Battery module comprising battery management system capable of history management

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment 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; and a bus bar connecting the plurality of battery cells and electrically connected to the main battery management system. The first battery cell includes a first cell controller configured to communicate with the main battery management system through the bus bar and a first cell memory. The first cell controller is configured to generate first history information on the first battery cell history, record the generated first history information to the first cell memory, and transmit a first signal including the generated first history information to the main battery management system. The main battery management system is configured to record the first historical information included in the first signal to a main memory.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A 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. The plurality of battery cells may age at different rates. The reliability of the battery module needs to be ensured when reusing the battery module or replacing the battery cells.

[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 in order to monitor the plurality of battery cells constituting the battery module and control the actions of the battery cells. Summary of the invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] In order to reuse a battery module, it is necessary to know the status of the battery module. The conditions of the battery module to be reused may differ depending on the purpose of reuse. For example, a battery module to be reused in an electric vehicle needs to have a relatively high level of battery module status in order to ensure safety. When replacing a battery cell in a battery module, it may be necessary to know the status of the battery cell to be replaced. When reusing a battery cell or battery module, it may be necessary to provide historical information of the battery cell or battery module to be reused.

[0006] The technical problems to be solved in this article are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above. 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.

[0007] Technical Solution

[0008] According to an embodiment, a battery module may include: a plurality of battery cells, including a first battery cell and a second battery cell; a main battery management system (BMS) including a main memory for managing the plurality of battery cells; and a bus bar connecting the plurality of battery cells and electrically connected to the main battery management system. The first battery cell may include: a first cell controller, configured in the first battery cell, configured to communicate with the main battery management system through the bus bar; and a first cell memory, operably coupled to the first cell controller. The first cell controller may be configured as follows: generate first history information about the history of the first battery cell, record the generated first history information in the first cell memory, and send a first signal including the generated first history information to the main battery management system through the bus bar. The main battery management system may be configured as follows: record the first history information included in the first signal to the main memory based on the first signal received from the first cell controller.

[0009] A battery module according to an embodiment may include a plurality of battery cells, a main battery management system (BMS) and a bus bar. The plurality of battery cells may include a first battery cell and a second battery cell. The main battery management system 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 battery management system. The first battery cell may include a first cell controller. The first cell controller may be configured in the first battery cell. The first cell controller may be configured to monitor the state of health (SOH) of the first battery cell. The first cell controller may be configured to obtain a signal including a numeric value for showing the state of health of the first battery cell. The first cell controller may be configured to send the signal to the main battery management system via the bus bar. The main battery management system may be configured to infer the state of health of the first battery cell based at least in part on the signal.

[0010] Effects of the Invention

[0011] The battery module according to an embodiment can omit an additional wiring harness because the main battery management system and the plurality of battery cells can communicate through bus bars respectively. According to an embodiment, omitting the wiring harness can make the design easy and can reduce weight. Since the history information of the battery module and the plurality of battery cells included in the battery module is provided, the battery module according to an embodiment can provide reliability when reused.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the health status of each of the plurality of battery cells included in the battery module can be inferred, and the health status of each of the plurality of battery cells can be relatively determined.

[0013] The effects that can be obtained by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and a person skilled in the art can clearly understand other effects 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 7a An example in which a battery module according to an embodiment is reused is shown.

[0021] Figure 7b An example in which a battery cell of a battery module according to an embodiment is replaced is shown.

[0022] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating various actions for managing battery module history according to one embodiment.

[0023] Fig. 9FIG. 1 is a flow chart for explaining multiple operations of a main battery management system when a battery cell of a battery module is replaced according to an embodiment.

[0024] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of a blockchain network for preventing forgery and alteration of historical information.

[0025] Fig.11 This is a flowchart of an example of the operation of the main battery management system and multiple cell controllers.

[0026] Fig.12a is a graph showing voltage changes over time when a battery cell is discharged.

[0027] Figure 12b This is a flowchart of how the main battery management system determines the degradation of a battery cell based on voltage changes over time.

[0028] Fig.13 is a graph showing voltage changes over time when a battery cell is discharged.

[0029] Fig.14 is a graph showing voltage changes over time when a battery cell is charged. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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, the plurality of battery cells 120 may be connected to a load via an inverter or a pulse generator, thereby being able to 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.

[0032] 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 can be connected to the main battery management system 110. The second battery cell 120-2 can be connected to the first battery cell 120-1. The third battery cell 120-3 can 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 can be connected in series in sequence along the first direction D1. For example, the negative terminal of the first battery cell 120-1 can be electrically connected to the positive terminal of the second battery cell 120-2. The negative terminal of the second battery cell 120-2 can 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 can 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.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the master battery management system 110 may be configured to control the overall operation of the plurality of battery units 120. According to one embodiment, the master battery management system 110 may be configured to control the overall operation of the plurality of battery units 120 through a bus bar (e.g., Figure 6 The master battery management system 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 master battery management system 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 master battery management system 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 master battery management system 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.

[0034] The master battery management system 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 battery management system 110 using the plurality of cell controllers 200. The master battery management system 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.

[0035] Reference Figure 2 The master battery management system 110 may include a communication circuit 111 , a charge and discharge control circuit 112 , a monitoring circuit 113 , a notification circuit 114 and a main memory 115 .

[0036] According to an embodiment, the communication circuit 111 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 111 may be connected to a power line for data signal transmission and power supply with the battery units 120.

[0037] According to an embodiment, the charge and discharge control circuit 112 may control the charging and / or discharging of the plurality of battery cells 120. For example, the charge and discharge control circuit 112 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.

[0038] According to an embodiment, the monitoring circuit 113 may be configured to monitor the status of the plurality of battery cells 120. When an abnormal situation occurs, the monitoring circuit 113 may notify the abnormality of the battery cell 120 through the notification circuit 114. For example, the notification circuit 114 may be connected to a display and a light emitting diode (LED) that outputs a visual signal. For example, the notification circuit 114 may be connected to a speaker that outputs an auditory signal. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0039] According to an embodiment, the main memory 115 may be configured to store various information about the plurality of battery cells 120. For example, the main memory 115 may store a unique ID and status for each of the plurality of battery cells 120. For example, the main memory 115 may store an ID table of the battery cells 120 described later. For example, the main memory 115 may store information related to the charge and discharge records, charge capacity, and remaining life of the battery cells 120. The main memory 115 may be configured to store historical information related to the plurality of battery cells 120.

[0040] According to an embodiment, an ID may be assigned to each of the plurality of battery cells 120. The signal transmitted from the master battery management system 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 master battery management system 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 master battery management system 110 based on the identified ID-related information.

[0041] For example, when the master battery management system 110 sends a signal for requesting a specified action to the third battery cell 120-3, the master battery management system 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.

[0042] For example, when a signal including information related to the state of the first battery cell 120-1 is transmitted to the master battery management system 110, the master battery management system 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 the plurality of battery cells 120 receive a signal including information related to the charge and / or discharge signal of the first battery cell 120-1, 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.

[0043] 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 battery management system 110 and the plurality of battery cells 120 .

[0044] According to an embodiment, when the master battery management system 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 battery management system 110, the signal may be transmitted to the master battery management system 110 through at least one other battery cell (e.g., the first battery cell 120-1).

[0045] For example, when the master battery management system 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 battery management system 110 may transmit a signal S to the first battery cell 120-1 connected to the master battery management system 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 battery management system 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 .

[0046] 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 battery management system 110, the signal may be transmitted along 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 into a signal S transmitted from the first battery cell 120-1 to the main battery management system 110. 10 The master battery management system 110 may receive the signal S 10 , and obtain the signal S10 Information related to the status of the third battery cell included therein.

[0047] 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.

[0048] Figure 3 An example of a first battery cell constituting a battery module according to an embodiment is shown. In the following, the structural elements described for the first battery cell 120-1 may be similarly applied to other battery cells.

[0049] 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 .

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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 battery management system 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.

[0053] 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 battery management system 110.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the first unit controller 200-1 can be connected to the master battery management system 110 through a bus bar (eg, Figure 6 When the first unit controller 200-1 receives a signal from the master battery management system 110, the signal can be transmitted through a plurality of battery units connected to each other (eg, Figure 1 The signal strength may be reduced because the signal is transmitted through the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2. For example, when a signal is transmitted from the master battery management system 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.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 may identify whether the target of the signal received from the main battery management system 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 cell controller 200-1 may compare the target ID included in the signal received from the main battery management system 110 with the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 may perform an action corresponding to the signal when it is identified that the 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 then send it to a second battery cell (for example, a second battery cell) connected to the first battery cell 120-1 when it is identified that the target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. Figure 1 The second battery cell 120-2) is transmitted.

[0056] For example, when a signal for requesting information related to the state of the first battery cell 120-1 is transmitted from the master battery management system 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 master battery management system 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 identifying that the identified target ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1, and transmit the generated signal to the master battery management system 110.

[0057] For example, when a signal for requesting information related to the state of the second battery cell 120-2 is transmitted from the main battery management system 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 battery management system 110 may receive the signal. The first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1 may identify a target ID included in the received signal, and identify whether the identified target ID corresponds to an 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 an ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. The second cell controller of the second battery cell 120-2 (e.g., 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 master battery management system 110.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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 transmitted and / or received after being amplified by the amplifier circuit 202. When receiving a signal from the outside of the first unit controller 200-1, the switch SW is closed 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 closed so that the signal is transmitted from the microprocessor 201, thereby providing a transmitting path for the signal.

[0060] 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 unit 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 identify the signal received from the master battery management system 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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 battery management system 110) or distributed to multiple battery cells (e.g., Figure 1 The TAR_ID 303 may represent the ID of the master battery management system 110 that receives the signal or the ID assigned to the plurality of battery cells 120.

[0065] 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 battery management system 110 to request the assignment of an ID. CMD 306 may include a packet 306c (including various information) in addition to the above-mentioned packets 306a and 306b. For example, the master battery management system 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 first battery cell (e.g., 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 battery management system 110 when receiving the data signal.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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 battery management system 110 and the plurality of battery cells 120 can be smoothly performed. The battery module 100 according to an embodiment can prevent conflict of signals caused by series connection through a signal including information related to a transfer direction and a target ID of a signal.

[0071] Figure 5This 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.

[0072] Assume that the IDs are assigned sequentially to the plurality of battery cells 120 connected in series to the master battery management system 110. Figure 5 Assume that the ID assigned to the master battery management system 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), to perform Figure 5 Action shown.

[0073] Reference Figure 5 In order to send a data signal to the third battery unit 120-3, the master battery management system 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, sender 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.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the first battery unit 120-1 may receive the data signal 401b from the master battery management system 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.

[0075] 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 1The 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.

[0076] 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 1 The 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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 master battery management system 110. The data signal 406a may include information that the target ID is 0, the sending ID is 1, and the transmission direction is the second direction D2.

[0081] 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.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the master battery management system 110 may receive a data signal 406b from the first battery unit 120-1. The master battery management system 110 may identify the target ID related information included in the data signal 406b and compare it with the ID assigned to the master battery management system 110. Since the target ID related information included in the data signal 406b is 0, the master battery management system 110 may identify that the target ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the master battery management system 110. The master battery management system 110 may receive the data signal 406b.

[0083] 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.

[0084] As described above, by multiple unit controllers (e.g., Figure 1 The multiple unit controllers 200 of the main battery management system 110 can simply perform the signal transmission structure between 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.

[0085] Figure 6 An example of a battery module according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 7a An example in which a battery module according to an embodiment is reused is shown. Figure 7b An example in which a battery cell of a battery module according to an embodiment is replaced is shown.

[0086] Reference Figure 6 The battery module 100 according to an embodiment may include a plurality of battery cells 120 , a main battery management system (BMS) 110 , a bus bar 500 , and a switch 600 .

[0087] The battery module 100 according to an embodiment may include a main battery management system 110 for managing the health status (SOH) of the plurality of battery cells 120. The plurality of battery cells 120 and the main battery management system 110 may refer to the aforementioned plurality of battery cells 120 and the main battery management system 110. Figures 1 to 5 The contents of the description are equally applicable, so their repeated description is omitted.

[0088] According to an embodiment, the bus bar 500 may connect a plurality of battery cells 120. For example, if a plurality of battery cells 120 are connected in series, the bus bar 500 may connect a positive terminal of one battery cell with a negative terminal of another battery cell. Figure 6The bus bar 500 shown is illustrated as a portion of the connection line between the plurality of battery cells 120, but may also be configured in the entire connection line between the plurality of battery cells 120. The bus bar 500 may be electrically connected to the main battery management system 110. For example, the main battery management system 110 and at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells 120 may be connected to each other through the bus bar 500, however, it is not limited thereto.

[0089] According to an embodiment, the master battery management system 110 may be configured to communicate with the plurality of battery cells 120 via the bus bar 500. The master battery management system 110 may transmit signals to the plurality of cell controllers 200 via the bus bar 500, and the plurality of cell controllers 200 may transmit signals to the master battery management system 110 via the bus bar 500. For example, if the master battery management system 110 sends a signal to the second battery cell 120-2, the signal may be transmitted to the second battery cell 120-2 via the bus bar 500. Figure 1 As shown, if 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 relevant information (e.g., Figure 3 The first unit controller 200-1 may identify the information and amplify the received signal and transmit it to the second battery unit 120-2. Figure 6 As shown, if 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 battery management system 110 to the second battery unit 120-2. However, this is not limited to this. The signal sending and / or receiving action can be referred to as Figures 1 to 5 The multiple actions described are referred to, so their repeated description is omitted.

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

[0091] According to one embodiment, the plurality of battery cells 120 included in the battery module 100 may be replaced and / or reused. Figure 7a, the battery module 100 can be reused in a second device 1002 different from the first device 1001 after being used in a first device 1001 (for example, an electric vehicle). The battery module 100 used after being configured in the first device 1001 may need to be replaced after a certain period of use. The operating conditions of the battery module 100 used for the load action of the first device 1001 and the operating conditions of the battery module 100 used for the load action of the second device 1002 may be different. For example, if the first device 1001 is an electric vehicle and the second device 1002 is an energy storage system (ESS), the conditions of the battery module 100 may be different. Electric vehicles strictly require the use conditions of the battery module 100 due to safety issues during driving. If the battery module 100 used in the electric vehicle meets the conditions for use in the electric vehicle (for example, the health status and remaining capacity of the battery module 100), it can be reused in the electric vehicle after recycling. However, if the battery module 100 used in the electric vehicle does not meet the conditions for use in the electric vehicle, it can be used in the energy storage system ESS after being recycled. Even a battery module 100 that does not meet the conditions for use in an electric vehicle can be used in an energy storage device, so resources can be saved by reusing it.

[0092] Reference Figure 7b , part of the multiple battery cells 120 in the battery module 100 can be replaced. For example, the aging speeds of the multiple battery cells 120 may be different. For example, the operating environments of the multiple battery cells 120 may be different, resulting in different aging speeds. It may be necessary to replace part of the multiple battery cells 120 according to the aging status of each of the multiple battery cells 120. For example, if the first battery cell 120-1 is aged and determined to be unusable, it is not necessary to replace the entire battery module 100, but only the first battery cell 120-1 can be replaced.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the plurality of cell controllers 200 may be configured to respectively acquire data on the health status of the plurality of battery cells 120 and then transmit the acquired data to the master battery management system 110 via the bus bar 500 .

[0094] For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to monitor the health status of the first battery cell 120-1. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to obtain data on at least one of the voltage, current, temperature, and state of charge (SOC) change caused by 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 or not. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to obtain data on the measured temperature, action voltage, and / or action current after measuring the temperature, action voltage, and / or action current of the first battery cell 120-1 in a state where the first battery cell 120-1 is activated (e.g., a turn-on state). For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to obtain data on the measured open voltage after measuring the open voltage of the first battery cell 120-1 in a state where the first battery cell 120-1 is not activated (e.g., a slip state, a turn-off state). The aforementioned data is merely exemplary and not limited thereto. The first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to monitor the health status of the first battery cell 120-1 based at least in part on the data. The first cell controller 200-1 may send data on the health status of the first battery cell 120-1 to the master battery management system 110. The actions of the first cell controller 200-1 may also apply to the remaining cell controllers (e.g., the second cell controller 200-2).

[0095] For example, the master battery management system 110 may be configured to identify the state of the first battery cell 120-1 and determine whether to replace it based on the data about the health state of the first battery cell 120-1 obtained from the first cell controller 200-1. For example, the master battery management system 110 may identify whether the first battery cell 120-1 needs to be replaced after comparing the pre-set reference data and the data about the health state of the first battery cell 120-1. The master battery management system 110 may be configured to inform the user to replace the first battery cell 120-1 if it is determined that the first battery cell 120-1 needs to be replaced. For example, the master battery management system 110 may provide the user with a visual signal and / or an auditory signal through a display and / or a speaker to inform the user that the first battery cell 120-1 needs to be replaced. The user may be informed by the signal that the first battery cell 120-1 needs to be replaced.

[0096] For example, if the battery module 100 is reused or the first battery cell 120-1 of the battery module 100 is replaced, management of the usage history may be required. For example, information on whether the battery module 100 is used in the first device 1001 or the second device 1002, manufacturing information of the plurality of battery cells 120, and charging and / or discharging history may be required.

[0097] According to an embodiment, the first battery cell 120-1 may include a first unit memory 126 operably coupled to the first unit controller 200-1. The first unit controller 200-1 may generate first history information about the history of the first battery cell 120-1 and record the generated first history information to the first unit memory 126. The master BMS may be configured to manage the use history of the first battery cell 120-1 through the first history information recorded in the first unit memory 126. Although the description describes the first battery cell 120-1 by way of example, it may also be applicable to other battery cells. For example, the second battery cell 120-2 may include a second unit memory configured to store second history information about the second battery cell 120-2.

[0098] For example, if the entire battery module 100 is reused for other devices (e.g., energy storage devices), the main battery management system 110 of the battery module 100 can provide the user with the historical information of each of the multiple battery cells 120. For example, the user can determine whether the battery module 100 used by the first device 1001 can be used in the second device 1002 based on the historical information of the multiple battery cells 120. For example, the main battery management system 110 can determine whether the battery module 100 used by the first device 1001 can be used in the second device 1002 based on the historical information of the multiple battery cells 120.

[0099] For example, if the first battery cell 120-1 is replaced, the master battery management system 110 may request the first historical information from the first cell controller 200-1 of the replaced first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 may respond to receiving the signal from the master battery management system 110 requesting the first historical information and send the first historical information stored in the first cell memory 126 to the master battery management system 110 through the bus bar 500. The master battery management system 110 may provide the received first historical information to the user after receiving the first historical information of the replaced first battery cell 120-1. There are many methods for the master battery management system 110 to provide the first historical information to the user without limitation. For example, the first historical information may be provided as visual information and / or auditory information through a display device and / or a speaker. For example, the master battery management system 110 may send the first historical information to the user's user terminal (e.g., a smart phone, a tablet computer, a personal computer). The master battery management system 110 may determine whether the replaced first battery cell 120-1 can be used based on the first historical information.

[0100] A number of operations for managing the history of a number of battery cells are described below.

[0101] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating various actions for managing battery module history according to one embodiment. Figure 8 The multiple actions shown may be actions when the master battery management system 110, the first battery unit 120-1, and the second battery unit 120-2 are connected in sequence.

[0102] Reference Figure 8 In action 801, the master battery management system 110 may generate a signal including device-related information. Regarding the device, the device (e.g., Figure 7a The first device 1001, Figure 7a For example, the master battery management system 110 may be configured to generate a signal including information related to the electric vehicle when the battery module 100 is used in the electric vehicle. For example, the master battery management system 110 may be configured to generate a signal including information related to the energy storage device when the battery module 100 is used in the energy storage device.

[0103] In action 802, the master battery management system 110 may send a signal including device-related information to the first unit controller 200-1. For example, the master battery management system 110 may send a signal including device-related information using the battery module 100 to the first unit controller 200-1 via the bus bar 500, and the first unit controller 200-1 may store the device-related information included in the signal into the first unit memory 126 based on the received signal.

[0104] In action 803, the first unit controller 200-1 can send the signal including the device-related information to the second unit controller 200-2 based on the signal received from the main battery management system 110. The first unit controller 200-1 can amplify the signal received from the main battery management system 110 and send it to the second unit controller 200-2. The amplification of the signal can compensate for the signal strength attenuated by the signal including the device-related information passing through the first battery unit 120-1. For example, the first unit controller 200-1 can be configured as follows, based on the internal impedance of the first battery unit 120-1, the signal is amplified according to the strength of the signal attenuated when the signal passes through the first battery unit 120-1 and then sent to the second unit controller 200-2.

[0105] In action 804, the first cell controller 200-1 may generate first history information about the history of the first battery cell 120-1. The first history information may include information about at least one of the manufacturer, manufacturing date, pre-use state, health state of the first battery cell 120-1, charging history, discharging history, and repair history of the first battery cell 120-1. The manufacturer of the first battery cell 120-1 may include information about the manufacturer of the first battery cell 120-1. The manufacturing date of the first battery cell 120-1 may include information about the date at which the first battery cell 120-1 is manufactured. The pre-use state of the first battery cell 120-1 may include information about the state (e.g., capacity) of the first battery cell 120-1 after manufacturing. The health state of the first battery cell 120-1 may include information about the change of the health state of the first battery cell 120-1 over time and the health state of the first battery cell 120-1 at the current time. The charging history of the first battery cell 120-1 may include information about the number of times the first battery cell 120-1 is charged, the charging amount, the charging voltage, and the charging current. The discharge history of the first battery cell 120-1 may include information about the number of discharges, the discharge amount, the discharge voltage, and the discharge current of the first battery cell 120-1. The repair history of the first battery cell 120-1 may include information about the repair content, the repairer, and the repair date of the first battery cell 120-1. The first unit controller 200-1 may generate the first history information whenever an event occurs. For example, the event may include events such as the manufacture of the first battery cell 120-1, the charging of the first battery cell 120-1, the discharging of the first battery cell 120-1, the use of the first battery cell 120-1, and the repair of the first battery cell 120-1. In addition, the first history information may also include various information about the use of the first battery cell 120-1.

[0106] In action 805, the second unit controller 200-2 may generate second history information about the history of the second battery unit 120-2. The action 805 may be substantially the same as the action 804. The contents described in action 804 may also apply to action 805.

[0107] In action 806, the first unit controller 200-1 may record the first history information to the first unit memory 126. Whenever the first history information is generated, the first unit controller 200-1 may record the generated first history information to the first unit memory 126. For example, if the first battery unit 120-1 is repaired, the first unit controller 200-1 may generate the first history information including information about the repair of the first battery unit 120-1 and record the generated first history information to the first unit memory 126. The first unit memory 126 may be configured to store the first history information.

[0108] In action 807, the second unit controller 200-2 may record the second history information into the second unit memory. The action 807 may be substantially the same as the action 806. The description of action 806 may be substantially the same as action 807.

[0109] In action 808, the master battery management system 110 may request the first unit controller 200-1 and the second unit controller 200-2 to send a first signal including the stored first history information and / or a second signal including the second history information. The signal may be transmitted through the bus bar 500 (eg, Figure 6 The master battery management system 110 transmits the signal to the first unit controller 200-1 and the second unit controller 200-2 according to the bus bar 500 of the master battery management system 110. For example, the master battery management system 110 may transmit the signal to the first unit controller 200-1 and the second unit controller 200-2 in each cycle specified by the user. For example, the master battery management system 110 may transmit the signal to the first unit controller 200-1 and / or the second unit controller 200-2 when a specified event occurs.

[0110] According to one embodiment, action 808 may also be omitted. If action 808 is omitted, the first unit controller 200-1 and / or the second unit controller 200-2 may perform actions 809, 810, and 811 described below even if no additional request is received from the master battery management system 110. According to one embodiment, action 808 may be performed based on the state of the first battery unit 120-1 and / or the second battery unit 120-2. According to one embodiment, the first unit controller 200-1 and / or the second unit controller 200-2 may be configured not to receive an additional request signal from the master battery management system 110 during the operation of the first battery unit 120-1 and / or the second battery unit 120-2 but to send the first history information stored in the first unit memory 126 and / or the second history information stored in the second unit memory to the master battery management system 110 through the bus bar 500. If the first battery unit 120 - 1 and / or the second battery unit 120 - 2 is operating, it may mean that the first battery unit 120 - 1 and / or the second battery unit 120 - 2 is supplying power to the load.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the master battery management system 110 may be configured to send a signal for requesting the first historical information and / or the second historical information to the first unit controller 200-1 and / or the second unit controller 200-2 when the first battery unit 120-1 and the second battery unit 120-2 are in a cut-off state or a low-power operation state or a slip state in which power is not supplied to the load. In the aforementioned situation, it is necessary to significantly reduce the power consumption of the first battery unit 120-1, so the first unit controller 200-1 and / or the second unit controller 200-2 may be configured to transmit the first historical information and the second historical information to the master battery management system 110 based on the received signal. For example, in the case where the driving power of the load is insufficient, if the first unit controller 200-1 and the second unit controller 200-2 continue to perform the action of sending a signal to the master battery management system 110, the load may not be driven due to insufficient power. The first unit controller 200 - 1 and / or the second unit controller 200 - 2 can significantly reduce the power consumption of the first battery unit 120 - 1 and / or the second battery unit 120 - 2 caused by the data transmission.

[0112] In action 809, the first unit controller 200-1 may send a first signal including first history information to the master battery management system 110. The first signal may be sent to the master battery management system 110 through the bus bar 500. For example, the first unit controller 200-1 may send the first signal including the first history information stored in the first unit memory 126 to the master battery management system 110 based on a signal requesting to send the first signal received from the master battery management system 110. For example, the first unit controller 200-1 may send the first signal to the master battery management system 110 at each cycle specified by the user. For example, the first unit controller 200-1 may send the first signal to the master battery management system 110 when an event occurs.

[0113] In action 810, the second unit controller 200-2 may send a second signal including the second history information to the first unit controller 200-1. The action 810 may be substantially the same as the action 809. The contents described for action 809 may also apply to action 810.

[0114] In action 811, the first unit controller 200-1 can send the received second signal to the main battery management system 110 based on the second signal received from the second unit controller 200-2. The first unit controller 200-1 can amplify the second signal received from the second unit controller 200-2 and send it to the main battery management system 110. The amplification of the signal can compensate for the signal strength of the second signal including the second historical information that is attenuated when passing through the first battery unit 120-1. For example, the first unit controller 200-1 can be configured as follows, based on the internal impedance of the first battery unit 120-1, the second signal is amplified according to the strength of the signal attenuated when passing through the first battery unit 120-1 and sent to the main battery management system 110.

[0115] In action 812, the master battery management system 110 can record the first history information and the second history information to the main memory (eg, Figure 2 The main memory 115 may be configured to store the history information of each of the plurality of battery cells 120. When the master battery management system 110 receives the first signal, the first history information included in the first signal is recorded in the main memory 115, so that the history information of the first battery cell 120-1 is updated. When the master battery management system 110 receives the second signal, the second history information included in the second signal is recorded in the main memory 115, so that the history information of the second battery cell 120-2 is updated. The information of each of the plurality of battery cells 120 stored in the main memory 115 can be continuously updated.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the master battery management system 110 can provide history information of the plurality of battery cells 120 constituting the battery module 100 when the battery module 100 is reused. For example, if the battery module 100 is separated from the first device 1001 and reused in the second device 1002, the master battery management system 110 can provide history information of each of the plurality of battery cells 120 based on the connection to the second device 1002. For example, the user can obtain history information of each of the plurality of battery cells 120 stored in the main memory 115 through the master battery management system 110 and determine whether the battery module 100 is reused based on the information. According to one embodiment, when at least one of the plurality of battery cells 120 is replaced, history information of the replaced battery cell can be provided. For example, if the first battery cell 120-1 is separated and then connected to another battery module 100, the master battery management system 110 in the newly connected battery module 100 can obtain the first history information stored in the first cell memory 126 of the first battery cell 120-1. The master battery management system 110 can obtain information about the first battery cell 120-1 based on the first history information. For example, the main battery management system 110 of the new battery module 100 can identify whether the first battery cell 120-1 can be reused, whether the usage history of the first battery cell 120-1 is suitable for reuse, etc. The battery module 100 according to an embodiment can perform history management for each of the plurality of battery cells 120, thereby providing high reliability to the battery module 100 when reused.

[0117] In action 813, the master battery management system 110 can send the first historical information and / or the second historical information to the blockchain network. The first historical information and / or the second historical information are stored in the blockchain network to prevent the first historical information and / or the second historical information from being forged and altered. For example, the first historical information and / or the second historical information can be stored in multiple nodes 701 in the blockchain network.

[0118] Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is a flow chart for explaining multiple operations of a main battery management system when a battery cell of a battery module 100 is replaced according to an embodiment.

[0119] Reference Fig. 9 In action 901, the master battery management system 110 may identify replacement of the first battery unit 120-1. For example, if the master battery management system 110 identifies that the first battery unit 120-1 is separated and a new first battery unit 120-1 is connected, it may identify that the first battery unit 120-1 is replaced. However, this is not limited thereto.

[0120] In action 902, the master battery management system 110 can obtain the first historical information from the first cell controller 200-1 of the replaced first battery cell 120-1. For example, the master battery management system 110 can send a signal to the first cell controller 200-1 based on the identification of the replacement of the first battery cell 120-1 to request the first cell controller 200-1 to send a signal including the first historical information, and the first cell controller 200-1 can send the signal including the first historical information to the master battery management system 110 through the bus bar 500 based on the receipt of the request signal.

[0121] In action 903, the master battery management system 110 can identify the state of the first battery unit 120-1 based on the first history information received from the first unit controller 200-1. For example, the master battery management system 110 can be configured to identify the state of the first battery unit 120-1 based on the health state, charging history, and / or discharging history of the first battery unit 120-1 included in the first history information.

[0122] In action 904, the master battery management system 110 may identify whether the state of the identified first battery cell 120-1 corresponds to a reference range. The master battery management system 110 may compare the state of the first battery cell 120-1 with a preset reference range. The preset reference range may be determined based on the device to which the battery module 100 is connected. For example, the reference range when the battery module 100 is connected to an electric vehicle may be different from the reference range when the battery module 100 is connected to an energy storage device. The reference range of an electric vehicle may be stricter than the reference range of an energy storage device. For example, the reference range of an electric vehicle may be that the health state of the first battery cell 120-1 is about 80% or more of the first battery cell 120-1 after manufacturing. The reference range of an energy storage device may be that the health state of the first battery cell 120-1 is about 60% or more of the first battery cell 120-1 after manufacturing. The master battery management system 110 may determine whether the state of the replaced first battery cell 120-1 corresponds to a preset reference range.

[0123] In action 905, the master battery management system 110 can identify the replaced first battery cell 120-1 as usable based on the identification that the state of the first battery cell 120-1 corresponds to the reference range. If the first battery cell 120-1 is usable, the master battery management system 110 can supply power to the load through the first battery cell 120-1.

[0124] In action 906, the master battery management system 110 can identify the replaced first battery cell 120-1 as unusable based on the recognition that the state of the first battery cell 120-1 is different from the reference range. If the first battery cell 120-1 is unusable, the master battery management system 110 can stop supplying power to the load and notify the first battery cell 120-1 that it is unusable. For example, the master battery management system 110 can provide visual information and / or auditory information through a display device and / or a speaker that the replaced first battery cell 120-1 is unusable. For example, the master battery management system 110 can send a signal notifying the replaced first battery cell 120-1 that it is unusable to the user terminal (e.g., a smart phone, a tablet computer, a personal computer) of the user. The user can then know through the notification that the replaced first battery cell 120-1 is unusable. According to an embodiment, the battery module 100 can determine whether the replaced battery cell can be used when at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells 120 is replaced and use it based on this so that the battery cell can be safely reused. For example, the battery module 100 can prevent in advance a safety accident (eg, a fire) that may occur when a battery cell that cannot be reused is reused.

[0125] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of a blockchain network for preventing forgery and alteration of historical information.

[0126] Reference Fig.10 , the master battery management system 110 may send the first historical information and / or the second historical information received from the first battery unit 120-1 and / or the second battery unit 120-2 to the blockchain network 700. For example, the master battery management system 110 may receive the first historical information and / or the second historical information from the first unit controller 200-1 and / or the second unit controller 200-2 through the bus bar 500. The master battery management system 110 may send the received first historical information and / or the second historical information to the blockchain network 700. For example, a signal including the first historical information and / or the second historical information may be sent from a plurality of devices 1001, 1001' to the blockchain network 700. The blockchain network 700 may store the first historical information and / or the second historical information included in the received signal in a decentralized manner to the node 701 constituting the blockchain network 700. The first historical information and / or the second historical information are stored in the blockchain network 700 to prevent the first historical information and / or the second historical information from being forged and / or altered.

[0127] For example, when the battery module 100 is replaced, the main battery management system 110 can provide the user with the first historical information and / or the second historical information. The first historical information and / or the second historical information are dispersedly stored in the node 701 of the blockchain network 700 to prevent forgery and / or alteration. When the battery module 100 is reused, the reliability of the first historical information and / or the second historical information can be guaranteed to ensure the stability and reliability of reuse.

[0128] For example, when the first battery cell 120-1 in the battery module 100 is replaced, the main battery management system 110 can provide the first historical information to the user. The first historical information is dispersedly stored in the node 701 of the blockchain network 700 to prevent forgery and / or alteration. When the first battery cell 120-1 is reused, the stability and reliability of the reuse can be ensured by ensuring the reliability of the first historical information. According to one embodiment, the reliability of reuse can be provided without additional authentication steps, and the reuse of the battery module 100 and the first battery cell 120-1 can be easily achieved. According to one embodiment, the reuse of the battery module 100 is promoted, so that the reuse of resources can be activated and the waste of resources can be reduced.

[0129] Fig.11 This is a flowchart of an example of the operation of the main battery management system and multiple cell controllers. Fig.11 The operations of the first cell controller 200 - 1 and the second cell controller 200 - 2 described above may be similarly applied to the cell controllers of the remaining battery cells.

[0130] In action 1101, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to monitor a first battery cell (eg, Figure 6The health status of the first battery cell 120-1). For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to obtain data on at least one of the voltage, current, temperature, and charge and / or discharge-induced charge state (SOC) changes 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 or not. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to obtain data on the measured temperature, action voltage, and / or action current after measuring the temperature, action voltage, and / or action current of the first battery cell 120-1 in a state where the first battery cell 120-1 is activated. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to measure the open voltage of the first battery cell 120-1 in a non-activated state of the first battery cell 120-1 (e.g., a slip state, a turn-off state) and obtain data on the measured open voltage. The aforementioned data is merely exemplary and is not limited thereto. The first cell controller 200 - 1 may be configured to monitor the health status of the first battery cell 120 - 1 based at least in part on the data.

[0131] In act 1102, the second cell controller 200-2 may be configured to monitor a second battery cell (eg, Figure 6 The health status of the second battery cell 120-2) is determined. Action 1102 may be substantially the same as action 1101. Action 1102 and action 1101 may be performed independently.

[0132] In action 1103, the first cell controller 200-1 may generate a first signal including a first numerical value for showing the health state of the first battery cell 120-1. For example, the first signal may show the voltage change amount of the first battery cell 120-1 based on the discharge current when the first battery cell 120-1 is discharged. For example, the first signal may show the voltage change amount of the first battery cell 120-1 based on the charging time when the first battery cell 120-1 is charged. For example, the first signal may show the voltage change amount of the first battery cell 120-1 based on the discharge time when the first battery cell 120-1 is discharged. However, it is not limited to this.

[0133] In action 1104, the second cell controller 200-2 may generate a second signal including a second value for indicating the health state of the second battery cell 120-2. Action 1104 may be substantially the same as action 1103. Action 1104 and action 1103 may be performed independently.

[0134] In action 1105, the first unit controller 200-1 may connect the first unit controller 200-1 to the bus bar (eg, Figure 6The first unit controller 200-1 may be configured to send the generated first signal to the main battery management system 110 through the bus bar 500 in a manner that does not receive an additional request signal from the main battery management system 110 in the first state of the first battery unit 120-1 operation. For example, the first unit controller 200-1 may send the first signal to the main battery management system 110 through the bus bar 500 in a manner that does not receive an additional request signal from the main battery management system 110. For example, the first unit controller 200-1 may send the first signal to the main battery management system 110 in each specified cycle, and the first state may mean a state in which the first battery unit 120-1 supplies power to the load. In the first state, the first unit controller 200-1 may be configured to send the acquired data to the main battery management system 110. However, it is not limited thereto. For example, in a second state different from the first state, the first unit controller 200-1 may send the first signal to the main battery management system 110 based on a signal received from the main battery management system 110 requesting the first signal to be sent. The second state may mean a cut-off state, a low-power operation state, or a slip state in which the first battery unit 120-1 does not supply power to the load. In the second state of the first battery unit 120-1, the master battery management system 110 may be configured to send a signal to the first unit controller 200-1 for requesting the first signal to be sent. In the second state, it is necessary to minimize the power consumption of the first battery unit 120-1, so the first unit controller 200-1 may be configured to transmit the data to the master battery management system 110 upon receiving the signal. For example, if the load driving power is insufficient, if the first unit controller 200-1 continues to execute the action of sending data to the master battery management system 110, the load may not be driven due to insufficient power. The first unit controller 200-1 can significantly reduce the power consumption of the first battery unit 120-1 caused by the data transmission.

[0135] In action 1106, the second unit controller 200-2 may send the generated second signal to the first unit controller 200-1 through the bus bar 500. Action 1106 may be substantially the same as action 1105.

[0136] In action 1107, the first unit controller 200-1 can send the second signal received from the second unit controller 200-2 to the main battery management system 110. The first unit controller 200-1 can amplify the second signal and send it to the main battery management system 110. The amplification amount of the signal can be set based on the strength of the second signal attenuated by passing through the first battery unit 120-1. For example, the amplification amount can be set based on the impedance inside the first battery unit 120-1.

[0137] In action 1108, the master battery management system 110 may be configured to infer the state of the first battery cell 120-1 based on the first signal and to infer the health state of the second battery cell 120-2 based on the second signal. For example, the master battery management system 110 may be configured to identify whether the difference between the first value and the second value is included in a pre-set reference range. The master battery management system 110 may determine that the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 are in a normal state based on the identification that the difference is included in the reference range. The master battery management system 110 may determine that at least one of the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 is in a degraded state based on the identification that the difference is included outside the reference range.

[0138] In action 1109, the master battery management system 110 can infer the health status of the battery module (eg, Figure 6 For example, if the health state of the identified first battery cell 120-1 is 100% and the health state of the identified second battery cell 120-2 is 100%, the master battery management system 110 can infer the performance of the battery module 100 to be 100%. For example, if the health state of the identified first battery cell 120-1 is 90% and the health state of the identified second battery cell 120-2 is 90%, the master battery management system 110 can infer the performance of the battery module 100 to be 90%. For example, if the health state of the identified first battery cell 120-1 is 100% and the health state of the identified second battery cell 120-2 is 80%, the master battery management system 110 can infer the performance of the battery module 100 to be 90%.

[0139] Fig.12a is a graph showing voltage changes over time when a battery cell is discharged. Figure 12b This is a flowchart of how the main battery management system determines the degradation of a battery cell based on voltage changes over time.

[0140] Reference Fig.12a , the first curve 1201 shows the voltage change based on time when the battery cell is initially discharged after manufacturing. The battery cell after manufacturing refers to the battery cell before it is used after being manufactured. The initial discharge refers to the first discharge of the battery cell after manufacturing.

[0141] The second curve 1202 shows the voltage variation based on time when the first battery cell 120-1 is discharged. The third curve 1203 shows the voltage variation based on time when the second battery cell 120-2 is discharged. It is assumed that the discharge currents of the first curve 1201, the second curve 1202 and the third curve 1203 are all maintained constant.

[0142] Deterioration of the battery cell will increase the internal resistance of the battery cell. For example, when charging and discharging a lithium-ion battery cell, lithium ions move between the positive and negative electrodes inside the battery cell through the diaphragm. As the battery cell deteriorates, impurities are generated inside the battery cell and the generated impurities can precipitate on the diaphragm. Lithium ions cannot move smoothly due to the obstruction of impurities, resulting in an increase in internal resistance. Therefore, during constant current charging and discharging, the resistance increases and the voltage increases, which shortens the discharge time.

[0143] Referring to the first curve 1201, the time taken for the battery cell after manufacturing to discharge from 4.2V to 3.8V when initially discharged may be a. Referring to the second curve 1202, the time taken for the first battery cell 120-1 to discharge from 4.2V to 3.8V may be b. b may be less than a (a>b). Referring to the third curve 1203, the time taken for the second battery cell 120-2 to discharge from 4.2V to 3.8V may be c. c may be less than b (b>c).

[0144] According to an embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to generate a first signal including a first value showing a voltage change amount of the first battery cell 120-1 based on the time of the first battery cell 120-1 when the first battery cell 120-1 is discharged. The first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to send the first signal to the main battery management system 110 through the bus bar 500. In this case, the first value may be a value corresponding to b. The second cell controller 200-2 may be configured to generate a second signal including a second value showing a voltage change amount of the second battery cell 120-2 based on the time of the second battery cell 120-2 when the second battery cell 120-2 is discharged. The second cell controller 200-2 may be configured to send the second signal to the main battery management system 110 through the bus bar 500. In this case, the second value may be a value corresponding to c.

[0145] Reference Figure 12bIn action 1201, the master battery management system 110 may receive a first signal and a second signal through the bus bar 500. The first signal may be sent from the first unit controller 200-1 to the master battery management system 110. The second signal may be sent from the second unit controller 200-2 to the first unit controller 200-1 and may be sent from the first unit controller 200-1 to the master battery management system 110.

[0146] In action 1202, the master battery management system 110 may identify a difference (e.g., bc) between a first value and a second value. The master battery management system 110 may identify a first value included in a first signal. The master battery management system 110 may identify a second value included in a second signal. The master battery management system 110 may calculate a difference between the first value and the second value and obtain a calculation result.

[0147] In action 1203, the master battery management system 110 may identify whether the difference is included in a preset reference range. For example, the reference range may be specified as a range based on the difference between the first value and the second value and converted as a ratio relative to the larger value. For example, when the first value is 100 and the second value is 90, the difference is 10 and the ratio is 90%. For example, the reference range may be set to 80 to 100%, but is not limited thereto.

[0148] In action 1204, the master battery management system 110 can determine that the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 are in a normal state based on the difference within the reference range. For example, the master battery management system 110 can determine that the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 are in a normal state based on the ratio obtained based on the difference being included in 80 to 100% of the reference range. The master battery management system 110 can determine that there is no particularly deteriorated battery cell because the difference in the time taken for the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 to discharge is not large.

[0149] In action 1205, the main battery management system 110 may be configured to determine the battery cell having the smaller value of the first value and the second value as being in a degraded state based on the difference outside the reference range. For example, if the first value is 100 and the second value is 50, the difference is 50 and the ratio is 50%. In the above example, the main battery management system 110 may determine the second battery cell 120-2 having a smaller value as being in a degraded state. The main battery management system 110 may determine that the second battery cell 120-2 having a faster discharge time is degraded in view of the large difference in the time taken for the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 to discharge. The multiple values ​​are merely examples for illustration and are not limited thereto. If the battery cell is judged to be degraded by the above method, multiple battery cells may be relatively compared to detect whether they are degraded or not. If the degraded is judged based on an absolute reference, it may not be in accordance with the device or situation to which the battery module is applied. Therefore, the battery module according to one embodiment judges whether the degraded is based on a relative reference to appropriately judge the degraded battery cell.

[0150] Fig.13 is a graph showing voltage changes over time when a battery cell is discharged.

[0151] Fig.13 The first curve 1301 shows the amount of change in voltage during a certain time t when the first battery cell 120-1 is discharged. The second curve 1302 shows the amount of change in voltage during a certain time t when the second battery cell 120-2 is discharged. Referring to the first curve 1301, the first battery cell 120-1 decreases from 4.2V to aV during time t. Referring to the second curve 1302, the second battery cell 120-2 decreases from 4.2V to bV during time t. aV may be greater than bV.

[0152] Reference Fig.13 , the voltage change amount (4.2V-aV / t) of the first battery cell 120-1 based on the discharge time when the first battery cell 120-1 is discharged can be less than the voltage change amount (4.2V-bV / t) of the second battery cell 120-2 based on the discharge time when the second battery cell 120-2 is discharged. The degraded battery cell has a slower charging speed and a faster discharge speed due to the higher internal resistance. The first cell controller 200-1 can generate a first signal including a numerical value obtained based on the change amount of the voltage of the first battery cell 120-1 based on the discharge time and send the generated first signal to the main battery management system 110. The second cell controller 200-2 can generate a second signal including a numerical value obtained based on the change amount of the voltage of the second battery cell 120-2 based on the discharge time and send the generated second signal to the main battery management system 110.

[0153] According to an embodiment, the master battery management system 110 may be configured to compare the first value included in the first signal with a preset reference value and infer the health state of the first battery cell 120-1 based on the ratio of the value relative to the reference value. The master battery management system 110 may be configured to compare the second value included in the second signal with a preset reference value and infer the health state of the second battery cell 120-2 based on the ratio of the value relative to the reference value. The reference value may be determined based on the amount of voltage change based on the discharge time when the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 are initially discharged.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the master battery management system 110 may include a memory (not shown) for storing discharge-related data of the manufactured battery cells. The data may be data of voltage changes based on time when the manufactured battery cells are discharged. The preset reference value may be determined based on the data.

[0155] For example, when the ratio of the first value to the reference value is 100%, the master battery management system 110 can infer that the health state of the first battery cell 120-1 is 100%. For example, when the ratio of the second value to the reference value is 90%, the master battery management system 110 can infer that the health state of the second battery cell 120-2 is 90%. Fig.13 , it can be seen that the second battery cell 120 - 2 is deteriorated compared to the first battery cell 120 - 1 .

[0156] Fig.14 is a graph showing voltage changes over time when a battery cell is charged.

[0157] Fig.14 The first curve 101 shows the voltage change amount during a certain time t when the first battery cell 120-1 is charged. The second curve 102 shows the voltage change amount during a certain time t when the second battery cell 120-2 is charged. Referring to the first curve 101, the first battery cell 120-1 increases from 3.8V to aV during the time t. Referring to the second curve 102, the second battery cell 120-2 increases from 3.8V to bV during the time t. aV may be greater than bV.

[0158] Reference Fig.14, the voltage change amount (aV-3.8V / t) of the first battery cell 120-1 based on the charging time when the first battery cell 120-1 is charged can be greater than the voltage change amount (bV-3.8V / t) of the second battery cell 120-2 based on the discharging time when the second battery cell 120-2 is discharged. The degraded battery cell has a slower charging speed and a faster discharging speed due to the higher internal resistance. The first cell controller 200-1 can generate a first signal including a numerical value obtained based on the voltage change amount of the first battery cell 120-1 based on the charging time and send the generated first signal to the main battery management system 110. The second cell controller 200-2 can generate a second signal including a numerical value obtained based on the voltage change amount of the second battery cell 120-2 based on the charging time and send the generated second signal to the main battery management system 110.

[0159] According to an embodiment, the master battery management system 110 may be configured to compare the first value included in the first signal with a preset reference value and infer the health state of the first battery cell 120-1 based on the ratio of the value relative to the reference value. The master battery management system 110 may be configured to compare the second value included in the second signal with a preset reference value and infer the health state of the second battery cell 120-2 based on the ratio of the value relative to the reference value. The reference value may be determined based on the amount of change in voltage based on charging time when the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 are initially charged.

[0160] According to one embodiment, the master battery management system 110 may include a memory (not shown) for storing charging-related data of the manufactured battery cells. The data may be data of voltage changes based on time when the manufactured battery cells are charged. The preset reference value may be determined based on the data.

[0161] For example, when the ratio of the first value to the reference value is 100%, the master battery management system 110 can infer that the health state of the first battery cell 120-1 is 100%. For example, when the ratio of the second value to the reference value is 90%, the master battery management system 110 can infer that the health state of the second battery cell 120-2 is 90%. Fig.14 , it can be seen that the second battery cell 120 - 2 is deteriorated compared to the first battery cell 120 - 1 .

[0162] 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 120), a main battery management system (BMS) (e.g., Figure 6 The master battery management system 110) and bus bars (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 master battery management system 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 master battery management system. The first battery cell may include a first cell controller (e.g., Figure 6 The first cell controller 200-1 may be configured in the first battery cell. The first cell controller may be configured to monitor the state of health (SOH) of the first battery cell. The first cell controller may be configured to obtain a signal including a numeric value for indicating the state of health of the first battery cell. The first cell controller may be configured to send the signal to the master battery management system via the bus bar. The master battery management system may be configured to infer the state of health of the first battery cell based at least in part on the signal.

[0163] According to an embodiment, the second battery unit may include a second unit controller (eg, Figure 6 The second cell controller 200-2 may be configured in the second battery cell. The second cell controller may be configured to monitor the health state of the second battery cell. The first cell controller may be configured to send a first signal including a first numerical value showing the time of voltage change of the first battery cell when the first battery cell is discharged to the main battery management system through the bus bar. The second cell controller may be configured to send a second signal including a second numerical value showing the time of voltage change of the second battery cell when the second battery cell is discharged to the main battery management system through the bus bar. The main battery management system may be configured to infer the health state of the first battery cell and the second battery cell based on the difference between the first numerical value and the second numerical value.

[0164] According to an embodiment, the master battery management system may be configured to identify whether the difference is included in a preset reference range. The master battery management system may be configured to determine the first battery cell and the second battery cell as being in a normal state based on the difference identified within the reference range. The master battery management system may be configured to determine the battery cell having the smaller value of the first value and the second value as being in a degraded state based on the difference identified outside the reference range.

[0165] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller can generate a signal including a numerical value obtained based on the amount of change in the voltage of the first battery cell based on the charging time when the first battery cell is charged or the amount of change in the voltage of the first battery cell based on the discharging time when the first battery cell is discharged. The master battery management system can be configured to compare the numerical value included in the received signal with a preset reference value. The master battery management system can be configured to infer the health state of the first battery cell based on the ratio of the numerical value to the reference value.

[0166] According to an embodiment, the reference value may be determined based on a voltage change amount of the first battery cell based on a charging time when the first battery cell is initially charged or a voltage change amount of the first battery cell based on a discharging time when the first battery cell is initially discharged.

[0167] A battery module according to an embodiment may include: a plurality of battery cells, including a first battery cell and a second battery cell; a main battery management system (BMS) including a main memory for managing the plurality of battery cells; and a bus bar connecting the plurality of battery cells and electrically connected to the main battery management system. The first battery cell may include: a first cell controller configured in the first battery cell and configured to communicate with the main battery management system through the bus bar; and a first cell memory operably coupled to the first cell controller. The first cell controller may be configured as follows: generate first history information about the history of the first battery cell, record the generated first history information in the first cell memory, and send a first signal including the generated first history information to the main battery management system through the bus bar. The main battery management system may be configured as follows: record the first history information included in the first signal to the main memory based on the first signal received from the first cell controller.

[0168] According to an embodiment, the first history information may include at least one of a manufacturer, a manufacturing date, a state before use, a health state, a charging history, a discharging history, and a repair history of the first battery cell.

[0169] According to one embodiment, the main battery management system can be configured as follows: when replacing the first battery cell among the multiple battery cells, the first historical information stored in the first unit memory in the first unit controller is obtained through the bus bar, the state of the first battery cell is identified based on the acquired first historical information, the state of the identified first battery cell is compared with a preset reference range, and the replaced first battery cell is identified as usable based on the identification that the state of the first battery cell corresponds to the reference range, and the replaced first battery cell is identified as unusable based on the identification that the state of the first battery cell is different from the reference range.

[0170] According to one embodiment, the second battery unit may include: a second unit controller, which is configured in the second battery unit and configured to communicate with the main battery management system through the bus bar; and a second unit memory, which is operably coupled to the second unit controller. The second unit controller may be configured as follows: generate second history information about the history of the second battery unit, record the generated second history information into the second unit memory, and transmit a second signal including the generated second history information to the first battery unit through the bus bar. The first unit controller may be configured as follows: receive the second signal received from the second unit controller, amplify the received second signal and send it to the main battery management system. The main battery management system may be configured to record the second history information included in the second signal into the main memory based on the second signal received from the first unit controller.

[0171] According to one embodiment, the master battery management system may be configured to send the received first historical information to a blockchain network based on the received first historical information. The first historical information may be stored in the blockchain network.

[0172] 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 120), a main battery management system (BMS) (e.g., Figure 6 The master battery management system 110) and bus bars (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 master battery management system 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 master battery management system. The first battery cell may include a first cell controller (e.g., Figure 6 The first cell controller 200-1 may be configured in the first battery cell. The first cell controller may be configured to monitor the state of health (SOH) of the first battery cell. The first cell controller may be configured to obtain a signal including a numeric value for indicating the state of health of the first battery cell. The first cell controller may be configured to send the signal to the master battery management system via the bus bar. The master battery management system may be configured to infer the state of health of the first battery cell based at least in part on the signal.

[0173] According to an embodiment, the second battery unit may include a second unit controller (eg, Figure 6 The second cell controller 200-2 may be configured in the second battery cell. The second cell controller may be configured to monitor the health state of the second battery cell. The first cell controller may be configured to send a first signal including a first numerical value showing the time of voltage change of the first battery cell when the first battery cell is discharged to the main battery management system through the bus bar. The second cell controller may be configured to send a second signal including a second numerical value showing the time of voltage change of the second battery cell when the second battery cell is discharged to the main battery management system through the bus bar. The main battery management system may be configured to infer the health state of the first battery cell and the second battery cell based on the difference between the first numerical value and the second numerical value.

[0174] According to an embodiment, the master battery management system may be configured to identify whether the difference is included in a preset reference range. The master battery management system may be configured to determine the first battery cell and the second battery cell as being in a normal state based on the difference identified within the reference range. The master battery management system may be configured to determine the battery cell having the smaller value of the first value and the second value as being in a degraded state based on the difference identified outside the reference range.

[0175] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller can generate a signal including a value obtained based on the voltage change amount of the first battery cell based on the charging time when the first battery cell is charged or the voltage change amount of the first battery cell based on the discharging time when the first battery cell is discharged. The master battery management system can be configured to compare the value included in the received signal with a preset reference value. The master battery management system can be configured to infer the health state of the first battery cell based on the ratio of the value relative to the reference value.

[0176] According to an embodiment, the reference value may be determined based on a voltage change amount of the first battery cell based on a charging time when the first battery cell is initially charged or a voltage change amount of the first battery cell based on a discharging time when the first battery cell is initially discharged.

[0177] 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 structural 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 structural element from another structural element, and these structural elements are not limited in other aspects (such as importance or order). When referring to a certain structural element (for example, a first) being "coupled" or "connected" to another structural element (for example, a second), whether with terms such as "functionally" or "communicatively" or without these terms, it means that the certain structural element can be connected to the other structural element directly (for example, by wire), wirelessly, or through a third structural element.

[0178] 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, the processor of the machine may call at least one instruction from one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute the instruction. This allows the machine to be run to perform at least one function according to at least one instruction called. 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 the 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 the case where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and the case where data is temporarily stored.

[0179] 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 such as the memory 130 of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0180] According to various embodiments, each structural element (e.g., module or program) in the above-mentioned structural elements may include a single or multiple individuals, and some of the multiple individuals may be placed separately in other structural elements. According to various embodiments, more than one structural element or action in the above-mentioned corresponding structural elements may be omitted, or more than one other structural element or action may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple structural elements (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into one structural element. In this case, the integrated structural element may perform more than one function of each structural element in the multiple structural elements in the same or similar manner as the function performed by the corresponding structural element in the multiple structural elements before integration. According to various embodiments, the actions performed by modules, programs or other structural 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, characterized in that: include: a plurality of battery cells, including a first battery cell and a second battery cell; a main battery management system, comprising a main memory, for managing the plurality of battery cells; and A bus bar connecting the plurality of battery cells and electrically connected to the main battery management system, The first battery unit comprises: a first unit controller, disposed in the first battery unit and configured to communicate with the main battery management system via the bus bar; and a first unit memory operatively coupled to the first unit controller, The first unit controller is configured to generate first history information about the history of the first battery unit, record the generated first history information into the first unit memory, and send a first signal including the generated first history information to the main battery management system through the bus bar, The master battery management system is configured to record the first history information included in the first signal into the main memory based on receipt of the first signal from the first unit controller.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first history information includes at least one of a manufacturer, a manufacturing date, a state before use, a health state, a charging history, a discharging history, and a repair history of the first battery cell.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main battery management system is configured as follows: When replacing the first battery cell among the plurality of battery cells, acquiring the first history information stored in the first cell memory in the first cell controller through the bus bar, identifying the state of the first battery cell based on the acquired first historical information, comparing the identified state of the first battery cell with a preset reference range, Based on the recognition that the state of the first battery cell corresponds to the reference range, the replaced first battery cell is identified as usable, and based on the recognition that the state of the first battery cell is different from the reference range, the replaced first battery cell is identified as unusable.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second battery unit comprises: a second unit controller, disposed in the second battery unit and configured to communicate with the main battery management system via the bus bar; and a second unit memory operatively coupled to the second unit controller, the second unit controller being configured to generate second history information about the history of the second battery unit, record the generated second history information into the second unit memory, transmit a second signal including the generated second history information to the first battery unit through the bus bar, The first unit controller is configured to receive the second signal received from the second unit controller, amplify the received second signal and send it to the main battery management system, The master battery management system is configured to record the second history information included in the second signal to the main memory based on receipt of the second signal from the first unit controller.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main battery management system is configured to send the received first historical information to the blockchain network based on the received first historical information, The first historical information is stored in the blockchain network.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first cell controller is configured to obtain a signal including a numerical value indicating a health state of the first battery cell, and send the signal to the master battery management system via the bus bar, The master battery management system is configured to infer a state of health of the first battery cell based at least in part on the signal.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second battery cell includes a second cell controller, which is configured in the second battery cell and configured to monitor the health status of the second battery cell. The first cell controller is configured to transmit a first signal including a first value indicating a time for a voltage change of the first battery cell when the first battery cell is discharged to the main battery management system through the bus bar, The second cell controller is configured to send a second signal including a second value indicating a time for a voltage change of the second battery cell when the second battery cell is discharged to the main battery management system through the bus bar, The master battery management system is configured to infer a state of health of the first battery cell and the second battery cell based on a difference between the first value and the second value.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The main battery management system is configured as follows: Identify whether the difference is within a pre-set reference range, determining that the first battery cell and the second battery cell are in a normal state based on the difference within the reference range, The battery cell having the smaller value between the first value and the second value is determined to be in a degraded state based on the recognition of the difference outside the reference range.

9. The battery module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first cell controller generates a signal including a value obtained based on a change in voltage of the first battery cell based on a charging time when the first battery cell is charged or a change in voltage of the first battery cell based on a discharging time when the first battery cell is discharged, The master battery management system is configured to compare the numerical value included in the received signal with a preset reference value, and infer the health state of the first battery cell based on the ratio of the numerical value to the reference value, The reference value is determined based on a voltage change amount of the first battery cell based on a charging time when the first battery cell is initially charged or a voltage change amount of the first battery cell based on a discharging time when the first battery cell is initially discharged.

10. A battery module, characterized in that: 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; and A bus bar connecting the plurality of battery cells and electrically connected to the main battery management system, The first battery cell includes a first cell controller, which is configured in the first battery cell and configured to monitor the health status of the first battery cell. The first cell controller is configured to obtain a signal including a numerical value indicating a health state of the first battery cell, and send the signal to the master battery management system via the bus bar, The master battery management system is configured to infer a state of health of the first battery cell based at least in part on the signal.

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