Battery system

Abstract

A battery system includes a battery sub-pack having first and second battery cells, a cell monitoring circuit, and a battery sub-pack microprocessor. The cell monitoring circuit obtains a first voltage value and a second voltage value. The first switching circuit applies an operating voltage to the battery sub-pack microprocessor in response to a first control signal from the master controller. The master controller sends a first message requesting a first voltage value and a second voltage value from the battery sub-pack microprocessor. When the main controller does not receive a second message having a first voltage value and a second voltage value from the battery sub-pack microprocessor within a predetermined amount of time after sending the first message, the main controller stops generating the first control signal to trigger the first switching circuit to remove the operating voltage from the battery sub-pack microprocessor.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Vehicle battery packs typically consist of multiple battery sub-packs that are electrically connected in parallel. Each battery sub-pack has monitoring circuitry that monitors the parameters of the batteries within the sub-pack, and multiple cables attached between the monitoring circuitry and the sub-pack's microprocessor.

[0002] Vehicle battery packs typically have a main controller that receives messages from the battery sub-pack microprocessors within the battery sub-packs. The main controller can electrically decouple the battery sub-packs from the vehicle's powertrain using battery pack contactors. However, battery sub-packs do not have battery sub-pack contactors that decouple each individual battery sub-pack from the rest of the battery sub-pack. Furthermore, when a communication failure occurs between the battery sub-pack microprocessor and the main controller (which would disconnect the battery sub-pack contactor), the main controller cannot remove the operating voltage from the battery sub-pack microprocessor within the battery sub-pack.

[0003] Furthermore, the main controller cannot apply an operating voltage to the battery sub-processor to cause the battery sub-processor to send an address to the main controller, where the address is based on the voltage applied to the electrical connector.

[0004] The inventors of this paper recognized the need for an improved battery system that utilizes a switching circuit operatively connected between a main controller and a battery sub-pack. This switching circuit allows the main controller to apply an operating voltage to the battery sub-pack microprocessor within the battery sub-pack to obtain the battery sub-pack's address. Furthermore, in the event of a communication failure between the main controller and the battery sub-pack microprocessor, this disconnects the battery sub-pack contactor in the corresponding battery sub-pack to electrically decouple the battery sub-pack from other battery sub-packs. The improved battery system allows the main controller to remove the operating voltage from the battery sub-pack microprocessor within the battery sub-pack using the switching circuit. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A battery system according to various aspects of this disclosure is provided. The battery system includes a first battery subgroup having a battery subgroup microprocessor operatively coupled to a first electrical connector. The battery system also includes a first switching circuit electrically coupled to the first battery subgroup. When the first switching circuit receives a first control signal from a main controller, the first switching circuit applies an operating voltage to the battery subgroup microprocessor of the first battery subgroup. Upon receiving the operating voltage, the battery subgroup microprocessor of the first battery subgroup determines the voltages at a plurality of ports coupled to the first electrical connector to determine a first address associated with the first battery subgroup. The battery subgroup microprocessor of the first battery subgroup sends a first message having the first address to the main controller.

[0006] A battery system according to another aspect of this disclosure is provided. The battery system includes a first battery sub-group having a first battery cell and a second battery cell electrically connected in series with each other, a cell monitoring circuit, and a battery sub-group microprocessor. The cell monitoring circuit of the first battery sub-group is operatively coupled to the first and second battery cells of the first battery sub-group. The battery sub-group microprocessor of the first battery sub-group is operatively in communication with the cell monitoring circuit of the first battery sub-group. The cell monitoring circuit of the first battery sub-group measures a first voltage and a second voltage of the first and second battery cells of the first battery sub-group, respectively, to obtain a first voltage value and a second voltage value, respectively. The battery system also includes a first switching circuit electrically coupled to the battery sub-group microprocessor of the first battery sub-group. When the first switching circuit receives a first control signal from a main controller, the first switching circuit applies an operating voltage to the battery sub-group microprocessor of the first battery sub-group. The main controller sends a first message requesting the first and second voltage values ​​from the battery sub-group microprocessor of the first battery sub-group. When the main controller does not receive a second message with a first voltage value and a second voltage value from the battery sub-processor of the first battery sub-group within a first predetermined time after sending the first message, the main controller stops generating the first control signal to trigger the first switching circuit to remove the operating voltage from the battery sub-processor of the first battery sub-group.

[0007] A battery system according to another aspect of this disclosure is provided. The battery system includes: a first battery sub-group having a first battery cell and a second battery cell electrically connected in series with each other; a cell monitoring circuit; a battery sub-group microprocessor; and a first battery sub-group contactor and a second battery sub-group contactor. The cell monitoring circuit of the first battery sub-group is operatively coupled to the first and second battery cells of the first battery sub-group. The battery sub-group microprocessor of the first battery sub-group is operatively in communication with the cell monitoring circuit of the first battery sub-group. The cell monitoring circuit of the first battery sub-group measures a first voltage and a second voltage of the first and second battery cells of the first battery sub-group, respectively, to obtain a first voltage value and a second voltage value, respectively. The battery sub-group microprocessor receives a first message from a main controller requesting the first and second voltage values ​​of the first battery sub-group. The battery sub-group microprocessor of the first battery sub-group sends a second message to the main controller containing the first and second voltage values ​​of the first battery sub-group. If the microprocessor of the first battery subgroup does not receive a third message confirming receipt of the second message from the main controller within a predetermined time after sending the second message, the microprocessor of the first battery subgroup causes the first battery subgroup contactor and the second battery subgroup contactor of the first battery subgroup to each have an open operation state. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle having a battery system according to aspects of this disclosure; Figure 2 Is Figure 1 A block diagram of the first battery sub-group used in the battery system; Figure 3 Is Figure 2 A block diagram of the battery sub-group microprocessor used in the first battery sub-group; Figure 4 Is Figure 1 A block diagram of the second battery sub-group used in the battery system; Figure 5 Is Figure 1 A circuit diagram of the first switching circuit used in the battery system; Figure 6 It is shown by Figure 1 A timeline of actions taken by the battery system; Figures 7 to 8 It is shown in Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating the functions of the main controller used in the battery system; Figures 9 to 10 It is shown in Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating the function of the first battery sub-group used in the battery system; and Figures 11 to 12 It is shown in Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating the function of the second battery sub-group used in the battery system. Detailed Implementation

[0009] Reference Figure 1 The vehicle 20 is provided, which includes a battery system 22, a vehicle powertrain system 24, and a vehicle controller 26.

[0010] The term "contaminator" refers to an electrically controlled switch used to switch electrical circuits. Contactors can conduct relatively large currents, which is useful in electric vehicle applications.

[0011] The term "RF signal" refers to a radio frequency signal. In particular, RF signals can be transmitted across space without the need for wires.

[0012] The battery system 22 supplies electrical energy to the vehicle powertrain 24 in response to commands from the vehicle controller 26. The battery system 22 includes a first battery sub-pack 31, a second battery sub-pack 32, a first switching circuit 41, a second switching circuit 42, a main controller 50, a first battery pack contactor 61, a second battery pack contactor 62, communication lines 71 and 72, and wires 81, 82, 83, 84, 91, 92, 93, and 94.

[0013] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2The advantage of battery system 22 is that it utilizes a first switching circuit 41 operably connected between the main controller 50 and the first battery sub-group 31, which allows the main controller 50 to control the battery sub-group microprocessor 160 (e.g., in the first battery sub-group 31) within the first battery sub-group 31. Figure 2 (As shown) An operating voltage is applied to obtain the address of the first battery sub-pack 31. Furthermore, in the event of a communication failure between the main controller 50 and the battery sub-pack microprocessor 160, this disconnects the first battery sub-pack contactor 171 and the second battery sub-pack contactor 172 in the first battery sub-pack 31 to electrically decouple the first battery sub-pack 31 from other battery sub-packs and the vehicle powertrain 24. The battery system 22 allows the main controller 50 to remove the operating voltage from the battery sub-pack microprocessor 160 using the first switching circuit 41.

[0014] First battery subgroup

[0015] The first battery sub-group 31 is electrically connected in parallel to the second battery sub-group 32. The first battery sub-group 31 includes a first battery cell 131, a second battery cell 132, a cell monitoring circuit 140, an RF transmitter 144, an RF receiver 148, a battery sub-group microprocessor 160, an electrical connector 162, a CAN (i.e., Controller Area Network) transceiver 164, a first battery sub-group contactor 171, a second battery sub-group contactor 172, a communication bus 180, wires 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, and electrical nodes 201, 202, 203.

[0016] Reference Figure 2 The first battery cell 131 and the second battery cell 132 are connected in series and electrically connected to each other, and are configured to output voltage from them. Specifically, the first battery cell 131 has a positive terminal electrically connected to electrical node 201 and wires 191, 192. Furthermore, the first battery cell 131 has a negative terminal electrically connected to electrical node 202 and wires 193, 194. The second battery cell 132 has a positive terminal electrically connected to electrical node 202 and wires 193, 194. Furthermore, the second battery cell 132 has a negative terminal electrically connected to electrical node 203 and wires 195, 196. Alternatively, additional battery cells may be connected in series with the first battery cell 131 and the second battery cell 132.

[0017] Cell monitoring circuit 140 is electrically connected to wires 192, 194, 196, and via wire 197 to RF transmitter 144. Cell monitoring circuit 140 is configured to measure the voltage output by the first battery cell 131 and the voltage output by the second battery cell 132. Specifically, cell monitoring circuit 140 uses wires 192, 194 to measure the voltage output by the first battery cell 131 and sends the voltage value corresponding to the voltage of the first battery cell 131 to RF transmitter 144. RF transmitter 144 transmits an RF signal containing the voltage value to RF receiver 148. Furthermore, cell monitoring circuit 140 uses wires 194, 196 to measure the voltage output by the second battery cell 132 and sends the voltage value corresponding to the voltage of the second battery cell 132 to RF transmitter 144. RF transmitter 144 transmits an RF signal containing the voltage value to RF receiver 148.

[0018] RF receiver 148 is configured to receive RF signals from RF transmitter 144, which has a voltage value therein, and to send the voltage value to battery sub-pack microprocessor 160. RF receiver 148 is operatively in communication with battery sub-pack microprocessor 160 via communication bus 180.

[0019] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery sub-pack microprocessor 160 is configured to monitor the voltages of the first battery cell 131 and the second battery cell 132 to transmit messages to the main controller 50. Specifically, the battery sub-pack microprocessor 160 uses a CAN transceiver 164 to send messages to the main controller 50 containing a first voltage value and a second voltage value associated with the first battery cell 131 and the second battery cell 132. Specifically, the CAN transceiver 164 communicates with the CAN transceiver 702 in the main controller 50 via communication lines 71, 72. Furthermore, the battery sub-pack microprocessor 160 is configured to control the operating state of each of the first battery sub-pack contactors 171 and 172. Specifically, the battery sub-pack microprocessor 160 generates a first control signal E and a second control signal F to trigger the first battery sub-pack contactors 171 and 172 to a closed operating state, respectively. The battery sub-group microprocessor 160 stops generating the first control signal E and the second control signal F to trigger the first battery sub-group contactor 171 and the second battery sub-group contactor 172 to have an open operation state, respectively.

[0020] The battery sub-group microprocessor 160 is operatively coupled to the RF receiver 148, the CAN transceiver 164, the first battery sub-group contactor 171, and the second battery sub-group contactor 172. Specifically, the battery sub-group microprocessor 160 is operatively communicable with the RF receiver 148 via a communication bus 180. Furthermore, the battery sub-group microprocessor 160 is operatively communicable with the CAN transceiver 164 via a communication bus 184.

[0021] Reference Figure 3 The battery sub-processor 160 includes a processing unit 210 and related components for controlling the overall operation of the microprocessor 160. These components include random access memory (RAM) 211, read-only memory (ROM) 212, input / output devices 213, memory devices 214, and a communication interface 215. A data bus interconnects the processing unit 210, RAM 211, ROM 212, I / O devices 213, memory devices 214, and communication interface 215.

[0022] Software can be stored in memory device 214 to provide instructions to processing unit 210, thereby allowing microprocessor 160 to perform various actions. Memory device 214 can store software used by microprocessor 160, such as operating system 216, application programs 217, and associated internal database 218. Various hardware memory cells in memory device 214 can include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data using any method or technique. Memory device 214 can include one or more physical persistent memory devices and / or one or more non-persistent memory devices. Memory device 14 can include, but is not limited to, RAM 211, ROM 212, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, or any other medium that can be used to store desired information and is accessible by processing unit 210.

[0023] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2The input / output device 213 includes ports P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5. The input / output device 213 is electrically connected to an electrical connector 162. Specifically, the electrical connector 162 has electrical pins 231, 232, 233, 234, and 235 that are electrically connected to ports P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5 of the input / output device 213, respectively. The corresponding voltages on electrical pins 231, 233, 234, and 235 are used to specify the address of the battery sub-processor 160. In an exemplary embodiment, electrical pins 231, 233, 234, and 235 are connected to voltage VBATT, and electrical pin 232 is connected to ground to specify the address of the battery sub-processor 160 as the binary value 10111. The battery sub-processor 160 determines the address 10111 by reading the voltages on its ports P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5.

[0024] The first battery sub-group contactor 171 is electrically connected to the electrical node 201 via wire 191. In addition, the first battery sub-group contactor 171 is electrically connected to the first battery sub-group contactor 61 via wire 81.

[0025] The second battery sub-group contactor 172 is electrically connected to the electrical node 203 via wire 195. Furthermore, the second battery sub-group contactor 172 is electrically connected to the second battery sub-group contactor 62 via wire 83.

[0026] Second battery subgroup

[0027] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 4 The second battery sub-group 32 is electrically connected in parallel with the first battery sub-group 31. The second battery sub-group 32 includes a first battery cell 331, a second battery cell 332, a cell monitoring circuit 340, an RF transmitter 344, an RF receiver 348, a battery sub-group microprocessor 360, an electrical connector 362, a CAN transceiver 364, a first battery sub-group contactor 371, a second battery sub-group contactor 372, a communication bus 380, wires 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, and electrical nodes 401, 402, 403.

[0028] Reference Figure 4The first battery cell 331 and the second battery cell 332 are connected in series and electrically connected to each other, and are configured to output voltage from them. Specifically, the first battery cell 331 has a positive terminal electrically connected to the electrical node 401 and the wires 391, 392. Furthermore, the first battery cell 331 has a negative terminal electrically connected to the electrical node 402 and the wires 393, 394. The second battery cell 332 has a positive terminal electrically connected to the electrical node 402 and the wires 393, 394. Furthermore, the second battery cell 332 has a negative terminal electrically connected to the electrical node 403 and the wires 395, 396. Alternatively, additional battery cells may be connected in series with the first battery cell 331 and the second battery cell 332.

[0029] Cell monitoring circuit 340 is electrically connected to wires 392, 394, and 396, and is electrically connected to RF transmitter 344 via wire 397. Cell monitoring circuit 340 is configured to measure the voltage output by the first battery cell 331 and the voltage output by the second battery cell 332. Specifically, cell monitoring circuit 340 uses wires 392 and 394 to measure the voltage output by the first battery cell 331 and sends the voltage value corresponding to the voltage of the first battery cell 331 to RF transmitter 344. RF transmitter 344 transmits an RF signal containing the voltage value to RF receiver 348. Furthermore, cell monitoring circuit 340 uses wires 394 and 396 to measure the voltage output by the second battery cell 332 and sends the voltage value corresponding to the voltage of the second battery cell 332 to RF transmitter 344. RF transmitter 344 transmits an RF signal containing the voltage value to RF receiver 348.

[0030] RF receiver 348 is configured to receive an RF signal having a voltage value from RF transmitter 344 and transmit the voltage value to battery sub-pack microprocessor 360. RF receiver 348 is operatively in communication with battery sub-pack microprocessor 360 via communication bus 380.

[0031] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4The battery sub-processor 360 has the same configuration and components as the battery sub-processor 160 described above, and includes random access memory, read-only memory, input / output device 413, memory device, and communication interface. The battery sub-processor 360 is configured to monitor the voltages of the first battery cell 331 and the second battery cell 332 to transmit messages to the main controller 50. The battery sub-processor 360 uses a CAN transceiver 364 to send messages to the main controller 50 containing a first voltage value and a second voltage value associated with the first battery cell 331 and the second battery cell 332. Specifically, the CAN transceiver 364 communicates with the CAN transceiver 702 in the main controller 50 via communication lines 71 and 72. Furthermore, the battery sub-processor 360 is configured to control the operating state of each of the first battery sub-group contactors 371 and 372. Specifically, the battery sub-group microprocessor 360 generates a first control signal G and a second control signal H to trigger the first battery sub-group contactor 371 and the second battery sub-group contactor 372 to a closed operating state, respectively. The battery sub-group microprocessor 360 stops generating the first control signal G and the second control signal H to trigger the first battery sub-group contactor 371 and the second battery sub-group contactor 372 to an open operating state, respectively.

[0032] Reference Figure 4 The input / output device 413 includes ports P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5. The input / output device 413 is electrically connected to an electrical connector 362. Specifically, the electrical connector 362 has electrical pins 431, 432, 433, 434, and 435, respectively, electrically connected to ports P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5 of the input / output device 413. The corresponding voltages on the electrical pins 431, 433, 434, and 435 are used to specify the address of the battery sub-processor 360. In an exemplary embodiment, electrical pins 431, 434, and 435 are connected to voltage VBATT, and electrical pins 432 and 433 are connected to ground to specify the address of the battery sub-processor 360 as the binary value 10011. The battery sub-processor 360 determines the address 10011 by reading the voltages on its ports P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5.

[0033] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 4 The first battery sub-group contactor 371 is electrically connected to the electrical node 401 via wire 391. In addition, the first battery sub-group contactor 371 is electrically connected to the first battery sub-group contactor 61 via wire 81.

[0034] The second battery sub-group contactor 372 is electrically connected to the electrical node 403 via wire 395. Furthermore, the second battery sub-group contactor 372 is electrically connected to the second battery sub-group contactor 62 via wire 83.

[0035] First switching circuit

[0036] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 The first switching circuit 41 is electrically connected to the main controller 50 and the first battery sub-pack 31, and is positioned between them. When the first switching circuit 41 receives the first control signal CTRL1 from the main controller 50, the first switching circuit 41 applies the operating voltage VBATT_ON_OFF1 to the battery sub-pack microprocessor 160 of the first battery sub-pack 31. Furthermore, when the first switching circuit 41 stops receiving the first control signal CTRL1 from the main controller 50, the first switching circuit 41 stops applying the operating voltage VBATT_ON_OFF1 to the battery sub-pack microprocessor 160 of the first battery sub-pack 31.

[0037] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first switching circuit 41 includes resistors 602, 604, 606, 608, 610, and 612, transistors 650, 652, and 654, and electrical nodes 670, 672, 674, 676, and 678. Resistor 602 is electrically connected to electrical node 670. Resistor 604 is electrically connected between electrical node 670 and electrical ground.

[0038] Transistor 650 is an NPN bipolar junction transistor with a base (B), a collector (C), and an emitter (E). The base (B) of transistor 650 is electrically connected to electrical node 670. The emitter (E) of transistor 650 is electrically connected to electrical ground. The collector (C) of transistor 650 is electrically connected to electrical node 672. Resistor 606 is electrically connected between electrical nodes 672 and 674.

[0039] Transistor 652 is a PNP bipolar junction transistor with a base (B), a collector (C), and an emitter (E). The base (B) of transistor 652 is electrically connected to resistor 608. Resistor 608 is electrically connected between electrical node 672 and the base (B) of transistor 652. The emitter (E) of transistor 652 is electrically connected to electrical node 674. The collector (C) of transistor 652 is electrically connected to electrical node 676.

[0040] Transistor 654 is a P-channel MOSFET, comprising a gate (G), a drain (D), and a source (S). The gate (G) is electrically connected to electrical node 676 and Zener diode 660. Zener diode 660 is electrically connected between electrical nodes 676 and 674. The drain (D) is electrically connected to electrical node 674. The source (S) is electrically connected to electrical node 678 and resistor 612. Resistor 612 is electrically connected between electrical node 678 and ground.

[0041] During operation, voltage VBATT is applied to electrical node 674. When control signal CTRL1 (with a high logic level) is applied to resistor 602, transistor 650 is turned on. Additionally, transistor 652 is turned on. Furthermore, transistor 654 is turned on, which applies the operating voltage VBATT_ON_OFF1 to the first battery sub-group 31. When control signal CTRL1 is not applied to resistor 602, transistor 650 is turned off. Additionally, transistor 652 is turned off. Furthermore, transistor 654 is turned off, so that voltage VBATT_ON_OFF1 is no longer applied to the first battery sub-group 31.

[0042] Second switching circuit

[0043] Reference Figure 1 The second switching circuit 42 is electrically connected to the main controller 50 and the second battery sub-pack 32, and is located between them. When the second switching circuit 42 receives the second control signal CTRL2 from the main controller 50, the second switching circuit 42 applies the operating voltage VBATT_ON_OFF2 to the battery sub-pack microprocessor 360 of the second battery sub-pack 32. Furthermore, when the second switching circuit 42 stops receiving the second control signal CTRL2 from the main controller 50, the second switching circuit 42 stops applying the operating voltage VBATT_ON_OFF2 to the battery sub-pack microprocessor 360 of the second battery sub-pack 32. The second switching circuit 42 has the same configuration and components as the first switching circuit 41.

[0044] Main controller

[0045] The main controller 50 is configured to communicate with the first battery sub-pack 31, the second battery sub-pack 32, and the vehicle controller 26. Furthermore, the main controller 50 is configured to control the operating states of the first battery sub-pack contactors 61 and 62 to control whether an operating voltage is applied to the vehicle powertrain 24. Specifically, the main controller 50 generates a third control signal C and a fourth control signal D to trigger the first battery sub-pack contactors 61 and 62 to a closed operating state, respectively. Alternatively, when the main controller 50 stops generating the third control signal C and the fourth control signal D, the first battery sub-pack contactors 61 and 62 switch to an open operating state, respectively. The main controller 50 includes a main microprocessor 700, a CAN transceiver 702, and a communication bus 704. The main microprocessor 700 is operatively connected to the CAN transceiver 702 via the communication bus 704. CAN transceiver 702 is operably communicated with CAN transceiver 164 in the first battery sub-pack 31 via communication lines 71 and 72, which have signals A and B. Signals A and B transmit CAN messages between CAN transceiver 702 and CAN transceiver 164. Furthermore, CAN transceiver 702 is operably communicated with CAN transceiver 364 in the second battery sub-pack 32 via communication lines 71 and 72, which have signals A and B. Signals A and B transmit CAN messages between CAN transceiver 702 and CAN transceiver 364. Additionally, CAN transceiver 702 is operably communicated with vehicle controller 26 via communication lines 71 and 72, which have signals A and B. Signals A and B transmit CAN messages between CAN transceiver 702 and vehicle controller 26. The main microprocessor 700 has the same configuration and components as the battery sub-pack microprocessor 160.

[0046] When the first battery sub-pack contactor 171 and the second battery sub-pack contactor 172 are in a closed operating state, and when the first battery sub-pack contactor 61 and the second battery sub-pack contactor 62 are in a closed operating state, the vehicle powertrain 24 receives voltage from the first battery sub-pack 31. Furthermore, when the first battery sub-pack contactor 371 and the second battery sub-pack contactor 372 are in a closed operating state, and when the first battery sub-pack contactor 61 and the second battery sub-pack contactor 62 are in a closed operating state, the vehicle powertrain 24 receives voltage from the second battery sub-pack 32. The vehicle powertrain 24 uses this voltage to power its components.

[0047] The vehicle controller 26 is operatively in communication with the main controller 50 and provides instructions to the main controller 50 to obtain operational information from the first battery sub-pack 31 and the second battery sub-pack 32. The vehicle controller 26 also controls the operation of the vehicle powertrain 24.

[0048] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 An exemplary timing diagram 730 associated with the first battery pack 31 and the main controller 50 will be explained. At 200 milliseconds, a communication failure occurs between the main controller 50 and the battery sub-pack microprocessor 160. At 500 milliseconds, the main controller 50 sends a message to the vehicle controller 26 to reduce the electrical load on the vehicle powertrain 24. At 700 milliseconds, the battery sub-pack microprocessor 160 disconnects the first battery sub-pack contactor 171 and the second battery sub-pack contactor 172. At 1 second, the main controller 50 removes the operating voltage from the battery sub-pack microprocessor 160 in the first battery sub-pack 31.

[0049] flow chart

[0050] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 7 The flowchart illustrating the function of the main controller 50 used in the battery system 22 will now be explained.

[0051] At step 770, the main controller 50 generates a first control signal CTRL1 to trigger the first switching circuit 41 to apply the operating voltage VBATT_ON_OFF1 to the battery sub-pack microprocessor 160 of the first battery sub-pack 31. After step 770, the method proceeds to step 772.

[0052] At step 772, the main controller 50 receives a first message from the battery sub-processor 160 of the first battery sub-group 31. The first message has a first address associated with the battery sub-processor 160 of the first battery sub-group 31. After step 772, the method proceeds to step 774.

[0053] At step 774, the main controller 50 sends a second message to the battery sub-group microprocessor 160 of the first battery sub-group 31 requesting the first voltage value and the second voltage value. After step 774, the method proceeds to step 776.

[0054] At step 776, the main controller 50 determines whether it has received a third message with a first voltage value and a second voltage value from the battery sub-group microprocessor 160 of the first battery sub-group 31 within a first predetermined time period after sending the second message. If the value of step 776 is "No", the method proceeds to step 778. Otherwise, the method proceeds to step 790.

[0055] At step 778, the main controller 50 sends a fourth message to the vehicle controller 26 requesting the vehicle controller 26 to reduce the electrical load on the vehicle powertrain 24. After step 778, the method proceeds to step 780.

[0056] At step 780, the main controller 50 stops generating the first control signal CTRL1 to trigger the first switching circuit 41 to remove the operating voltage VBATT_ON_OFF1 from the battery sub-group microprocessor 160 of the first battery sub-group 31 at a second predetermined time interval after sending the second message. After step 780, the method proceeds to step 790.

[0057] Referring again to step 776, if the value of step 776 equals "Yes", the method proceeds to step 790. At step 790, the main controller 50 generates a second control signal CTRL2 to trigger the second switching circuit 42 to apply the operating voltage VBATT_ON_OFF2 to the battery sub-pack microprocessor 360 of the second battery sub-pack 42. After step 790, the method proceeds to step 792.

[0058] At step 792, the main controller 50 receives a fifth message from the battery sub-processor 360 of the second battery sub-group 42. The fifth message has a second address associated with the battery sub-processor 360 of the second battery sub-group 42. After step 792, the method proceeds to step 794.

[0059] At step 794, the main controller 50 sends a sixth message requesting the first and second voltage values ​​from the battery sub-group microprocessor 360 of the second battery sub-group 42. After step 794, the method proceeds to step 796.

[0060] At step 796, the main controller 50 determines whether it has received a seventh message with a first voltage value and a second voltage value from the battery sub-group microprocessor 360 of the second battery sub-group 42 within a first predetermined time amount after sending the sixth message. If the value of step 796 is "No", the method proceeds to step 798. Otherwise, the method exits.

[0061] At step 798, the main controller 50 sends an eighth message to the vehicle controller 26 requesting the vehicle controller 26 to reduce the electrical load on the vehicle powertrain 24. After step 798, the method proceeds to step 800.

[0062] At step 800, the main controller 50 stops generating the second control signal CTRL2 to trigger the second switching circuit 42 to remove the operating voltage VBATT_ON_OFF2 from the battery sub-group microprocessor 360 of the second battery sub-group 42 at a second predetermined time interval after sending the sixth message. After step 800, the method exits.

[0063] flow chart

[0064] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The flowchart illustrating the function of the battery subgroup microprocessor 160 of the first battery subgroup 31 during initial startup will now be explained.

[0065] At step 820, when the first switching circuit 41 receives the first control signal CTRL1 from the main controller 50, the first switching circuit 41 applies the operating voltage VBATT_ON_OFF1 to the battery sub-group microprocessor 160 of the first battery sub-group 31. After step 820, the method proceeds to step 822.

[0066] At step 822, the battery sub-group microprocessor 160 of the first battery sub-group 31 generates a third control signal and a fourth control signal to respectively trigger the first battery sub-group contactor 171 and the second battery sub-group contactor 172 of the first battery sub-group 31 to have a closed operating state. After step 822, the method proceeds to step 824.

[0067] At step 824, upon receiving an operating voltage, the battery sub-group microprocessor 160 of the first battery sub-group 31 determines the voltages at multiple ports P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5 connected to the first electrical connector 162 to determine a first address associated with the first battery sub-group 31. After step 824, the method proceeds to step 826.

[0068] At step 826, the battery sub-group microprocessor 160 of the first battery sub-group 31 sends a first message with a first address to the main controller 50. After step 826, the method proceeds to step 828.

[0069] At step 828, the battery sub-group microprocessor 160 of the first battery sub-group 31 stores the first address in the memory device 214 of the first battery sub-group 31. After step 828, the method proceeds to step 830.

[0070] At step 830, the battery sub-group microprocessor 160 of the first battery sub-group 31 receives a second message from the main controller 50 requesting a first voltage value and a second voltage value for the first battery sub-group 31. After step 830, the method proceeds to step 832.

[0071] At step 832, the battery sub-group microprocessor 160 of the first battery sub-group 31 sends a third message to the main controller 50, containing a first voltage value and a second voltage value of the first battery sub-group. After step 832, the method proceeds to step 834.

[0072] At step 834, the battery sub-group microprocessor 160 of the first battery sub-group 31 determines whether it has received a ninth message acknowledging receipt of the third message from the main controller 50 within a second predetermined time period after sending the third message. If the value of step 834 is "No", the method proceeds to step 840. Otherwise, the method exits.

[0073] At step 840, the battery sub-group microprocessor 160 of the first battery sub-group 31 stops generating the third and fourth control signals to trigger the first battery sub-group contactor 171 and the second battery sub-group contactor 172 of the first battery sub-group 31 to respectively have their respective disconnected operation states. After step 840, the method exits.

[0074] flow chart

[0075] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 The flowchart illustrating the function of the battery subgroup microprocessor 360 of the second battery subgroup 32 during initial setup will now be explained.

[0076] At step 850, when the second switching circuit 42 receives the second control signal CTRL2 from the main controller 50, the second switching circuit 42 applies the operating voltage VBATT_ON_OFF2 to the battery sub-group microprocessor 360 of the second battery sub-group 42. After step 850, the method proceeds to step 852.

[0077] At step 852, the battery sub-group microprocessor 360 of the second battery sub-group 42 generates a fifth control signal and a sixth control signal to respectively trigger the first battery sub-group contactor 371 and the second battery sub-group contactor 372 of the second battery sub-group 42 to each have a closed operating state. After step 852, the method proceeds to step 854.

[0078] At step 854, upon receiving an operating voltage, the battery sub-group microprocessor 360 of the second battery sub-group 42 determines the voltages at multiple ports P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5 connected to the second electrical connector 362 to determine a second address associated with the second battery sub-group 42. After step 854, the method proceeds to step 856.

[0079] At step 856, the battery sub-group microprocessor 360 of the second battery sub-group 42 sends a fifth message with a second address to the main controller 50. After step 856, the method proceeds to step 858.

[0080] At step 858, the battery sub-group microprocessor 360 of the second battery sub-group 42 stores the second address in the memory device of the second battery sub-group 42. After step 858, the method proceeds to step 860.

[0081] At step 860, the battery sub-group microprocessor 360 of the second battery sub-group 42 receives a sixth message from the main controller 50 requesting the first and second voltage values ​​of the second battery sub-group 42. After step 860, the method proceeds to step 862.

[0082] At step 862, the battery sub-group microprocessor 360 of the second battery sub-group 42 sends a seventh message to the main controller 50, containing a first voltage value and a second voltage value of the second battery sub-group 42. After step 862, the method proceeds to step 864.

[0083] At step 864, the battery sub-group microprocessor 360 of the second battery sub-group 42 determines whether it has received a tenth message acknowledging receipt of the seventh message from the main controller 50 within a second predetermined time period after sending the seventh message. If the value of step 364 is "No", the method proceeds to step 866. Otherwise, the method exits.

[0084] At step 866, the battery sub-group microprocessor 360 of the second battery sub-group 42 stops generating the fifth and sixth control signals to trigger the first battery sub-group contactor 371 and the second battery sub-group contactor 372 of the second battery sub-group 42 to respectively achieve an open operation state. After step 866, the method exits.

[0085] It should be noted that although battery system 22 has been used in the vehicle herein, in alternative designs, battery system 22 can be used in a stationary energy storage system (ESS) to supply power to any desired electrical load (other than the vehicle powertrain).

[0086] Although the claimed system has been described in detail with reference to only a limited number of systems, it should be readily understood that the system is not limited to the system disclosed herein. Instead, the claimed system can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, or equivalent arrangements not previously described but consistent with the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, while various aspects of the claimed system have been described, it should be understood that aspects of the system may include only some of the described aspects. Therefore, the claimed system should not be considered as limited by the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A battery system, the battery system comprising: A first battery subgroup, the first battery subgroup having a battery subgroup microprocessor operatively connected to a first electrical connector; A first switching circuit is electrically connected to the first battery sub-group. When the first switching circuit receives a first control signal from the main controller, the first switching circuit applies an operating voltage to the microprocessor of the battery sub-group. When the battery subgroup microprocessor of the first battery subgroup receives the operating voltage, it determines the voltage at multiple ports connected to the first electrical connector in order to determine a first address associated with the first battery subgroup. as well as The microprocessor of the first battery subgroup sends a first message with the first address to the main controller.

2. The battery system according to claim 1, wherein: The microprocessor of the first battery subgroup stores the first address in a memory device.

3. The battery system according to claim 1, further comprising: The second battery sub-group has a battery sub-group microprocessor operatively connected to a second electrical connector; A second switching circuit is electrically connected to the microprocessor of the second battery sub-group. When the second switching circuit receives a second control signal from the main controller, the second switching circuit applies an operating voltage to the microprocessor of the second battery sub-group. When the battery subgroup microprocessor of the second battery subgroup receives the operating voltage of the second switching circuit, it determines the voltage at multiple ports connected to the second electrical connector in order to determine a second address associated with the second battery subgroup. as well as The microprocessor of the second battery subgroup sends a second message with the second address to the main controller.

4. The battery system according to claim 3, wherein: The battery sub-group microprocessor of the second battery sub-group stores the second address in a memory device.

5. A battery system, the battery system comprising: The first battery subgroup has a first battery cell and a second battery cell connected in series with each other, a cell monitoring circuit and a battery subgroup microprocessor. The cell monitoring circuit of the first battery subgroup is operatively connected to the first battery cell and the second battery cell of the first battery subgroup, and the battery subgroup microprocessor of the first battery subgroup is operatively communicating with the cell monitoring circuit of the first battery subgroup. The cell monitoring circuit of the first battery sub-group measures the first voltage and the second voltage of the first battery cell and the second battery cell of the first battery sub-group respectively to obtain the first voltage value and the second voltage value respectively. A first switching circuit is electrically connected to the microprocessor of the first battery sub-group. When the first switching circuit receives a first control signal from the main controller, the first switching circuit applies an operating voltage to the microprocessor of the first battery sub-group. The main controller sends a first message to the microprocessor of the first battery subgroup requesting the first voltage value and the second voltage value; and When the main controller does not receive a second message with the first voltage value and the second voltage value from the battery sub-processor of the first battery sub-group within a first predetermined time after sending the first message, the main controller stops generating the first control signal to trigger the first switching circuit to remove the operating voltage from the battery sub-processor of the first battery sub-group.

6. The battery system according to claim 5, wherein: If the main controller does not receive the second message containing the first voltage value and the second voltage value of the first battery subgroup within a second predetermined time period after sending the first message, the main controller sends a third message to the vehicle controller requesting the vehicle controller to reduce the electrical load of the vehicle powertrain.

7. The battery system according to claim 6, wherein: The first predetermined time is 1 second; and The second predetermined time is 500 milliseconds.

8. The battery system according to claim 5, wherein: The first battery subgroup has a transceiver capable of operatively communicating with the battery subgroup microprocessor of the first battery subgroup; The main controller has a main microprocessor and a transceiver that are operatively communicable with each other; and The transceiver of the main controller is operatively able to communicate with the transceiver of the first battery sub-group.

9. The battery system according to claim 8, wherein: The transceiver of the first battery sub-group is a CAN transceiver, and the transceiver of the main controller is another CAN transceiver.

10. The battery system according to claim 5, wherein: The first battery sub-group has an RF transmitter and an RF receiver; the cell monitoring circuit of the first battery sub-group is operatively connected to the RF transmitter, and the battery sub-group microprocessor of the first battery sub-group is operatively connected to the RF receiver; The RF transmitter sends the first voltage value and the second voltage value of the first battery cell and the second battery cell, respectively, which correspond to the first voltage and the second voltage, to the RF receiver. and The battery sub-processor receives the first voltage value and the second voltage value from the RF receiver.

11. The battery system according to claim 5, further comprising: The second battery sub-group has a first battery cell and a second battery cell connected in series with each other, a cell monitoring circuit and a battery sub-group microprocessor; The cell monitoring circuit of the second battery sub-group is operatively connected to the first battery cell and the second battery cell of the second battery sub-group, respectively, and the battery sub-group microprocessor of the second battery sub-group is operatively communicating with the cell monitoring circuit of the second battery sub-group; The cell monitoring circuit of the second battery sub-group measures the first voltage and the second voltage of the first battery cell and the second battery cell of the second battery sub-group to obtain the first voltage value and the second voltage value respectively. A second switching circuit is electrically connected to the microprocessor of the second battery sub-group. When the second switching circuit receives a second control signal from the main controller, the second switching circuit applies an operating voltage to the microprocessor of the second battery sub-group. The main controller sends a third message to the battery group microprocessor of the second battery subgroup requesting the first voltage value and the second voltage value; and When the main controller does not receive a fourth message with the first voltage value and the second voltage value from the battery sub-processor of the second battery sub-group within a third predetermined time period after sending the third message, the main controller stops generating the second control signal to trigger the second switching circuit to remove the operating voltage from the battery sub-processor of the second battery sub-group.

12. A battery system, the battery system comprising: A first battery sub-group includes a first battery cell and a second battery cell connected in series, a cell monitoring circuit, a battery sub-group microprocessor, and a first battery sub-group contactor and a second battery sub-group contactor. The cell monitoring circuit of the first battery sub-group is operatively connected to the first battery cell and the second battery cell of the first battery sub-group. The battery sub-group microprocessor of the first battery sub-group is operatively communicating with the cell monitoring circuit of the first battery sub-group. The cell monitoring circuit of the first battery sub-group measures a first voltage and a second voltage of the first battery cell and the second battery cell of the first battery sub-group, respectively, to obtain a first voltage value and a second voltage value. The battery subgroup microprocessor receives a third message from the main controller requesting the first voltage value and the second voltage value of the first battery subgroup. The microprocessor of the first battery subgroup sends a second message to the main controller, which contains the first voltage value and the second voltage value of the first battery subgroup. and If the microprocessor of the first battery subgroup does not receive a third message confirming receipt of the second message from the main controller within a predetermined time after sending the second message, the microprocessor of the first battery subgroup triggers the first battery subgroup contactor and the second battery subgroup contactor of the first battery subgroup to each have a disconnected operation state.

13. The battery system according to claim 12, wherein: The predetermined time is 700 milliseconds.

14. The battery system according to claim 12, wherein: The first battery sub-group has an RF transmitter and an RF receiver; the cell monitoring circuit of the first battery sub-group is operatively connected to the RF transmitter, and the battery sub-group microprocessor of the first battery sub-group is operatively connected to the RF receiver; The RF transmitter sends the first voltage value and the second voltage value of the first battery cell and the second battery cell, respectively, which correspond to the first voltage and the second voltage, to the RF receiver. and The battery sub-group microprocessor of the first battery sub-group receives the first voltage value and the second voltage value from the RF receiver.

15. The battery system according to claim 12, wherein: The first battery sub-group contactor of the first battery sub-group is connected to the positive terminal of the first battery cell of the first battery sub-group; and The second battery subgroup contactor of the first battery subgroup is connected to the negative terminal of the second battery cell of the first battery subgroup.

16. The battery system of claim 12, further comprising: The first battery pack contactor is electrically connected to the first battery pack contactor of the first battery sub-pack. as well as The second battery pack contactor is electrically connected to the second battery pack contactor of the first battery sub-pack.

17. The battery system according to claim 12, wherein: The first battery subgroup has a transceiver capable of operatively communicating with the battery subgroup microprocessor of the first battery subgroup; The main controller has a main microprocessor and a transceiver that are operatively communicable with each other; and The transceiver of the main controller is operatively able to communicate with the transceiver of the first battery subgroup.

18. The battery system of claim 12, further comprising: The second battery sub-group includes a first battery cell and a second battery cell electrically connected in series, a cell monitoring circuit, a battery sub-group microprocessor, and a first battery sub-group contactor and a second battery sub-group contactor; the cell monitoring circuit of the second battery sub-group is operatively connected to the first battery cell and the second battery cell of the second battery sub-group, and the battery sub-group microprocessor of the second battery sub-group is operatively in communication with the cell monitoring circuit of the second battery sub-group; the cell monitoring circuit of the second battery sub-group measures a first voltage and a second voltage of the first battery cell and the second battery cell of the second battery sub-group respectively to obtain a first voltage value and a second voltage value respectively. The battery subgroup microprocessor of the second battery subgroup receives a first message from the main controller requesting the first voltage value and the second voltage value of the second battery subgroup. The microprocessor of the second battery subgroup sends a fourth message containing the first voltage value and the second voltage value of the second battery subgroup to the main controller; and If the microprocessor of the second battery subgroup does not receive a fifth message confirming receipt of the fourth message from the main controller within the predetermined time after sending the fourth message, the microprocessor of the second battery subgroup triggers the first battery subgroup contactor and the second battery subgroup contactor of the second battery subgroup to each have a disconnected operation state.

19. The battery system according to claim 17, wherein: The first battery sub-group contactor of the second battery sub-group is connected to the positive terminal of the first battery cell of the second battery sub-group; and The second battery subgroup contactor of the second battery subgroup is connected to the negative terminal of the second battery cell of the second battery subgroup.

20. The battery system of claim 17, further comprising: The first battery pack contactor is electrically connected to the first battery pack contactor of the second battery sub-pack. as well as The second battery pack contactor is electrically connected to the second battery sub-pack contactor of the second battery sub-pack.

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