Battery management device and method

Abstract

A battery management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is used for controlling charging of a first battery and a second battery that are electrically connectable, and includes: a measurement unit configured to measure a voltage of the first battery; and a control unit configured to compare a voltage of the first battery with a preset target voltage, and charge the second battery using the first battery when the voltage of the first battery is equal to or greater than the target voltage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery management apparatus and method, and more particularly, to a battery management apparatus and method for controlling charging of a plurality of electrically connectable batteries.

[0002] This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0122033 filed in Korea on September 13, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] Recently, the demand for portable electronic products such as laptop computers, cameras, and mobile phones has rapidly increased, and with the widespread development of electric vehicles, accumulators for energy storage, robots, and satellites, a large amount of research is being conducted on high-performance batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged.

[0004] Currently, commercially available batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium batteries, etc. Among these batteries, lithium batteries have little or no memory effect, and therefore have received more attention than nickel-based batteries because they have the advantages of being rechargeable as long as it is convenient, having a very low self-discharge rate, and having a high energy density.

[0005] With the commercialization of electric vehicles, including electric vehicles, electric motorcycles, and electric bicycles, the demand for high-capacity and high-performance batteries continues to increase. However, as battery capacity increases, the time required to charge the battery also increases. To address this issue, there is a growing demand for fast battery charging. For example, to achieve a fast charge within 15 minutes, a current of 4C or higher is required.

[0006] Generally, when a charging current of 4C (C-rate) or more is applied to a graphite-based battery for fast charging, there is a high possibility that lithium plating will occur. Here, lithium plating (Li-plating) is a phenomenon in which lithium metal is deposited on the surface of the negative electrode. Lithium plating causes side reactions with the electrolyte solution and / or changes in the kinetic equilibrium of the battery, thereby causing battery aging. In addition, the lithium metal deposits on the surface of the negative electrode may cause internal short circuits in the battery, and internal short circuits may cause fires and explosions.

[0007] In contrast, when a charging current of 4C or more is applied for fast charging, the possibility of lithium deposition in silicon-based batteries is much lower than that in graphite-based batteries. This is because silicon-based batteries have high energy density and no directionality, so the possibility of lithium deposition during fast charging is much lower than that of graphite-based batteries.

[0008] On the other hand, because graphite-based batteries have much better lifespan characteristics during charge and discharge than silicon-based batteries, silicon-based batteries are not used alone. For example, when graphite-based batteries and silicon-based batteries are slowly charged and discharged, the graphite-based batteries age more slowly than the silicon-based batteries.

[0009] Furthermore, silicon-based batteries exhibit inferior storage characteristics after charging compared to graphite-based batteries. Specifically, silicon-based batteries age more rapidly when not used for extended periods after charging. Furthermore, silicon-based batteries age more rapidly when stored near a full charge. This is due to the high reactivity of silicon-based materials.

[0010] Therefore, based on the lifespan characteristics of charging and discharging, it is necessary to develop a technology for enabling rapid charging of batteries and preventing accelerated aging of batteries. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] The present disclosure is designed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and thus the present disclosure aims to provide a battery management device and method, which can realize fast charging of the battery and prevent accelerated aging of the battery in consideration of the service life characteristics of charging and discharging.

[0013] These and other purposes and advantages of the present disclosure can be understood from the following description, and these and other purposes and advantages will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, it will be readily understood that the purposes and advantages of the present disclosure can be achieved by the means set forth in the appended claims and their combinations.

[0014] Technical Solution

[0015] A battery management device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is used to control charging of a first battery and a second battery that are electrically connectable, and may include: a measuring unit configured to measure a voltage of the first battery; and a control unit configured to compare the voltage of the first battery with a preset target voltage, and when the voltage of the first battery is equal to or greater than the target voltage, charge the second battery using the first battery.

[0016] The control unit may be configured to charge the second battery using the first battery when the voltage of the first battery is equal to or greater than a target voltage and the first battery is not charged.

[0017] The control unit may be configured to charge the second battery using the first battery when a voltage of the first battery is equal to or greater than a threshold voltage and equal to or less than a target voltage and the first battery has not been used for a predetermined period of time.

[0018] The control unit may be configured to electrically isolate the second battery during charging of the first battery.

[0019] The control unit may be configured to terminate charging of the second battery when the voltage of the first battery reaches a preset first reference voltage during charging of the second battery using the first battery.

[0020] The measuring unit may also be configured to measure a voltage of the second battery.

[0021] The control unit may be configured to terminate charging of the second battery when the voltage of the second battery reaches a preset second reference voltage during charging of the second battery using the first battery.

[0022] The first battery and the second battery may contain different negative electrode active materials.

[0023] A battery pack according to another aspect of the present disclosure may include the battery management device according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0024] A vehicle according to still another aspect of the present disclosure may include the battery management device according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0025] A battery management method according to another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a battery charging method for a first battery and a second battery, and may include: a measuring step of measuring a voltage of the first battery; a voltage comparing step of comparing the voltage of the first battery with a preset target voltage; and a charging step of charging the second battery using the first battery when the voltage of the first battery is equal to or greater than the target voltage.

[0026] Beneficial effects

[0027] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, since charging and discharging are controlled in consideration of the battery's lifespan characteristics related to energy storage after charging, accelerated aging of the battery can be prevented.

[0028] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, since charging and discharging are controlled in consideration of the charging rate-related characteristics of the battery, the possibility that lithium precipitation will occur in the battery can be reduced.

[0029] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described effects, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand these and other effects from the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the following detailed description, serve to provide a better understanding of the technical aspects of the present disclosure, and thus the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first battery, a second battery, and a battery management device.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a diagram referenced when describing the case where the second battery is charged using the first battery.

[0033] Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing a state where a charging current flows into the first battery.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a diagram referenced when describing the first embodiment of terminating charging of the second battery based on the voltage of the first battery.

[0035] Figure 5 1 is a diagram cited in describing the second embodiment in which charging of the second battery is terminated based on the voltage of the second battery.

[0036] Figures 6 to 8 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a battery pack including a battery management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 9 is a diagram schematically illustrating a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a battery management method according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] It should be understood that the terms or words used in the specification and the appended claims should not be interpreted as limited to the general meaning and dictionary meaning, but may be interpreted according to the meaning and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure based on the principle of allowing the inventor to appropriately define the terms for the best interpretation.

[0040] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the illustrations shown in the accompanying drawings are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure to describe the technical aspects of the present disclosure and are not intended to be limiting, and it should be understood that various other equivalents and modifications may be made thereto when the present application is filed.

[0041] In describing the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of related known elements or functions, which may make the subject matter of the present disclosure obscure or unclear, are omitted.

[0042] The terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used to distinguish one element from another element among a plurality of elements, but are not intended to limit the elements by the terms.

[0043] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, when used in this specification, the terms “include” and “comprising” specify the presence of stated elements, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements.

[0044] Furthermore, throughout the specification, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected to” another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or intervening elements may be present.

[0045] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the first battery 11, the second battery 12, and the battery management device 100. Figure 1 The battery management device 100 may include a measuring unit 110 and a control unit 120 .

[0047] The battery management device 100 may be a device that controls charging of a first battery 11 and a second battery 12 that are electrically connectable.

[0048] The first battery 11 and the second battery 12 may contain different negative electrode active materials. For example, the first battery 11 may be a silicon-based battery, and the second battery 12 may be a graphite-based battery. For example, the negative electrode active material of the first battery 11 may contain 100% silicon, a mixture of silicon and a silicon compound (e.g., SiO and / or SiC), or a mixture of silicon and graphite. For example, the negative electrode active material of the second battery 12 may contain 100% graphite, a mixture of graphite and a silicon compound (e.g., SiO and / or SiC), or a mixture of graphite and silicon.

[0049] The measuring unit 110 may be configured to measure the voltage of the first battery 11 .

[0050] Specifically, the measuring unit 110 may be connected to the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the first battery 11. The measuring unit 110 may measure the positive electrode voltage and the negative electrode voltage of the first battery 11, and measure the voltage of the first battery 11 based on the measured positive electrode voltage and the measured negative electrode voltage. For example, the measuring unit 110 may be connected to the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the first battery 11 to measure the voltage across the first battery 11.

[0051] The measuring unit 110 may be connected to the control unit 120 to enable communication therebetween. In other words, the measuring unit 110 may be connected to the control unit 120 to send or receive electrical signals to or from the control unit 120.

[0052] The control unit 120 may be configured to compare the voltage of the first battery 11 with a preset target voltage.

[0053] Here, the target voltage is a preset voltage, which refers to the minimum voltage required to charge the second battery 12 using the first battery 11. For example, the target voltage may be a preset voltage corresponding to a state of charge (SOC) of 80% or more in the first battery 11. Preferably, the target voltage may be a preset voltage corresponding to an SOC of 90% or more in the first battery 11.

[0054] For example, the control unit 120 may compare the voltage of the first battery 11 received from the measurement unit 110 with a target voltage.

[0055] When the voltage of the first battery 11 is equal to or greater than the target voltage, the control unit 120 may be configured to charge the second battery 12 using the first battery 11 .

[0056] Specifically, the control unit 120 can charge the second battery 12 using the first battery 11 by electrically connecting the first battery 11 to the second battery 12 so that the output current from the first battery 11 flows into the second battery 12. That is, the discharge current of the first battery 11 can be the charging current of the second battery 12.

[0057] Figure 2 This is a diagram cited when describing the case where the second battery 12 is charged using the first battery 11 .

[0058] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the output current from the first battery 11 flows into the second battery 12. Therefore, the first battery 11 is discharged and the second battery 12 is charged.

[0059] Generally, the storage characteristics of charged silicon-based batteries are inferior to those of charged graphite-based batteries. For example, when stored near a full charge, silicon-based batteries experience accelerated aging. This is due to the high reactivity of silicon-based materials. In contrast, graphite-based batteries do not experience accelerated aging simply by being stored near a full charge.

[0060] Taking into account the lifespan characteristics of batteries related to energy storage after charging, the battery management device 100 according to the present disclosure can control the charging and discharging of batteries. When the first battery 11 is charged first and then the second battery 12 is charged using the first battery 11, the first battery 11 can be prevented from being stored in a state close to full charge. Therefore, accelerated aging of the first battery 11 can be prevented.

[0061] The control unit 120 of the battery management device 100 may optionally include a processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), another chipset, logic circuits, registers, a communication modem, or other data processing equipment known in the art to execute the many different control logics implemented in the present disclosure. In addition, when the control logic is implemented as software, the control unit 120 may be implemented as a set of program modules. In this case, the program modules may be stored in a memory and executed by the control unit 120. The memory may be located inside or outside the control unit 120 and connected to the control unit 120 through various well-known means.

[0062] The battery management device 100 may also include a storage unit 130. The storage unit 130 may store data or programs required for each component of the battery management device 100 to perform operations and functions, or data created during the execution of operations and functions. The storage unit 130 is not limited to a specific type and may include any known information storage device capable of recording, erasing, updating, and reading data. As examples, the information storage device may include RAM, flash memory, ROM, EEPROM, or registers. Furthermore, the storage unit 130 may store program code defining processes that may be executed by the control unit 120.

[0063] For example, the storage unit 130 may store a voltage that can be compared with the voltage of the first battery 11. Specifically, a preset target voltage may be stored in the storage unit 130. In addition, the control unit 120 may access the storage unit 130 to obtain information associated with the target voltage from the storage unit 130.

[0064] Specifically, when the voltage of the first battery 11 is equal to or greater than the target voltage and charging of the first battery 11 is terminated, the control unit 120 may be configured to charge the second battery 12 using the first battery 11 .

[0065] Generally, due to the nature of batteries, charging and discharging are not performed simultaneously. Therefore, when charging of the first battery 11 is terminated, the control unit 120 may charge the second battery 12 using the first battery 11 .

[0066] For example, when the voltage of the first battery 11 reaches a predetermined end-of-charge value, charging of the first battery 11 may be terminated. In this case, the control unit 120 may charge the second battery 12 using the first battery 11. Here, the end-of-charge value may be a preset value equal to or greater than a target voltage.

[0067] As another example, when the voltage of the first battery 11 reaches the target voltage, the control unit 120 may terminate charging of the first battery 11. In addition, the control unit 120 may charge the second battery 12 using the first battery 11.

[0068] Considering that the storage characteristics of the first battery 11 after charging are not good, the battery management device 100 according to the present disclosure can control the charging of the first battery 11 and the second battery 12. Therefore, the first battery 11 can be effectively prevented from being aged rapidly.

[0069] Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a charging current flows into the first battery 11 .

[0070] Reference Figure 3 , when the charging current flows into the first battery 11 , the first battery 11 can be charged.

[0071] In an embodiment, when charging the first battery 11 , the control unit 120 may be configured to electrically insulate the second battery 12 .

[0072] Here, the electrically insulated second battery 12 may refer to an unloaded second battery 12 .

[0073] Specifically, when the first battery 11 is charged with a charging current, the corresponding charging current does not flow into the second battery 12. That is, when the first battery 11 is being charged, the second battery 12 may be unloaded.

[0074] Generally, when fast charging is performed at a charge current of 4C or higher, graphite-based batteries are very likely to experience lithium deposition. In contrast, when fast charging is performed at a charge current of 4C or higher, silicon-based batteries are much less likely to experience lithium deposition than graphite-based batteries. This is because silicon-based batteries have high energy density and lack directionality. In other words, when slow charging is performed, the likelihood of lithium deposition is low when charging silicon-based and graphite-based batteries simultaneously. In contrast, when fast charging is performed, the likelihood of lithium deposition in graphite-based batteries is higher when charging silicon-based and graphite-based batteries simultaneously.

[0075] For example, during rapid charging of the first battery 11, when charging current flows into the second battery 12, lithium precipitation may occur in the second battery 12. Therefore, the control unit 120 may electrically insulate the second battery 12 during rapid charging of the first battery 11 to prevent lithium precipitation in the second battery 12.

[0076] Furthermore, during slow charging of the first battery 11, when charging current flows into the second battery 12, the first and second batteries 11, 12 can be charged simultaneously. If the second battery 12 reaches a fully charged state earlier than the first battery 11, the output current from the first battery 11 does not flow into the second battery 12. In other words, the first battery 11 cannot be used to charge the second battery 12. In this case, because the voltage of the first battery 11 remains above the target voltage, the first battery 11 may age faster. Therefore, during slow charging of the first battery 11, the control unit 120 can electrically insulate the second battery 12 and charge the second battery 12 using the first battery 11, thereby preventing accelerated aging of the first battery 11.

[0077] During charging of the first battery 11 , the control unit 120 may insulate the second battery 12 regardless of the charging mode (slow charging or fast charging).

[0078] Considering the poor storage characteristics of the first battery 11 after charging and the possibility that lithium deposition will occur in the second battery 12 , the battery management device 100 according to the present disclosure can control the charging and discharging of the first battery 11 and the second battery 12 .

[0079] When the voltage of the first battery 11 is equal to or greater than the threshold voltage and equal to or less than the target voltage, and the first battery 11 has not been used for a predetermined period of time, the control unit 120 may be configured to charge the second battery 12 using the first battery 11 .

[0080] Generally, the storage characteristics of silicon-based batteries after charging are inferior to those of graphite-based batteries after charging. For example, when silicon-based batteries are not used for a long time after charging, they age faster. This is due to the high reactivity of silicon-based materials. In contrast, graphite-based batteries do not age faster simply because their stored energy is not used for a long time after charging.

[0081] When the voltage of the first battery 11 is equal to or greater than the threshold voltage and equal to or less than the target voltage, and the first battery 11 has not been used for a predetermined period of time, the battery management device 100 can use the first battery 11 to charge the second battery 12, thereby preventing the first battery 11 from being unused for a long period of time after being charged. Therefore, accelerated aging of the first battery 11 can be further prevented.

[0082] Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the control unit 120 terminates the charging of the second battery 12 will be described. Specifically, Figure 4 To describe the first embodiment of terminating the charging of the second battery 12, the Figure 5 A second embodiment of terminating the charging of the second battery 12 will be described.

[0083] Figure 4 1 is a diagram referenced when describing the first embodiment of terminating charging of the second battery 12 based on the voltage of the first battery 11 . Figure 4 is a graph showing temporal changes in the voltage of the first battery 11 .

[0084] During charging of the second battery 12 using the first battery 11 , when the voltage of the first battery 11 reaches a preset first reference voltage RV1 , the control unit 120 may be configured to terminate charging of the second battery 12 .

[0085] Here, the first reference voltage RV1 may be preset as a value smaller than the target voltage TV.

[0086] Reference Figure 4 t1 is the start time of charging the second battery 12 using the first battery 11, and t2 is the end time of charging the second battery 12 using the first battery 11. V1 is the voltage of the first battery 11 at t1. In other words, V1 is the voltage of the first battery 11 at the start time of charging the second battery 12 using the first battery 11.

[0087] Specifically, at time t1, the voltage of the first battery 11 is equal to or greater than the target voltage TV. Time t2 is when the voltage of the first battery 11 reaches the first reference voltage RV1. At t2, charging of the second battery 12 using the first battery 11 is terminated. During charging of the second battery 12 using the first battery 11, the voltage of the first battery 11 decreases due to discharge of the first battery 11.

[0088] Figure 5 1 and 2 are diagrams referenced when describing the second embodiment of terminating charging of the second battery 12 based on the voltage of the second battery 12 . Figure 5 is a graph showing the temporal change in the voltage of the second battery 12 .

[0089] The measuring unit 110 may also be configured to measure the voltage of the second battery 12 .

[0090] Specifically, the measuring unit 110 may be connected to the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the second battery 12. The measuring unit 110 may measure the positive electrode voltage and the negative electrode voltage of the second battery 12, and measure the voltage of the second battery 12 based on the measured positive electrode voltage and the measured negative electrode voltage. For example, the measuring unit 110 may be connected to the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the second battery 12 to measure the voltage across the second battery 12.

[0091] During charging of the second battery 12 using the first battery 11 , when the voltage of the second battery 12 reaches a preset second reference voltage RV2 , the control unit 120 may be configured to terminate charging of the second battery 12 .

[0092] Reference Figure 5 t3 is the start time of charging the second battery 12 using the first battery 11, and t4 is the end time of charging the second battery 12 using the first battery 11. V2 is the voltage of the second battery 12 at t3. In other words, V2 is the voltage of the second battery 12 at the start time of charging the second battery 12 using the first battery 11.

[0093] Specifically, t4 is the time when the voltage of the second battery 12 reaches the second reference voltage RV2. During the charging of the second battery 12 using the first battery 11, the voltage of the second battery 12 increases as the second battery 12 is charged.

[0094] The battery management device 100 according to the present disclosure can be applied to a battery management system (BMS). That is, the BMS according to the present disclosure can include the battery management device 100. In this configuration, at least some of the components of the battery management device 100 can be implemented by supplementing or adding the functions of components typically included in the BMS. For example, the measurement unit 110, control unit 120, and storage unit 130 of the battery management device 100 can be implemented as components of the BMS.

[0095] In addition, the battery management device 100 according to the present disclosure can be equipped in the battery pack 10. That is, the battery pack 10 according to the present disclosure can include the battery management device 100 and at least one battery cell. In addition, the battery pack 10 can also include electrical components (relays, fuses) and a housing.

[0096] Figures 6 to 8 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a battery pack 10 including a battery management device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] The positive terminal of each of the first battery 11 and the second battery 12 may be connected to the positive terminal (P+) of the battery pack 10, and the negative terminal of each of the first battery 11 and the second battery 12 may be connected to the negative terminal (P-) of the battery pack 10. In addition, a load or a charger 20 may be connected to the positive terminal (P+) and the negative terminal (P-) of the battery pack 10.

[0098] The control unit 120 may be connected to the charger 20 by wire and / or wirelessly. For example, in the case of a wired connection, the control unit 120 may be connected to the charger 20 via a communication terminal (not shown). Specifically, one end of the communication terminal may be connected to the control unit 120, and the other end may be connected to the charger 20.

[0099] Specifically, Figure 7 1 is a diagram schematically showing a first embodiment of a battery pack 10 .

[0100] Reference Figure 7 The battery pack 10 may include a first battery 11 , a second battery 12 , a battery management device 100 , a first relay R1 , and a second relay R2 .

[0101] The first relay R1 may be configured to be connected between the first and second batteries 11 and 12 and the positive terminal (P+) of the battery pack 10. For example, one end of the first relay R1 may be connected to the positive terminal of the first and second batteries 11 and 12. The other end of the first relay R1 may be connected to the positive terminal (P+) of the battery pack 10.

[0102] The control unit 120 can control the operating state of the first relay R1. The first relay R1 can be configured to establish or disconnect an electrical connection between the first battery 11 and the second battery 12 and the positive terminal (P+) and the negative terminal (P-) of the battery pack 10, depending on the controlled operating state. When the operating state of the first relay R1 is the on state, the first battery 11 and the second battery 12 can be electrically connected to the charger 20. Conversely, when the operating state of the first relay R1 is the off state, the first battery 11 and the second battery 12 can be electrically disconnected from the charger 20.

[0103] The second relay R2 can be configured to be connected between the first battery 11 and the second battery 12. For example, one end of the second relay R2 can be connected between the positive terminal of the first battery 11 and one end of the first relay R1. The other end of the second relay R2 can be connected to the positive terminal of the second battery 12. Specifically, the second battery 12 can be connected to the first relay R1 via the second relay R2. That is, when the second relay R2 is turned off, the second battery 12 can be electrically disconnected from the first relay R1.

[0104] The control unit 120 can control the operating state of the second relay R2. The second relay R2 can be configured to establish or disconnect an electrical connection between the first battery 11 and the second battery 12 according to the controlled operating state. When the operating state of the second relay R2 is the on state, the second battery 12 and the first battery 11 can be electrically connected. Conversely, when the operating state of the second relay R2 is the off state, the second battery 12 and the first battery 11 can be electrically disconnected.

[0105] When the first battery 11 is used to charge the second battery 12, the control unit 120 can control the first relay R1 to be turned off and the second relay R2 to be turned on. Therefore, the first battery 11 and the second battery 12 can be electrically disconnected from the charger 20. The first battery 11 and the second battery 12 can be electrically connected.

[0106] When charging the first battery 11, the control unit 120 may control the first relay R1 to be turned on. That is, the first battery 11 and the charger 20 may be electrically connected.

[0107] When the second battery 12 is electrically insulated during charging of the first battery 11 , the control unit 120 may control the first relay R1 to be turned on and control the second relay R2 to be turned off.

[0108] When charging of the second battery 12 using the first battery 11 is terminated, the control unit 120 may change the operating state of the second relay R2 from the on state to the off state.

[0109] Specifically, Figure 8 1 is a diagram schematically showing a second embodiment of the battery pack 10 .

[0110] Reference Figure 8 The second embodiment is an embodiment that includes a capacitor 13, a third relay R3, and a fourth relay R4 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. That is, the battery pack 10 may include a first battery 11, a second battery 12, a battery management device 100, a first relay R1, a second relay R2, a third relay R3, a fourth relay R4, and a capacitor 13.

[0111] The battery pack 10 may include a first battery 11 , a second battery 12 , and a capacitor 13 connected in parallel.

[0112] For example, one end of the third relay R3 may be connected to the positive terminal of the first battery 11 and one end of the first relay R1. The other end of the third relay R3 may be connected to one end of the capacitor 13 and one end of the fourth relay R4.

[0113] One end of the fourth relay R4 may be connected to the other end of the third relay R3 and one end of the capacitor 13 . The other end of the fourth relay R4 may be connected to the other end of the second relay R2 and the positive terminal of the second battery 12 .

[0114] One end of the capacitor 13 is connected to the other end of the third relay R3 and one end of the fourth relay R4. The other end of the capacitor 13 is connected to the negative terminal of the first battery 11, the negative terminal of the second battery 12, and the negative terminal (P-) of the battery pack 10.

[0115] When the second battery 12 is charged using the first battery 11, the capacitor 13 can be charged by discharging the first battery 11, and the second battery 12 can be charged by discharging the capacitor 13. That is, the charging current of the capacitor 13 is the discharging current of the first battery 11, and the discharging current of the capacitor 13 is the charging current of the second battery 12.

[0116] When charging the capacitor 13 by discharging the first battery 11, the control unit 120 can control the third relay R3 to be turned on and the fourth relay R4 to be turned off. In other words, the first battery 11 and the capacitor 13 can be electrically connected, and the second battery 12 and the capacitor 13 can be electrically disconnected. Furthermore, in this case, the electrical connection or disconnection between the first battery 11 and the charger 20, and the electrical connection or disconnection between the second battery 12 and the charger 20, are irrelevant to the charging of the capacitor 13 using the first battery 11.

[0117] When charging the second battery 12 by discharging the capacitor 13, the control unit 120 can control the fourth relay R4 to be turned on and the third relay R3 to be turned off. In other words, the second battery 12 and the capacitor 13 can be electrically connected, and the first battery 11 and the capacitor 13 can be electrically disconnected. In this case, the electrical connection or disconnection between the first battery 11 and the charger 20, and the electrical connection or disconnection between the second battery 12 and the charger 20, are irrelevant to the charging of the second battery 12 using the capacitor 13.

[0118] When charging the first battery 11 , the control unit 120 may control the first relay R1 to be turned on, that is, the first battery 11 and the charger 20 may be electrically connected.

[0119] When the second battery 12 is electrically isolated during charging of the first battery 11, the control unit 120 can control the first relay R1 to be turned on and the second relay R2 and the fourth relay R4 to be turned off. In other words, the first battery 11 and the charger 20 can be electrically connected, and the second battery 12 can be electrically disconnected from the charger 20 and the capacitor 13.

[0120] When the capacitor 13 is terminated for charging the second battery 12 , the control unit 120 may change the operating state of the fourth relay R4 from the on state to the off state.

[0121] Already used above Figure 7 and Figure 8 The embodiment described is for charging the first battery 11 and the second battery 12. However, it should be noted that various embodiments involving substantially the same functions as the above-described battery pack 10 may be applied to the battery pack 10 including the battery management apparatus 100 according to the present disclosure.

[0122] Figure 9 is a diagram schematically showing a vehicle 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0123] Reference Figure 9The battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be included in a vehicle 1 (e.g., an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)). Furthermore, the battery pack 10 may enable the vehicle 1 to operate by supplying power to a motor via an inverter of the vehicle 1. Here, the battery pack 10 may include a battery management device 100. That is, the vehicle 1 may include the battery management device 100.

[0124] Figure 10 Schematically illustrates a battery management method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 The battery management method may include a measuring step S100, a voltage comparing step S200 and a charging step S300.

[0125] Specifically, the battery management method is a method for controlling charging of the electrically connectable first and second batteries 11 and 12. Preferably, each step of the battery management method can be performed by the battery management device 100. Hereinafter, any description common to the aforementioned description will be omitted or briefly described.

[0126] The measuring step S100 is a step of measuring the voltage of the first battery 11 by the measuring unit 110 .

[0127] Specifically, the measuring unit 110 may be connected to the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the first battery 11 to measure the voltage across the first battery 11 .

[0128] The voltage comparison step S200 is a step of comparing the voltage of the first battery 11 with a preset target voltage by the control unit 120 .

[0129] Specifically, the control unit 120 may compare the voltage of the first battery 11 with a target voltage and determine whether the voltage of the first battery 11 is equal to or greater than the target voltage.

[0130] The charging step S300 is a step of charging the second battery 12 using the first battery 11 through the control unit 120 when the voltage of the first battery 11 is equal to or greater than a target voltage.

[0131] Specifically, the control unit 120 may charge the second battery 12 using the first battery 11 by electrically connecting the first battery 11 to the second battery 12 so that an output current from the first battery 11 flows into the second battery 12 .

[0132] The embodiments of the present disclosure as described herein are not embodied solely by devices and methods, but may be implemented by programs that execute functions corresponding to the exemplary configurations of the present disclosure or a recording medium on which the programs are recorded, and those skilled in the art can easily implement such implementation from the disclosure of the previously described embodiments.

[0133] Although the present disclosure has been described above with respect to a limited number of embodiments and drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made thereto within the technical aspects of the present disclosure and the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0134] In addition, since those skilled in the art can make many substitutions, modifications and changes to the present disclosure as described above without departing from the technical aspects of the present disclosure, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and drawings, and some or all of the embodiments can be selectively combined to allow various modifications.

[0135] [Reference Signs List]

[0136] 1: Vehicle

[0137] 10: Battery pack

[0138] 11: First Battery

[0139] 12: Second battery

[0140] 100: Battery management device

[0141] 110: Measurement unit

[0142] 120: Control unit

[0143] 130: Storage unit

Claims

1. A battery management device for controlling charging of a first battery and a second battery that are electrically connectable, the battery management device comprising: a measuring unit configured to measure a voltage of the first battery; as well as A control unit is configured to compare the voltage of the first battery with a preset target voltage, and when the voltage of the first battery is equal to or greater than the target voltage, charge the second battery using the first battery.

2. The battery management device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit is configured to: When the voltage of the first battery is equal to or greater than the target voltage and charging of the first battery is terminated, the second battery is charged using the first battery.

3. The battery management device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit is configured to: When the voltage of the first battery is equal to or greater than a threshold voltage and equal to or less than the target voltage, and the first battery has not been used for a predetermined period of time, the second battery is charged using the first battery.

4. The battery management device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit is configured to: The second battery is electrically isolated during charging of the first battery.

5. The battery management device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit is configured to: During the process of using the first battery to charge the second battery, when the voltage of the first battery reaches a preset first reference voltage, charging of the second battery is terminated. The battery management device according to claim 1 , wherein: The measuring unit is further configured to: measuring the voltage of the second battery, and Wherein, the control unit is configured as follows: During the process of using the first battery to charge the second battery, when the voltage of the second battery reaches a preset second reference voltage, charging of the second battery is terminated.

7. The battery management device according to claim 1, wherein: The first battery and the second battery contain different negative electrode active materials. 8 . A battery pack comprising the first battery, the second battery and the battery management device according to claim 1 .

9. A vehicle comprising the battery management device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A battery management method for controlling charging of a first battery and a second battery that are electrically connectable, the battery management method comprising: a measuring step of measuring the voltage of the first battery; a voltage comparison step of comparing the voltage of the first battery with a preset target voltage; as well as A charging step of charging the second battery using the first battery when the voltage of the first battery is equal to or greater than the target voltage.

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