Battery abnormality diagnosis apparatus and method

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery abnormality diagnosis apparatus for diagnosing whether at least one battery included in a battery assembly is abnormal may monitor at least one of a temperature or a temperature change amount of the battery, and determine whether the battery is abnormal based on the at least one of the temperature or the temperature change amount of the battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0067662, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on May 24, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0059026, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on May 7, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This invention relates to battery anomaly diagnostic apparatus and method, and more specifically, to a battery anomaly diagnostic apparatus and method for detecting temperature changes in each of a plurality of batteries in a battery assembly to detect anomalies at an early stage. Background Technology

[0003] As fossil fuel consumption continues and concerns about environmental pollution increase, the importance of environmentally friendly alternative energy sources is gradually growing. Among various alternative energy sources, the demand for rechargeable battery systems is increasing rapidly.

[0004] Secondary batteries are being used in various industrial sectors, from mobile applications to vehicles, robots, and energy storage devices, to address environmental regulations and high oil prices.

[0005] Generally, lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are used in batteries that pose a risk of fire or explosion in the event of internal or external defects. Therefore, real-time diagnosis of the battery's condition is crucial.

[0006] Among these batteries, the disadvantage of battery systems used in automobiles is that the batteries are often damaged due to abnormal temperature rises during operation or standby.

[0007] Therefore, in the past, a system has been provided that monitors whether the battery system is operating within a specific temperature range, and sends a warning signal to the driver if the temperature of the operating battery system exceeds the specific temperature range, and disconnects the contactor connected to the battery if the warning signal accumulates.

[0008] However, since this is a post-safety measure, its drawback is that it is difficult to prevent damage caused by abnormal temperature rises that have already occurred. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] To eliminate one or more problems of the prior art, embodiments of this disclosure provide a battery anomaly diagnostic device.

[0011] To eliminate one or more problems of the prior art, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a battery anomaly diagnosis method.

[0012] Technical solution

[0013] To achieve the objectives of this disclosure, a battery anomaly diagnostic device for diagnosing whether at least one battery included in a battery assembly is abnormal may include: a memory; and a processor configured to execute at least one instruction stored in the memory, wherein the at least one instruction may include: an instruction to monitor at least one of the battery temperature and the amount of temperature change; and an instruction to determine whether the battery is abnormal based on at least one of the battery temperature and the amount of temperature change.

[0014] Here, the instruction to determine whether the battery is abnormal based on at least one of the battery temperature and the amount of temperature change may include: an instruction to determine that an abnormality has occurred in the battery if the battery temperature exceeds a predetermined first threshold temperature when the battery temperature is rising; and an instruction to determine that an abnormality has occurred in the battery if the battery temperature is below a predetermined second threshold temperature when the battery temperature is falling.

[0015] In addition, at least one instruction may also include: if an abnormality is determined to have occurred in the battery, an instruction to diagnose the cause of the abnormality in the battery.

[0016] According to an implementation, the instruction for diagnosing the cause of an abnormal battery may include: an instruction to measure the temperature of at least one component adjacent to the abnormal battery based on battery arrangement information in the battery assembly; and an instruction to diagnose a fire in the abnormal battery if the temperature of at least one component is within a predetermined error range compared to the temperature of the abnormal battery when the temperature of the abnormal battery is rising.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the instruction for diagnosing the cause of the abnormality of the abnormal battery may include: an instruction to measure the temperature of at least one component adjacent to the abnormal battery based on the battery arrangement information in the battery assembly; and an instruction to diagnose that the abnormal battery is in a low-temperature state if the temperature of at least one component is within a predetermined error range compared to the temperature of the abnormal battery when the temperature of the abnormal battery is decreasing.

[0018] Furthermore, according to another embodiment, the instruction for diagnosing the cause of the abnormality of the abnormal battery may include: an instruction to measure the temperature of at least one component adjacent to the abnormal battery based on the battery arrangement information in the battery pack; and an instruction to diagnose an abnormality in the temperature measuring device in the battery pack if the temperature change of at least one component is outside a predetermined error range compared to the abnormal battery.

[0019] In addition, instructions for monitoring at least one of the battery temperature and the amount of temperature change may include instructions for measuring the rate of temperature change of the battery.

[0020] Here, an instruction to determine whether a battery is abnormal based on at least one of the battery temperature and the amount of temperature change may include an instruction to determine whether a battery is abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the rate with a predetermined threshold rate.

[0021] According to an implementation, an instruction to determine whether a battery is abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the rate with a predetermined threshold rate may include: determining that a battery is abnormal when the absolute value of the rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold rate, and when a temperature change occurs in at least one component adjacent to the battery based on battery arrangement information in the battery assembly.

[0022] Furthermore, according to another embodiment, the instruction for determining whether the battery is abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the rate with a predetermined threshold rate may include: an instruction to count the number of times when the absolute value of the rate is equal to or higher than a second threshold rate and lower than a first threshold rate, wherein the second threshold rate is lower than the first threshold rate.

[0023] Here, the instruction for counting the number of times may include: providing a warning signal to the user when the number of times is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold number of times to prevent battery abnormalities caused by changes in the temperature of the external environment.

[0024] Furthermore, according to another embodiment, the instruction for determining whether the battery is abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the rate with a predetermined threshold rate may include: if the absolute value of the rate is less than a predetermined second threshold rate, then the instruction for determining that the battery is normal.

[0025] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, a battery anomaly diagnosis method for diagnosing whether at least one battery included in a battery assembly is abnormal may include the following steps: monitoring at least one of the battery temperature and the amount of temperature change; and determining whether the battery is abnormal based on at least one of the battery temperature and the amount of temperature change.

[0026] Here, the step of determining whether a battery is abnormal based on at least one of the battery temperature and the amount of temperature change may include the following steps: when the battery temperature is rising, if the battery temperature exceeds a predetermined first threshold temperature, then determine that an abnormality has occurred in the battery; and when the battery temperature is falling, if the battery temperature is below a predetermined second threshold temperature, then determine that an abnormality has occurred in the battery.

[0027] In addition, the method may include the following steps: if an abnormality is determined to have occurred in the battery, then diagnosing the cause of the abnormality in the battery.

[0028] According to an implementation, the steps for diagnosing the cause of an abnormal battery may include the following steps: measuring the temperature of at least one component adjacent to the abnormal battery based on battery arrangement information in the battery assembly; and diagnosing a fire in the abnormal battery if the temperature of at least one component is within a predetermined error range compared to the temperature of the abnormal battery while the temperature of the abnormal battery is rising.

[0029] According to another embodiment, the step of diagnosing the cause of an abnormal battery may include the following steps: measuring the temperature of at least one component adjacent to the abnormal battery based on battery arrangement information in the battery assembly; and diagnosing the abnormal battery as being in a low-temperature state if the temperature of at least one component is within a predetermined error range compared to the temperature of the abnormal battery while the temperature of the abnormal battery is decreasing.

[0030] Furthermore, according to another embodiment, the step of diagnosing the cause of an abnormal battery may include the following steps: measuring the temperature of at least one component adjacent to the abnormal battery based on the battery arrangement information in the battery pack; and diagnosing an abnormality in the temperature measuring device in the battery pack if the temperature change of at least one component is outside a predetermined error range compared to the abnormal battery.

[0031] In addition, the step of monitoring at least one of the battery temperature and the amount of temperature change may include the following step: measuring the rate of temperature change of the battery.

[0032] Here, the step of determining whether a battery is abnormal based on at least one of the battery temperature and the amount of temperature change may include the following steps: determining whether a battery is abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the rate with a predetermined threshold rate.

[0033] According to an implementation, the step of determining whether a battery is abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the rate with a predetermined threshold rate may include the following steps: when the absolute value of the rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold rate, and when a temperature change occurs in at least one component adjacent to the battery based on battery arrangement information in the battery assembly, the battery is determined to be abnormal.

[0034] Furthermore, according to another embodiment, the step of determining whether the battery is abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the rate with a predetermined threshold rate may include the following steps: counting the number of times when the absolute value of the rate is equal to or higher than a second threshold rate and lower than a first threshold rate, wherein the second threshold rate is lower than the first threshold rate.

[0035] Here, the step of counting the number of times may include the following steps: when the number of times is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold number of times, providing a warning signal to the user to prevent battery abnormalities caused by changes in the temperature of the external environment.

[0036] In addition, the step of determining whether the battery is abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the rate with a predetermined threshold rate may include the following steps: if the absolute value of the rate is less than a predetermined second threshold rate, then the battery is determined to be normal.

[0037] Beneficial effects

[0038] According to embodiments of the present invention, a battery anomaly diagnostic device and method monitor the temperature and temperature change of each of a plurality of batteries in a battery assembly and determine whether an anomaly has occurred in a particular battery, thereby detecting the occurrence of anomalies in a particular battery even within the normal operating temperature range of the battery. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a battery system to which embodiments of the present invention can be applied.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a battery malfunction diagnostic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a battery anomaly diagnosis method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps for determining whether a specific battery is abnormal in a battery abnormality diagnosis method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 6 This is an image showing a specific battery and neighboring batteries in a battery assembly where an anomaly has occurred according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for diagnosing anomalies in a specific battery based on temperature information of at least one neighboring battery in a battery anomaly diagnosis method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps for determining whether a specific battery is abnormal in a battery abnormality diagnosis method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining whether a particular battery has an anomaly based on the rate of temperature change of each battery in a battery anomaly diagnosis method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] 100: Memory 200: Processor

[0049] 300: Transceiver device; 400: Input interface device

[0050] 500: Output interface device; 600: Storage device

[0051] 700: Bus Detailed Implementation

[0052] This invention can be modified in various forms and has various embodiments, which are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail below. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to specific embodiments; rather, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. Throughout the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0053] It should be understood that although terms such as first, second, A, B, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element without departing from the scope of the invention, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes a combination of or any one of the associated listed items.

[0054] It should be understood that when a component is referred to as "connected" or "attached" to another component, the component may be directly connected or attached to the other component, or there may be intermediate components. Conversely, when a component is referred to as "directly connected" or "directly attached" to another component, there are no intermediate components.

[0055] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “an” are also intended to include the plural forms. It will be further understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “having,” and / or “having” as used herein specify the presence of said features, integers, steps, operations, constituent elements, components, and / or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, constituent elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0056] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It will be further understood that terms defined, for example, in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field, and that unless explicitly defined herein, these terms will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0057] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a battery system to which embodiments of the present invention can be applied.

[0058] Reference Figure 1 In a battery system, the basic unit used to store electricity is typically a battery cell. Series / parallel connections of battery cells form battery modules, and multiple battery cells (battery modules) form battery packs. In other words, a battery module, as a series / parallel connection of battery cells, can be the basic unit of a battery system. Here, depending on the device or system using the battery, a battery module can also be called a battery pack.

[0059] According to an implementation, the battery pack or battery module in the battery system can be configured to include multiple battery cells connected in series.

[0060] Battery packs or modules can be connected to a load via positive and negative terminals to perform charging or discharging. The most commonly used battery is the lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery.

[0061] A battery management system (BMS) can be connected to a battery module or battery pack.

[0062] A battery management system can monitor the current, voltage, and temperature of each battery cell or battery pack under its management, and calculate the battery's state of charge (SOC) based on the monitoring results to control charging and discharging. Here, the state of charge (SOC) refers to the battery's current state of charge, expressed as a percentage [%], and the state of health (SOH) can be the battery's current state of degradation compared to its ideal condition, expressed as a percentage [%].

[0063] As mentioned above, the battery management system (BMS) can monitor battery cells or battery packs and read their individual voltage values. The BMS can then transmit these voltage values ​​to other systems connected to the battery.

[0064] Furthermore, the battery management system monitors at least one electrical component constituting the battery system and transmits its status data to other systems. For this purpose, the BMS includes a communication module for communicating with other systems in a device that includes the battery system. Here, the battery system can be applied to a vehicle.

[0065] The communication module of the BMS can communicate with other systems in the device using a Controller Area Network (CAN). Here, components, modules, or systems in the BMS are connected to each other via a CAN bus. Therefore, the Battery Management System (BMS) can use CAN communication to remotely transmit status data obtained by monitoring battery packs or modules and at least one electrical component constituting the Battery Management System (BMS) to other systems.

[0066] In addition, the battery management system (BMS) can balance the charge of the battery cells to extend the life of the battery system.

[0067] A battery management system (BMS) can include various components such as fuses, current sensing elements, thermistors, switches, and balancers to perform these operations. In most cases, the BMS also includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) or battery monitoring integrated chip (BMIC) for interconnecting and controlling these components. Here, the BMIC can be an IC-type component located inside the battery management system (BMS) that measures information such as voltage, temperature, and current of the battery cells / modules.

[0068] In addition, a battery management system (BMS) typically monitors battery cells and battery packs, and controls battery protection circuits when any battery cell or battery pack malfunctions. For example, when any battery cell or battery pack malfunctions, the BMS can block the charging and discharging circuits to limit the use of the corresponding battery cell or battery pack.

[0069] The battery anomaly diagnostic device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be implemented by being included in the configuration of a battery management system (BMS).

[0070] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a battery malfunction diagnostic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Reference Figure 2 Battery anomaly diagnostic equipment can be applied to battery management devices used in automobiles. Therefore, this equipment can monitor temperature changes in batteries within battery packs used in automobiles and determine if a specific battery is malfunctioning. Here, the battery pack can be a battery array, and the battery can be a battery cell housed within the battery array.

[0072] Furthermore, if the battery malfunction diagnostic equipment determines that a specific battery has malfunctioned, the equipment can diagnose the cause of the malfunction.

[0073] In more detail, the battery malfunction diagnostic device may include a memory 100, a processor 200, a transceiver 300, an input interface device 400, an output interface device 500, and a storage device 600, as described in terms of hardware configuration.

[0074] According to an embodiment, each of the components 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 included in the battery malfunction diagnostic device can be connected to each other via bus 700 to communicate with one another.

[0075] In the aforementioned components 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600, the memory 100 and the storage device 600 may be configured as at least one of volatile storage media and non-volatile storage media. For example, the memory 100 and the storage device 600 may be configured as at least one of read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM).

[0076] The memory 100 may include at least one command executed by the processor 200.

[0077] According to an implementation, at least one instruction may include: an instruction to monitor at least one of the battery temperature and the amount of temperature change; and an instruction to determine whether the battery is abnormal based on at least one of the battery temperature and the amount of temperature change.

[0078] Here, the instruction to determine whether the battery is abnormal based on at least one of the battery temperature and the amount of temperature change may include: an instruction to determine that an abnormality has occurred in the battery if the battery temperature exceeds a predetermined first threshold temperature when the battery temperature is rising; and an instruction to determine that an abnormality has occurred in the battery if the battery temperature is below a predetermined second threshold temperature when the battery temperature is falling.

[0079] In addition, at least one instruction may also include: if an abnormality is determined to have occurred in the battery, an instruction to diagnose the cause of the abnormality in the battery.

[0080] According to an implementation, the instruction for diagnosing the cause of an abnormal battery may include: an instruction to measure the temperature of at least one component adjacent to the abnormal battery based on battery arrangement information in the battery assembly; and an instruction to diagnose a fire in the abnormal battery if the temperature of at least one component is within a predetermined error range compared to the temperature of the abnormal battery when the temperature of the abnormal battery is rising.

[0081] According to another embodiment, the instruction for diagnosing the cause of the abnormality of the abnormal battery may include: an instruction to measure the temperature of at least one component adjacent to the abnormal battery based on the battery arrangement information in the battery assembly; and an instruction to diagnose that the abnormal battery is in a low-temperature state if the temperature of at least one component is within a predetermined error range compared to the temperature of the abnormal battery when the temperature of the abnormal battery is decreasing.

[0082] Furthermore, according to another embodiment, the instruction for diagnosing the cause of the abnormality of the abnormal battery may include: an instruction to measure the temperature of at least one component adjacent to the abnormal battery based on the battery arrangement information in the battery pack; and an instruction to diagnose an abnormality in the temperature measuring device in the battery pack if the temperature change of at least one component is outside a predetermined error range compared to the abnormal battery.

[0083] In addition, instructions for monitoring at least one of the battery temperature and the amount of temperature change may include instructions for measuring the rate of temperature change of the battery.

[0084] Here, the instruction to determine whether the battery is abnormal based on at least one of the battery temperature and the amount of temperature change may include an instruction to determine whether the battery is abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the rate with a predetermined threshold rate.

[0085] According to an implementation, the instruction to determine whether a battery is abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the rate with a predetermined threshold rate may include: determining that a battery is abnormal when the absolute value of the rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold rate and when a temperature change occurs in at least one component adjacent to the battery based on battery arrangement information in the battery assembly.

[0086] Furthermore, according to another embodiment, the instruction to determine whether the battery is abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the rate with a predetermined threshold rate may include: an instruction to count the number of times when the absolute value of the rate is equal to or higher than a second threshold rate and lower than a first threshold rate, wherein the second threshold rate is lower than the first threshold rate.

[0087] Here, the instruction for counting the number of times may include an instruction to provide a warning signal to the user when the number of times is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold number of times to prevent battery abnormalities caused by changes in the temperature of the external environment.

[0088] Furthermore, according to another embodiment, the instruction for determining whether the battery is abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the rate with a predetermined threshold rate may include: if the absolute value of the rate is less than a predetermined second threshold rate, then the instruction for determining that the battery is normal.

[0089] Furthermore, processor 200 may refer to a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a dedicated processor that executes the methods according to embodiments of the present invention thereon.

[0090] As described above, processor 200 can execute at least one program command stored in memory 100.

[0091] The battery malfunction diagnostic device according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described above. A method for diagnosing battery malfunctions using the battery malfunction diagnostic device will now be described.

[0092] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a battery anomaly diagnosis method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Reference Figure 3 The processor 200 in the battery anomaly diagnostic device can monitor at least one of the temperature and temperature change of multiple cells inside the battery assembly (S310).

[0094] According to an implementation, more specifically, the processor 200 can monitor the temperature change of each of the multiple batteries in real time by using a temperature measuring device to measure the temperature of the batteries in real time. For example, the temperature measuring device can be a temperature sensor.

[0095] Subsequently, the processor 200 can determine whether each of the multiple batteries is abnormal based on at least one of the temperature of each of the batteries and the amount of temperature change (S320).

[0096] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps for determining whether a specific battery is abnormal in a battery abnormality diagnosis method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] Reference Figure 4 The processor 200 can determine whether each of the multiple batteries is abnormal by comparing the temperature of each of the multiple batteries measured in real time with a predetermined threshold temperature (S410).

[0098] Here, the predetermined threshold temperature can typically include a first threshold temperature at which a fire is expected to occur in the battery and a second threshold temperature at which battery degradation is expected to occur. For example, the first threshold temperature could be 100°C and the second threshold temperature could be -50°C.

[0099] According to the implementation method, if the temperature of a particular battery exceeds a predetermined first threshold temperature while the temperature of the particular battery is rising, the processor 200 can determine that an anomaly has occurred in the particular battery.

[0100] According to another embodiment, if the temperature of a particular battery drops below a predetermined second threshold temperature while the temperature of that particular battery is decreasing, the processor 200 can determine that an anomaly has occurred in that particular battery.

[0101] However, not limited to what has already been disclosed, if the absolute value of the real-time temperature change of a particular battery is equal to or greater than a threshold temperature, in other words, if the temperature of a particular battery rises or falls by more than the threshold temperature, then the processor 200 in the battery anomaly diagnosis device according to an embodiment of the present invention can determine that an anomaly has occurred in the battery.

[0102] Subsequently, the processor 200 can diagnose the cause of the specific battery's abnormality (S420).

[0103] More specifically, according to an implementation, the processor 200 can individually measure the temperature of at least one component adjacent to a particular battery location identified as having an anomaly.

[0104] Subsequently, the processor 200 can diagnose the cause of an anomaly in a specific battery based on temperature information measured from at least one component. Here, the at least one component can be at least one battery located adjacent to the specific battery within a battery assembly.

[0105] In the following text, Figure 5 and Figure 6 The method for diagnosing anomalies in a specific battery based on temperature information from at least one neighboring battery is described in more detail.

[0106] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is an image showing a specific battery and neighboring batteries in a battery assembly where an anomaly has occurred according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for diagnosing anomalies occurring in a specific battery based on temperature information from at least one neighboring battery.

[0107] Reference Figures 5 to 7 The processor 200 can use the cell arrangement information to identify the location of a specific cell in the battery pack (S710). Here, the cell arrangement information provides information on the location of multiple cells in the battery pack, and the communication identification information of the cells can be used as this information.

[0108] Subsequently, the processor 200 can use the cell arrangement information to obtain identification information of at least one battery adjacent to a specific battery (S720). For example, if battery No. 5 is a specific battery, then batteries No. 4, No. 6, No. 8, and No. 16 located around battery No. 5 can be identified as adjacent batteries.

[0109] Subsequently, the processor 200 can check the temperature of at least one adjacent battery based on the identification information (S730). For example, the processor 200 can check the temperature of an adjacent battery as measured by a temperature measuring device.

[0110] Here, if the temperature of at least one neighboring battery is within a predetermined error range relative to the temperature of a particular battery, or has a similar temperature change pattern (S740), the processor 200 can diagnose that an actual abnormal event has occurred in the particular battery (S750).

[0111] More specifically, according to one embodiment, if the temperature of at least one adjacent battery is the same as the temperature of a specific battery, exceeding a first threshold temperature, then the processor 200 can determine that a fire has occurred in the specific battery. Therefore, the processor 200 can send a fire status notification to the driver and stop operation of the battery assembly.

[0112] More specifically, according to another embodiment, when the temperature of at least one neighboring battery is the same as the temperature of a particular battery and is below a second threshold temperature, the processor 200 can determine that an environmental change towards a cryogenic state has occurred. Therefore, the processor 200 can minimize the output of the battery assembly to prevent problems caused by battery degradation occurring in a cryogenic environment. However, not limited to what has been disclosed, the processor 200 can minimize the output of each battery in the battery assembly.

[0113] Furthermore, if the temperature of at least one adjacent battery does not change, the processor 200 can determine that an anomaly has occurred in the temperature measuring device (S740). Therefore, the processor 200 can operate only until the corresponding driving cycle and provide an alert to the driver to prompt them to conduct an inspection.

[0114] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps for determining whether a specific battery is abnormal in a battery abnormality diagnosis method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] Reference Figure 8 The processor 200 can compare the temperature of each of the multiple batteries measured in real time with a predetermined temperature range (S810). Here, the predetermined temperature range can be the optimal operating temperature to prevent battery degradation. For example, the predetermined temperature range can be from -40°C to +60°C.

[0116] Subsequently, if at least one of the temperatures and temperature changes of the multiple batteries is within a predetermined temperature range (S820), the processor 200 can measure the rate of temperature change of each of the multiple batteries (S830).

[0117] More specifically, according to the implementation, the processor 200 can calculate the temperature change rate for each predetermined cycle based on temperature information measured in real time for each of the batteries. For example, the processor 200 can calculate the temperature change for each battery in 3-second cycles.

[0118] Subsequently, the processor 200 can individually compare the absolute value of the temperature change rate of each battery with at least one predefined threshold rate to determine whether an anomaly has occurred in a particular battery (S840).

[0119] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining whether a particular battery is malfunctioning based on the rate of temperature change of each battery in a battery malfunction diagnosis method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] Reference Figure 9 If the absolute value of the temperature change rate of any particular battery is greater than or equal to a predetermined first threshold rate (S910), the processor 200 can determine that an anomaly has occurred in the particular battery (S920).

[0121] Subsequently, the processor 200 can diagnose the cause of the anomaly in the specific battery by checking the temperature of at least one adjacent component housed within the battery assembly to which the specific battery belongs. Here, the adjacent component can be at least one of a neighboring battery or electrical component located adjacent to the specific battery within the battery assembly.

[0122] For example, if the neighboring component is a neighboring battery, the processor 200 can check the temperature of the neighboring battery. Subsequently, if the temperature change of the neighboring battery has a temperature pattern similar to that of a specific battery, the processor 200 can diagnose that an actual abnormal event has occurred in the specific battery.

[0123] More specifically, according to one embodiment, if the temperature of at least one adjacent battery rises at a first threshold rate or higher, as at the same rate of temperature change as a particular battery, then the processor 200 can determine that a fire has occurred in the particular battery. Therefore, the processor 200 can send a fire status notification to the driver and stop operation of the battery assembly.

[0124] More specifically, according to another embodiment, if the temperature of at least one adjacent battery decreases at a first threshold rate or higher, as is the rate of temperature change for a particular battery, then the processor 200 can determine that an environmental change towards a cryogenic state has occurred. Therefore, the processor 200 can minimize the output of the battery assembly to prevent problems caused by battery degradation occurring in a cryogenic environment. However, not limited to what has been disclosed, the processor 200 can minimize the output of each battery in the battery assembly.

[0125] Furthermore, if the absolute value of the temperature change rate of a particular battery is lower than a first threshold rate but equal to or higher than a second threshold rate (S930), the processor 200 can count (count, N) this (S940). Here, the count information (N) can be stored in storage space. For example, the processor 200 can store the count information (N) in... Figure 2 In the storage device (600).

[0126] Subsequently, if the number of counts for a specific battery exceeds a predetermined threshold (S950), the processor 200 can determine that an anomaly has occurred in that specific battery (S960). Here, the processor 200 can determine that an unidentified heat source is located near the vehicle and send a warning signal to the driver. Furthermore, the processor 200 can reset the measurement cycle for temperature, pressure, etc., to a shorter cycle than before to prevent battery anomalies caused by changes in the external environment's temperature.

[0127] Furthermore, if the absolute value of the temperature change rate of a particular battery is less than the second threshold rate, the processor 200 can determine that the particular battery is normal by treating it as a rate change within the error range due to natural phenomena (S970).

[0128] The battery anomaly diagnosis device and method according to embodiments of the present invention have been described above.

[0129] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery anomaly diagnostic device can monitor the temperature and temperature change of each of a plurality of batteries in a battery assembly, and determine whether an anomaly has occurred in each of the plurality of batteries based on the temperature and temperature change, thereby detecting battery anomalies even when the battery is operating within a predetermined normal operating temperature range.

[0130] Furthermore, the battery anomaly diagnostic device according to an embodiment of the present invention monitors the temperature changes of the malfunctioning battery and adjacent batteries placed nearby, thereby diagnosing the cause of the anomaly in a specific battery based on the temperature changes of the adjacent batteries. Therefore, the battery anomaly diagnostic device according to an embodiment of the present invention can respond quickly and effectively when an anomaly occurs in a battery.

[0131] The operation of the method according to embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a computer-readable program or code on a computer-readable recording medium. A computer-readable recording medium includes all types of recording devices that store data readable by a computer system. Furthermore, the computer-readable recording medium can be distributed across network-connected computer systems to store and execute computer-readable programs or code in a distributed manner.

[0132] Furthermore, computer-readable recording media may include hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc. Program instructions may include not only machine language code created by a compiler, but also high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter.

[0133] While some aspects of the invention have been described in the context of a device, they may also refer to the description of a corresponding method, wherein a block or device corresponds to a method step or feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in the context of a method may also refer to features of a corresponding block or item or a corresponding device. Some or all of the method steps may be performed by (or using) hardware means (e.g., a microprocessor, a programmable computer, or electronic circuitry). In some embodiments, one or more of the most important method steps may be performed by such a device.

[0134] The present invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof; however, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and alterations may be made to the invention within the scope thereof without departing from the spirit and field of the invention as described in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery anomaly diagnostic device, the battery anomaly diagnostic device being used to diagnose whether at least one battery included in a battery assembly is abnormal, the battery anomaly diagnostic device comprising: Memory; as well as A processor, configured to execute at least one instruction stored in the memory. Wherein, the at least one instruction includes: Instructions to monitor at least one of the battery's temperature and the amount of temperature change; and An instruction to determine whether the battery is abnormal based on at least one of the battery's temperature and the amount of temperature change.

2. The battery malfunction diagnostic device according to claim 1, wherein, Instructions for determining whether the battery is abnormal based on at least one of the battery's temperature and the amount of temperature change include: When the temperature of the battery is rising, if the temperature of the battery exceeds a predetermined first threshold temperature, an abnormal command is determined to have occurred in the battery; and When the temperature of the battery is decreasing, if the temperature of the battery is below a predetermined second threshold temperature, it is determined that an abnormal instruction has occurred in the battery.

3. The battery malfunction diagnostic device according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one instruction further includes: If an abnormality is determined to have occurred in the battery, instructions are given to diagnose the cause of the abnormality.

4. The battery malfunction diagnostic device according to claim 3, wherein, Instructions for diagnosing the cause of the abnormality in the battery include: An instruction to measure the temperature of at least one component adjacent to the anomalous battery based on the battery arrangement information in the battery assembly; and When the temperature of the abnormal battery is rising, if the temperature of the at least one component is within a predetermined error range compared to the temperature of the abnormal battery, a command is issued to diagnose a fire in the abnormal battery.

5. The battery malfunction diagnostic device according to claim 3, wherein, Instructions for diagnosing the cause of the abnormality in the battery include: An instruction to measure the temperature of at least one component adjacent to the anomalous battery based on the battery arrangement information in the battery assembly; and When the temperature of the abnormal battery is decreasing, if the temperature of the at least one component is within a predetermined error range compared to the temperature of the abnormal battery, an instruction is given to diagnose that the abnormal battery is in a low-temperature state.

6. The battery malfunction diagnostic device according to claim 3, wherein, Instructions for diagnosing the cause of the abnormality in the battery include: An instruction to measure the temperature of at least one component adjacent to the anomalous battery based on the battery arrangement information in the battery assembly; and If the temperature change of at least one component is outside a predetermined error range compared to the abnormal battery, an instruction is given to diagnose an anomaly in the temperature measurement device of the battery assembly.

7. The battery malfunction diagnostic device according to claim 1, wherein, The instructions for monitoring at least one of the battery's temperature and the amount of temperature change include: Instructions to measure the rate of temperature change of the battery.

8. The battery malfunction diagnostic device according to claim 7, wherein, Instructions for determining whether the battery is abnormal based on at least one of the battery's temperature and the amount of temperature change include: An instruction to determine whether the battery is malfunctioning by comparing the absolute value of the rate with a predetermined threshold rate.

9. The battery malfunction diagnostic device according to claim 8, wherein, The instruction to determine whether the battery is abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the rate with the predetermined threshold rate includes: When the absolute value of the rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold rate, and based on the battery arrangement information in the battery assembly, an instruction is given to determine that the battery is abnormal when a temperature change occurs in at least one component adjacent to the battery.

10. The battery malfunction diagnostic device according to claim 8, wherein, The instruction to determine whether the battery is abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the rate with the predetermined threshold rate includes: An instruction to count the number of times when the absolute value of the rate is equal to or higher than a second threshold rate and lower than a first threshold rate, wherein the second threshold rate is lower than the first threshold rate.

11. The battery malfunction diagnostic device according to claim 10, wherein, The instructions for counting the number of times include: When the number of occurrences equals or exceeds a predetermined threshold, a warning signal is provided to the user to prevent battery malfunctions caused by changes in external environmental temperature.

12. The battery malfunction diagnostic device according to claim 8, wherein, The instruction to determine whether the battery is abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the rate with the predetermined threshold rate includes: If the absolute value of the rate is less than a predetermined second threshold rate, then the battery is determined to be functioning normally.

13. A battery anomaly diagnosis method, the battery anomaly diagnosis method being used to diagnose whether at least one battery included in a battery assembly is abnormal, the battery anomaly diagnosis method comprising the following steps: Monitor at least one of the battery temperature and the amount of temperature change; as well as Whether the battery is abnormal is determined based on at least one of the battery's temperature and the amount of temperature change.

14. The battery anomaly diagnosis method according to claim 13, wherein, The step of determining whether the battery is abnormal based on at least one of the battery's temperature and the amount of temperature change includes the following steps: When the temperature of the battery is rising, if the temperature of the battery exceeds a predetermined first threshold temperature, it is determined that an anomaly has occurred in the battery; and If the temperature of the battery is decreasing and falls below a predetermined second threshold temperature, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the battery.

15. The battery anomaly diagnosis method according to claim 13, further comprising the following steps: If an abnormality is determined to have occurred in the battery, the cause of the abnormality is diagnosed.

16. The battery anomaly diagnosis method according to claim 15, wherein, The steps for diagnosing the cause of the abnormality in the battery include the following: The temperature of at least one component adjacent to the anomalous battery is measured based on the battery arrangement information in the battery assembly; and If the temperature of the abnormal battery is rising, and the temperature of at least one component is within a predetermined error range compared to the temperature of the abnormal battery, then a fire is diagnosed in the abnormal battery.

17. The battery anomaly diagnosis method according to claim 15, wherein, The steps for diagnosing the cause of the abnormality in the battery include the following: The temperature of at least one component adjacent to the anomalous battery is measured based on the battery arrangement information in the battery assembly; and When the temperature of the abnormal battery is decreasing, if the temperature of the at least one component is within a predetermined error range compared to the temperature of the abnormal battery, the abnormal battery is diagnosed as being in a low-temperature state.

18. The battery anomaly diagnosis method according to claim 15, wherein, The steps for diagnosing the cause of the abnormality in the battery include the following: The temperature of at least one component adjacent to the anomalous battery is measured based on the battery arrangement information in the battery assembly; and If the temperature change of at least one component is outside a predetermined error range compared to the abnormal battery, an anomaly is diagnosed in the temperature measuring device of the battery assembly.

19. The battery anomaly diagnosis method according to claim 13, wherein, The step of monitoring at least one of the temperature of the battery and the amount of temperature change includes the following steps: The rate of temperature change of the battery is measured.

20. The battery anomaly diagnosis method according to claim 19, wherein, The step of determining whether the battery is abnormal based on at least one of the battery's temperature and the amount of temperature change includes the following steps: The battery is determined to be abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the rate with a predetermined threshold rate.

21. The battery anomaly diagnosis method according to claim 20, wherein, The step of determining whether the battery is abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the rate with the predetermined threshold rate includes the following steps: When the absolute value of the rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold rate, and when a temperature change occurs in at least one component adjacent to the battery based on the battery arrangement information in the battery assembly, the battery is determined to be abnormal.

22. The battery anomaly diagnosis method according to claim 20, wherein, The step of determining whether the battery is abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the rate with the predetermined threshold rate includes the following steps: The number of times is counted when the absolute value of the rate is equal to or higher than the second threshold rate and lower than the first threshold rate, wherein the second threshold rate is lower than the first threshold rate.

23. The battery anomaly diagnosis method according to claim 22, wherein, The step of counting the number of times includes the following steps: When the number of occurrences is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold number, a warning signal is provided to the user to prevent battery malfunctions caused by changes in external environmental temperature.

24. The battery anomaly diagnosis method according to claim 20, wherein, The step of determining whether the battery is abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the rate with the predetermined threshold rate includes the following steps: If the absolute value of the rate is less than a predetermined second threshold rate, then the battery is determined to be normal.

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