Battery management system and battery management method

Abstract

This invention provides a battery management system and a battery management method. The battery management system according to the invention includes: a sensing unit for generating battery monitoring information indicating the various states of a plurality of battery cells; a switching unit for changing the electrical connection state between the plurality of battery cells; and a control unit for controlling the switching unit based on the battery monitoring information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to protecting battery packs, which comprise multiple battery cells, from the risk of heat propagation.

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0128993 filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on September 24, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0120422 filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on August 27, 2025, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Recently, the demand for portable electronic products (such as laptops, cameras and mobile phones) has increased rapidly, and with the widespread development of electric vehicles, batteries for energy storage, robots and satellites, there is a lot of research being conducted on high-performance batteries that can be recharged and discharged.

[0004] Currently, batteries on the market include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium batteries. Among them, lithium batteries have a very small or no memory effect, so they are more popular than nickel-based batteries because they can be easily recharged at any time, have a very low self-discharge rate, and have high energy density.

[0005] A battery pack for a battery system requiring large capacity and high voltage (e.g., an electric vehicle or an energy storage system) may comprise several to hundreds of battery cells connected in series or in parallel or a combination of series and parallel.

[0006] The compact packing structure of battery cells within the limited space of a battery pack is beneficial for high energy density, but abnormal conditions in some battery cells can negatively affect the remaining battery cells. Typically, when thermal runaway occurs in a particular battery cell due to overheating or an internal short circuit, it can rapidly spread to adjacent battery cells, a phenomenon known as "thermal propagation". Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] This disclosure is designed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and therefore aims to provide an apparatus and method that monitors the state of each of a plurality of battery blocks included in a battery pack and changes the electrical connection state between the plurality of battery blocks to electrically disconnect at least one battery block having an abnormal state from the remaining battery blocks.

[0009] This disclosure also relates to providing an apparatus and method that uses differentiated criteria depending on the usage intensity of the battery pack to determine which battery blocks should be separated from the charge / discharge terminals.

[0010] These and other objects and advantages of this disclosure may be understood from the following description and will become apparent from embodiments of this disclosure. Moreover, it will be readily understood that the objects and advantages of this disclosure may be achieved by the means set forth in the appended claims and combinations thereof.

[0011] Technical solution

[0012] A battery management system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a sensing unit for generating battery monitoring information indicating the state of each of a plurality of battery blocks; a switching unit for changing the electrical connection state between the plurality of battery blocks; and a control unit for controlling the switching unit based on the battery monitoring information.

[0013] The control unit can diagnose the thermal runaway hazard of each of the multiple battery cells based on battery monitoring information. The control unit can then control the switching unit based on the results of the thermal runaway hazard diagnosis.

[0014] The control unit can classify each of the multiple battery blocks into the first group or the second group based on the diagnostic results.

[0015] The control unit can control the switching unit to electrically disconnect each battery cell in the first group from each battery cell in the second group.

[0016] The switching unit can electrically disconnect each battery cell in the first group from the charging / discharging terminal. The switching unit can electrically connect each battery cell in the second group to the charging / discharging terminal.

[0017] The control unit can vary the grouping criteria for multiple battery cells based on the usage intensity of the battery pack.

[0018] When the usage intensity of the battery pack is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the predetermined intensity range, the control unit can classify each abnormal battery block into the first group. The abnormal battery block is the battery block among multiple battery blocks that has the risk of thermal runaway.

[0019] When the battery pack's usage intensity is within a predetermined range, the control unit can classify each adjacent battery block into the first group. An adjacent battery block is a battery block that is adjacent to an abnormal battery block among multiple battery blocks.

[0020] When the usage intensity of the battery pack is equal to or less than the lower limit of a predetermined intensity range, the control unit can classify each degraded battery block into a first group, wherein the degraded battery block is a battery block whose state of health (SOH) is less than a threshold among multiple battery blocks.

[0021] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the battery pack includes a battery management system.

[0022] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an electric vehicle includes a battery pack.

[0023] A battery management method according to another aspect of this disclosure includes the following steps: obtaining battery monitoring information indicating the state of each of a plurality of battery blocks; and controlling a switching unit for changing the electrical connection path between the plurality of battery blocks based on the battery monitoring information.

[0024] The control switch unit may include the following steps: diagnosing the thermal runaway hazard of each of the multiple battery blocks based on battery monitoring information; and controlling the switch unit based on the results of the thermal runaway hazard diagnosis.

[0025] Controlling the switching unit may further include the following steps: classifying each of the plurality of battery blocks into the first group or the second group based on the diagnostic results.

[0026] Controlling the switching unit may further include the following step: controlling the switching unit to electrically disconnect each battery cell in the first group from each battery cell in the second group.

[0027] According to another aspect of this application, a computer-readable medium contains a program for causing a computer to perform the battery management method.

[0028] Beneficial effects

[0029] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the state of each of a plurality of battery blocks included in a battery pack can be monitored, and the electrical connection state between the plurality of battery blocks can be changed. Therefore, at least one battery block with an abnormal state can be electrically isolated from the remaining battery blocks, thereby reducing the negative impact of the abnormal state (thermal runaway hazard) of a particular battery block on the remaining battery blocks.

[0030] Furthermore, this disclosure can use differentiated criteria that depend on the usage intensity of the battery pack to determine which battery blocks should be electrically disconnected from the charging / discharging terminals. Therefore, the risk of accidents due to sudden electrical disconnection of the battery blocks from the charging / discharging terminals (e.g., unexpected stopping of the electric vehicle due to a sudden drop / loss of power supplied from the battery pack) can be reduced, and emergency operation of the battery system including the battery pack can be facilitated (e.g., temporary driving of the electric vehicle to move to a safe area).

[0031] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand these and other effects from the description of the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and are used, together with the following detailed description, to provide a better understanding of the technical aspects of the present disclosure; therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an electric vehicle including a battery management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 2 In describing Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the connection between the battery pack and the sensing unit, and is the reference diagram.

[0035] Figure 3 In describing Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the connection between the battery pack and the switching unit.

[0036] Figure 4 In describing Figure 3 The diagram shown is the one referenced when illustrating an exemplary configuration of the switching circuit.

[0037] Figure 5 In describing Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the connection relationship between the battery pack and the discharge unit, and is the reference diagram.

[0038] Figure 6 In describing Figure 1 The diagram shown is another example of the connection relationship between the battery pack and the discharge unit.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a flowchart referenced in a brief description of a battery management method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 8 A brief description may be included Figure 7 The flowchart referenced is an example of the set of routines in step S720.

[0041] Figure 9 A brief description may be included Figure 7 The flowchart is referenced when referring to another example of the set of routines in step S720.

[0042] Figure 10 A brief description may be included Figure 9 The flowchart referenced is an example of the set of routines in step S920.

[0043] Figures 11 to 14 In describing and Figure 10 The diagram referenced in the differential grouping process related to the method.

[0044] Figure 15 A brief description may be included Figure 8 The flowchart referenced is an example of the set of routines in step S820.

[0045] Figure 16 and Figure 17 It is shown in the description Figure 15 The example data table referenced in the method. Detailed Implementation

[0046] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terms or words used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to their general or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted based on the principle that the inventor is allowed to appropriately define the terms for the best interpretation, and based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure.

[0047] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the illustrations shown in the accompanying drawings are exemplary embodiments of this disclosure to describe the technical aspects of this disclosure, but are not intended to be limiting. It should be understood that various other equivalents and modifications may be made thereto at the time of filing this application.

[0048] Terms including ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” are used to distinguish one element from another among various elements, but are not intended to limit these elements by these terms.

[0049] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the terms "comprising" and "including" are used in this specification to specify the presence of the stated element, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements. Additionally, the term "unit" as used herein refers to a processing unit having at least one function or operation, and can be implemented by hardware and software, individually or in combination.

[0050] Furthermore, throughout the specification, it should be understood that when a component is referred to as being “connected to” another component, it can be directly connected to the other component, or there can be an intermediate component.

[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an electric vehicle including a battery management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] refer to Figure 1 The electric vehicle 1 may include a battery pack 10, a battery management system 100, a relay 20, a vehicle controller 2, a power converter 30, and an electrical load 40. The electric vehicle 1 may also include peripheral devices 50.

[0053] Battery pack 10 includes multiple battery cells BB1~BB1. N(N is a natural number of 2 or greater), first charging / discharging terminal P1 and second charging / discharging terminal P2.

[0054] In this manual, multiple battery blocks BB1~BB N In the shared descriptions, the symbol "BB" or "BB" k "It is attached to the battery block. k is a natural number equal to or less than N."

[0055] Multiple battery blocks BB1~BB N It can be connected in series, in parallel, or in a combination of series and parallel between the first charging / discharging terminal P1 and the second charging / discharging terminal P2.

[0056] A battery block BB may include one battery module, or two or more battery modules. When a battery block BB includes multiple battery modules, the multiple battery modules may be connected in series or in parallel, or in both series and parallel.

[0057] Each battery module may include one battery cell or an assembly of two or more battery cells. When a battery module includes multiple battery cells, the multiple battery cells may be connected in series or in parallel, or in series and in parallel. In this specification, a battery cell refers to the basic unit of an electrical storage device capable of self-charging and discharging, but is not limited to a specific battery cell, and may include, for example, any rechargeable battery cell (e.g., a lithium-ion cell).

[0058] Relay 20 is installed on the power line that connects battery pack 10 to charging / discharging terminals P1 and P2. Figure 1 The diagram shows a relay 20 connected between the positive terminal of the battery pack 10 and the charging / discharging terminal P1. However, the electric vehicle 1 may also include an additional relay 20 connected between the negative terminal of the battery pack 10 and the charging / discharging terminal P2. The on / off control of the relay 20 is performed in response to a switching signal from the battery management system 100 or the vehicle controller. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the relay 20 may be a mechanical contactor that is switched on / off by the magnetic force of a coil, or a semiconductor switch such as a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET).

[0059] The battery management system 100 includes a control unit 130. The battery management system 100 may also include at least one of a sensing unit 110, a switching unit 120, a communication unit 140, or a discharging unit 150. At least one of the sensing unit 110, the switching unit 120, the communication unit 140, or the discharging unit 150 may be configured as a component of the battery pack 10, rather than a component of the battery management system 100.

[0060] The sensing unit 110 generates multiple battery blocks BB1~BB1 that indicate the battery pack 10.N Battery monitoring information for the status of each battery block.

[0061] The sensing unit 110 can periodically or non-periodically measure multiple battery blocks BB1~BB2. N The system measures at least one state parameter for each battery cell and provides battery monitoring information indicating the measured state parameters for each battery cell to the control unit 130.

[0062] Battery Block BB k The status parameters can indicate the battery block BB k The temperature (referred to as "block temperature"), the cell voltage of each battery cell BC included in the battery block BB, or a quadratic parameter (e.g., amount of change, rate of change) that can be found by applying mathematical functions. Furthermore, state parameters are not limited to a specific type and can include direct or indirect indicators of the battery block BB. k Any type of state parameter at the level of thermal anomaly state.

[0063] A current sensor A is installed on the power lines that connect the battery pack 10 to the charging / discharging terminals P1 and P2 to measure the current flowing through the battery pack 10. The current sensor A may be included in the sensing unit 110.

[0064] Switching unit 120 is configured to change multiple battery blocks BB1~BB N The electrical connection path between them. The following will refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The switching unit 120 will be described.

[0065] Discharge unit 150 is connected to multiple battery blocks BB1~BB1. N The discharge unit 150, in response to a control signal from the control unit, discharges multiple battery blocks BB1~BB2. N Each of them performs an energy-consuming operation (i.e., forced discharge).

[0066] The control unit 130 may be implemented in hardware using at least one of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a digital signal processing device (DSPD), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a microprocessor, or an electrical unit for performing other functions.

[0067] The control unit 130 is operatively coupled to at least one of the switching unit 120, sensing unit 110, communication unit 140, or discharge unit 150. In this case, operatively coupled means a connection that enables signal transmission and reception in one or both directions.

[0068] The control unit 130 may have a memory device. The memory device may include at least one type of storage medium selected from flash memory, hard disk, solid-state drive (SSD), silicon disk drive (SDD), multimedia card micro, random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or programmable read-only memory (PROM). The memory device may store data and programs required for the operation of the control unit 130. The memory device may also store data indicating the operational results of the control unit 130.

[0069] The control unit 220 may include one or more memory devices and one or more processors, and may be referred to as a “battery controller”, and may be manufactured, used and / or sold as a separate device.

[0070] The control unit 130 determines the multiple battery blocks BB1~BB based on the status data received from the sensing unit 110. N Is each of the cells abnormal? When multiple battery blocks BB1~BB N When at least one of them is diagnosed as abnormal, the control unit 130 can be configured to perform at least one safety operation on the battery pack 10.

[0071] As an example, safe operation may include transferring multiple battery blocks BB1~BB2. N At least one of the battery cells is electrically disconnected from the remaining battery cell. Alternatively, as another example, the safety operation may include the forced release of multiple battery cells BB1~BB2. N The operation of energy from at least one battery cell (hereinafter referred to as "energy release").

[0072] The power converter 30 may include at least one of a DC-AC inverter or a DC-DC converter. The power converter 30 can convert DC power (discharge power) supplied from the battery pack 10 into AC power and supply it to the electrical load 40 during the discharge of the battery pack 10. The electrical load 40 may include a three-phase AC motor that generates kinetic energy to drive the electric vehicle 1.

[0073] The control unit 130 can determine the multiple battery blocks BB1~BB based on battery monitoring information. N The state of charge (SOC) of each battery cell is determined, and the state of health (SOH) is further determined.

[0074] The State of Charge (SOC) of a battery block (BB) is the ratio of its remaining capacity to its maximum capacity (Full Charge Capacity (FCC)), and is typically expressed in a range of 0 to 100% or 0 to 1. Remaining capacity represents the amount of charge currently stored in the battery block (BB).

[0075] The State of Charge (SOH) of a battery block (BB) is the ratio of its maximum capacity to its design capacity, and is typically expressed as a range of 0 to 100% or 0 to 1. The design capacity indicates the maximum amount of charge the battery block can store when it is new. As the battery block degrades, the maximum capacity gradually decreases from the design capacity. Each of SOC and SOH can be estimated based on any one or a combination of two or more known technologies, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0076] The communication unit 140 includes at least one communication circuit to support wired or wireless communication between the control unit 130 and the vehicle controller 2 and / or peripheral devices 50. Wired communication may be, for example, Controller Area Network (CAN) communication, and wireless communication may be, for example, Zigbee or Bluetooth communication. The communication protocol is not limited to the examples listed above and may include any type of communication protocol that supports wired or wireless communication.

[0077] Peripheral device 50 may include vehicle sensors to measure at least one parameter (e.g., vehicle speed) related to the state of electric vehicle 1. Peripheral device 50 may include output devices (e.g., a display or a speaker) to provide information received from control unit 130 and / or vehicle controller 2 in a recognizable format. Peripheral device 50 may operate using direct or alternating current power supplied from power converter 30.

[0078] although Figure 1 The battery pack 10 and the battery management system 100 are shown to be physically independent of each other, but the battery management system 100 may be included as a component of the battery pack 10.

[0079] Figure 2 In describing Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the connection relationship between the battery pack and the sensing unit. For ease of description, Figure 2 Only the multiple battery blocks BB1~BB1 included in battery pack 10 are shown. N Battery block BB k .

[0080] refer to Figure 2 The sensing unit 110 includes a battery block BB k The set sensing circuit SB k Therefore, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the sensing unit 110 may include multiple sensing circuits SB1~SB1. N .

[0081] Sensing circuit SB k It may include a temperature sensor TS, and also a voltage detection circuit VS.

[0082] Temperature sensor TS is attached to battery block BB k On the outer surface, or installed away from the battery block BB k At the designated location, to measure the battery block BB k The temperature of the battery block (i.e., the block temperature). The temperature sensor TS can generate an indicator value for the battery block BB. k The temperature signal of the temperature sensor TS is collected by the control unit 130.

[0083] The voltage detection circuit VS includes at least one voltage sensor. The voltage detection circuit VS can measure the voltage of battery block BB. k The block voltage. The block voltage is the battery block voltage (BB). k The voltage across the two terminals. The voltage detection circuit VS can also measure the voltage included in the battery block BB. k The cell voltage is the voltage across each battery cell BC. The cell voltage is the voltage across the terminals of battery cell BC. The voltage detection circuit VS generates an indicator value for battery block BB. k The control unit 130 can collect the voltage signals of the block voltage and the cell voltage of the battery cell BC, and the control unit 130 can collect the voltage signal of the voltage detection circuit VS.

[0084] Figure 3 In describing Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the connection relationship between the battery pack and the switching unit, and is the one being referenced. Figure 4 In describing Figure 3 The diagram shown is the one referenced when illustrating an exemplary configuration of the switching circuit.

[0085] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The switching unit 120 may include multiple switching circuits SC1~SC N It also includes multiple side routes BL1~BL N .

[0086] Switching circuit SC k Set to charge battery block BB k Electrically connect the power path between the charging / discharging terminals P1 and P2, or connect the battery block BB. k Electrically disconnected from the power path between the charging / discharging terminals P1 and P2.

[0087] Switching circuit SC k It may include a switch SWA k and switch SWB k .

[0088] Switch SWA k It can be installed in the battery block BB k-1The second terminal (e.g., the negative terminal) is connected to the battery block BB. k On the power path of the first terminal (e.g., the positive terminal). Battery block BB k The first terminal can be the battery block BB k Either the positive or negative terminal, and the battery block BB k The second terminal can be the battery block BB k The other of the positive and negative extremes.

[0089] Switch SWB k It can be installed in the battery block BB k-1 The second terminal is connected to the battery block BB k The bypass path BL of the second terminal k superior.

[0090] When switch SWA k and switch SWB k When any one of the switches is turned on, the other switch can be turned off. Switching circuit SC k It can be controlled to either the first state or the second state.

[0091] When the battery block BB k When classified into the first group, the control unit 130 can switch the circuit SC k Control is in the first state.

[0092] When the battery block BB k When classified into the second group, the control unit 130 can switch the circuit SC k Control is in the second state.

[0093] Switching circuit SC in the first state k It can represent switch SWA k Disconnected and switch SWB k The circuit is switched on. The switching circuit SC is in its second state. k It can represent switch SWA k SWB is connected and switched on. k It was disconnected.

[0094] When switch SWA k When connected, battery block BB k It can be electrically connected to the charging / discharging terminals P1 and P2. When switch SWA... k When disconnected, battery block BB k Electrically disconnected from charging / discharging terminals P1 and P2.

[0095] When switch SWB k When connected, the charging / discharging current of battery pack 10 can flow through the bypass path BL.k Instead of battery block BB k .

[0096] Through multiple switching circuits SC1~SC N Each switch circuit in the first state can electrically connect each battery block classified into the first group to the charging / discharging terminals P1 and P2.

[0097] Through multiple switching circuits SC1~SC N Each switching circuit in the second state can electrically disconnect each battery block classified into the second group from each battery block classified into the first group.

[0098] Each switch included in the switching unit 120 can be connected to the control unit 130 via a signal line. The switch can include any known switching device, such as a field-effect transistor (FET).

[0099] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The description of the switching unit 120 relates to an embodiment in which the switching unit 120 forms a plurality of battery blocks BB1~BB2. N At least two of the circuits are connected in series to establish an electrical connection between the charging / discharging terminals P1 and P2.

[0100] Alternatively, the switching unit 120 can also be configured to form multiple battery blocks BB1~BB1. N At least two of the components are connected in parallel to establish an electrical connection between the charge / discharge terminals P1 and P2. In this case, the switching unit 120 may include a circuit connected to the battery block BB. k The switch or connection between the first terminal and the charging / discharging terminal P1 is located in the battery block BB. k At least one of the switches between the second terminal and the charging / discharging terminal P2. Alternatively, it can be omitted from the switch unit 120. Figure 3 The multiple bypass routes BL1~BL shown N At least one of them.

[0101] Figure 5 In describing Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the connection relationship between the battery pack and the discharge unit, and is used for reference. To aid understanding, Figure 5 The diagram shows the addition of a discharge unit 150. Figure 3 The battery block BB shown k and sensing circuit SB k .

[0102] refer to Figure 5 The discharge unit 150 may include discharging power to multiple battery blocks BB1~BB1 respectively.N Multiple discharge circuits DU1~DU N .

[0103] Discharge circuit DU k Can be used with battery block BB k Parallel ground connection.

[0104] When the battery block BB k When a battery cell is identified as having a risk of thermal runaway, the control unit 130 can activate the discharge circuit DU. k Specifically, the control unit 130 can switch the circuit SC k The control is set to the first state and the discharge circuit DU is activated. k And therefore, it can be discharged through the DU circuit. k For battery block BB k Discharge is performed. The discharge circuit DU... k This can include a series circuit of a discharge load (e.g., a resistor, a cooler) and a switch. In this case, the discharge circuit DU is activated. k This can indicate that the discharge circuit DU is connected. k The switch.

[0105] Figure 6 In describing Figure 1 The diagram shown is another example of the connection relationship between the battery pack and the discharge unit. For better understanding, Figure 6 The diagram shows the addition of a discharge unit 150. Figure 3 The battery block BB shown k and sensing circuit SB k .

[0106] refer to Figure 6 The discharge unit 150 may include a discharge load DL and multiple switches SWC1~SWC N and multiple switches SWD1~SWD N .

[0107] The discharge load DL may include, for example, resistors and / or coolers.

[0108] Switch SWC k It can be connected to the battery block BB k The first terminal is connected to one end of the discharge load DL. Switch SWD k It can be connected to the battery block BB k The second terminal is connected between the discharge load DL and the other end of the discharge load DL. That is, the discharge load DL can be connected via a pair of switches SWC. k SWD k Connected in parallel to battery block BB k .

[0109] When two switches SWC k SWD k When connected, battery block BB k Discharged by the discharge load DL. When both switches SWC k SWD k When at least one of them is turned off, the battery block BB cannot be discharged through the load DL. k Discharge is performed.

[0110] Figure 7 This is a flowchart referenced in a brief description of another embodiment of the battery management method according to this disclosure. The method can be performed periodically or non-periodically in a repetitive manner. Figure 7 The method.

[0111] refer to Figure 7 In step S710, the control unit 130 obtains information from the sensing unit 110 representing multiple battery blocks BB1~BB1. N Battery monitoring information for the status of each battery block.

[0112] In step S720, the control unit 130 controls the switching unit 120 based on battery monitoring information. The switching unit 120 is configured to change the position of multiple battery cells BB1~BB2. N The electrical connection path between them.

[0113] Figure 8 A brief description may be included Figure 7 The flowchart referenced is an example of the set of routines in step S720.

[0114] refer to Figure 8 In step S810, the control unit 130 diagnoses the risk of thermal runaway in each of the multiple battery blocks based on battery monitoring information.

[0115] Control unit 130 can control battery block BB k A measured value of at least one state parameter is compared with a reference range (or reference value). For example, in the case of the state parameter "temperature (block temperature)", the reference range could also be a predetermined normal temperature range. When the battery block BB... k When the state parameters are outside the reference range, battery block BB k It can be diagnosed as having a risk of thermal runaway; otherwise, battery block BB k It can be diagnosed as not having a risk of thermal runaway.

[0116] In step S820, based on the results of the diagnosis performed in step S810, the control unit 130 adjusts the multiple battery blocks BB1~BB2. NEach battery cell is classified into either the first group or the second group. For example, each battery cell with a risk of thermal runaway (referred to as an "abnormal battery cell") can be classified into the first group, and each battery cell without a risk of thermal runaway can be classified into the second group.

[0117] It is permissible to prohibit each battery cell in the first group from being used as a power source for the discharge of electric vehicle 1. Conversely, each battery cell in the second group may be permitted to be used as a power source for the discharge of electric vehicle 1.

[0118] The control unit 130 can record in the memory device the identification information of each battery block classified into the first group and the identification information of each battery block classified into the second group. Multiple battery blocks BB1~BB N Each of the battery blocks can be fixedly located in a different physical area within the battery pack 10, and the identification information of the battery block can correspond to the physical area within the battery pack 10 where the battery block is located (e.g., address).

[0119] In step S830, the control unit 130 controls the switching unit 120 based on the classification result in step S820.

[0120] Switching unit 120 can electrically disconnect each battery cell in the first group from each battery cell in the second group. Switching unit 120 can also electrically connect each battery cell in the second group to the charging / discharging terminals. As a result, each battery cell in the first group can be electrically disconnected from the charging / discharging terminals P+ and P-.

[0121] Figure 9 It is an illustrative representation of what can be included Figure 7 A flowchart of another example of the routine set in step S720. For ease of description, in the description Figure 9 When using the method, the reference was omitted. Figure 8 The description performed is the same as the description given, and will be based on the same principles as those given. Figure 8 The differences in the methods are described below.

[0122] refer to Figure 9 In step S910, the control unit 130 diagnoses multiple battery blocks BB1~BB based on battery monitoring information. N The risk of thermal runaway in each battery cell. Step S910 can be substantially the same as step S810.

[0123] In step S912, the control unit 130 obtains the usage intensity of the battery pack 10. The usage intensity of the battery pack 10 can be a value that directly or indirectly indicates the required discharge level of the electric vehicle 1 to the battery pack 10. For example, the usage intensity of the battery pack 10 can include the speed of the electric vehicle 1 or the discharge current or discharge power of the battery pack 10. The usage intensity of the battery pack 10 can be notified to the control unit 130 in real time via communication between the communication unit 150 and the vehicle controller 2.

[0124] In step S920, based on the results of the diagnosis performed in step S910 and the usage intensity of the battery pack 10 obtained in step S912, the control unit 130 adjusts the multiple battery blocks BB1~BB2. N Each battery block is classified into either the first or second group.

[0125] In step S930, the control unit 130 controls the switching unit 120 based on the classification result in step S920.

[0126] Figure 10 A brief description may be included Figure 9 The flowchart referenced is an example of the set of routines in step S920.

[0127] refer to Figure 10 In step S1010, the control unit 130 determines whether the usage intensity of the battery pack 10 is equal to or greater than the upper limit of a predetermined intensity range. The predetermined intensity range can be a range between a first intensity and a second intensity (less than the first intensity). When the value of step S1010 is "yes", step S1012 can be executed. For example, when the speed of the electric vehicle 1 is higher than 60 km / h, the control unit 130 can process the usage intensity of the battery pack 10 to be greater than the first intensity. When the value of step S1010 is "no", step S1020 can be executed.

[0128] In step S1012, similar to step S820, the control unit 130 can classify each abnormal battery block with a risk of thermal runaway into a first group and classify each remaining battery block into a second group. An abnormal battery block can refer to a battery block that has been identified as having a risk of thermal runaway.

[0129] In step S1020, the control unit 130 determines whether the usage intensity of the battery pack 10 is within a predetermined intensity range. As an example, when the speed of the electric vehicle 1 is higher than 20 km / h and equal to or lower than 60 km / h, the control unit 130 can process the usage intensity of the battery pack 10 to be equal to or lower than a first intensity and greater than a second intensity. As another example, when the speed of the electric vehicle 1 is equal to or lower than 20 km / h, the control unit 130 can process the usage intensity of the battery pack 10 to be equal to or lower than a second intensity. A degraded battery block can refer to a battery block having a SOH below a threshold. When the value of step S1020 is "Yes", step S1022 can be executed. A value of "No" in step S1020 indicates that the usage intensity of the battery pack 10 is equal to or lower than the lower limit of the predetermined intensity range. When the value of step S1020 is "No", step S1030 can be executed.

[0130] In step S1022, the control unit 130 can classify each abnormal battery block and each adjacent battery block into the first group, and classify each remaining battery block into the second group. Adjacent battery blocks may refer to normal battery blocks adjacent to the abnormal battery block.

[0131] The execution of step S1030 can indicate that the usage intensity of the battery pack 10 is equal to or less than the second intensity. In step S1030, the control unit 130 can classify each abnormal battery block, each adjacent battery block, and each degraded battery block into a first group, and classify each remaining battery block into a second group.

[0132] Figures 11 to 14 In describing and Figure 10 The diagram referenced in the differential grouping process related to the method.

[0133] refer to Figure 11 The layout 1100 of the battery pack 10 is shown as a 6×3 matrix. Assume that the 18 grids #1~#18 of the layout 1100 correspond to the multiple battery blocks BB1~BB1 included in the battery pack 10. 18 That is, when n=18, #i represents battery block BB. i The physical location.

[0134] In layout 1100, the shaded grid indicates that the battery cell corresponding to that grid is identified as an abnormal battery cell with a risk of thermal runaway. Figure 11 In the diagram, because the two grids #9 and #14 are shaded, those skilled in the art will easily understand the two battery blocks BB9 and BB1. 14 Each case is identified as an abnormal battery block.

[0135] Figure 12 The layout 1200 shows when in Figure 11 The grouping results under the conditions shown are as follows: the usage intensity of battery pack 10 is greater than that under the first intensity. Figure 12 In the diagram, the two grids #9 and #14, marked with thick solid lines, represent the abnormal battery blocks BB9 and BB14 that were classified into the first group. 14 Furthermore, each of the other grids represents a battery block classified into the second group. That is, when the usage intensity of battery pack 10 is greater than the first intensity, the control unit 130 can classify each abnormal battery block into the first group and classify each remaining battery block into the second group. In this case, the sixteen battery blocks BB1~BB8, BB... 10 ~BB 13 BB 15 ~BB 18 Electrically connected to charging / discharging terminals P1 and P2, and the two battery blocks BB9 and BB2 can be switched via the switching unit 120. 14 Electrically disconnected from charging / discharging terminals P1 and P2.

[0136] Figure 13 The layout 1300 shows when in Figure 11 The grouping results are shown when the usage intensity of battery pack 10 is equal to or less than the first intensity and greater than the second intensity under the conditions illustrated. (Reference) Figure 13 , in order to Figure 12 In the same way, grids #9 and #14 are marked with thick solid lines, but... Figure 12 In contrast to layout 1200, the seven grids #4, #8, #10, #11, #13, #15, and #16 are marked with thick dashed lines. Grids marked with thick dotted lines indicate that the corresponding battery blocks are adjacent and are classified into the first group. Therefore, it can be seen that, compared to... Figure 12 Compared to the first group shown in layout 1200, Figure 13 The first group shown in layout 1300 is expanded. The four grids #4, #8, #10, and #16 correspond to the adjacent battery blocks BB4, BB8, and BB9 of the anomalous battery block BB9. 10 BB 16 And the remaining three grids #11, #13, and #15 correspond to the abnormal battery block BB. 14 Adjacent battery blocks BB 11 BB 13 BB 15 In this case, the nine battery blocks BB1~BB3, BB5~BB7, BB 12 BB 17 ~BB 18Not only are they electrically connected in series (or parallel) via switch unit 120, but they are also electrically connected between charging / discharging terminals P1 and P2, while the remaining nine battery blocks BB4, BB8~BB 11 BB 13 ~BB 16 The switching unit 120 can be electrically disconnected from the charging / discharging terminals P1 and P2.

[0137] Figure 14 The layout 1400 shows in Figure 11 The diagram shows the grouping results when the usage intensity of battery pack 10 is equal to or less than the second intensity. (Reference) Figure 14 , in order to Figure 13 In the same way, the nine grids #4, #8~#11, and #13~#16 are marked with thick solid or dashed lines, but... Figure 13 In contrast to the layout of 1300, grid #6 is marked with thick dotted lines.

[0138] Grid #6 represents the physical location of degraded battery block BB6. Degraded battery block BB6 is not associated with the two anomalous battery blocks BB9 and BB6 corresponding to grids #9 and #14, respectively. 14 Instead of being adjacent, they correspond to battery blocks with a SOH below the threshold. In this case, the eight battery blocks BB1~BB3, BB5, BB7, BB... 12 BB 17 ~BB 18 The battery cells BB4, BB6, BB8~BB9 can be connected in series (or in parallel) and electrically connected between the charging / discharging terminals P1 and P2 via the switch unit 120. 11 BB 13 ~BB 16 The switching unit 120 can be electrically disconnected from the charging / discharging terminals P1 and P2. For reference, in Figure 14 In the middle, there are only multiple battery blocks BB1~BB N The SOH of battery block BB6 in the group is less than the threshold, but when the number of degraded battery blocks is two or more, they can all be classified into the first group.

[0139] Figure 15 A brief description may be included Figure 8 The example of the set of routines in step S820 is the flowchart referenced, and Figure 16 and Figure 17 It is shown in the description Figure 15 The example data table referenced in the method.

[0140] refer to Figure 15 In step S1510, the control unit 130 reads the data from the memory device related to the multiple battery blocks BB1~BB2.N The memory device contains a calibration table corresponding to the diagnostic results of the thermal runaway hazard for each battery block. Multiple calibration tables can be pre-stored in the memory device. Specifically, the memory device can store calibration tables for multiple battery blocks BB1~BB2. N Multiple correction tables (data table sets) are provided for cases where the number of abnormal battery blocks ranges from 1 to (N-1). For reference, these tables correspond to multiple battery blocks BB1~BB2. N The total number of correction tables associated with possible abnormal states can be calculated by the following equation.

[0141] <Equation>

[0142] In the above equation, N DT It can represent the total number of correction tables.

[0143] Figure 16 and Figure 17 Two correction tables, 1600 and 700, corresponding to two different diagnostic results are shown. For ease of understanding, the two correction tables 1600 and 700 are presented as a 6×3 matrix, similar to... Figure 11 The layout shown is 1100.

[0144] Figure 16 The calibration table 1600 corresponds to the case where only battery block BB9 is identified as an abnormal battery block. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that when only battery blocks other than battery block BB9 are identified as abnormal battery blocks, other calibration tables besides calibration table 1600 can be read from the memory device.

[0145] Figure 17 The calibration table 1700 corresponds to two battery blocks BB9 and BB. 14 Cases where battery blocks are identified as abnormal. Similarly, those skilled in the art will readily understand that when two battery blocks BB9 and BB are identified as abnormal battery blocks... 14 When at least one of the batteries is replaced by another battery block, other calibration tables besides calibration table 1700 can be read from the memory device.

[0146] Each calibration table can record a predetermined calibration weight, which indicates the effect of the temperature of the abnormal battery cell on each of the remaining battery cells excluding the abnormal battery cell.

[0147] In step S1520, the control unit 130 obtains the correction weight of each normal battery block from the correction table that has been read in step S1510.

[0148] refer to Figure 16Larger correction weights are assigned to areas closer to the malfunctioning battery block BB9, while smaller correction weights are assigned to areas farther away from BB9. For example, in correction table 1600, 0.20 is set as the correction weight for battery blocks directly adjacent to BB9 (e.g., BB8), and 0.02, which is less than 0.20, is set as the correction weight for battery blocks located further away (e.g., BB1).

[0149] refer to Figure 17 The values ​​greater than 0.20 in correction table 1600, 0.25, are used as correction weights and assigned to the two abnormal battery blocks BB9 and BB2. 14 Between battery blocks (e.g., BB) 10 Additionally, based on the same grid, the values ​​in correction table 1700 are greater than those in correction table 1600, which can be interpreted as reflecting an increasing trend in the thermal hazard of adjacent battery blocks due to the presence of another anomalous battery block.

[0150] In step S1530, the control unit 130 corrects the state parameters of each normal battery cell by applying the correction weight of each normal battery cell to the state parameters of the normal battery cell.

[0151] Assuming the block temperature is used as a state parameter, and the two battery blocks BB9 and BB... 14 It is an abnormal battery cell, such as Figure 11 As shown. When battery block BB 10 When the block temperature is 45°C, the correction weight of 0.25 obtained from correction table 1700 can be applied to 45°C, and 10°C can be calculated as the battery block BB. 10 The correction amount. Therefore, battery block BB 10 The state parameter can be 45°C plus a 10°C correction. That is, the battery block BB 10 The corrected state parameters can be 55°C. The state parameters of each remaining battery cell can be corrected in the same way.

[0152] When the calibrated state parameters of a normal battery cell are outside the reference range or exceed the reference value, the control unit 130 may separately classify the normal battery cell into the first group. For example, when the reference value used to identify the risk of thermal runaway is 50°C, the two battery cells BB9 and BB... 14 And normal battery pack BB 10 It can be classified into the first group.

[0153] Another embodiment of this disclosure may provide a computer-readable medium having a program thereon for causing a computer to execute the embodiments described above.

[0154] The program can be implemented by hardware components, software components, and / or a combination thereof. The program can be executed by any system capable of executing computer-readable instructions.

[0155] Software may include computer programs, code, instructions, or combinations thereof, and may be configured to operate or command processing devices independently or jointly as needed.

[0156] The software can be implemented as a computer program comprising instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium. Computer-readable storage media include, for example, magnetic recording media (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), floppy disk, hard disk) and optical reading media (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD). The computer-readable storage medium can be distributed across computer systems connected via a network to store and execute computer-readable code in a distributed manner. The recording medium can be read by a computer (at least one processor), stored in memory (at least one memory device), and executed by a computer (at least one processor).

[0157] The computer-readable medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory recording medium. Here, "non-transitory storage medium" refers to a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term includes both semi-permanent and temporary data storage on a recording medium. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0158] Alternatively, the program can be offered as a computer program product. A computer program product can be a product traded between a seller and a buyer.

[0159] The computer program product may include a software program and a computer-readable recording medium on which the software program is stored. For example, the computer program product may include a product in the form of a software program (e.g., a downloadable application) that is electronically distributed through an electronic device manufacturer or electronic marketplace. For electronic distribution, at least a portion of the software program may be stored on a recording medium or temporarily created. In this case, the recording medium may be a recording medium of an electronic device manufacturer's server, an electronic marketplace's server, or an intermediate server that temporarily stores the software program.

[0160] The embodiments of this disclosure described above are not implemented solely by devices and methods, but can be implemented by a program that performs functions corresponding to the exemplary configurations of this disclosure or by a recording medium on which the program is recorded, and those skilled in the art can readily implement such implementations from the disclosure of the previously described embodiments.

[0161] Although this disclosure has been described above with reference to certain embodiments and accompanying drawings, it is not limited thereto, and various modifications and changes will be apparent to those skilled in the art to the technical aspects of this disclosure and to the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0162] Furthermore, since those skilled in the art can make many substitutions, modifications and changes to this disclosure without departing from the technical aspects of this disclosure, this disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and drawings, and some or all of the embodiments can be selectively combined to allow for various modifications.

Claims

1. A battery management system, the battery management system comprising: A sensing unit configured to generate battery monitoring information indicating the state of each of a plurality of battery blocks; A switching unit configured to change the electrical connection state between the plurality of battery cells; as well as A control unit configured to control the switching unit based on the battery monitoring information.

2. The battery management system according to claim 1, in, The control unit is configured to: Based on the battery monitoring information, the thermal runaway risk of each of the plurality of battery blocks is diagnosed, and The switching unit is controlled based on the diagnostic results of the thermal runaway hazard.

3. The battery management system according to claim 2, in, The control unit is configured to: Based on the diagnostic results, each of the plurality of battery blocks is classified into either a first group or a second group.

4. The battery management system according to claim 3, in, The control unit is configured to: The switching unit is controlled to electrically disconnect each battery cell in the first group from each battery cell in the second group.

5. The battery management system according to claim 3, in, The switching unit is configured as follows: Each battery cell in the first group is electrically disconnected from the charging / discharging terminal; as well as Each battery cell in the second group is electrically connected to the charging / discharging terminal.

6. The battery management system according to claim 3, in, The control unit is configured to: The grouping criteria for the multiple battery cells are varied according to the intensity of battery usage.

7. The battery management system according to claim 6, in, The control unit is configured to: When the usage intensity of the battery pack is equal to or greater than the upper limit of a predetermined intensity range, each abnormal battery block is classified into the first group, wherein the abnormal battery block is the battery block among the plurality of battery blocks that has the risk of thermal runaway.

8. The battery management system according to claim 6, in, The control unit is configured to: When the usage intensity of the battery pack is within a predetermined intensity range, each adjacent battery block is classified into the first group, wherein the adjacent battery block is the battery block that is adjacent to the abnormal battery block among the plurality of battery blocks.

9. The battery management system according to claim 6, in, The control unit is configured to: When the usage intensity of the battery pack is equal to or less than the lower limit of a predetermined intensity range, each degraded battery block is classified into the first group, wherein the degraded battery block is the battery block among the plurality of battery blocks whose state of health (SOH) is less than a threshold.

10. A battery pack comprising a battery management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. An electric vehicle comprising a battery pack according to claim 10.

12. A battery management method, the battery management method comprising the following steps: Obtain battery monitoring information indicating the status of each of multiple battery blocks; as well as The switching unit, which controls the electrical connection path between the plurality of battery cells, is based on the battery monitoring information.

13. The battery management method according to claim 12, in, The steps for controlling the switching unit include the following: Based on the battery monitoring information, diagnose the thermal runaway risk of each of the plurality of battery blocks; and The switching unit is controlled based on the diagnostic results of the thermal runaway hazard.

14. The battery management method according to claim 13, in, The steps of controlling the switching unit further include the following steps: Based on the diagnostic results, each of the plurality of battery blocks is classified into either a first group or a second group.

15. The battery management method according to claim 14, in, The steps of controlling the switching unit further include the following steps: The switching unit is controlled to electrically disconnect each battery cell in the first group from each battery cell in the second group.

16. A computer-readable medium having a program recorded thereon for causing a computer to perform the battery management method according to any one of claims 12 to 15.

Images