Battery module including battery management system

Abstract

A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells including a first battery cell and a second battery cell, a main battery management system for managing the plurality of battery cells, a bus bar connecting the plurality of battery cells and the bus bar being connected to the main battery management system, and a switch, and a battery module configured to electrically connect or disconnect the first battery cell and the second battery cell. The first battery cell includes a first cell controller. The first cell controller is configured to acquire first data related to degradation of the first battery cell, and control the switch to electrically separate the first battery cell from the second battery cell when it is determined that the first battery cell has degraded based on the first data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module including a battery management system. Background Art

[0002] The battery module may be composed of a plurality of electrically connected battery cells. The plurality of battery cells may be connected in series and / or in parallel with each other. Each of the plurality of battery cells may age at a different rate.

[0003] The battery module may include a battery management system (BMS) for monitoring the status of the plurality of battery cells. The battery management system may transmit and / or receive data signals with the plurality of battery cells to monitor the plurality of battery cells constituting the battery module and control the actions of the battery cells. Summary of the invention

[0004] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0005] In order for the BMS to monitor and control each of the plurality of battery cells, the BMS needs to be electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells. For example, the battery module may include a wiring harness that electrically connects the BMS to each of the plurality of battery cells. As the number of the plurality of battery cells constituting the battery module increases, the number and length of the wiring harness may also increase. Therefore, the design of the battery module may become complicated and the weight may increase.

[0006] BMS can manage the state of health (SOH) of multiple battery cells. If there are degraded battery cells among multiple battery cells, the overall performance of the battery module may decline. BMS can perform actions to identify degraded battery cells and separate the identified battery cells from other battery cells. However, it is difficult to identify degraded battery cells, and in order to measure the health status of each of the multiple battery cells, separate experiments may be required (for example, performing separate charging and discharging, etc.). Moreover, when the BMS identifies a degraded battery cell, it is necessary to stop the action of the entire system and directly separate the degraded battery cell.

[0007] The technical problems to be solved in this article are not limited to the above-mentioned technical problems. For ordinary technicians in the technical field to which the present invention belongs, other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood from the following description.

[0008] Means used to solve problems

[0009] A battery module according to an embodiment may include a plurality of battery cells, a main battery management system (BMS), a bus bar, and a switch. The plurality of battery cells may include a first battery cell and a second battery cell. The main BMS may be configured to manage the plurality of battery cells. The bus bar may connect the plurality of battery cells. The bus bar may be electrically connected to the main BMS. The switch may be configured to electrically connect or electrically separate the first battery cell and the second battery cell. The first battery cell may include a first cell controller configured to communicate with the main BMS via the bus bar. The first cell controller may be configured to acquire first data related to degradation of the first battery cell. The first cell controller may be configured to, when it is determined based on the first data that the first battery cell has degraded, control the switch to electrically separate the first battery cell from a second battery cell that is distinguished from the first battery cell.

[0010] A battery module according to an embodiment may include a plurality of battery cells, a main battery management system, a bus bar, a plurality of cell controllers, and a switch. The plurality of battery cells may include a first battery cell and a second battery cell. The main BMS may be configured to manage the plurality of battery cells. The bus bar may connect the plurality of battery cells. The bus bar may be electrically connected to the main BMS. The plurality of cell controllers may be configured in each of the plurality of battery cells and configured to communicate with the main BMS through the bus bar. The switch may be configured to electrically connect or electrically separate the first battery cell and the second battery cell. The main BMS may be configured to set a reference range based on data related to the degradation of each of the plurality of battery cells. The main BMS may be configured to identify a degraded battery cell among the plurality of battery cells based on the reference range. The main BMS may be configured to, when identifying the degraded battery cell, control the switch by one of the plurality of cell controllers to electrically separate the degraded battery cell from the other battery cells.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the battery module of an embodiment, the main BMS can communicate with each of the plurality of battery cells through the bus bar, so that a separate wire harness can be omitted. According to an embodiment, the design can be facilitated and the weight can be reduced by omitting the wire harness.

[0013] The effects that can be obtained by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other effects that are not mentioned from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a battery module according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of a cell controller according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 An example of a first battery cell constituting a battery module according to an embodiment is shown.

[0017] Figure 4 An example of a data packet of a signal transmitted and received by a cell controller of a battery module according to an embodiment is shown.

[0018] Figure 5 An example of a transmission and reception operation of data signals of a plurality of battery cells of a battery module according to an embodiment is shown.

[0019] Figure 6 An example of a battery module according to an embodiment is shown.

[0020] Figure 7 An example of a switch of a battery module according to an embodiment is shown.

[0021] Figure 8 is a flowchart of one example of an operation of a master BMS of a battery module for separating a degraded battery cell according to an embodiment.

[0022] Fig. 9 is a flowchart of an example of an operation of a cell controller of a battery module for separating a degraded battery cell according to an embodiment.

[0023] Fig.10 is a flowchart of one example of an operation of a master BMS of a battery module for separating a degraded battery cell based on data recorded in a memory of a cell controller according to an embodiment.

[0024] Fig.11a and Fig.11b is an example of a switch of a battery module according to an embodiment.

[0025] Fig.12 is a flowchart of one example of an operation of a master BMS of a battery module for separating a degraded battery cell according to an embodiment.

[0026] Fig.13 is a flowchart showing one example of an action of the master BMS setting the reference range.

[0027] Fig.14 is a flowchart of an example of an operation of a cell controller of a battery module for separating a degraded battery cell according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a battery module according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of a cell controller according to an embodiment.

[0029] Reference Figure 1 According to an embodiment, a battery module 100 may include a plurality of battery cells 120 connected in series to each other and a main battery management system (BMS) 110 operably coupled to the plurality of battery cells 120. The plurality of battery cells 120 may be connected in series to form the battery module 100. Figure 1 Although not shown in the figure, the plurality of battery cells 120 may be connected to a load via an inverter or a pulse generator, so that they may act as a driving source for the load. The circuit described below may represent a circuit including circuit elements connected to each other to provide a specific function.

[0030] According to one embodiment, a plurality of battery cells 120 may be connected in series with each other. Figure 1 , the first battery cell 120-1 may be connected to the main BMS 110. The second battery cell 120-2 may be connected to the first battery cell 120-2. The third battery cell 120-3 may be connected to the second battery cell 120-2. According to one embodiment, the first battery cell 120-1 to the nth battery cell 120-n may be connected in series in sequence along the first direction D1. For example, the negative terminal of the first battery cell 120-1 may be electrically connected to the positive terminal of the second battery cell 120-2. The negative terminal of the second battery cell 120-2 may be electrically connected to the positive terminal of the third battery cell 120-3. When a plurality of battery cells 120 are connected in series to each other, the voltage of the entire system may be set to the total of each battery cell 120 constituting the plurality of battery cells 120. In Figure 1 In the figure, the plurality of battery cells 120 are shown to be arranged along the first direction D1, but this is only used to explain the electrical connection of the plurality of battery cells 120 and is not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of battery cells 120 may be stacked and assembled to form the battery module 100.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 may be configured to control the overall operation of the plurality of battery cells 120. According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 may be configured to control the overall operation of the plurality of battery cells 120 through a bus bar (eg, Figure 6The main BMS 110 can be configured to obtain information related to the health status of each of the multiple battery cells 120 through the bus bar. For example, the main BMS 110 can be configured to obtain information related to the voltage and / or current of each of the multiple battery cells 120 through the bus bar. For example, the main BMS 110 can be configured to obtain information related to the status of each of the multiple battery cells 120, such as the remaining capacity (state of charge (SOC)), state of health (SOH) and temperature of the multiple battery cells 120 through the bus bar. For example, the main BMS 110 can be configured to transmit a signal for requesting charging and / or discharging for each of the multiple battery cells 120 to the multiple cell controllers 200 configured in the multiple battery cells 120 through the bus bar.

[0032] The master BMS 110 according to an embodiment may include a plurality of cell controllers 200 configured in each battery cell 120 to collect information related to the status of the plurality of battery cells 120. For example, the first battery cell 120-1 may include a first cell controller 200-1 configured in the first battery cell 120-1. The second battery cell 120-2 may include a second cell controller 200-2 configured in the second battery cell 120-2. For example, the plurality of cell controllers 200 may be configured on a power line in the plurality of battery cells 120. The plurality of cell controllers 200 may be configured to send and / or receive data by using the power line as a transmission medium. According to an embodiment, the plurality of battery cells 120 may transmit a signal including information related to the status of each of the plurality of battery cells 120 to the master BMS 110 using the plurality of cell controllers 200. The master BMS 110 may transmit a signal for requesting an action of each of the plurality of battery cells 120 and / or a signal for requesting information related to the health status of each of the plurality of battery cells 120 to each of the plurality of battery cells 120 using the plurality of cell controllers 200.

[0033] According to one embodiment, referring to Figure 2 The master BMS 110 may include a communication circuit 210 , a charge and discharge control circuit 220 , a monitoring circuit 230 , a notification circuit 240 , and a memory 119 .

[0034] According to an embodiment, the communication circuit 210 may transmit and / or receive signals with the unit communication modules 125 of the plurality of battery units 120 through the bus bar. The communication circuit 210 may be connected to a power line for data signal transmission and power supply with the battery unit 120.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the charge and discharge control circuit 220 may control the charging and / or discharging of the plurality of battery cells 120. For example, the charge and discharge control circuit 220 may monitor the secondary batteries (e.g., Figure 3 The battery 121 has a function of measuring the voltage and remaining capacity (state of charge (SOC)) of the secondary battery 121, a function of controlling the charge and discharge of the plurality of battery cells 120, and a function of preventing overcharge and overdischarge.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the monitoring circuit 230 may be configured to monitor the status of the plurality of battery cells 120. When an abnormal situation occurs, the monitoring circuit 230 may notify the abnormality of the battery cell 120 through the notification circuit 240. For example, the notification circuit 240 may be connected to a display and a light emitting diode (LED) that outputs a visual signal. For example, the notification circuit 240 may be connected to a speaker that outputs an auditory signal. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0037] According to an embodiment, the memory 119 may be configured to store various information about the plurality of battery cells 120. For example, the memory 119 may store a unique ID and status for each of the plurality of battery cells 120. For example, the memory 119 may store an ID table of the battery cells 120 described later. For example, the memory 119 may store information related to the charge and discharge records, charge capacity, and remaining life of the battery cells 120.

[0038] According to an embodiment, an ID may be assigned to each of the plurality of battery cells 120. The signal transmitted from the main BMS 110 and the signal transmitted from the battery cell 120 may include information related to the ID assigned to each of the plurality of battery cells 120. According to an embodiment, the plurality of cell controllers 200 may be configured to identify the ID-related information included in the signal when the plurality of cell controllers 200 receive the signal from the main BMS 110. The plurality of cell controllers 200 may be configured to identify the battery cell as the receiving object of the signal received from the main BMS 110 based on the identified ID-related information.

[0039] For example, when the master BMS 110 sends a signal for requesting a specified action to the third battery cell 120-3, the master BMS 110 may send a signal including information related to the ID assigned to the third battery cell 120-3 to the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 configured in the first battery cell 120-1 may be configured to receive the signal and identify the ID-related information included in the signal. The first cell controller 200-1 may identify that the ID-related information included in the signal is inconsistent with the ID-related information assigned to the first battery cell 120-1, and based on the above identification, send the signal to the second battery cell 120-2. The second cell controller 200-2 configured in the second battery cell 120-2 may be configured to receive the signal and identify the ID-related information included in the signal. The second cell controller 200-2 may identify that the ID-related information included in the signal is inconsistent with the ID-related information assigned to the second battery cell 120-2, and based on the above identification, send the signal to the third battery cell 120-3. The third unit controller 200-3 configured in the third battery unit 120-3 can be configured to receive the signal and identify the ID related information included in the signal. The third unit controller 200-3 can identify that the ID related information included in the signal is consistent with the ID related information assigned to the third battery unit 120-3, and identify the specified action included in the signal based on the identification. The third unit controller 200-3 can be configured to perform at least one action corresponding to the specified action to perform the specified action.

[0040] For example, when a signal including information related to the state of the first battery cell 120-1 is transmitted to the master BMS 110, the master BMS 110 can identify it as a signal related to the first battery cell 120-1 through the ID related information included in the signal. For example, when a signal including information related to the charge and / or discharge signal of the first battery cell 120-1 is received, the plurality of battery cells 120 can identify it as a signal related to the first battery cell 120-1 through the ID related information included in the signal.

[0041] The battery module 100 according to an embodiment may perform communication through a bus bar connecting the plurality of battery cells 120 , and thus may be simplified to a design for transmitting and / or receiving communication between the main BMS 110 and the plurality of battery cells 120 .

[0042] According to an embodiment, when the master BMS 110 sends a signal to a specific battery cell (e.g., the second battery cell 120-2), the signal may be transmitted through other battery cells (e.g., the first battery cell 120-1) other than the battery cell (e.g., the second battery cell 120-2) that is the signal receiving object. Also, when the specific battery cell (e.g., the second battery cell 120-2) sends a signal to the master BMS 110, the signal may be transmitted to the master BMS 110 through at least one other battery cell (e.g., the first battery cell 120-1).

[0043] For example, when the master BMS 110 transmits a signal for requesting information related to the state of the third battery cell 120-3 to the third battery cell 120-3, the master BMS 110 may transmit a signal S to the first battery cell 120-1 connected to the master BMS 110. 01 The signal S 01 The signal S may be transmitted along the first direction D1. 01 After being transmitted to the first battery cell 120-1 connected to the master BMS 110, the signal S may be changed to be transmitted from the first battery cell 120-1 to the second battery cell 120-2. 12 The signal S transmitted from the first battery cell 120-1 to the second battery cell 120-2 12 After being transmitted to the second battery cell 120-2, the signal S may be changed to be transmitted from the second battery cell 120-2 to the third battery cell 120-3. 23 .

[0044] For example, when the third battery cell 120-3 transmits a signal including information related to the state of the third battery cell 120-3 to the master BMS 110, the signal may be transmitted in the second direction D2. 32 can be transmitted to the second battery cell 120-2. When the signal S transmitted from the third battery cell 120-3 to the second battery cell 120-2 32 After being transmitted to the second battery cell 120-2, the signal S may be changed to be transmitted from the second battery cell 120-2 to the first battery cell 120-1. 21 The signal S transmitted from the second battery unit 120-2 to the first battery unit 120-1 21 After being transmitted to the first battery cell 120 - 1 , the signal S may be changed to be transmitted from the first battery cell 120 - 1 to the master BMS 110 . 10 The master BMS 110 may receive the signal S 10 , and obtain the signal S 10 Information related to the status of the third battery cell included therein.

[0045] When the signal passes through the battery cells 120 in sequence, the strength of the signal may be reduced due to the impedance inside the battery cells 120 (e.g., the resistance inside the battery cells). Since the signal strength is weakened each time the signal passes through the battery cells 120, the signal strength needs to be maintained when the signal is transmitted through multiple battery cells 120. In addition, when the signal is sent in other directions, signal conflicts may occur, so it is necessary to set the transmission directionality of the signal.

[0046] Figure 3 An example of a first battery cell constituting a battery module according to an embodiment is shown. In the following, the constituent elements described for the first battery cell 120 - 1 may be similarly applied to other battery cells.

[0047] Reference Figure 3 , the first battery unit 120 - 1 may include a secondary battery 121 , a protection circuit 123 , and a first unit controller 200 - 1 .

[0048] According to an embodiment, the secondary battery 121 can store electric energy. The secondary battery 121 is a secondary battery that can charge and discharge electric energy, and may include a negative electrode material, a positive electrode material, a separator, and an electrolyte. According to an embodiment, the first battery unit 120-1 may include at least one secondary battery 121.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the protection circuit (protection circuit module (PCM)) 123 is a protection circuit of the secondary battery 121 that can prevent over-discharge, over-charge and over-current of the secondary battery 121. Overcharging of the secondary battery 121 can cause internal overheating and swelling (swelling) phenomenon, which may damage the secondary battery 121. Over-discharge of the secondary battery 121 damages the electrode and may cause a malfunction of the secondary battery 121. The protection circuit 123 can block the charging circuit when it is identified that the voltage of the secondary battery 121 reaches the charging limit voltage, and block the discharging circuit when it is identified that the voltage of the secondary battery 121 reaches the discharge limit voltage, so as to prevent damage and / or malfunction of the secondary battery 121. According to one embodiment, the protection circuit 123 can obtain information related to the state of the secondary battery 121, and provide the obtained information to the first unit controller 200-1.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to be connected between the protection circuit 123 and the secondary battery 121, and receive or transmit a signal from or to the main BMS 110. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be connected to a power line within the first battery cell 120-1, but is not limited thereto.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 may obtain information related to the state of the secondary battery 121 from the protection circuit 123. For example, the information related to the state of the secondary battery 121 may include information related to the voltage, current, and temperature of the secondary battery 121, but is not limited thereto. The first cell controller 200-1 may be electrically coupled to the protection circuit 123, and may receive information related to the state of the secondary battery 121 from the protection circuit 123. The first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to transmit the received information related to the state of the secondary battery 121 to the main BMS 110.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the first unit controller 200-1 may be connected to the master BMS 110 through a bus bar (eg, Figure 6 When the first unit controller 200-1 receives a signal from the master BMS 110, the signal can be transmitted through a plurality of battery cells connected to each other (eg, Figure 1 The signal strength may be reduced because the signal is transmitted from the master BMS 110 to the third battery cell 120-3. For example, when a signal is transmitted from the master BMS 110 to the third battery cell 120-3, the signal may be transmitted to the third battery cell 120-3 through the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2. When the signal is transmitted, the signal strength may be reduced due to the impedance inside the first battery cell 120-1 and the impedance inside the second battery cell 120-2.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the first unit controller 200-1 may identify whether the target of the signal received from the main BMS 110 is the first battery cell 120-1. The signal may include target ID related information, which is information related to the ID of the first battery cell 120-1 as the signal receiving object. The first unit controller 200-1 may compare the target ID included in the signal received from the main BMS 110 with the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. The first unit controller 200-1 may, upon identifying that the target ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1, perform an action corresponding to the signal. The first unit controller 200-1 may be configured to, upon identifying that the target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1, amplify the signal and then send it to the second battery cell (for example, Figure 1 The second battery cell 120-2) is transmitted.

[0054] For example, when a signal for requesting information related to the state of the first battery cell 120-1 is transmitted from the main BMS 110 to the first battery cell 120-1, the first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1 connected in series to the main BMS 110 may receive the signal. The signal may include information related to the target ID set as the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1 may identify the target ID included in the received signal, and identify whether the identified target ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to generate a signal including information related to the state of the first battery cell 120-1 when it is identified that the identified target ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1, and transmit the generated signal to the main BMS 110.

[0055] For example, when a signal for requesting information related to the state of the second battery cell 120-2 is transmitted from the main BMS 110 to the second battery cell 120-2, the first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1 connected in series to the main BMS 110 may receive the signal. The first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1 may identify the target ID included in the received signal, and identify whether the identified target ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to amplify the signal and transmit it to the second battery cell 120-2 connected in series with the first battery cell 120-1 when the identified target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. The second cell controller of the second battery cell 120-2 (for example, Figure 1 The second unit controller 200-2) may generate a signal including information related to the state of the second battery unit 120-2 when recognizing that the target ID included in the signal corresponds to the ID assigned to the second battery unit 120-2. The second unit controller 200-2 may be configured to transmit the generated signal to the main BMS 110.

[0056] Reference Figure 3 The first unit controller 200-1 may include a microprocessor 201 for controlling the transmission and / or reception of a signal, an amplifying circuit 202 for amplifying a signal transmitted to the microprocessor 201 and / or received from the microprocessor 201, and a switch SW for controlling a transmission path of the signal.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the signal transmitted to the first unit controller 200-1 and / or the signal received from the first unit controller 200-1 are amplified by the amplifier circuit 202 before being transmitted and / or received. When receiving a signal from the outside of the first unit controller 200-1, the switch SW is turned on so that the microprocessor 201 receives the signal, thereby providing a receiving path for the signal. When transmitting a signal from the first unit controller 200-1, the switch SW is turned on so that the signal is transmitted from the microprocessor 201, thereby providing a transmitting path for the signal.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 may be connected between the protection circuit 123 and the secondary battery 121. Figure 3 , the first unit controller 200-1 may include a first terminal 125a and a second terminal 125b, the first terminal 125a being connected to the positive electrode sheet 121a of the secondary battery 121 and the first terminal 123a of the protection circuit 123, and the second terminal 125b being connected to the negative electrode sheet 121b of the secondary battery 121 and the second terminal 123b of the protection circuit 123. The signal transmitted to the first battery cell 120-1 may be transmitted to the first unit controller 200-1 through the first terminal 125a of the first unit controller 200-1. The first unit controller 200-1 may recognize the signal received from the main BMS 110 based on the potential difference (V2-V1) between the second terminal 125b of the first unit controller 200-1 and the first terminal 125a of the first unit controller 200-1. For example, the first unit controller 200-1 may detect a potential V2 of the second terminal 125b of the first unit controller 200-1 and a potential V1 of the first terminal 125a of the first unit controller 200-1, and recognize a signal through a potential difference (V2-V1) and receive and / or transmit a signal.

[0059] According to an embodiment, when the target ID included in the received signal does not correspond to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1, the first cell controller 200-1 may apply an amplified signal to the first terminal 125a of the first cell controller 200-1 to transmit the signal to the second battery cell 120-2. The amplified signal applied to the first terminal 125a of the first cell controller 200-1 may be transmitted to the second battery cell 120-2 through the secondary battery 121. Therefore, even if the signal passes through the first battery cell 120-1, it is amplified at the first terminal 125a of the first cell controller 200-1, so the signal can maintain a certain strength during passing through the plurality of battery cells 120 connected to each other.

[0060] The battery module 100 according to one embodiment can simplify the structure of transmitting and / or receiving communication signals between battery cells by connecting a plurality of battery cells 120 to each other, and maintain the strength of signals using a plurality of cell controllers 200 while ensuring the stability of power supply.

[0061] Figure 4 is an example of a data packet of a signal transmitted and received by a cell controller of a battery module according to an embodiment.

[0062] According to one embodiment, a battery module (e.g. Figure 1 The signal transmitted and received by the plurality of cell controllers 200 of the battery module 100 may include information for setting the directionality. Figure 4 , the data packet 300 of the signal is a header start (SOH) 301, a signal transmission direction (DIR) 302, a target ID (TAR_ID) 303, a transmission ID (TX_ID) 304, a string length (LEN) 305, a command (CMD) 306 indicating a command for an actual action, a payload (payload) 307 as transmission data, and information related to a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) 308 for checking errors. For example, when the DIR 302 is 0, the signal transmission direction may be Figure 1 The first direction (for example, Figure 1 When the DIR 302 is 1, the transmission direction of the signal may be Figure 1 The second direction (for example, Figure 1 TX_ID 304 may indicate a battery management system (eg, Figure 1 master BMS 110) or distributed to multiple battery cells (e.g., Figure 1 The TAR_ID 303 may represent the master BMS 110 receiving the signal or the ID assigned to the plurality of battery cells 120.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the CMD 306 included in the data packet 300 may include information related to a specific action. Figure 4, CMD 306 may include a packet 306a and a packet 306b, wherein the packet 306a includes information for requesting the assignment of an ID associated with each of the plurality of battery cells 120, and the packet 306b includes information for requesting the resetting of the IDs pre-assigned to the plurality of battery cells 120. For example, the plurality of battery cells 120 may transmit a data signal of the packet 306a having input 1 to the master BMS 110 to request the assignment of an ID. In addition to the above-mentioned packets 306a and 206b, CMD 306 may also include a packet 306c (including various information). For example, the master BMS 110 may transmit a data signal to the first battery cell 120-1, wherein the data signal includes information for requesting the resetting of the IDs pre-assigned to the plurality of battery cells 120. Figure 1 The first battery unit 120-1 may transmit the information related to the state of the first battery unit 120-1 to the master BMS 110 when receiving the data signal.

[0064] According to one embodiment, when a signal is transmitted to any one of the plurality of battery cells 120, a plurality of cell controllers (eg, Figure 1 The cell controller configured in the one battery cell among the multiple cell controllers 200) can compare the DIR 302 with the ID assigned to any one of the battery cells.

[0065] For example, when DIR 302 is 0 and the ID assigned to the second battery unit 120-2 is inconsistent with TAR_ID 303, and the battery unit having the ID corresponding to the TAR_ID 303 is located at a position toward the first direction D1 from the battery unit having the ID corresponding to TX_ID 304, the second unit controller 200-2 may ignore the received signal. The above example is a case where a signal is mistakenly transmitted in a direction opposite to the transmission direction of the signal, so the second unit controller 200-2 may ignore the received signal.

[0066] For example, when DIR 302 is 1 and the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2 is inconsistent with TAR_ID 303, and the battery cell having the ID corresponding to the TAR_ID 303 is located at a position from the battery cell having the ID corresponding to TX_ID 304 toward the second direction D2, the second unit controller 200-2 can transmit the signal along the second direction D2. As described above, the second unit controller 200-2 can transmit after amplifying the signal. The above example is based on the case where the signal is transmitted in the transmission direction of the signal, so the second unit controller 200-2 can amplify the received signal and send it along the second direction D2, so that the signal can be sent to the battery cell having the ID consistent with TAR_ID 303. The signal is transmitted in sequence and can be transmitted to the battery cell whose TAR_ID 303 and the ID are consistent, and the action corresponding to the signal can be performed in the battery cell.

[0067] For example, when the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120 - 2 is consistent with the TAR_ID 303 , the second cell controller 200 - 2 may perform a designated action based on the CMD 306 included in the data packet 300 of the signal.

[0068] According to an embodiment, in a battery module 100 including a plurality of battery cells 120 connected to each other, transmission and reception of signals between a main BMS 110 and the plurality of battery cells 120 may be smoothly performed. The battery module 100 according to an embodiment may prevent conflict of signals caused by series connection by including a signal with information related to a transfer direction and a target ID of the signal.

[0069] Figure 5 This is an example of the transmission and reception operations of data signals of a plurality of battery cells of a battery module according to an embodiment.

[0070] Assume that the IDs are sequentially assigned to the plurality of battery cells 120 connected in series to the master BMS 110. Figure 5 Assuming that the ID assigned to the master BMS 110 is 0 (ID=0), the ID assigned to the first battery unit 120-1 is 1 (ID=1), the ID assigned to the second battery unit 120-2 is 2 (ID=2), and the ID assigned to the third battery unit 120-3 is 3 (ID=3), the following operation is performed: Figure 5 Action shown.

[0071] Reference Figure 5In order to send a data signal to the third battery unit 120-3, the master BMS 110 generates a data signal 401a and sends the generated data signal 401a to the first battery unit 120-1. The data signal 401a may include target ID related information, transmission ID related information, and transmission direction related information. Figure 5 , the data signal 401a may include information that the target ID is 3, the sending ID is 0, and the transmission direction is the first direction D1.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the first battery unit 120-1 may receive the data signal 401b from the master BMS 110. The first unit controller (eg, Figure 1 The first cell controller 200-1) can identify the target ID related information included in the data signal 401b and compare it with the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. Since the target ID related information included in the data signal 401b is 3, the first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1 can identify that the target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1, and transmit the data signal 402a to the second battery cell 120-2. The data signal 402a may include information that the target ID is 3, the transmission ID is 1, and the transmission direction is the first direction D1.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the second battery unit 120-2 may receive the data signal 402b from the first battery unit 120-1. A second unit controller (eg, Figure 1 The second unit controller 200-2) can identify the target ID related information included in the data signal 402b and compare it with the ID assigned to the second battery unit 120-2. Since the target ID related information included in the data signal 402b is 3, the second unit controller 200-2 of the second battery unit 120-2 can identify that the target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the second battery unit 120-2, and transmit the data signal 403a to the third battery unit 120-3. The data signal 403a may include information that the target ID is 3, the transmission ID is 2, and the transmission direction is the first direction D1.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the third battery unit 120-3 may receive the data signal 403b from the second battery unit 120-2. A third unit controller (eg, Figure 1The third unit controller 200-3 of the third battery unit 120-3 can identify the target ID related information included in the data signal 403b and compare it with the ID assigned to the third battery unit 120-3. The target ID related information included in the data signal 403b is 3, and the third unit controller 200-3 of the third battery unit 120-3 can identify that the target ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the third battery unit 120-3, and perform an action corresponding to the data signal 403b.

[0075] According to one embodiment, when the first battery unit 120-1 receives the data signal 403b from the second battery unit 120-2, the first unit controller 200-1 may confirm the information included in the data signal 403b. The transmission ID included in the data signal 403b is 2, and the transmission direction is the first direction D1, so the first unit controller 200-1 of the first battery unit 120-1 may ignore the data signal 403b.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the third battery cell 120-3 may perform an action corresponding to the information included in the data signal 403b. When the information included in the data signal 403b includes a request for information related to the state of the third battery cell 120-3, the third battery cell 120-3 may send a data signal 404a including information related to the state of the third battery cell 120-3 to the second battery cell 120-2. The data signal 404a may include target ID related information, transmission ID related information, and transmission direction related information. Figure 5 , the data signal 404a may include information that the target ID is 0, the sending ID is 3, and the transmission direction is the second direction D2.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the second battery cell 120-2 may receive a data signal 404b from the third battery cell 120-3. The second cell controller 200-2 of the second battery cell 120-2 may identify the target ID related information included in the data signal 404b and compare it with the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2. Since the target ID related information included in the data signal 404b is 0, the second cell controller 200-2 of the second battery cell 120-2 may identify that the target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2, and transmit the data signal 405a to the first battery cell 120-1. The data signal 405a may include information that the target ID is 0, the transmission ID is 2, and the transmission direction is the second direction D2.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the first battery cell 120-1 may receive a data signal 405b from the second battery cell 120-2. The first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1 may identify the target ID related information included in the data signal 405b and compare it with the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. Since the target ID related information included in the data signal 405b is 0, the first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1 may identify that the target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1, and transmit the data signal 406a to the main BMS 110. The data signal 406a may include information that the target ID is 0, the transmission ID is 1, and the transmission direction is the second direction D2.

[0079] According to one embodiment, when the third battery unit 120-3 receives the data signal 405b from the second battery unit 120-2, the third unit controller 200-3 of the third battery unit 120-3 may confirm the information included in the data signal 405b. Since the transmission ID included in the data signal 405b is 2 and the transmission direction is the second direction D2, the third unit controller 200-3 of the third battery unit 120-3 may ignore the data signal 405b.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the master BMS 110 may receive a data signal 406b from the first battery unit 120-1. The master BMS 110 may identify the target ID related information included in the data signal 406b and compare it with the ID assigned to the master BMS 110. Since the target ID related information included in the data signal 406b is 0, the master BMS 110 may identify that the target ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the master BMS 110. The master BMS 110 may receive the data signal 406b.

[0081] According to one embodiment, when the second battery unit 120-2 receives the data signal 406b from the first battery unit 120-1, the second unit controller 200-2 of the second battery unit 120-2 may confirm the information included in the data signal 406b. Since the transmission ID included in the data signal 406b is 1 and the transmission direction is the second direction D2, the second unit controller 200-2 of the second battery unit 120-2 may ignore the data signal 406b.

[0082] As described above, by multiple unit controllers (e.g., Figure 1The multiple unit controllers 200 of the master BMS 110 can simply perform the signal transmission structure between the master BMS 110 and the multiple battery units 120 connected to each other. According to an embodiment, the information included in the transmitted and received signals can prevent errors in signal transmission and improve accuracy.

[0083] Figure 6 is an example of a battery module according to an embodiment. Figure 7 is an example of a switch of a battery module according to an embodiment.

[0084] Reference Figure 6 , a battery module 100 according to an embodiment may include a plurality of battery cells 120 , a master battery management system (master BMS) 110 , a bus bar 500 , and a switch 600 .

[0085] The battery module 100 according to an embodiment may include a main BMS 110 for managing a plurality of battery cells 120. The plurality of battery cells 120 and the main BMS 110 may refer to the plurality of battery cells 120 and the main BMS 110 described above. Figures 1 to 5 The described contents may be equally applicable to the battery module 100 described below, and thus repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the bus bar 500 may connect the plurality of battery cells 120. For example, when the plurality of battery cells 120 are connected in series, the bus bar 500 may connect the positive terminal of one battery cell to the negative terminal of another battery cell. Figure 6 The bus bar 500 shown is shown on a portion of the connection line between the plurality of battery cells 120, but may also be configured on the entire connection line between the plurality of battery cells 120. The bus bar 500 may be electrically connected to the main BMS 110. For example, the main BMS 110 and at least some of the plurality of battery cells 120 may be connected to each other through the bus bar 500. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0087] According to an embodiment, the master BMS 110 may be configured to communicate with the plurality of battery cells 120 through the bus bar 500. The master BMS 110 may transmit signals to the plurality of cell controllers 200 through the bus bar 500, and the plurality of cell controllers 200 may transmit signals to the master BMS 110 through the bus bar 500. For example, when the master BMS 110 transmits a signal to the second battery cell 120-2, the signal may be transmitted to the second battery cell 120-2 through the bus bar 500.

[0088] like Figure 1As shown, when the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 are connected in series, the signal can be transmitted to the second battery cell 120-2 through the first battery cell 120-1. The signal may include information related to the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2 to receive the signal (e.g., Figure 3 The first unit controller 200-1 may recognize the information, amplify the received signal and then transmit it to the second battery unit 120-2.

[0089] like Figure 6 As shown, when the first battery unit 120-1 and the second battery unit 120-2 are connected in parallel, the signal can be directly transmitted from the main BMS 110 to the second battery unit 120-2. However, this is not limited to this. The signal sending and / or receiving action can refer to Figures 1 to 5 The actions described are thus omitted from repeated description.

[0090] According to an embodiment, the switch 600 may be configured to electrically connect or disconnect any one of the plurality of battery cells 120 from the remaining battery cells. According to an embodiment, the switch 600 may electrically connect or disconnect the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2.

[0091] Reference Figure 7 , the switch 600 may include a first switch 600-1 and a second switch 600-2 connected to both ends of the first battery cell 120-1, a third switch 600-3 and a fourth switch 600-4 connected to both ends of the second battery cell 120-2, and a fifth switch 600-5 and a sixth switch 600-6 connected to both ends of the third battery cell 120-3. For example, when the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 are opened, the first battery cell 120-1 may be electrically separated from the second battery cell 120-2 and the third battery cell 120-3. For example, when the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 are closed, the first battery cell 120-1 may be electrically connected to the second battery cell 120-2 and the third battery cell 120-3. Even if the first battery cell 120-1 is electrically separated from the second battery cell 120-2 and the third battery cell 120-3, the second battery cell 120-2 and the third battery cell 120-3 can be configured to supply power to the load. However, the form and the configured position of the switch 600 are not limited to those shown in the figure. The switch 600 can be configured outside the battery cell or inside the battery cell.

[0092] According to an embodiment, the switch 600 may be controlled by the master BMS 110 and / or the plurality of cell controllers 200. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 configured in the first battery cell 120-1 may be configured to control the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 configured at both ends of the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 may control the disconnection or connection of the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the master BMS 110 may directly and / or indirectly control the switch 600. For example, the master BMS 110 may directly transmit a signal for controlling the action of the switch 600 to the switch 600. For example, the master BMS 110 may transmit a signal for controlling the action of the switch 600 to the first unit controller 200-1 among the plurality of unit controllers 200. The first unit controller 200-1 receiving the signal may be configured to control the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 based on the signal.

[0094] According to an embodiment, the plurality of cell controllers 200 may be configured to respectively acquire data related to degradation of the plurality of battery cells 120. The data related to degradation of the plurality of battery cells 120 may specify various data indicating the extent of the health state of the battery. According to an embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire data related to at least one of the voltage, current, temperature, and charge state change according to charging and / or discharging of the first battery cell 120-1. For example, when the first battery cell 120-1 is charged, the first cell controller 200-1 may identify the change in the SOC of the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 may acquire data including information related to the change in the SOC of the battery cell over time. For example, when the first battery cell 120-1 is discharged, the first cell controller 200-1 may identify the change in the SOC of the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 may acquire data including information related to the change in the SOC of the battery cell over time. For example, when the first battery cell 120-1 operates, the first cell controller 200-1 may identify the temperature of the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 may acquire data including information related to changes in the temperature of the first battery cell 120-1 over an operating time.

[0095] According to an embodiment, when it is determined that the first battery cell 120-1 has degraded, the first battery cell 120-1 may be electrically separated from other battery cells. Determination of degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 may be performed by the master BMS 110 and / or the first cell controller 200-1, but is not limited thereto.

[0096] According to an embodiment, when it is determined that the first battery cell 120-1 has degraded, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to control the switch 600 so that the first battery cell 120-1 is electrically separated from the second battery cell 120-2. When the first battery cell 120-1 is degraded, if the battery module 100 including the first battery cell 120-1 is operated, the performance of the battery module 100 is degraded due to the first battery cell 120-1. For example, when charging the battery module 100, if the voltage of the degraded first battery cell 120-1 is lower than the voltage of the normal state, the voltage of the second battery cell 120-2 is reduced by cell balancing to match the voltage of the first battery cell 120-1. In the above case, since the voltage of the second battery cell 120-2 in the normal state is consumed, energy efficiency may be reduced. For example, when the battery module 100 is operated, if the temperature of the degraded first battery cell 120-1 is higher than the temperature of the normal state, the temperature of the battery module 100 is increased through the first battery cell 120-1. As the temperature of the battery module 100 increases, a fire may occur, or the operation of a device (eg, an electric vehicle) may be stopped according to a safety system of the device using the battery module 100 .

[0097] According to an embodiment, the master BMS 110 and / or the first cell controller 200-1 may determine the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 based on data related to the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1. When it is determined that the first battery cell 120-1 has degraded, the first cell controller 200-1 may electrically separate the first battery cell 120-1 from other battery cells by controlling the switch 600. Since the degraded first battery cell 120-1 is separated, the performance of the battery module 100 may be prevented from being degraded.

[0098] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a flowchart of an example of an operation of a master BMS for separating a degraded battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 The first unit controller described (eg, Figure 6 The actions of the first cell controller 200-1) may also be similarly applied to the cell controllers of the remaining battery cells (eg, the second cell controller 200-2).

[0099] In action 801, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to obtain data related to the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to obtain data related to at least one of the voltage, current, temperature, and SOC change according to charging and / or discharging of the first battery cell 120-1. The data related to degradation may refer to data indicating the degree of health status of the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to obtain the data independently of whether the first battery cell 120-1 is activated. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to measure the temperature, action voltage, and / or action current of the first battery cell 120-1 when the first battery cell 120-1 is activated, and obtain data related to the measured temperature, action voltage, and / or action current. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to measure the disconnection voltage of the first battery cell 120-1 when the first battery cell 120-1 is not activated (e.g., a sleep state, a turn-off state), and obtain data related to the measured disconnection voltage. The above data is only exemplary and not limited thereto.

[0100] In action 802, the master BMS 110 may be configured to request the first unit controller 200-1 to send the acquired data. For example, in action 802, the master BMS 110 may transmit a second signal for requesting the first unit controller 200-1 to send the acquired data. The second signal may be transmitted from the master BMS 110 through a bus bar (e.g., Figure 6 The master BMS 110 may transmit the second signal to the first unit controller 200-1 at each cycle specified by the user. For example, when a specified event occurs, the master BMS 110 may transmit the second signal to the first unit controller 200-1.

[0101] According to one embodiment, action 802 may also be omitted. When action 802 is omitted, the first unit controller 200-1 may perform action 803 even without a separate request from the main BMS110. According to one embodiment, action 802 may be performed based on the state of the first battery unit 120-1. According to one embodiment, in a first state in which the first battery unit 120-1 performs an action, the first unit controller 200-1 may be configured to send the acquired data to the main BMS110 through the bus bar 500 without receiving a separate request signal from the main BMS110. The first state may represent a state in which the first battery unit 120-1 supplies power to a load. In the first state, the first unit controller 200-1 may be configured to send the acquired data to the main BMS110. According to one embodiment, in a second state distinguished from the first state, action 802 may be performed. The second state may represent a shutdown state, a low-power action state, or a sleep state in which the first battery unit 120-1 does not supply power to a load. In the second state of the first battery cell 120-1, the main BMS110 may be configured to send a second signal to the first cell controller 200-1 for requesting the data to be sent. In the second state, it may be necessary to minimize the power consumption of the first battery cell 120-1, so when the second signal is received, the first cell controller 200-1 transmits the data to the main BMS110. For example, in the case where the driving power of the load is insufficient, if the first cell controller 200-1 continues to perform the action of sending data to the main BMS110, a situation may occur where the load cannot be driven due to insufficient power. The first cell controller 200-1 can minimize the power consumption of the first battery cell 120-1 caused by sending the data.

[0102] In action 803, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to transmit the acquired data related to the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 to the main BMS 110. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may transmit the acquired data to the main BMS 110 upon receiving a signal for requesting to transmit the data from the main BMS 110. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may transmit the acquired data to the main BMS 110 at each cycle specified by the user. For example, when a specified event occurs, the first cell controller 200-1 may transmit the acquired data to the main BMS 110.

[0103] In action 804, the master BMS 110 may be configured to compare the data acquired from the first cell controller 200-1 with a pre-determined reference value. The pre-determined reference value may be a value indicating a normal state of the first battery cell 120-1 that is not degraded. The pre-determined reference value may be determined as a range in which the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 can be determined based on the type of data. For example, when the first cell controller 200-1 sends data including information related to the temperature of the first battery cell 120-1, the pre-determined reference value may be determined as a temperature range of the first battery cell 120-1 in a normal state. The temperature range of the first battery cell 120-1 in a normal state may refer to a temperature range in which the first battery cell 120-1 can operate normally. For example, when the first battery cell 120-1 is charged, if the first cell controller 200-1 sends SOC-related data, the pre-determined reference value may be determined by the rate of change of the SOC of the first battery cell 120-1 in a normal state over time.

[0104] In action 805, the master BMS 110 may be configured to send a first signal for separating the first battery cell 120-1 from the second battery cell 120-2 to the first cell controller 200-1 based on the comparison result in action 804, i.e., when it is recognized that the data received from the first cell controller 200-1 exceeds the reference value. For example, when it is recognized that the data including the information related to the temperature of the first battery cell 120-1 received from the first cell controller 200-1 is not included in the reference value, the master BMS 110 may send the first signal to the first cell controller 200-1. The first signal may be transmitted from the master BMS 110 to the first cell controller 200-1 through the bus bar 500.

[0105] In action 806, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to control the switch 600 to electrically separate the first battery cell 120-1 from the second battery cell 120-2 upon receiving the first signal from the master BMS 110. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may control the first switch 600-1 (e.g., Figure 7 The first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 (eg, Figure 7The second switch 600-2) is disconnected. The electrical separation of the first battery cell 120-1 from the second battery cell 120-2 may refer to the electrical separation of the first battery cell 120-1 from the remaining battery cells in the battery module 100 except the first battery cell 120-1. Even when the first battery cell 120-1 is electrically separated from the remaining battery cells, it can remain electrically connected to the main BMS 110. The main BMS 110 can continuously manage the health status of the separated first battery cell 120-1. In actions 805 and 806, the switch 600 is described as being controlled by the first unit controller 200-1, but is not limited to this. For example, the main BMS 110 can directly control the switch 600 when it is identified that the data received from the first unit controller 200-1 exceeds the reference value, so that the first battery cell 120-1 can be electrically separated from the second battery cell 120-2.

[0106] In action 807, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to transmit a signal for notifying that the first battery cell 120-1 has been electrically separated from the second battery cell 120-2 to the main BMS 110. The first cell controller 200-1 transmits the signal to the main BMS 110 after controlling the switch 600. The signal may be transmitted from the first cell controller 200-1 to the main BMS 110 through the bus bar 500.

[0107] In action 808, the main BMS 110 may be configured to notify that the first battery cell 120-1 has been electrically separated from the second battery cell 120-2. For example, the main BMS 110 is a component of a device including the battery module 100, and may transmit a signal notifying that the first battery cell 120-1 has been separated. For example, in an electric vehicle including the battery module 100, the main BMS 110 may transmit a visual signal or an auditory signal to a user through a display or a speaker to notify that the first battery cell 120-1 has been separated. The user may recognize that the first battery cell 120-1 has deteriorated through the notification.

[0108] The battery module 100 according to an embodiment can identify whether each of the plurality of battery cells 120 is degraded by configuring a plurality of cell controllers 200 in the plurality of battery cells 120 electrically connected to each other. Generally, in order to identify the degradation of the battery cell, a separate process is required, such as charging and discharging the battery cell by a degradation judgment device. The battery module 100 according to an embodiment can easily acquire degradation-related data through a plurality of cell controllers 200 included in each of the plurality of battery cells 120. The acquired data can be sent to the main BMS 110 through the bus bar 500, so a separate wiring harness for communication is not required. Therefore, the weight of the entire system can be reduced and the design can be made easy. The main BMS 110 can determine whether each of the plurality of battery cells 120 is degraded based on the received data. The main BMS 110 electrically separates the degraded battery cell from the remaining battery cells, thereby preventing the performance of the battery module 100 from being reduced due to the degraded battery cell.

[0109] Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is a flowchart of an example of an operation of a cell controller of a battery module according to an embodiment for separating a degraded battery cell. Fig. 9 The described actions of the first cell controller 200 - 1 may also be similarly applied to cell controllers of the remaining battery cells (eg, the second cell controller 200 - 2 ).

[0110] Reference Fig. 9 In action 901, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to obtain data related to degradation of the first battery cell 120-1. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to obtain data related to at least one of the voltage, current, temperature, and SOC change according to charging and / or discharging of the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to obtain the data independently of whether the first battery cell 120-1 is activated. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to measure the temperature, action voltage, and / or action current of the first battery cell 120-1 when the first battery cell 120-1 is activated, and obtain data related to the measured temperature, action voltage, and / or action current. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to measure the disconnection voltage of the first battery cell 120-1 when the first battery cell 120-1 is not activated (e.g., sleep state, turn-off state), and obtain data related to the measured disconnection voltage. The above data are merely exemplary and not limiting.

[0111] In action 902, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to compare the acquired data with a predetermined reference value. The predetermined reference value may be determined as a range capable of judging the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 based on the type of data. For example, when the first cell controller 200-1 acquires data including information related to the temperature of the first battery cell 120-1, the predetermined reference value may be determined as a temperature range of the first battery cell 120-1 in a normal state. The temperature range of the first battery cell 120-1 in a normal state may refer to a temperature range in which the first battery cell 120-1 can operate normally. For example, when the first battery cell 120-1 is charged, if the first cell controller 200-1 acquires SOC-related data, the predetermined reference value may be determined by the SOC change rate of the first battery cell 120-1 in a normal state over time.

[0112] In action 903, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to control the switch 600 based on the comparison result in action 902. According to an embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to control the switch 600 to electrically separate the first battery cell 120-1 from the second battery cell 120-2 when recognizing that the acquired data exceeds the reference value. The first controller may be configured to control the switch 600 to electrically connect the first battery cell 120-1 to the second battery cell 120-2 when recognizing that the acquired data is included in the reference value.

[0113] According to an embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to determine the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 based on data related to the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1. Since the first cell controller 200-1 itself can determine the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1, it can determine whether to separate the first battery cell 120-1 without sending and / or receiving a signal with the main BMS 110.

[0114] Fig.10 1 is a flowchart of an example of an operation of a master BMS of a battery module according to an embodiment for separating a degraded battery cell based on data recorded in a memory of a cell controller. Fig.10 The described actions of the first cell controller 200 - 1 may also be similarly applied to cell controllers of the remaining battery cells (eg, the second cell controller 200 - 2 ).

[0115] Reference Fig.10 In action 1001, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to obtain data related to degradation of the first battery cell 120-1. Action 1001 may refer to Figure 8 Action 801.

[0116] In action 1002, the first unit controller 200-1 may be configured to store the acquired data in a memory (eg, Figure 2 The memory 250 may be configured to store data related to degradation of the first battery cell 120-1.

[0117] In action 1003, the master BMS 110 may be configured to transmit to the first cell controller 200-1 a third signal for requesting transmission of data recorded in the memory 250. In order to determine whether the first battery cell 120-1 is degraded, the master BMS 110 may request the first cell controller 200-1 to transmit data stored in the memory 250. The third signal may be transmitted from the master BMS 110 to the first cell controller 200-1 through the bus bar 500.

[0118] In action 1004, the first unit controller 200-1 may be configured to transmit at least a portion of the data stored in the memory 250 to the master BMS 110 based on the reception of the third signal. The first unit controller 200-1 may transmit all of the data stored in the memory 250 to the master BMS 110, or may transmit a portion of the data stored in the memory 250 to the master BMS 110. For example, the master BMS 110 may transmit a third signal including information for requesting to transmit all or a portion of the data to the first unit controller 200-1 based on the time after determining whether the first battery unit 120-1 is degraded and / or the number of times the first battery unit 120-1 supplies power to the load. The first unit controller 200-1 may transmit all or a portion of the data to the master BMS 110 based on the third signal. For example, the first unit controller 200-1 may never transmit to the master BMS 110 except for the data transmitted to the master BMS 110 before receiving the third signal, and may transmit the newly stored data in the memory 250 to the master BMS 110. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0119] In action 1005, the master BMS 110 may be configured to compare the data acquired from the first unit controller 200-1 with a predetermined reference value. Action 1005 may refer to Figure 8 Action 804.

[0120] In action 1006, the master BMS 110 may be configured to send a first signal for separating the first battery unit 120-1 from the second battery unit 120-2 to the first unit controller 200-1 based on the comparison result in action 1005, i.e., when it is recognized that the data received from the first unit controller 200-1 exceeds the reference value. Action 1006 may refer to Figure 8 Action 805.

[0121] In action 1007, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to control the switch 600 to electrically separate the first battery cell 120-1 from the second battery cell 120-2 upon receiving the first signal from the master BMS 110. Action 1007 may refer to Figure 8 Action 806.

[0122] In action 1008, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to transmit a signal for notifying that the first battery cell 120-1 has been electrically separated from the second battery cell 120-2 to the master BMS 110. Action 1008 may refer to Figure 8 Action 807.

[0123] In action 1009, the master BMS 110 may be configured to notify that the first battery unit 120-1 has been electrically separated from the second battery unit 120-2. Action 1009 may refer to Figure 8 Action 808.

[0124] The battery module 100 according to an embodiment may continuously store degradation-related data in a plurality of cell controllers 200 configured in each of a plurality of battery cells 120. The data stored in the memory 250 may be transmitted to the main BMS 110 according to a request of the main BMS 110. The main BMS 110 may determine whether each of the plurality of battery cells 120 is degraded through the data stored in the memory 250. The plurality of cell controllers 200 are respectively configured in the plurality of battery cells 120, so it is easy to obtain data related to the degradation of the battery cells. Each of the plurality of cell controllers 200 may obtain data from a battery cell that is in operation or not in operation, and record the obtained data in the memory 250. Through the data recorded in the memory 250, the main BMS 110 may easily determine whether each of the plurality of battery cells 120 is degraded. For example, the main BMS 110 may confirm the change in the time required to charge the battery to 100% when charging the battery cell through the data stored in the memory 250. The master BMS 110 may be configured to accurately determine the degradation of each of the plurality of battery cells 120 through data stored over a certain period of time.

[0125] Fig.11a and Fig.11b is an example of the second battery cell 120-2 being electrically separated from the other battery cells. Fig.11a and Fig.11b , the switch 600 may include a first switch 600-1 and a second switch 600-2 connected to both ends of the second battery cell 120-2. The plurality of battery cells 120 may be connected in series to each other.

[0126] According to an embodiment, the battery module 100 may include a first line L1 electrically connecting all of the plurality of battery cells 120 and a second line L2 electrically separating at least one of the plurality of battery cells 120. The switch 600 may connect the plurality of battery cells 120 to the first line L1 or the second line L2.

[0127] Reference Fig.11a , when the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 are connected to the first line L1, the second battery cell 120-2 may be electrically connected to the first battery cell 120-1 and the third battery cell 120-3. The first battery cell 120-1, the second battery cell 120-2, and the third battery cell 120-3 electrically connected to each other may be configured to supply power for driving a load. When the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 are connected to the first line L1, a path P1 of current flowing through the first battery cell 120-1, the second battery cell 120-2, and the third battery cell 120-3 may be formed.

[0128] Reference Fig.11b , when the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 are connected to the second line L2, the second battery cell 120-2 can be electrically separated from the first battery cell 120-1 and the third battery cell 120-3. The first battery cell 120-1 and the third battery cell 120-3 can be electrically connected. When the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 are connected to the second line L2, a bypass path P2 that bypasses the second battery cell 120-2 can be formed. When the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 are connected to the second line L2, a path P2 of current flowing through the first battery cell 120-1 and the third battery cell 120-3 can be formed. When the second battery cell 120-2 is electrically separated from the first battery cell 120-1 and the third battery cell 120-3, the first battery cell 120-1 and the third battery cell 120-3 can be configured to supply power to the load through the path P2. However, the form of the switch 600 and the configured position are not limited to those shown in the figure. The switch 600 may be disposed outside the battery cell or inside the battery cell.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the switch 600 may be provided by a main BMS (eg, Figure 6 The first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to control the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 configured at both ends of the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 may control the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 to be disconnected or connected.

[0130] According to an embodiment, the master BMS 110 may directly and / or indirectly control the switch 600. For example, the master BMS 110 may directly transmit a signal for controlling the action of the switch 600 to the switch 600. For example, the master BMS 110 may transmit a signal for controlling the action of the switch 600 to the second unit controller 200-2 among the plurality of unit controllers 200. The second unit controller 200-2 receiving the signal may be configured to control the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 based on the signal.

[0131] According to an embodiment, the plurality of cell controllers 200 may be configured to respectively acquire data related to degradation of the plurality of battery cells 120. The data related to degradation of the plurality of battery cells 120 may specify various data quantitatively indicating the degree of health status of the battery. The plurality of cell controllers 200 may identify the degree of degradation of each of the plurality of battery cells 120 based on the data. The degree of degradation may be a numerical value indicating the degree of degradation of the battery cell. The degree of degradation may be identified based on the data.

[0132] According to an embodiment, the master BMS 110 and / or the first cell controller 200-1 may determine the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 based on data related to the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1. When it is determined that the first battery cell 120-1 has degraded, the first cell controller 200-1 may electrically separate the first battery cell 120-1 from other battery cells by controlling the switch 600. Since the degraded first battery cell 120-1 is separated, the performance of the battery module 100 may be prevented from being degraded.

[0133] Fig.12 FIG. 1 is a flowchart of an example of an operation of a master BMS for separating a degraded battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.12 The described actions of the first cell controller 200 - 1 and the second cell controller 200 - 2 may be similarly applied to cell controllers of other battery cells.

[0134] In action 1201, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to obtain a first battery cell (eg, Figure 6For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to obtain first data related to at least one of the voltage, current, temperature, and SOC change according to charging and / or discharging of the first battery cell 120-1. According to one embodiment, the main BMS 110 may be configured to pre-specify the type of the data. For example, the main BMS 110 may specify that the first cell controller 200-1 obtains data including information related to the temperature of the first battery cell 120-1. The first data may represent the degree of degradation of the first battery cell 120-1.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire the first data independently of whether the first battery cell 120-1 is activated. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to measure the temperature, action voltage and / or action current of the first battery cell 120-1 when the first battery cell 120-1 is activated, and acquire the first data related to the measured temperature, action voltage and / or action current. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to measure the disconnection voltage of the first battery cell 120-1 when the first battery cell 120-1 is not activated (e.g., sleep state, turn-off state), and acquire the first data related to the measured disconnection voltage. The above-mentioned first data is exemplary only and is not limited thereto.

[0136] In action 1202, the second unit controller 200-2 may be configured to obtain a second battery unit (eg, Figure 6 Action 1202 may refer to action 1201.

[0137] In action 1203, the master BMS 110 may be configured to request the first unit controller 200-1 and the second unit controller 200-2 to send the acquired data. For example, in action 1203, the master BMS 110 may transmit a signal requesting the first unit controller 200-1 and the second unit controller 200-2 to send the acquired data. The signal may be transmitted via a bus bar (e.g., Figure 6The signal is transmitted from the main BMS 110 to the first unit controller 200-1 through the bus bar 500 of the main BMS 110. When a plurality of units 120 are connected in series, the signal is transmitted from the main BMS 110 to the second unit controller 200-2 via the first battery unit 120-1 through the bus bar 500. The first unit controller 200-1 may be configured to amplify the signal when the signal passes through the first battery unit 120-1, and then transmit it to the second battery unit 120-2. For example, the main BMS 110 may transmit a signal to the first unit controller 200-1 and the second unit controller 200-2 in each cycle specified by the user. For example, when a specified event occurs, the main BMS 110 transmits the signal to the first unit controller 200-1 and the second unit controller 200-2.

[0138] According to one embodiment, action 1203 may also be omitted. When action 1203 is omitted, the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 are able to perform action 1204 even without a separate request from the main BMS110. According to one embodiment, action 1203 may be performed based on the state of the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2. According to one embodiment, in a first state in which the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 perform an action, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to send the acquired data to the main BMS110 through the bus bar 500 without receiving a separate request signal from the main BMS110. The first state may represent a state in which the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 supply power to the load. In the first state, the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 may be configured to send the acquired data to the main BMS110. According to one embodiment, in a second state distinguished from the first state, action 1203 may be performed. The second state may represent a shutdown state, a low-power action state, or a sleep state in which the first battery unit 120-1 and the second battery unit 120-2 do not supply power to the load. In the second state of the first battery unit 120-1 and the second battery unit 120-2, the main BMS 110 may be configured to send a signal to the first unit controller 200-1 and the second unit controller 200-2 for requesting to send the data. In the second state, since it may be necessary to minimize the power consumption of the first battery unit 120-1 and the second battery unit 120-2, upon receiving the signal, the first unit controller 200-1 and the second unit controller 200-2 may be configured to transmit the data to the main BMS 110. For example, if the first unit controller 200-1 and the second unit controller 200-2 continue to perform the action of sending data to the main BMS 110 when the load driving power is insufficient, the load cannot be driven due to insufficient power. The first unit controller 200-1 and the second unit controller 200-2 can minimize the power consumption of the first battery unit 120-1 and the second battery unit 120-2 generated when sending the data.

[0139] In action 1204, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to transmit the acquired first data related to the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 to the main BMS 110. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may transmit the first data to the main BMS 110 upon receiving a signal for requesting to transmit the first data from the main BMS 110. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may transmit the acquired first data to the main BMS 110 at each cycle specified by the user. For example, when a specified event occurs, the first cell controller 200-1 may transmit the first data to the main BMS 110.

[0140] In action 1205, the second cell controller 200-2 may be configured to transmit the acquired second data related to degradation of the second battery cell 120-2 to the main BMS 110. When the plurality of cells 120 are connected in series, the second data may be transmitted to the main BMS 110 through the first battery cell 120-1. Action 1205 may refer to action 1204.

[0141] In action 1206, the main BMS 110 may be configured to set a reference range based on the first data and the second data acquired from the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2. The reference range may represent a range related to the degree of degradation of each of the plurality of battery cells 120. The reference range may be set to a range for representing the degree of degradation of the battery cell based on the type of data. For example, when the first data and the second data include information related to the temperature of the battery cell, the reference range represents the temperature range of the battery cell in a normal state. For example, when the first data and the second data include information related to the SOC when charging the battery cell, the reference range may represent the SOC change rate over time of the battery cell in a normal state. The normal state may represent the state of a battery cell that has not been degraded.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the main BMS 110 may be configured to determine a reference range relatively determined according to the health status of the plurality of battery cells 120, rather than a predetermined reference range, to judge the degradation of each of the plurality of battery cells 120. Depending on the device, environment, frequency, etc., in which the battery module 100 is used, the judgment of the degradation of the plurality of battery cells 120 may be different. The main BMS 110 may be configured to set a relative reference range through data related to the degradation of the plurality of battery cells 120. According to one embodiment, compared with the case of judging the degradation of the battery cell by a fixed reference range, the main BMS 110 can make an appropriate judgment according to the situation.

[0143] According to an embodiment, the master BMS 110 may be configured to receive data related to degradation of each of the plurality of battery cells 120 from the plurality of battery cells 120. The master BMS 110 may identify data with the smallest degradation degree among the received data. The master BMS 110 may be configured to set a reference range based on the data with the smallest degradation degree.

[0144] For example, when the second battery cell 120-2 among the plurality of battery cells 120 has the smallest degree of degradation, the master BMS 110 may set a reference range based on the second data. The reference range may be set such that the difference from the value of the second data is less than a certain value. For example, when the difference between the value of the second data and the value of the first data is less than a certain value, it may be determined that the first battery cell 120-1 has not degraded. For example, when the difference between the value of the second data and the value of the first data exceeds a certain value, it may be determined that the first battery cell 120-1 has degraded.

[0145] In action 1207, the master BMS 110 may be configured to identify whether each of the plurality of battery cells 120 is degraded based on a reference range. The master BMS 110 may be configured to identify a degraded battery cell among the plurality of battery cells 120. According to an embodiment, the master BMS 110 may identify data that is not included in a reference range determined based on data with the least degree of degradation. For example, when the reference range is set based on the second data, the master BMS 110 may identify that the first battery cell 120-1 has degraded when it is identified that the difference between the value of the second data and the value of the first data exceeds the reference range.

[0146] In action 1208, the main BMS 110 may transmit a separation request signal for requesting the degraded battery cell to be separated from other battery cells to the cell controller included in the degraded battery cell, so that the degraded battery cell is electrically separated from other battery cells. For example, the main BMS 110 may be configured to send a signal for separating the first battery cell 120-1 from the second battery cell 120-2 to the first cell controller 200-1 when it is identified that the first data exceeds the reference range. For example, when it is identified that the data including the temperature-related information of the first battery cell 120-1 received from the first cell controller 200-1 is not included in the reference range, the main BMS 110 may send a first signal to the first cell controller 200-1. The first signal may be transmitted from the main BMS 110 to the first cell controller 200-1 through the bus bar 500.

[0147] In action 1209, the cell controller configured in the degraded battery cell may be configured to control the switch 600 so that the degraded battery cell is electrically separated from the other battery cells. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to control the switch 600 so that the first battery cell 120-1 is electrically separated from the second battery cell 120-2 upon receiving a separation request signal from the master BMS 110. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may control the first switch (e.g., Figure 7 The first switch 600-1 and the second switch (eg, Figure 7The second switch 600-2) is connected to the second line. The electrical separation of the first battery cell 120-1 from the second battery cell 120-2 can indicate that the first battery cell 120-1 is electrically separated from the remaining battery cells in the battery module 100 except the first battery cell 120-1. Even when electrically separated from the remaining battery cells, the first battery cell 120-1 can still maintain electrical connection with the main BMS110. The main BMS110 can continuously manage the health status of the separated first battery cell 120-1. In actions 1208 and 1209, the switch 600 is described as being controlled by the first cell controller 200-1, but is not limited to this. For example, the main BMS110 can directly control the switch 600 when it is identified that the first data exceeds the reference range, so that the first battery cell 120-1 can be electrically separated from the second battery cell 120-2.

[0148] In action 1210, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to transmit a signal for notifying that the first battery cell 120-1 has been electrically separated from the second battery cell 120-2 to the main BMS 110. The first cell controller 200-1 may control the switch 600 and then transmit the signal to the main BMS 110. The signal may be transmitted from the first cell controller 200-1 to the main BMS 110 through the bus bar 500.

[0149] In action 1211, the master BMS 110 may be configured to estimate the performance of the battery module 100 including the plurality of battery cells 120 based on the data received from the plurality of battery cells 120 and / or the connection status of the plurality of battery cells 120. The master BMS 110 may estimate the health status of each of the plurality of battery cells 120 and estimate the performance of the battery module 100 including the plurality of battery cells 120. The master BMS 110 may estimate the performance of the battery module 100 based on the connection status of the plurality of battery cells 120. For example, in a state where the first battery cell 120-1 is electrically separated from the other battery cells, the master BMS 110 may estimate the performance of the battery module 100 through the remaining battery cells except the first battery cell 120-1. The master BMS 110 may notify the user of the estimated performance of the battery module 100.

[0150] According to an embodiment, the main BMS 110 may be configured to notify that the first battery cell 120-1 is electrically separated from the second battery cell 120-2. For example, the main BMS 110 is a constituent element of a device including the battery module 100, and may transmit a signal for notifying that the first battery cell 120-1 has been separated. For example, in an electric vehicle including the battery module 100, the main BMS 110 may transmit a visual signal or an auditory signal to a user through a display or a speaker for notifying that the first battery cell 120-1 has been separated. The user may recognize that the first battery cell 120-1 has deteriorated through the notification.

[0151] The battery module 100 according to one embodiment can identify whether each of the multiple battery cells 120 is degraded by configuring multiple cell controllers 200 in the multiple battery cells 120 electrically connected to each other. Generally, in order to identify the degradation of the battery cell, it is necessary to perform additional experiments, such as charging and discharging the battery cell. The battery module 100 according to one embodiment can easily obtain data related to degradation through the multiple cell controllers 200 included in each of the multiple battery cells 120. Since the acquired data can be sent to the main BMS110 through the bus bar 500, a separate wiring harness is not required for communication. However, the weight of the entire system can be reduced and the design can be made easy. The main BMS110 can determine whether each of the multiple battery cells 120 is degraded based on the received data. By separating the degraded battery cells, the performance of the battery module 100 caused by the degraded battery cells can be prevented from being degraded.

[0152] Fig.13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the master BMS setting the reference range. Fig.13 The described actions of the first cell controller 200 - 1 , the second cell controller 200 - 2 , and the third cell controller 200 - 3 may also be similarly applied to the cell controllers of the remaining battery cells.

[0153] Reference Fig.13 In action 1301, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to obtain a first battery cell (eg, Figure 6 The first data related to the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1) of the first battery cell 120-1. The first data may indicate the degree of degradation of the first battery cell 120-1. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to obtain first data related to at least one of the voltage, current, temperature, and SOC change according to charging and / or discharging of the first battery cell 120-1. According to one embodiment, the main BMS 110 may be configured to pre-specify the type of the data. For example, the main BMS 110 may specify that the first cell controller 200-1 obtains data including information related to the temperature of the first battery cell 120-1.

[0154] In action 1302, the second unit controller 200-2 may be configured to obtain a second battery unit (eg, Figure 6 In action 1303, the third cell controller 200-3 may be configured to obtain second data related to degradation of the third battery cell (eg, Figure 6 Action 1302 and action 1303 may refer to action 1301.

[0155] In act 1304 , the first cell controller 200 - 1 may be configured to transmit the first data to the second battery cell 120 - 2 connected to the first battery cell 120 - 1 . The first cell controller 200 - 1 may transmit the first data to the second battery cell 120 - 2 through the bus bar 500 .

[0156] In action 1305, the second cell controller 200-2 may be configured to compare the first data received from the first cell controller 200-1 with the second data, and transmit the data of the battery cell with a smaller degree of degradation to the third battery cell 120-3. For example, when the degree of degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 identified based on the first data and the degree of degradation of the second battery cell 120-2 identified based on the second data is smaller, the second cell controller 200-2 may transmit the first data to the third battery cell 120-3.

[0157] In action 1306, the third cell controller 200-3 may be configured to compare the data (e.g., the first data) received from the second cell controller 200-2 with the third data, and transmit the data of the battery cell with a smaller degree of degradation to the main BMS 110. The third battery cell 120-3 may transmit the data to the main BMS 110 through the bus bar 500. The data may be transmitted to the main BMS 110 through the second battery cell 120-2 and the first battery cell 120-1. For example, when the degree of degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 identified based on the first data and the degree of degradation of the third battery cell 120-3 identified based on the third data is smaller, the third cell controller 200-3 may transmit the third data to the main BMS 110.

[0158] In action 1307, the master BMS 110 may be configured to set a reference range based on the data received from the third unit controller 200-3. Action 1307 may refer to Fig.12Action 1206. For example, when receiving the third data from the third cell controller 200-3, the master BMS 110 may set a reference range based on the third data. The master BMS 110 may determine that the battery cell has deteriorated when the data received from any battery cell exceeds the reference range.

[0159] According to an embodiment, the master BMS 110 may set a reference range relatively determined according to the health state of the plurality of battery cells 120. The master BMS 110 may determine whether each of the plurality of battery cells 120 is degraded based on the reference range. According to an embodiment, the battery module 100 may control the plurality of battery cells 120 to a state suitable for the action of the load.

[0160] According to one embodiment, the main BMS110 may set a reference range based on the degree of degradation of the battery cell with the lowest degree of degradation. For example, when the degree of degradation of the third battery cell 120-3 is the smallest, if the difference between the degree of degradation of the second battery cell 120-2 and the degree of degradation of the third battery cell 120-3 exceeds the reference range, the main BMS110 may determine that the first battery cell 120-1 has degraded. The main BMS110 may directly and / or indirectly control the switch 600 so that the second battery cell 120-2 is electrically separated from the other battery cells. For example, the main BMS110 may directly control the first switch (e.g., Figure 7 b's first switch 600-1 and a second switch (eg, Figure 7 b) to form a current path that bypasses the path of the second battery cell 120-2 (eg, Figure 7 b current path P2). For example, the master BMS 110 may send a switch 600 control signal to the second unit controller 200-2. The second unit controller 200-2 may control the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 upon receiving the signal and form a current path P2 that bypasses the second battery unit 120-2.

[0161] Fig.14 FIG. 1 is a flowchart of an example of an operation of a cell controller of a battery module according to an embodiment for separating a degraded battery cell. Fig.14 The first unit controller described (eg, Figure 6 The operation of the first cell controller 200-1) can also be similarly applied to the cell controllers of the remaining battery cells (for example, the second cell controller 200-2).

[0162] Reference Fig.14 In action 1401, the first unit controller 200-1 may be configured to be a slave to the master BMS (eg, Figure 6The master BMS 110 receives information related to the reference range. The reference range may be based on a plurality of battery cells (eg, Figure 6 The setting is based on the data related to the degradation of each of the multiple battery cells 120).

[0163] In action 1402, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to generate a first battery cell (eg, Figure 6 The first cell controller 200-1 can determine the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 by determining whether the first data related to the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 is included in the reference range. The first cell controller 200-1 can determine that the first battery cell 120-1 is not degraded when it is identified that the first data is included in the reference range. The first cell controller 200-1 can determine that the first battery cell 120-1 is degraded when it is identified that the first data is not included in the reference range.

[0164] In action 1403, the first unit controller 200-1 may be configured to control the switch (eg, Figure 6 For example, when it is determined that the first battery cell 120-1 is not degraded, the first cell controller 200-1 may connect the switch 600 to the first line (eg, Figure 7 For example, when it is determined that the first battery cell 120-1 has deteriorated, the first cell controller 200-1 may connect the switch 600 to the second line (eg, Figure 7 b). The first cell controller 200-1 may determine by itself whether the first battery cell 120-1 is degraded based on the reference range received from the master BMS 110. The first cell controller 200-1 may control the switch 600 based on the determination result, thereby controlling the connection state of the first battery cell 120-1.

[0165] The above actions can be performed by multiple unit controllers (e.g. Figure 6 200) is executed by a plurality of unit controllers. Fig.12 and Fig.13 As described above, the master BMS 110 can determine whether the plurality of battery cells 120 are degraded, as shown in FIG. Fig.14 As described above, the plurality of cell controllers 200 may also determine whether the plurality of battery cells 120 are degraded.

[0166] According to a battery module (eg, Figure 6 The battery module 100 may include a plurality of battery cells (eg, Figure 6 A plurality of battery cells 200), a main battery management system (eg, Figure 6 The main BMS 110), bus bars (eg, Figure 6bus bar 500) and a switch (eg, Figure 6 The plurality of battery cells may include a first battery cell (eg, Figure 6 The first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell (eg, Figure 6 The second battery cell 120-2). The main BMS may be configured to manage the plurality of battery cells. The bus bar may connect the plurality of battery cells. The bus bar may be electrically connected to the main BMS. The switch may be configured to electrically connect or electrically separate the first battery cell and the second battery cell. The first battery cell may include a first cell controller (e.g., Figure 6 The first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire first data related to degradation of the first battery cell. The first cell controller may be configured to, when judging that the first battery cell has degraded based on the first data, control the switch to electrically separate the first battery cell from a second battery cell distinguished from the first battery cell.

[0167] According to an embodiment, the first cell controller may be configured to send the first data to the main BMS through a bus bar. The main BMS may be configured to compare the first data received from the first cell controller with a predetermined reference value. The main BMS may be configured to, upon identifying that the first data exceeds the reference value, send a first signal to the first cell controller for electrically separating the first battery cell from the second battery cell. The first cell controller may be configured to, upon receiving the first signal from the main BMS, control the switch to electrically separate the first battery cell from the second battery cell.

[0168] According to one embodiment, in a first state in which the first battery cell is in action, the first cell controller may be configured to send the first data to the main BMS through the bus bar. In a second state that is distinguished from the first state of the first battery cell, the main BMS may be configured to send a second signal for requesting the first data to be sent to the first cell controller through the bus bar. The first cell controller may be configured to send the first data to the main BMS through the bus bar when receiving the second signal from the main BMS.

[0169] According to an embodiment, the first cell controller may be configured to compare the first data with a predetermined reference value. The first cell controller may be configured to, upon recognizing that the first data exceeds the reference value, control the switch to electrically separate the first battery cell from the second battery cell.

[0170] According to an embodiment, the first unit controller may include a memory (eg, Figure 2 The first cell controller may be configured to, upon receiving a third signal from the main BMS for requesting to send the first data stored in the memory, send at least a portion of the first data stored in the memory to the main BMS. The main BMS may be configured to determine the degradation of the first battery cell based on the first data recorded in the memory received from the first cell controller.

[0171] According to an embodiment, the main BMS may be configured to set a reference range based on data related to degradation of each of the plurality of battery cells. The main BMS may be configured to identify whether the first battery cell has degraded based on the reference range. The main BMS may be configured to control the switch through the first cell controller to electrically separate the first battery cell from the second battery cell when identifying that the first battery cell has degraded.

[0172] According to an embodiment, the main BMS may be configured to, upon recognizing that the first battery cell has deteriorated, send a first signal to the first cell controller for electrically separating the first battery cell from the second battery cell. The first cell controller may be configured to, upon receiving the first signal from the main BMS, control the switch to electrically separate the first battery cell from the second battery cell.

[0173] According to an embodiment, the second battery unit may include a second unit controller (eg, Figure 6 The first cell controller may be configured to obtain first data related to degradation of the first battery cell. The first cell controller may be configured to send the first data to the second battery cell connected to the first battery cell. The second cell controller may be configured to obtain second data related to degradation of the second battery cell. The second cell controller may be configured to send the data with a smaller degree of degradation among the first data and the second data to the main BMS. The main BMS may be configured to set the reference range based on the data with a smaller degree of degradation among the first data and the second data received from the second cell controller.

[0174] According to an embodiment, the master BMS may be configured to send the reference range set based on the data with a smaller degree of degradation among the first data and the second data to the first battery cell. The first cell controller may be configured to, when recognizing that the first data is not included in the reference range, control the switch to electrically separate the first battery cell from the second battery cell.

[0175] According to an embodiment, the master BMS may be configured to estimate performance of the battery module including the plurality of battery cells based on the data and connection states of the plurality of battery cells.

[0176] According to a battery module (eg, Figure 6 The battery module 100 may include a plurality of battery cells (eg, Figure 6 A plurality of battery cells 200), a main battery management system (eg, Figure 6 The main BMS 110), bus bars (eg, Figure 6 bus bar 500), a plurality of unit controllers (eg, Figure 6 200) and switches (e.g., Figure 6 The plurality of battery cells may include a first battery cell (eg, Figure 6 The first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell (eg, Figure 6 The second battery cell 120-2). The main BMS may be configured to manage the plurality of battery cells. The bus bar may connect the plurality of battery cells. The bus bar may be electrically connected to the main BMS. The plurality of cell controllers may be configured in each of the plurality of battery cells and configured to communicate with the main BMS through the bus bar. The switch may be configured to electrically connect or electrically separate the first battery cell and the second battery cell. The main BMS may be configured to set a reference range based on data related to degradation of each of the plurality of battery cells. The main BMS may be configured to identify a degraded battery cell among the plurality of battery cells based on the reference range. The main BMS may be configured to, when identifying the degraded battery cell, control the switch through one of the plurality of cell controllers so that the degraded battery cell is electrically separated from the other battery cells.

[0177] According to an embodiment, the main BMS may be configured to send a signal for electrically isolating the degraded battery cell from other battery cells to a cell controller configured in the degraded battery cell. The cell controller configured in the degraded battery cell may be configured to control the switch to electrically isolate the degraded battery cell from the other battery cells.

[0178] According to one embodiment, a first cell controller (eg, Figure 6 The first cell controller 200-1) may be configured to obtain first data related to degradation of the first battery cell. The first cell controller may be configured to send the first data to a second battery cell connected to the first battery cell. The second cell controller configured in the second battery cell may be configured to obtain second data related to degradation of the second battery cell. The second cell controller may be configured to send data of a battery cell with a smaller degree of degradation among the first data and the second data to the main BMS. The main BMS may be configured to set the reference range based on the data with a smaller degree of degradation among the first data and the second data received from the second cell controller.

[0179] According to an embodiment, the master BMS may be configured to send the reference range set based on the data with a smaller degree of degradation among the first data and the second data to the first battery cell. The first cell controller may be configured to, when recognizing that the first data is not included in the reference range, control the switch to electrically separate the first battery cell from other battery cells.

[0180] According to an embodiment, the master BMS may be configured to estimate performance of the battery module including the plurality of battery cells based on the data and connection states of the plurality of battery cells.

[0181] It should be understood that the various embodiments of this article and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features recorded herein to specific embodiments, and include various modifications, equivalents or substitutes of the embodiments. In conjunction with the description of the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related constituent elements. Unless otherwise clearly indicated by the relevant context, the singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the above items. Herein, phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C" and "at least one of A, B or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrases or any possible combination thereof. Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "second" may be simply used to distinguish one constituent element from another constituent element, and these constituent elements are not limited in other aspects (such as importance or order). When referring to a certain component (for example, a first component) being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (for example, a second component), whether with terms such as "functionally" or "communicatively" or without these terms, it means that the certain component can be connected to the other component directly (for example, by wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0182] Various embodiments herein may be implemented as software (e.g., a program) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (storage medium) (e.g., an internal memory or an external memory) that can be read by a machine. For example, a processor of a machine may call at least one instruction from one or more instructions stored in a storage medium and execute the instruction. This allows the machine to be run to perform at least one function according to at least one of the called instructions. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The storage medium that can be read by a machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Among them, "non-transitory" only refers to the storage medium being a tangible device, excluding signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between situations where data is semi-permanently stored in a storage medium and situations where data is temporarily stored.

[0183] According to one embodiment, the methods according to various embodiments disclosed herein are provided in a computer program product. The computer program product is a commodity that can be traded between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product can be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)) or through an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM ) or distributed (e.g. downloaded or uploaded) directly or online between two user devices (e.g. smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a memory 130 of a relay server).

[0184] According to various embodiments, each of the above-mentioned constituent elements (e.g., module or program) may include a single or multiple individuals, and some of the multiple individuals may be placed separately in other constituent elements. According to various embodiments, more than one constituent element or action in the above-mentioned corresponding constituent elements may be omitted, or more than one other constituent element or action may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple constituent elements (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into one constituent element. In this case, the integrated constituent element may perform more than one function of each constituent element in the multiple constituent elements in the same or similar manner as the function performed by the corresponding constituent element in the multiple constituent elements before integration. According to various embodiments, the actions performed by modules, programs or other constituent elements may be performed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively or heuristically, or more than one of the actions may be performed, omitted, or one or more other actions may be added in different orders.

Claims

1. A battery module, wherein: include: a plurality of battery cells, including a first battery cell and a second battery cell, A main battery management system, configured to manage the plurality of battery cells, a bus bar connecting the plurality of battery cells, and the bus bar being electrically connected to the main battery management system, and a switch configured to electrically connect or electrically disconnect the first battery cell and the second battery cell; The first battery cell includes a first cell controller configured to communicate with the master battery management system via the bus bar; The first unit controller is configured to: acquiring first data related to degradation of the first battery cell, When it is determined based on the first data that the first battery cell has deteriorated, the switch is controlled to electrically separate the first battery cell from the second battery cell.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The first unit controller is configured to send the first data to the main battery management system through a bus bar; The main battery management system is configured as follows: comparing the first data received from the first unit controller with a predetermined reference value, When recognizing that the first data exceeds the reference value, sending a first signal for electrically separating the first battery cell from the second battery cell to the first cell controller; The first cell controller is configured to control the switch to electrically separate the first battery cell from the second battery cell upon receiving the first signal from the master battery management system.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The first unit controller is configured to: In a first state where the first battery unit is operating, sending the first data to the main battery management system through the bus bar; The main battery management system is configured as follows: sending a second signal for requesting to send the first data to a first unit controller through the bus bar in a second state distinguished from the first state of the first battery unit; The first unit controller is configured to: When the second signal is received from the master battery management system, the first data is sent to the master battery management system through the bus bar.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The first unit controller is configured to: comparing the first data with a predetermined reference value, When it is recognized that the first data exceeds the reference value, the switch is controlled to electrically separate the first battery cell from the second battery cell.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The first unit controller comprises a memory for storing said first data; The first unit controller is configured to, upon receiving a third signal from the master battery management system for requesting to send the first data stored in the memory, send at least a portion of the first data stored in the memory to the master battery management system, The master battery management system is configured to determine degradation of the first battery cell based on first data recorded in the memory and received from the first cell controller.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The main battery management system is configured as follows: setting a reference range based on data related to degradation of each of the plurality of battery cells, identifying whether the first battery cell has deteriorated based on the reference range, When it is recognized that the first battery cell has deteriorated, the switch is controlled by the first cell controller to electrically separate the first battery cell from the second battery cell.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein: The master battery management system is configured to, upon identifying that the first battery cell has deteriorated, send a first signal to the first cell controller for electrically separating the first battery cell from the second battery cell; The first cell controller is configured to control the switch to electrically separate the first battery cell from the second battery cell upon receiving the first signal from the master battery management system.

8. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein: the second battery unit comprising a second unit controller configured to communicate with the master battery management system via the bus bar; The first unit controller is configured to: acquiring first data related to degradation of the first battery cell, sending the first data to the second battery unit connected to the first battery unit; The second unit controller is configured as: acquiring second data related to degradation of the second battery cell, sending the data with a smaller degree of degradation between the first data and the second data to the main battery management system; The master battery management system is configured to set the reference range based on the data having a smaller degree of deterioration among the first data and the second data received from the second unit controller.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein: The main battery management system is configured to transmit the reference range set based on the data with a smaller degree of degradation among the first data and the second data to the first battery unit; The first cell controller is configured to, upon recognizing that the first data is not included in the reference range, control the switch to electrically separate the first battery cell from the second battery cell.

10. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein: The master battery management system is configured to estimate performance of the battery module including the plurality of battery cells based on the data and connection states of the plurality of battery cells.

11. A battery module, wherein: include: a plurality of battery cells, including a first battery cell and a second battery cell, A main battery management system, configured to manage the plurality of battery cells, a bus bar connecting the plurality of battery cells, and the bus bar is electrically connected to the main battery management system, a plurality of cell controllers disposed within each of the plurality of battery cells and configured to communicate with the master battery management system via the bus bar, and a switch configured to electrically connect or electrically disconnect the first battery cell and the second battery cell; The main battery management system is configured as follows: setting a reference range based on data related to degradation of each of the plurality of battery cells, identifying a degraded battery cell among the plurality of battery cells based on the reference range, When the degraded battery cell is identified, the switch is controlled by one of the plurality of cell controllers to electrically separate the degraded battery cell from other battery cells.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein: The main battery management system is configured to send a signal for electrically isolating the degraded battery cell from other battery cells to a cell controller configured in the degraded battery cell; The cell controller disposed in the degraded battery cell is configured to control the switch so that the degraded battery cell is electrically separated from the other battery cells.

13. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein: A first cell controller configured in a first battery cell among the plurality of battery cells is configured to: acquiring first data related to degradation of the first battery cell, sending the first data to a second battery unit connected to the first battery unit; The second unit controller configured in the second battery unit is configured as follows: acquiring second data related to degradation of the second battery cell, sending data of the battery cell with a smaller degree of degradation among the first data and the second data to the main battery management system; The master battery management system is configured to set the reference range based on the data having a smaller degree of deterioration among the first data and the second data received from the second unit controller.

14. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein: The master battery management system is configured to transmit the reference range set based on the data with a smaller degree of degradation among the first data and the second data to the first battery unit, The first cell controller is configured to, upon recognizing that the first data is not included in the reference range, control the switch to electrically separate the first battery cell from other battery cells.

15. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein: The master battery management system is configured to estimate performance of the battery module including the plurality of battery cells based on the data and connection states of the plurality of battery cells.

Images