System and method for detecting misconnection of battery management system

Abstract

A system and method for detecting a module battery management system (BMS) misconnection is provided. The system for detecting a module BMS misconnection includes an input interface device configured to receive a response based on a result of an attempt to communicate with a plurality of module BMSs, a memory configured to store a program that analyzes the response and detects whether a module BMS misconnection exists, and a processor configured to execute the program. The processor determines a wiring connection type of the plurality of module BMSs and detects whether a module BMS misconnection exists.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0186535, filed on December 13, 2024, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to a system and method for detecting faulty connections in a module battery management system (BMS). Background Technology

[0003] As rack structures have shifted from vertical to horizontal, the same type of connectors has been used for both the input and output communication connectors of the module battery management system (BMS). This has led to a problem where hardware error-proofing cannot be guaranteed during communication line connections. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure aims to provide a system and method for detecting faulty connections in a module battery management system (BMS) by designing a system, such that the detection of faulty connections in the module BMS can be replaced by software-based detection.

[0005] A system for detecting faulty connections in a module battery management system (BMS) according to this disclosure may include: an input interface device configured to receive responses based on the results of attempts to communicate with multiple module BMSs; a memory configured to store a program that analyzes the responses and detects whether faulty module BMS connections exist; and a processor configured to execute the program. The processor determines the wire connection types of the multiple module BMSs and detects whether faulty module BMS connections exist.

[0006] The communication may be inter-integrated circuit (I2C) communication, and may attempt to communicate with each of the upper communication integrated circuit (IC) and the lower communication IC included in each of the module BMS.

[0007] The upper communication IC may include an upper analog front-end (AFE) IC, and the lower communication IC may include a lower AFE IC.

[0008] The processor can be configured to analyze whether the response is received from a read-only memory (ROM) IC connected to the lower AFE IC, and to determine the line connection type of each in the module BMS.

[0009] The ROM IC may include an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) IC.

[0010] Upon receiving the response from an AFE IC in a first preset sequence, the processor can determine that the line connection type of the module BMS is left-handed.

[0011] Upon receiving the response from an AFE IC in a second preset sequence, the processor can determine that the line connection type of the module BMS is right-hand type.

[0012] The processor can determine the line connection type of the plurality of module BMSs, and can send the detected location and fault connection detection information of the module BMS corresponding to the line connection type that is different from the line connection type of the other module BMSs.

[0013] A method for detecting faulty connections in a module battery management system (BMS) according to the present disclosure may include: operation (a): attempting to communicate with multiple module BMSs and checking whether a response is received for each communication attempt; operation (b): checking whether a response is received from a communication integrated circuit (IC) in a preset order and determining the line connection status of each module BMS; and operation (c): detecting whether faulty connections exist in the multiple module BMSs.

[0014] The operation (a) may include: attempting to perform inter-integrated circuit (I2C) communication with each of the lower analog front-end (AFE) IC and the upper analog front-end (AFE) IC included in each of the plurality of module BMS.

[0015] The operation (b) may include: determining that the line connection state is left-handed upon receiving a response from an AFE IC in a first preset order.

[0016] The operation (b) may include: upon receiving a response from an AFE IC in a second preset order, determining that the line connection state is right-handed.

[0017] The operation (c) may include: checking the line connection status up to the last module BMS, determining that there is no erroneous connection if all the module BMS have the same line connection status, and sending the location and erroneous connection detection information of the corresponding module BMS to request maintenance if a module BMS with a line connection status different from the line connection status of the other module BMS is detected.

[0018] Beneficial effects of the present invention According to this disclosure, the effect that can be achieved is that a foolproof design can be implemented by checking the wire connection status of the communication line and detecting erroneous connections in the daisy-chained module battery management system (BMS).

[0019] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other effects not described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The following figures illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and exemplary aspects of the present disclosure are further described together with the detailed description thereof. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the figures, wherein: Figure 1 The electrode assembly of a secondary battery is schematically shown; Figure 2 The structure of a pouch-type secondary battery is schematically illustrated. Figure 3 A diagram showing the schematic appearance of a prismatic secondary battery.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical secondary battery; Figure 5 The left-side line connection state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0022] Figure 6 The right-side line connection state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0023] Figure 7 This illustrates a case of incorrect connection occurring in a left-side line connection according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 8 A method for detecting faulty connections in a module battery management system (BMS) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating a computer system for implementing a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 10 This is an example diagram of a secondary battery module in which a secondary battery manufactured according to an example of the present disclosure is arranged.

[0027] Figure 11 It includes Figure 10 An example diagram of the secondary battery pack shown; and Figure 12 It includes Figure 11 The image shows a concept drawing of a vehicle with a secondary battery pack. Detailed Implementation

[0028] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims are not to be interpreted as limiting based on their general or ordinary meaning, but should be interpreted as consistent with the meaning and concept of the technical concept of the present disclosure, based on the principle that the inventors may be their own lexicographers to appropriately define the concepts of the terms in order to best describe their disclosure.

[0029] The exemplary embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are merely some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and do not represent all aspects of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may exist to replace or modify one or more exemplary embodiments described herein at the time of filing this application.

[0030] It should be understood that if a component or layer is referred to as being "on" another component or layer, "connected to," or "bonded to" another component or layer, it may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly bonded to the other component or layer, or one or more intermediate components or layers may be present. When a component or layer is referred to as being "directly on" another component or layer, "directly connected to," or "directly bonded to" another component or layer, no intermediate components or layers are present. For example, if a first component is described as being "bonded" or "connected" to a second component, the first component may be directly bonded to or connected to the second component, or the first component may be indirectly bonded to or connected to the second component via one or more intermediate components.

[0031] In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc., may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals denote the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Furthermore, the use of "may" refers to "one or more embodiments of this disclosure" when describing embodiments of the present disclosure. If expressions such as "at least one of..." and "any one of..." follow a list of elements, they modify the entire list of elements, not individual elements within the list. When a list of elements A, B, and C is specified using phrases such as "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "at least one selected from the group of A, B, and C," or "at least one selected from A, B, and C," the phrase may refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the term "use" may be considered synonymous with the term "utilize." As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree and are intended to explain the inherent biases of measurements or calculations that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0032] It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, first component, first region, first layer, or first portion discussed herein may be referred to as a second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second portion.

[0033] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” etc., may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature as shown in the figure. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation shown in the figure, spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations in the use or operation of the device. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will be oriented as “above” or “on top” other elements or features. Therefore, the term “below” can cover both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0034] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that, as used in this specification, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and / or “having” designate the presence of the stated features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0035] Furthermore, any numerical range disclosed and / or enumerated herein is intended to include all subranges of the same numerical precision falling within the enumerated range. For example, the range “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include all subranges between the enumerated minimum value of 1.0 and the enumerated maximum value of 10.0 (and including end values), i.e., a minimum value greater than or equal to 1.0 and a maximum value less than or equal to 10.0, such as 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit enumerated herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits falling within it, and any minimum numerical limit enumerated in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits falling within it. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification (including the claims) to explicitly enumerate any subranges falling within the explicitly enumerated range herein. All such ranges are intended to be fixed in description herein, such that amendments are made to explicitly state any such subrange within the scope of this disclosure.

[0036] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc., as “identical” can mean that they are “substantially identical.” Therefore, the phrase “substantially identical” can include cases with a deviation considered low in the art, such as 5% or less. Additionally, if a particular parameter is said to be uniform in a given region, it can mean that it is uniform in terms of average value.

[0037] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be a single or multiple.

[0038] Arranging any element "above (or below)" or "above (or below)" another element means that the arbitrary element can contact the upper (or lower) surface of the other element, and that another element may also be located between the other element and the arbitrary element located above (or below) the other element.

[0039] Additionally, it will be understood that if a component is referred to as “linked,” “combined,” or “connected” to another component, then the component may be directly “linked,” “combined,” or “connected” to that other component, or another component may be “between” that component and that other component.

[0040] Throughout this specification, if the statement "A and / or B" is made, it means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise specified. That is, "and / or" includes any or all combinations of the listed items. When the statement "C to D" is made, it means C and below D, unless otherwise specified.

[0041] When the terms “about” or “substantially” are used in conjunction with numerical values ​​in this specification, it is intended that the relevant numerical value includes a tolerance of ±10% around the stated value. When a range is specified, the range includes all values ​​in increments such as 0.1%.

[0042] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit the disclosure.

[0043] Figure 1 The electrode assembly is schematically shown within the casing of the secondary battery.

[0044] Electrode assembly 10 can be formed by winding or stacking a first electrode plate 11, a diaphragm 12, and a second electrode plate 13, which are formed as a sheet or film. When electrode assembly 10 is a wound stack, the winding axis can be parallel to the longitudinal direction (e.g., the y-direction) of housing 59. In other example embodiments, electrode assembly 10 can be stacked rather than wound, and the shape of electrode assembly 10 is not limited in the examples of this disclosure. Furthermore, electrode assembly 10 can be or include Z-stacked electrode assemblies, wherein positive and negative electrode plates are inserted into both sides of a diaphragm and then bent into a Z-stack. Additionally, one or more electrode assemblies can be stacked such that the long sides of the electrode assemblies are adjacent to each other and housed in a housing, and the number of electrode assemblies in the housing is not limited in the examples of this disclosure. The first electrode plate 11 of the electrode assembly can be used as a negative electrode, and the second electrode plate 13 can be used as a positive electrode. In the examples, the reverse is also possible.

[0045] The first electrode plate 11 can be formed by coating a first electrode active material (such as graphite or carbon) onto a first electrode current collector formed of a metal foil (such as copper, copper alloy, nickel, or nickel alloy). A first electrode tab 14 can be connected to an external first terminal (not shown). In some example embodiments, when manufacturing the first electrode plate 11, the first electrode tab 14 can be formed by pre-cutting it to protrude to one side of the electrode assembly 10, or the first electrode tab 14 can protrude to one side of the electrode assembly 10 beyond the diaphragm 12 without being separately cut, for example, protruding further than or beyond the diaphragm 12.

[0046] The second electrode plate 13 can be formed by coating a second electrode active material (such as a transition metal oxide) onto a second electrode current collector formed of or comprising a metal foil (such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy). The second electrode plate 13 may include a second electrode tab 15 (e.g., a second uncoated portion), which is or includes an area uncoated with the second electrode active material. The second electrode tab 15 may be connected to an external second terminal (not shown). In some example embodiments, the second electrode tab 15 may be formed by pre-cutting it during the manufacture of the second electrode plate 13 to protrude to the other side (e.g., opposite side) of the electrode assembly 10, or the second electrode plate 13 may protrude beyond the diaphragm 12 to the other side of the electrode assembly without being separately cut, for example, protruding further than or beyond the diaphragm 12.

[0047] In some example embodiments, the first electrode tab 14 may be located on the left side of the electrode assembly 10, and the second electrode tab 15 may be located on the right side of the electrode assembly 10. In other example embodiments, the first electrode tab 14 and the second electrode tab 15 may be located on one side of the electrode assembly 10 in the same direction.

[0048] Here, for ease of description, according to... Figure 1 The oriented electrode assembly 10 defines the left and right sides, and its position can be changed when the secondary battery is rotated left and right or up and down.

[0049] The diaphragm 12 impedes or substantially prevents a short circuit between the first electrode plate 11 and the second electrode plate 13, while allowing lithium ions to move therebetween. The diaphragm 12 may be made of, for example, a polyethylene membrane, a polypropylene membrane, a polyethylene-polypropylene membrane, etc., or may include, for example, a polyethylene membrane, a polypropylene membrane, a polyethylene-polypropylene membrane, etc.

[0050] In some example embodiments, the electrode assembly 10 may be housed together with the electrolyte in a housing (not shown). In the case of a pouch-type secondary battery, the electrode assembly 10 may be... Figure 1 The form shown is housed in a bag made of or comprising a flexible material. In the case of a prismatic secondary battery, the electrode assembly 10 can be... Figure 1 The form shown is housed in a prismatic metal shell.

[0051] Figure 2 A pouch-type secondary battery is shown schematically.

[0052] The pouch-type secondary battery includes an electrode assembly 10 and a pouch 20, wherein the pouch 20 houses or contains the electrode assembly 10.

[0053] Electrode assembly 10 can be with Figure 1 The electrode assembly 10 shown is identical. The first electrode tab 14 and the second electrode tab 15 of the electrode assembly 10 can be electrically connected to the respective external first terminal lead 16 and second terminal lead 17 by means of attachment, such as welding or other methods that maintain conductivity therebetween. At least a portion of each of the first terminal lead 16 and the second terminal lead 17 can be attached to or covered with a tab film 18 to insulate it from the bag 20.

[0054] The bag 20 can be sealed by bringing its sealing portions 21 at its edges into contact with each other while accommodating or housing the electrode assembly 10 therein. In this case, the seal can be achieved by inserting a thin bonding film 18 between the sealing portions 21. The sealing portions 21 of the bag 20 may be made of or comprise a thermoforming material that typically has weak adhesion to metals. Therefore, it can be fused to the bag 20 by inserting a thin bonding film 18 between the sealing portions 21.

[0055] Figure 3 The schematic appearance of a prismatic secondary battery is shown.

[0056] The prismatic housing 59 defines the overall appearance of the prismatic secondary battery and may be made of or include a conductive metal, such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. Furthermore, the housing 59 provides space for accommodating or housing the electrode assembly 10 therein.

[0057] The cover assembly 60 may include a cover plate 61 that covers an opening in the housing 59, and the housing 59 and the cover plate 61 may be made of or include a conductive material. A first terminal 63 and a second terminal 62 may be electrically connected, respectively, inside the housing 59. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The electrode assembly 10 shown has a first electrode connector 14 and a second electrode connector 15, and can be mounted to protrude outward through the cover plate 61.

[0058] The cover plate 61 may be equipped with or include an electrolyte injection port 64, which is configured to house a sealing plug therein, and may also include a vent 66 formed to include a recess 65. The vent 66 is configured to vent any gases generated inside the secondary battery.

[0059] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical secondary battery.

[0060] The cylindrical secondary battery includes an electrode assembly 30, a housing containing the electrode assembly 30 and an electrolyte therein, a cover assembly 50 connected to an opening in the housing to seal the housing, and an insulating plate 37 located inside the housing between the electrode assembly 30 and the cover assembly 50.

[0061] The electrode assembly 30 may include a diaphragm 32 between the first electrode 33 and the second electrode 31, and the electrode assembly 30 may be wound in the form of an electrode core.

[0062] The first electrode 33 may include a first substrate and a first active material layer located on the first substrate. The first lead tab 35 may extend outward from a first uncoated portion of the first substrate where the first active material layer is not disposed, and may be electrically connected to the cover assembly 50.

[0063] The second electrode 31 may include a second substrate and a second active material layer located on the second substrate. A second lead tab 34 may extend outward from a second uncoated portion of the second substrate where the second active material layer is not disposed, and may be electrically connected to the housing. The first lead tab 35 and the second lead tab 34 may extend in opposite directions relative to each other.

[0064] The first electrode 33 may constitute a positive electrode. In this case, the first substrate may be made of, for example, aluminum foil or include, for example, aluminum foil, and the first active material layer may include, for example, a transition metal oxide. The second electrode 31 may constitute a negative electrode. In this case, the second substrate may be made of, for example, copper foil or nickel foil or include, for example, copper foil or nickel foil, and the second active material layer may include, for example, graphite.

[0065] The separator 32 can reduce or prevent short circuits between the first electrode 33 and the second electrode 31, while allowing lithium ions to move between them. The separator 32 may be made of or include at least one of, for example, a polyethylene membrane, a polypropylene membrane, a polyethylene-polypropylene membrane, etc.

[0066] The housing houses or contains the electrode assembly 30 and the electrolyte, and together with the cover assembly 50, substantially forms the appearance of a secondary battery. The housing may have a substantially cylindrical body portion 42 and a bottom 41 connected to one side of the body portion 42. An inwardly deformed rolled edge portion 43 may be formed in the body portion 42, and an inwardly bent crimp portion 45 may be formed at the open end of the body portion 42.

[0067] The rolled edge 43 reduces or prevents movement of the electrode assembly 30 within the housing and facilitates the placement of the pad 44 and the cover assembly 50. The crimping portion 45 securely holds the cover assembly 50 in place by pressing the edge of the cover assembly 50 against the pad 44. For example, the housing may be formed of or comprise nickel-plated iron.

[0068] The cover assembly 50 can be secured to the inside of the crimp portion 45 via the gasket 44 to seal the housing. The cover assembly 50 may include an upper cover, a safety vent, a lower cover, an insulating member, and a base plate, but is not limited to this example and various modifications are possible.

[0069] The top cover may be located at the very top of the cover assembly 50. The top cover may include an upwardly projecting terminal portion that connects to an external circuit, and an outlet for venting gas may be located around the terminal portion.

[0070] The safety vent may be located below the top cover. The safety vent may include a protrusion that extends downward and connects to the bottom plate, and at least one recess located around the protrusion.

[0071] When gas is generated due to overcharging or abnormal operation of the secondary battery, the protrusion may deform upward under pressure and separate from the base plate while the safety vent is cut off along the notch. The cut safety vent can prevent or inhibit the secondary battery from exploding by releasing the gas to the outside.

[0072] The lower cover may be located below the safety vent. The lower cover may have a first opening for exposing the protrusion of the safety vent and a second opening for venting gas. An insulating member may be located between the safety vent and the lower cover to insulate the safety vent from the lower cover.

[0073] The base plate can be located below the lower cover. The base plate can be fixed to the lower surface of the lower cover to block the first opening of the lower cover, and the protrusion of the safety vent can be fixed to the base plate. The first lead connector 35 extending from the electrode assembly 30 can be fixed to the base plate. Therefore, the upper cover, safety vent, lower cover, and base plate can be electrically connected to the first electrode 33 of the electrode assembly 30.

[0074] The insulating plate 37 may be located below the rolled edge 43 to contact the electrode assembly 30, and may be provided with a tab opening for leading out the first lead tab 35. The cover assembly 50, which is electrically connected to the first electrode 33 via the first lead tab 35, may face the electrode assembly 30. The insulating plate 37 is located between the cover assembly 50 and the electrode assembly 30, and the cover assembly 50 may be kept insulated from the electrode assembly 30 by the insulating plate 37. Alternatively, another insulating plate 36 may be included for insulation between the electrode assembly 30 and the bottom 41 of the housing.

[0075] In the following sections, the background of this disclosure will be described to aid those skilled in the art in understanding, and then embodiments of this disclosure will be described.

[0076] In the power module battery management system (BMS), two analog front-end (AFE) integrated circuits (ICs) can be installed, including an upper AFE and a lower AFE.

[0077] When multiple module BMSs are connected using communication lines, signals can be sent during startup via a daisy-chain configuration (a configuration of sequential hardware device connections) to align the order of AFEs.

[0078] Read-only memory (ROM) integrated circuits (ICs) can be used in the lower AFE, and the printed circuit board assembly (PBA) barcode of the module BMS and the module's serial number can be recorded in the ROM. The recorded information can be used to manage the maintenance history of each module.

[0079] As the rack structure changes from vertical to horizontal, the same type of connector can be used for both the input and output communication connectors of the module BMS. Therefore, it is possible that hardware mistaken-proofing cannot be guaranteed when connecting communication cables.

[0080] This disclosure has been made to address the aforementioned problems and provides a system and method for detecting faulty connections in a module BMS. The system and method for detecting faulty connections in a module BMS are designed to enable the detection of faulty connections in the module BMS via a software-based implementation. In the following, reference will be made to… Figures 5 to 9 Embodiments of this disclosure are described.

[0081] Multiple module battery management systems (MBMS) can be arranged, and the first MBMS 200-1, the second MBMS 200-2, ..., the (N-1)th MBMS 200-N-1 and the Nth MBMS 200-N can be arranged and connected to the battery control unit (BCU) 100.

[0082] The lower AFE and the upper AFE can be installed in each MBMS, and the ROM IC (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) IC) can be connected to the lower AFE.

[0083] Upon power-up, the communication status with the ROM IC (EEPROM IC) can be checked for each MBMS to confirm the line connection status.

[0084] BCU 100 may attempt to communicate (I2C communication) with each of the lower and upper AFEs of the first MBMS 200-1 to check if the ROM IC (EEPROM IC) is responding via I2C.

[0085] Figure 5 The left-side line connection state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, and Figure 6 The right-side line connection state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0086] When the BCU 100 receives a response from the ROM IC (EEPROM IC) from the AFE in a first preset sequence (e.g., 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, ...), the line connection state can be determined to be left-handed.

[0087] When the BCU 100 receives a response from the ROMIC (EEPROM IC) from the AFE in a second preset order (e.g., 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, ...) (the second preset order is different from the first preset order), the line connection state can be determined as right-hand type.

[0088] The above process can be performed up to the last MBMS, i.e., the Nth MBMS 200-N, to check the line connection status and determine whether there are MBMS with different line connection statuses.

[0089] If all MBMS have the same line connection status, it can be determined that the current rack's line connection structure is either left-hand or right-hand.

[0090] Figure 7 This illustrates a case of incorrect connection occurring in a left-side line connection according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] If it is determined that any one of the multiple MBMSs has a different line connection status than the other MBMSs, an error connection information and the location of the corresponding MBMS can be sent to assist in troubleshooting.

[0092] According to embodiments of this disclosure, an erroneous connection can be detected when a response is received from an AFE in an order different from the preset AFE order.

[0093] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the ROM IC (EEPROM IC) is located in the upper AFE instead of the lower AFE and a response is received from the ROM IC (EEPROM IC), that is, when responses are received consecutively instead of odd-numbered or even-numbered responses, this situation can be identified as an error in the production MBMS rather than an incorrect connection.

[0094] Figure 8 A method for detecting faulty BMS connections according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0095] In step S810, communication (I2C communication) with multiple MBMSs can be attempted, and it can be checked whether a response to the communication attempt is received.

[0096] In step S810, I2C communication may be attempted with the lower AFE and upper AFE included in each of the multiple MBMS.

[0097] In step S820, if a response is received from an AFE in a first preset order, the line connection state can be determined to be left-handed. For example, when a response is received from an AFE in an odd-numbered order, the line connection with the corresponding MBMS can be determined to be left-handed.

[0098] In step S820, if a response is received from an AFE in a second preset order that is different from the first preset order, the line connection state can be determined to be right-handed. For example, when a response is received from an AFE in an even-numbered order, the line connection with the corresponding MBMS can be determined to be right-handed.

[0099] In step S830, the line connection status can be checked up to the last MBMS (i.e., the last MBMS in the arrangement), and the line connection status can be finally determined if all MBMS are checked to have the same line connection status.

[0100] In step S830, if an MBMS with a line connection state different from that of other MBMSs is detected among multiple MBMSs, an error connection information and the location of the corresponding MBMS are sent, thereby enabling maintenance to be performed.

[0101] In step S830, if the ROM IC (EEPROM IC) is set in the upper AFE instead of the lower AFE, which is different from the default design (where the EEPROM is connected to the lower AFE), and a response from the ROM IC (EEPROM IC) is received, that is, if the response is received continuously instead of as odd or even numbers, this situation can be determined as an error in the production MBMS rather than an incorrect connection.

[0102] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating a computer system for implementing a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] Reference Figure 9 The computer system 1300 may include at least one of a processor 1310, a memory 1330, an input interface device 1350, an output interface device 1360, and a storage device 1340, which communicate with each other via a bus 1370. The computer system 1300 may also include a communication device 1320 connected to a network. The processor 1310 may be or include a central processing unit (CPU) or semiconductor device that executes instructions stored in the memory 1330 or the storage device 1340. The memory 1330 and the storage device 1340 may include various types of volatile or non-volatile storage media. For example, the memory may include read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM). In exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the memory may be located internally or externally to the processor and may be connected to the processor by various known means. The memory is or includes various types of volatile or non-volatile storage media and may include, for example, read-only memory (ROM) or random access memory (RAM).

[0104] A system for detecting faulty connections in a module BMS according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include: an input interface device 1350 configured to receive a response based on the result of a communication attempt with the module BMS; a memory 1330 storing a program for analyzing the response and detecting whether a faulty connection in the module BMS has occurred; and a processor 1310 configured to execute the program. The processor 1310 may determine the wire connection types of a plurality of module BMSs and detect whether a faulty connection has occurred.

[0105] You can try to communicate with each of the upper and lower AFE ICs included in the module BMS.

[0106] The processor 1310 can analyze whether a response has been received from the ROM IC (EEPROM IC) connected to the lower AFE IC and determine the line connection type of the module BMS.

[0107] Upon receiving a response from the AFE IC in the first preset sequence, the processor 1310 can determine that the wire connection type of the module BMS is left-hand.

[0108] Upon receiving a response from the AFE IC in the second preset sequence, the processor 1310 can determine that the wire connection type of the module BMS is right-hand type.

[0109] The processor 1310 can determine the line connection types of multiple module BMSs and send the detected position and fault connection detection information of the module BMS corresponding to the line connection types that are different from those of other module BMSs.

[0110] If responses are received consecutively instead of in a preset order (i.e., as odd or even numbers), the processor 1310 can determine that the situation corresponds to an error in the production MBMS rather than an incorrect connection.

[0111] Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented as methods in a computer or a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions. In the exemplary embodiments, when executed by a processor, the computer-readable instructions can perform a method according to at least one aspect of this disclosure.

[0112] The communication device 1320 can send or receive wired or wireless signals.

[0113] Furthermore, the methods according to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed by various computer devices and recorded on a computer-readable medium.

[0114] Computer-readable media may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., individually or in combination. Program instructions recorded on a computer-readable medium may be specifically designed and configured for the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, or may be known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. A computer-readable recording medium may include hardware devices configured to store and execute program instructions. For example, a computer-readable recording medium may be or include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; and magneto-optical media such as optical-magnetic disks, ROMs, RAMs, flash memory, etc. Program instructions may include not only machine language code generated by a compiler, but also high-level language code executable by a computer through an interpreter, etc.

[0115] In the following sections, any materials that can be used in secondary batteries according to examples of this disclosure will be described.

[0116] As the positive electrode active material, compounds capable of reversibly inserting / deintercalating lithium (e.g., lithiated intercalation compounds) can be used. For example, at least one of the composite oxides of lithium and at least one of the metals such as cobalt, manganese, nickel, and combinations thereof can be used.

[0117] The composite oxide can be or includes lithium transition metal composite oxides, and examples of such composite oxides may include at least one of lithium nickel oxides, lithium cobalt oxides, lithium manganese oxides, lithium iron phosphate compounds, cobalt-free lithium nickel manganese oxides, and combinations thereof.

[0118] As an example, compounds represented by at least one of the following formulas can be used: Li a A 1-b X b O 2-c D c (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05); Li a Mn 2-b X b O 4-c D c (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05); Li a Ni 1-b-c Co b X c O 2-α D α (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, 0<α<2); Li a Ni 1-b-c Mn b X c O 2-α D α (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, 0<α<2); Li a Ni b Co c L 1 d G e O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.9, 0≤c≤0.5, 0≤d≤0.5, 0≤e≤0.1); Li a NiG b O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a CoG b O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Lia Mn 1-b G b O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn2G b O4 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn 1-g G g PO4 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤g≤0.5); Li (3-f) Fe2(PO4)3 (0≤f≤2); and Li a FePO4 (0.90≤a≤1.8).

[0119] In the above formula: A is or includes at least Ni, Co, Mn or a combination thereof; X is or includes at least Al, Ni, Co, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, Sr, V, rare earth elements or a combination thereof; D is or includes at least O, F, S, P or a combination thereof; G is or includes at least Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Mg, La, Ce, Sr, V or a combination thereof; and L 1 It includes at least Mn, Al, or combinations thereof.

[0120] The positive electrode for a lithium secondary battery may include a current collector and a layer of positive electrode active material formed on the current collector. The positive electrode active material layer may include a positive electrode active material, and may also include a binder and / or a conductive material.

[0121] Based on a 100wt% positive electrode active material layer, the content of the positive electrode active material is in the range of about 90wt% to about 99.5wt%, and based on the 100wt% positive electrode active material layer, the contents of the binder and the conductive material are in the range of about 0.5wt% to about 5wt%, respectively.

[0122] The current collector may be aluminum (Al), but is not limited to it.

[0123] The negative electrode active material may include at least one of the following: materials capable of reversibly inserting / deintercalating lithium ions, lithium metal, alloys of lithium metal, materials capable of doping and dedoping lithium, and transition metal oxides.

[0124] Materials capable of reversibly inserting / deintercalating lithium ions can be or include carbon-based negative electrode active materials, which may include at least, for example, crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, or combinations thereof. Examples of crystalline carbon may include graphite, such as natural or artificial graphite, and examples of amorphous carbon may include at least one of soft carbon, hard carbon, pitch carbide, mesophase pitch carbide, sintered coke, etc.

[0125] Si-based or Sn-based negative electrode active materials can be used as materials capable of doping and dedoping lithium. Si-based negative electrode active materials can be, or include, at least silicon, silicon-carbon composites, or SiO₂. x (0 < x ≤ 2), Si alloys or combinations thereof.

[0126] Silicon-carbon composites can be or include composites of silicon and amorphous carbon. According to one example embodiment, the silicon-carbon composite may be in the form of silicon particles and amorphous carbon coated on the surface of the silicon particles.

[0127] Silicon-carbon composites may also include crystalline carbon. For example, a silicon-carbon composite may include a core and an amorphous carbon coating on the surface of the core, the core comprising crystalline carbon and silicon particles.

[0128] The negative electrode for a lithium secondary battery may include a current collector and a layer of negative electrode active material disposed on the current collector. The negative electrode active material layer may include a negative electrode active material, and may also include a binder and / or a conductive material.

[0129] For example, the negative electrode active material layer may include about 90 wt% to about 99 wt% of negative electrode active material, about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt% of binder, and about 0 wt% to about 5 wt% of conductive material.

[0130] Non-aqueous adhesives, aqueous adhesives, dry adhesives, or combinations thereof can be used as adhesives. When an aqueous adhesive is used as the negative electrode adhesive, it may also include cellulose compounds that impart viscosity.

[0131] As the negative electrode current collector, at least one of copper foil, nickel foil, stainless steel foil, titanium foil, nickel foam, copper foam, a polymer substrate coated with conductive metal, and combinations thereof can be used.

[0132] Electrolytes used in lithium secondary batteries may include non-aqueous organic solvents and lithium salts.

[0133] Non-aqueous organic solvents can serve as a medium through which ions participating in the electrochemical reactions of a battery can move.

[0134] Non-aqueous organic solvents may be or at least include carbonate solvents, ester solvents, ether solvents, ketone solvents, alcohol solvents, and aprotic solvents, and these may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0135] Depending on the type of lithium secondary battery, a separator can be present between the first electrode plate (e.g., the negative electrode) and the second electrode plate (e.g., the positive electrode). As a separator, at least polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, or multilayer films of two or more layers thereof can be used.

[0136] The membrane may include a porous substrate and a coating layer on one or both surfaces of the porous substrate, the coating layer including organic materials, inorganic materials or combinations thereof.

[0137] Organic materials may include polyvinylidene fluoride polymers or (meth)acrylic acid polymers.

[0138] Inorganic materials may include, but are not limited to, inorganic particles such as at least one of Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2, SnO2, CeO2, MgO, NiO, CaO, GaO, ZnO, ZrO2, Y2O3, SrTiO3, BaTiO3, Mg(OH)2, boehmite, and combinations thereof.

[0139] Organic and inorganic materials can be mixed in a single coating layer, or they can be layered together in the form of a coating layer containing organic materials and a coating layer containing inorganic materials.

[0140] Figure 10 This is an illustration of a secondary battery module in which secondary batteries manufactured according to an example of this disclosure are arranged. As the capacity of secondary batteries used to power electric vehicles and the like increases, secondary battery modules can be manufactured by arranging and connecting multiple secondary battery cells laterally and / or longitudinally. Multiple secondary batteries can be arranged in a space defined by a pair of facing end plates 68a and 68b and a pair of facing side plates 69a and 69b. The secondary batteries can be appropriately designed in terms of arrangement (orientation) and quantity to obtain desired voltage and current specifications.

[0141] Figure 11 This is a schematic illustration of the construction of a battery pack 70 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. (Refer to...) Figure 11 The battery pack 70 may include components to which each battery is electrically connected, and a battery pack housing that houses the components. In the accompanying drawings, for ease of illustration, components including busbars, cooling units, external terminals for electrically connecting the batteries, etc., are not shown.

[0142] The battery pack 70 can be installed on (or in) a vehicle. The vehicle can be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, a plug-in hybrid vehicle, etc. The vehicle can be a four-wheeled vehicle or a two-wheeled vehicle, but is not limited to these. Figure 12 Vehicle V is shown, which includes on its lower body Figure 11 The battery pack 70 is shown. The vehicle V can operate by receiving power from the battery pack 70 (e.g., it can be powered by receiving power from the battery pack 70).

[0143] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments shown herein, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Various modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art within the spirit of the present disclosure and the equivalents of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for detecting faulty connections in a module battery management system (BMS), comprising: The input interface device is configured to receive a response based on the results of attempts to communicate with multiple module BMSs; The memory is configured to store a program that analyzes the response and detects whether there is a module BMS fault connection. as well as The processor is configured to execute the program. The processor determines the wire connection type of the plurality of module BMS and detects whether there are any incorrect module BMS connections.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The communication is inter-integrated circuit (I2C) communication, and attempts to communicate with each of the upper communication integrated circuit (IC) and the lower communication IC included in each of the module BMS.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein, The upper communication IC includes an upper analog front-end (AFE) IC, and the lower communication IC includes a lower AFE IC.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein, The processor is configured to analyze whether the response is received from the read-only memory (ROM) IC connected to the lower AFE IC, and to determine the line connection type of each in the module BMS.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein, The ROM IC includes an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) IC.

6. The system according to claim 4, wherein, Upon receiving the response from the AFE IC in the first preset sequence, the processor determines that the line connection type of the module BMS is left-handed.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein, Upon receiving the response from the AFE IC in the second preset order, the processor determines that the line connection type of the module BMS is right-hand type.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The processor determines the line connection type of the plurality of module BMSs and sends the detected location and fault connection detection information of the module BMS corresponding to the line connection type that is different from the line connection type of the other module BMSs.

9. A method for detecting faulty connections in a module battery management system (BMS), the method comprising: Operation (a): Attempt to communicate with multiple module BMSs and check whether a response is received for each communication attempt; Operation (b) checks whether a response is received from the communication integrated circuits (ICs) in a preset order and determines the line connection status of each module BMS; as well as Operation (c) detects whether there are erroneous connections in the plurality of module BMS.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The operation (a) includes: attempting to perform inter-integrated circuit (I2C) communication with each of the lower analog front-end (AFE) IC and the upper analog front-end (AFE) IC included in each of the plurality of module BMS.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The operation (b) includes: upon receiving a response from an AFE IC in a first preset order, determining that the line connection state is left-handed.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The operation (b) includes: upon receiving a response from an AFE IC in a second preset order, determining that the line connection state is right-handed.

13. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The operation (c) includes: checking the line connection status up to the last module BMS, determining that there is no erroneous connection if all the module BMS have the same line connection status, and sending the location and erroneous connection detection information of the corresponding module BMS to request maintenance if a module BMS with a line connection status different from the line connection status of the other module BMS is detected.

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