Battery module and operating method

Abstract

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery module comprising: one or more battery cells; a battery pack module controller operatively coupled to the battery pack cell, where the battery pack module controller is configured to determine a state of the battery pack cell; a secure element operatively coupled to the battery pack module controller, where the secure element is configured to store data indicative of the status of the battery pack cells determined by the battery pack module controller; an interface unit operatively coupled to the secure element, where the interface unit is configured to receive a request from an external user device to evaluate the data. According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a corresponding method of operating a battery pack module is conceived.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery pack module. Additionally, the present disclosure relates to a corresponding method of operating a battery pack module. Background Art

[0002] Battery pack modules can be used in different systems and applications. A battery pack module can be defined as a component of a battery pack, which component includes one or more battery pack cells and a battery pack module controller coupled to the battery pack cells. For example, an electric vehicle typically includes a battery pack, which in turn includes multiple battery pack modules. Additionally, battery pack modules can be used in a smart home environment. It is desirable to enable the reuse of such battery pack modules. For example, when a battery pack module reaches a certain age of use, these battery pack modules can no longer be used in an electric vehicle but can still be used in a smart home. Specifically, such battery pack modules can be resold. However, current resale solutions for used battery pack modules may not be user-friendly and secure enough. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery pack module, the battery pack module including: one or more battery pack cells; a battery pack module controller operatively coupled to the battery pack cells, wherein the battery pack module controller is configured to determine a state of the battery pack cells; a security element operatively coupled to the battery pack module controller, wherein the security element is configured to store data indicative of the state of the battery pack cells determined by the battery pack module controller; an interface unit operatively coupled to the security element, wherein the interface unit is configured to receive a request for evaluating the data from an external user device.

[0004] In one or more embodiments, the security element is configured to perform an evaluation of the data in response to receiving the request from the interface unit.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, the security element is configured to perform the evaluation by: comparing the stored data with reference data received from the external device, and if the stored data matches the reference data within a predefined error tolerance, inferring that the evaluation has a positive result.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, the interface unit is further configured to transmit an evaluation result to the external user device, wherein the evaluation result indicates the evaluation performed on the data.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the data indicating the state of the battery pack cells includes data indicating the health state of the battery pack cells, data indicating the life cycle of the battery pack cells, data indicating the recharge cycles of the battery pack cells, and / or data indicating the manufacturer of the battery pack module.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the security element includes a signature certificate issued by a root certificate authority.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the interface unit is integrated with the security element.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the interface unit is a Near Field Communication (NFC) interface unit.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the battery pack module controller is integrated with the security element.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, a battery pack module resale system includes: a battery pack module of the described kind; a user device configured to transmit a request for assessment data, wherein the data indicates the state of the battery pack cells included in the battery pack module.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the user device is an NFC-enabled user device.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating a battery pack module is contemplated, the method including: determining, by a battery pack module controller included in the battery pack module, the state of one or more battery pack cells included in the battery pack module; storing, by a security element included in the battery pack module, data indicating the state of the battery pack cells determined by the battery pack module controller; receiving, by an interface unit included in the battery pack module, a request from an external user device to evaluate the data.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the security element performs an evaluation of the data in response to receiving the request from the interface unit.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the security element performs the evaluation by: comparing the stored data with reference data received from the external device, and inferring that the evaluation has a positive result if the stored data matches the reference data within a predefined error tolerance.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the interface unit further transmits an evaluation result to the external user device, wherein the evaluation result indicates the evaluation performed on the data. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 An example of an electric vehicle is shown.

[0020] Figure 2 An example of a smart home is shown.

[0021] Figure 3 An illustrative embodiment of a battery pack module is shown.

[0022] Figure 4 An illustrative embodiment of a method of operating a battery pack module is shown.

[0023] Figure 5 An illustrative embodiment of a public key infrastructure scheme is shown.

[0024] Figure 6 An illustrative embodiment of a resale process is shown.

[0025] Figure 7 An illustrative embodiment of an online resale scenario for User A is shown.

[0026] Figure 8 An illustrative embodiment of an online purchase scenario for User X is shown.

[0027] Figure 9 An illustrative embodiment of a process for implementing an online resale of a battery pack module is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Figure 1 An example of an electric vehicle 100 is shown. The vehicle 100 includes a battery pack 106 and a battery pack management system 102 that are operatively coupled to each other. The battery pack 106 includes two or more battery pack modules 108, 116. Each of the battery pack modules 108, 116 includes two or more battery pack cells 112, 114, 120, 122 and a battery pack module controller 110, 118 that is operatively coupled to the battery pack cells 112, 114. In addition, the battery pack management system 102 includes a microcontroller 104. It is desired to enable the reuse of the battery pack modules 108, 116. For example, when the battery pack modules 108, 116 reach a certain age of use, these battery pack modules can no longer be used in the electric vehicle 100, but can still be used in another system or application, for example, in a smart home. The reuse of the battery pack modules 108, 116 can be facilitated by a trading platform through which the battery pack modules 108, 116 can be resold.

[0029] Figure 2An example of a smart home 200 is shown. The smart home 200 includes a battery pack 206 and a battery pack management system 202 that are operatively coupled to each other. The battery pack 206 includes two or more battery pack modules 208, 216. Each of the battery pack modules 208, 216 includes two or more battery pack cells 212, 214, 220, 222 and a battery pack module controller 210, 218 that is operatively coupled to the battery pack cells 212, 214, 220, 222. In addition, the battery pack management system 202 includes a microcontroller 204. The battery pack modules 208, 216 may be modules that have been used in another system or application, for example, as a power source for an electric vehicle. Specifically, the battery pack modules 208, 216 may have been resold. However, as mentioned above, the current resale solutions for used battery pack modules may not be user-friendly and safe enough.

[0030] Now, a battery pack module and a corresponding method of operating the battery pack module are discussed that facilitate providing a resale solution for a used battery pack module that is user-friendly and safe.

[0031] Figure 3 An illustrative embodiment of a battery pack module 300 is shown. The battery pack module 300 includes a battery pack module controller 302, battery pack cells 304, 306, a security element 308, and an interface unit 310. The battery pack module controller 302 is operatively coupled to the battery pack cells 304, 306 and is configured to determine the state of the battery pack cells 304, 306. In addition, the security element 308 is operatively coupled to the battery pack module controller 302 and is configured to store data indicative of the state of the battery pack cells 304, 306 determined by the battery pack module controller 302. In addition, the interface unit 310 is operatively coupled to the security element 308 and is configured to receive a request from an external user device (not shown) to evaluate the data. Since the data indicative of the state of the battery pack cells 304, 306 is securely stored in the security element and can be retrieved through the interface unit, users who wish to offer the battery pack module 300 for sale or who wish to purchase the battery pack module 300 can easily access the securely stored data indicative of the state of the battery pack cells 302, 304. These data may be related to a sales offer and a purchase, respectively. In this way, the battery pack module 300 facilitates providing a user-friendly and safe resale solution for a used battery pack module. It should be noted that the security element may be defined as a tamper-proof integrated circuit on which an application program is installed, the application program having a prescribed functionality and a prescribed security level. In addition, the security element may implement security functions, for example, a cryptographic function and an authentication function.

[0032] Note that, although the interface unit 310 is shown as a separate unit coupled to the security element 308, it may also be integrated into another one of the components (e.g., the security element 308), or it may be coupled to another one of the components (e.g., the battery pack module controller 302). The interface unit 310 may be implemented as, for example, a typical NFC interface included in or connected to a field-powered security element. Alternatively, the interface unit 310 may be a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) interface unit, a Wi-Fi interface unit, or another wireless interface unit. Additionally, the interface unit 310 may act as a host for both the security element 308 and the battery pack module controller 302.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the security element is configured to perform an evaluation of the data in response to receiving the request from the interface unit. In this way, the battery pack module can autonomously and securely perform an evaluation of the state of the battery pack cells. For example, the battery pack module can autonomously and securely perform a diagnostic check of the state of the battery pack cells, which may be related to the sales offer or purchase of the battery pack module. In one or more embodiments, the security element is configured to perform the evaluation by: comparing the stored data with reference data received from the external device, and if the stored data matches the reference data within a predefined error tolerance, inferring that the evaluation has a positive result. In this way, the output of the evaluation can be easily verified against an expected result, such as facilitating the performance of a diagnostic check. Additionally, in one or more embodiments, the interface unit is further configured to transmit the evaluation result to the external user device, where the evaluation result indicates the evaluation performed on the data. In this way, the user can be easily informed of the evaluation result, for example, through a user interface embedded in the user device. In one example, newly stored data may be compared with reference data reflecting a previous state of the health of the battery pack module. In this case, it is expected that the newly stored data indicates a health state that is not worse than or is approximately equal to the previous health state. Additionally, the reference data may reflect data collected from other battery pack modules (e.g., so-called "big data").

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the data indicating the state of the battery pack cells includes data indicating the state of health of the battery pack cells, data indicating the life cycle of the battery pack cells, data indicating the recharge cycles of the battery pack cells, and / or data indicating the manufacturer of the battery pack module. In this way, specific data related to a sales offer or purchase can be easily and securely provided to the user. In one or more embodiments, the security element includes a signature certificate issued by a root certificate authority. In this way, communication between the battery pack module and the user device, and between the user device and a service provider to which the relevant data can be forwarded, can be carried out in a secure manner. In one or more embodiments, the interface unit is integrated with the security element. In this way, the security level can be further increased because all communication carried out through the interface unit takes place in the protected environment of the security element. In one or more embodiments, the interface unit is a Near Field Communication (NFC) interface unit. In this way, user convenience is further increased. In addition, in the case where the battery pack module has lost its power (e.g., when the power is empty), or is damaged when the power is turned on, using the NFC interface unit enables the security element to be powered by the field so that battery pack-related data can still be read from the security element. In addition, in one or more embodiments, the battery pack module controller is integrated with the security element. In this way, the security level can be further increased because determining the state of the battery pack cells takes place in the protected environment of the security element.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, a battery pack module resale system includes: a battery pack module of the type described; and a user device configured to transmit a request for evaluation data, where the data indicates the state of the battery pack cells included in the battery pack module. In this way, a user-friendly and secure battery pack module resale system can be provided. In addition, in one or more embodiments, the user device is an NFC-enabled user device. In this way, user convenience is further increased.

[0036] Figure 4 An illustrative embodiment of a method 400 for operating a battery pack module is shown. Method 400 includes the following steps. At 402, a battery pack module controller included in the battery pack module determines the state of one or more battery pack cells included in the battery pack module. At 404, a security element included in the battery pack module stores data indicating the state of the battery pack cells determined by the battery pack module controller. In addition, at 406, an interface unit included in the battery pack module receives a request from an external user device to evaluate the data. As referenced Figure 3As explained for the corresponding battery pack module shown, method 400 facilitates providing a user-friendly and safe resale solution for used battery pack modules.

[0037] It should be noted that battery pack modules embedded in electric vehicles have high potential for second-life usage. However, reusing battery pack modules typically requires complex offline inspections of the battery pack modules to verify their value, specifically, by performing inspections on the state of the battery pack cells included in the module. The presently disclosed battery pack modules and corresponding operating methods make this inspection easier to perform and also provide sufficient security, etc., by making it difficult to tamper with the status information. In addition, using the security elements within the battery pack module facilitates implementing a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) scheme, which enables an optimized application process. Additionally, the presently disclosed battery pack modules and corresponding operating methods improve the user experience due to the simplification of the resale process. Furthermore, increased trust can be achieved by adding a high level of security to the battery pack module. And the cost can be lower because offline inspections may no longer be required, and thus it may not be necessary to transport the battery pack module to an external party for external verification. Finally, high flexibility can be achieved due to trust establishment.

[0038] Figure 5 An illustrative embodiment of the PKI scheme 500 is shown. As mentioned above, using security elements within the battery pack module facilitates implementing a PKI scheme. Examples of such schemes are shown in Figure 5 Specifically, the security elements can be used to store the credentials and other security-related data used in the PKI scheme. The following roles can be defined in the PKI scheme 500. The Root Certificate Authority 502 is the authority that issues the root certificate; this authority can be, for example, a consortium of automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), battery pack manufacturers, smart home module manufacturers, semiconductor companies, or government departments. The Battery Pack OEM 504 can be a company that produces battery pack modules. The SE Manufacturer 508 can be a chip manufacturer that applies secure trust establishment. The Cloud (Service Provider SP) 506 can be selected and authorized based on the Root CA 502, specifically, to sign and authenticate requests from the SE Manufacturer 508 and the Battery Pack OEM 504.

[0039] Users A510, B512 to X514 are end-users who purchase battery pack modules. For example, if these battery pack modules are combined inside a vehicle or in, for example, a complete smart home mobile power supply. An automotive OEM or a smart home battery pack system provider can also be a user and sell its system to end-users. User A510 can be the owner of an electric vehicle who wants to sell the vehicle's battery pack modules via a battery pack trading platform 528 maintained by User B512. In this case, User A510 can also register at the trading platform 528 of User B512, and the registration can be cross-signed based on credentials provided by the cloud (SP) 506. As mentioned, User B512 can maintain the battery pack trading platform 528 and can also be a registered user at the cloud (SP) 506 (e.g., with special trading privileges). Users A510 and X514 can also register as authorized users at this platform 528 since they are authorized users of the entire PKI scheme 500 anyway. Again, this registration can be cross-signed based on credentials provided by the cloud (SP) 506. Finally, User X514 can be a potential buyer who purchases battery pack modules via the battery pack trading platform 528 of User B512. User X514 can also register at the battery pack trading platform 528 of User B512, and the registration can be cross-signed based on credentials provided by the cloud (SP) 506.

[0040] Figure 6 An illustrative embodiment showing the resale process 600 is presented. Via a web-based trading platform, customers may be able to sell their battery pack modules via an online resale process 608 or via an offline resale process 612. Specifically, if the battery pack module is equipped with a properly provisioned security element, the online process 608 can be used. If the battery pack module contains a security element, the life cycle and current state of the battery pack module stored in the element can be trusted, and it is possible to perform a cost-effective self-check 610 directly by the person who wants to sell the module. This self-check 610 can be performed, for example, by authenticating via a mobile phone (e.g., NFC touch of an NFC-enabled security element installed on or embedded in the battery pack module) and running a diagnosis instructed by the trading platform. The diagnostic data can be synchronized with the trading platform backend server (cloud). If the check is successful, the value of the battery pack module can be determined, and the module can be directly shipped to a potential buyer (or shipped to the trading platform distribution platform). Therefore, this online process 608 is faster, cheaper, and provides a better user experience.

[0041] During the offline process 612, thus if there is no safety element installed in the battery pack module, the entire module should first be transported 614 to the service premises of the reseller / trading platform. Using specific equipment, an offline diagnosis 616 of the state of health of the battery pack can be performed, and the value of the battery pack module can be determined. If the battery pack module has a specific value, it can be transported to potential buyers. In the case of additional transportation, when reselling the battery pack module without a safety element, payment should be made for personnel and facilities and many other logistics aspects should be considered. However, during the offline process 612, a safety element can be added to the battery pack module, thereby enabling the module to be resold in the future during the online process 608. This will be explained with reference to the following Figure 9 be explained.

[0042] Figure 7 An illustrative embodiment showing the online resale scenario 700 of user A is presented. In this scenario 700, user A should register 704 at an online trading platform (e.g., which can be operated and owned by user B). This registration can be easily performed via a smartphone application (i.e., the so-called "app"). Then, user A registers 706 one or more battery pack modules, for example, via NFC touch of an NFC-enabled safety element installed on or embedded in the battery pack module. This information is then sent to the cloud via the app. At the cloud, the received information will be cross-checked with the battery pack module records available from the cloud (SP). Once all the data is verified, the app will request the user to perform another NFC touch to trigger a battery pack module diagnostic self-check 708. During this self-check 708, all battery pack module specific data (e.g., ownership status, life cycle, recharge cycles, state of health, manufacturer information) can be evaluated, and the estimated price of the battery pack module can be displayed to user A. During this self-check 708, the safety element can also transition to a diagnostic state. If the user is not satisfied with the price, another NFC touch may be required to enable the use of the battery pack module. Internally, the safety element will then transition out of the diagnostic state and allow normal use of the module. If the user is satisfied with the price, another NFC touch may be required to lock 714 the safety element so that the battery pack module can no longer be used and its current state is locked and ready for shipment.

[0043] Figure 8An illustrative embodiment showing the online purchase scenario 800 of user X is presented. In this scenario 800, user X should register 804 at the online trading platform maintained by user B, which can be easily accomplished via a smartphone application (i.e., app). Via the app, user X can browse all the battery pack modules available for purchase. The complete module information along with the price can also be shown, enabling the user to make an informed decision. To increase the security level, the information can be based on secure and trustworthy data extracted from a security element, and the information can also be verified by the battery pack service provider. If the user agrees to the price, he or she will select 804 a battery pack module and decide to purchase 808 the battery pack module. Then, he or she will receive 812 the battery pack module under the same conditions as shown on the online trading platform. To enable the general operation and charging of the battery pack module, it should be inserted into a working BMS unit, and then an NFC touch can trigger the execution of the pairing operation 814. After the first successful authentication 816, the module details can also be synchronized at the root CA cloud server.

[0044] Figure 9 An illustrative embodiment showing the process 900 for implementing the online resale of a battery pack module is presented. As mentioned above, during the offline resale process, a security element can be added to the battery pack module, thereby enabling the module to be resold during a future online resale process. More specifically, in the offline path, the reseller or the trading platform provider can add a security element to the battery pack module to increase its reliability and authenticity for future trading options. Once the user decides to sell (902) the battery pack module without a security element, the battery pack module is shipped to the reseller or user B who is managing the battery trading platform. The reseller will perform a complete physical and overall battery pack health check 916 to establish a baseline. If the result of the check is satisfactory, a pre-provided security element (with a certificate directly signed by the root CA or indirectly via an authorized intermediate CA) can be embedded 920 into the module to increase its overall value and make future resales cheaper and more efficient. The reseller can then trigger the execution of a complete diagnostic check of the battery pack module via the security element (e.g., using NFC between a smartphone and the passive NFC interface of the security element), and then the final price of the module can be calculated. The battery pack module will then become available 922 on the online resale platform, enabling any interested user (e.g., user X) to purchase it. Subsequently, if the new owner (e.g., user X) decides to resell the battery pack module, he or she can resell it via a faster and more efficient online path (i.e., the type of online resale process 908 described above).

[0045] Note that the above embodiments have been described with reference to different subject matters. Specifically, some embodiments may have been described with reference to method - type claims, while other embodiments may have been described with reference to apparatus - type claims. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate from the foregoing that, unless otherwise stated, any combination of features related to different subject matters, in particular the combination of features of method - type claims and features of apparatus - type claims, in addition to any combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter, is also considered to be disclosed with this document.

[0046] In addition, note that the drawings are schematic. In different figures, like or identical elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. Further, note that in order to provide a concise description of the illustrative embodiments, implementation details that are part of the routine practice of those skilled in the art may not have been described. It should be understood that in the development of any such implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation - specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system - related and business - related constraints, which may vary between different implementations. Moreover, it should be understood that such development work may be complex and time - consuming, but is merely a routine task for those skilled in the art in design, fabrication, and production.

[0047] Finally, note that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word “comprising” does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim. The word “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The measures recited in the claims can be implemented by means of hardware including several distinct elements and / or by means of a suitably programmed processor. In an apparatus claim reciting several components, several of these components may be implemented by the same item in hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0048] List of Reference Numerals

[0049] 100 Electric vehicle

[0050] 102 Battery management system

[0051] 104 Battery management system microcontroller

[0052] 106 Battery pack

[0053] 108 Battery pack module 1

[0054] 110 Battery pack module controller

[0055] 112 Battery 1

[0056] 114 Battery x

[0057] 116 Battery pack module x

[0058] 118 Battery pack module controller

[0059] 120 Battery 1

[0060] 122 Battery x

[0061] 200 Smart home

[0062] 202 Battery pack management system

[0063] 204 Battery pack management system microcontroller

[0064] 206 Battery pack

[0065] 208 Battery pack module 1

[0066] 210 Battery pack module controller

[0067] 212 Battery 1

[0068] 214 Battery x

[0069] 216 Battery pack module x

[0070] 218 Battery pack module controller

[0071] 220 Battery 1

[0072] 222 Battery x

[0073] 300 Battery pack module

[0074] 302 Battery pack module controller

[0075] 304 Battery 1

[0076] 306 Battery x

[0077] 308 Safety element

[0078] 310 Interface unit

[0079] 400 Method of operating a battery pack module

[0080] 402 Determining the state of one or more battery pack batteries included in a battery pack module by a battery pack module controller included in the battery pack module

[0081] 404 Data indicating the state of the battery pack cells determined by the battery pack module controller is stored by a security element included in the battery pack module.

[0082] 406 A request to evaluate the data is received by an interface unit included in the battery pack module from an external user device.

[0083] 500 Public Key Infrastructure scheme

[0084] 502 Root Certificate Authority

[0085] 504 Battery pack original equipment manufacturer

[0086] 506 Cloud (service provider)

[0087] 508 Security element manufacturer

[0088] 510 User A

[0089] 512 User B

[0090] 514 User X

[0091] 516 Automobile

[0092] 518 Home

[0093] 520 Automobile

[0094] 522 Home

[0095] 524 Automobile

[0096] 526 Home

[0097] 528 Trading platform

[0098] 600 Resale process

[0099] 602 Sell?

[0100] 604 Not willing to sell

[0101] 606 Has a security element?

[0102] 608 Online resale

[0103] 610 Self-check the battery pack condition via a mobile device

[0104] 612 Offline resale

[0105] 614 Ship to the reseller

[0106] 616 Manual offline battery pack condition

[0107] 618 Complete the inspection

[0108] Is 620 valuable?

[0109] 622 For sale

[0110] 624 Not willing to sell

[0111] 626 Online resale

[0112] 700 Online resale scenario for User A

[0113] 702 Start the online resale scenario for User A 704 Register at the trading platform (by User B)

[0114] 706 Register the battery pack module (via near - field communication and cloud)

[0115] 708 Perform a battery pack diagnostic check (change in security element status)

[0116] 710 For sale?

[0117] 712 Not willing to sell

[0118] 714 Change the security element status to locked for battery pack module security 716 Ship the battery pack module directly to User X

[0119] 800 Online purchase scenario for User X

[0120] 802 Start the online purchase scenario for User X 804 Register at the trading platform (by User B)

[0121] 806 Select a battery pack module (based on security element trusted data)

[0122] 808 Purchase?

[0123] 810 Not willing to purchase

[0124] 812 User X receives the locked battery pack module

[0125] 814 Pair the battery pack module with the existing battery pack management system solution (via near - field communication and cloud)

[0126] 816 After the first successful authentication, the module is ready for use

[0127] 900 Process for implementing the online resale of the battery pack module

[0128] 902 For sale?

[0129] 904 Not willing to sell

[0130] 906 Has a security element?

[0131] 908 Online resale process

[0132] 910 Offline Resale

[0133] 912 Shipped to Reseller

[0134] 914 Manual Offline Battery Pack Condition

[0135] 916 Inspection Completed

[0136] 918 Valuable?

[0137] 920 Add Security Element (Increase Monetary Value)

[0138] 922 Battery Pack Module Available for Online Resale

[0139] 924 User X Uses Module

[0140] 926 Phase Out Module.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized in that: include: one or more battery cells; a battery module controller operatively coupled to the battery cell, wherein the battery module controller is configured to determine a state of the battery cell; a safety element operatively coupled to the battery module controller, wherein the safety element is configured to store data indicative of the state of the battery cell determined by the battery module controller; An interface unit is operatively coupled to the secure element, wherein the interface unit is configured to receive a request to evaluate the data from an external user device.

2. The battery pack module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The secure element is configured to perform an evaluation of the data in response to receiving the request from the interface unit.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The secure element is configured to perform the evaluation by comparing the stored data with reference data received from the external device and concluding that the evaluation has a positive result if the stored data matches the reference data within a predefined error tolerance.

4. The battery module according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The interface unit is further configured to transmit an evaluation result to the external user device, wherein the evaluation result indicates the evaluation performed on the data.

5. A battery module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The data indicative of the status of the battery cell includes data indicative of a state of health of the battery cell, data indicative of a life cycle of the battery cell, data indicative of recharge cycles of the battery cell, and / or data indicative of a manufacturer of the battery module.

6. A battery module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The secure element includes a signing certificate issued by a root certificate authority.

7. A battery module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The interface unit is integrated with the security element.

8. A battery module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The interface unit is a near field communication NFC interface unit.

9. A battery module resale system, characterized in that: include: A battery module according to any preceding claim; A user device is configured to transmit a request for evaluation data to the battery module, wherein the data is indicative of the status of the battery cells included in the battery module.

10. A method for operating a battery module, characterized in that: include: determining, by a battery module controller included in the battery module, a state of one or more battery cells included in the battery module; storing, by a security element included in the battery module, data indicative of the state of the battery cell determined by the battery module controller; A request to evaluate the data is received from an external user device by an interface unit included in the battery module.

Images