Charging device

Abstract

The invention provides a charging device for charging a rechargeable battery system. The charging device comprises an alternating current / direct current converter, a controller, a direct current output unit and a communication unit, the communication unit is used for receiving a current battery health state value and a current battery power state value of the rechargeable battery system. The controller determines a selected battery state-of-charge value from a plurality of predetermined battery state-of-charge values according to the current battery state-of-health value and a relational expression stored therein. The controller controls the alternating current / direct current converter to convert alternating current power into charging direct current and transmit the charging direct current to the direct current output unit, and controls the direct current output unit to output the charging direct current so as to charge the rechargeable battery system until the current battery power state value is equal to the selected battery power state value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of battery charging, and in particular to a charging device. Background Art

[0002] Regarding the charging of rechargeable battery systems such as lithium-ion batteries, the optimal battery capacity of current rechargeable battery systems is between 20% and 80%. Factors that affect the service life of rechargeable battery systems are temperature and charging capacity. In terms of charging capacity and taking lithium-ion batteries as an example, most current rechargeable battery systems set the single charge capacity at 80%. This is because the service life of a rechargeable battery system when the charging capacity reaches 80% is nearly 5 times different from the service life when the charging capacity reaches 100%. Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 The charging curve diagram of the rechargeable battery system in the prior art is used to show the relationship between the battery state of charge (SOC) and the battery state of health (SOH) of the rechargeable battery system.

[0003] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, as the battery health state (SOH) percentage of the rechargeable battery system is lower than 100%, the optimal battery capacity of the rechargeable battery system will also change accordingly. However, the current charging device charges the rechargeable battery system to a predetermined battery state percentage each time, for example, the SOC percentage is set to 80%. Since a single set SOC percentage experience value is used for charging each time, the charging capacity cannot reach the optimal state every time, and the battery will be damaged more.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to design a novel charging device to overcome the above-mentioned defects. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a charging device that can automatically adjust the selected battery power state percentage to charge a rechargeable battery system, thereby increasing the service life of the rechargeable battery system.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a charging device for charging a rechargeable battery system, wherein the rechargeable battery system comprises a battery management system and a first communication unit electrically connected to the battery management system, wherein the battery management system is used to calculate a current battery health status value and a current battery power status value of the rechargeable battery system, and the charging device comprises:

[0007] an AC / DC converter for receiving AC power and converting the AC power into charging DC power;

[0008] A controller electrically connected to the AC / DC converter, wherein the controller stores a relationship between a plurality of predetermined battery power state values ​​and a plurality of predetermined battery health state values;

[0009] a direct current output unit electrically connected to the alternating current / direct current converter, the controller and the rechargeable battery system; and

[0010] A second communication unit, electrically connected to the controller, the second communication unit being communicatively connected to the first communication unit to receive the current battery health status value and the current battery power status value;

[0011] The controller determines a selected battery power status value from the multiple predetermined battery power status values ​​based on the current battery health status value and the relationship. The controller also controls the DC output unit to turn on to output the charging DC power, thereby charging the rechargeable battery system until the current battery power status value is equal to the selected battery power status value.

[0012] Preferably, the DC output unit is electrically connected to the rechargeable battery system via a cable;

[0013] The charging device also includes a detection unit electrically connected to the controller and electrically coupled to the cable, wherein the detection unit is used to detect the charging voltage and the charging current, wherein the controller controls the DC output unit to adjust the output voltage and the output current of the charging DC according to the charging voltage and the charging current.

[0014] Preferably, the relationship is stored in the controller in the form of a lookup table.

[0015] Preferably, a charging device is used to charge a rechargeable battery system, the rechargeable battery system comprising a battery management system and a first communication unit electrically connected to the battery management system, the battery management system is used to calculate a current battery power state value of the rechargeable battery system, the charging device comprising:

[0016] an AC / DC converter for receiving AC power and converting the AC power into charging DC power;

[0017] a controller electrically connected to the AC / DC converter;

[0018] a direct current output unit, electrically connected to the alternating current / direct current converter, the controller and the rechargeable battery system respectively; and,

[0019] A second communication unit, electrically connected to the controller, the second communication unit communicates with the first communication unit to receive the current battery power state value;

[0020] Among them, the controller determines whether the number of times a first selected battery power status value has been selected reaches N based on multiple previous charging information. If the controller determines that the number of times the first selected battery power status value has been selected reaches N, the controller determines a second selected battery power status value and controls the DC output unit to turn on to output the charging DC power and then charge the rechargeable battery system until the current battery power status value is equal to the second selected battery power status value, N is an integer greater than 1, and the second selected battery power status value is greater than the first selected battery power status value.

[0021] Preferably, if the controller determines that the first selected battery power status value is selected a number of times less than N, the controller controls the AC / DC converter to convert the AC power into the charging DC power and transmit it to the DC output unit, and controls the DC output unit to output the charging DC power to charge the rechargeable battery system until the current battery power status value is equal to the first selected battery power status value.

[0022] Preferably, the DC output unit is electrically connected to the rechargeable battery system via a cable;

[0023] The charging device also includes a detection unit electrically connected to the controller and electrically coupled to the cable, wherein the detection unit is used to detect the charging voltage and the charging current, wherein the controller controls the DC output unit to adjust the output voltage and the output current of the charging DC according to the charging voltage and the charging current.

[0024] Preferably, the battery management system further detects a battery cell pressure difference of the rechargeable battery system, and the second communication unit is further used to receive the battery cell pressure difference via the first communication unit;

[0025] The controller also determines whether the battery cell voltage difference is equal to or greater than a first threshold value. If so, the controller determines the second selected battery power state value and controls the AC / DC converter to convert the AC power into the charging DC power and transmit it to the DC output unit to charge the rechargeable battery system until the battery cell voltage difference is less than the second threshold value and the current battery power state value is equal to the second selected battery power state value.

[0026] Preferably, the second threshold is smaller than the first threshold.

[0027] Preferably, a charging device for charging a rechargeable battery system comprises:

[0028] an AC / DC converter for receiving AC power and converting the AC power into charging DC power;

[0029] A controller electrically connected to the AC / DC converter, wherein the controller stores relationship equations between a plurality of predetermined charging voltages, a plurality of predetermined charging currents, and a plurality of predetermined battery power state values;

[0030] A direct current output unit, electrically connected to the AC / DC converter, the controller and the rechargeable battery system, wherein the controller controls the direct current output unit to be turned on or off;

[0031] A detection unit, electrically connected to the controller, and configured to detect a charging voltage and a charging current; and

[0032] A selection unit is electrically connected to the controller, and the selection unit is operated by a user to input instructions.

[0033] The controller determines a selected battery state of charge value based on the instruction, and judges a current battery state of charge value from the multiple predetermined battery state of charge values ​​according to the charging voltage, the charging current and the relationship. The controller controls the DC output unit to turn on to output the charging DC power and thereby charge the rechargeable battery system until the current battery state of charge value is equal to the selected battery state of charge value.

[0034] Preferably, the relationship is stored in the controller in the form of a lookup table.

[0035] Compared with the prior art, the charging device provided by the present invention can automatically adjust the selected battery power state value to charge the rechargeable battery system. Thus, by using the charging device according to the present invention to charge the rechargeable battery system, the service life of the rechargeable battery system can be increased. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a charging curve diagram of a rechargeable battery system in the prior art.

[0037] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a charging device and a rechargeable battery system charged by the charging device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a charging device and a rechargeable battery system charged by the charging device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 4 An exemplary charging curve diagram of a rechargeable battery system charged by a charging device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 5It is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a charging device and a rechargeable battery system charged by the charging device according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] In order to provide a further understanding of the purpose, structure, features, and functions of the present invention, the following detailed description is given in conjunction with the embodiments.

[0042] Certain words are used in the specification and claims to refer to specific components. Those with ordinary knowledge in the field should understand that manufacturers may use different terms to refer to the same component. This specification and claims do not use differences in names as a way to distinguish components, but rather use differences in components' functions as the criteria for distinction. The term "including" mentioned throughout the specification and claims is an open-ended term and should be interpreted as "including but not limited to".

[0043] See also Figure 2 , the architecture of the charging device 1 and the rechargeable battery system 2 charged by it according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown in Figure 2 middle.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, a charging device 1 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is used to charge a rechargeable battery system 2. The rechargeable battery system 2 includes a battery management system 20 and a first communication unit 22. The first communication unit 22 is electrically connected to the battery management system 20. The battery management system 20 calculates a current battery health status value (i.e., a current battery health status (SOH) percentage) and a current battery charge status value (i.e., a current battery charge status (SOC) percentage) of the rechargeable battery system 2.

[0045] Likewise Figure 2 As shown, the charging device 1 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an AC / DC converter 10 , a controller 12 , a DC output unit 14 and a second communication unit 16 .

[0046] The AC / DC converter 10 is used to receive AC power. The controller 12 is electrically connected to the AC / DC converter 10. The controller 12 stores relationship equations between a plurality of predetermined battery power state percentages and a plurality of predetermined battery health state percentages.

[0047] The DC output unit 14 is electrically connected to the AC / DC converter 10 and the controller 12, respectively. The DC output unit 14 is also electrically connected to the rechargeable battery system 2 via a cable 15. The controller 12 controls the DC output unit 14 to be turned on or off. The second communication unit 16 is electrically connected to the controller 12. The second communication unit 16 can communicate with the first communication unit 22, and is used to receive the current battery health status percentage and the current battery power status percentage via the first communication unit 22.

[0048] The controller 12 selects a battery state of charge percentage from a plurality of predetermined battery state of charge percentages according to the current battery health state percentage and the above relationship. The controller 12 controls the AC / DC converter 10 to convert the AC power into charging DC power and transmits it to the DC output unit 14. The controller 12 also controls the DC output unit 14 to output charging DC power to charge the rechargeable battery system 2 until the current battery state of charge percentage is equal to the selected battery state of charge percentage. In this way, the service life of the rechargeable battery system 2 can be increased.

[0049] Furthermore, the charging device 1 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises a detection unit 18. The detection unit 18 is electrically connected to the controller 12 and electrically coupled to the cable 15. The detection unit 18 is used to detect the charging voltage and the charging current. The controller 12 controls the DC output unit 14 to adjust the output voltage and the output current of the charging DC according to the charging voltage and the charging current.

[0050] In one embodiment, the relational expression is stored in the form of a lookup table in the controller 12. In another embodiment, the relational expression is stored in the form of an equation in the controller 12. An example of a relational expression in the form of a lookup table is shown in Table 1.

[0051] Table 1

[0052] Predetermined SOH percentage Predetermined SOC percentage 100％ 80％ 95％ 85％ 90％ 90％ 85％ 95％ 80％ 100％

[0053] According to the example shown in Table 1, when the current SOH percentage is 100%, the controller 12 determines the selected SOC percentage to be 80%. When the current SOH percentage is 90%, the controller 12 determines the selected SOC percentage to be 90%. When the current SOH percentage is 80%, the controller 12 determines the selected SOC percentage to be 100%.

[0054] See also Figure 3 , the architecture of the charging device 3 and the rechargeable battery system 4 charged therewith according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown in Figure 3 middle.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, the charging device 3 according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention is used to charge a rechargeable battery system 4. The rechargeable battery system 4 includes a battery management system 40 and a first communication unit 42. The first communication unit 42 is electrically connected to the battery management system 40. The battery management system 40 calculates the current battery state of charge (SOC) percentage of the rechargeable battery system 4.

[0056] Likewise Figure 3 As shown, the charging device 3 according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an AC / DC converter 30 , a controller 32 , a DC output unit 34 and a second communication unit 36 ​​.

[0057] The AC / DC converter 30 is used to receive AC power. The controller 32 is electrically connected to the AC / DC converter 30. The DC output unit 34 is electrically connected to the AC / DC converter 30 and the controller 32 respectively. The DC output unit 34 is also electrically connected to the rechargeable battery system 4 via a cable 35. The controller 32 controls the DC output unit 34 to be turned on or off. The second communication unit 36 ​​is electrically connected to the controller 32. The second communication unit 36 ​​can communicate with the first communication unit 42 and is used to receive the current battery power status percentage via the first communication unit 42.

[0058] The controller 32 determines whether the number of times the first selected battery state percentage is selected reaches N based on a plurality of previous charging information, where N is an integer greater than 1. If the controller 32 determines that the number of times the first selected battery state percentage is selected reaches N, the controller 32 determines the second selected battery state percentage and controls the AC / DC converter 30 to convert the AC power into charging DC power and transmit it to the DC output unit 34. The controller 32 also controls the DC output unit 34 to output charging DC power to charge the rechargeable battery system 4 until the current battery state percentage is equal to the second selected battery state percentage. The second selected battery state percentage is greater than the first selected battery state percentage. In this way, the service life of the rechargeable battery system 4 can be increased.

[0059] In one example, the first selected battery state percentage is 80% and the second selected battery state percentage is 100%.

[0060] Further, if the controller 32 determines that the number of times the first selected battery power state percentage is selected is less than N, the controller 32 controls the AC / DC converter 30 to convert AC power into charging DC power and transmit it to the DC output unit 34, and controls the DC output unit 34 to output charging DC power to charge the rechargeable battery system 4 until the current battery power state percentage is equal to the first selected battery power state percentage.

[0061] Furthermore, the battery management system 40 also detects the battery cell voltage difference of the rechargeable battery system 4. The second communication unit 36 ​​can also be used to receive the battery cell voltage difference via the first communication unit 42. The controller 32 also determines whether the battery cell voltage difference is equal to or greater than a first threshold. In a specific embodiment, the first threshold is equal to 80mV. If the controller 32 determines that the battery cell voltage difference is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the controller 32 determines a second selected battery state of charge percentage, and controls the AC / DC converter 30 to convert AC power into charging DC power and transmit it to the DC output unit 34 to charge the rechargeable battery system 4 until the battery cell voltage difference is less than the second threshold and the current battery state of charge percentage is equal to the second selected battery state of charge percentage. In a specific embodiment, the second threshold is equal to 15mV. Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 A charging curve diagram of an example of charging the rechargeable battery system 4 by the charging device 3 according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 In the charging curve shown, when the controller 32 determines that the battery cell voltage difference is greater than 80mV, the controller 32 controls the AC / DC converter 30 to reduce the charging current and cooperates with the internal balancing mechanism of the rechargeable battery system 4 to slowly reduce the battery cell voltage difference during low current charging. When the battery cell voltage difference is less than 15mV, the controller 32 controls the AC / DC converter 30 to resume normal current charging, and controls the charging of the rechargeable battery system 4 until the current battery state of charge percentage is equal to the first selected battery state of charge percentage (for example, the first selected SOC percentage is 100%). In a specific embodiment, the second threshold is less than the first threshold.

[0062] Furthermore, the charging device 3 according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a detection unit 38. The detection unit 38 is electrically connected to the controller 32 and electrically coupled to the cable 35. The detection unit 38 is used to detect the charging voltage and the charging current. The controller 32 controls the DC output unit 34 to adjust the output voltage and the output current of the charging DC according to the charging voltage and the charging current.

[0063] See also Figure 5, the architecture of the charging device 5 and the rechargeable battery system 6 charged therewith according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown in Figure 5 middle.

[0064] like Figure 5 As shown, the charging device 5 according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention is used to charge the rechargeable battery system 6.

[0065] Likewise Figure 5 As shown, the charging device 5 according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an AC / DC converter 50 , a controller 52 , a DC output unit 54 , a detection unit 56 and a selection unit 58 .

[0066] The AC / DC converter 50 is used to receive AC power. The controller 52 is electrically connected to the AC / DC converter 50. The controller 52 stores therein a relationship between a plurality of predetermined charging voltages, a plurality of predetermined charging currents, and a plurality of predetermined battery power state percentages.

[0067] The DC output unit 54 is electrically connected to the AC / DC converter 50 and the controller 52 respectively. The DC output unit 54 is also electrically connected to the rechargeable battery system 6 via a cable 55. The controller 52 controls the DC output unit 54 to be turned on or off. The detection unit 56 is electrically connected to the controller 52 and electrically coupled to the cable 55. The detection unit 56 is used to detect the charging voltage and the charging current. The selection unit 58 is electrically connected to the controller 52. The selection unit 58 is operated by the user to input instructions. The controller 52 determines the selected battery state percentage in response to the instruction, and determines the current battery state percentage from a plurality of predetermined battery state percentages according to the charging voltage, the charging current and the relationship. The controller 52 controls the AC / DC converter 50 to convert the AC power into charging DC power and transmit it to the DC output unit 54, and controls the DC output unit 54 to output the charging DC power to charge the rechargeable battery system 6 until the current battery state percentage is equal to the selected battery state percentage. In this way, the service life of the rechargeable battery system 6 can be increased.

[0068] In one embodiment, the relationship is stored in the form of a lookup table in the controller 52. In another embodiment, the relationship is stored in the form of an equation in the controller 52.

[0069] Through the above detailed description of the present invention, it can be clearly understood that the charging device according to the present invention can automatically adjust the selected battery power state percentage to charge the rechargeable battery system. Thus, by using the charging device according to the present invention to charge the rechargeable battery system, the service life of the rechargeable battery system can be increased.

[0070] The present invention has been described by the above-mentioned relevant embodiments, however, the above-mentioned embodiments are only examples for implementing the present invention. It must be pointed out that the disclosed embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention. On the contrary, changes and modifications made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention are all within the scope of patent protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A charging device for charging a rechargeable battery system, the rechargeable battery system comprising a battery management system and a first communication unit electrically connected to the battery management system, the battery management system being used to calculate a current battery health status value and a current battery power status value of the rechargeable battery system, characterized in that: The charging device comprises: an AC / DC converter for receiving AC power and converting the AC power into charging DC power; A controller electrically connected to the AC / DC converter, wherein the controller stores a relationship between a plurality of predetermined battery power state values ​​and a plurality of predetermined battery health state values; a direct current output unit electrically connected to the alternating current / direct current converter, the controller and the rechargeable battery system; as well as A second communication unit, electrically connected to the controller, the second communication unit being communicatively connected to the first communication unit to receive the current battery health status value and the current battery power status value; The controller determines a selected battery power status value from the multiple predetermined battery power status values ​​based on the current battery health status value and the relationship. The controller also controls the DC output unit to turn on to output the charging DC power, thereby charging the rechargeable battery system until the current battery power status value is equal to the selected battery power status value.

2. The charging device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The DC output unit is electrically connected to the rechargeable battery system via a cable; The charging device also includes a detection unit electrically connected to the controller and electrically coupled to the cable, wherein the detection unit is used to detect the charging voltage and the charging current, wherein the controller controls the DC output unit to adjust the output voltage and the output current of the charging DC according to the charging voltage and the charging current.

3. The charging device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The relational expression is stored in the controller in the form of a lookup table.

4. A charging device for charging a rechargeable battery system, the rechargeable battery system comprising a battery management system and a first communication unit electrically connected to the battery management system, the battery management system being used to calculate a current battery power state value of the rechargeable battery system, characterized in that: The charging device comprises: an AC / DC converter for receiving AC power and converting the AC power into charging DC power; a controller electrically connected to the AC / DC converter; a direct current output unit, electrically connected to the alternating current / direct current converter, the controller and the rechargeable battery system respectively; and, A second communication unit, electrically connected to the controller, the second communication unit communicates with the first communication unit to receive the current battery power state value; Among them, the controller determines whether the number of times a first selected battery power status value has been selected reaches N based on multiple previous charging information. If the controller determines that the number of times the first selected battery power status value has been selected reaches N, the controller determines a second selected battery power status value and controls the DC output unit to turn on to output the charging DC power and then charge the rechargeable battery system until the current battery power status value is equal to the second selected battery power status value, N is an integer greater than 1, and the second selected battery power status value is greater than the first selected battery power status value.

5. The charging device according to claim 4, characterized in that: If the controller determines that the number of times the first selected battery power status value is selected is less than N, the controller controls the AC / DC converter to convert the AC power into the charging DC power and transmit it to the DC output unit, and controls the DC output unit to output the charging DC power to charge the rechargeable battery system until the current battery power status value is equal to the first selected battery power status value.

6. The charging device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The DC output unit is electrically connected to the rechargeable battery system via a cable; The charging device also includes a detection unit electrically connected to the controller and electrically coupled to the cable, wherein the detection unit is used to detect the charging voltage and the charging current, wherein the controller controls the DC output unit to adjust the output voltage and the output current of the charging DC according to the charging voltage and the charging current.

7. The charging device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The battery management system further detects a battery cell pressure difference of the rechargeable battery system, and the second communication unit is further used to receive the battery cell pressure difference via the first communication unit; The controller also determines whether the battery cell voltage difference is equal to or greater than a first threshold value. If so, the controller determines the second selected battery power state value and controls the AC / DC converter to convert the AC power into the charging DC power and transmit it to the DC output unit to charge the rechargeable battery system until the battery cell voltage difference is less than the second threshold value and the current battery power state value is equal to the second selected battery power state value.

8. The charging device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second threshold is smaller than the first threshold.

9. A charging device for charging a rechargeable battery system, characterized in that: Include: an AC / DC converter for receiving AC power and converting the AC power into charging DC power; A controller electrically connected to the AC / DC converter, wherein the controller stores relationship equations between a plurality of predetermined charging voltages, a plurality of predetermined charging currents, and a plurality of predetermined battery power state values; A direct current output unit, electrically connected to the AC / DC converter, the controller and the rechargeable battery system, wherein the controller controls the direct current output unit to be turned on or off; A detection unit, electrically connected to the controller, and used for detecting a charging voltage and a charging current; as well as A selection unit is electrically connected to the controller, and the selection unit is operated by a user to input instructions. The controller determines a selected battery state of charge value based on the instruction, and judges a current battery state of charge value from the multiple predetermined battery state of charge values ​​according to the charging voltage, the charging current and the relationship. The controller controls the DC output unit to turn on to output the charging DC power and thereby charge the rechargeable battery system until the current battery state of charge value is equal to the selected battery state of charge value.

10. The charging device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The relational expression is stored in the controller in the form of a lookup table.

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