Battery communication system and method of operation thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to a battery communication system and a method for operating the same. The battery communication system is used for communication between a plurality of battery cells. The method for operating the battery communication system includes the following steps. In a wireless daisy chain communication path of the battery communication system, a first wireless communication unit sends a transmission signal to a second wireless communication unit adjacent to the first wireless communication unit through an electronic / magnetic coupling wave or a wireless transmission mode. In the wireless daisy chain communication path of the battery communication system, the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit perform an auto-gain control (AGC) procedure to automatically adjust a receiving gain of the second wireless communication unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a communication system and its operation method, and more particularly to a battery communication system and its operation method. Background Technology

[0002] In prior art, to improve the efficiency of battery energy storage systems, battery packs (such as those used in industrial and automotive battery energy storage systems) are mostly arranged in series. The DC voltage of a battery pack increases with the number of cells connected in series, leading to a continuous decrease in the reliability and stability of the battery energy storage system. However, the battery energy storage system must monitor and collect information such as the voltage and temperature of each cell in the system to maintain the operation and safety of the battery energy storage. Therefore, as the series DC voltage continuously increases, the voltage across the connected battery energy storage communication system also increases, posing a growing challenge to the safety and stability of the battery energy storage communication system.

[0003] Furthermore, due to the widespread application of lithium iron phosphate batteries, their relatively flat discharge curve has allowed single-cell capacity to increase from several ampere-hours (2-3 Ah) to hundreds of ampere-hours (200-300 Ah), necessitating more precise battery monitoring parameters for battery energy storage systems. Currently, there is a trend towards equipping each battery in a battery energy storage system with a monitoring chip.

[0004] In battery energy storage systems, monitoring information from the batteries requires real-time transmission via communication paths to accurately grasp the operational status of each battery in the battery pack. However, every node on the communication path must remain operational. A communication failure at any node can significantly impact the communication efficiency of the battery system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the purpose of this application is to provide a battery communication system and its operation method. The battery communication system can utilize an automatic gain control program to ensure the normal operation of each communication node in the wireless daisy-chain communication path, thereby maintaining the communication efficiency of the battery communication system.

[0006] The purpose of this application and the technical problem it solves are achieved by the following technical solution. From one perspective, this application proposes a method for operating a battery communication system. The battery communication system is used for communication among several battery cells. The method for operating the battery communication system includes the following steps: In a wireless daisy chain communication path of the battery communication system, a first wireless communication unit transmits a transmission signal to an adjacent second wireless communication unit via an electronic / magnetic coupling wave or a wireless transmission method. In the wireless daisy chain communication path of the battery communication system, the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit execute an automatic gain control (AGC) procedure to automatically adjust the receiving gain of one of the second wireless communication units.

[0007] In another aspect of this application, a battery communication system is provided. The battery communication system includes a first wireless communication unit and a second wireless communication unit. The first wireless communication unit is located in a wireless daisy chain communication path. The second wireless communication unit is located in the wireless daisy chain communication path and is adjacent to the first wireless communication unit. In the wireless daisy chain communication path of the battery communication system, the first wireless communication unit transmits a transmission signal to the adjacent second wireless communication unit via an electronic / magnetic coupled wave or a wireless transmission method. In the wireless daisy chain communication path of the battery communication system, the first and second wireless communication units execute an automatic gain control (AGC) program to automatically adjust the receiving gain of one of the second wireless communication units.

[0008] To provide a better understanding of the above and other aspects of this disclosure, specific embodiments are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings: Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating a battery system and a wireless daisy-chain communication path according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0010] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating the communication mode of a wireless communication unit in a wireless daisy-chain communication path according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0011] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the communication method of a wireless communication unit in a wireless daisy-chain communication path according to another embodiment of this application is shown.

[0012] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating the operation method of a battery communication system according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0013] Figure 5 The illustration depicts an embodiment according to this application. Figure 4 The detailed flowchart of step S200.

[0014] Figures 6A-6B Illustration based on this application Figure 4 , 5 The following is a schematic diagram illustrating steps S100, S210, S220, and S230.

[0015] Figure 7 The illustration depicts another embodiment according to this application. Figure 4 The detailed flowchart of step S200.

[0016] Figures 8A-8B Illustration based on this application Figure 4 , 7 The following is a schematic diagram illustrating steps S100, S240, S250, and S260. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The foregoing descriptions and other technical contents, features, and effects of this application will be clearly presented in the following detailed description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following descriptions of the embodiments are with reference to the accompanying drawings and are used to illustrate specific embodiments in which this application can be implemented. Each embodiment of this application has one or more technical features. Where possible, those skilled in the art can selectively implement some or all of the technical features in any embodiment, or selectively combine some or all of the technical features in these embodiments.

[0018] The foregoing descriptions and other technical contents, features, and effects of this application will be clearly presented in the following detailed description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings and descriptions are considered illustrative in nature and not restrictive. In the drawings, structurally similar units are denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, for understanding and ease of description, the dimensions and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown, but this application is not limited thereto.

[0019] To further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by this application to achieve the intended purpose, the following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, describes the specific implementation, structure, features, and effects of a battery communication system and its operation method proposed in this application.

[0020] Please refer to Figure 1The diagram illustrates a battery system 1000 and a wireless daisy-chain communication path DCPH according to an embodiment of this application. The battery system 1000 includes several battery cells 900 and a battery communication system (CMS). The CMS includes, for example, a main control wireless communication unit 300m and several wireless communication units 300. The CMS is connected to these battery cells 900. The battery cells 900 are, for example, lithium phosphate batteries or ternary lithium batteries. These battery cells are connected in series. During operation, the battery cells 900 need to be monitored to confirm whether battery parameters such as temperature and voltage are normal. Especially when the battery cells 900 use lithium phosphate batteries, which have a relatively flat discharge curve, a monitoring chip or monitoring circuit (not shown) is required for each battery cell 900 for precise and real-time monitoring.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery communication system (CMS) is used for communication between these battery cells 900, such as transmitting monitoring information or control commands via transmission signals (SN). Monitoring information may include, for example, voltage, temperature, or current information. The master wireless communication unit 300m controls these wireless communication units 300 and collects or transmits information. Wireless coupling components (AT) are positioned between adjacent wireless communication units 300, or between the first wireless communication unit 300 and the master wireless communication unit 300m. Whisper wireless communication is conducted between the master wireless communication unit 300m and each of these wireless communication units 300 via the wireless coupling components (AT) to transmit control commands to the wireless communication units 300 or to receive monitoring information from the wireless communication units 300. These wireless communication units 300 and the master wireless unit 300m form a wireless daisy chain communication path (DCPH). The wireless daisy chain communication path (DCPH) may be a chain path or a loop path.

[0022] In one embodiment, the whisper wireless communication performed by the wireless coupling component AT is only for communication between adjacent wireless communication units 300 (or between the first wireless communication unit 300 and the master wireless communication unit 300m), without interfering with or being interfered with by other wireless communication units 300.

[0023] In one embodiment, each wireless communication unit 300 includes a transmission circuit TX and a receiving circuit RX between themselves and between each other and the main control wireless communication unit 300m. The transmission circuit TX is used to transmit signals, and the receiving circuit RX is used to receive signals. In the wireless daisy-chain communication path DCPH, each wireless communication unit 300 must maintain stable operation. Each wireless communication unit 300 must successfully receive the transmission signal SN in order for the transmission signal SN to continue to be transmitted smoothly in the wireless daisy-chain communication path DCPH.

[0024] Please refer to Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the communication method of a wireless daisy-chain communication path DCPH according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 As shown, in the wireless daisy-chain communication path DCPH, the wireless coupling component AT21 of each wireless communication unit 300 and the wireless coupling component AT22 of the adjacent wireless communication unit 300 can transmit through the electronic coupling wave (EW).

[0025] Please refer to Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the communication method of a wireless daisy-chain communication path DCPH according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 As shown, in the wireless daisy-chain communication path DCPH, the wireless coupling component AT31 of each wireless communication unit 300 and the wireless coupling component AT32 of the adjacent wireless communication unit 300 can transmit via magnetic coupling wave MW. Alternatively, the wireless coupling components can also use any wireless transmission method.

[0026] In one embodiment, the aforementioned wireless coupling component AT may be adopted. Figure 2 Wireless coupling components AT21, AT22 or Figure 3 Wireless coupling components AT31 and AT32.

[0027] Please refer to Figure 4 The diagram illustrates a flowchart of the operation method of a battery communication system (CMS) according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The operation method of the battery communication system CMS includes steps S100 and S200. Please refer to... Figure 5 and Figures 6A-6B . Figure 5 The illustration depicts an embodiment according to this application. Figure 4 The detailed flowchart of step S200 includes, for example, S210 to S230. Figures 6A-6B Illustration based on this application Figure 4 , 5 The following is a schematic diagram illustrating steps S100, S210, S220, and S230.

[0028] In step S100, as Figure 6A As shown, in the wireless daisy-chain communication path DCPH of the battery communication system (CMS), the first wireless communication unit 300i transmits a transmission signal SN to the adjacent second wireless communication unit 300j via an electrically coupled wave EW (shown in Figure 2), a magnetically coupled wave MW (shown in Figure 3), or a wireless transmission method. The first wireless communication unit 300i and the second wireless communication unit 300j are two adjacent units of the aforementioned plurality of wireless communication units 300. The order of the first wireless communication unit 300i and the second wireless communication unit 300j is interchangeable, and this disclosure does not limit the order of the first wireless communication unit 300i and the second wireless communication unit 300j.

[0029] Next, in step S200, as Figure 6B As shown, the first wireless communication unit 300i and the second wireless communication unit 300j execute an automatic gain control (AGC) program to automatically adjust the receiving gain RXG of one of the second wireless communication units 300j.

[0030] In one embodiment, specifically, step S200 includes steps S210 to S230. In step S210, as... Figure 6A As shown, the second wireless communication unit 300j detects the received signal strength RXS of one of the transmitted signals SN.

[0031] In step S220, as Figure 6B As shown, the second wireless communication unit 300j determines whether the received signal strength RXS is lower than a predetermined working range CZ. When the received signal strength RXS is too low, the receiving circuit RX will not be able to correctly decode the transmitted signal SN, and the content of the transmitted signal SN may be lost. If the received signal strength RXS is lower than the predetermined working range CZ, then proceed to step S230.

[0032] In step S230, as Figure 6B As shown, the second wireless communication unit 300j increases the receive gain RXG to adjust towards a predetermined operating range CZ. In one embodiment, the second wireless communication unit 300j increases the receive gain RXG by a predetermined absolute amount. After the receive gain RXG is adjusted, the process returns to steps S100 and S200 to perform the automatic gain control procedure again. If the receive gain RXG is still lower than the predetermined operating range CZ, the receive gain RXG will be increased again by a predetermined absolute amount until the receive gain RXG is not lower than the predetermined operating range CZ.

[0033] In another embodiment, the second wireless communication unit 300j increases the receive gain RXG by a predetermined relative ratio, for example. After the receive gain RXG is adjusted, the process returns to steps S100 and S200 to perform the automatic gain control procedure again. If the receive gain RXG is still lower than the predetermined operating range CZ, the receive gain RXG will be increased again by a predetermined relative ratio until the receive gain RXG is not lower than the predetermined operating range CZ.

[0034] Please refer to Figure 7 and Figures 8A-8B . Figure 7 A detailed flowchart of step S200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Step S200 includes, for example, S240 to S260. Figures 8A-8B Example illustration of steps S100, S240, S250, and S260.

[0035] In step S100, as Figure 8A As shown, in the wireless daisy-chain communication path DCPH of the battery communication system CMS, the first wireless communication unit 300i transmits the electrically coupled wave EW (illustrated in...) Figure 2 ) or magnetically coupled wave MW (plotted on Figure 3 It can transmit a transmission signal SN to the adjacent second wireless communication unit 300j via either a wireless transmission method or a wireless transmission method.

[0036] Next, in step S200, as Figure 8B As shown, the first wireless communication unit 300i and the second wireless communication unit 300j execute an automatic gain control program to automatically adjust the receiving gain RXG of the second wireless communication unit 300j.

[0037] In one embodiment, specifically, step S200 includes steps S240 to S260. In step S240, as... Figure 8A As shown, the second wireless communication unit 300j detects the received signal strength RXS of the transmitted signal SN.

[0038] In step S250, as Figure 8B As shown, the second wireless communication unit 300j determines whether the received signal strength RXS is higher than the predetermined working range CZ. If the received signal strength RXS is too high, it may exceed the upper limit that the receiving circuit RX can process, and the transmitted signal SN cannot be correctly decoded, potentially resulting in loss of the transmitted signal SN. If the received signal strength RXS is higher than the predetermined working range CZ, then proceed to step S260.

[0039] In step S260, as Figure 8BAs shown, the second wireless communication unit 300j reduces the receive gain RXG to adjust towards a predetermined operating range CZ. In one embodiment, the second wireless communication unit 300j reduces the receive gain RXG by a predetermined absolute amount. After reducing the receive gain RXG, the process returns to steps S100 and S200 to perform the automatic gain control procedure again. If the receive gain RXG is still higher than the predetermined operating range CZ, the receive gain RXG will be reduced again by a predetermined absolute amount until the receive gain RXG is no higher than the predetermined operating range CZ.

[0040] In one embodiment, the second wireless communication unit 300j reduces the receive gain RXG by a predetermined relative ratio. After the receive gain RXG is adjusted, the process returns to steps S100 and S200 to perform the automatic gain control procedure again. If the receive gain RXG is still higher than the predetermined operating range CZ, the receive gain RXG will be reduced again by a predetermined relative ratio until the receive gain RXG is no higher than the predetermined operating range CZ.

[0041] In one embodiment, step S200 includes, for example, steps S210 to S260 described above, so that when the receiving gain RXG is not within the predetermined operating range CZ, the receiving gain RXG can be adjusted to within the predetermined operating range CZ by means of increasing and / or decreasing.

[0042] During the execution of the above embodiments, the increase in the receiving gain RXG and the decrease in the receiving gain RXG may be substantially different (e.g., different predetermined absolute magnitudes or different predetermined relative proportions).

[0043] The wireless daisy-chain communication path DCPH has a number of wireless communication units 300, and these wireless communication units 300 have different attenuation and degradation conditions. After the operation method disclosed herein has been running for a period of time, the multiple wireless communication units 300 on the wireless daisy-chain communication path DCPH may have not exactly the same receive gain RXG.

[0044] According to the above embodiments, the battery communication system CMS can use an automatic gain control program to ensure that each communication node of the wireless daisy-chain communication path DCPH can operate normally, so as to maintain the communication efficiency of the battery communication system CMS.

[0045] The above disclosure provides different features for implementing some embodiments or examples of this disclosure. Specific examples of components and configurations described above (e.g., mentioned values ​​or names) are used to simplify / illustrate some embodiments of this disclosure. Of course, these components and configurations are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in various instances of some embodiments of this disclosure. This repetition is for simplicity and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or configurations discussed. The phrase "in one embodiment" is used repeatedly. This phrase does not usually refer to the same embodiment; however, it may refer to the same embodiment. The words "comprising," "having," and "including" are synonyms unless the context otherwise indicates otherwise.

[0046] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, intended to facilitate understanding of the content of this application by those skilled in the art, and is not intended to limit this application in any way. Although this application has been disclosed above with specific embodiments, it is not intended to limit this application. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this application. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this application without departing from the content of the technical solution of this application shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of this application.

Claims

1. A method of operating a battery communication system, the battery communication system being used for communication among a plurality of battery cells, characterized in that, The operation method of the battery communication system includes: In one of the wireless daisy-chain communication paths of the battery communication system, a first wireless communication unit transmits a transmission signal to an adjacent second wireless communication unit via an electro / magnetic coupling wave or a wireless transmission method; and In the wireless daisy-chain communication path of the battery communication system, the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit execute an automatic gain control (AGC) program to automatically adjust the receiving gain of one of the second wireless communication units.

2. The method of operating the battery communication system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The steps by which the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit execute the automatic gain control program include: In the wireless daisy-chain communication path of the battery communication system, the second wireless communication unit detects the strength of one of the transmitted signals; In the wireless daisy-chain communication path of the battery communication system, the second wireless communication unit determines whether the received signal strength is lower than a predetermined operating range; and If the received signal strength is lower than the predetermined operating range, the second wireless communication unit increases the receiving gain.

3. The method of operating the battery communication system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The second wireless communication unit increases the receiving gain by a predetermined absolute amount; or The second wireless communication unit increases the receiving gain by a predetermined relative ratio.

4. The method of operating the battery communication system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The steps by which the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit execute the automatic gain control program include: In the wireless daisy-chain communication path of the battery communication system, the second wireless communication unit detects the strength of one of the transmitted signals; In the wireless daisy-chain communication path of the battery communication system, the second wireless communication unit determines whether the received signal strength is higher than a predetermined operating range; and If the received signal strength is higher than the predetermined operating range, the second wireless communication unit reduces the receiving gain.

5. The method of operating the battery communication system as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The second wireless communication unit reduces the receiving gain by a predetermined absolute amount; or The second wireless communication unit reduces the receiving gain by a predetermined relative ratio.

6. The method of operating the battery communication system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In the aforementioned wireless daisy-chain communication path, multiple wireless communication units have not exactly the same receiving gain.

7. A battery communication system, characterized in that, The battery communication system includes: A first wireless communication unit, located in a wireless daisy-chain communication path; and A second wireless communication unit is located in the wireless daisy-chain communication path and is adjacent to the first wireless communication unit; In the wireless daisy-chain communication path of the battery communication system, the first wireless communication unit is used to send a transmission signal to the adjacent second wireless communication unit through an electro-magnetic coupling wave or a wireless transmission method. In the wireless daisy-chain communication path of the battery communication system, the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit are used to execute an automatic gain control (AGC) program to automatically adjust the receiving gain of one of the second wireless communication units.

8. The battery communication system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, In the automatic gain control program, the second wireless communication unit is used to detect the strength of one of the transmitted signals; The second wireless communication unit is used to determine whether the received signal strength is lower than a predetermined operating range; as well as If the received signal strength is lower than the predetermined operating range, the second wireless communication unit is used to increase the receiving gain.

9. The battery communication system as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The second wireless communication unit increases the receiving gain by a predetermined absolute amount; or The second wireless communication unit increases the receiving gain by a predetermined relative ratio.

10. The battery communication system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, In the automatic gain control program, the second wireless communication unit is used to detect the strength of one of the transmitted signals; The second wireless communication unit is used to determine whether the received signal strength is higher than a predetermined working range; as well as If the received signal strength is higher than the predetermined operating range, the second wireless communication unit is used to reduce the receiving gain.

11. The battery communication system as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The second wireless communication unit reduces the receiving gain by a predetermined absolute amount; or The second wireless communication unit reduces the receiving gain by a predetermined relative ratio.

12. The battery communication system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, In the aforementioned wireless daisy-chain communication path, multiple wireless communication units have not exactly the same receiving gain.

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