Battery equalization module, battery equalization device, vehicle, method, device, medium and product

Abstract

The invention discloses a battery equalization module, a battery equalization device, a vehicle, a method, a device, a medium and a product, which are applied to the technical field of power electronics. The battery equalization module comprises a switch matrix circuit and a bidirectional conversion module, and a first end of the switch matrix circuit is suitable for being selectively connected with any battery unit of the battery module; one end of the bidirectional conversion module is connected with the second end of the switch matrix circuit, the other end of the bidirectional conversion module is suitable for being connected with an equalization battery, and the bidirectional conversion module controls the equalization battery to charge and discharge any battery unit of the battery module, so that the voltage of any battery unit of the battery module is equalized. Through the switch matrix circuit and the bidirectional conversion module, energy transfer between the equalization battery and the connected battery unit can be accurately realized, and voltage equalization of any battery unit in the battery module is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the field of power electronics technology, and in particular, relates to a battery balancing module, a battery balancing device, a vehicle, a battery balancing method, an electronic device, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and a computer program method. Background Art

[0002] In modern society, battery modules composed of multiple battery cells are widely used as core energy supply units in many fields such as electric vehicles, energy storage power stations, and portable electronic devices. However, due to subtle differences in battery manufacturing processes, different usage environments, and the complexity of the charging and discharging process, the voltages of the individual battery cells in the battery module may be inconsistent during use.

[0003] The inconsistent voltages of the battery cells in the battery module may cause some battery cells to reach full charge or over-discharge first during the charge and discharge process, while other battery cells fail to fully exert their performance. In the long run, this will reduce the energy utilization rate of the entire battery module, accelerate the aging of the battery module, and seriously affect the service life of the battery module. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present application aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present application proposes a battery balancing, module, battery balancing device, vehicle, battery balancing method, electronic device, non-transitory computer readable storage medium and computer program method, which can realize the transfer of electric energy between the battery module and the balancing battery, and realize the voltage balancing of the battery module.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a battery balancing module, comprising: A switch matrix circuit, wherein a first end of the switch matrix circuit is adapted to be selectively connected to any battery cell of the battery module; A bidirectional conversion module, one end of which is connected to the second end of the switch matrix circuit, and the other end of which is suitable for connecting to a balancing battery. The bidirectional conversion module controls the balancing battery to perform charging and discharging operations on any battery cell of the battery module, so that the voltage of any battery cell of the battery module is balanced.

[0006] In a second aspect, the present application provides a battery balancing device, including a controller, a balancing battery, and the above-mentioned battery balancing device and controller, wherein the battery pack includes a plurality of battery modules; and the controller is connected to each of the balancing modules.

[0007] In a third aspect, the present application provides a vehicle including a battery pack and the above-mentioned battery balancing device, wherein the battery pack includes a battery module, and the battery balancing device is connected to the battery module.

[0008] Fourth aspect, a battery equalization method provided by the present application is applied to the above-mentioned battery equalization device. The battery equalization device is connected to a battery module. The battery equalization method includes: Obtain battery information of each battery cell in the battery module; Based on the battery information of each battery cell, determine the target battery cell to be equalized; Control the charging and discharging operations of the target battery cell connected to the equalization battery pair, so that the voltages of the battery cells in the battery module are equalized.

[0009] Fifth aspect, an electronic device provided by the present application includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored on the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the program, the above-mentioned battery equalization method is implemented.

[0010] Sixth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium provided by the present application stores a computer program thereon. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the above-mentioned battery equalization method is implemented.

[0011] Seventh aspect, a computer program product provided by the present application includes a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the above-mentioned battery equalization method is implemented.

[0012] For the battery equalization module, battery equalization device, vehicle, battery equalization method, electronic device, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and computer program product provided by the embodiments of the present application, in the case where the voltages of the battery cells in the battery module are inconsistent, through the switch matrix circuit, the bidirectional conversion module can selectively connect any battery cell that needs voltage equalization to the equalization battery, and charge or discharge each battery cell that needs voltage equalization through the equalization battery, so that the voltages of the battery cells in the battery module can be kept consistent. In this way, voltage equalization of the battery cells in the battery module can be achieved, the overall energy utilization rate of the battery module can be improved, the aging of the battery module can be slowed down, and the service life of the battery module can be extended.

[0013] Additional aspects and advantages of the embodiments of the present application will be given in part in the following description, become apparent in part from the following description, or be understood through the practice of the embodiments of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent and be readily understood from the following description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where: Figure 1 is an overall schematic diagram of the battery equalization module provided by the embodiments of the present application; Figure 2It is a schematic structural diagram of a battery equalization module provided by an embodiment of the present application; Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of a battery equalization device provided by an embodiment of the present application; Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of a vehicle provided by an embodiment of the present application; Figure 5 It is a schematic flow diagram of a battery equalization method provided by an embodiment of the present application; Figure 6 It is a schematic module diagram of a battery equalization sub-device provided by an embodiment of the present application; Figure 7 It is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0015] Description of reference numerals: Battery equalization module 100, switch matrix circuit 10, bidirectional conversion module 20, control unit 21, first PWM signal 22, second PWM signal 23, converter circuit 30, first circuit 31, second circuit 32, first switch 33, second switch 34, first sampling resistor 35, second sampling resistor 36, sampling chip 40, isolation device 50, first isolation device 51, second isolation device 52, third isolation device 53, battery equalization device 200, controller 210, equalized battery 220, vehicle 300, battery pack 310, battery module 320, battery cell 321. Detailed implementation manners

[0016] The following details the implementation manners of the present invention. Examples of the implementation manners are shown in the drawings, where the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar elements or elements with the same or similar functions throughout. The implementation manners described below with reference to the drawings are exemplary only for explaining the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0017] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of the present invention, "a plurality" means two or more unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0018] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "mounted", "connected" and "coupled" shall be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection or an integral connection. It may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. It may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it may be the communication inside two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0019] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different structures of the present invention. To simplify the disclosure of the present invention, the components and settings of specific examples are described below. Of course, they are only examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, the present invention may repeat reference numerals and / or reference letters in different examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplification and clarity and does not itself indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and / or settings discussed. In addition, the present invention provides examples of various specific processes and materials, but those of ordinary skill in the art may be aware of the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0020] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 is an overall schematic diagram of a battery equalization module 100 provided by an embodiment of the present application, Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a battery equalization module 100 provided by an embodiment of the present application. The battery equalization module 100 will be introduced in detail below: The battery equalization module 100 includes a switch matrix circuit 10 and a bidirectional conversion module 20. The first end of the switch matrix circuit 10 is adapted to be selectively connected to any battery cell 321 of the battery module 320; one end of the bidirectional conversion module 20 is connected to the second end of the switch matrix circuit 10, and the other end is adapted to be connected to the equalization battery 220. The bidirectional conversion module 20 controls the equalization battery 220 to charge and discharge any battery cell 321 of the battery module 320, so that the voltages of any battery cells 321 of the battery module 320 are equalized.

[0021] Among them, the switch matrix circuit 10 includes a plurality of switching elements. The first end of the switch matrix circuit 10 is configured to be connected to the corresponding battery module 320, and the second end is connected to the bidirectional conversion module 20. By controlling the on / off of each switching element in the switch matrix circuit 10, the first end of the switch matrix circuit 10 can be selectively connected to any battery cell 321, and the battery cell 321 includes a single cell.

[0022] Optionally, the switching element in the switch matrix circuit 10 can be a Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET for short), a Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT for short), etc., and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0023] Among them, the bidirectional conversion module 20 is a device for realizing the voltage equalization of each battery cell 321 in each battery module 320. The bidirectional conversion module 20 is configured to connect the equalization battery 220 and the switch matrix circuit 10, so that the equalization battery 220 is kept connected to the battery cell 321 to be equalized, so that the equalization battery 220 charges or discharges the battery cell 321 to be equalized, and further makes the voltages of each battery cell 321 consistent, realizing the precise equalization of the electric energy between each battery cell 321 in the battery module 320 and improving the battery equalization efficiency.

[0024] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 2 , the bidirectional conversion module 20 includes a control unit 21 and a converter circuit 30. The converter circuit 30 includes a first circuit 31 and a second circuit 32. The first circuit 31 is adapted to be connected to the equalization battery 220, and the second circuit 32 is connected to the second end of the switch matrix circuit 10. The control unit 21 is used to control the duty cycle of the switches of the first circuit 31 and the second circuit 32 to perform charge and discharge operations.

[0025] Among them, the control unit 21 is a device for controlling the operating states of the components (such as the converter circuit 30) of the bidirectional conversion module 20. Optionally, the control unit 21 can be a microcontroller unit (MCU), a system on chip (SoC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), etc., and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0026] Among them, the converter circuit 30 is a device for realizing the power transfer between the devices connected to the first circuit 31 and the devices connected to the second circuit 32. Optionally, the converter circuit 30 can be a transformer circuit. When the electric energy in the devices connected to the first circuit 31 is transmitted to the devices connected to the second circuit 32, the primary circuit of the transformer circuit is the first circuit 31, and the secondary circuit is the second circuit 32; or when the electric energy in the devices connected to the second circuit 32 is transmitted to the devices connected to the first circuit 31, the primary circuit of the transformer circuit is the second circuit 32, and the secondary circuit is the first circuit 31. Optionally, the magnetic core of the transformer circuit and the turns ratio of the primary winding and the secondary winding are not limited.

[0027] Optionally, the converter circuit 30 can also be a device with the ability of bidirectional power transmission and conversion, such as a bidirectional half-bridge converter, a bidirectional full-bridge converter, a bidirectional single-ended primary inductor converter (i.e., a bidirectional SEPIC converter), etc., and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0028] Among them, the first circuit 31 is connected to the equalizing battery 220; the second circuit 32 is connected to the battery module 320 through the switch matrix circuit 10. Further, the second circuit 32 can be connected to any battery cell 321 in the battery module 320. The first circuit 31 and the second circuit 32 are used to ensure the stable transmission of electric energy between the equalizing battery 220 and the battery module 320 (or any battery cell 321 therein).

[0029] Both the first circuit 31 and the second circuit 32 include switching elements. By controlling the switching duty ratios of the switching elements of the first circuit 31 and the second circuit 32, the control unit 21 can realize the power transfer between the first circuit 31 and the second circuit 32, and further realize the power transfer between the equalizing battery 220 and the battery module 320 (or any battery cell 321 therein).

[0030] The control unit 21 controls the charge and discharge power by controlling the duty cycle of the switches of the first circuit 31 and the second circuit 32. The duty cycle has a positive correlation with the charge and discharge power. Further, the control unit 21 determines whether the equalization battery 220 is charging or discharging by controlling the conduction phase difference of the switches of the first circuit 31 and the second circuit 32 (i.e., the phase of the switch of the first circuit minus the phase of the switch of the second circuit).

[0031] For example, in the case where the switch of the first circuit 31 conducts before the switch of the second circuit 32 (i.e., the conduction phase difference is positive), the equalization battery 220 discharges, that is, releases electrical energy to the battery cell 321 to be equalized; in the case where the switch of the second circuit 32 conducts before the switch of the first circuit 31 (i.e., the conduction phase difference is negative), the equalization battery 220 charges, that is, obtains electrical energy from the battery cell 321 to be equalized.

[0032] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery equalization module 100 further includes a sampling chip 40. The sampling chip 40 is adapted to be connected to each battery cell 321 of the battery module 320 to obtain the battery information of each battery cell 321. The battery information includes voltage.

[0033] Among them, the sampling chip 40 refers to a device that can obtain the battery information of each battery cell 321 in the corresponding battery module 320 and can generate instructions. The sampling chip 40 maintains electrical connection with each battery cell 321 in the corresponding battery module 320 (realizes electrical conduction through a conductive medium such as a wire or the copper foil on a printed circuit board), and the sampling chip 40 can obtain the battery information of each battery cell 321 in the corresponding battery module 320 in real time.

[0034] Among them, the battery information refers to the electrical parameters of the battery cell 321 in the battery module 320, at least including voltage.

[0035] Optionally, the sampling chip 40 can be a battery information collection module chip (Battery Information Collection Module, abbreviated as BIC chip, such as the BQ79616 chip and BQ79718 chip of Texas Instruments), etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0036] Optionally, the sampling chip 40 further includes a related voltage sampling circuit, and the voltage sampling circuit assists the sampling chip 40 to achieve accurate sampling.

[0037] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the switch matrix circuit 10 is connected to the sampling chip 40. The switch matrix circuit 10 receives the first control instruction from the sampling chip 40 to connect the second circuit 32 and the target battery cell to be equalized.

[0038] Among them, the target battery cell refers to the battery cell 321 that needs voltage equalization such as having too high or too low voltage.

[0039] The sampling chip 40 is communicatively connected to the switch matrix circuit 10 through the Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI communication interface) protocol. By sending the first control instruction to the switch matrix circuit 10, the sampling chip 40 can control each switch in the switch matrix circuit 10 to selectively conduct. Optionally, the SPI communication interface protocol can be replaced with communication protocols such as the Controller Area Network (CAN interface) protocol.

[0040] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 2 , the sampling chip 40 is connected to the control unit. The first circuit 31 includes a first switch 33, and the second circuit 32 includes a second switch 34. The control unit is configured to: Receive the second control instruction sent by the sampling chip 40. The second control instruction includes the equalization direction and the target current, and the target current is determined based on the voltages of the battery cells 321 of the battery module 320; Among them, the equalization direction refers to the direction of the transfer of electrical energy to the target battery cell. The equalization direction includes two cases: replenishing electrical energy to the target battery cell (i.e., the equalization battery 220 charges the target battery cell), and the target battery cell releasing electrical energy (i.e., the target battery cell discharges to the equalization battery 220).

[0041] Among them, the target current is a stable current value output during the equalization process of the target battery cell.

[0042] Based on the equalization direction and the target current, adjust the duty cycles of the first switch 33 and the second switch 34 to equalize the voltages of the battery cells 321. Among them, the first switch 33 is used to control the on / off of the first circuit 31, and the second switch 34 is used to control the on / off of the second circuit 32. The first switch 33 and the second switch 34 are controlled by the control unit 21.

[0043] Optionally, the first switching element 33 and the second switching element 34 may be Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors (MOS transistors for short), Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJT for short), etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0044] The sampling chip 40 is communicatively connected to the control unit 21 through communication protocols such as input-output communication (i.e., IO communication) or Inter-Integrated Circuit (IIC communication for short). The sampling chip 40 and the control unit 21 are functionally independent of each other. In terms of structure, a stacked design can be adopted, only leaving communication connector interfaces and fixing holes between the two, reducing the overall planar area, and meeting the structural requirements of the Cell to Body (CTB) battery pack.

[0045] The sampling chip 40 can determine the target battery cell to be balanced, as well as the balancing direction (charging or discharging) and target current of the target battery cell based on the battery information of each battery cell 321 collected, and then generate a second control instruction to be transmitted to the control unit 21 for voltage balancing.

[0046] Among them, the target current is determined based on the battery information obtained by the sampling chip 40. Optionally, the target current may be determined based on the battery information of the battery cells 321 in the corresponding battery module 320 obtained by the sampling chip 40, or may also be determined based on the battery information obtained by multiple or all sampling chips 40.

[0047] According to the balancing direction, adjusting the conduction phase difference between the first switching element 33 and the second switching element 34 can enable the electric energy of the first circuit 31 to be transmitted to the second circuit 32, or the electric energy of the second circuit 32 to be transmitted to the first circuit 31, thereby realizing the charging or discharging of the target battery cell.

[0048] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 2 , the first circuit 31 includes a first sampling resistor 35 and a first switching element 33, the second circuit 32 includes a second sampling resistor 36 and a second switching element 34, and the control unit 21 is further configured to: Collect the voltages across the first sampling resistor 35 and the second sampling resistor 36; Determine a first sampling current based on the first voltage across the first sampling resistor 35 and the resistance value of the first sampling resistor 35, and determine a second sampling current based on the second voltage across the second sampling resistor 36 and the resistance value of the second sampling resistor 36; Based on the first sampled current and the second sampled current, adjust the duty cycles of the first switching element 33 and the second switching element 34 so that the second sampled current matches the target current.

[0049] The control unit 21 adjusts the duty cycles of the first switching element 33 and the second switching element 34 in real time according to the first sampled current and the second sampled current collected in real time, so that the second sampled current matches the target current, thereby realizing voltage equalization of the target battery cell.

[0050] Among them, the first sampling resistor 35 and the second sampling resistor 36 can be resistors such as metal film resistors, wire-wound resistors, and thin-film resistors, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0051] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 2 , the control unit 21 adjusts the duty cycle of the first PWM signal 22 to adjust the duty cycle of the first switching element 33, and adjusts the duty cycle of the second PWM signal 23 to adjust the duty cycle of the second switching element 34.

[0052] The control unit 21 can generate the first PWM signal 22 and transmit it to the first switching element 33 to control the on / off of the first switching element 33; the control unit 21 can generate the second PWM signal 23 and transmit it to the second switching element 34 to control the on / off of the second switching element 34. The duty cycle of the first PWM signal 22 directly determines the ratio of the on-time and off-time of the first switching element 33, and the duty cycle of the first switching element 33 changes with the change of the duty cycle of the first PWM signal 22.

[0053] For example, the duty cycle of the first PWM signal 22 is 50%, and the first switching element 33 conducts and turns off for half of the time in one cycle. If the duty cycle of the first PWM signal 22 is adjusted to 75%, then the on-time of the first switching element 33 will increase, the off-time will decrease, and its duty cycle will change from 50% to 75%. The change relationship between the second PWM signal 23 and the second switching element 34 is basically similar, and for the sake of avoiding repetition, it will not be elaborated here.

[0054] The first PWM signal 22 and the second PWM signal 23 enable the first switching element 33 and the second switching element 34 to conduct complementarily and have a dead time (that is, satisfy complementary with dead time), which can avoid direct short circuit between the first circuit 31 and the second circuit 32 and ensure the safe and reliable operation of the converter circuit 30.

[0055] Optionally, the types of the first PWM signal 22 and the second PWM signal 23 are pulse width modulation signals (Pulse Width Modulation Signal, abbreviated as PWM signals), and can also be other signals that can change the on / off duty cycle. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0056] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 2 , the control unit 21 is further configured to collect the third voltage of the equalization battery 220 connected to the first circuit 31 and the fourth voltage of the second end of the switch matrix circuit 10 connected to the second circuit 32, and determine the initial duty cycles of the first PWM signal 22 and the second PWM signal 23 based on the third voltage and the fourth voltage, so that the current at the initial moment of the second circuit 32 is zero.

[0057] Wherein, the initial duty cycle is the duty cycle of the PWM signal at the initial moment of voltage equalization of the target battery cell.

[0058] When the bidirectional conversion module 20 is connected to the equalization battery 220 and the target battery cell to be equalized, in order to avoid large current shocks at the moment of starting the charge and discharge operation and start slowly, it is necessary to ensure that the initial current of the second circuit 32 is zero. To ensure that the initial current of the second circuit 32 is zero, the control unit 21 needs to obtain the third voltage V3 and the fourth voltage V4 before starting the charge and discharge operation, and determine the initial duty cycles of the first PWM signal 22 and the second PWM signal 23 based on the obtained third voltage V3 and the fourth voltage V4.

[0059] Furthermore, in some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 2 , the control unit 21 is further configured to confirm the initial duty cycles of the first PWM signal 22 and the second PWM signal 23 based on the third voltage, the fourth voltage and the equalization direction, so that the current at the initial moment of the second circuit 32 is zero.

[0060] Specifically, when the equalization direction is to supply electric energy to the target battery cell, the calculated initial duty cycle makes the first circuit 31 and the second circuit 32 conduct alternately, and the first circuit 31 conducts first, so that the electric energy in the equalization battery 220 is transferred to the target battery cell; when the equalization direction is to release electric energy from the target battery cell, the calculated initial duty cycle makes the first circuit 31 and the second circuit 32 conduct alternately, and the second circuit 32 conducts first, so that the electric energy in the target battery cell is transferred to the equalization battery 220.

[0061] In this way, large current shocks can be avoided, and the safety and stability of the converter circuit 30 can be ensured.

[0062] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 2 , the battery equalization module 100 further includes an isolation device 50, and the isolation device 50 is connected to the control unit 21 for realizing electrical isolation of the control unit 21.

[0063] Since some components of the battery equalization module 100 are on the high-voltage side and the control unit 21 is on the low-voltage side (powered by a low voltage), to ensure the safety and stability of the control unit 21 and avoid damage to the control unit 21 on the low-voltage side caused by voltage fluctuations, surges, etc. on the high-voltage side, an isolation device 50 needs to be provided to protect the control unit 21.

[0064] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 2 , the isolation device 50 includes a first isolation device 51, a second isolation device 52, and a third isolation device 53; the first isolation device 51 is located between the control unit 21 and the first sampling resistor 35; both the second sampling resistor 36 and the second end of the switch matrix circuit 10 are connected to the control unit 21 through the second isolation device 52; both the first switch 33 and the second switch 34 are connected to the control unit 21 through the third isolation device 53.

[0065] Among them, the first isolation device 51 is used to isolate the control unit 21 and the first sampling resistor 35; the second isolation device 52 is used to isolate the control unit 21 and the second sampling resistor 36, and is also used to isolate the control unit 21 and the second end of the switch matrix circuit 10; the first PWM signal 22 and the second PWM signal 23 sent by the control unit 21 are respectively transmitted to the first switch 33 and the second switch 34 through the third isolation device 53.

[0066] The sampling chip 40 is located on the high-voltage side, and the sampling chip 40 is communicatively connected to the control unit 21 through the first isolation device 51. Optionally, the sampling chip 40 can also be communicatively connected to the control unit 21 through the second isolation device 52 or the third isolation device 53.

[0067] Optionally, the first isolation device 51, the second isolation device 52, and the third isolation device 53 can be devices such as an opto-isolator, a magnetic coupler, an isolation transformer, etc., and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0068] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a battery equalization device 200 provided by an embodiment of the present application. The battery equalization device 200 will be introduced in detail below: The battery equalization device 200 includes a controller 210, an equalization battery 220, and the battery equalization module 100 in any of the above embodiments. The battery equalization module 100 is connected to the controller 210 and the equalization battery 220.

[0069] Among them, the balancing battery 220 is a battery used to charge or discharge the connected devices. After the balancing battery 220 is connected to the battery module 320 through the battery balancing module 100, the balancing battery 220 can be selectively connected to any battery cell 321 in the corresponding battery module 320 to charge or discharge any battery cell 321, thereby balancing the voltages of the battery cells 321 in the battery module 320.

[0070] Optionally, the balancing battery 220 can be an in-vehicle 12V small battery, a lithium-ion battery, a lead-acid battery, etc., and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0071] Among them, the controller 210 is used to control the operating conditions of the battery balancing module 100. Further, the controller 210 controls each connected bidirectional conversion module 20 to perform battery balancing. The description of the bidirectional conversion module 20 performing battery balancing has been described in the above embodiments of the battery balancing module 100. To avoid repetition, it will not be elaborated here.

[0072] Optionally, the controller 210 can be a device such as a Battery Actuating and Supervising Unit (abbreviated as BASU), a microcontroller unit (i.e., MCU), etc., and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0073] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 2 , the battery balancing module 100 is adapted to be connected to the battery module 320 in a one-to-one correspondence, and the balancing battery 220 is connected to each battery balancing module 100.

[0074] The sampling chip 40 of the battery balancing module 100 maintains electrical connection with each battery cell 321 in the corresponding battery module 320 (realizing electrical conduction through a conductive medium such as a wire or the copper foil on a printed circuit board), so that the sampling chip 40 can obtain the battery information of each battery cell 321 in the corresponding battery module 320 in real time.

[0075] The balancing battery 220 is connected to each battery balancing module 100, which can realize the voltage balancing of the battery cells 321 of each battery module 320 corresponding to each battery balancing module 100. In this way, the voltage balancing of each battery cell 321 in each battery module 320 can be realized.

[0076] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 3 , the controller 210 is connected to the sampling chip 40 in the battery balancing device 200 in a daisy chain manner.

[0077] Among them, the daisy chain method is a connection method in which multiple sampling chips 40 are connected in a chain in sequence. The daisy chain method has simple wiring, is easy to expand, has high reliability, low cost, and high communication efficiency. Therefore, it can be expanded through a simple cascading method, so that the controller 210 is connected to more sampling chips 40, and the equalization efficiency of the battery equalization device 200 is improved.

[0078] Optionally, each sampling chip 40 can establish a communication connection with each other, and the target current can be determined based on the battery information obtained by the sampling chips 40 of multiple or all battery equalization modules 100.

[0079] Optionally, the controller 210 and each sampling chip 40 can also maintain a communication connection through connection methods such as bus connection, star connection, and ring connection. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0080] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 3 ., the battery equalization module 100 includes a sampling chip 40, and the controller 210 is configured to obtain the battery information of each battery cell 321 obtained by the sampling chip 40, and based on the battery information of each battery cell 321, control the equalization battery 220 to charge and discharge the battery cells 321 of the connected battery module 320 through the bidirectional conversion module 20, so that the voltages of the battery cells 321 of the battery module 320 are equalized.

[0081] The controller 210 is configured to control each connected sampling chip 40 to collect the battery information of the corresponding battery cells 321 and feedback it to the controller 210. Determine one or more target battery cells to be equalized and the corresponding equalization direction and target current according to the obtained battery information.

[0082] For example, the battery information includes the voltages of each battery cell 321, and the controller 210 calculates the average value of all voltages (in the battery pack 310 or in a battery module 320), and this average value can be used as the target voltage. The controller 210 selects the battery cells 321 whose absolute value of the difference between the voltage and the average value is greater than a preset threshold as the target battery cells to be equalized.

[0083] For example, when the voltage of the target battery cell is less than the average voltage, the equalization direction of the target battery cell is that the equalization battery 220 discharges to charge the target battery cell, and the controller 210 controls the equalization battery 220 to connect to the target battery cell and charge the target battery cell through the bidirectional conversion module 20, so that the voltage of the target battery cell is restored to the target voltage.

[0084] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 3, the controller 210 is configured to generate a third control instruction based on the battery information of each battery cell 321, and send the third control instruction to the sampling chip 40. The sampling chip 40 is configured to receive the third control instruction to issue a first control instruction or a second control instruction to the bidirectional conversion module 20. The first control instruction is used to control the converter circuit 30 of the bidirectional conversion module 20, and the second control instruction is used to control the switch matrix circuit 10 of the battery equalization module 100.

[0085] Wherein, the third control instruction includes the target battery cell, the corresponding equalization direction, and the target current. The first control instruction is used to control the converter circuit 30 to perform specific charge and discharge operations to complete the voltage equalization of the target battery cell. The second control instruction is used to control the switch matrix circuit 10 to connect the target battery cell and the converter circuit 30, thereby realizing the connection between the target battery cell and the equalization battery 220, so that the bidirectional conversion module 20 can charge or discharge the target battery cell.

[0086] Optionally, when the number of target battery cells is multiple and one equalization battery 220 is connected to multiple bidirectional conversion modules 20, the third control instruction further includes the order information of the charge and discharge operations performed by each bidirectional conversion module 20 on the target battery cells, so as to ensure that the voltage equalization of each target battery cell is completed in sequence without conflict.

[0087] An embodiment of the present application further provides a vehicle 300, including a battery pack 310 and the battery equalization device 200 in any of the above embodiments. The battery pack 310 includes a battery module 320, and the battery equalization device 200 is connected to the battery module 320.

[0088] Wherein, each battery module 320 of the battery pack 310 includes multiple battery cells 321. The battery modules 320 in the battery pack 310 are correspondingly connected to the battery equalization module 100. Through the battery equalization device 200, it is possible to achieve voltage equalization of each battery cell 321 in each battery module 320 in the battery pack 310.

[0089] Optionally, the battery pack 310 may be a lithium-ion battery pack, a lithium-metal battery pack, a lead-acid battery pack, a nickel-metal hydride battery pack, etc., and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this. The type of the battery module 320 is the same as that of the battery pack 310. The type of the battery cell 321 is the same as that of the battery module 320. The battery cell 321 includes a single cell.

[0090] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3It is a schematic structural diagram of a vehicle 300 provided by an embodiment of the present application. The vehicle 300 includes a battery pack 310 and a battery equalization device 200. The battery pack 310 includes a plurality of battery modules 320 (exemplarily 3), and the battery equalization module 100 in the battery equalization device 200 is connected to each battery module in one-to-one correspondence. The controller 210 in the battery equalization device 200 can control the equalization battery 220 to perform voltage equalization on any battery cell 321 in any battery module 320. The specific equalization method has been specifically described in the above embodiments. To avoid repetition, it will not be elaborated here.

[0091] Based on the above introduction to the battery equalization module 100, the battery equalization device 200, and the vehicle 300, an embodiment of the present application provides a battery equalization method. The following is a detailed introduction to the battery equalization method: Please refer to Figure 5 , a battery equalization method provided by an embodiment of the present application is implemented by step 011, step 012, and step 013. The following is a specific description.

[0092] Step 011: Obtain the battery information of each battery cell in the battery module; Step 012: Determine the target battery cell to be equalized based on the battery information of each battery cell; Among them, the battery information refers to the electrical parameters of the battery cells in the battery module, including at least voltage.

[0093] Among them, the target battery cell refers to the battery cell that needs to perform voltage equalization.

[0094] Among them, the equalization direction is the transmission direction of the electrical energy of the target battery cell determined based on the battery information of the target battery cell. The equalization direction includes that the equalization battery charges the target battery cell, or the target battery cell discharges to the equalization battery.

[0095] Specifically, the sampling chips are connected to each battery module in one-to-one correspondence, and each sampling chip correspondingly collects the battery information of each battery cell in the connected battery module. By calculating and screening the battery information of each battery cell, the target battery cell is identified, and further the equalization direction corresponding to the target battery cell (that is, charging or discharging the target battery cell) and the target current are determined.

[0096] For example, the average value of the voltages of each battery cell is used as the target voltage. When the difference between the voltage of the battery cell and the target voltage is greater than the preset difference threshold, it is determined that the battery cell is the target battery cell, and the equalization direction is to discharge the target battery cell; when the difference between the target voltage and the voltage of the battery cell is greater than the preset difference threshold, it is determined that the battery cell is the target battery cell, and the equalization direction is to charge the target battery cell.

[0097] Step 013: Control the balancing battery to charge and discharge the target battery cell so that the voltages of the battery cells in the battery module are balanced.

[0098] Specifically, when the target battery cell needs to be charged or discharged, a charging instruction is sent to the battery balancing module corresponding to the target battery cell. By controlling the switch circuit matrix in the battery balancing module, the target battery cell is connected to the balancing battery, and then the control unit of the bidirectional conversion module in the battery balancing module is controlled to perform the charging and discharging operations.

[0099] For example, when the target battery cell needs to be charged, the control unit of the bidirectional conversion module is controlled to collect the first voltage of the balancing battery connected to the first circuit and the second voltage at the second end of the switch matrix circuit connected to the second circuit (i.e., the voltage of the target battery cell). The control unit of the balancing module is controlled to determine the initial duty cycles of the first PWM signal to be output to the first switch and the second PWM signal to be output to the second switch based on the first voltage and the second voltage, so as to ensure that the current in the second circuit is zero at the moment when charging for the target battery cell is started, and start slowly to avoid generating a large current at the starting moment and damaging the devices in the circuit.

[0100] After that, the control unit of the bidirectional conversion module charges and discharges the target battery cell in accordance with the corresponding balancing direction, and realizes charging or discharging by controlling the conduction duty cycles of the first PWM signal and the second PWM signal. Among them, the conduction phase difference is the phase of the switch in the first circuit minus the phase of the switch in the second circuit. When the conduction phase difference is positive, the balancing battery charges the battery cell to be balanced; when the conduction phase difference is negative, the battery cell to be balanced charges the balancing battery.

[0101] At the same time, the control unit of the bidirectional conversion module is controlled to collect the current value of the second circuit in real time, and compare the collected current value of the second circuit with the target current, perform closed-loop control, and adjust the duty cycles of the first PWM signal and the second PWM signal in real time to ensure that the current value of the second circuit is stabilized at the target current.

[0102] In this way, the voltages of the battery cells can be flexibly adjusted, accurate battery balancing between different battery cells of each battery module can be realized, and the efficiency of battery balancing can be improved.

[0103] According to the battery balancing method described in the above embodiments, an embodiment of the present application further provides a battery balancing sub-device 400 for performing the steps in the above battery balancing method. Please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 which is a schematic diagram of the modules of the battery balancing sub-device 400 provided by the embodiment of the present application. The battery balancing sub-device 400 includes: An acquisition module 401, configured to acquire battery information of each battery cell of a battery module; A determination module 402, configured to determine a target battery cell to be balanced based on the battery information of each battery cell; An execution module 403, configured to control the balanced battery to perform charge and discharge operations on the target battery cell so that the voltages of all battery cells of the battery module are balanced.

[0104] It should be noted that the specific details of each module unit in the above battery balancing sub-device have been described in detail in the embodiments of the above battery balancing method, and will not be repeated here.

[0105] In the embodiments of the present application, the term "module" or "unit" refers to a computer program with a predetermined function or a part of a computer program, which works together with other related parts to achieve a predetermined goal, and can be implemented in whole or in part by using software, hardware (such as a processing circuit or a memory), or a combination thereof. Similarly, a processor (or multiple processors or memories) can be used to implement one or more modules or units. In addition, each module or unit can be a part of the overall module or unit that includes the function of the module or unit.

[0106] In some embodiments, the battery balancing sub-device in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in a hardware manner, such as an electronic device, or a component in an electronic device, such as an integrated circuit or a chip; the battery balancing sub-device can also be implemented in a software manner, such as an application installed in an electronic device.

[0107] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application. The electronic device 500 includes a processor 501 and a memory 502. A computer program 503 that can run on the processor 501 is stored in the memory 502. When the program 503 is executed by the processor 501, it implements each process of the embodiment of the above battery balancing method and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0108] The embodiments of the present application also provide a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. A computer program is stored on the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements each process of the embodiment of the above battery balancing method and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0109] Among them, the processor can be the processor in the electronic device in the above embodiment. The computer-readable storage medium can be a computer read-only memory ROM, a random access memory RAM, a magnetic disk, or an optical disc, etc.

[0110] A computer-readable medium may include a computer storage medium and a communication medium. The computer storage medium includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented by any method or technology for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. The computer storage medium includes RAM, ROM, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other solid-state memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic tape cartridges, magnetic tapes, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices. Of course, those skilled in the art will know that the computer storage medium is not limited to the above several types.

[0111] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer program product, including a computer program, which when executed by a processor implements the above battery balancing method. Wherein, the processor may be the processor in the electronic device in the above embodiments. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements each process of the above embodiments of the battery balancing method and can achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, it will not be described in detail here.

[0112] It can be understood that in the specific implementation of the present application, data related to the user identity or characteristics is involved. When the above embodiments of the present application are applied to specific products or technologies, user permission or consent needs to be obtained, and the collection, use, and processing of relevant data need to comply with the relevant laws, regulations, and standards of relevant countries and regions.

[0113] In the description of this specification, the descriptions referring to terms such as "certain embodiments", "in an example", "exemplarily", etc. mean that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiments or examples are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the schematic expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0114] Any process or method description, whether in a flowchart or otherwise described herein, can be understood to represent a module, segment, or portion of code including one or more executable instructions for implementing a specific logical function or process. The scope of the preferred embodiments of the present application includes additional implementations, where the functions may be executed in a substantially simultaneous manner or in an order opposite to that shown or discussed, according to the functions involved, which should be understood by those skilled in the technical field to which the embodiments of the present application pertain.

[0115] Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described, those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present application. The scope of the present application is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A battery balancing module, characterized in that, Comprising: A switch matrix circuit, the first end of the switch matrix circuit being adapted to be selectively connected to any battery cell of the battery module; A bidirectional conversion module, one end of the bidirectional conversion module being connected to the second end of the switch matrix circuit, and the other end being adapted to be connected to a balancing battery, the bidirectional conversion module controlling the balancing battery to perform charge and discharge operations on any battery cell of the battery module so as to equalize the voltages of any battery cells of the battery module.

2. The battery balancing module according to claim 1, wherein The bidirectional conversion module includes: A control unit; A converter circuit, the converter circuit including a first circuit and a second circuit, the first circuit being adapted to be connected to the balancing battery, the second circuit being connected to the second end of the switch matrix circuit, and the control unit being used to control the duty cycles of the switches of the first circuit and the second circuit to perform the charge and discharge operations.

3. The battery equalization module according to claim 2, characterized in that, It further includes: A sampling chip, the sampling chip being adapted to be connected to each battery cell of the battery module to obtain battery information of each battery cell, the battery information including voltage.

4. The battery balancing module according to claim 3, wherein The switch matrix circuit is connected to the sampling chip, and the switch matrix circuit receives a first control instruction from the sampling chip to connect the second circuit and a target battery cell to be balanced.

5. The battery balancing module according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The sampling chip is connected to the control unit, the first circuit includes a first switching element, the second circuit includes a second switching element, and the control unit is used for: Receiving a second control instruction sent by the sampling chip, the second control instruction including a balancing direction and a target current, the target current being determined based on the voltages of each battery cell of the battery module; Based on the balancing direction and the target current, adjusting the duty cycles of the switches of the first switching element and the second switching element so as to equalize the voltages of each battery cell.

6. The battery equalization module according to claim 5, wherein The first circuit includes a first sampling resistor and a first switching element, the second circuit includes a second sampling resistor and a second switching element, and the control unit is further used for: Collecting the voltages across the first sampling resistor and the second sampling resistor; Determining a first sampling current based on a first voltage across the first sampling resistor and the resistance value of the first sampling resistor, and determining a second sampling current based on a second voltage across the second sampling resistor and the resistance value of the second sampling resistor; Based on the first sampling current and the second sampling current, adjusting the duty cycles of the switches of the first switching element and the second switching element so that the second sampling current matches the target current.

7. The battery balancing module according to claim 5, characterized in that The control unit adjusts the duty cycle of a first PWM signal to adjust the duty cycle of the switch of the first switching element, and adjusts the duty cycle of a second PWM signal to adjust the duty cycle of the switch of the second switching element.

8. The battery balancing module according to claim 5, wherein The control unit is further used for collecting a third voltage of the balancing battery connected to the first circuit and a fourth voltage of the second end of the switch matrix circuit connected to the second circuit, and determining the initial duty cycles of the first PWM signal and the second PWM signal based on the third voltage and the fourth voltage so that the current at the initial moment of the second circuit is 0.

9. The battery equalization module according to claim 8, wherein The control unit is further configured to confirm the initial duty cycles of the first PWM signal and the second PWM signal based on the third voltage, the fourth voltage, and the equalization direction, so that the current at the initial moment of the second circuit is 0.

10. The battery balancing module according to claim 6, characterized in that, It further includes an isolation device, which is connected to the control unit and is used to achieve electrical isolation of the control unit.

11. The battery balancing module according to claim 10, wherein The isolation device includes: A first isolation device, which is located between the control unit and the first sampling resistor; A second isolation device, and both the second sampling resistor and the second end of the switch matrix circuit are connected to the control unit through the second isolation device; A third isolation device, and both the first switching device and the second switching device are connected to the control unit through the third isolation device.

12. A battery equalization device, characterized in that, It includes: A controller; An equalizing battery; and The battery equalization module according to any one of claims 1-11, and the battery equalization module is connected to the controller and the equalizing battery.

13. The battery equalization device according to claim 12, wherein The controller is connected to the sampling chip in the battery equalization device in a daisy chain manner.

14. The battery equalization device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The battery equalization module includes a sampling chip, and the controller is configured to obtain the battery information of each battery cell acquired by the sampling chip, and based on the battery information of each battery cell, control the equalizing battery to perform charge and discharge operations on the battery cells of the connected battery module through the bidirectional conversion module, so that the voltages of the battery cells of the battery module are equalized.

15. The battery equalization device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The controller is configured to generate a third control instruction based on the battery information of each battery cell, and send the third control instruction to the sampling chip, and the sampling chip is configured to receive the third control instruction to issue a first control instruction or a second control instruction to the equalization module, where the first control instruction is used to control the converter circuit of the bidirectional conversion module, and the second control instruction is used to control the switch matrix circuit of the equalization module.

16. A vehicle, characterized in that, It includes: A battery pack, and the battery pack includes a battery module; and The battery equalization device according to any one of claims 12-15, and the battery equalization device is connected to the battery module.

17. A battery equalization method, characterized in that, Applied to the battery equalization device according to any one of claims 12-15, the battery equalization device is connected to a battery module, and the battery equalization method includes: Obtain the battery information of each battery cell of the battery module; Based on the battery information of each battery cell, determine the target battery cell to be equalized; Control the equalizing battery to perform charge and discharge operations on the target battery cell, so that the voltages of the battery cells of the battery module are equalized.

18. An electronic device, characterized in that, It includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored on the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the program, it implements the battery equalization method as claimed in claim 17.

19. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the battery equalization method as claimed in claim 17.

20. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the battery equalization method as claimed in claim 17.

Images