Battery testing equipment and battery testing method

Abstract

The battery testing apparatus disclosed herein includes: a communication unit configured to acquire battery data from a battery cell; and a control unit configured to determine a verification driving mode related to a test of the battery cells, test the battery cells using the verification driving mode to acquire test data reflecting a temperature difference of the battery cells in the battery test apparatus, a standard capacity change rate and a resistance change rate of the first driving mode and the second driving mode acquired based on the test data are compared, and a life influence degree of the battery cell is determined.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0193112, filed on December 27, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a battery test apparatus and a battery test method. BACKGROUND

[0004] Recently, research and development on secondary batteries have been actively conducted. Here, the secondary battery is a battery capable of charging and discharging, and includes all recent lithium ion batteries in addition to conventional Ni / Cd batteries and Ni / MH batteries. Among the secondary batteries, the lithium ion battery has an advantage of having much higher energy density than conventional Ni / Cd batteries, Ni / MH batteries, and the like. In addition, the lithium ion battery can be manufactured in a compact and lightweight form, and thus is used as a power source of a mobile device. In addition, the lithium ion battery is attracting attention as a next-generation energy storage medium as the use range is expanded to a power source of an electric vehicle.

[0005] As the demand for these batteries increases, advancement of a battery test algorithm for verifying the performance of the battery is necessary, and when the battery is used in a high-temperature environment such as a high-power vehicle, verification of the safety of the battery is directly related to the safety of the battery user. However, the general battery test algorithm has a problem of being unable to simulate the use environment of the battery, thereby causing an error in the degree of influence of the battery life occurring when the battery is actually used. SUMMARY

[0006] Technical problem

[0007] One embodiment disclosed herein relates to providing a battery test apparatus and a battery test method, which performs a battery test by simulating an environment in which a battery cell is used at a high temperature.

[0008] The technical objects of embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the above-mentioned technical objects, and those skilled in the art will be able to clearly understand other objects not mentioned from the following description.

[0009] Technical scheme

[0010] According to one embodiment, a battery testing apparatus may include a battery testing device comprising: a communication unit configured to acquire battery data from individual battery cells; and a control unit configured to determine a verification driving mode related to the testing of individual battery cells, reflect temperature differences of individual battery cells to acquire test data, acquire standard capacity change rate and resistance change rate of individual battery cells based on the test data in each of a first driving mode and a second driving mode, and compare the standard capacity change rate and resistance change rate to determine the degree of impact on the lifespan of individual battery cells.

[0011] The control unit can compare the standard capacity change rate and resistance change rate based on the temperature difference between the battery cells in the first driving mode and the second driving mode as a reference difference or more.

[0012] The control unit can determine the extent to which the lifespan of a single battery cell is affected based on whether the time during which the temperature difference exceeds the reference difference is the reference time or longer.

[0013] The control unit can determine the degree of lifespan impact based on the conditions that the drive of a single battery cell stops within a reference time.

[0014] The control unit can acquire test data from an analog kit that includes multiple temperature sensors.

[0015] The control unit can acquire test data from a simulation kit that includes a heating pad and cooling pipes. The heating pad is configured to make one surface of the battery cell reach a preset first threshold temperature, and the cooling pipes are configured to make another surface of the battery cell reach a preset second threshold temperature.

[0016] The control unit can obtain test data from a simulation kit provided with heat-insulating pads that are configured to maintain the temperature of the battery at a predetermined temperature or higher around the battery cell.

[0017] Validating driving modes can include driving modes in which the vehicle uses the battery cell with the highest power within the driving range of the battery cell.

[0018] A battery testing method according to one embodiment includes: acquiring battery data from a battery cell; determining a verification driving mode related to the testing of the battery cell; reflecting the temperature difference of the battery cell to acquire test data; acquiring a standard capacity change rate and a resistance change rate of the battery cell in each of a first driving mode and a second driving mode based on the test data; and comparing the standard capacity change rate and the resistance change rate to determine the degree of impact on the battery cell's lifespan.

[0019] A battery testing system according to one embodiment includes: a battery cell included in a battery module; a simulation kit configured to reflect the temperature difference of the battery cell; and a battery testing device configured to reflect the temperature difference to obtain test data obtained by testing the battery cell in a valid driving mode, to obtain a standard capacity change rate and a resistance change rate of the battery cell in each of a first driving mode and a second driving mode based on the test data, to compare the standard capacity change rate and the resistance change rate, and to determine the degree of lifespan impact of the battery cell in each of the first driving mode and the second driving mode.

[0020] Battery testing equipment can compare standard capacity change rate and resistance change rate based on the temperature difference between individual battery cells in the first and second driving modes as a reference difference or more.

[0021] Battery testing equipment can determine the extent to which the lifespan of a single battery cell is affected by the time the temperature difference exceeds a reference difference, or even longer.

[0022] Battery testing equipment can determine the extent of lifespan impact based on the conditions that allow the drive of a single battery cell to stop within a reference time.

[0023] The simulation kit may include multiple temperature sensors configured to detect temperature differences between individual battery cells.

[0024] The simulation kit may include a heating pad configured to maintain a preset first threshold temperature on one surface of a battery cell and a cooling conduit configured to maintain a preset second threshold temperature on the other surface of the battery cell.

[0025] Simulation kits can be provided to allow for the formation of heat-insulating pads around the battery cells to maintain the battery temperature at a predetermined temperature or higher.

[0026] Validating driving modes can include driving modes in which the vehicle uses the battery cell with the highest power within the driving range of the battery cell.

[0027] Beneficial effects

[0028] According to one embodiment of the battery testing equipment, the performance degradation and risk factors of the battery due to the high-power mode when the battery is used can be verified and identified in advance, thereby increasing the stability of battery use.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the battery testing equipment, when the battery is used in a high-power driving mode, the degree of performance degradation compared to the performance of a battery specified in advance under the battery quality warranty period can be predicted. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1This is a block diagram illustrating a typical battery system including battery testing equipment according to one embodiment.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery testing apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of verifying a battery using a battery testing device according to one embodiment.

[0033] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a view illustrating the charge / discharge curves of different driving modes used in a battery testing apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a view illustrating the temperature difference occurring in a battery testing apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a view illustrating a simulation kit included in a battery testing apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a view illustrating the discharge capacity retention rate and resistance increase rate considering temperature difference using a battery testing apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a view illustrating the degree of aging considering temperature differences using a battery testing device according to one embodiment.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a control flowchart of a battery testing method according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0039] In the following, various embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same components in the drawings are referred to by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions of the same components will be omitted.

[0040] The various embodiments disclosed herein are provided for the purpose of describing embodiments only, and the various embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0041] The expressions such as “first,” “second,” “first,” and “second” used in various embodiments may refer to various components regardless of their order and / or importance, and do not limit the corresponding components. For example, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component, without departing from the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0042] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and may not be intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, singular expressions include plural expressions.

[0043] All terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to be applicable to the embodiments disclosed herein. Terms defined in common dictionaries may be interpreted as having the same or similar meaning in the context of related art and are not to be construed as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless expressly defined herein. In some cases, even terms defined herein may not be construed as excluding the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a typical battery system including battery testing equipment according to various embodiments.

[0045] Specifically, Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates a battery system 10 and a higher-level controller 20 included in a higher-level system, according to one embodiment disclosed herein.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery system 10 may include multiple battery modules 12, sensor units 14, switching units 16, and battery testing equipment 1. In this case, the battery system 10 may include battery modules 12, sensor units 14, switching units 16, and battery testing equipment 1.

[0047] Multiple battery modules 12 may include one or more rechargeable and dischargeable battery cells 13. Each battery cell 13 may include a positive electrode, a positive electrode material, a negative electrode, a negative electrode material, a separator, an electrolyte, a polymer, and a casing. In this configuration, the multiple battery modules 12 may be connected in series or in parallel.

[0048] The sensor unit 14 may include a voltage sensor, a current sensor, and a temperature sensor.

[0049] A voltage sensor can be connected in parallel to the battery and configured to detect the battery voltage as the voltage across the two ends of the battery, and generate a voltage signal representing the detected battery voltage.

[0050] The voltage sensor may include at least one of a resistance distribution sensor, a Hall effect sensor, and a Shockley effect sensor for voltage measurement, and there are no limitations as long as it is a component used to measure the voltage of a single battery cell.

[0051] A current sensor can detect the current used during the process of determining the state of charge (SoC) of the battery cell 13. The current sensor may include any components for generating a signal corresponding to the amplitude of the charging current, and the current sensor may be mounted on the charging / discharging path, which is the path through which the charging / discharging current flows in the battery.

[0052] The current sensor measures the battery current flowing in the battery, i.e., the charging current and the discharging current, and sends the measurement results to the battery testing device 1. According to one embodiment, the current sensor can measure the battery current at predetermined cycles in a charging cycle or a discharging cycle and send the measurement results to the battery testing device 1. In the charging cycle, the battery is charged using the power of an external device, and in the discharging cycle, the battery is discharged.

[0053] A temperature sensor can be configured to measure battery temperature and generate a temperature signal representing the measured battery temperature. The temperature sensor can be disposed within the housing to measure a temperature close to the actual temperature of the battery. For example, the temperature sensor can be attached to the surface of at least one battery cell included in a cell group, and the surface temperature of the battery cell can be detected as the battery temperature.

[0054] exist Figure 1 In this configuration, sensor unit 14 is connected between the positive terminal of battery cell 13 and switch unit 16, but... Figure 1 The components and connections shown in the diagram are just one example and are not limited to this.

[0055] The switching unit 16 can be connected in series to either the (+) or (-) terminal side of the battery module 12 to control the flow of charging / discharging current in the battery module 12. For example, the switching unit 16 may use at least one relay, magnetic contactor, etc., depending on the specifications of the battery system 10.

[0056] The battery testing device 1 is an interface for receiving and measuring various parameters, and may include multiple terminals, circuitry connected to these terminals to process the received values, etc. Additionally, the battery testing device 1 can control the on / off switching of switching units 16, such as relays or contactors, and can be connected to battery modules 12 to monitor the status of each battery module 12.

[0057] In addition, the battery testing device 1 can receive temperature data, voltage data and current data from the sensor unit 14 to obtain battery status information and verify the battery status.

[0058] The upper-level controller 20 can send control signals to the battery testing equipment 1 for controlling the battery module 12. Therefore, the operation of the battery testing equipment 1 can be controlled based on the control signals applied from the upper-level controller 20. Alternatively, the battery module 12 can be a component included in an energy storage system (ESS). In this case, the upper-level controller 20 can be a battery library controller (BBMS) including multiple battery systems 10 or an ESS controller for controlling all ESS including multiple libraries. However, the battery system 10 is not limited to this purpose.

[0059] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery testing apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0060] refer to Figure 2 According to one embodiment, the battery testing device 1 may include a control unit 100 and a communication unit 200. The control unit 100 includes at least one processor 110 and at least one memory 120, and tests batteries that communicate with an external device 3 through the communication unit 200.

[0061] According to one embodiment, an external device 3 communicating with the battery testing device 1 may include a user terminal and a server device, which transmits the test results from the battery testing device 1.

[0062] Specifically, when the external device 3 is a user terminal, the control unit 100 of the battery testing device 1 can send the test results of the battery to the user terminal, allowing the user to check the results. In this case, the user terminal may include, but is not limited to, a personal computer, a terminal, a portable phone, a smartphone, a handheld device, a wearable device, etc.

[0063] Furthermore, when external device 3 is a server device, the server device can be implemented as any computing device such as a workstation, cloud, data vehicle, data station, etc. The server device can be implemented as one or more server devices that are physically or logically separated based on functions, specific configurations of functions, data, etc., and can send and receive data and process the sent and received data through communication between server devices.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the battery testing device 1 can be any electronic device that includes a processor 110 and a memory 120 and is installed and operated on a vehicle. Each component of the battery testing device 1 will be described in detail below.

[0065] The communication unit 200 may include a wireless communicator 210 and a wired communicator 220 for communicating with the external device 3. The communication unit 200 may send and receive programs or various types of data to or from a separately provided external server for calculating the characteristic values ​​of individual battery cells, sorting them by category, calculating the degree of aging, and estimating lifespan.

[0066] The wireless communication device 210 may include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module.

[0067] The short-range communication module can communicate with an external device 3 of the adjacent battery testing equipment 1 using a short-range communication method. Here, the short-range communication module can use one of the following communication methods: Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Zigbee, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Ultra Wideband (UWB), and Near Field Communication (NFC).

[0068] The remote communication module may include a communication module for performing various types of remote communication, and includes a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit can transmit and receive wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and an external device 3 on a mobile communication network. Additionally, the remote communication module can communicate with the external device 3, the external device 3 of another electronic device, etc., via a peripheral access point (AP). The AP can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the battery testing device 1 is connected to to the wide area network (WAN) to which the communication server is connected. Therefore, the battery testing device 1 can be connected to the communication server to communicate with the external device 3 via the wide area network (WAN).

[0069] Wired communicator 220 can access a wired communication network and communicate with external device 3 through the wired communication network. For example, wired communicator 220 can access the wired communication network via Ethernet (IEEE 802.3 technical standard) or via CAN communication, and send and receive data with external device 3 through the wired communication network.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the battery testing device 1 may include an input / output interface (not shown). An interface may be provided for connecting input devices (not shown), such as a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, etc., and output devices, such as a display (not shown), to the processor 110 to allow the input and output devices to send and receive data.

[0071] The memory 120 can store various information required to operate the battery testing equipment 1. Specifically, the memory 120 can store the operating system and programs required to drive the battery testing equipment 1, or store the data required to drive the battery testing equipment 1.

[0072] Specifically, the memory 120 can store various types of programs related to calculating the aging degree of individual battery cells and estimating their lifespan. Additionally, the memory 120 can store various types of battery data, such as voltage, current, temperature, and characteristic value data for each individual battery cell.

[0073] In addition, the memory 120 can store the degree of impact on the lifespan of the battery cells executed by the processor 110.

[0074] The memory 120 may include volatile memory 120, such as static random access memory (SRAM) or dynamic random access memory (DRAM) for temporary data storage. Alternatively, the memory 120 may include non-volatile memory 120 for long-term data storage, such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), or electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM).

[0075] Processor 110 outputs control signals to generally control battery testing equipment 1. Processor 110 may include one or more central processing units (CPUs) and graphics processing units (GPUs). In this case, processor 110 may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates and as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor 110 and a memory 120 storing programs that can be executed in the microprocessor 110.

[0076] The memory 120 and the processor 110 may be included in the control unit 100, and the control unit 100 may control the aforementioned components to verify the battery cell.

[0077] Specifically, the control unit 100 can determine the verification driving mode of the battery cell 13 and reflect the temperature difference of the battery cell 13 to obtain test data. In this case, the control unit 100 can select the verification driving mode from multiple driving modes and can receive the pre-generated verification driving mode through the communication unit 200.

[0078] Subsequently, the control unit 100 can acquire the standard capacity change rate and resistance change rate for each of the first and second driving modes based on test data, compare the standard capacity change rate and resistance change rate, and determine the degree of impact on the lifespan of the battery cell 13. Here, the first driving mode can be the normal driving mode of a vehicle using the battery, and the second driving mode can be the high-power driving mode of a high-power vehicle using the battery.

[0079] Therefore, according to one embodiment, the battery testing device 1 can compare the standard capacity change rate and resistance change rate in normal driving mode and high-power driving mode, and determine the degree of impact on lifespan.

[0080] Specifically, the control unit 100 can compare the standard capacity change rate and resistance change rate based on the temperature difference between the battery cell 13 in the first driving mode and the second driving mode being greater than or equal to a reference difference, and the control unit 100 can determine the degree of impact on the lifespan of the battery cell 13 based on the time when the temperature difference exceeds the reference difference being longer than or equal to a reference time.

[0081] In other words, the control unit 100 can take into account the temperature difference inside the battery cell 13 in each driving mode to determine the extent of the impact on the lifespan of the battery cell 13, and thus test the battery in an environment that is closer to actual driving conditions.

[0082] Additionally, the control unit 100 can determine the degree of lifespan impact based on the condition that the drive of the battery cell 13 stops within a reference time, and the control unit 100 can reflect this situation in the degree of lifespan impact of the battery cell 13 when the following occurs: a temperature difference occurs due to the use of the battery in high power mode, and therefore the drive of the battery cell 13 stops due to the occurrence of upper and lower voltage limits or the limitation to the upper temperature limit.

[0083] Thus, according to one embodiment, the battery testing equipment 1 can determine the degree of impact on the lifespan of the battery cell 13 by considering not only the driving mode but also the temperature difference of the battery cell 13, and thus determine the degree of impact on the lifespan of the battery cell 13 before the battery is shipped, and thus the lifespan of the battery cell 13 can be taken into account during the battery's warranty period.

[0084] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of verifying a battery using a battery testing device according to one embodiment.

[0085] exist Figure 3 In this process, components 101 to 104 can be implemented as software blocks and stored in memory 120 and executed by processor 110.

[0086] refer to Figure 3 The control unit 100 can receive battery data from the battery cell 13 from the sensor unit 14 or the communication unit 200. The control unit 100 can receive the battery data and determine the standard capacity change rate and the resistance change rate for each driving mode.

[0087] Subsequently, the verification driving mode determination unit 101 of the control unit 100 can determine the driving mode of the vehicle used to verify the battery cell 13. For example, the verification driving mode may include a driving mode in which the vehicle operates within the drivable range of the battery cell 13 using the battery cell 13 with the highest power. Specifically, in the case of verifying the driving mode, by constructing a vehicle simulation in which the vehicle operates on a specific loop, the worst-case scenario can be determined as the driving mode resulting from the use of a battery with the highest power and high temperature within the drivable range of the battery in both conventional and new systems.

[0088] In addition, as described above, the control unit 100 can actively determine the verification driving mode from multiple driving modes, receive the predetermined driving mode through the communication unit 200, and determine that the received driving mode is the verification driving mode.

[0089] The driving mode-specific standard capacity change rate determination unit 102 of the control unit 100 can determine the standard capacity change rate in each of the first driving mode (normal driving mode) and the second driving mode (high-power driving mode) included in the driving modes. In this case, the standard capacity change rate can be determined by the control unit 100 based on the verification driving mode in each mode.

[0090] In this case, since the standard capacity of the battery may decrease over time and vary depending on the battery usage pattern, the control unit 100 can compare the rate of change of the standard capacity that varies depending on the driving mode and calculate the degree of impact on battery life.

[0091] Specifically, the control unit 100 can determine the rate of capacity reduction over time as the standard capacity change rate, and can calculate the standard capacity change rate by subtracting the current capacity from the initial capacity of the battery and dividing the above value by the initial capacity.

[0092] The driving mode-specific resistance change rate determination unit 103 of the control unit 100 can determine the resistance change rate in each of the first driving mode (normal driving mode) and the second driving mode (high-power driving mode). In this case, the resistance change rate can be determined by the control unit 100 assuming that the battery is used in each mode according to the verified driving mode.

[0093] In this context, the rate of change of resistance refers to the change in the battery's internal resistance, which can increase over time. Since the rate of change of resistance can increase based on an increase in temperature or an increase in temperature difference, the control unit 100 can calculate the impact on battery life based on the rate of change of resistance inside the battery, which varies with changes in the upper limits of temperature and current.

[0094] Specifically, the control unit 100 can receive the internal resistance value of the battery from a resistance sensor used to measure the internal resistance of the battery, calculate the degree of change of the internal resistance value of the battery over time, and determine the resistance change rate for each driving mode.

[0095] The lifespan impact determination unit 104 of the control unit 100 can determine the impact on lifespan based on the standard capacity change rate and resistance change rate determined for each driving mode. That is, in order to determine the lifespan impact when using the battery in the second driving mode (high-power driving mode), the control unit 100 can compare the standard capacity change rate and resistance change rate of the first driving mode (normal driving mode) and the second driving mode (high-power driving mode), and can also take into account the temperature difference within the battery cell 13.

[0096] The control unit 100 can determine the degree of impact on battery life of the second driving mode (high-power driving mode) and send the determined degree of impact on battery life or battery life to the external device 3. Therefore, the user or battery manager can easily confirm the degree of impact on battery life caused by the upper limit values ​​of the increased current and temperature in the high-power driving mode.

[0097] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a view illustrating the charge / discharge curves of different driving modes used in a battery testing apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0098] The control unit 100 can store driving data and upper limits of specific parameters for the driving specifications of the battery cell 13 in the memory 120 for each driving mode. That is, the control unit 100 can maintain upper limits of the current or temperature for each of the varying current or temperature in the normal driving mode and the high-power driving mode respectively, and use the corresponding specific parameters when performing battery tests in each driving mode.

[0099] Therefore, refer to Figure 4 (a) The control unit 100 can generate a charging / discharging curve based on driving data stored in the memory 120 during the first driving mode (normal driving mode). Additionally, refer to... Figure 5 (a) The control unit 100 can generate a charging / discharging curve based on the driving data stored in the memory 120 in the second driving mode (high power driving mode).

[0100] based on Figure 4 and Figure 5Based on the charge / discharge curves derived from the battery, the control unit 100 can calculate the extreme conditions within the battery life cycle when the battery is used in a verification driving mode. For example, to match the actual usage environment of the battery with the test environment, when the verification driving mode is repeated once within the battery life cycle and reaches 10 hours, the control unit 100 can set the time exceeding the reference upper limit temperature value to 2 minutes. Furthermore, the number of times the high-power driving mode can be set within the battery life cycle can be specified to be up to 144 times.

[0101] In this way, since the control unit 100 can simulate the actual usage environment of the battery during the battery verification process, the control unit 100 can derive the effect of high-power driving mode on the aging of the battery in a manner similar to actual battery use.

[0102] Figure 6 This is a view illustrating the temperature difference occurring in a battery testing apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0103] The simulation kit included in the battery testing equipment 1 may include multiple temperature sensors for detecting temperature differences in individual battery cells 13. That is, unlike prior art, the battery testing equipment 1 according to one embodiment can simulate temperature differences in batteries located inside a vehicle under real-world driving conditions, and thus determine the extent to which battery life is affected by conditions similar to real-world driving.

[0104] To this end, the simulation kit can have a temperature sensor at each point of the battery cell 13, such as Figure 7 As shown. In this case, the temperature sensors can be positioned at the points in the battery cells 13 where they are furthest apart from each other.

[0105] In other words, such as Figure 6 As shown, the control unit 100 can receive the temperature at different points of a single battery cell 13 from temperature sensors (a) to (g). In this way, temperature differences can occur in various ways even within a single battery cell 13, and the battery testing equipment 1 according to one embodiment can take into account the temperature differences of the battery cells 13 during the battery testing process, and thus more accurately verify the extent of the impact on battery life in advance.

[0106] refer to Figure 6 In (a) and (g), the control unit 100 can detect a maximum temperature difference 27 approximately 16 minutes after the start of battery use. Additionally, when the battery cell 13 is used once in a verification driving mode, the control unit 100 can detect a significant temperature difference of 15 or greater that may affect battery life for up to 6 minutes.

[0107] In this way, since the control unit 100 can detect the temperature difference of the battery cell 13, including the maximum temperature difference, and compare the degree of impact on battery life according to the driving mode when the battery cell 13 has a temperature difference, the battery designer can specifically set the temperature limit and current limit, and reflect the temperature limit and current limit in the subsequent battery warranty period.

[0108] Figure 7 The illustration shows a battery testing apparatus included in a battery testing device according to one embodiment.

[0109] refer to Figure 7 The simulation kit included in the battery testing equipment 1 may include a heating pad (a), cooling pipes (b), a temperature sensor (c), a heat insulation pad (d), and heat insulation material (e). Therefore, the simulation kit can provide an environment for testing battery cells 13 in an environment similar to that of actual vehicle driving.

[0110] Since no temperature difference is applied to the battery cell 13 in the battery testing environment, a heating pad (a) included in the simulation kit can be provided to heat a surface of the battery cell 13 to generate an artificial temperature difference in the battery cell 13. For example, the heating pad (a) may include an electric heater, a heat pump, or a heater, and heat a surface of the battery cell 13 to maintain a temperature of 70°C.

[0111] Similar to the heating pad (a), a cooling conduit (b) included in the simulation kit can be provided to cool a surface of the battery cell 13 to generate an artificial temperature difference within the battery cell 13. For example, the cooling conduit (b) may include a cooling pipe or cooler in which coolant flows and cools a surface of the battery cell 13 to maintain a temperature of 25°C.

[0112] In other words, according to one embodiment, the battery testing equipment 1 can additionally take into account the temperature difference in the test environment of the battery cell 13 by including a heating pad (a) and a cooling pipe (b).

[0113] Additionally, the simulation kit may include multiple temperature sensors (c). As described above, the multiple temperature sensors (c) can measure the temperature of each part of the battery cell 13 to measure the temperature difference inside the battery compartment, and can be positioned at locations furthest apart from each other.

[0114] In addition, since the simulation kit dissipates heat more easily in the test environment than in the actual use environment of the battery, the heat insulation pad (d) and the heat insulation material (e) can be formed around the battery cell 13.

[0115] For example, the insulation pad (d) may include a plate formed of a sheet material of a predetermined thickness, and the insulation material (e) may include polyurethane foam of a predetermined thickness.

[0116] In other words, the battery testing equipment 1 according to one embodiment can take into account the thermal insulation environment of the battery cell 13 in the test environment by including a thermal insulation pad (d) and a thermal insulation material (e).

[0117] Therefore, the battery testing equipment 1 can simulate an environment similar to the actual use environment of the battery, and thus derive the difference in the degree of lifespan impact under the first driving mode (normal driving mode) and the second driving mode (high power driving mode) in an environment similar to the actual use environment.

[0118] Figure 8 This is a view illustrating the discharge capacity retention rate and resistance increase rate of a battery testing device according to one embodiment, taking into account temperature differences.

[0119] refer to Figure 8 The x-axis can represent the number of cycles of the New Braking Validation (NBR) mode, and the y-axis can represent the standard capacity change rate and resistance change rate.

[0120] In the multiple figures, (a) and (c) represent the results of validating the driving mode using single-cell driving at mid-life (mol), and (b) and (d) represent the results of validating the driving mode using single-cell driving at life start (bol). Additionally, (e) represents the standard capacity change rate curve considering the effect of temperature difference.

[0121] Here, a single cell can be a battery cell that assumes the vehicle will be driven for a preset reference number of years with the expected capacity retention rate and resistance increase rate during the warranty period.

[0122] For example, assuming the warranty period is set to be reached first at 8 years and 160,000 km of driving, a single cell can be a battery cell when the vehicle has been driven for 4 years with 80% of the cell's expected capacity retention and 130% of the expected resistance increase.

[0123] In addition, BOL cells can be battery cells that have not aged at the time of manufacture.

[0124] In this way, to overcome the difficulty for vehicle drivers to predict how much a cell has aged before using high-power mode, a battery testing device according to one embodiment can perform tests on both mol and bol cells to simulate various cell environments and use the test results.

[0125] In other words, reference Figure 8 (a) through (d), as the number of times the battery's verification driving mode is repeated increases, i.e. as the battery is used more, the internal resistance may increase and the standard capacity may decrease.

[0126] However, when the temperature difference is taken into account in the battery testing apparatus 1 according to one embodiment, the standard capacity change rate can be reduced more than when the temperature difference is not taken into account, and thus the extent of the impact on lifespan can be determined.

[0127] Figure 9 This is a view illustrating the degree of aging considering temperature differences using a battery testing device according to one embodiment.

[0128] Subsequently, reference Figure 9 The x-axis represents the discharge capacity, which is the maximum amount of power that can be transmitted per unit time, and the y-axis represents the standard capacity change rate and power retention capacity.

[0129] In the multiple figures, (a) may represent a high-power driving mode that a normal vehicle can drive, and (b) may represent a high-power driving mode that an advanced vehicle can drive, and represent an embodiment in which the temperature of the battery cells extends to a range of 70 degrees or less, which may represent an embodiment with an average speed higher than the average speed of (a).

[0130] Additionally, (c) can represent the case considering temperature difference in the second driving mode (high-power driving mode), and (d) can graphically represent the difference in capacity retention between (a) and (b).

[0131] In other words, in the case of Figure 9 When comparing (a) and (b), as the battery's discharge capacity increases, the standard capacity decreases, the power retention capability can decrease, and the difference in capacity retention rate can occur as in (d). However, when taking into account the temperature difference in the battery testing apparatus 1 according to one embodiment, the standard capacity change rate is much lower than when the temperature difference is not considered, and therefore, the degree of impact on lifetime can be determined, and the difference in capacity retention rate can be graphically illustrated as in (d) to analyze the effect of the capacity difference on the degree of impact on lifetime.

[0132] In this way, as in Figure 8 and Figure 9 In one embodiment of the battery testing device 1, since the temperature difference inside the battery cell 13 can be considered by the simulation kit, the degree of aging and lifespan impact of the battery can be estimated with higher accuracy.

[0133] Figure 10 This is a control flowchart of a battery testing method according to one embodiment.

[0134] refer to Figure 10The control unit 100 can receive battery data (1000) from multiple battery cells 13 and determine a verification driving mode (1010) for the battery cells 13. In this case, the verification driving mode may include a driving mode in which existing temperature and current values ​​of the battery cells 13 are increased for verification.

[0135] Subsequently, the control unit 100 can determine the standard capacity change rate (1020) for each driving mode and the resistance change rate (1030) for each driving mode. The control unit 100 can determine the degree of battery aging (1040) based on the difference between the standard capacity change rates for each driving mode and the difference between the resistance change rates for each driving mode, and determine the degree of impact on battery life based on the degree of aging.

[0136] In this case, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As described above, since a result value similar to the actual use environment of the battery can be obtained only when considering the temperature difference of the battery cell 13 itself, the control unit 100 can determine whether the temperature difference inside the battery cell 13 exceeds the reference value (1050).

[0137] When the control unit 100 determines that the temperature difference inside the battery cell 13 exceeds the reference value of the simulation kit (Yes in 1050), the degree of aging of the temperature difference can be further reflected in the degree of impact on the battery life (1060).

[0138] Subsequently, battery designers can set the battery warranty period to be provided to battery users based on the obtained impact on battery life. That is, before the battery cell 13 is sold to the user, the battery cell 13 can be pre-verified according to the battery testing device 1 according to one embodiment, and the impact on battery life derived from the verification results can be reflected in the battery warranty period, thereby maximizing user satisfaction and battery vendor profits.

[0139] Furthermore, the disclosed embodiments can be implemented in the form of a recording medium, wherein commands executable by a computer are stored. The commands can be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, a program module is generated to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium can be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0140] Computer-readable recording media include any type of recording medium in which commands that can be decoded by a computer are stored. Examples include ROM, RAM, magnetic tape, magnetic disk, flash memory, optical data storage devices, etc.

[0141] Additionally, computer-readable storage media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. Here, "non-transitory" means tangible device and only means excluding signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and temporarily in the storage medium. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0142] According to one embodiment, methods according to various embodiments disclosed herein can be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product can be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product can be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., an optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or via an app store (e.g., the Play Store). TM This can be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least some computer program products (e.g., downloadable apps) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an app store's server, or a relay server.

[0143] Although all components constituting the embodiments disclosed herein are described above as operating by coupling to one or being coupled, the embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to these embodiments. In other words, one or more of all components may be operated by selective coupling without departing from the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0144] Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "constituting," or "having" described above mean that, unless otherwise stated, a corresponding component can be included, and therefore should be interpreted as further including another component rather than excluding another component. Unless otherwise defined, all terms including technical or scientific terms have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments disclosed herein pertain. Commonly used terms, such as those defined in dictionaries, should be interpreted as consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant art and not as having an ideal or overly formal meaning, unless expressly defined herein.

[0145] The above description is merely an exemplary description of the technical spirit disclosed herein, and those skilled in the art to which the embodiments disclosed herein pertain will be able to modify and change this document without departing from the essential characteristics of the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to limit the technical spirit disclosed herein, but rather to describe it, and the scope of the technical spirit disclosed herein is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of the technical spirit disclosed herein should be interpreted by the appended claims, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included within the scope of this document.

[0146] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0147] 1: Battery testing equipment

[0148] 2: Voltage sensor

[0149] 3: External devices

[0150] 10: Battery System

[0151] 12: Multiple battery modules

[0152] 13: Battery cell

[0153] 14: Sensor Unit

[0154] 16: Switching Unit

[0155] 20: Upper-level controller

[0156] 100: Controller

[0157] 110: Processor

[0158] 120: Memory

[0159] 200: Communication Unit

[0160] 210: Wireless communication device

[0161] 220: Wired communicator

Claims

1. A battery testing device, comprising: A communication unit configured to acquire battery data from individual battery cells; as well as A control unit is configured to determine a verification driving mode related to the testing of the battery cell, reflect the temperature difference of the battery cell to obtain test data, obtain a standard capacity change rate and resistance change rate of the battery cell in each of a first driving mode and a second driving mode based on the test data, and compare the standard capacity change rate and the resistance change rate to determine the degree of impact on the lifespan of the battery cell.

2. The battery testing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit compares the standard capacity change rate and the resistance change rate based on the temperature difference of the battery cell in the first driving mode and the second driving mode being a reference difference or more.

3. The battery testing equipment according to claim 2, wherein, The control unit determines the degree of impact on the lifespan of the battery cell based on whether the time during which the temperature difference exceeds the reference difference is a reference time or longer.

4. The battery testing equipment according to claim 3, wherein, The control unit determines the degree of lifespan impact based on the condition that the drive of the battery cell stops within the reference time.

5. The battery testing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit acquires the test data from a simulation kit that includes multiple temperature sensors.

6. The battery testing equipment according to claim 5, wherein, The control unit acquires the test data from the simulation kit, which includes a heating pad and cooling pipes, wherein the heating pad is configured to cause one surface of the battery cell to reach a preset first threshold temperature and the cooling pipes are configured to cause another surface of the battery cell to reach a preset second threshold temperature.

7. The battery testing equipment according to claim 6, wherein, The control unit acquires the test data from the simulation kit provided such that a heat-insulating pad, configured to maintain the temperature of the battery at a predetermined temperature or higher, surrounds the battery cell.

8. The battery testing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The verified driving mode includes a driving mode in which the vehicle drives using the battery cell with the highest power within the drivable range of the battery cell.

9. A battery testing method, comprising: Obtain battery data from individual battery cells; Determine the verification driving mode related to the testing of the battery cell; The temperature difference of the individual battery cells is used to obtain test data. Based on the test data, the standard capacity change rate and resistance change rate of the battery cell are obtained in each of the first and second driving modes. as well as The standard capacity change rate and the resistance change rate are compared to determine the extent to which the battery cell's lifespan is affected.

10. A battery testing system, comprising: Battery cells included in the battery module; A simulation kit configured to reflect the temperature difference of the individual battery cells; A battery testing device is configured to reflect the temperature difference to obtain test data obtained by testing the battery cells using the verification driving mode, and based on the test data, to obtain the standard capacity change rate and resistance change rate of the battery cells in each of the first driving mode and the second driving mode, to compare the standard capacity change rate and the resistance change rate, and to determine the degree of impact on the lifespan of the battery cells in each of the first driving mode and the second driving mode.

11. The battery testing system according to claim 10, wherein, The battery testing equipment compares the standard capacity change rate and the resistance change rate based on the temperature difference of the battery cell in the first driving mode and the second driving mode as a reference difference or more.

12. The battery testing system according to claim 11, wherein, The battery testing equipment determines the degree of impact on the lifespan of the individual battery cell based on whether the time during which the temperature difference exceeds the reference difference is a reference time or longer.

13. The battery testing system according to claim 12, wherein, The battery testing equipment determines the degree of lifespan impact based on the condition that the drive of the battery cell stops within the reference time.

14. The battery testing system according to claim 10, wherein, The simulation kit includes multiple temperature sensors configured to detect the temperature difference of the individual battery cells.

15. The battery testing system according to claim 10, wherein, The simulation kit includes a heating pad configured to maintain a preset first threshold temperature on one surface of the battery cell and a cooling conduit configured to maintain a preset second threshold temperature on the other surface of the battery cell.

16. The battery testing system according to claim 10, wherein, The simulation kit is configured such that a heat-insulating pad is formed around the battery cell to maintain the temperature of the battery at a predetermined temperature or higher.

17. The battery testing system according to claim 10, wherein, The verified driving mode includes a driving mode in which the vehicle drives using the battery cell with the highest power within the drivable range of the battery cell.

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