills that may not be necessary for one of ordinary skill in the art may not be described.In the drawings, relative sizes of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0028] In this specification, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of the relevant listed items. When describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of "can" or "may" represents at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the following description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise stated, a singular term may include a plural form.

[0029] In this specification, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first", "second" and "third" will only be used to describe various constituent elements and should not be interpreted as limiting these constituent elements. These terms are only used to distinguish one constituent element from other constituent elements. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first constituent element may be referred to as a second constituent element, and similarly, a second constituent element may be referred to as a first constituent element. Expressions such as "at least one of..." follow a list of constituent elements to modify the entire list of constituent elements, rather than a single constituent element of the list.

[0030] In this specification, the terms "substantially", "about" and similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize. In addition, if the term "substantially" is used in combination with a feature that can be expressed using a numerical value, the term "substantially" means a range of ±5% of a value centered on that numerical value.

[0031] It should be understood that when a constituent element or layer is referred to as being “on”, “connected to” or “bound to” another constituent element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to or bound to the other constituent element or layer, or one or more intermediate constituent elements or layers may be present. It should also be understood that when a constituent element or layer is referred to as being “between” two constituent elements or layers, it may be the only constituent element or layer between the two constituent elements or layers, or one or more intermediate constituent elements or layers may also be present.

[0032] Electrically connecting two constituent elements may include directly connecting the two constituent elements, and connecting the two constituent elements with another constituent element therebetween. Other constituent elements may include switches, resistors, capacitors, etc. When describing the embodiments, when the expression of direct connection is not provided, the expression of connection may represent electrical connection.

[0033] Hereinafter, a protection device and a battery pack including the same according to an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to necessary drawings.

[0034] Figure 1 A battery pack according to an embodiment is schematically shown.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 The battery pack 1 may include, for example, a battery module 10 and a protection device 20 .

[0036] The battery module 10 may include a plurality of battery cells connected in series and / or in parallel between battery terminals.

[0037] The protection device 20 may include, for example, a measuring device 21 , a storage device 22 , and a control device 23 .

[0038] The measuring device 21 may measure a state (eg, voltage, current, temperature, etc.) of the battery module 10 . For example, the measuring device 21 may include a temperature sensor 211 for measuring the temperature of the battery module 10 .

[0039] The storage device 22 may include at least one memory, and may store various information, data, etc. processed by the protection device 20. The storage device 22 may temporarily store measurement data measured by the measurement device 21. The storage device 22 may store various protection values ​​(e.g., voltage limit value, current limit value, temperature limit value, etc.) used as a reference (or reference value) for performing a protection function.

[0040] The storage device 22 may store temperature limit values ​​that vary according to the output of the battery pack 1. For example, the storage device 22 may divide the output of the battery pack 1 into a plurality of segments (or a plurality of values), and may store temperature limit values ​​corresponding to each segment (or each value). Table 1 below shows an example of temperature limit values ​​stored in the storage device 22.

[0041] Table 1

[0042] Battery Pack Output (W) Temperature limit (℃) 2000 65 1800 67 1000 70

[0043] The storage device 22 may store temperature limits in a tabular form as shown in Table 1. The storage device 22 may store the maximum allowable temperature value of the battery module 10. The maximum allowable temperature value may be different from the temperature limit value, and may be a reference value for evaluating the temperature increase of the battery module 10 due to the residual heat after the protection operation. The temperature limit value may be an appropriate value so that even if the temperature of the battery cell increases due to the residual heat, the battery cell is not damaged. The degree of temperature increase of the battery cell after the protection operation may vary according to the output of the battery pack when the protection operation is performed. The maximum allowable temperature value may be set to a value greater than the temperature limit value, and may be determined by the cell characteristics of the battery module 10.

[0044] The control device 23 may receive measurement data (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, etc.) from the measurement device 21, and may monitor the state of the battery module 10 based on the measurement data. The control device 23 may perform a cell balancing function, a charge and discharge control function, a protection function, etc. according to the state of the battery module 10.

[0045] If the temperature value of the battery module 10 measured by the measuring device 21 during the use (e.g., discharge) of the battery module 10 is higher than the temperature limit value, the control device 23 may perform a protection operation of preventing the charging and discharging of the battery module 10. In this case, if a plurality of temperature limit values ​​are stored in the storage device 22, the control device 23 may select and use one of the plurality of temperature limit values, for example, according to the current output value (i.e., discharge of electric power) of the battery pack 1. Taking Table 1 as an example, if the output of the battery pack 1 is less than or equal to 1000W, the control device 23 may perform a protection operation by using a value of 70°C as the temperature limit value, if the output of the battery pack 1 is greater than 1000W and less than or equal to 1800W, the control device 23 may perform a protection operation by using a value of 67°C as the temperature limit value, and if the output of the battery pack 1 is greater than 1800W and less than or equal to 2000W, the control device 23 may perform a protection operation by using a value of 65°C as the temperature limit value.

[0046] The control device 23 may monitor the temperature value measured after the protection operation is performed and the output value of the battery pack 1 when the protection operation is performed, and may update or add the temperature limit value based on the monitored value. Even after the protection operation is performed, the battery module 10 may maintain a temperature increase for a predetermined period of time due to residual heat. The control device 23 may continuously detect the temperature of the battery module 10 to check how much the temperature of the battery module 10 has increased after the protection operation is performed. The control device 23 may determine whether the temperature limit value is updated by comparing the temperature value measured after the protection operation is performed with a predetermined maximum allowable temperature value. The control device 23 may determine the maximum temperature value among the temperature values ​​detected after the protection operation is performed, and may compare the maximum temperature value with a predetermined maximum allowable temperature value to check whether the temperature value after the protection operation is higher than the maximum allowable temperature value. The control device 23 may continuously measure the temperature value of the battery module 10 after the protection operation is performed, and may compare the measured temperature value with the maximum allowable temperature value each time the temperature value is obtained to check whether the temperature value after the protection operation is higher than the maximum allowable temperature value. The control device 23 may measure a temperature value of the battery module 10 after a predetermined time from when the protection operation is performed, and may compare the measured temperature value with a maximum allowable temperature value to check whether the temperature value after the protection operation is higher than the maximum allowable temperature value.

[0047] If the temperature value of the battery module 10 measured after the protection operation is higher than the maximum allowable temperature value, the control device 23 may, for example, update the temperature limit used when performing the protection operation by a predetermined value (e.g., 3°C), for example, lower the temperature limit value or otherwise correct the temperature limit value. The control device 23 may then use the corrected temperature limit value to change the temperature limit value stored in the storage device 22. For example, if the temperature value of the battery module 10 detected after the protection operation is performed is 95°C, which is higher than the maximum allowable temperature value of 85°C when the output value of the battery pack 1 is 2000W and the temperature limit value corresponding to 2000W is set to 70°C, the control device 23 may correct the temperature limit value to 67°C. The control device 23 may then update the temperature limit value corresponding to 2000W stored in the storage device 22 to 67°C.

[0048] If the temperature limit value corresponding to the current output value of the battery pack 1 is not stored in the storage device 22, the control device 23 may perform the protection operation using the temperature limit value set by default. For example, if the battery pack 1 operates at an output of 1800 W in a state where only the temperature limit value set based on the output of 2000 W is stored in the storage device 22, the control device 23 may perform the protection operation using 70° C. as the default value of the temperature limit value.

[0049] After the protection operation is performed using the default value of the temperature limit value, the control device 23 may add the temperature limit value corresponding to the output value of the battery pack 1 to the storage device 22 according to the comparison result of the temperature value of the battery module 10 after the protection operation is performed and the maximum allowable temperature value. If the temperature value of the battery module 10 detected after the protection operation is performed is greater than the maximum allowable temperature value, the control device 23 may correct the temperature limit value by reducing the temperature limit value used when the protection operation is performed by a predetermined value (for example, by about 3°C). Then, the control device 23 may map the corrected temperature limit value to the output value when the protection operation of the battery pack 1 is performed to additionally store (or register) the corrected temperature limit value in the storage device 22. If the temperature value of the battery module 10 detected after the protection operation is performed is less than or equal to the maximum allowable temperature value, the control device 23 may map the temperature limit value used when the protection operation is performed to the output value when the protection operation of the battery pack 1 is performed to additionally store the temperature limit value used when the protection operation is performed in the storage device 22. For example, if the temperature value of the battery module 10 detected after the protection operation is 89° C., which is higher than the maximum allowable temperature value of 85° C. in a state where the output value of the battery pack 1 is 1800 W, and the temperature limit value used when the protection operation is performed is a default value of 70° C., the control device 23 may correct the temperature limit value to 67° C. Then, the control device 23 may map the corrected temperature limit value (67° C.) to the output value of 1800 W to add the corrected temperature limit value (67° C.) to the storage device 22. For example, if the temperature value of the battery module 10 detected after the protection operation is 83° C., which is lower than the maximum allowable temperature value of 85° C. in a state where the output value of the battery pack 1 is 1000 W, and the temperature limit value used when the protection operation is performed is a default value of 70° C., the control device 23 may map the temperature limit value (70° C.) used when the protection operation is performed to the output value of 1000 W to add the temperature limit value (70° C.) used when the protection operation is performed to the storage device 22.

[0050] The control device 23 may be implemented by a battery management system (BMS) of the battery pack 1 , and may include at least one processor to perform the above functions.

[0051] In the following, reference is made to Figure 2 , a protection method of the battery pack 1 according to an embodiment is described in detail.

[0052] Figure 2 is a flowchart of one example of a method for protecting the battery pack 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 The method can be referred to by Figure 1 The control device 23 described executes.

[0053] Reference Figure 2If the use of the battery module 10 starts (for example, if the discharge starts) (S10), the control device 23 may obtain a temperature value by continuously measuring the temperature of the battery module 10 via the temperature sensor 211 (S11). The control device 23 may compare the measured temperature value with the temperature limit value to check whether the temperature value is greater than the temperature limit value (inquiry S12).

[0054] In step S12, the temperature limit value may be selected according to the current output value of the battery pack 1. If the temperature limit value corresponding to the current output value of the battery pack 1 has been stored in the storage device 22, the control device 23 may select the stored temperature limit value to compare the selected temperature limit value with the measured temperature value. If the temperature limit value corresponding to the current output value of the battery pack 1 has not been stored in the storage device 22 (query S12 is "No"), the control device 23 may, for example, select a temperature limit value set by default to compare the selected temperature limit value with the measured temperature value.

[0055] If the measured temperature value is greater than the temperature limit value (query S12 is "yes"), the control device 23 may perform a protection operation (S13). That is, the control device 23 may block the current path between the output terminal of the battery pack 1 and the battery module 10 to block the charging and discharging of the battery pack 1.

[0056] Even after the protection operation is performed, the control device 23 may obtain a temperature value by continuously measuring the temperature of the battery module 10 via the measuring device 21 (S14). The control device 23 may compare the measured temperature value with a predetermined maximum allowable temperature value to check whether the temperature value of the battery module 10 measured after the protection operation is higher than the maximum allowable temperature value (inquiry S15).

[0057] In query S15, the control device 23 may select a maximum temperature value among the temperature values ​​measured after performing the protection operation, and may compare the selected temperature value with the maximum allowable temperature value to check whether the temperature value after the protection operation is higher than the maximum allowable temperature value. Each time the temperature value of the battery module 10 is obtained after performing the protection operation, the control device 23 may, for example, compare the obtained temperature value with the maximum allowable temperature value to check whether the temperature value after the protection operation is higher than the maximum allowable temperature value. The control device 23 may measure the temperature value of the battery module 10 after a predetermined time from the time when the protection operation is performed, and may compare the measured temperature value with the maximum allowable temperature value to check whether the temperature value after the protection operation is higher than the maximum allowable temperature value.

[0058] If the temperature value of the battery module 10 measured after the protection operation is higher than the maximum allowable temperature value, the control device 23 may update the temperature limit used when performing the protection operation by a predetermined value, for example, lowering the temperature limit or otherwise correcting the temperature limit (S16). Then, the control device 23 may store the corrected temperature limit in the storage device 22 (S17). In step S17, if the corrected temperature limit is stored, the control device 23 may store the corrected temperature limit corresponding to the output value of the battery pack 1 when the protection operation is performed. If the temperature limit corresponding to the output value already exists, the control device 23 may change the previously stored temperature limit to the temperature limit corrected by step S16 to store the changed temperature limit. If the temperature limit corresponding to the output value has not yet been stored in the storage device 22, the control device 23 may map the output value to the temperature limit corrected by step S16 to additionally store (or register) the corrected temperature limit in the storage device 22.

[0059] If the temperature value of the battery module 10 measured after the protection operation is less than or equal to the maximum allowable temperature value (query S15 is "No"), the control device 23 may keep the previously stored temperature limit value stored in the storage device 22, or may add a new temperature limit value to the storage device 22 (S18).

[0060] In step S18, if the temperature limit value corresponding to the output value of the battery pack 1 when the protection operation is performed has been stored in the storage device 22, the control device 23 may maintain the original value without changing the temperature limit value. If the temperature limit value corresponding to the output value of the battery pack 1 when the protection operation is performed has not been set, the control device 23 may map the temperature limit value (default value) used in step S12 to the output value of the battery pack 1 to store the temperature limit value in the storage device 22 in addition.

[0061] According to the above-described embodiment, through learning, the protection device 20 can correct the temperature limit value to adapt to the output value of the battery pack 1, or can add a new temperature limit value. Therefore, the degradation or damage of the battery pack 1 due to the residual heat after the protection operation is performed can be minimized, and the safety of the battery pack 1 can be improved and / or maximized.

[0062] The electronic device or electrical device and / or other related devices or constituent elements according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented by using appropriate hardware, firmware (e.g., application specific integrated circuits), software, or a combination of software, firmware and hardware. For example, various configurations of the above-mentioned devices can be arranged on one or more integrated circuit (IC) chips or separate IC chips. For example, when the device is arranged on an integrated circuit, it can be a system on a chip or "SOC". In some embodiments, various configurations of the above-mentioned devices can be implemented on a flexible printed circuit film, a carrier package (TCP), a printed circuit board (PCB) or a substrate. The electrical connections or interconnections described in this specification can be implemented, for example, by wiring or conductive elements on a PCB, different types of circuit carriers. The conductive element may, for example, include metallization (such as surface metallization) and / or pins, and may include, for example, a conductive polymer or a conductive ceramic.

[0063] In an example, various configurations of the device may be executed by at least one processor to perform the various functions described above. One or more of these various configurations may be executed in at least one computing device, and they may be, for example, processes or threads for executing computer program instructions and interacting with other system constituent elements. Computer program instructions may be stored in a memory of a computing device, for example, using a standard memory device, such as, for example, a random access memory (RAM) or other types of volatile or non-volatile memory. Computer program instructions may also be stored in a non-temporary computer-readable medium, such as, for example, a CD-ROM, a flash drive or other solid-state storage device, a disk drive, etc.

[0064] Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art must understand that various functions of computing devices may be combined or united into a single computing device, or that the functions of a particular computing device may be dispersed into at least one other computing device without departing from the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0065] The problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide a protection method of a battery pack which can provide an appropriate temperature protection function according to the output of the battery pack, and to provide a protection device and a battery pack which perform the protection method of the battery pack.

[0066] According to an embodiment for solving the above-mentioned problem, a protection device for a battery pack includes a battery module, and the protection device includes, for example: a temperature sensor, which can be configured to measure the temperature of the battery module; and a control device, which can be configured to perform a protection operation of the battery pack if a first temperature value measured by the temperature sensor during the use of the battery module is greater than a first temperature limit, and to correct the first temperature limit according to a second temperature value measured by the temperature sensor after performing the protection operation.

[0067] The protection device may further include, for example, a storage device, which may be configured to store at least one temperature limit value corresponding to at least one output value of the battery pack.

[0068] The control device may select the first temperature limit value according to an output value of the battery pack.

[0069] If the battery pack outputs a first output value and a temperature limit value corresponding to the first output value has been stored in the storage device, the control device may use the temperature limit value corresponding to the first output value as the first temperature limit value.

[0070] If the battery pack outputs a second output value different from the first output value and a temperature limit value corresponding to the second output value has been stored in the storage device, the control device may use the temperature limit value corresponding to the second output value as the first temperature limit value.

[0071] If the battery pack outputs a third output value different from the first output value and a temperature limit value corresponding to the third output value is not stored in the storage device, the control device may use a predetermined default value as the first temperature limit value.

[0072] If the second temperature value is greater than a maximum allowable temperature value, the control device may correct the first temperature limit value to be reduced by a predetermined value.

[0073] If the second temperature value is less than or equal to a maximum allowed temperature value, the control device may maintain the first temperature limit value.

[0074] If the protection operation is performed while the battery pack is discharged to output a first output value and the temperature limit value corresponding to the first output value is not stored, the control device may store the first temperature limit value as the temperature limit value corresponding to the first output value.

[0075] A battery pack according to an embodiment includes a battery module and the protection device.

[0076] A protection method for a battery pack according to an embodiment includes, for example: measuring a first temperature value of a battery module included in the battery pack while the battery pack is discharging; performing a protection operation of the battery pack if the first temperature value is greater than a first temperature limit; after performing the protection operation, measuring a second temperature value of the battery module; and correcting the first temperature limit according to the second temperature value.

[0077] The protection method may further include selecting the first temperature limit value according to an output value of the battery pack.

[0078] Selecting the first temperature limit value may include, if the battery pack outputs a first output value and a temperature limit value corresponding to the first output value has been stored, selecting the stored temperature limit value corresponding to the first output value as the first temperature limit value.

[0079] Selecting the first temperature limit value may include, if the battery pack outputs a second output value different from the first output value and a temperature limit value corresponding to the second output value has been stored, selecting the stored temperature limit value corresponding to the second output value as the first temperature limit value.

[0080] Selecting the first temperature limit value may include selecting a default value as the first temperature limit value if the battery pack outputs a third output value different from the first output value and a temperature limit value corresponding to the third output value is not stored.

[0081] Correcting the first temperature limit may include correcting the first temperature limit to be reduced by a predetermined value if the second temperature value is greater than a maximum allowed temperature value.

[0082] Correcting the first temperature limit may include maintaining the first temperature limit if the second temperature value is less than or equal to a maximum allowed temperature value.

[0083] The protection method may further include, for example, storing the first temperature limit value as the temperature limit value corresponding to the first output value if the protection operation is performed while the battery pack is discharged to output a first output value and the temperature limit value corresponding to the first output value is not stored.

[0084] According to the present disclosure, even if the output of the battery pack changes, damage to the battery pack due to overheating can be prevented by performing a temperature protection operation according to the changed output.

[0085] Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specific terms are employed, they are used and interpreted only in a general and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. In some cases, as will be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art when filing this application, unless otherwise specifically stated, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in conjunction with a particular embodiment may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in conjunction with other embodiments. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A protection device for a battery pack, the battery pack comprising a battery module, the protection device comprising: a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the battery module; as well as A controller is configured to perform a protection operation of the battery pack if a first temperature value measured by the temperature sensor during use of the battery module is greater than a first temperature limit value, and to correct the first temperature limit value according to a second temperature value measured by the temperature sensor after performing the protection operation.

2. The protection device according to claim 1, further comprising: The storage device is configured to store at least one temperature limit value corresponding to at least one output value of the battery pack.

3. The protection device according to claim 2, wherein: The controller is further configured to select the first temperature limit value according to an output value of the battery pack.

4. The protection device according to claim 3, wherein: If the battery pack outputs a first output value and a temperature limit value corresponding to the first output value has been stored in the storage device, the controller is further configured to use the temperature limit value corresponding to the first output value as the first temperature limit value.

5. The protection device according to claim 4, wherein: If the battery pack outputs a second output value different from the first output value and a temperature limit value corresponding to the second output value has been stored in the storage device, the controller is further configured to use the temperature limit value corresponding to the second output value as the first temperature limit value.

6. The protection device according to claim 4, wherein: If the battery pack outputs a third output value different from the first output value and a temperature limit value corresponding to the third output value is not stored in the storage device, the controller is further configured to use a predetermined default value as the first temperature limit value.

7. The protection device according to claim 1, wherein: If the second temperature value is greater than a maximum allowed temperature value, the controller is further configured to correct the first temperature limit value to be reduced by a predetermined value.

8. The protection device according to claim 1, wherein: If the second temperature value is less than or equal to a maximum allowed temperature value, the controller is further configured to maintain the first temperature limit.

9. The protection device according to claim 2, wherein: If the protection operation is performed while the battery pack is discharging to output a first output value and the temperature limit value corresponding to the first output value is not stored in the storage device, the controller is further configured to store the first temperature limit value in the storage device as the temperature limit value corresponding to the first output value.

10. A battery pack comprising: Battery module; as well as A protection device for the battery pack, the protection device comprising: a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the battery module; as well as A controller is configured to perform a protection operation of the battery pack if a first temperature value measured by the temperature sensor during use of the battery module is greater than a first temperature limit value, and to correct the first temperature limit value according to a second temperature value measured by the temperature sensor after performing the protection operation.

11. A method for protecting a battery pack, the method comprising: While the battery pack is discharging, measuring a first temperature value of a battery module included in the battery pack; If the first temperature value is greater than a first temperature limit, performing a protection operation of the battery pack; After performing the protection operation, measuring a second temperature value of the battery module; as well as The first temperature limit value is corrected according to the second temperature value.

12. The protection method according to claim 11, further comprising: The first temperature limit is selected based on an output value of the battery pack.

13. The protection method according to claim 12, wherein: Selecting the first temperature limit value includes: if the battery pack outputs a first output value and a temperature limit value corresponding to the first output value has been stored, selecting the stored temperature limit value corresponding to the first output value as the first temperature limit value.

14. The protection method according to claim 13, wherein: Selecting the first temperature limit value includes: if the battery pack outputs a second output value different from the first output value and a temperature limit value corresponding to the second output value has been stored, selecting the stored temperature limit value corresponding to the second output value as the first temperature limit value.

15. The protection method according to claim 13, wherein: Selecting the first temperature limit value includes selecting a default value as the first temperature limit value if the battery pack outputs a third output value different from the first output value and a temperature limit value corresponding to the third output value is not stored.

16. The protection method according to claim 11, wherein: Correcting the first temperature limit value includes correcting the first temperature limit value to be reduced by a predetermined value if the second temperature value is greater than a maximum allowed temperature value.

17. The protection method according to claim 11, wherein: Correcting the first temperature limit includes maintaining the first temperature limit if the second temperature value is less than or equal to a maximum allowed temperature value.

18. The protection method according to claim 11, further comprising: If the protection operation is performed while the battery pack is discharged to output a first output value and a temperature limit value corresponding to the first output value is not stored, the first temperature limit value is stored as a temperature limit value corresponding to the first output value.

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