Signal output device and battery system comprising the same

Abstract

A signal output apparatus can include a contact portion connected to an external device, a controller configured to output a signal to be transmitted to the external device, and a signal transmission circuit configured to transmit the signal output from the controller to the contact portion. Here, the controller can control the signal transmission circuit so that the contact portion operates as a dry contact portion or a wet contact portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0128631, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on September 24, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a signal output device and a battery system including the signal output device, and more particularly to a signal output device that outputs a specific signal to an external device via a contact portion and a battery system including the signal output device. Background Technology

[0003] Rechargeable and reusable secondary batteries can be used as energy sources for small devices such as mobile phones, tablet PCs, and vacuum cleaners, as well as for medium and large-sized devices such as automobiles and energy storage systems (ESS) for smart grids.

[0004] Depending on system requirements, secondary batteries can be used in the system as components, such as battery packs in which multiple battery cells are electrically connected, or battery racks in which battery packs are electrically connected. For ESS (Emerging Power Supply) systems used in smart grids, high-capacity battery systems with multiple battery racks connected in parallel can be used to meet the system's required capacity.

[0005] During battery system operation, specific signals (e.g., signals indicating that the battery system is in a normal state) need to be transmitted to the device to which the battery system is applied. The battery system and the device are connected via contacts for transmitting these signals, and the battery system transmits signals to the device through these contacts.

[0006] Depending on the design requirements of the device in which the battery system is applied, the contacts used for signal transmission must be designed as either dry or wet contacts.

[0007] Typically, battery systems are not designed individually to meet the requirements of each device, but rather to be applicable to a variety of devices to reduce design and manufacturing costs. However, if a battery system is manufactured according to a design that reflects a specific type of contact during its design phase, that battery system cannot be used in devices that require different types of contacts.

[0008] Among the prior art documents related to this invention, CN 214310843 U is somewhat relevant. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] To avoid one or more problems in the related art, embodiments of this disclosure provide a signal output device capable of changing the type of contacts to which a signal is output to a device.

[0011] To avoid one or more problems in the related art, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a battery system including the signal output device.

[0012] Technical solution

[0013] To achieve the objectives of this disclosure, a signal output device may include: a contact portion connected to an external device; a controller configured to output a signal to be transmitted to the external device; and a signal transmission circuit configured to transmit the signal output from the controller to the contact portion. Here, the controller may control the signal transmission circuit to cause the contact portion to operate as a dry contact or a wet contact.

[0014] The signal transmission circuit may include: a first signal transmission circuit configured to transmit a signal output from the controller to the contact in an optical transmission manner; and a second signal transmission circuit configured to transmit power output from the power supply together with the signal output from the controller to the contact.

[0015] The controller can output the signal to be transmitted to an external device to only one of the first signal transmission circuit and the second signal transmission circuit.

[0016] The first signal transmission circuit may include: a first power supply line, one end of which is connected to a power supply and the other end is grounded; a light-emitting element disposed on the first power supply line; a first switch disposed on the first power supply line; a first control terminal for controlling the on / off operation of the first switch; and a light-receiving element connected to a contact portion.

[0017] The controller can output the signal to be transmitted to the external device to the first control terminal, thereby making the contact part operate as a dry contact part.

[0018] The first signal transmission circuit can transmit the signal to the contact portion via a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element when the signal is input from the controller to the first control terminal.

[0019] The second signal transmission circuit may include: a second power supply line, one end of which is connected to a power supply and the other end of which is connected to a first terminal of a contact; a grounding line, one end of which is connected to a second terminal of the contact and the other end of which is grounded; a second switch, which is disposed on the second power supply line; a second control terminal, which is used to control the on / off operation of the second switch; a third switch, which is disposed on the grounding line; and a third control terminal, which is used to control the on / off operation of the third switch.

[0020] The controller can output signals to be transmitted to external devices to the second and third control terminals, thereby enabling the contact part to operate as a wet contact part.

[0021] The second signal transmission circuit can transmit the signal along with the power output from the power supply to the contact when the signal is input from the controller to the second control terminal and the third control terminal.

[0022] The controller can make the contacts operate as dry contacts or wet contacts, depending on the type of contacts required by the external device.

[0023] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, a battery system may include: a battery; and a signal output device configured to output a signal associated with the battery to an external device. Here, the signal output device may include: a contact portion connected to the external device; a controller configured to output a signal to be transmitted to the external device; and a signal transmission circuit configured to transmit a signal output from the controller to the contact portion.

[0024] The controller can control the signal transmission circuit so that the contacts operate as dry contacts or wet contacts.

[0025] The signal output device can be included in the battery management system (BMS) of the battery system.

[0026] Beneficial effects

[0027] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a signal corresponding to the type of contact required by the device can be output, thereby reducing the design and manufacturing costs of the battery system. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a general energy storage system.

[0029] Figure 2 The structure of a universal battery holder is shown.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a circuit diagram of a signal output device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the operation of the signal output device in dry contact mode.

[0033] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the operation of the signal output device in wet contact mode.

[0034] 10: Battery System

[0035] 20: External devices

[0036] 100: Battery

[0037] 200: Power supply unit

[0038] 300: Signal output device

[0039] 310: Controller

[0040] 320: Signal transmission circuit Detailed Implementation

[0041] This invention can be modified in various forms and has various embodiments, and specific embodiments thereof are shown 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 the specific embodiments, but rather, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions falling within the spirit and technical scope of the invention. Throughout the description of the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals refer to similar elements.

[0042] 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, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element, without departing from the scope of the invention. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes a combination of or any of the associated listed items.

[0043] It should be understood that when a component is described as "coupled" or "connected" to another component, it can be directly coupled or connected to the other component, or there may be intermediate components. Conversely, when a component is described as "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another component, there are no intermediate components.

[0044] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “comprise,” and / or “having” as used herein specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, constituent elements, components, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, constituent elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0045] 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 should also be understood that terms such as those defined in common dictionaries should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant field, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0046] Some of the terms used in this article are defined as follows.

[0047] A battery cell is a basic unit used to store electricity, and a battery module is an assembly in which multiple battery cells are electrically connected.

[0048] A battery rack can refer to a single-structure system assembled by connecting modules in series or parallel, as specified by the battery manufacturer, and monitored and controlled by a battery management system (BMS). A battery rack may include several battery modules and battery protection units or any other protection devices. Here, depending on the device or system using batteries, a battery module may also be referred to as a battery pack.

[0049] A battery bank refers to a large system of battery racks configured by connecting multiple battery racks in parallel. A battery bank BMS can monitor and control several BMSs, with each BMS managing one battery rack.

[0050] A battery assembly may include multiple electrically connected battery cells and refers to an assembly used as a power source by being applied to a particular system or device. Here, a battery assembly may mean a battery module, battery pack, battery rack, or battery bank, but the scope of the invention is not limited to these entities.

[0051] A battery system controller (BSC) can refer to the highest-level device that controls a battery system including a battery bank-level structure, and can also be used as a controller in a battery system with a multi-bank structure.

[0052] State of charge (SOC) refers to the current state of a battery as a percentage point [%], and state of health (SOH) refers to the current condition of a battery as a percentage point [%] compared to its ideal or original condition.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a general energy storage system.

[0054] Typically, a battery cell is the basic unit of a battery used to store electricity in an energy storage system (ESS). Series / parallel combinations of battery cells form battery packs, and multiple battery packs form battery racks. In other words, a battery rack, as a series / parallel combination of battery packs, can be the basic unit of a battery system. Here, depending on the device or system in which the batteries are used, a battery pack can be referred to as a battery module.

[0055] refer to Figure 1 A battery rack can include multiple battery packs and battery protection units (BPUs) 50 or protection devices. The battery rack can be monitored and controlled by a rack battery management system (RBMS). The RBMS can monitor the current, voltage, and temperature of each managed battery rack, calculate the battery's state of charge (SOC) based on the monitoring results, and control charging and discharging.

[0056] Meanwhile, the BPU 50 is a device used to protect batteries from abnormal and fault currents in the battery rack. The BPU may include a main contactor MC, fuses, circuit breakers CB, or disconnect switches DS. The BPU can control the battery system rack-by-rack by controlling the opening / closing of the main contactor according to the control of the RBMS. The BPU can also protect the batteries from short-circuit currents by using fuses in the event of a short circuit. Therefore, a general-purpose battery system can be controlled by protective devices such as the BPU or switching instruments.

[0057] Simultaneously, a Battery System Controller (BSC) 20 can be installed to monitor and control objects in each battery section, including multiple batteries, peripheral circuits, and devices, such as voltage, current, temperature, and circuit breakers. The Battery System Controller is the top-level controller for a library-level battery system comprising multiple battery racks and is also used as a controller in battery systems with multi-library architectures. Here, each library-level battery system may include a Library Battery Management System (BBMS), and the BBMS can monitor and control each rack by interfacing with the RBMS of the battery rack to be managed.

[0058] Furthermore, the power conversion system (PCS) 40 installed in each battery section controls the charging and discharging of the batteries by controlling the power supplied from an external source and the power supplied from the battery section to the outside, and may include a DC / AC inverter. Additionally, if the ESS system is connected to the photovoltaic (PV) module field 70, a PV inverter may be included.

[0059] Simultaneously, the output of each BPU can be connected to PCS 40 via a DC bus, and PCS 40 is connected to the power grid 60. Furthermore, the Energy Management System (EMS) / Power Management System (PMS) 30 can control the energy storage system overall.

[0060] Figure 2The structure of a universal battery holder is shown.

[0061] The battery rack may include a battery protection unit (BPU) and multiple battery packs. Here, the BPU and multiple battery packs can be combined in a vertically stacked structure.

[0062] The BPU located at the top of the battery rack may include a circuit breaker (CB) and a rack BMS (RBMS).

[0063] RBMS can include a main contactor MC, fuse, microcontroller unit (MCU), memory, power supply and current sensor.

[0064] Each of the battery packs located below the BPU may include multiple batteries as well as a battery pack management system (PBMS) for monitoring and managing the batteries.

[0065] The batteries within each battery pack can be connected in series and / or in parallel and connected to power terminals located in the BPU, thereby connecting to a DC link.

[0066] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] refer to Figure 3 The battery system 10 can be connected to the external device 20 via contacts Cp and Cn. Here, the battery system 10 can output specific signals to the external device 20 via contacts Cp and Cn.

[0068] The battery system 10 may include a battery 100, a power supply 200, and a signal output device 300.

[0069] Battery 100 can refer to a single battery cell, battery module, battery pack, battery rack, or battery bank.

[0070] The power supply 200 can supply power to the signal output device 300. For example, the power supply 200 can be a switch-mode power supply (SMPS) that receives power from the battery 100 and supplies a defined voltage to the battery management system (BMS). Here, the SMPS can be configured to supply power to the signal output device 300 included in the BMS.

[0071] The signal output device 300 can output a signal associated with the battery 100 to an external device 20. The signal output to the external device 20 can conform to the protocol required by the external device 20. For example, the signal output device 300 can output a signal with a predefined pulse waveform to the external device 20 at defined time intervals to indicate that the battery is in a normal state.

[0072] The signal output device 300 may include a controller 310 and a signal transmission circuit 320.

[0073] The controller 310 can output a signal to be transmitted to the external device 20. The controller 310 can be a microcontroller unit (MCU) included in the battery system's BMS.

[0074] The signal transmission circuit 320 can transmit the signal output from the controller 310 to the contacts Cp and Cn.

[0075] The controller 310 can control the signal transmission circuit 320 so that the contacts Cp and Cn operate as dry contacts or wet contacts.

[0076] If the contacts Cp and Cn operate as wet contacts, the power output from the power supply 200 can be transmitted to the external device 20 along with the signal output from the controller 310. Conversely, if the contacts Cp and Cn operate as dry contacts, only the signal output from the controller 310 can be transmitted to the external device 20.

[0077] The signal transmission circuit 320 may include a first signal transmission circuit 321 and a second signal transmission circuit 322.

[0078] The first signal transmission circuit 321 can transmit the signal output from the controller 310 to the contacts Cp and Cn via optical transmission. Furthermore, the second signal transmission circuit 322 can transmit the power output from the power supply 200 together with the signal output from the controller 310 to the contacts Cp and Cn.

[0079] The controller 310 can output a signal to be transmitted to an external device to only one of the first signal transmission circuit 321 and the second signal transmission circuit 322. If the controller 310 outputs a signal to the first signal transmission circuit 321, the signal can be transmitted to the contacts Cp and Cn in an optical transmission manner, so that the contacts Cp and Cn function as dry contacts. Conversely, if the controller 310 outputs a signal to the second signal transmission circuit 322, the power output from the power supply 200 can be transmitted to the contacts Cp and Cn together with the signal, so that the contacts Cp and Cn function as wet contacts.

[0080] The controller 310 can operate contacts Cp and Cn as dry contacts or wet contacts depending on the contact type required by the external device 20. For example, when the contact type required by the external device 20 is a dry contact, the controller 310 can use the first signal transmission circuit 321 to transmit signals to contacts Cp and Cn. In another example, when the contact type required by the external device 20 is a wet contact, the controller 310 can use the second signal transmission circuit 322 to transmit signals and power to contacts Cp and Cn.

[0081] The type of contact required by the external device 20 can be stored in the storage device or memory included in the battery system before the signal output device 300 is connected to the external device 20.

[0082] The controller 310 can identify the contact type stored in the storage device or memory, and according to the identified contact type, cause the signal output device 300 to operate in dry contact mode or wet contact mode.

[0083] The signal output device 300 can be integrated into the BMS of the battery system. For example, the controller 310 can be the MCU in the BMS, and the signal output device 300 can be implemented on the circuit board of the BMS.

[0084] At the same time, with Figure 3 As shown, the signal output device 300 can be applied to various systems other than the battery system 10. Specifically, the signal output device 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied to any device connected to an external device and requiring to output a specific signal to that external device.

[0085] Figure 4 This is a circuit diagram of a signal output device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] refer to Figure 4 The signal output device may include a controller 310 and a signal transmission circuit. Here, the signal transmission circuit may include a first signal transmission circuit and a second signal transmission circuit.

[0087] The first signal transmission circuit may include a first power supply line L1, a light-emitting element, a light-receiving element, and a first switch SW1.

[0088] Specifically, one end of the first power supply line L1 can be connected to the power supply Vcc, and the other end of the first power supply line L1 can be grounded. Furthermore, the light-emitting element and the first switch SW1 can be located on the first power supply line L1. One end of the light-receiving element can be connected to the first terminal Cp of the contact portion, and the other end of the light-receiving element can be connected to the second terminal Cn of the contact portion.

[0089] The light-emitting element and the light-receiving element can be included in the photoelectric relay 3211. Here, the photoelectric relay 3211 may include a first input terminal 1, a second input terminal 2, a first output terminal 3, and a second output terminal 4.

[0090] The light-emitting element can be located between the first input terminal 1 and the second input terminal 2, and the light-receiving element can be located between the first output terminal 3 and the second output terminal 4.

[0091] The first input terminal 1 can be connected to the power supply Vcc, and the second input terminal 2 can be connected to the grounding wire where the first switch SW1 is located. Furthermore, the first output terminal 3 can be connected to the first terminal Cp of the contact portion, and the second output terminal 4 can be connected to the second terminal Cn of the contact portion.

[0092] The first switch SW1 may include a first control terminal (Ctrl 1) and be turned on and off by a signal input to the first control terminal (Ctrl 1). For example, the first switch SW1 may be implemented as a field-effect transistor (FET), and the first control terminal (Ctrl 1) may be a gate terminal or a base terminal.

[0093] The second signal transmission circuit may include a second power supply line L2, a grounding line Lgd, a second switch SW2, and a third switch SW3.

[0094] Specifically, one end of the second power supply line L2 can be connected to the power supply Vcc, and the other end of the second power supply line L2 can be connected to the first terminal Cp of the contact portion. Furthermore, the second switch SW2 can be located on the second power supply line L2.

[0095] One side of the grounding wire Lgd is connected to the second terminal Cn of the contact part, and the other end of the grounding wire Lgd is grounded. In addition, a third switch SW3 can be set on the grounding wire Lgd.

[0096] The second switch SW2 may include a second control terminal (Ctrl 2) and is turned on and off by a signal input to the second control terminal (Ctrl 2). Furthermore, the third switch SW3 may include a third control terminal (Ctrl 3) and is turned on and off by a signal input to the third control terminal (Ctrl 3). For example, the second switch SW2 and the third switch SW3 may be implemented as FETs, and the second control terminal (Ctrl 2) and the third control terminal (Ctrl 3) may be gate terminals or base terminals.

[0097] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the operation of the signal output device in dry contact mode.

[0098] If the contact type requested by the external device 20 is a dry contact, the controller 310 can cause the signal output device 300 to operate in dry contact mode.

[0099] In dry contact mode, the controller 310 can use the first signal transmission circuit to transmit signals to contacts Cp and Cn.

[0100] Specifically, the controller 310 can output the signal to be transmitted to an external device to the first control terminal (Ctrl1), thereby causing the contacts Cp and Cn to operate as dry contacts. Here, when a signal is input from the controller 310 to the first control terminal (Ctrl1), the first signal transmission circuit can transmit the input signal to the contacts Cp and Cn via light-emitting elements and light-receiving elements through light transmission.

[0101] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, when the controller 310 outputs a pulse waveform signal to the first control terminal (Ctrl 1), the first switch SW1 can be turned on and off according to the pulse waveform signal. In the on (closed) state of the first switch SW1, the light-emitting element can emit light by receiving an operating voltage from the power supply Vcc. Therefore, the pulse waveform signal output by the controller 310 can be transmitted to the light-receiving element side, i.e., contacts Cp and Cn, via optical transmission.

[0102] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the operation of the signal output device in wet contact mode.

[0103] If the contact type requested by the external device 20 is a wet contact, the controller 310 can cause the signal output device 300 to operate in wet contact mode.

[0104] In wet contact mode, the controller 310 can use the second signal transmission circuit to transmit power and signals to the contacts Cp and Cn.

[0105] Specifically, the controller 310 can output the signal to be transmitted to an external device to the second control terminal (Ctrl2) and the third control terminal (Ctrl3), thereby causing the contacts Cp and Cn to operate as wet contacts. Here, when a signal is input from the controller 310 to the second control terminal (Ctrl2) and the third control terminal (Ctrl3), the second signal transmission circuit can transmit the input signal and the power output from the power supply (Vcc) to the contacts Cp and Cn.

[0106] For example, such as Figure 6As shown, when the controller 310 outputs a pulse waveform signal to the second control terminal (Ctrl 2) and the third control terminal (Ctrl 3), the second switch SW2 and the third switch SW3 can be turned on and off according to the pulse waveform signal. When the second switch SW2 and the third switch SW3 are in the on (closed) state, voltage is applied to the first terminal Cp of the contact portion by power output from the power supply (Vcc), and the second terminal Cn of the contact portion is grounded. Therefore, the voltage corresponding to the pulse waveform signal output by the controller 310 can be applied to both ends of the contacts Cp and Cn.

[0107] The invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof; however, those skilled in the art will understand that various corrections and modifications may be made to the invention within the scope thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A signal output device, comprising: Contact portion, the contact portion being connected to an external device; A controller configured to output a signal to be transmitted to the external device; as well as A signal transmission circuit configured to transmit a signal output from the controller to the contact portion. The controller controls the signal transmission circuit to make the contact part operate as a dry contact part or a wet contact part.

2. The signal output device according to claim 1, wherein, The signal transmission circuit includes: A first signal transmission circuit, configured to transmit a signal output from the controller to the contact portion optically; and A second signal transmission circuit is configured to transmit power output from the power supply along with a signal output from the controller to the contact portion.

3. The signal output device according to claim 2, wherein, The controller outputs the signal to be transmitted to the external device to only one of the first signal transmission circuit and the second signal transmission circuit.

4. The signal output device according to claim 2, wherein, The first signal transmission circuit includes: A first power supply line, one end of which is connected to the power supply unit and the other end is grounded; A light-emitting element, wherein the light-emitting element is disposed on the first power supply line; A first switch, wherein the first switch is installed on the first power supply line; A first control terminal, used to control the on / off operation of the first switch; and A light receiving element, which is connected to the contact portion.

5. The signal output device according to claim 4, wherein, The controller outputs the signal to be transmitted to the external device to the first control terminal, thereby causing the contact portion to operate as a dry contact portion.

6. The signal output device according to claim 4, wherein, When a signal is input from the controller to the first control terminal, the first signal transmission circuit transmits the signal to the contact portion via the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element.

7. The signal output device according to claim 2, wherein, The second signal transmission circuit includes: A second power supply line, one end of which is connected to the power supply unit and the other end of which is connected to the first terminal of the contact portion; A grounding wire, one end of which is connected to the second terminal of the contact portion and the other end is grounded; A second switch is installed on the second power supply line; The second control terminal is used to control the on / off operation of the second switch; A third switch, wherein the third switch is disposed on the grounding wire; and The third control terminal is used to control the on / off operation of the third switch.

8. The signal output device according to claim 7, wherein, The controller outputs the signal to be transmitted to the external device to the second control terminal and the third control terminal, thereby causing the contact portion to operate as a wet contact portion.

9. The signal output device according to claim 7, wherein, When a signal is input from the controller to the second control terminal and the third control terminal, the second signal transmission circuit transmits the signal along with the power output from the power supply to the contact portion.

10. The signal output device according to claim 1, wherein, The controller causes the contact to operate as a dry contact or a wet contact, depending on the type of contact required by the external device.

11. A battery system, comprising: Battery; as well as A signal output device configured to output a signal associated with the battery to an external device. The signal output device includes: Contact portion, the contact portion being connected to the external device; A controller configured to output a signal to be transmitted to the external device; and A signal transmission circuit configured to transmit a signal output from the controller to the contact portion. The controller controls the signal transmission circuit to make the contact part operate as a dry contact part or a wet contact part.

12. The battery system according to claim 11, wherein, The signal output device is included in the battery management system (BMS) of the battery system.

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