Battery diagnostic device and method of operating the same

Abstract

A battery diagnostic device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document includes: an information acquisition unit that acquires the shunt voltage and shunt current of a current sensing resistor included in a battery pack; a storage unit that stores the voltage of the battery pack; and a control unit that stores a first voltage and a second voltage, the first voltage being the voltage of the battery pack at a first time point corresponding to a resting state of the battery pack, and the second voltage being the voltage of the battery pack at a second time point as a time point after a first interval from the first time point, and diagnoses the state of the current sensing resistor based on the shunt current and the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0020603, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on February 13, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to battery diagnostic equipment and its operating methods. Background Technology

[0004] Recently, the demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras, and mobile phones has increased rapidly. With the rapid development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, and satellites, research on high-performance batteries that can be recharged and discharged has been actively carried out.

[0005] Currently commercially available rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, nickel-zinc (NiZn) batteries, and lithium-ion batteries. Among these, lithium-ion batteries have attracted much attention due to their significantly smaller memory effect compared to nickel-based batteries, allowing for free charging and discharging, as well as their very low self-discharge rate and high energy density.

[0006] Battery packs are used in various fields and typically require large capacities, such as in electric vehicles or smart grid systems. While the capacity of secondary batteries (i.e., battery cells) can be increased to increase the capacity of a battery pack, the increase is minimal in this case, and there are physical limitations to the size expansion of secondary batteries. Therefore, battery packs typically utilize multiple battery modules connected in series and parallel.

[0007] To measure the current in a battery pack, a current-sensing resistor (shunt resistor) can be used. This involves connecting a finely sized resistor in series inside the battery pack. The voltage flowing through the resistor can be measured, and the current can be calculated based on the resistance and voltage values. However, when the resistance of the current-sensing resistor changes, the measured current in the battery pack will also change, thus compromising the accuracy of the battery pack current measurement. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] The embodiments disclosed herein are intended to provide a battery diagnostic device and its operating method, wherein the current of a battery pack can be measured.

[0010] The embodiments disclosed herein aim to provide a battery diagnostic device and its operating method, wherein defects in the current sensing resistor of a battery pack can be diagnosed.

[0011] The embodiments disclosed herein aim to provide a battery diagnostic device and its operating method, wherein increased or decreased defects in the current sensing resistor of a battery pack can be diagnosed.

[0012] The technical problems of the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other unmentioned technical problems through the following description.

[0013] Technical solution

[0014] A battery diagnostic device according to an embodiment disclosed herein includes: an information acquisition unit configured to acquire a shunt voltage and a shunt current of a current sensing resistor (shunt resistor) included in a battery pack; a storage unit configured to store the voltage of the battery pack; and a control unit configured to: store a first voltage and a second voltage, the first voltage being the voltage of the battery pack at a first time point corresponding to a resting state of the battery pack, and the second voltage being the voltage of the battery pack at a second time point after a first interval from the first time point; and to diagnose the state of the current sensing resistor based on the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage and the shunt current.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the control unit may also be configured to: diagnose a reduction drift in the current sensing resistor when the shunt current corresponding to the second time point is greater than or equal to a preset first charge / discharge rate and the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than a first set value.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the control unit may also be configured to: store a third voltage, which is the voltage of the battery pack at a third time point after a second interval from the first time point; and verify diagnostic results based on the difference between the third voltage and the first voltage.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the control unit may also be configured to determine the first set value based on the temperature of the battery pack.

[0018] According to an implementation method, the first set value can be proportional to the temperature of the battery pack.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the control unit may also be configured to: diagnose an increased drift in the current sensing resistor when the shunt current corresponding to the second time point is less than a preset second charge / discharge rate and the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is greater than or equal to a second set value.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the control unit may also be configured to: store a third voltage, which is the voltage of the battery pack at a third time point after a second interval from the first time point; and verify diagnostic results based on the difference between the third voltage and the first voltage.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the control unit may also be configured to diagnose the state of the current sensing resistor when the rest time, which is the holding time of the battery pack in the rest state before the first time point, is greater than or equal to a preset time.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the control unit may also be configured to initialize the state diagnosis of the current sensing resistor when the rest time is less than the preset time.

[0023] An operating method of a battery diagnostic device according to an embodiment disclosed herein includes the following steps: measuring the shunt voltage of a current-sensing resistor (shunt resistor) included in a battery pack by connecting it in parallel, and obtaining a shunt current based on the current-sensing resistor and the shunt voltage; determining whether the current-sensing resistor is diagnosable; storing a first voltage and a second voltage, the first voltage being the voltage of the battery pack at a first time point corresponding to a resting state of the battery pack, and the second voltage being the voltage of the battery pack at a second time point after a first interval from the first time point; and diagnosing the state of the current-sensing resistor based on the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage and the shunt current.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the diagnostic steps may include the following steps: when the shunt current corresponding to the second time point is greater than or equal to a preset first charge / discharge rate and the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than a first set value, a reduction drift is diagnosed in the current sensing resistor.

[0025] According to an implementation, the diagnostic steps may include the following steps: verifying the diagnostic result based on the difference between the first voltage and the third voltage, wherein the third voltage is the voltage of the battery pack at a third time point after a second interval from the first time point.

[0026] According to an implementation method, the first set value can be determined based on the temperature of the battery pack.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the diagnostic steps may include the following steps: when the shunt current corresponding to the second time point is less than a preset second charge / discharge rate and the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is greater than or equal to a second set value, an increased drift is diagnosed in the current sensing resistor.

[0028] According to an implementation, the step of determining whether the current sensing resistor is diagnosable may include the following steps: when the rest time, which is the holding time of the battery pack in the rest state before the first time point, is greater than or equal to a preset time, diagnosing the state of the current sensing resistor; and when the rest time is less than the preset time, initializing the state diagnosis of the current sensing resistor.

[0029] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed specification and accompanying drawings.

[0030] Beneficial effects

[0031] The battery diagnostic device and its operating method according to the embodiments disclosed herein can measure the current of a battery pack.

[0032] The battery diagnostic device and its operating method according to the embodiments disclosed herein can diagnose defects in the current sensing resistor of a battery pack.

[0033] The battery diagnostic device and its operating method according to the embodiments disclosed herein can diagnose increased or decreased defects in the current sensing resistor of a battery pack.

[0034] The battery diagnostic device and its operating method according to the embodiments disclosed herein can improve the accuracy of defect diagnosis of the current sensing resistor of the battery pack.

[0035] The technical effects of the battery diagnostic device and its operating method according to the embodiments disclosed in this document are not limited to the effects described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other effects not mentioned based on the disclosure of this document. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a battery pack according to the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a battery diagnostic device according to the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for diagnosing a current-measuring resistor performed by a battery diagnostic device according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0039] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for diagnosing a current-measuring resistor performed by a battery diagnostic device according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for diagnosing a current-measuring resistor performed by a battery diagnostic device according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for diagnosing a current-measuring resistor performed by a battery diagnostic device according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0042] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for diagnosing a current-measuring resistor performed by a battery diagnostic device according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0043] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the operation method of a battery diagnostic device according to the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0044] Figure 9 It shows in detail the Figure 8 The flowchart shows the operation of diagnosing the state of the current sensing resistor.

[0045] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating a computing system that performs an operation method of a battery diagnostic device according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0046] In the description of the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals may be used to refer to the same or related elements. Detailed Implementation

[0047] In the following description, embodiments of the present disclosure will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the description is not intended to limit the present disclosure to specific embodiments and should be construed as including various modifications, equivalents, and / or substitutions of embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0048] It should be understood that the embodiments described in this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to a particular embodiment, but include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of the corresponding embodiments. Regarding the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It is to be understood that, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more things.

[0049] As used herein, each of the phrases such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B or C,” “at least one of A, B and C,” and “at least one of A, B or C” can include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase within the phrase. Terms such as “first,” “second,” “first,” “second,” “A,” “B,” “(a),” or “(b)” can be used to simply distinguish corresponding components from one other component and do not otherwise limit components (e.g., in terms of importance or order) unless otherwise stated.

[0050] It should be understood here that when referring to one element (e.g., the first element) as “connected,” “linked,” or “attached,” or “coupled to” or “connected to” another element (e.g., the second element) with or without the terms “operationally” or “communically”, this means that the first element can be connected to the second element directly (e.g., wired or wirelessly) or indirectly (e.g., via a third element).

[0051] The methods disclosed herein can be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product can be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product can be stored, or temporarily generated, in a machine-readable storage medium such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an app store's server, or a relay server.

[0052] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, each of the above-described components (e.g., modules or programs) may include a single entity or multiple entities, some of which may be individually disposed on other components. According to the embodiments disclosed herein, one or more of the above-described components or operations may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as the corresponding components in the multiple components prior to integration. According to the embodiments disclosed herein, operations performed by modules, programs, or other components may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or may be performed in a different order, or one or more operations may be omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a battery pack according to the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0054] Reference Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates a battery control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, including a battery pack 1 and an advanced controller 2 included in an advanced system.

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery pack 1 may include: one or more battery cells 11; a switching unit 14, which is connected in series to the first terminal side and / or the second terminal side of the battery cell 11 to control the direction of charging and discharging current of the battery cell 11; and a battery management system 20, which manages the battery pack 1 by monitoring the voltage, current, temperature and other parameters to prevent overcharging, over-discharging and other issues.

[0056] In this configuration, the battery pack 1 may include multiple battery cells 11, a sensor 12, a switching unit 14, and a battery management system 20. For example, the first terminal may be the positive (+) terminal of the battery cell 11, and the second terminal may be the negative (-) terminal.

[0057] Here, for example, the switching unit 14, which is used as an element for controlling the current flow direction of charging or discharging of multiple battery cells 11, may use at least one relay, magnetic contactor, etc., depending on the specifications of the battery pack 1.

[0058] The battery management system 20, which serves as an interface for receiving measured values ​​of the various parameters mentioned above, may include multiple terminals and circuitry connected thereto for processing input values. The battery management system 20 may also control the opening and closing of the switching unit 14 (e.g., a relay, contactor, etc.) and may be connected to the battery cells 11 to monitor the state of each battery cell 11.

[0059] The advanced controller 2 can send control signals related to the battery cell 11 to the battery management system 20. Therefore, the operation of the battery management system 20 can also be controlled based on the signals applied from the advanced controller 2.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the battery management system 20 may include Figure 2 The battery diagnostic device 100. According to another embodiment, the battery management system 20 can be connected with... Figure 2 The battery diagnostic equipment is 100 different. That is to say, Figure 2The battery diagnostic device 100 may be included in the battery pack 1, and may also be configured as another device external to the battery pack 1. In the following description, for ease of description, it is assumed that the battery diagnostic device 100 includes another device external to the battery pack 1, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the following operations of the battery diagnostic device 100 may also be performed in various devices, such as not only in the battery management system (BMS) in a vehicle, but also in servers, the cloud, chargers, chargers / dischargers, etc.

[0061] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a battery diagnostic device according to the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0062] Reference Figure 2 The battery diagnostic device 100 may include an information acquisition unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130. The battery diagnostic device 100 can diagnose the state of a current sensing resistor by using the information acquisition unit 110, the storage unit 120, and the control unit 130.

[0063] The information acquisition unit 110 can acquire information related to the battery pack 1. According to an embodiment, the information acquisition unit 110 can acquire information related to the battery pack 1 and the current sensing resistor (shunt resistor) included in the battery pack 1. The information acquisition unit 110 can acquire the voltage of the battery pack 1 and the shunt voltage as the voltage applied to the current sensing resistor. For example, the information acquisition unit 110 can directly measure the voltage difference between the opposite terminals of the current sensing resistor to obtain the shunt voltage, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0064] According to the implementation, the information acquisition unit 110 can acquire the shunt current as the current of the current sensing resistor for inflow or outflow current. For example, the information acquisition unit 110 can acquire the shunt current by calculating the shunt current based on, but not limited to, a stored shunt voltage and the resistance of the acquired shunt voltage.

[0065] According to the implementation, the information acquisition unit 110 can continuously measure the shunt voltage and shunt current. For example, the information acquisition unit 110 can measure the shunt voltage and shunt current according to a preset time period, and send the shunt voltage and shunt current measured according to the preset time period to the control unit 130.

[0066] Storage unit 120 can store information related to battery pack 1. According to an embodiment, storage unit 120 can store the voltage of battery pack 1. For example, storage unit 120 can store the shunt voltage of a current sensing resistor included in battery pack 1. That is, storage unit 120 can store the shunt voltage at multiple points in time based on the control of control unit 130.

[0067] Control unit 130 can determine the resting state of battery pack 1. According to an embodiment, control unit 130 can determine the resting state of battery pack 1 based on the shunt current. For example, control unit 130 can compare the shunt current with a set value used to determine the resting state to determine the resting state of battery pack 1. That is, when the magnitude of the shunt current is less than the set value, control unit 130 can determine the state of battery pack 1 as resting. When the magnitude of the shunt current is greater than the set value, control unit 130 can determine the state of battery pack 1 as active. In this document, the set value can be, but is not limited to, 0.1 [A].

[0068] According to an embodiment, the control unit 130 can measure the time used to maintain the battery pack 1 in a resting state. For example, the control unit 130 can measure the time used to maintain the resting state by using a first timer. Specifically, when the control unit 130 determines that the battery pack 1 is in a resting state, the control unit 130 can run the first timer. The first timer can measure time based on the control of the control unit 130. Specifically, when the control unit 130 determines that the battery pack 1 is in an active state, the control unit 130 can stop the first timer. Therefore, the first timer can be stopped. The control unit 130 can measure the time used to maintain the battery pack 1 in a resting state based on the time from the time the first timer starts to the time the first timer stops.

[0069] According to the implementation, the control unit 130 can determine whether to diagnose the state of the current sensing resistor. The control unit 130 can determine whether to diagnose the state of the current sensing resistor based on the duration of the rest state. For example, when the duration of the rest state is longer than a set time, the control unit 130 can diagnose the state of the current sensing resistor. When the duration of the rest state is shorter than the set time, the control unit 130 may not diagnose the state of the current sensing resistor.

[0070] When the control unit 130 determines the state of the diagnostic current sensing resistor, the control unit 130 may run a second timer. That is, the control unit 130 may use the second timer to measure the elapsed time during the diagnostic process of the current sensing resistor's state.

[0071] The control unit 130 can store the voltage of the battery pack 1. According to one embodiment, the control unit 130 can store a first voltage, which is the voltage of the battery pack 1 at a first point in time corresponding to the resting state of the battery pack 1. That is, the first voltage can be the resting state voltage of the battery pack 1.

[0072] Control unit 130 can determine the active state of battery pack 1. According to an embodiment, control unit 130 can determine the active state of battery pack 1 based on shunt current. For example, control unit 130 can compare the shunt current with a set value used to determine the active state to determine the active state of battery pack 1. That is, when the magnitude of the shunt current is greater than the set value, control unit 130 can determine the state of battery pack 1 as active. When the magnitude of the shunt current is less than the set value, control unit 130 can also determine the state of battery pack 1 as idle. In this document, the set value can be, but is not limited to, 0.1 [A].

[0073] When the control unit 130 determines that the battery pack 1 is in a resting state, the control unit 130 can reset the second timer. When the control unit 130 determines that the battery pack 1 is in an active state, the control unit 130 can continue to diagnose the current sensing resistor.

[0074] While the use of a first timer and a second timer in the control unit 130 is described, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the control unit 130 may diagnose a current sensing resistor based on a timer.

[0075] According to the implementation, the control unit 130 can determine the diagnostic type. That is, the control unit 130 can determine whether to diagnose an increase or decrease in drift of the current sensing resistor. The control unit 130 can determine the diagnostic state as one of the following based on the shunt current: an increase in drift, a decrease in drift, or no diagnostic capability.

[0076] For example, when the magnitude of the shunt current is greater than or equal to a preset first charge / discharge rate, the control unit 130 can determine the diagnostic state as a drift reduction diagnosis. That is, the control unit 130 can calculate the charge / discharge rate of the shunt current based on the magnitude of the shunt current and the capacity of the battery pack 1, and when the calculated charge / discharge rate is greater than or equal to the first charge / discharge rate, the control unit 130 can determine the diagnostic state as a drift reduction diagnosis. For example, the control unit 130 can compare the magnitude of the shunt current with a first reference value set based on the capacity of the battery pack 1 to determine the diagnostic state. Here, the first reference value can correspond to the first charge / discharge rate.

[0077] When the magnitude of the shunt current is less than a preset second charge / discharge rate, the control unit 130 can determine the diagnostic state as an increased drift diagnosis. That is, the control unit 130 can calculate the charge / discharge rate of the shunt current based on the magnitude of the shunt current and the capacity of the battery pack 1, and when the calculated charge / discharge rate is less than the second charge / discharge rate, the control unit 130 can determine the diagnostic state as an increased drift diagnosis. For example, the control unit 130 can compare the magnitude of the shunt current with a second reference value set based on the capacity of the battery pack 1 to determine the diagnostic state. In this document, the second reference value may correspond to the second charge / discharge rate.

[0078] In this document, the first charge / discharge rate can be greater than the second charge / discharge rate. For example, the first charge / discharge rate can be 1 [C], and the second charge / discharge rate can be 0.5 [C]. Therefore, a range between the first charge / discharge rate and the second charge / discharge rate can be determined. When the magnitude of the shunt current falls within this range, the control unit 130 can determine the diagnostic state as undiagnosable. In this case, the control unit 130 can initialize the diagnostic state of the current sensing resistor.

[0079] When the control unit 130 detects an increased drift in the current sensing resistor, the control unit 130 can additionally store the voltage of the battery pack 1. That is, the control unit 130 can store a second voltage, which is the voltage of the battery pack 1 at a second time point after a first interval from the first time point. In this document, the first interval can be, but is not limited to, 1 [s].

[0080] The control unit 130 can diagnose a decrease in the drift of the current-sensing resistor based on a first voltage and a second voltage. According to an embodiment, the control unit 130 can compare the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage with a first set value to diagnose an increase in the drift of the current-sensing resistor. For example, when the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is less than the first set value, the control unit 130 can diagnose a decrease in the drift of the current-sensing resistor. When the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is greater than or equal to the first set value, the control unit 130 can diagnose the state of the current-sensing resistor as normal.

[0081] Control unit 130 can verify diagnostic results. According to an embodiment, control unit 130 can store a third voltage, which is the voltage of battery pack 1 at a third time point after a second interval from a first time point. In this document, the second interval can be greater than the first interval. That is, the third voltage can be a voltage acquired temporally after the first and second voltages. Control unit 130 can verify diagnostic results based on the difference between the third voltage and the first voltage. For example, when the difference between the first voltage and the third voltage is less than a first set value, control unit 130 can verify the diagnostic result as a normal state. When the difference between the first voltage and the third voltage is greater than or equal to the first set value, control unit 130 can verify the diagnostic result as an abnormal state.

[0082] According to an embodiment, when the control unit 130 determines that a decrease drift has occurred in the current sensing resistor, the control unit 130 can disconnect the current sensing resistor. For example, the control unit 130 can disconnect the current sensing resistor by, but not limited to, disconnecting a switch connected in series with the current sensing resistor.

[0083] Control unit 130 can determine a first set value. According to an embodiment, control unit 130 can determine the first set value based on the temperature of battery pack 1. Since the current of battery pack 1 increases as the temperature of battery pack 1 increases and decreases as the temperature of battery pack 1 decreases, the shunt current used for the diagnostic current sensing resistor can also increase as the temperature of battery pack 1 increases and decrease as the temperature of battery pack 1 decreases. Therefore, control unit 130 can determine the first set value to be compared with the shunt current based on the temperature of battery pack 1. For example, when the temperature of battery pack 1 increases, control unit 130 can increase the first set value. When the temperature of battery pack 1 decreases, control unit 130 can decrease the first set value. That is, the first set value can be proportional to the temperature of battery pack 1.

[0084] Simultaneously, when the control unit 130 detects a decrease in the drift of the current sensing resistor, the control unit 130 can additionally store the voltage of the battery pack 1. That is, the control unit 130 can store a second voltage, which is the voltage of the battery pack 1 at a second time point after a first interval from the first time point. In this document, the first interval can be, but is not limited to, 1 [s].

[0085] The control unit 130 can diagnose increased drift in the current-sensing resistor based on a first voltage and a second voltage. According to an embodiment, the control unit 130 can compare the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage with a second set value to diagnose increased drift in the current-sensing resistor. For example, when the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is greater than or equal to the second set value, the control unit 130 can diagnose increased drift in the current-sensing resistor. When the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is less than the second set value, the control unit 130 can diagnose the state of the current-sensing resistor as normal.

[0086] Control unit 130 can verify the diagnostic results. According to an embodiment, control unit 130 can store a third voltage, which is the voltage of battery pack 1 at a third time point after a second interval from a first time point. In this document, the second interval can be greater than the first interval. That is, the third voltage can be a voltage acquired temporally after the first and second voltages. Control unit 130 can verify the diagnostic results based on the difference between the third voltage and the first voltage. For example, when the difference between the first voltage and the third voltage is greater than or equal to a second set value, control unit 130 can verify the diagnostic results as normal. When the difference between the first voltage and the third voltage is less than the second set value, control unit 130 can verify the diagnostic results as abnormal.

[0087] According to an embodiment, when the control unit 130 determines that an increased drift has occurred in the current sensing resistor, the control unit 130 may disconnect the current sensing resistor. For example, the control unit 130 may disconnect the current sensing resistor by, but is not limited to, disconnecting a switch connected in series with the current sensing resistor.

[0088] Control unit 130 can determine a second set value. According to an embodiment, control unit 130 can determine the second set value based on the temperature of battery pack 1. Since the current of battery pack 1 increases as the temperature of battery pack 1 increases and decreases as the temperature of battery pack 1 decreases, the shunt current used for the diagnostic current sensing resistor can also increase as the temperature of battery pack 1 increases and decrease as the temperature of battery pack 1 decreases. Therefore, control unit 130 can determine a second set value to be compared with the shunt current based on the temperature of battery pack 1. For example, when the temperature of battery pack 1 increases, control unit 130 can increase the second set value. When the temperature of battery pack 1 decreases, control unit 130 can decrease the second set value. That is, the second set value can be proportional to the temperature of battery pack 1.

[0089] According to the implementation, when the control unit 130 diagnoses the state of the current sensing resistor as either increased drift or decreased drift, the control unit 130 can provide the diagnostic results to the user. For example, the control unit 130 can provide the diagnostic results to the user terminal via a communication unit (not shown), and can also provide the diagnostic results to the user via a display provided in the vehicle, charger, etc.

[0090] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 3 to 7 This describes a method performed by the battery diagnostic device 100 to diagnose the current sensing resistor based on the individual characteristics of the battery pack 1. Figures 3 to 7 In the diagram, graph 1 shows the operation of the first timer over time. Graph 2 shows the operation of the second timer over time. Graph 3 shows the magnitude of the shunt current over time. Graph 4 shows the difference between the first and second voltages over time. Graph 5 shows the diagnostic signal over time.

[0091] The battery diagnostic device 100 can measure the current of the battery pack 1 based on the resistance value of the current sensing resistor and the shunt voltage. The battery diagnostic device 100 can also diagnose defects in the current sensing resistor of the battery pack 1 based on the shunt voltage and shunt current.

[0092] The battery diagnostic device 100 can compare the voltage of the battery pack 1 in the active state with the voltage in the resting state to diagnose the increase or decrease of defects in the current sensing resistor of the battery pack 1.

[0093] The battery diagnostic device 100 can improve the accuracy of diagnosing the current sensing resistor of the battery pack 1 by diagnosing the current sensing resistor when the shunt current is maintained for a set time or longer. In other words, the battery diagnostic device 100 can improve the accuracy of diagnosing the current sensing resistor by preventing situations where the current sensing resistor is diagnosed based on temporary increases or decreases in current.

[0094] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for diagnosing a current-measuring resistor performed by a battery diagnostic device according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0095] Reference Figure 3Control unit 130 can diagnose the state of the current sensing resistor. Control unit 130 can determine the resting state of battery pack 1. Referring to the third graph GRAPH3, when the shunt current is less than a set value, control unit 130 can determine the state of battery pack 1 as resting. Referring to the first graph GRAPH1, when control unit 130 determines the state of battery pack 1 as resting, control unit 130 can run a first timer. Control unit 130 can use the first timer to measure the duration of the resting state of battery pack 1. When the duration of the resting state of control unit 130 is greater than or equal to a set time, control unit 130 can stop the first timer and run a second timer. In this document, the set time can be, but is not limited to, 10 [s].

[0096] Referring to the second diagram (GRAPH2), the control unit 130 can run the second timer while stopping the first timer. The control unit 130 can use the second timer to measure the time flow during diagnostic testing of the current sensing resistor. According to an embodiment, the control unit 130 can cause the second timer to run for a set time to identify the shunt current, and then stop and reset the second timer. In this document, the set time can be, but is not limited to, 1 [s].

[0097] Referring to Figure 3, the control unit 130 can identify the shunt current at the stop time of the second timer. When the shunt current is greater than or equal to the first charge / discharge rate, the control unit 130 can diagnose the state of the current sensing resistor based on the shunt voltage. In this document, the first charge / discharge rate can be, but is not limited to, 1 [C].

[0098] Referring to Figure 4, the control unit 130 can diagnose the state of the current sensing resistor based on the shunt voltage. According to an embodiment, the control unit 130 can compare the difference between a first voltage and a second voltage with a first set value. The first voltage is the voltage of the battery pack 1 at a first time point corresponding to a resting state of the battery pack 1, and the second voltage is the voltage of the battery pack 1 at a second time point after a first interval from the first time point. When the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is greater than or equal to the first set value, the control unit 130 can determine the state of the current sensing resistor as normal and initialize the diagnosis of the current sensing resistor.

[0099] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for diagnosing a current-measuring resistor performed by a battery diagnostic device according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0100] Reference Figure 4Control unit 130 can diagnose the state of the current sensing resistor. Control unit 130 can determine the resting state of battery pack 1. Referring to the third graph GRAPH3, when the shunt current is less than a set value, control unit 130 can determine the state of battery pack 1 as resting. Referring to the first graph GRAPH1, when control unit 130 determines the state of battery pack 1 as resting, control unit 130 can run a first timer. Control unit 130 can use the first timer to measure the duration of the resting state of battery pack 1. When the duration of the resting state of control unit 130 is greater than or equal to a set time, control unit 130 can stop the first timer and run a second timer. In this document, the set time can be, but is not limited to, 10 [s].

[0101] Referring to the second diagram (GRAPH2), the control unit 130 can run the second timer while stopping the first timer. The control unit 130 can use the second timer to measure the flow of time during diagnostics of the current sensing resistor. According to an embodiment, the control unit 130 can cause the second timer to run for a set time to identify the shunt current, and then stop and reset the second timer. In this document, the set time can be, but is not limited to, 1 [s].

[0102] Referring to Figure 3, the control unit 130 can identify the shunt current at the stop time of the second timer. When the shunt current is at least the second charge / discharge rate but not greater than the first charge / discharge rate, the control unit 130 can determine that the diagnostic state of the current sensing resistor is undiagnostic. In this case, the control unit 130 can initialize the diagnostic state of the current sensing resistor. In this document, the first charge / discharge rate can be 1 [C] and the second charge / discharge rate can be 0.5 [C], but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0103] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for diagnosing a current-measuring resistor performed by a battery diagnostic device according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0104] Reference Figure 5Control unit 130 can diagnose the state of the current sensing resistor. Control unit 130 can determine the resting state of battery pack 1. Referring to the third graph GRAPH3, when the shunt current is less than a set value, control unit 130 can determine the state of battery pack 1 as resting. Referring to the first graph GRAPH1, when control unit 130 determines the state of battery pack 1 as resting, control unit 130 can run a first timer. Control unit 130 can use the first timer to measure the duration of the resting state of battery pack 1. When the duration of the resting state of control unit 130 is greater than or equal to a set time, control unit 130 can stop the first timer and run a second timer. In this document, the set time can be, but is not limited to, 10 [s].

[0105] Referring to the second diagram (GRAPH2), the control unit 130 can run the second timer while stopping the first timer. The control unit 130 can use the second timer to measure the flow of time during diagnostic testing of the current sensing resistor. In this case, the control unit 130 can store a first voltage, which is the voltage of the battery pack 1 at the running time of the second timer. According to an embodiment, the control unit 130 can cause the second timer to run for a set time to identify the shunt current, and then stop and reset the second timer. In this document, the set time can be, but is not limited to, 1 [s].

[0106] Referring to Figure 3, the control unit 130 can identify the shunt current at the stop time of the second timer. When the shunt current stops flowing at the stop time of the second timer, the control unit 130 can initialize the diagnosis of the current sensing resistor. That is, when the shunt current is maintained for a set time, the control unit 130 can diagnose the current sensing resistor based on the shunt current. Therefore, the control unit 130 can improve the accuracy of the current sensing resistor's diagnosis by preventing misdiagnosis due to temporary increases / decreases in current.

[0107] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for diagnosing a current-measuring resistor performed by a battery diagnostic device according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0108] Reference Figure 6Control unit 130 can diagnose the state of the current sensing resistor. Control unit 130 can determine the resting state of battery pack 1. Referring to the third graph GRAPH3, when the shunt current is less than a set value, control unit 130 can determine the state of battery pack 1 as resting. Referring to the first graph GRAPH1, when control unit 130 determines the state of battery pack 1 as resting, control unit 130 can run a first timer. Control unit 130 can use the first timer to measure the duration of the resting state of battery pack 1. When the duration of the resting state of control unit 130 is greater than or equal to a set time, control unit 130 can stop the first timer and run a second timer. In this document, the set time can be, but is not limited to, 10 [s].

[0109] Referring to the second diagram (GRAPH2), the control unit 130 can run the second timer while stopping the first timer. The control unit 130 can use the second timer to measure the time flow during diagnostic testing of the current sensing resistor. According to an embodiment, the control unit 130 can cause the second timer to run for a set time to identify the shunt current, and then stop and reset the second timer. In this document, the set time can be, but is not limited to, 1 [s].

[0110] Referring to Figure 3, the control unit 130 can identify the shunt current at the stop time of the second timer. When the shunt current is greater than or equal to the first charge / discharge rate, the control unit 130 can diagnose the state of the current sensing resistor based on the shunt voltage. In this document, the first charge / discharge rate can be, but is not limited to, 1 [C].

[0111] Referring to Figure 4, the control unit 130 can diagnose the state of the current sensing resistor based on the shunt voltage. According to an embodiment, the control unit 130 can compare the difference between a first voltage and a second voltage with a first set value. The first voltage is the voltage of battery pack 1 at a first time point corresponding to a resting state of battery pack 1, and the second voltage is the voltage of battery pack 1 at a second time point after a first interval from the first time point. When the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is less than the first set value, the control unit 130 can diagnose the state of the current sensing resistor as a reduced drift. In this case, the control unit 130 can verify the diagnostic result. For example, the control unit 130 can store a third voltage, which is the voltage of battery pack 1 at a third time point after a second interval from the first time point, and compare the difference between the first voltage and the third voltage with the first set value. When the difference between the first voltage and the third voltage is less than the first set value, the control unit 130 can verify the diagnostic result as a normal state.

[0112] Referring to Figure 5, the control unit 130 can input a diagnostic signal. According to an embodiment, the control unit 130 can input a diagnostic signal when it diagnoses the state of the current-sensing resistor as a reduction in drift. When the diagnostic signal is recognized, the control unit 130 can disconnect the current-sensing resistor. For example, the control unit 130 can disconnect the current-sensing resistor by, but not limited to, disconnecting a switch connected in series with the current-sensing resistor.

[0113] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for diagnosing a current-measuring resistor performed by a battery diagnostic device according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0114] Reference Figure 7 Control unit 130 can diagnose the state of the current sensing resistor. Control unit 130 can determine the resting state of battery pack 1. Referring to the third graph GRAPH3, when the shunt current is less than a set value, control unit 130 can determine the state of battery pack 1 as resting. Referring to the first graph GRAPH1, when control unit 130 determines the state of battery pack 1 as resting, control unit 130 can run a first timer. Control unit 130 can use the first timer to measure the duration of the resting state of battery pack 1. When the duration of the resting state of control unit 130 is greater than or equal to a set time, control unit 130 can stop the first timer and run a second timer. In this document, the set time can be, but is not limited to, 10 [s].

[0115] Referring to the second diagram (GRAPH2), the control unit 130 can run the second timer while stopping the first timer. The control unit 130 can use the second timer to measure the time flow during diagnostic testing of the current sensing resistor. According to an embodiment, the control unit 130 can cause the second timer to run for a set time to identify the shunt current, and then stop and reset the second timer. In this document, the set time can be, but is not limited to, 1 [s].

[0116] Referring to Figure 3, the control unit 130 can identify the shunt current at the stop time of the second timer. When the shunt current is less than the second charge / discharge rate, the control unit 130 can diagnose the state of the current sensing resistor based on the shunt voltage. In this document, the second charge / discharge rate can be, but is not limited to, 0.5 [C].

[0117] Referring to Figure 4, the control unit 130 can diagnose the state of the current sensing resistor based on the shunt voltage. According to an embodiment, the control unit 130 can compare the difference between a first voltage and a second voltage with a second set value. The first voltage is the voltage of the battery pack 1 at a first time point corresponding to the resting state of the battery pack 1, and the second voltage is the voltage of the battery pack 1 at a second time point after a first interval from the first time point. When the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is less than the second set value, the control unit 130 can diagnose the state of the current sensing resistor as increased drift. In this case, the control unit 130 can verify the diagnostic result. For example, the control unit 130 can store a third voltage at a third time point after the second interval from the first time point and compare the difference between the first voltage and the third voltage with the second set value. When the difference between the first voltage and the third voltage is less than the second set value, the control unit 130 can verify the diagnostic result as a normal state.

[0118] Referring to Figure 5, the control unit 130 can input a diagnostic signal. According to an embodiment, when the control unit 130 diagnoses the state of the current-sensing resistor as an increased drift, the control unit 130 can input a diagnostic signal. When the diagnostic signal is recognized, the control unit 130 can disconnect the current-sensing resistor. For example, the control unit 130 can disconnect the current-sensing resistor by, but not limited to, disconnecting a switch connected in series with the current-sensing resistor.

[0119] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the operation method of a battery diagnostic device according to the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0120] Figure 8 The illustrated embodiment is merely one embodiment, and the order of operations may differ from the various embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 8 The order shown can be omitted. Figure 8 Some of the operations shown can either change the order of operations or combine operations. References will be omitted in the following text. Figures 1 to 7 The description is as follows.

[0121] Reference Figure 8The operation method of the battery diagnostic device 100 may include the following operations: operation S100, which is connected in parallel with a current sensing resistor (shunt resistor) included in the battery pack 1 to measure the shunt voltage of the current sensing resistor, and obtains the shunt current based on the current sensing resistor and the shunt voltage; operation S200, which determines whether the current sensing resistor is diagnosable; operation S300, which stores a first voltage and a second voltage, the first voltage being the voltage of the battery pack 1 at a first time point corresponding to the resting state of the battery pack 1, and the second voltage being the voltage of the battery pack 1 at a second time point after a first interval from the first time point; and operation S400, which diagnoses the state of the current sensing resistor based on the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage and the shunt current.

[0122] Figure 9 It shows in detail the Figure 8 The flowchart shows the operation of diagnosing the state of the current sensing resistor.

[0123] Reference Figure 9 The operation of diagnosing the state of the current sensing resistor may include the following operations: operation S410, which determines whether the shunt current corresponding to the second time point is greater than or equal to a preset first charge / discharge rate; operation S420, which determines whether the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than a first set value; operation S430, which diagnoses a decrease in drift in the current sensing resistor; operation S440, which determines whether the shunt current corresponding to the second time point is less than a preset second charge / discharge rate; operation S450, which determines whether the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is greater than or equal to a second set value; operation S460, which diagnoses an increase in drift in the current sensing resistor; and operation S470, which initializes the diagnosis.

[0124] When the battery diagnostic device 100 determines in operation S410 that the shunt current corresponding to the second time point is greater than or equal to the preset first charge / discharge rate, the battery diagnostic device 100 may execute operation S420. When the battery diagnostic device 100 determines that the shunt current corresponding to the second time point is less than the preset first charge / discharge rate, the battery diagnostic device 100 may execute operation S470.

[0125] When the battery diagnostic device 100 determines in operation S420 that the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than a first set value, the battery diagnostic device 100 may execute operation S430. When the battery diagnostic device 100 determines that the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is greater than or equal to the first set value, the battery diagnostic device 100 may execute operation S470.

[0126] When the battery diagnostic device 100 determines in operation S440 that the shunt current corresponding to the second time point is less than the preset second charge / discharge rate, the battery diagnostic device 100 may execute operation S450. When the battery diagnostic device 100 determines that the shunt current corresponding to the second time point is greater than or equal to the preset second charge / discharge rate, the battery diagnostic device 100 may execute operation S470.

[0127] When the battery diagnostic device 100 determines in operation S450 that the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is greater than or equal to a second set value, the battery diagnostic device 100 may execute operation S460. When the battery diagnostic device 100 determines that the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is greater than or equal to the second set value, the battery diagnostic device 100 may execute operation S470.

[0128] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating a computing system that performs an operation method of a battery diagnostic device according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0129] Reference Figure 10 The computing device 200 according to the embodiments disclosed herein may include a microcontroller unit (MCU) 210, a memory 220, an input / output interface (I / F) 230, and a communication I / F 240.

[0130] MCU 210 can be a processor that executes various programs (e.g., SOH calculation program, cell balance target determination program, etc.) stored in memory 220. These programs process various data, including SOC, SOH, etc., of multiple battery cells, and execute reference... Figures 1 to 9 The battery diagnostic device 100 described above has the aforementioned functions.

[0131] The memory 220 can store various programs related to the calculation of the state of equilibrium (SOH) of the battery cell and the determination of the cell balance target. Furthermore, the memory 220 can store various data for each battery cell, such as state of charge (SOC) data and state of equilibrium (SOH) data.

[0132] Multiple memory units 220 can be configured as needed. Memory units 220 can be volatile or non-volatile. For memory units 220 used as volatile memory, random access memory (RAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), etc., can be used. For memory units 220 used as non-volatile memory, read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically variable ROM (EAROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), flash memory, etc., can be used. The above examples of memory units 220 are merely examples and are not limited to these.

[0133] The input / output I / F 230 provides an interface for sending and receiving data by connecting input devices (not shown) such as a keyboard, mouse, or touchscreen and output devices such as a display (not shown) to the MCU 210.

[0134] The Communication I / F 240 is a component capable of sending and receiving various types of data to and from a server, and can be any device capable of supporting wired or wireless communication. For example, programs for calculating the State of Harm (SOH) of battery cells or determining balance targets, or various other data, can be sent to and received from a separately provided external server via the Communication I / F 240.

[0135] Therefore, the operation method of the battery diagnostic device according to the embodiments disclosed herein can be recorded in the memory 220 and executed by the MCU 210.

[0136] The above description merely illustrates the technical concept of this disclosure, and various modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments disclosed herein pertain without departing from the basic characteristics of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0137] Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are intended to describe, and not limit, the technical spirit of the embodiments disclosed herein, and the scope of the technical spirit of this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. The scope of protection of the technical spirit disclosed herein should be interpreted by the appended claims, and all technical spirit within the same scope should be understood to be included within the scope of this document.

[0138] [Description of reference numerals for the main elements of the specified figures]

[0139] 100: Battery diagnostic equipment

[0140] 110: Information Acquisition Unit

[0141] 120: Storage unit

[0142] 130: Control Unit

Claims

1. A battery diagnostic device, the battery diagnostic device comprising: An information acquisition unit is configured to acquire the shunt voltage and shunt current of a current sensing resistor (shunt resistor) included in the battery pack. A storage unit configured to store the voltage of the battery pack; as well as Control unit, the control unit being configured to: The system stores a first voltage and a second voltage. The first voltage is the voltage of the battery pack at a first time point corresponding to the battery pack's resting state, and the second voltage is the voltage of the battery pack at a second time point after a first interval from the first time point. The state of the current sensing resistor is diagnosed based on the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage, as well as the shunt current.

2. The battery diagnostic device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit is further configured to diagnose a reduction drift in the current sensing resistor when the shunt current corresponding to the second time point is greater than or equal to a preset first charge / discharge rate and the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than a first set value.

3. The battery diagnostic device according to claim 2, wherein, The control unit is also configured to: The third voltage is stored, which is the voltage of the battery pack at a third time point after a second interval from the first time point; and The diagnostic results are verified based on the difference between the third voltage and the first voltage.

4. The battery diagnostic device according to claim 2, wherein, The control unit is also configured to determine the first set value based on the temperature of the battery pack.

5. The battery diagnostic device according to claim 4, wherein, The first set value is proportional to the temperature of the battery pack.

6. The battery diagnostic device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit is further configured to diagnose an increased drift in the current sensing resistor when the shunt current corresponding to the second time point is less than a preset second charge / discharge rate and the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is greater than or equal to a second set value.

7. The battery diagnostic device according to claim 6, wherein, The control unit is also configured to: The third voltage is stored, which is the voltage of the battery pack at a third time point after a second interval from the first time point; and The diagnostic results are verified based on the difference between the third voltage and the first voltage.

8. The battery diagnostic device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit is further configured to diagnose the state of the current sensing resistor when the rest time, which is the duration of the battery pack's rest state before the first time point, is greater than or equal to a preset time.

9. The battery diagnostic device according to claim 8, wherein, The control unit is also configured to initialize the state diagnosis of the current sensing resistor when the rest time is less than the preset time.

10. A method for operating a battery diagnostic device, the method comprising the following steps: The shunt voltage of the current sensing resistor is measured by connecting it in parallel with a current sensing resistor (shunt resistor) included in the battery pack, and the shunt current is obtained based on the current sensing resistor and the shunt voltage. Determine whether the current sensing resistor is diagnosable; The system stores a first voltage and a second voltage, wherein the first voltage is the voltage of the battery pack at a first time point corresponding to the resting state of the battery pack, and the second voltage is the voltage of the battery pack at a second time point after a first interval from the first time point; as well as The state of the current sensing resistor is diagnosed based on the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage, as well as the shunt current.

11. The operating method according to claim 10, wherein, The diagnostic steps include the following steps: when the shunt current corresponding to the second time point is greater than or equal to a preset first charge / discharge rate and the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is less than a first set value, a reduction drift is diagnosed in the current sensing resistor.

12. The operating method according to claim 11, wherein, The diagnostic steps include the following steps: verifying the diagnostic result based on the difference between the first voltage and the third voltage, wherein the third voltage is the voltage of the battery pack at a third time point after a second interval from the first time point.

13. The operating method according to claim 11, wherein, The first set value is determined based on the temperature of the battery pack.

14. The operating method according to claim 10, wherein, The diagnostic steps include the following steps: when the shunt current corresponding to the second time point is less than a preset second charge / discharge rate and the difference between the second voltage and the first voltage is greater than or equal to a second set value, an increased drift is diagnosed in the current sensing resistor.

15. The operating method according to claim 10, wherein, The steps to determine whether the current sensing resistor is diagnosable include the following: When the rest time, which is the duration of the battery pack's resting state before the first time point, is greater than or equal to a preset time, the state of the current sensing resistor is diagnosed; and When the rest time is less than the preset time, the state diagnosis of the current sensing resistor is initialized.

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