AC power output device

Abstract

An AC power output device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device for outputting AC power from a plurality of batteries connected in series, and includes: a switching assembly connected to each of the plurality of batteries and configured to turn on or off an electrical connection between the corresponding battery and another battery according to an operating state; a filtering component configured to receive an output voltage from the plurality of batteries, adjust a polarity of the output voltage from the plurality of batteries according to an operating state, and output a voltage of the adjusted polarity; and a controller configured to control operating states of the switch assembly and the filter assembly such that AC power is output from the plurality of batteries.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0102311 filed on August 4, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an AC power output device. Background Art

[0003] Inverters are used in battery packs configured with battery cells or modules to convert direct current (DC) generated in the battery pack into alternating current (AC) and output AC power from the battery pack. For example, an inverter can use internal power semiconductors to convert the DC voltage of the battery pack into a three-phase (e.g., U, V, and W) AC voltage. This converted AC voltage is supplied to, for example, an electric vehicle (EV) to serve as a drive source. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] The present disclosure provides an AC power output device that generates and outputs AC power from batteries connected in series or in parallel through switch control without using an inverter.

[0006] Technical Solution

[0007] An AC power output device according to one aspect of the present disclosure outputs AC power from a plurality of batteries connected in series, and may include: a switch component connected to each of the plurality of batteries and configured to connect and disconnect an electrical connection between the corresponding battery and another battery according to an operating state of the switch component and a filter component; a filter component configured to receive output voltages from the plurality of batteries, adjust the polarity of the output voltages from the plurality of batteries according to an operating state of the switch component and the filter component, and output a voltage of the adjusted polarity; and a controller configured to control the operating state of the switch component and the filter component so that AC power is output from the plurality of batteries.

[0008] The controller may be configured to control an operating state of the switch assembly to change the number of batteries connected in series at every preset first period.

[0009] The AC power output device according to another aspect of the present disclosure may further include a measurement component configured to measure battery information including at least one of a voltage, a current, and a temperature of each of the plurality of batteries.

[0010] The controller may be configured to determine priorities of the plurality of batteries based on the battery information measured by the measuring component, and control operating states of corresponding switch components based on the determined priorities.

[0011] The controller may be configured to estimate a state of charge (SOC) of each of the plurality of batteries based on the battery information, and assign a higher priority in order of the estimated SOC from highest to lowest.

[0012] The controller may be configured to estimate the SOC and state of health (SOH) of each of the plurality of batteries based on the battery information, and assign higher priority in order of estimated SOH and estimated SOC from highest to lowest.

[0013] The controller can be configured to estimate the SOC and SOH of each of the multiple batteries based on the battery information, and assign higher priority in order from highest to lowest estimated SOH, and when the estimated SOH are the same, the controller is configured to assign higher priority in order from highest to lowest estimated SOC.

[0014] The controller may be configured to select a corresponding number of batteries from a plurality of batteries in order of highest to lowest priority in each first cycle, and control the operating state of the switch assemblies corresponding to the selected batteries to be in an on state so that the selected batteries are connected in series.

[0015] The controller may be configured to update the priorities of the plurality of batteries every first period.

[0016] The controller may be configured to control an operating state of the filter component to reverse a polarity of an output voltage from the series-connected batteries every preset second period.

[0017] The switch assembly can be configured to include: a first contact portion configured to be connected to one end of the battery; a second contact portion configured to be connected to the remaining end of the battery; and a third contact portion configured to be electrically connected to the first contact portion or the second contact portion when the operating state of the switch assembly is the on state.

[0018] The AC power may be configured as non-sinusoidal AC power.

[0019] A battery pack according to still another aspect of the present disclosure may include the AC power output device according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0020] A vehicle according to still another aspect of the present disclosure may include the AC power output device according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0021] Beneficial effects

[0022] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is an advantage in that AC power is generated and output through switching control without using an inverter.

[0023] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, since an inverter is not required, there are advantages in that a circuit configuration of a battery pack including an AC power output device can be simplified and production costs of the battery pack can be reduced.

[0024] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The following drawings attached hereto illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and are used to further understand the technical concept of the present disclosure together with the detailed description of the present disclosure to be described later. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the matters shown in the drawings.

[0026] Figure 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an AC power output device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 2 is a diagram schematically showing an example configuration of an AC power output device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration for implementing a controller included in an AC power output device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating AC power according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating AC power according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 6 It is schematically shown Figure 5 A diagram of the priority and SOC of batteries at each point in time in an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be construed as having meanings and concepts consistent with the technical concept of the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventors can appropriately define the concepts of the terms to describe their disclosure in the best possible manner.

[0034] Therefore, since the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all technical concepts of the present disclosure, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may exist that can replace them at the time of filing.

[0035] Additionally, in describing the present disclosure, when a detailed description of a related known configuration or function is considered to obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0036] Terms such as “first” and “second” used to include ordinal numbers are intended to distinguish any one of various components from other components and are not used to limit the components by the terms.

[0037] When a part is referred to as “comprising” a certain component throughout the specification, it means that other components may also be included, rather than excluding other components, unless particularly stated otherwise.

[0038] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a component is referred to as being “connected” to another component, this includes not only a case where they are “directly connected” but also a case where they are “indirectly connected” with other elements therebetween.

[0039] Traditionally, when using secondary batteries that primarily generate DC power, a separate component called an inverter is required to output AC power. This increases both the cost and size of the battery pack. For example, as the size of the battery pack increases, the size of the inverter also tends to increase, which can lead to lower energy density for the entire battery pack. Furthermore, losses in the inverter's own power switching operations can reduce the battery pack's output efficiency.

[0040] The present disclosure solves these problems by providing an AC power output device capable of generating and outputting AC power through switching control without using an inverter, as well as a battery pack and an electric vehicle (EV) including the battery pack.

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an AC power output device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a diagram schematically showing an example configuration of an AC power output device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an AC power output device 100 can output AC power from a plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4 connected in series. For example, the AC power output device 100 can convert the DC power generated by the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4 into AC power and output the AC power without requiring an inverter or similar component. While, in this embodiment, four batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4 are used, including a first battery B1, a second battery B2, a third battery B3, and a fourth battery B4, this is not restrictive and, for example, other numbers of batteries can be used in combination, depending on needs and circumstances.

[0044] Here, each battery B1, B2, B3, or B4 refers to a single, physically separable, independent cell having a negative terminal and a positive terminal. In one example, each battery B1, B2, B3, or B4 can be considered a lithium-ion battery or a lithium-polymer battery. Furthermore, in the AC power output device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery may also refer to a battery module consisting of multiple cells connected in series and / or in parallel. For ease of description, each battery B1, B2, B3, or B4 will be described below as representing a single, independent cell.

[0045] refer to Figure 1 The AC power output device 100 may include a switch component 110 , a filter component 120 , a controller 130 , a measurement component 140 and a storage component 150 .

[0046] The switch assembly 110 may be configured to be connected to each of the plurality of batteries B1 , B2 , B3 , and B4 .

[0047] For example, in Figure 2 In an embodiment, a plurality of switch assemblies 111, 112, 113, and 114 may be provided to correspond to the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4, respectively. The first switch assembly 111 may be connected to the first battery B1, and the second switch assembly 112 may be connected to the second battery B2. The third switch assembly 113 may be connected to the third battery B3, and the fourth switch assembly 114 may be connected to the fourth battery B4.

[0048] The switch assembly 110 may be configured to make and break an electrical connection between a corresponding battery and another battery according to an operation state thereof.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the operating state of the switch assembly 110 may include a first on state, a second on state, and an off state.

[0050] The disconnected state refers to the disconnected state of the switch assembly 110. When the switch assembly 110 is in the disconnected state, the switch assembly 110 may be in a no-load state.

[0051] The first on-state means that the switch component 110 is controlled by the controller 130 and connected to the corresponding battery. When the switch component 110 is in the first on-state, the corresponding battery is electrically connected to another adjacent battery.

[0052] The second on-state means that the switch assembly 110 is controlled by the controller 130 but is not connected to the corresponding battery. When the switch assembly 110 is in the second on-state, the corresponding battery is not electrically connected to other batteries. For example, when the switch assembly 110 is in the second on-state, the corresponding battery is not electrically connected to another adjacent battery.

[0053] For example, in Figure 2 In the embodiment, each switch assembly 111, 112, 113, or 114 may include a first contact portion c1, a second contact portion c2, and a third contact portion c3. For example, in the switch assembly 111 of the first battery B1, the first contact portion c1 may be configured to be connected to one end of the first battery B1, and the second contact portion c2 may be configured to be connected to the other end of the first battery B1. In addition, the third contact portion c3 of the first battery B1 may be configured to be connected to one end of the adjacent second battery B2. Through such a connection, the third contact portion c3 of the first battery B1 can be selectively connected to the first contact portion c1 or the second contact portion c2 as needed. For example, when the operating state of the switch element 111 is the first on state, the third contact portion c3 of the first battery B1 is electrically connected to the first contact portion c1, so that the first battery B1 is electrically connected to the adjacent second battery B2. Then, when the operation state of the switch element 111 is the second on-state, the third contact portion c3 of the first battery B1 is electrically connected to the second contact portion c2, and in this case, the first battery B1 may be configured to be electrically disconnected from the adjacent second battery B2.

[0054] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , each switch assembly 111 , 112 , 113 or 114 is shown as being located on the negative side of the corresponding battery B1 , B2 , B3 or B4 . However, the connection position of the switch assembly 110 is not limited to Figure 2 In an embodiment, each switch assembly 111, 112, 113, or 114 can be located on the positive side of the corresponding battery B1, B2, B3, or B4. In this case, for example, the first contact c1 of each battery can be connected to the positive electrode of the battery, and the second contact c2 can be connected to the negative electrode of the battery. Then, when the operating state of the switch assembly 110 is in the on state, the third contact c3 of each battery can be configured to be selectively connected to the first contact or the second contact.

[0055] The filtering component 120 may be configured to receive output voltages from a plurality of batteries B1 , B2 , B3 , and B4 .

[0056] For example, the filter assembly 120 may be connected to the high current path L of the plurality of batteries B1 , B2 , B3 , and B4 . In other words, the DC voltage output from the plurality of batteries B1 , B2 , B3 , and B4 may be applied to the filter assembly 120 .

[0057] For example, in Figure 2 In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the filter component 120 may be connected to the high current path L of the plurality of batteries B1 , B2 , B3 , and B4 . In other words, the DC voltage output from the plurality of batteries B1 , B2 , B3 , and B4 may be input to the filter component 120 .

[0058] The filtering component 120 may be configured to adjust the polarity of the output voltage from the plurality of batteries B1 , B2 , B3 , and B4 according to their operating status.

[0059] For example, the filtering assembly 120 can be configured to reverse the polarity of the output voltage received from the plurality of batteries B. For example, the filtering assembly 120 can adjust the polarity of the output voltage to positive (+) or negative (-) depending on its operating state. Alternatively, the filtering assembly 120 can use separate battery cells for positive and negative voltages, or adopt a circuit-based approach such as a full-bridge or half-bridge configuration for applying positive and negative voltages to adjust the polarity of the output voltage to positive (+) or negative (-).

[0060] The controller 130 may be configured to control operating states of the switch assembly 110 and the filter assembly 120 to ensure that AC power is output from the plurality of batteries B1 , B2 , B3 , and B4 .

[0061] The controller 130 may be connected to be able to communicate with the plurality of switch components 111, 112, 113 and 114 and the filter component 120. The controller 130 may then control the operating state of each of the plurality of switch components 111, 112, 113 and 114 and the operating state of the filter component 120.

[0062] For example, in Figure 2 In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the controller 130 may be connected to each of the plurality of switch components 111 , 112 , 113 , and 114 , and the filter component 120 .

[0063] According to one embodiment, the controller 130 can adjust the number of connected batteries from among the multiple batteries B1, B2, B3 and B4 by controlling the switch component 110, and can adjust the polarity of the output voltage from the multiple batteries B1, B2, B3 and B4 by controlling the filter component 120.

[0064] In one embodiment, the AC power can be configured as non-sinusoidal AC power. Since the output voltages from the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4 are DC voltages and the polarity of the output voltages is adjusted to AC by the filter component 120, the AC power output by the AC power output device 100 can be non-sinusoidal AC power.

[0065] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a controller 130 included in the AC power output device 100 according to the present disclosure.

[0066] The controller 130 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a micro control unit (MCU) 132, a memory 134, a communication interface (I / F) 136, and an input / output I / F 138. The MCU 132 serves as a processor that executes various programs stored in the memory 134, processes various data used in the programs, and performs the functions of the controller 130.

[0067] The memory 134 can store operating data of various programs related to the operation of the lithium secondary battery system for the operation of the controller 130. The memory 134 can be provided in multiple quantities as needed. The memory 134 can be a volatile or non-volatile memory. As a volatile memory, examples of the memory 134 may include RAM, DRAM, SRAM, etc. As a non-volatile memory, examples of the memory 134 may include ROM, PROM, EAROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, etc. The examples of the memory 134 listed are merely illustrative, and the memory 134 is not limited to these.

[0068] The communication I / F 136 is configured to be able to transmit and receive various data to and from a server, and can be any of a variety of devices that can support wired or wireless communication. For example, the communication I / F 136 can transmit and receive programs used for operating the controller 130, various data, and the like to and from a separately provided external server in a wired or wireless manner. The input / output I / F 138 can provide an interface that interconnects an input device (not shown) such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel, an output device (not shown) such as a display, and the MCU 132 to enable data transmission and reception therebetween.

[0069] Figure 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating AC power according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, Figure 4 The embodiment schematically shows the Figure 2 The AC power output of the battery pack 10 is shown in FIG.

[0070] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment of FIG, voltages v1, v2, v3, and v4 correspond to voltages output by one, two, three, and four batteries, respectively. A positive voltage indicates positive polarity, while a negative voltage indicates negative polarity. Figure 2 and Figure 4 , a plurality of batteries B1 , B2 , B3 and B4 may be used to output non-sinusoidal AC power starting from time point t1 .

[0071] The AC power output device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure generates and outputs AC power from the multiple batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4 without requiring an inverter, which is an advantage over conventional AC power output devices that require an inverter. The AC power output device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has a further advantage in having a relatively simple circuit configuration because an inverter is not required.

[0072] The controller 130 may be configured to control the operating state of the switch assembly 110 at each preset first period T1 so as to change the number of batteries connected in series.

[0073] For example, the controller 130 may control the operating state of the switch assembly 110 every first period T1. Therefore, the number of batteries connected in series may be changed every first period T1.

[0074] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment, assuming that AC power is output starting from time point t1, the number of batteries connected in series can be changed in each cycle T1 starting from time point t1. At time point t1, one battery can be connected to the filter component 120. This can result in the output voltage v1 at time point t1. Then, the number of connected batteries can be changed by one in each cycle T1. For example, at time point t2, two batteries are connected, outputting voltage v2; at time point t3, three batteries are connected, outputting voltage v3; and at time point t4, four batteries are connected, outputting voltage v4. Then, at time point t5, the number of connected batteries is reduced to three, outputting voltage v3; at time point t6, two batteries are connected, outputting voltage v2; and at time point t7, one battery is connected, outputting voltage v1.

[0075] The controller 130 may be configured to control the operating state of the filter component 120 to reverse the polarity of the output voltage from the series-connected batteries at every preset second period T2.

[0076] For example, the controller 130 may control the operating state of the filter assembly 120 every second period T2. Therefore, the polarity of the output voltage from the battery may be reversed every second period T2.

[0077] exist Figure 4 In an embodiment, the polarity of the output voltage can be reversed every cycle T2 starting from time point t1. In other words, at time point t1, a positive polarity voltage is output, and the polarity of the output voltage can be reversed every cycle T2. For example, at time point t8, one battery is connected, outputting a voltage of -v1; at time point t9, two batteries are connected, outputting a voltage of -v2; at time point t10, three batteries are connected, outputting a voltage of -v3; and at time point t11, four batteries are connected, outputting a voltage of -v4. Then, at time point t12, the number of connected batteries is reduced to three, outputting a voltage of -v3; at time point t13, two batteries are connected, outputting a voltage of -v2; and at time point t14, one battery is connected, outputting a voltage of -v1.

[0078] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 , the AC power output device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can output AC power having a maximum voltage of "v4 [V]" and a minimum voltage of "-v4 [V]" and having a period of "2×T2". In this way, the AC power output device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can appropriately adjust parameters such as the number and period of battery connections to adjust the battery voltage from the stage where the voltage is generated by the battery, thereby ensuring that AC power with the required specifications can be output without the need for components such as inverters. In addition, by selectively connecting batteries used at different time points, for example, battery cells used during peak conditions will have a lower usage frequency, allowing for uniform use of all battery cells and effectively managing battery life.

[0079] Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the controller 130 controls the switch assembly 110 to determine batteries connected in series among the plurality of batteries B1 , B2 , B3 , and B4 is described.

[0080] Return Reference Figure 1 The AC power output device 100 may further include a measuring component 140 .

[0081] The measurement component 140 may be configured to measure battery information including at least one of a voltage, a current, and a temperature of each of the plurality of batteries B1 , B2 , B3 , and B4 .

[0082] For example, the measurement component 140 may be connected to each of the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4. The measurement component 140 may then be configured to measure the voltage and / or temperature of each of the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4. Furthermore, the measurement component 140 may be connected to a current path of each of the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4, and may measure the current of each of the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4.

[0083] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the measuring component 140 may measure the voltage of each of the first battery B1 , the second battery B2 , the third battery B3 , and the fourth battery B4 .

[0084] The measuring component 140 may be connected to the controller 130 to implement wired and / or wireless communication therebetween. The measuring component 140 may then transmit the measured battery information to the controller 130.

[0085] The controller 130 may be configured to estimate the SOC of each of the plurality of batteries B1 , B2 , B3 , and B4 based on the battery information measured by the measurement component 140 .

[0086] For example, the controller 130 may estimate the SOC based on the voltage information received from the measurement component 140 using a preset curve representing the relationship between the voltage and the SOC.

[0087] In another example, the controller 130 may estimate the SOC based on the voltage information and temperature information received from the measurement component 140 using a preset curve representing the relationship between voltage, temperature, and SOC. In other words, the controller 130 may estimate the SOC of the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4 using a curve relating SOC to voltage and temperature.

[0088] The controller 130 may be configured to determine priorities of the plurality of batteries B1 , B2 , B3 , and B4 based on the estimated SOCs.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the controller 130 may be configured to assign higher priorities in order of estimated SOC from highest to lowest.

[0090] The controller 130 may also be configured to control the operating state of the corresponding switch assembly 110 based on the determined priority.

[0091] For example, the controller 130 may control the operating state of the corresponding switch assembly 110 based on the determined priority of the batteries so that the battery with the larger SOC is discharged first. This allows the multiple batteries B1, B2, B3 and B4 to be evenly utilized during the process of outputting AC power.

[0092] According to the AC power output device 100, since the batteries are discharged according to the SOC-based priority, for example, the degradation of the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4 can be uniformly achieved. Therefore, it is possible to suppress or prevent uneven degradation of the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4, which can improve the life expectancy of the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4.

[0093] Therefore, the AC power output device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has the following advantages: suppressing or preventing degradation imbalance of the multiple batteries B1, B2, B3 and B4 by controlling the switch assembly 110 based on the SOC priority, and further suppressing or preventing the capacity loss of the multiple batteries B1, B2, B3 and B4.

[0094] Figure 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating AC power according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0095] Figure 5 The embodiment shows that starting from the time point t1, Figure 2 For convenience of description, illustration of the output voltage of negative polarity is omitted.

[0096] The controller 130 may be configured to select a corresponding number of batteries among the plurality of batteries B1 , B2 , B3 , and B4 in order of highest to lowest priority during each first period T1 .

[0097] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment, the first battery B1 can be selected from time point t1 to time point t2, and the second battery B2 and the third battery B3 can be selected from time point t2 to time point t3. The first battery B1, the second battery B2, and the fourth battery B4 can be selected from time point t3 to time point t4, and the first battery B1, the second battery B2, the third battery B3, and the fourth battery B4 can be selected from time point t4 to time point t5. The first battery B1, the third battery B3, and the fourth battery B4 can be selected from time point t5 to time point t6, and the second battery B2 and the third battery B3 can be selected from time point t6 to time point t7. The fourth battery B4 can be selected from time point t7 to time point t8.

[0098] The controller 130 may also be configured to control the operation state of the switch assembly 110 corresponding to the selected battery to be a first on-state so that the selected battery is connected in series.

[0099] For example, in Figure 5In the embodiment of FIG, the first battery B1 can be discharged from time point t1 to time point t2. To this end, from time point t1 to time point t2, the controller 130 can control the first switch component 111 to be in the first on state, and control the second switch component 112, the third switch component 113, and the fourth switch component 114 to be in the second on state.

[0100] The second battery B2 and the third battery B3 may be connected in series and discharged from time t2 to time t3. To this end, from time t2 to time t3, the controller 130 may control the second switch component 112 and the third switch component 113 to be in the first on state, and control the first switch component 111 and the fourth switch component 114 to be in the second on state.

[0101] The first battery B1, the second battery B2, and the fourth battery B4 may be connected in series and discharged from time t3 to time t4. To this end, from time t3 to time t4, the controller 130 may control the first switch component 111, the second switch component 112, and the fourth switch component 114 to be in the first on state, and control the third switch component 113 to be in the second on state.

[0102] The first battery B1, the second battery B2, the third battery B3, and the fourth battery B4 may be connected in series and discharged from time t4 to time t5. To this end, from time t4 to time t5, the controller 130 may control the first switch component 111, the second switch component 112, the third switch component 113, and the fourth switch component 114 to be in a first on state.

[0103] The first battery B1, the third battery B3, and the fourth battery B4 may be connected in series and discharged from time t5 to time t6. To this end, from time t5 to time t6, the controller 130 may control the first switch component 111, the third switch component 113, and the fourth switch component 114 to be in the first on state and control the second switch component 112 to be in the second on state.

[0104] The second battery B2 and the third battery B3 may be connected in series and discharged from time t6 to time t7. To this end, from time t6 to time t7, the controller 130 may control the second switch component 112 and the third switch component 113 to be in the first on state, and control the first switch component 111 and the fourth switch component 114 to be in the second on state.

[0105] The fourth battery B4 can be discharged from time point t7 to time point t8. To this end, from time point t7 to time point t8, the controller 130 can control the fourth switch component 114 to be in the first on state, and control the first switch component 111, the second switch component 112, and the third switch component 113 to be in the second on state.

[0106] Meanwhile, the controller 130 may be configured to update the priorities of the plurality of batteries B at every first period T1 .

[0107] For example, if the priorities of the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4 are not updated, degradation imbalance of the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4 may occur. Therefore, the controller 130 may update the priorities at each first cycle T1 to suppress or prevent degradation imbalance of the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4. Here, the controller 130 may estimate the SOC of the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4 at each first cycle T1 and update the priorities of the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4 based on the estimated SOC.

[0108] Figure 6 It is schematically shown Figure 5 Graph of battery priority and SOC at each time point in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , it is assumed that the first battery B1, the second battery B2, the third battery B3, and the fourth battery B4 have the same initial SOC of 100%, and the SOC of the discharged battery decreases by 10% in each first cycle T1. For ease of description, it is assumed that when the SOCs of two or more batteries are the same, the battery with a lower reference number is assigned a higher priority.

[0109] refer to Figure 6 , the controller 130 may adjust the number of batteries connected in series to output AC power in each first cycle T1. During this process, since the SOCs of the multiple batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4 may be different, the controller 130 may update the SOC-based priorities of the multiple batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4 in each first cycle T1. The controller 130 may then select the batteries to be connected in series in the next cycle based on the updated priorities. According to one embodiment, the controller 130 may select the batteries to be connected in series in the next cycle in the order of the updated higher priorities.

[0110] exist Figure 6In this embodiment, because the priority levels are updated at each first cycle T1, the first, second, third, and fourth batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4 can have the same SOC of 60% at time t8. Therefore, by updating the priority levels, uneven degradation of the multiple batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4 can be suppressed or prevented. Subsequently, the filter component 120 can reverse the polarity of the output voltage starting at time t8, allowing AC power with negative polarity to be output starting at time t8.

[0111] Meanwhile, the controller 130 may estimate the SOC and SOH of each of the plurality of batteries B1 , B2 , B3 , and B4 based on the battery information.

[0112] For example, the controller 130 may estimate the SOC and SOH of each of the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4 based on the battery information received from the measurement component 140. Here, the method by which the controller 130 estimates the SOH of the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4 based on the battery information received from the measurement component 140 may adopt, for example, a conventional SOH estimation method.

[0113] The controller 130 may set the priority of each of the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4 by considering the SOC and SOH of the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4. For example, the controller 130 may assign a higher priority in order of the estimated SOH and the estimated SOC from highest to lowest.

[0114] Meanwhile, the controller 130 may set the priority of the batteries in order of estimated SOH from highest to lowest. Among the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4, batteries having the same estimated SOH may be assigned higher priority in order of greater estimated SOC.

[0115] The controller 130 may estimate the SOC and SOH of each of the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4 based on the battery information, and may assign a higher priority in order of the estimated SOH from highest to lowest. Then, when some of the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4 have the same estimated SOH, the controller 130 may assign a higher priority in order of the estimated SOC from highest to lowest.

[0116] For example, the controller 130 may primarily consider the estimated SOH and secondarily consider the estimated SOC when setting the priorities of the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4. According to one embodiment, when some of the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4 have the same estimated SOH and estimated SOC, the battery with a lower reference number may be assigned a higher priority. The controller 130 may then be configured to control the operating state of the corresponding switch assembly 110 based on the determined priority.

[0117] In addition, the controller 130 may be configured to update the priority level based on the SOC and SOH of the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4 at each first cycle T1. Similar to the previous embodiment, in order to suppress or prevent the degradation imbalance of the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4, the controller 130 may estimate the SOC and SOH of the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4 at each first cycle T1. The controller 130 may then update the priority level of the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4 at each first cycle T1 based on the estimated SOC and estimated SOH.

[0118] The AC power output device 100 can suppress or prevent degradation imbalance of the plurality of batteries B1 , B2 , B3 , and B4 during the process of outputting AC power by updating the priorities in consideration of the SOCs and SOHs of the plurality of batteries B1 , B2 , B3 , and B4 .

[0119] Additionally, the AC power output device 100 may include a storage component 150. Separate from the memory 134 of the controller 130, the storage component 150 may store data or programs required for the operation and function of each component of the AC power output device 100, as well as data and other data generated during the execution of operations and functions. The storage component 150 may be any known information storage device capable of recording, erasing, updating, and reading data, without any particular limitation on type. Examples of information storage devices include RAM, flash memory, ROM, EEPROM, registers, and the like. Furthermore, the storage component 150 may store program code defining processes executable by the controller 130.

[0120] For example, the storage component 150 may store the voltage of each of the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4 measured by the measurement component 140. The storage component 150 may also store the SOC of each of the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4 estimated by the controller 130. The storage component 150 may then store the SOH of each of the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4 estimated by the controller 130. In addition, the storage component 150 may store the priority of the plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4 determined by the controller 130.

[0121] The AC power output device 100 according to the present disclosure can be applied to a battery management system (BMS). For example, a BMS according to the present disclosure can include the AC power output device 100 described above. In this configuration, at least some components of the AC power output device 100 can be implemented by supplementing or adding functionality to components included in a conventional BMS. For example, the switch component 110, filter component 120, controller 130, measurement component 140, and storage component 150 of the AC power output device 100 can be implemented as components of the BMS.

[0122] Furthermore, the AC power output device 100 according to the present disclosure may be included in a battery pack 10. For example, the battery pack 10 according to the present disclosure may include the AC power output device 100 described above and one or more batteries. Furthermore, the battery pack 10 may also include electrical components (such as relays and fuses), a housing, and the like.

[0123] Return Reference Figure 2 The battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of batteries B1, B2, B3, and B4, and an AC power output device 100. The battery pack 10 may then output AC power through the AC power output device 100 without a separate inverter.

[0124] Figure 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating a vehicle 700 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0125] The AC power output device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be included in a vehicle 700 such as an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid vehicle (HV).

[0126] For example, in Figure 7 In an embodiment, the vehicle 700 may include a battery pack 710 and an AC power output device 100. According to one embodiment, the AC power output device 100 may be included in the battery pack 710. The AC power output by the AC power output device 100 may be applied to a motor of the vehicle 700.

[0127] The vehicle 700 can be driven by applying AC power to a motor of the vehicle 700 through the AC power output device 100 .

[0128] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to several embodiments of the present disclosure, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made by a person skilled in the art in the art to which the present disclosure belongs without departing from the technical spirit and equivalent scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0129] In addition, without departing from the technical spirit of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art may replace, modify and change the above-mentioned present disclosure in various ways. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited by the above-mentioned embodiments and drawings. All or part of each embodiment can be selectively combined and configured to allow various modifications.

[0130] (reference numerals)

[0131] 10: Battery pack

[0132] 100: AC power output equipment

[0133] 110: Switch assembly

[0134] 120: Filter components

[0135] 130: Controller

[0136] 140: Measurement components

[0137] 150: Storage components

Claims

1. An AC power output device that outputs AC power from a plurality of batteries connected in series, the AC power output device comprising: a switch assembly connected to each of the plurality of batteries and configured to make and break an electrical connection between the corresponding battery and another battery according to an operation state; a filtering component configured to receive output voltages from the plurality of batteries, adjust polarities of the output voltages from the plurality of batteries according to an operating state, and output a voltage of the adjusted polarity; as well as A controller is configured to control operating states of the switch component and the filter component so that the AC power is output from the plurality of batteries.

2. The AC power output device according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is configured to control an operating state of the switch assembly in every preset first period to change the number of batteries connected in series.

3. The AC power output device according to claim 2 , further comprising a measuring component configured to measure battery information including at least one of a voltage, a current, and a temperature of each of the plurality of batteries. in, The controller is configured to determine priorities of the plurality of batteries based on the battery information measured by the measuring component, and control operating states of corresponding switch components based on the determined priorities.

4. The AC power output device according to claim 3, wherein: The controller is configured to estimate an SOC of each of the plurality of batteries based on the battery information, and assign a higher priority in order of the estimated SOC from highest to lowest.

5. The AC power output device according to claim 3, wherein: The controller is configured to estimate the SOC and SOH of each of the plurality of batteries based on the battery information, and assign a higher priority in order of the estimated SOH and the estimated SOC from highest to lowest.

6. The AC power output device according to claim 3, wherein: The controller is configured to estimate the SOC and SOH of each of the plurality of batteries based on the battery information, and assign a higher priority in order of the estimated SOH from highest to lowest, and Wherein, if the estimated SOHs are the same, the controller is configured to assign a higher priority in order of the estimated SOHs from highest to lowest.

7. The AC power output device according to claim 3, wherein: The controller is configured to select a corresponding number of batteries from among the plurality of batteries in order of highest to lowest priority in each first cycle, and control the operating state of the switch components corresponding to the selected batteries to be in an on state so that the selected batteries are connected in series.

8. The AC power output device according to claim 3, wherein: The controller is configured to update the priorities of the plurality of batteries every first period.

9. The AC power output device according to claim 2, wherein: The controller is configured to control an operating state of the filter component to reverse a polarity of an output voltage from the series-connected batteries at every preset second period.

10. The AC power output device according to claim 1, wherein The switch assembly is configured to include: a first contact configured to be connected to one end of the battery; a second contact configured to be connected to a remaining terminal of the battery; and A third contact portion is configured to be electrically connected to the first contact portion or the second contact portion when the operating state of the switch assembly is an on state.

11. The AC power output device according to claim 1, wherein: The AC power is configured as non-sinusoidal AC power. 12 . A battery pack comprising the AC power output device according to claim 1 .

13. A vehicle comprising the AC power output device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

Images