Battery management system, method and system for reducing power consumption

Abstract

A battery management system (BMS) removably connectable to at least one of a battery and an accessory is described. The accessory may be operated by the BMS. The BMS includes processing circuitry configured to: determine a first plurality of functions associated with the BMS and a second plurality of functions associated with the accessory based on BMS information and accessory information, respectively; determining at least one mode of operation based on at least one parameter associated with the battery, the first plurality of functions, and the second plurality of functions; and operating at least one of the BMS and the accessory based on the determined at least one operation mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method and system for power management of an energy storage module (e.g., a battery, such as a lithium battery). Background Art

[0002] Motorized and / or electric vehicles often rely on using one or more battery systems to provide starting power (e.g., power for starting and firing up an engine) and / or at least a portion of the motive power for the vehicle. Such vehicles can include one or more of aircraft or ships, rail vehicles, road vehicles, etc., where road vehicles can refer to, for example, cars, trucks, buses, recreational vehicles, etc.

[0003] In a vehicle, different types of batteries (e.g., energy storage modules) are used, such as traction batteries (for electric vehicles or hybrid electric vehicles) and starting batteries. For example, in automotive applications, a starting battery is used to provide the necessary energy / power required to start the vehicle, where a traction battery typically refers to, for example, a battery that powers the vehicle.

[0004] Further, the battery can be arranged to also supply power to other systems (such as accessory systems) and / or batteries in the vehicle. When the battery powers such other systems without (e.g., through an external charger, through a running engine and a corresponding alternator system, etc.) charging the battery, the rate at which the state of charge of the battery decreases over time is greater than the rate when the battery is not powering such other systems. For example, some batteries can have a power indicator light that indicates the state of charge of the battery. Although the power consumption of the indicator light may seem negligible (e.g., compared to the power required to start the engine or power an accessory), if the battery is not recharged, the power consumption of the indicator light can be sufficient to drain the battery after a certain time interval. The time interval during which such discharge occurs is typically shorter than when the battery is not powering the indicator light. Other systems that can similarly discharge the battery.

[0005] In other words, existing battery-based systems lack battery management processes and / or components for adequately managing the power consumption associated with systems powered by the battery (such as accessory systems connected to the battery) when the battery is not being charged, for example. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Some embodiments advantageously provide a method and system for power management of an energy storage module (e.g., a lithium battery).

[0007] According to one aspect, a battery management system (BMS) is described. The BMS is capable of being removably connected to at least one of a battery and an accessory. The accessory is operable by the BMS, and the BMS includes processing circuitry configured to determine at least one operating mode based on at least one parameter associated with the battery and to operate at least one of the BMS and the accessory based on the determined at least one operating mode.

[0008] In some embodiments, the at least one operating mode includes at least one of the following: a first operating mode corresponding to a first range of the at least one parameter; a second operating mode corresponding to a second range of the at least one parameter; and a third operating mode corresponding to a third range of the at least one parameter.

[0009] In some other embodiments, the processing circuitry is further configured to perform at least one of the following: determine a first time interval and a second time interval for at least one of the first operating mode, the second operating mode, and the third operating mode based on the at least one parameter, wherein the first time interval indicates that the BMS is to be turned on during the first time interval, the second time interval indicates that the BMS is to be in a BMS sleep state during the second time interval, and the first time interval and the second time interval are consecutive; and determine a third time interval and a fourth time interval for at least one of the first operating mode, the second operating mode, and the third operating mode based on the at least one parameter. The third time interval indicates that the accessory is to be turned on during the third time interval, and the fourth time interval indicates that the accessory is to be turned off during the fourth time interval. The third time interval and the fourth time interval are consecutive.

[0010] In an embodiment, the operation of at least one of the BMS and the accessory includes: operating the BMS based on the first time interval and the second time interval; and operating the accessory based on the third time interval and the fourth time interval.

[0011] In another embodiment, the processing circuitry is further configured to perform at least one of the following: determine each operating mode of the at least one operating mode and the power consumption of each of the BMS and the accessory based on a parameter threshold associated with the at least one parameter; determine a battery operation time interval during which the battery can be operated before reaching the parameter threshold based on the determined power consumption; determine at least one other operating mode based on the power consumption and the battery operation time interval; and operate at least one of the BMS and the accessory based on the determined at least one other operating mode.

[0012] According to another aspect, a method in a battery management system (BMS) that is capable of being removably connected to at least one of a battery and an accessory. The accessory can be operated by the BMS. The method includes: determining at least one operating mode based on at least one parameter associated with the battery; and operating at least one of the BMS and the accessory based on the determined at least one operating mode.

[0013] In some embodiments, the at least one operating mode includes at least one of the following: a first operating mode corresponding to a first range of the at least one parameter; a second operating mode corresponding to a second range of the at least one parameter; and a third operating mode corresponding to a third range of the at least one parameter.

[0014] In some other embodiments, the method further includes performing at least one of the following: determining a first time interval and a second time interval for at least one of the first operating mode, the second operating mode, and the third operating mode based on the at least one parameter, where the first time interval indicates that the BMS is to be turned on during the first time interval, the second time interval indicates that the BMS is to be in a BMS sleep state during the second time interval, and the first time interval and the second time interval are consecutive; and determining a third time interval and a fourth time interval for at least one of the first operating mode, the second operating mode, and the third operating mode based on the at least one parameter. The third time interval indicates that the accessory is to be turned on during the third time interval, and the fourth time interval indicates that the accessory is to be turned off during the fourth time interval. The third time interval and the fourth time interval are consecutive.

[0015] In an embodiment, the operation of at least one of the BMS and the accessory includes: operating the BMS based on the first time interval and the second time interval; and operating the accessory based on the third time interval and the fourth time interval.

[0016] In another embodiment, the method further includes performing at least one of the following: determining the power consumption of each of the at least one operating mode and each of the BMS and the accessory based on a parameter threshold associated with the at least one parameter; determining a battery operation time interval during which the battery can be operated before reaching the parameter threshold based on the determined power consumption; and determining at least one other operating mode based on the power consumption and the battery operation time interval; operating at least one of the BMS and the accessory based on the determined at least one other operating mode.

[0017] According to one aspect, a battery management system (BMS) is described that is capable of removably connecting to at least one of a battery and an accessory. The accessory can be operated by the BMS. The BMS includes processing circuitry configured to: determine a first plurality of functions associated with the BMS and a second plurality of functions associated with the accessory based on BMS information and accessory information, respectively; determine at least one operating mode based on at least one parameter associated with the battery, the first plurality of functions, and the second plurality of functions; and operate at least one of the BMS and the accessory based on the determined at least one operating mode.

[0018] In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is further configured to perform at least one of the following: determine a first time interval and a second time interval of the at least one operating mode based at least on the at least one parameter, the first time interval and the second time interval being consecutive; and determine a third time interval and a fourth time interval of the at least one operating mode based at least on the at least one parameter, the third time interval and the fourth time interval being consecutive.

[0019] In some other embodiments, the operation of at least one of the BMS and the accessory includes: operating the BMS based on the first time interval and the second time interval; and operating the accessory based on the third time interval and the fourth time interval.

[0020] In some embodiments, at least one of the following is performed: (A) operating the BMS based on the first time interval includes keeping the BMS on during the first time interval; (B) operating the BMS based on the second time interval includes keeping the BMS in a BMS sleep state during the first time interval; (C) operating the accessory based on the third time interval includes keeping the accessory on during the third time interval; and (D) operating the accessory based on the fourth time interval includes keeping the accessory in an accessory sleep state during the fourth time interval.

[0021] In some other embodiments, the processing circuitry is further configured to determine a first set of functions of the first plurality of functions associated with the BMS and a second set of functions of the second plurality of functions associated with the accessory based on the functional characteristics of each function in the first function of the first plurality of functions and the second plurality of functions.

[0022] In some embodiments, the functional characteristic indicates at least one of a criticality level of the corresponding function and whether the function is associated with battery health.

[0023] In some other embodiments, the processing circuitry is further configured to determine the frequency at which each of the first plurality of functions and the second plurality of functions is to be performed based on at least one of: the function characteristics; whether the function is in the first group or the second group; and the power consumption of the function.

[0024] In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is further configured to perform at least one of the first plurality of functions to operate the BMS and at least one of the second plurality of functions to operate the accessory.

[0025] In some other embodiments, the processing circuitry is further configured to receive from the accessory an indication of a storage schedule of the battery, and the at least one operating mode is further determined based on the storage schedule.

[0026] In some embodiments, the at least one operating mode includes at least one of: (A) a first operating mode corresponding to a first range of the at least one parameter, the first operating mode having a first power consumption of the BMS and a second power consumption of the accessory; (B) a second operating mode corresponding to a second range of the at least one parameter, the second operating mode having a third power consumption of the BMS and a fourth power consumption of the accessory; and (C) a third operating mode corresponding to a third range of the at least one parameter. The third operating mode has a fifth power consumption of the BMS and a sixth power consumption of the accessory. Each of the power consumptions of the BMS is different, and each of the power consumptions of the accessory is different.

[0027] In some other embodiments, the first range includes a first plurality of values of the at least one parameter, the second range includes a second plurality of values of the at least one parameter, and the third range includes a third plurality of values of the at least one parameter. Each value in the second plurality of values is greater than each value in the first plurality of values, and each value in the third plurality of values is greater than each value in the second plurality of values.

[0028] In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is further configured to perform at least one of: (A) determining each of the at least one operating mode and the power consumption of each of the BMS and the accessory based on a parameter threshold associated with the at least one parameter; (B) determining a battery operation time interval during which the battery can be operated before reaching the parameter threshold based on the determined power consumption; (C) determining at least one other operating mode based on the power consumption and the battery operation time interval; and (D) operating at least one of the BMS and the accessory based on the determined at least one other operating mode before reaching the operation time interval.

[0029] According to one aspect, a method in a battery management system (BMS) is described, the BMS being capable of removably connecting to at least one of a battery and an accessory. The accessory can be operated by the BMS. The method includes: determining a first plurality of functions associated with the BMS and a second plurality of functions associated with the accessory respectively based on BMS information and accessory information; determining at least one operation mode based on at least one parameter associated with the battery, the first plurality of functions, and the second plurality of functions; and operating at least one of the BMS and the accessory based on the determined at least one operation mode.

[0030] In some embodiments, the method further includes performing at least one of the following: determining a first time interval and a second time interval of the at least one operation mode at least based on the at least one parameter, the first time interval and the second time interval being consecutive; and determining a third time interval and a fourth time interval of the at least one operation mode at least based on the at least one parameter, the third time interval and the fourth time interval being consecutive.

[0031] In some other embodiments, the operation of at least one of the BMS and the accessory includes: operating the BMS based on the first time interval and the second time interval; and operating the accessory based on the third time interval and the fourth time interval.

[0032] In some embodiments, at least one of the following: (A) operating the BMS based on the first time interval includes keeping the BMS on during the first time interval; (B) operating the BMS based on the second time interval includes keeping the BMS in a BMS sleep state during the first time interval; (C) operating the accessory based on the third time interval includes keeping the accessory on during the third time interval; and (D) operating the accessory based on the fourth time interval includes keeping the accessory in an accessory sleep state during the fourth time interval.

[0033] In some other embodiments, the method further includes determining a first set of functions of the first plurality of functions associated with the BMS and a second set of functions of the second plurality of functions associated with the accessory based on the functional characteristics of each function in the first function of the first plurality of functions and the second plurality of functions.

[0034] In some embodiments, the functional characteristic indicates at least one of a criticality level of the corresponding function and whether the function is associated with battery health.

[0035] In some other embodiments, the method further includes determining a frequency at which each of the first plurality of functions and the second plurality of functions is to be performed based on at least one of: the function characteristics; whether the function is in the first group or the second group; and the power consumption of the function.

[0036] In some embodiments, the method further includes: performing at least one of the first plurality of functions to operate the BMS; and performing at least one of the second plurality of functions to operate the accessory.

[0037] In some other embodiments, the method further includes receiving an indication from the accessory 20 indicating a storage schedule of the battery. The at least one operating mode is further determined based on the storage schedule.

[0038] In some embodiments, the at least one operating mode includes at least one of: (A) a first operating mode corresponding to a first range of the at least one parameter, the first operating mode having a first power consumption of the BMS and a second power consumption of the accessory; (B) a second operating mode corresponding to a second range of the at least one parameter, wherein the second operating mode has a third power consumption of the BMS and a fourth power consumption of the accessory; and (C) a third operating mode corresponding to a third range of the at least one parameter. The third operating mode has a fifth power consumption of the BMS and a sixth power consumption of the accessory. Each of the power consumptions of the BMS is different, and each of the power consumptions of the accessory is different.

[0039] In some other embodiments, the first range includes a first plurality of values of the at least one parameter, the second range includes a second plurality of values of the at least one parameter, and the third range includes a third plurality of values of the at least one parameter. Each value in the second plurality of values is greater than each value in the first plurality of values, and each value in the third plurality of values is greater than each value in the second plurality of values.

[0040] In some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of: (A) determining each of the at least one operating mode and the power consumption of each of the BMS and the accessory based on a parameter threshold associated with the at least one parameter; (B) determining a battery operation time interval during which the battery can be operated before reaching the parameter threshold based on the determined power consumption; (C) determining at least one other operating mode based on the power consumption and the battery operation time interval; and (D) operating at least one of the BMS and the accessory based on the determined at least one other operating mode before reaching the operation time interval.

[0041] According to one aspect, a system is described. The system includes a battery, a battery management system (BMS) coupled to the battery, and an accessory coupled to the battery and the BMS. The accessory is operable by the BMS. The BMS includes processing circuitry configured to determine a first plurality of functions associated with the BMS and a second plurality of functions associated with the accessory based on BMS information and accessory information, respectively. The processing circuitry is further configured to determine a first set of functions of the first plurality of functions associated with the BMS and a second set of functions of the second plurality of functions associated with the accessory based on functional characteristics of each function in the first of the first plurality of functions and the second plurality of functions. The functional characteristics indicate at least one of a criticality level of the corresponding function and whether the function is associated with battery health. The processing circuitry is further configured to determine at least one operating mode based on at least one parameter associated with the battery, the first plurality of functions, the second plurality of functions, the first set of functions, and the second set of functions. At least one of the BMS and the accessory is operated based on the determined at least one operating mode. The operation of at least one of the BMS and the accessory includes: performing at least one function of the first set of functions or the first plurality of functions to operate the BMS; and performing at least one function of the second set of functions or the second plurality of functions to operate the accessory. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] A more complete understanding of the embodiments described herein and their attendant advantages and features will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example system in accordance with the principles disclosed herein;

[0044] Figure 2 shows an example battery constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 3 is a block diagram of some entities in a system in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 4 shows an example BMS, battery, and accessory in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 5 is a flowchart of an example process in a battery device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0048] Figure 6 is a flowchart of another example process in a battery device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Before describing the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be noted that the embodiments mainly lie in the combination of device components and processing steps related to the power management of an energy storage module (e.g., a lithium battery). Accordingly, system and method components are represented by conventional symbols in the drawings where appropriate, and only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure are shown, so as not to obscure the present disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art who have benefited from the description herein.

[0050] As used herein, relational terms such as "first" and "second", "top" and "bottom", etc. may be used only to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element, and do not necessarily require or imply any physical or logical relationship or order between these entities or elements. The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the concepts described herein. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a / an" and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms. It will be further understood that when the term "comprises / comprising / includes / including" is used herein, it specifies the presence of the stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0051] In some embodiments, the term "parameter" refers to any parameter related to the battery (and / or its components), battery performance, battery management, operation, vehicle parameters, accessory system parameters, etc., as well as the performance, management, operation, etc. of the device in which the battery is installed. In some embodiments, the parameter can be an electrical parameter (such as power, voltage, current, state of charge, resistance value) and / or any other parameter (such as temperature, pressure, frequency parameter (e.g., the frequency of a pulse, the frequency of operation mode on and / or off and / or activation and / or deactivation), etc.). The frequency parameter can refer to a time parameter, such as the time when a pulse is on or off, the time when an operation mode is on / off and / or activated / deactivated. A parameter threshold can refer to a threshold associated with the parameter.

[0052] Battery health condition may refer to any condition associated with a battery (and / or a device, system, component associated with the battery), such as the health condition of the battery and / or the vehicle / vehicle system. The battery health condition may include conditions, faults associated with one or more parameters (for example, catastrophic faults, potential faults, conditions associated with potential faults, triggered system faults, battery pack faults, inability to start / operate the vehicle, etc. of the battery / system), degradation conditions (for example, not meeting user / function / specification requirements, such as when a parameter is below / above a predetermined threshold), internal short circuits, internal resistance values below a predetermined threshold (for example, indicating a short circuit condition), etc.

[0053] The operating mode may refer to one or more modes of operating the battery and / or the BMS and / or the associated vehicle and / or the associated system / device (such as an accessory device). The operating mode may be based on a parameter, such as the state of charge of the battery. The operating mode may include a normal mode, an active mode, an inactive mode, a sleep mode (or a dormant mode), an active state, a sleep state, a shutdown mode, a low power consumption mode, a high power consumption mode, etc. The normal node may include performing multiple functions (for example, during a certain time interval). The active mode may include performing at least one function (for example, during a certain time interval). The inactive mode may include not performing any functions (for example, during a certain time interval). The sleep mode may include not performing any functions (for example, during a certain time interval) and / or performing functions (for example, during another time interval). The active state may refer to the state corresponding to the active mode. The sleep state may refer to the state corresponding to the sleep mode. The shutdown mode may include the state after performing a shutdown action. The low power consumption mode may refer to an operating mode corresponding to a power consumption lower than a predetermined threshold. The high power consumption mode may refer to an operating mode corresponding to a power consumption equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0054] In some embodiments, the term "function" is used and this term may refer to tasks, steps, processes, methods, actions, etc. performed by a system, device, etc.

[0055] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It should be further understood that unless explicitly defined herein, the terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the context of this specification and the relevant art, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0056] In the embodiments described herein, connection terms such as "communicating with" can be used to indicate electrical or data communication, which can be achieved, for example, by physical contact, induction, electromagnetic radiation, wireless signaling, infrared signaling, or optical signaling. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that multiple components can interoperate and that modifications and changes to the implementation of electrical and data communication are possible.

[0057] In some embodiments, a general description element in the form of "one of A and B" corresponds to A or B. In some embodiments, at least one of A and B corresponds to A, B, or AB, or corresponds to one or more of A and B. In some embodiments, at least one of A, B, and C corresponds to one or more of A, B, and C and / or A, B, C, or combinations thereof.

[0058] Referring to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements, Figure 1 a schematic diagram of a system 10 according to an embodiment is shown, the system including one or more vehicles 12. Although the vehicle 12 is shown as a motorcycle, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the vehicle 12 can be any type of vehicle, such as an automobile, a scooter, a golf cart, a light utility vehicle, etc. The vehicle 12 includes a battery 14 for powering at least one function of the vehicle 12. In some embodiments, the battery 14 can be a lithium-ion-based battery including one or more energy storage modules. Although lithium-ion-based batteries have been described, the teachings described herein are equally applicable to other battery types. The battery 14 can include, for example, one or more batteries electrically connected (e.g., in parallel, in series, etc.) as part of a battery pack, such as a first battery 14a, a second battery 14b, a third battery 14c, a fourth battery 14d, etc. The battery 14 includes a battery management system (BMS) 16 configured to perform one or more of the battery management functions described herein. In some embodiments, the BMS 16 can measure / determine certain battery parameters, such as current, state of charge (SOC), voltage, time parameters, frequency parameters, etc., and transmit / receive data (and / or signals, such as control signals) to / from another system / device. The BMS 16 is configured to include a BMS management unit 18, which can be configured to perform one or more functions as described herein (such as power performance management of the battery 14), and determine and / or select an operating mode of the battery 14 and / or the BMS 16 and / or other devices / systems.

[0059] System 10 may further include an accessory 20, which includes an accessory unit 22 that may be configured to perform one or more functions as described herein, such as providing one or more accessory functions, e.g., indicating the state of charge of the battery 14. The accessory 20 may be physically and / or electrically connected to one or more components of the system 10, such as the battery 14 and / or the BMS 16. The accessory 20 may also be configured to receive parameters from the BMS 16 so that the accessory 20 can perform actions based on these parameters. Further, the accessory 20 may also be configured to provide parameters to the BMS 16 so that the BMS 16 can perform actions based on these parameters. These parameters may be provided by the user via the accessory 20. For example, the accessory 20 may also be configured to receive input from the user to display parameters associated with the battery 14 and / or the BMS 16. More specifically, the accessory 20 may be configured to receive parameters from the BMS 16 and display information associated with the parameter, e.g., an indication of the state of charge determined by the BMS 16. Further, the accessory 20 may receive input from the user associated with the expected state of the battery 14, e.g., the expected storage time, the period during which the battery 14 will not be charged, the charging schedule, the usage schedule, etc. In some embodiments, the accessory 20 is a device that is removably coupled to the battery 14 and may be configured to display the state of charge of the battery 14 or any other parameter. In some other embodiments, the accessory 20 may include components of the vehicle 12 (such as a system configured to monitor and / or control vehicle parameters). In some embodiments, components of the vehicle 12 may communicate with the BMS 16 using various protocols such as the Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol, etc.

[0060] System 10 may also include a server 24, which includes a server management unit 26 that may be configured to perform one or more functions as described herein, such as determining the battery health and / or operating mode of the battery 14, scheduling maintenance actions based on the determined battery health and / or operating mode, etc.

[0061] It is contemplated that one or more entities of the system 10 communicate with each other via one or more of wireless communication, power line communication, wired communication, etc. For example, the vehicle 12, the battery 14, the accessory 20, and the server 24 may communicate with each other directly or indirectly using wireless communication, power line communication, wired communication, etc. Further, although it may be assumed in one or more embodiments that there is no data or signal communication between the battery 14 and the vehicle 12, the embodiments described herein are equally applicable to vehicles 12 in which there is some data / signal communication between the battery 14 and the vehicle 12. Further, although the battery 14 is shown as part of the vehicle 12, it may be an independent battery that can be removably coupled to any component (such as the vehicle 12, etc.) of the system 10.

[0062] Figure 2 An example battery 14 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure is shown. The battery 14 includes a housing 30 in which one or more battery components may be positioned. These components may be electrically interconnected, for example, via a conductive busbar system (not shown in the figure), which electrically interconnects these components in a series electrical connection, a parallel electrical connection, or a combination of series and parallel electrical connections, the connection manner depending on the expected voltage and current requirements.

[0063] A battery monitoring system (BMS) 16 may be included in the battery 14. The BMS 16 may include a monitoring connector 34 that allows for removable external connections (e.g., to a vehicle's data bus, to some other communication device, accessory 20, etc.) and / or internal connections to any of the components of the system 10, such as the battery 14 and / or the BMS 16 and / or the accessory 20. The connector 34 may be included in the BMS 16 and / or the accessory 20. In some embodiments, the connector 34 may be configured to removably (electrically, physically) couple and / or connect to another connector. In some embodiments, the monitoring connector 34 may be integrated with the housing 30, such as integrated in the lid 36 of the housing 30. The battery 14 also includes terminals, such as a positive terminal 38a and a negative terminal 38b (collectively referred to as terminals 38), to provide contact points for electrical connection of the battery 14 (e.g., connected to the accessory 20 to power the accessory 20, connected to the vehicle 12 to supply power to the vehicle, and / or connected to the BMS 16 to power the BMS 16). The terminals 38 may be arranged to protrude through the housing 30, such as through the lid 36. The terminals 38 may be electrically connected to a busbar inside the housing 30 and / or directly connected to the battery cells 32 (the busbar and the direct connection are not shown). In some embodiments, the accessory 20 is included in the battery 14. In some other embodiments, the accessory 20 is close to the battery 14 and connected to the battery 14 to power the accessory 20 and communicate with the BMS 16 (using a wired link, such as a cable and a connector, to connect to the BMS 16, using a wireless link, etc.).

[0064] Further, the battery 14 can be arranged to provide a number of power capacities and physical sizes and operate at various parameters and parameter ranges. It should also be noted that some embodiments of the battery 14 can be scaled to provide various capacities. For example, in some embodiments, the power capacity of the battery 14 can be in the range of 25 Ah to 75 Ah. However, it should be noted that this range is merely exemplary, and it is contemplated that embodiments of the battery 14 can be arranged to provide a capacity less than 25 Ah or greater than 75 Ah. Power capacity scaling can be achieved, for example, by using battery cells 32 of higher or lower power capacity in the housing 30 and / or by using fewer or more battery cells 32 in the housing 30. In some embodiments, the battery 14 can be incorporated as part of a vehicle, such as an electric vehicle (EV), or another type of vehicle that requires battery power. Other electrical parameters of the battery 14 can be adjusted / regulated by using battery cells 32 that can collectively have desired operating characteristics, such as current, voltage, charge capacity / rate, discharge rate, etc. Thermal performance can be managed based on the characteristics of the battery cells 32, the use of heat sinks and / or thermal emission plates inside or outside the housing 30, etc. Further, the BMS 16 and / or the accessory 20 can be connected to at least one of these battery cells to determine / measure at least one parameter of the battery 14 and / or the battery cell 32.

[0065] Reference will now be made to Figure 3 describe an example implementation of the BMS 16, the accessory 20, and the server 24 discussed in the foregoing paragraphs according to an embodiment. The BMS 16 can have hardware 40, which can include a communication interface 42 configured to communicate with one or more entities in the system 10 via wired and / or wireless communication. This communication can be protocol-based communication.

[0066] The hardware 40 includes processing circuitry 46. The processing circuitry 46 can include a processor 48 and a memory 50. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and a memory, the processing circuitry 46 can include an integrated circuit system for processing and / or control, such as one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or an FPGA (field programmable gate array) and / or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit system) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 48 can be configured to access the memory 50 (e.g., write to and / or read from the memory), which can include any kind of volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (random access memory) and / or ROM (read only memory) and / or optical memory and / or EPROM (erasable programmable read only memory).

[0067] Accordingly, BMS 16 may further include software 52, which is stored, for example, in memory 50 or in an external memory (e.g., a database, etc.) accessible by BMS 16. The software 52 may be executed by processing circuitry 46.

[0068] The processing circuitry 46 may be configured to control any of the methods and / or processes described herein and / or cause such methods and / or processes to be executed, for example, by BMS 16. The processor 48 corresponds to one or more processors 48 for performing the functions of BMS 16 described herein. BMS 16 includes a memory 50, which is configured to store data, programming software code, and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 52 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 48 and / or the processing circuitry 46, cause the processor 48 and / or the processing circuitry 46 to perform the processes described herein with respect to BMS 16. For example, the processing circuitry 46 of BMS 16 may include a BMS management unit 18, which is configured to perform any of the steps and / or tasks and / or processes and / or methods and / or features described in the present disclosure, such as determining an operating mode of the battery 14 and / or BMS 16 and / or the accessory 20 based on at least one parameter, and / or operating BMS 16 based on the determined operating mode. Although the BMS management unit 18 is shown as part of BMS 16, the BMS management unit 18 and related functions described herein may be implemented in a device separate from BMS 16, such as in the battery 14 or another device.

[0069] The accessory 20 may have hardware 54, which may include a communication interface 56, which is configured to communicate with one or more entities in (and / or external to) the system 10 via wired and / or wireless communication. The communication may be protocol-based communication. The accessory 20 may also be configured to be electrically connected to the battery 14, for example, to power the accessory 20, and / or receive at least one parameter (and / or parameter data) from the BMS 16 of the battery 14, and / or transmit at least one parameter (and / or parameter data) to the BMS 16 of the battery 14, and / or display information (such as information associated with at least one parameter), and / or receive user input.

[0070] The hardware 54 includes a processing circuitry 58. The processing circuitry 58 may include a processor 60 and a memory 62. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor (such as a central processing unit) and a memory, the processing circuitry 58 may include an integrated circuit system for processing and / or controlling, for example, one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or an FPGA (field programmable gate array) and / or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit system) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 60 may be configured to access the memory 62 (e.g., write to and / or read from the memory), which may include any kind of volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (random access memory) and / or ROM (read only memory) and / or optical memory and / or EPROM (erasable programmable read only memory).

[0071] The attachment 20 may further include software 66, which is stored, for example, in the memory 62 or in an external memory (such as a database, etc.) accessible by the attachment 20. The software 66 may be executed by the processing circuitry 58.

[0072] The processing circuitry 58 may be configured to control any of the methods and / or processes described herein and / or cause such methods and / or processes to be executed, for example, by the attachment 20. The processor 60 corresponds to one or more processors 60 for performing the functions of the attachment 20 described herein. The attachment 20 includes a memory 62, which is configured to store data, programming software code, and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 66 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 60 and / or the processing circuitry 58, cause the processor 60 and / or the processing circuitry 58 to perform the processes described herein with respect to the attachment 20. For example, the processing circuitry 58 of the attachment 20 may include an attachment unit 22, which is configured to perform any of the steps and / or tasks and / or processes and / or methods and / or features described in the present disclosure, such as determining an operation mode, for example, received from the BMS 16 and operating based on the operation mode. The attachment 20 may further include a display 64, which is configured to display information (such as an indication) associated with the battery 14, such as measured / determined parameters or any other information. The parameter may include a state of charge, voltage, current, etc. The display 64 may include a lamp (such as a light emitting diode (LED)), a monitor, a screen, and / or any other type of display. The attachment 20 may further include a speaker 65, which is configured to announce parameter values, alarms, status indications, or any other information, such as the information displayed by the display 64 or information associated with any component of the system 10. In some embodiments, the speaker 65 is a piezoelectric speaker.

[0073] In some embodiments, the accessory 20 and / or any of its components (such as the display 64) can be included in and / or powered by the BMS 16 (and / or the battery 14).

[0074] Further, the server 24 includes hardware 70, and the hardware 28 can include a communication interface 72 for performing wired and / or wireless communication with the BMS 16 and / or the accessory 20 and / or any other device. For example, the communication interface 72 of the server 24 can communicate with the communication interface 56 of the accessory 20 via a communication link 90. Additionally, the communication interface 72 of the server 24 can communicate with the communication interface 42 of the BMS 16 via a communication link 92. Similarly, the communication interface 42 can communicate with the communication interface 56 via a communication link 94. At least one of the communication links 90, 92, 94 can refer to a wired / wireless connection (such as WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.).

[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, the hardware 70 of the server 24 includes processing circuitry 74. The processing circuitry 74 can include a processor 76 and a memory 78. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor (such as a central processing unit) and a memory, the processing circuitry 74 can include an integrated circuit system for processing and / or control, for example, one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or an FPGA (field programmable gate array) and / or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit system) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 76 can be configured to access the memory 78 (e.g., write to and / or read from the memory), which can include any type of volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as a cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (random access memory) and / or ROM (read only memory) and / or optical memory and / or EPROM (erasable programmable read only memory).

[0076] Accordingly, the server 24 further has software 80 that is internally stored, for example, in the memory 78 or in an external memory (e.g., a database, etc.) that can be accessed by the server 24 via an external connection. The software 80 can be executed by the processing circuitry 74. The processing circuitry 74 can be configured to control any of the methods and / or processes described herein and / or cause such methods and / or processes to be executed, for example, by the server 24. The processor 76 corresponds to one or more processors 76 for performing the functions of the server 24 described herein. The memory 78 is configured to store data, programming software code, and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 80 can include instructions that, when executed by the processor 76 and / or the processing circuitry 74, cause the processor 76 and / or the processing circuitry 74 to perform the processes described herein with respect to the server 24. For example, the processing circuitry 74 of the server 24 can include a server management unit 26 that is configured to perform one or more server 24 functions as described herein, such as determining one or more operating modes indicated, for example, by the BMS 16 and / or performing at least one action based on the one or more operating modes, such as scheduling maintenance, issuing a warning, etc.

[0077] Although the server 24 can include a physical server, a virtual server, or other computing devices, the server 24 can also be a mobile device, such as a smartphone, a wearable device, etc. In some embodiments, the software 84 can include software applications that can be configured for Bluetooth communication or other communication protocols. The software applications can allow a user to set alerts based on various parameters (e.g., alerts associated with the battery 14). The alerts can remind the user via the user's mobile device. Having the software applications on the mobile device provides the user with the flexibility to set or adjust parameters, time intervals, and modes based on their specific usage. In some embodiments, such as when the attachment 20 is a mobile device, the mobile device features described with respect to the server 24 can be performed by the attachment 20 and its components.

[0078] In some embodiments, the attachment 20 can be included in the BMS 16 and / or the battery 14 (as Figure 2 shown) and / or exist independently. In some other embodiments, the attachment 20 can be configured to perform any BMS function.

[0079] While Figure 1 and Figure 3One or more "units", such as the BMS management unit 18, the accessory unit 22, the server management unit 26, etc., are shown as being located within the respective processors. However, it is contemplated that these units may be implemented such that a portion of the unit is stored in the corresponding memory within the processing circuitry. In other words, these units may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software within the processing circuitry.

[0080] Figure 4 An example BMS 16 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. More specifically, the BMS 16 may be included in the battery 14 (e.g., as part thereof) and powered by the battery 14, such as via terminals 38a, 38b. Further, the BMS 16 may be configured to connect to and communicate with the accessory 20 via the communication interface 56 of the accessory 20 (which may also be powered by the battery 14 via terminals 38a, 38b) to send and / or receive at least one parameter and / or associated data. The accessory 20 may be configured to display information on the display 64, such as information associated with a parameter (e.g., the state of charge of the battery 14) and / or any other information. In a non-limiting example, the display 64 may be configured to display the state of charge (SOC) of the battery 14. The display 64 may include a plurality of LEDs for displaying information. In another non-limiting example, the display 64 may display an operating mode, a schedule associated with the battery 14, an expected period of time the battery 14 is to be stored without being charged, charging, etc.

[0081] When the BMS 16 and / or the accessory 20 are electrically connected to the battery 14, power is consumed, which may cause the SOC of the battery 14 to decrease over time and / or during discharge. The BMS 16 (and / or the BMS management unit 18) may be configured to determine an operating mode of the BMS 16 and / or the accessory 20 based on at least one parameter, in order to reduce the power consumed by the BMS 16 and / or the accessory 20, such as to extend the state of charge of the battery 14, reduce the discharge rate of the battery 14, reduce the rate of change of the SOC, etc.

[0082] Figure 5 is a flowchart of an example process (i.e., method) in the BMS 16 according to some embodiments of the present invention. One or more of the boxes described herein may be performed by one or more elements of the BMS 16, such as by one or more of the processing circuitry 46 (including the BMS management unit 18), the processor 48, and / or the communication interface 42. The BMS 16 is configured to: determine (block S100) at least one operating mode based on at least one parameter associated with the battery 14; and operate at least one of the BMS 16 and the accessory 20 based on the determined at least one operating mode.

[0083] In some embodiments, the at least one operating mode includes at least one of the following: a first operating mode corresponding to a first range of the at least one parameter; a second operating mode corresponding to a second range of the at least one parameter; and a third operating mode corresponding to a third range of the at least one parameter.

[0084] In some other embodiments, the method further includes performing at least one of the following: determining a first time interval and a second time interval for at least one of the first operating mode, the second operating mode, and the third operating mode based on the at least one parameter. The first time interval indicates that BMS 16 is to be turned on during the first time interval. The second time interval indicates that BMS 16 is to be in a BMS sleep state during the second time interval (e.g., BMS 16 operates below a power threshold and may include a state where BMS is turned off). The first time interval and the second time interval are consecutive. The method further includes determining a third time interval and a fourth time interval for at least one of the first operating mode, the second operating mode, and the third operating mode based on the at least one parameter. The third time interval indicates that the accessory 20 is to be turned on during the third time interval, and the fourth time interval indicates that the accessory 20 is to be turned off during the fourth time interval. The third time interval and the fourth time interval are consecutive.

[0085] In an embodiment, the operation of at least one of BMS 16 and the accessory 20 includes: operating BMS 16 based on the first time interval and the second time interval; and operating the accessory 20 based on the third time interval and the fourth time interval.

[0086] In another embodiment, the method further includes performing at least one of the following: determining, based on a parameter threshold associated with the at least one parameter, each of the at least one operating mode and the power consumption of each of BMS 16 and the accessory 20; determining a battery operation time interval during which the battery 14 can be operated before reaching the parameter threshold based on the determined power consumption; and determining at least one other operating mode based on the power consumption and the battery operation time interval; operating at least one of BMS 16 and the accessory 20 based on the determined at least one other operating mode.

[0087] Figure 6FIG. 0 is a flowchart of another example process (i.e., method) in the BMS 16 according to some embodiments of the present invention. One or more of the blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of the BMS 16, such as by one or more of the processing circuitry 46 (including the BMS management unit 18), the processor 48, and / or the communication interface 42. The BMS 16 is configured to: determine (block S104) a first plurality of functions associated with the BMS 16 and a second plurality of functions associated with the accessory 20 based on the BMS information and the accessory information, respectively; determine (block S106) at least one operating mode based on at least one parameter associated with the battery 14, the first plurality of functions, and the second plurality of functions; and operate (block S108) at least one of the BMS 16 and the accessory 20 based on the determined at least one operating mode.

[0088] In some embodiments, the method further comprises performing at least one of the following: (A) determining a first time interval and a second time interval of the at least one operating mode based at least on the at least one parameter, the first time interval and the second time interval being consecutive; and (B) determining a third time interval and a fourth time interval of the at least one operating mode based at least on the at least one parameter, the third time interval and the fourth time interval being consecutive.

[0089] In some other embodiments, the operation of at least one of the BMS 16 and the accessory 20 comprises: operating the BMS 16 based on the first time interval and the second time interval; and operating the accessory 20 based on the third time interval and the fourth time interval.

[0090] In some embodiments, at least one of the following is performed: (A) operating the BMS 16 based on the first time interval includes keeping the BMS 16 on during the first time interval; (B) operating the BMS 16 based on the second time interval includes keeping the BMS 16 in the BMS sleep state during the first time interval; (C) operating the accessory 20 based on the third time interval includes keeping the accessory 20 on during the third time interval; and (D) operating the accessory 20 based on the fourth time interval includes keeping the accessory 20 in the accessory sleep state during the fourth time interval.

[0091] In some other embodiments, the method further comprises determining a first set of functions of the first plurality of functions associated with the BMS 16 and a second set of functions of the second plurality of functions associated with the accessory 20 based on the functional characteristics of each function of the first of the first plurality of functions and the second plurality of functions.

[0092] In some embodiments, the functional characteristic indicates at least one of the criticality level of the corresponding function and whether the function is associated with the battery health condition.

[0093] In some other embodiments, the method further includes determining the frequency at which each function in the first plurality of functions and the second plurality of functions is to be performed based on at least one of the following: function characteristics; whether the function is in the first group or the second group; and the power consumption of the function.

[0094] In some embodiments, the method further includes: performing at least one function of the first plurality of functions to operate the BMS 16; and performing at least one function of the second plurality of functions to operate the accessory 20.

[0095] In some other embodiments, the method further includes receiving from the accessory 20 an indication of the storage schedule of the battery 14, and the at least one operating mode is further determined based on the storage schedule.

[0096] In some embodiments, the at least one operating mode includes at least one of the following: (A) a first operating mode corresponding to a first range of the at least one parameter, the first operating mode having a first power consumption of the BMS 16 and a second power consumption of the accessory 20; (B) a second operating mode corresponding to a second range of the at least one parameter, the second operating mode having a third power consumption of the BMS 16 and a fourth power consumption of the accessory 20; and a third operating mode corresponding to a third range of the at least one parameter, the third operating mode having a fifth power consumption of the BMS 16 and a sixth power consumption of the accessory 20. Each power consumption of the BMS 16 is different, and each power consumption of the accessory 20 is different.

[0097] In some other embodiments, the first range includes a first plurality of values of the at least one parameter, the second range includes a second plurality of values of the at least one parameter, and the third range includes a third plurality of values of the at least one parameter. Each value in the second plurality of values is greater than each value in the first plurality of values, and each value in the third plurality of values is greater than each value in the second plurality of values.

[0098] In some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the following: (A) determining each operating mode in the at least one operating mode and the power consumption of each of the BMS 16 and the accessory 20 based on a parameter threshold associated with the at least one parameter;

[0099] Determining a battery operation time interval during which the battery 14 can be operated before reaching the parameter threshold based on the determined power consumption;

[0100] Determining at least one other operating mode based on the power consumption and the battery operation time interval; and

[0101] Before reaching the operation time interval, operating at least one of the BMS 16 and the accessory 20 based on the determined at least one other operating mode.

[0102] The general process flow of the arrangements of the present disclosure has been described and examples of the hardware and software arrangements for implementing the processes and functions of the present disclosure have been provided. The following sections provide details and examples of the arrangements of one or more processes related to the power management of an energy storage module (e.g., a lithium battery).

[0103] A typical hardware-based battery system may seek to operate with low power consumption, but lacks flexibility in the execution of features. Further, the power consumption from a typical software-based battery system may consume a large amount of battery energy and storage capacity, especially in relatively small-capacity batteries typically used in powersports applications. This energy consumption may cause the battery to discharge below the available capacity level in a short period of time (e.g., days or weeks).

[0104] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide a reduction in power consumption (e.g., of the BMS 16) when compared to typical systems. Further, the period of time during which the battery 14 can maintain its functionality between use or charge cycles can be extended relative to typical systems.

[0105] In some embodiments, the BMS 16 can operate using one or more operating modes (such as normal, sleep, and off, where the power consumption level gradually decreases). The use of these different operating modes can be linear and typically changes based on an external input (e.g., current) or the lack of an external input. The BMS 16 can also cause the accessory 20 to operate using the operating mode of the BMS 16 or to use another operating mode based on the operating mode of the BMS 16.

[0106] In one or more embodiments, the power consumption of the BMS 16 is reduced at least by alternating between a first operating mode and a second operating mode (such as between a normal power consumption mode and a low power consumption mode). The first operating mode and the second operating mode can be periodically alternated. In some embodiments, the BMS 16 can check at least one parameter, such as a system parameter, at a certain frequency (e.g., redundantly). The check can be performed when the BMS 16 is activated (i.e., operating in a predetermined operating mode, triggered to operate in a predetermined operating mode). Some of these parameters can include temperature, voltage, current, etc. The BMS 16 can be configured to return to the second operating mode (e.g., low power consumption mode) after a predetermined time interval.

[0107] In some other embodiments, the inspection frequency (e.g., the frequency of system inspection) when the SOC is higher than a predetermined SOC threshold can be greater than the inspection frequency when the SOC is equal to or lower than the predetermined SOC threshold. In a non-limiting example, at a state of charge of 90%, the inspection frequency can be once every five seconds, while at a state of charge of 50%, the inspection frequency can be once every fifteen seconds. That is, at a lower state of charge, the time between system inspections can be increased to save battery power.

[0108] In an embodiment, the duration for which the BMS 16 is activated for its system inspection function (e.g., turned on, not in a sleep state, etc.) can be minimized based on parameters such as the expected storage time of the battery, the state of charge, the type and number of accessories 20 connected to the battery 14, the battery load, etc.

[0109] In another embodiment, the battery 14 can include an accessory 20 and / or a display 64 (e.g., an LED) to indicate the state of charge and / or the battery state and / or the battery storage schedule, etc. The duration for which the BMS 16 and / or the display 64 (e.g., an LED) and / or the accessory 20 is activated (i.e., turned on, operated in a predetermined operation mode, triggered to operate in a predetermined operation mode) and / or deactivated can be changed (e.g., decreased or increased) or maintained by the BMS 16 based on parameters such as predetermined power consumption parameters, the state of charge, the battery storage schedule, etc. In a non-limiting example, the BMS 16 can set the duration for performing the BMS function such that a predetermined reduction in power consumption (e.g., accessory power consumption, BMS power consumption, system power consumption, etc.) is achieved. Similarly, the BMS 16 can set the duration for performing the accessory function (such as the time for which the display 64 and / or the accessory 20 is turned on) such that a predetermined reduction in power consumption (e.g., accessory power consumption, BMS power consumption, system power consumption, etc.) is achieved.

[0110] In some embodiments, the BMS 16 determines a plurality of BMS functions and / or a plurality of accessory functions. Further, the BMS 16 can determine a first time interval (such as the BMS on time) and / or a second time interval (such as the accessory on time). The first time interval can be the time allowed for the BMS 16 to execute the plurality of BMS functions, and the second time interval can be the time allowed for the accessory 20 to execute the plurality of accessory functions. In some other embodiments, the BMS 16 can change or maintain the first time interval and / or the second time interval for performing the corresponding plurality of functions.

[0111] In some embodiments, the BMS 16 determines a set of BMS functions and / or a set of accessory functions among the plurality of BMS functions based on parameters. Further, the BMS 16 may determine a third time interval and / or a fourth time interval. The third time interval may be the time allowed for the BMS 16 to execute the set of BMS functions, and the fourth time interval may be the time allowed for the accessory 20 to execute the set of accessory functions.

[0112] In some other embodiments, the BMS 16 may change or maintain the first time interval, the second time interval, the third time interval, and / or the fourth time interval based on parameters. For example, when the state of charge is below a predetermined threshold and / or it is expected that the battery will be stored for a predetermined duration without charging (e.g., winter), the BMS 16 may reduce the first time interval and / or the second time interval. The BMS 16 may also reduce the functions performed by the BMS 16 and the accessory 20 to a set of functions (e.g., state of health check by the BMS 16, state of charge check by the BMS 16, only display the state of health, state of charge, etc.). Additionally, when the state of charge is below a predetermined threshold and / or it is expected that the battery will be stored for a predetermined duration without charging (e.g., winter), the BMS 16 may also reduce the third time interval and / or the fourth time interval. In some embodiments, the BMS 16 determines the priorities of the BMS functions and the accessory functions to determine which functions to execute or not execute, determines the order of the functions, the arrangement of the functions, etc. In one or more embodiments, the BMS on-time used to cause the BMS 16 to execute a subset of these functions may be reduced. This subset of functions may include functions that are more critical to the BMS 16 and the battery 14 compared to other functions not included in the subset.

[0113] In some other embodiments, the battery 14 (including the BMS 16) is placed in a storage state (e.g., disconnected from the vehicle 12). However, the storage time, the BMS sleep mode, and the storage temperature may determine (and / or affect) the self-discharge. The BMS 16 may determine, at least in part based on the self-discharge rate, the time interval (and / or the self-discharge rate) at which at least one parameter exceeds a parameter threshold when the battery 14 is in the storage state.

[0114] In some embodiments, the first time interval (e.g., the turn-on time of BMS16 and / or the display 64) and the second time interval (e.g., the turn-off / sleep time of BMS16 and / or the display 64) can be determined based on at least one parameter (such as the SOC). Further, the power consumption per time interval can be determined based on the components that are not turned off (i.e., consuming power), the power amount, and the time interval during which power is consumed (e.g., BMS power, accessory power, BMS turn-on time, accessory turn-on time, etc.). In some other embodiments, the total time of each operation mode can be determined / estimated based on the power consumption rate.

[0115] In one or more embodiments, one or more operation modes can correspond to one or more ranges (or sub-ranges) associated with at least one parameter (such as the SOC). Each operation mode can be associated with the battery capacity, the total current, and the total duration elapsed in that operation mode. In some embodiments, one or more components of the BMS16, external components (e.g., connected to the BMS16 and / or the battery 14), and / or the BMS16 can consume power when activated and / or operated. For example, the accessory 20 (and / or the display 64, such as an LED) can be electrically connected to the battery 14 and consume power to perform the accessory function. Similarly, the BMS16 can be electrically connected to the battery and consume power to perform the BMS function. The BMS16 can determine the expected power consumption of each function performed by the BMS16 and the accessory 20 to predict the power consumption and determine the time interval that allows the function to be performed to achieve the state-of-charge target at a future time.

[0116] In some embodiments, the first time interval (e.g., the BMS turn-on time) and the second time interval (e.g., the BMS sleep state, the BMS turn-off time, the time when the BMS is not turned off, etc.) of at least one operation mode can be determined based on at least one parameter such as the SOC, SOC sub-range, etc. The first time interval can indicate that the BMS16 is to be turned on during the first time interval. The second time interval can indicate that the BMS16 is to be in the BMS sleep state during the second time interval. The first time interval and the second time interval can be continuous. For example, where the BMS 16 periodically switches to on, then to off (or sleep state) and back to on. For example, the BMS16 can be switched to on (i.e., activated) during the first time interval to perform the BMS function. When the first time interval has passed, the BMS16 can be switched to the sleep state (or off) during the second time interval. When the second time interval has passed, the BMS16 can be switched to on again. In some other embodiments, the operation mode (and / or the corresponding parameters, time intervals, etc.) can be adjusted and / or updated to achieve a predetermined goal, such as the total duration of at least one parameter, for example, meeting the parameter threshold without recharging the battery 14.

[0117] In some other embodiments, a third time interval and a fourth time interval for determining at least one operating mode are based on the at least one parameter. The third time interval may indicate that the attachment 20 is to be turned on during the third time interval, and the fourth time interval indicates that the attachment is to be turned off during the fourth time interval. The third time interval and the fourth time interval may be consecutive. That is, the attachment 20 (and / or any of its components) may be turned on during the third time interval, and when the third time interval expires, the attachment 20 may be turned off during the fourth time interval. The attachment 20 may be turned on again after the fourth time interval expires.

[0118] The following is a non-limiting list of embodiments.

[0119] 1. A battery management system BMS16, the BMS being removably connectable to at least one of a battery 14 and an attachment 20, the attachment 20 being operable by the BMS16, the BMS16 including processing circuitry 46 configured to:

[0120] Determine at least one operating mode based on at least one parameter associated with the battery 14; and

[0121] Operate at least one of the BMS16 and the attachment 20 based on the determined at least one operating mode.

[0122] 2. The BMS16 according to claim 1, wherein the at least one operating mode includes at least one of the following:

[0123] A first operating mode corresponding to a first range of the at least one parameter;

[0124] A second operating mode corresponding to a second range of the at least one parameter; and

[0125] A third operating mode corresponding to a third range of the at least one parameter.

[0126] 3. The BMS16 according to claim 2, wherein the processing circuitry 46 is further configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0127] Determine a first time interval and a second time interval for at least one of the first operating mode, the second operating mode, and the third operating mode based on the at least one parameter, the first time interval indicating that the BMS16 is to be turned on during the first time interval, the second time interval indicating that the BMS16 is to be in a BMS sleep state during the second time interval, the first time interval and the second time interval being consecutive; and

[0128] Determine a third time interval and a fourth time interval of at least one of the first operating mode, the second operating mode, and the third operating mode based on the at least one parameter, where the third time interval indicates that the accessory 20 is to be turned on during the third time interval, the fourth time interval indicates that the accessory 20 is to be turned off during the fourth time interval, and the third time interval and the fourth time interval are consecutive.

[0129] 4. The BMS 16 according to claim 3, wherein the operation of at least one of the BMS 16 and the accessory 20 includes:

[0130] Operate the BMS 16 based on the first time interval and the second time interval; and

[0131] Operate the accessory 20 based on the third time interval and the fourth time interval.

[0132] 5. The BMS 16 according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the processing circuitry 46 is further configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0133] Determine the power consumption of each of the at least one operating mode and each of the BMS 16 and the accessory 20 based on a parameter threshold associated with the at least one parameter;

[0134] Determine a battery operating time interval during which the battery 14 can be operated before reaching the parameter threshold based on the determined power consumption;

[0135] Determine at least one other operating mode based on the power consumption and the battery operating time interval; and

[0136] Operate at least one of the BMS 16 and the accessory 20 based on the determined at least one other operating mode.

[0137] 6. A method in a battery management system BMS 16, the BMS being removably connectable to at least one of a battery 14 and an accessory 20, the accessory 20 being operable by the BMS 16, the method comprising:

[0138] Determine (S100) at least one operating mode based on at least one parameter associated with the battery 14; and

[0139] Operate (S102) at least one of the BMS 16 and the accessory 20 based on the determined at least one operating mode.

[0140] 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the at least one operating mode includes at least one of the following:

[0141] A first operating mode corresponding to a first range of the at least one parameter;

[0142] A second operating mode corresponding to a second range of the at least one parameter; and

[0143] A third operating mode corresponding to a third range of the at least one parameter.

[0144] 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the method further comprises performing at least one of the following:

[0145] Determining a first time interval and a second time interval of at least one of the first operating mode, the second operating mode, and the third operating mode based on the at least one parameter, the first time interval indicating that the BMS 16 is to be turned on during the first time interval, the second time interval indicating that the BMS 16 is to be in a BMS sleep state during the second time interval, and the first time interval and the second time interval being consecutive; and

[0146] Determining a third time interval and a fourth time interval of at least one of the first operating mode, the second operating mode, and the third operating mode based on the at least one parameter, the third time interval indicating that the accessory 20 is to be turned on during the third time interval, the fourth time interval indicating that the accessory 20 is to be turned off during the fourth time interval, and the third time interval and the fourth time interval being consecutive.

[0147] 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the operation of at least one of the BMS 16 and the accessory 20 comprises:

[0148] Operating the BMS 16 based on the first time interval and the second time interval; and

[0149] Operating the accessory 20 based on the third time interval and the fourth time interval.

[0150] 10. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the method further comprises performing at least one of the following:

[0151] Determining the power consumption of each of the at least one operating mode and each of the BMS 16 and the accessory 20 based on a parameter threshold associated with the at least one parameter;

[0152] Determining a battery operating time interval during which the battery 14 can be operated before reaching the parameter threshold based on the determined power consumption;

[0153] Determining at least one other operating mode based on the power consumption and the battery operating time interval; and

[0154] Operate at least one of the BMS 16 and the accessory 20 based on the determined at least one other operating mode.

[0155] 11. A battery comprising a BMS 16 as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5.

[0156] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the concepts described herein may be embodied as a method, a data processing system, a computer program product, and / or a computer storage medium storing executable computer programs. Accordingly, the concepts described herein may take the form of: a fully hardware embodiment, a fully software embodiment, or an embodiment combining aspects of hardware and software, collectively referred to herein as “circuitry” or “module”. Any process, step, action, and / or function described herein may be performed by and / or associated with a corresponding module that may be implemented in software and / or firmware and / or hardware. Further, the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a tangible computer-usable storage medium having computer-executable program code embodied in the medium. Any suitable tangible computer-readable medium may be utilized, including hard disks, CD-ROMs, electronic storage devices, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

[0157] Some embodiments are described herein with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, systems, and computer program products. It should be understood that each block of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer (thereby constructing a special purpose computer), a processor of a special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to form a machine, such that the instructions executed via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions / actions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0158] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory or storage medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the functions / actions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0159] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on that computer or other programmable apparatus, thereby producing a computer-implemented process such that the instructions executed on that computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions / actions specified in one or more boxes of the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0160] It should be understood that the functions / actions indicated in the boxes may not occur in the order indicated in the operational illustration. For example, depending on the functions / actions involved, two boxes shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially simultaneously, or the boxes may sometimes be executed in the reverse order. Although some of the figures include arrows on communication paths to indicate the primary direction of communication, it should be understood that communication may occur in the direction opposite to that depicted by the arrows.

[0161] The computer program code for performing the operations of the concepts described herein can be written in an object-oriented programming language (such as Python, or C++). However, the computer program code for performing the operations of the present disclosure can also be written in a conventional procedural programming language (such as the "C" programming language). The program code can execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer, or entirely on the remote computer. In the latter case, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer through a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or can be connected to an external computer (e.g., using an Internet service provider through the Internet).

[0162] Numerous different embodiments have been disclosed herein in connection with the above specification and drawings. It should be understood that a literal description and illustration of every combination and sub-combination of these embodiments would be overly repetitive and obscure. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any manner and / or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, should be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and sub-combinations of the embodiments described herein and the manner and process of making and using them, and should support a claim to any such combination or sub-combination.

[0163] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present embodiments are not limited to what has been particularly shown and described above. Additionally, unless stated to the contrary above, it should be noted that all of the figures are not drawn to scale. Various modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery management system BMS (16), the BMS being removably connectable to at least one of a battery (14) and an accessory (20), the accessory (20) being operable by the BMS (16), the BMS (16) including a processing circuitry (46) configured to: Determine a first plurality of functions associated with the BMS (16) and a second plurality of functions associated with the accessory (20) based on BMS information and accessory information, respectively; Determine at least one operating mode based on at least one parameter associated with the battery (14), the first plurality of functions, and the second plurality of functions; And Operate at least one of the BMS (16) and the accessory (20) based on the determined at least one operating mode.

2. The BMS (16) according to claim 1, wherein, The processing circuitry (46) is further configured to perform at least one of the following: Determine a first time interval and a second time interval of the at least one operating mode based on at least the at least one parameter, the first time interval and the second time interval being consecutive; And Determine a third time interval and a fourth time interval of the at least one operating mode based on at least the at least one parameter, the third time interval and the fourth time interval being consecutive.

3. The BMS (16) according to claim 2, wherein, The operation of at least one of the BMS (16) and the accessory (20) includes: Operating the BMS (16) based on the first time interval and the second time interval; and Operating the accessory (20) based on the third time interval and the fourth time interval.

4. The BMS (16) according to claim 3, wherein, Having at least one of the following: Operating the BMS (16) based on the first time interval includes keeping the BMS (16) on during the first time interval; Operating the BMS (16) based on the second time interval includes keeping the BMS (16) in a BMS sleep state during the first time interval; Operating the accessory (20) based on the third time interval includes keeping the accessory (20) on during the third time interval; and Operating the accessory (20) based on the fourth time interval includes keeping the accessory (20) in an accessory sleep state during the fourth time interval.

5. The BMS (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The processing circuitry (46) is further configured to: Determine a first set of functions of the first plurality of functions associated with the BMS (16) and a second set of functions of the second plurality of functions associated with the accessory (20) based on the functional characteristics of each function in the first function of the first plurality of functions and the second plurality of functions.

6. The BMS (16) according to claim 5, wherein, The functional characteristics indicate at least one of the criticality level of the corresponding function and whether the function is associated with the battery health condition.

7. The BMS (16) according to any one of claims 5 and 6, wherein The processing circuitry (46) is further configured to: Determine the frequency at which each function of the first plurality of functions and the second plurality of functions is to be executed based on at least one of the following: the functional characteristics; whether the function is in the first set or the second set; And the power consumption of the function.

8. The BMS (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The processing circuitry (46) is further configured to: perform at least one of the first plurality of functions to operate the BMS (16); and perform at least one of the second plurality of functions to operate the accessory (20).

9. The BMS (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The processing circuitry (46) is further configured to: receive from the accessory 20 an indication indicative of a storage schedule of the battery (14), and the at least one operating mode is further determined based on the storage schedule.

10. The BMS (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The at least one operating mode includes at least one of the following: a first operating mode corresponding to a first range of the at least one parameter, the first operating mode having a first power consumption of the BMS (16) and a second power consumption of the accessory (20); a second operating mode corresponding to a second range of the at least one parameter, the second operating mode having a third power consumption of the BMS (16) and a fourth power consumption of the accessory (20); and a third operating mode corresponding to a third range of the at least one parameter, the third operating mode having a fifth power consumption of the BMS (16) and a sixth power consumption of the accessory (20), each power consumption of the BMS (16) being different, and each power consumption of the accessory (20) being different.

11. The BMS (16) according to claim 10, wherein, The first range includes a first plurality of values of the at least one parameter, the second range includes a second plurality of values of the at least one parameter, the third range includes a third plurality of values of the at least one parameter, each value in the second plurality of values being greater than each value in the first plurality of values, and each value in the third plurality of values being greater than each value in the second plurality of values.

12. The BMS (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The processing circuitry (46) is further configured to perform at least one of the following: determine each operating mode of the at least one operating mode and the power consumption of each of the BMS (16) and the accessory (20) based on a parameter threshold associated with the at least one parameter; determine a battery operating time interval during which the battery (14) can be operated before reaching the parameter threshold based on the determined power consumption; determine at least one other operating mode based on the power consumption and the battery operating time interval; and operate at least one of the BMS (16) and the accessory (20) based on the determined at least one other operating mode before reaching the operating time interval.

13. A method in a battery management system BMS (16), the BMS being removably connectable to at least one of a battery (14) and an accessory (20), the accessory (20) being operable by the BMS (16), the method comprising: determining (S104) a first plurality of functions associated with the BMS (16) and a second plurality of functions associated with the accessory (20) respectively based on BMS information and accessory information; determining (S106) at least one operating mode based on at least one parameter associated with the battery (14), the first plurality of functions, and the second plurality of functions; and Operate at least one of the BMS (16) and the accessory (20) based on the determined at least one operating mode (S108).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The method further includes at least one of the following: Determine a first time interval and a second time interval of the at least one operating mode based at least on the at least one parameter, the first time interval and the second time interval being consecutive; And Determine a third time interval and a fourth time interval of the at least one operating mode based at least on the at least one parameter, the third time interval and the fourth time interval being consecutive.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The operation of at least one of the BMS (16) and the accessory (20) includes: Operating the BMS (16) based on the first time interval and the second time interval; and Operating the accessory (20) based on the third time interval and the fourth time interval.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, Including at least one of the following: Operating the BMS (16) based on the first time interval includes keeping the BMS (16) on during the first time interval; Operating the BMS (16) based on the second time interval includes keeping the BMS (16) in a BMS sleep state during the first time interval; Operating the accessory (20) based on the third time interval includes keeping the accessory (20) on during the third time interval; and Operating the accessory (20) based on the fourth time interval includes keeping the accessory (20) in an accessory sleep state during the fourth time interval.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein The method further includes: Determine a first set of functions of the first plurality of functions associated with the BMS (16) and a second set of functions of the second plurality of functions associated with the accessory (20) based on the functional characteristics of each function of the first function among the first plurality of functions and the second plurality of functions.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The functional characteristics indicate at least one of the criticality level of the corresponding function and whether the function is associated with the battery health condition.

19. The method according to any one of claims 17 and 18, wherein, The method further includes: Determine the frequency at which each function of the first plurality of functions and the second plurality of functions is to be executed based on at least one of the following: the functional characteristics; whether the function is in the first set or the second set; and the power consumption of the function.

20. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein The method further includes: Execute at least one function of the first plurality of functions to operate the BMS (16); and Execute at least one function of the second plurality of functions to operate the accessory (20).

21. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein The method further includes: Receive from the accessory (20) an indication indicating the storage schedule of the battery (14), and the at least one operating mode is further determined based on the storage schedule.

22. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein, The at least one operating mode includes at least one of the following: A first operating mode corresponding to a first range of the at least one parameter, the first operating mode having a first power consumption of the BMS (16) and a second power consumption of the accessory (20); A second operating mode corresponding to a second range of the at least one parameter, the second operating mode having a third power consumption of the BMS (16) and a fourth power consumption of the accessory (20); And A third operating mode corresponding to a third range of the at least one parameter, the third operating mode having a fifth power consumption of the BMS (16) and a sixth power consumption of the accessory (20), each power consumption of the BMS (16) being different, and each power consumption of the accessory (20) being different.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein The first range includes a first plurality of values of the at least one parameter, the second range includes a second plurality of values of the at least one parameter, the third range includes a third plurality of values of the at least one parameter, each value in the second plurality of values being greater than each value in the first plurality of values, and each value in the third plurality of values being greater than each value in the second plurality of values.

24. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 23, wherein, The method further includes at least one of the following:[[]] Determine each operating mode of the at least one operating mode and the power consumption of each of the BMS (16) and the accessory (20) based on a parameter threshold associated with the at least one parameter; Determine a battery operating time interval during which the battery (14) can be operated before reaching the parameter threshold based on the determined power consumption; Determine at least one other operating mode based on the power consumption and the battery operating time interval; And Before reaching the operating time interval, operate at least one of the BMS (16) and the accessory (20) based on the determined at least one other operating mode.

25. A system (10) comprising: A battery (14); A battery management system BMS (16), the BMS being coupled to the battery (14); An accessory (20), the accessory being coupled to the battery (14) and the BMS (16), the accessory (20) being operable by the BMS (16); The BMS (16) includes processing circuitry (46) configured to: Determine a first plurality of functions associated with the BMS (16) and a second plurality of functions associated with the accessory (20) based on BMS information and accessory information, respectively; Determine a first set of functions of the first plurality of functions associated with the BMS (16) and a second set of functions of the second plurality of functions associated with the accessory (20) based on the functional characteristics of each function in the first function of the first plurality of functions and the second plurality of functions, the functional characteristics indicating at least one of a criticality level of the corresponding function and whether the function is associated with battery health; Determine at least one operating mode based on at least one parameter associated with the battery (14), the first plurality of functions, the second plurality of functions, the first set of functions, and the second set of functions; Operate at least one of the BMS (16) and the accessory (20) based on the determined at least one operating mode, and the operation of at least one of the BMS (16) and the accessory (20) includes: Execute at least one of the first set of functions or the first plurality of functions to operate the BMS (16); And Execute at least one of the second set of functions or the second plurality of functions to operate the accessory (20).

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