Battery pack and method for operating a battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack according to an embodiment disclosed in this document includes: a first module comprising a plurality of battery cells; a second module connected in series with the first module and disposed from the first module along a first direction; and a third module connected in series with the second module and disposed from the second module along the first direction, wherein the first module, the second module, and the third module have different capacities from each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0004226, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on January 10, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] The embodiments disclosed in this document relate to battery packs and methods for operating battery packs. Background Technology

[0005] Recently, research and development on rechargeable batteries have been actively pursued. Here, rechargeable batteries are those that can be recharged and discharged, and include all conventional Ni / Cd batteries, Ni / MH batteries, and more recently, lithium-ion batteries. Among rechargeable batteries, lithium-ion batteries have the following advantages: they have a much higher energy density than conventional Ni / Cd and Ni / MH batteries. Furthermore, lithium-ion batteries are manufactured to be small and lightweight, and are therefore used as power sources for mobile devices. Moreover, as the application of lithium-ion batteries expands to power electric vehicles, they are attracting attention as a next-generation energy storage medium.

[0006] Furthermore, secondary batteries can typically be used as battery packs, which include battery modules in which multiple battery cells are connected in series and / or parallel. Additionally, secondary batteries can be used as battery racks comprising multiple battery modules and rack frames housing the battery modules.

[0007] All battery modules in a battery pack are connected in series and share the same current. Because these modules are surrounded by others and do not release heat, the modules in the center of the pack can exhibit relatively high temperatures. Conversely, modules located on the periphery of the pack can release heat outwards, resulting in relatively lower temperatures. Since elevated module temperatures negatively impact battery life, methods are used to reduce the current supplied to all modules within the pack to lower the temperature in the center. The problem with this approach is that the overall battery output is limited by the module temperature, which is the worst-case scenario. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] The purpose of the embodiments disclosed in this document is to provide a battery pack that reduces temperature differences between battery modules and a method for operating the battery pack.

[0010] The purpose of the embodiments disclosed in this document is to provide a battery pack that reduces the temperature difference between battery modules by adjusting the arrangement of battery modules with different capacities, and a method for operating the battery pack.

[0011] The purpose of the embodiments disclosed in this document is to provide a battery pack that mitigates temperature differences between battery modules to prevent the battery output from being limited, and a method for operating the battery pack.

[0012] The technical objectives of the embodiments described in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical objectives not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0013] Technical solution

[0014] A battery pack according to an embodiment disclosed in this document includes: a first module comprising a plurality of battery cells; a second module connected in series with the first module and disposed from the first module along a first direction; and a third module connected in series with the second module and disposed from the second module along the first direction, wherein the first module, the second module, and the third module have different capacities from each other.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the capacity of the first module can be greater than the capacity of the second module, and the capacity of the second module can be greater than the capacity of the third module.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the battery pack may further include: a housing configured to accommodate a first module, a second module, and a third module, wherein the shortest distance between the housing and the first module may be longer than the shortest distance between the housing and the third module.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the charging / discharging rate of the first module may be less than the charging / discharging rate of the second module, and the charging / discharging rate of the second module may be less than the charging / discharging rate of the third module.

[0018] According to the embodiment, the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the first module can be less than the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the second module, and the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the second module can be less than the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the third module.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the temperature of the first space, which serves as the space between the first module and the second module, can be lower than the temperature of the second space, which serves as the space between the second module and the third module.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the second module can be configured to cover the side surface of the first module.

[0021] According to the embodiment, the number of battery cells respectively disposed in the first module, the second module and the third module can be different from each other.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the battery pack may further include: a cooling component configured to absorb heat from the first module, the second module, and the third module and disposed from the third module along a first direction; an information acquisition unit configured to acquire temperature information of the first module, the second module, and the third module; and a controller configured to control the cooling component based on the temperature of at least one of the first module, the second module, and the third module.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the capacity of the first module can be greater than the capacity of the second module, and the capacity of the second module can be greater than the capacity of the third module.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the control unit can be configured to: control the cooling component to be turned on when the temperature of the third module is higher than a first set value; and control the cooling component to be turned off when the temperature of the third module is lower than a second set value.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the first set value can be greater than the second set value.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the controller can be configured to control the opening / closing of the cooling component based on the opening / closing signals of the first module, the second module, and the third module.

[0027] A method for operating a battery pack according to an embodiment disclosed in this document includes: acquiring temperature information of at least one of a first module, a second module, and a third module; comparing the temperature information with a first set value; and controlling a cooling component disposed from the third module along a first direction to be turned on, wherein the second module is connected in series to the first module and disposed from the first module along the first direction, the third module is connected in series to the second module and disposed from the second module along the first direction, and the first module to the third module have different capacities from each other.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the method may further include: comparing temperature information with a second set value; and controlling the cooling component to be in a closed state.

[0029] Details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0030] Beneficial effects

[0031] In the battery pack and the method for operating the battery pack according to the embodiments disclosed in this document, the temperature difference between battery modules can be reduced.

[0032] In the battery pack and method for operating the battery pack according to the embodiments disclosed in this document, the arrangement of battery modules with different capacities can be adjusted to reduce the temperature difference between the battery modules.

[0033] In the battery pack and method for operating the battery pack according to the embodiments disclosed in this document, the temperature difference between battery modules can be mitigated to prevent the battery output from being limited.

[0034] The effects of the battery pack and the method of operating the battery pack based on the disclosure in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art based on the disclosure in this document. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing the placement and capacity of a module including a battery pack according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing the placement of modules including a battery pack according to an embodiment disclosed in this document and the charge / discharge rate.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the placement and capacity of a module including a battery pack according to another embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0039] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the placement of modules including a battery pack according to another embodiment disclosed in this document and the charge / discharge rate.

[0040] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a battery pack according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0041] Regarding the description of the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar parts. Detailed Implementation

[0042] In the following description, embodiments of the invention are illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives to the embodiments of the invention.

[0043] It should be understood that the embodiments and terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to the specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives to the embodiments. Regarding the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related parts. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0044] In this document, each of the phrases “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 of the items listed together in that phrase or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as “first,” “second,” “A,” “B,” “(a),” or “(b)” may be used only to distinguish one element from another and, unless otherwise stated, do not limit the element in any other respect (e.g., in terms of importance or order).

[0045] In this document, when a component (e.g., the first component) is referred to as “linked,” “coupled,” or “connected” to another component (e.g., the second component), whether or not the terms “functionally” or “communically” are used, it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired or wirelessly) or indirectly (e.g., via a third component).

[0046] Methods according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document can be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product can be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product can be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., an optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) between two user devices via an app store or directly. In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product can be temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium such as a manufacturer's server, an app store's server, or an intermediate server.

[0047] According to the embodiments disclosed in this document, each of the above components (e.g., a module or program) may include one or more entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to the embodiments disclosed in this document, one or more of the aforementioned 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 functions performed by the corresponding components among the multiple components prior to integration. According to the embodiments disclosed in this document, operations performed by modules, programs, or other components may be performed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more operations may be performed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0048] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0049] refer to Figure 1 The battery pack 100 according to the embodiments disclosed in this document may include a plurality of battery modules 110, an information acquisition unit 120, a cooling component 130 and a controller 140.

[0050] The multiple battery modules 110 may include multiple battery modules. Each battery module included in the multiple battery modules 110 may be connected in series with each other. Therefore, the multiple battery modules 110 can be charged with the same current. In addition, the multiple battery modules 110 can be discharged with the same current.

[0051] Each of the plurality of battery modules 110 may include a plurality of battery cells. For example, each of the plurality of battery modules 110 may include, but is not limited to, three or four battery cells. The battery cells included in a battery module may be connected in series or in parallel with each other.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the plurality of battery modules 110 may include a first module 111, a second module 112, and a third module 113. The first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113 may be connected in series with each other. That is, the first module 111 may be connected in series with the second module 112 and the third module 113, the second module 112 may be connected in series with the first module 111 and the third module 113, and the third module 113 may be connected in series with the first module 111 and the second module 112.

[0053] The first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113 can be arranged sequentially along a first direction. That is, the second module 112 can be positioned from the first module 111 along the first direction, and the third module 113 can be positioned from the second module 112 along the first direction. In other words, the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113 can be arranged sequentially along the first direction. The arrangement of the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113 will be described later with respect to the placement of the cooling component 130.

[0054] The capacities of the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113 can be different from each other. According to an embodiment, the capacity of the first module 111 can be a[Ah], the capacity of the second module 112 can be b[Ah], and the capacity of the third module 113 can be c[Ah]. Here, a, b, and c can be different from each other.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the capacity of the first module 111 can be greater than the capacity of the second module 112. Furthermore, the capacity of the second module 112 can be greater than the capacity of the third module 113. That is, a can be greater than b, and b can be greater than c.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the number of battery cells included in the first module 111 may be greater than the number of battery modules included in the second module 112. Furthermore, the number of battery modules included in the second module 112 may be greater than the number of battery modules included in the third module 113. That is, the capacity difference between the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113 can be determined by the number of identical battery cells included, but is not limited to this. For example, the capacity of the battery cells included in the first module 111 may be greater than the capacity of the battery cells included in the second module 112.

[0057] According to the embodiment, the current of the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113 can be the same. The first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113 are connected in series, and since the series-connected modules share the current, the current of the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113 can be the same.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the charging / discharging rates of the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113 can be different from each other. Since the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113 have different capacities, and the current of the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113 is the same, their charging / discharging rates can be different from each other. That is, the charging / discharging rates of the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113 can be different from each other.

[0059] According to the embodiment, the charging / discharging rate of the first module 111 can be A[C], the charging / discharging rate of the second module 112 can be B[C], and the charging / discharging rate of the third module 113 can be C[C]. Here, A, B, and C can be different from each other.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the charging / discharging rate of the first module 111 can be less than the charging / discharging rate of the second module 112. Furthermore, the charging / discharging rate of the second module 112 can be less than the charging / discharging rate of the third module 113. That is, A can be less than B, and B can be less than C.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the temperature change caused by charging or discharging each of the plurality of battery modules 110 can be proportional to the charging / discharging rate of each of the plurality of battery modules 110. The heat generated by charging each of the plurality of battery modules 110 and the temperature rise caused by the generated heat can be proportional to the charging / discharging rate of each of the plurality of battery modules 110. The heat generated by discharging each of the plurality of battery modules 110 and the temperature rise caused by the generated heat can be proportional to the charging / discharging rate of each of the plurality of battery modules 110. That is, when the charging / discharging rate is low, the temperature change caused by charging or discharging may be small, and when the charging / discharging rate is high, the temperature change caused by charging or discharging may be large.

[0062] According to the embodiment, the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the first module 111 can be less than the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the second module 112, and the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the second module 112 can be less than the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the third module 113. That is, since the charging / discharging rate of the first module 111 is less than the charging / discharging rate of the second module 112, the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the first module 111 can be less than the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the second module 112. Furthermore, since the charging / discharging rate of the second module 112 is less than the charging / discharging rate of the third module 113, the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the second module 112 can be less than the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the third module 113. Therefore, the magnitude of the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the multiple battery modules 110 can increase in the order of the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113.

[0063] The space between the first module 111 and the second module 112 can be defined as a first space. Furthermore, the space between the second module 112 and the third module 113 can be defined as a second space. According to an embodiment, the temperature of the first space can be lower than the temperature of the second space. That is, since the temperature rise of the first module 111 is less than the temperature rise of the second module 112, and the temperature rise of the second module 112 is less than the temperature rise of the third module 113, the temperature rise of the first space can be less than the temperature rise of the second space. Therefore, the temperature of the first space can be lower than the temperature of the second space.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the shortest distance between each of the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113 and the cooling component 130 can be different from each other. The shortest distance between the first module 111 and the cooling component 130 can be greater than the shortest distance between the second module 112 and the cooling component 130. The shortest distance between the second module 112 and the cooling component 130 can be greater than the shortest distance between the third module 113 and the cooling component 130. That is, the length of the shortest distance between each of the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113 and the cooling component 130 can decrease in the order of the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113. In other words, the third module 113 can be set to be closest to the cooling component 130, while the first module 111 can be set to be farthest from the cooling component 130.

[0065] The information acquisition unit 120 can acquire information about the plurality of battery modules 110. According to an embodiment, the information acquisition unit 120 can acquire temperature information about the plurality of battery modules 110. For example, the information acquisition unit 120 can acquire temperature information about each of the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113. According to an embodiment, the information acquisition unit 120 can also acquire temperature information about at least one of the first space, the second space, and the battery casing.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the information acquisition unit 120 can send information about a plurality of acquired battery modules 110 to the controller 140.

[0067] The cooling component 130 can cool multiple battery modules 110. According to an embodiment, the cooling component 130 can absorb heat from the multiple battery modules 110 to cool them. For example, the cooling component 130 can cool a first module 111, a second module 112, and a third module 113. That is, the cooling component 130 can absorb heat from each of the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113 to cool them.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the amount of heat absorbed by the cooling component 130 from the plurality of battery modules 110 can be inversely proportional to the distance between the cooling component 130 and each of the plurality of battery modules 110. That is, the cooling component 130 can absorb a large amount of heat from adjacent battery modules and a small amount of heat from more distant battery modules. According to an embodiment, the amount of heat absorbed by the cooling component 130 from each of the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113 can be different from each other. Specifically, since the distance between the cooling component 130 and the first module 111 is greater than the distance between the cooling component 130 and the second module 112, the amount of heat absorbed by the cooling component 130 from the first module 111 can be less than the amount of heat absorbed from the second module 112. Furthermore, since the distance between the cooling component 130 and the second module 112 is greater than the distance between the cooling component 130 and the third module 113, the amount of heat absorbed by the cooling component 130 from the second module 112 can be less than the amount of heat absorbed from the third module 113. In other words, the cooling component 130 can cool the third module 113 to the maximum extent and cool the first module 111 to the minimum.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the cooling component 130 can maximize the cooling of the third module 113 with the greatest temperature rise and minimize the cooling of the first module 111 with the least temperature rise, and therefore, the battery pack 100 can reduce the temperature difference between the plurality of battery modules 110. Thus, the battery pack 100 can reduce the temperature difference between each of the plurality of battery modules 110 to prevent the battery output from being limited.

[0070] The controller 140 can control the cooling component 130. According to an embodiment, the controller 140 can control the cooling component 130 based on temperature information received from the information acquisition unit 120. That is, the controller 140 can control the cooling component 130 based on the temperature of at least one of the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113. Here, the temperature of at least one of the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113 can be defined as temperature information.

[0071] When the cooling component 130 is in the off state, the controller 140 can compare the temperature information with a first set value. Here, the first set value can be set based on the battery type, external temperature, whether the vehicle is being driven, etc. The first set value can be used as the basis for determining whether the battery needs to be cooled.

[0072] According to an embodiment, when the temperature information is equal to or greater than a first set value, the controller 140 can control the cooling component 130 to be in an on state. That is, the controller 140 can change the state of the cooling component 130 from an off state to an on state. Furthermore, if the temperature information is less than the first set value, the controller 140 may not issue a separate command to the cooling component 130. That is, the controller 140 can keep the cooling component 130 in an off state.

[0073] When the cooling component 130 is in the on state, the controller 140 can compare the temperature information with a second set value. Here, the second set value can be set based on factors such as the battery type, external temperature, and whether the vehicle is being driven. The second set value can be used as a basis for determining whether the battery needs to be cooled.

[0074] According to an embodiment, when the temperature information is equal to or greater than a second set value, the controller 140 can control the cooling component 130 to be in a closed state. That is, the controller 140 can change the state of the cooling component 130 from an on state to a closed state. Furthermore, if the temperature information is less than the second set value, the controller 140 may not issue a separate command to the cooling component 130. That is, the controller 140 can keep the cooling component 130 in an on state.

[0075] According to the embodiment, the first setting value can be greater than the second setting value. That is, the first setting value can be greater than the second setting value. The first setting value is the standard for the controller 140 to control the cooling component 130 to the on state, and the second setting value is the standard for the controller 140 to control the cooling component 130 to the off state, but it is not limited to this.

[0076] Since the controller 140 controls the state of the cooling component 130 based on temperature information, the battery pack 100 can control whether the cooling component 130 operates depending on whether cooling is required. In other words, the battery pack 100 can improve its cooling efficiency and energy efficiency by operating the cooling component 130 only when cooling is needed.

[0077] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing the placement and capacity of a module including a battery pack according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0078] refer to Figure 2 According to the embodiment, the capacities of the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113 can be different from each other. According to the embodiment, the capacity of the first module 111 can be a[Ah], the capacity of the second module 112 can be b[Ah], and the capacity of the third module 113 can be c[Ah]. Here, a, b, and c can be different from each other.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the capacity of the first module 111 can be greater than the capacity of the second module 112. Furthermore, the capacity of the second module 112 can be greater than the capacity of the third module 113. That is, a can be greater than b, and b can be greater than c.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the number of battery cells included in the first module 111 may be greater than the number of battery modules included in the second module 112. Furthermore, the number of battery modules included in the second module 112 may be greater than the number of battery modules included in the third module 113. That is, the capacity difference between the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113 can be determined by the number of identical battery cells included, but is not limited to this. For example, the capacity of the battery cells included in the first module 111 may be greater than the capacity of the battery cells included in the second module 112.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the shortest distance between each of the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113 and the cooling component 130 can be different from each other. The shortest distance between the first module 111 and the cooling component 130 can be greater than the shortest distance between the second module 112 and the cooling component 130. The shortest distance between the second module 112 and the cooling component 130 can be greater than the shortest distance between the third module 113 and the cooling component 130. That is, the length of the shortest distance between each of the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113 and the cooling component 130 can decrease in the order of the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113. In other words, the third module 113 can be set to be closest to the cooling component 130, while the first module 111 can be set to be farthest from the cooling component 130.

[0082] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing the placement of modules including a battery pack according to an embodiment disclosed in this document and the charge / discharge rate.

[0083] refer to Figure 3 The current of the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113 can be the same. The first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113 can be connected in series, and since the modules connected in series share the current, the current of the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113 can be the same.

[0084] According to an embodiment, the charging / discharging rates of the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113 can be different from each other. Since the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113 have different capacities, and the current of the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113 is the same, their charging / discharging rates can be different from each other. That is, the charging / discharging rates of the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113 can be different from each other.

[0085] According to the embodiment, the charging / discharging rate of the first module 111 can be A[C], the charging / discharging rate of the second module 112 can be B[C], and the charging / discharging rate of the third module 113 can be C[C]. Here, A, B, and C can be different from each other.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the charging / discharging rate of the first module 111 can be less than the charging / discharging rate of the second module 112. Furthermore, the charging / discharging rate of the second module 112 can be less than the charging / discharging rate of the third module 113. That is, A can be less than B, and B can be less than C.

[0087] According to an embodiment, the temperature change caused by charging or discharging each of the plurality of battery modules 110 can be proportional to the charging / discharging rate of each of the plurality of battery modules 110. The heat generated by charging each of the plurality of battery modules 110 and the temperature rise caused by the generated heat can be proportional to the charging / discharging rate of each of the plurality of battery modules 110. The heat generated by discharging each of the plurality of battery modules 110 and the temperature rise caused by the generated heat can be proportional to the charging / discharging rate of each of the plurality of battery modules 110. That is, when the charging / discharging rate is low, the temperature change caused by charging or discharging may be small, and when the charging / discharging rate is high, the temperature change caused by charging or discharging may be large.

[0088] According to the embodiment, the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the first module 111 can be less than the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the second module 112, and the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the second module 112 can be less than the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the third module 113. That is, since the charging / discharging rate of the first module 111 is less than the charging / discharging rate of the second module 112, the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the first module 111 can be less than the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the second module 112. Furthermore, since the charging / discharging rate of the second module 112 is less than the charging / discharging rate of the third module 113, the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the second module 112 can be less than the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the third module 113. Therefore, the magnitude of the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the multiple battery modules 110 can increase in the order of the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113.

[0089] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the placement and capacity of a module including a battery pack according to another embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0090] refer to Figure 4 According to another embodiment, the battery pack 100_1 may include a plurality of battery modules 110_1. The plurality of battery modules 110_1 may include multiple battery modules. Each battery module included in the plurality of battery modules 110_1 may be connected in series with each other. Therefore, the plurality of battery modules 110_1 can be charged with the same current. Furthermore, the plurality of battery modules 110_1 can be discharged with the same current.

[0091] According to an embodiment, the plurality of battery modules 110_1 may include a first module 111_1, a second module 112_1, and a third module 113_1. The first module 111_1, the second module 112_1, and the third module 113_1 may be connected in series with each other.

[0092] The battery pack 100_1 may include a housing. Here, the housing may define the appearance of the battery pack 100_1 and may accommodate multiple battery modules 110_1. That is, the housing may have a rectangular hexahedral shape to accommodate multiple battery modules 110_1, but is not limited thereto. The housing may define an internal space.

[0093] The third module 113_1 can be disposed outside the internal space. According to an embodiment, the third module 113_1 can be configured to surround the outer portion of the internal space defined by the housing. For example, the third module 113_1 can be in direct or indirect contact with the housing, but is not limited thereto.

[0094] The second module 112_1 can be disposed within the internal space. According to an embodiment, the second module 112_1 can be disposed within the internal space where the third module 113_1 is located. For example, the second module 112_1 can be configured to directly or indirectly contact the third module 113_1. Therefore, the second module 112_1 can be spaced apart from the housing. That is, the third module 113_1 can be disposed between the second module 112_1 and the housing. In other words, the housing and the second module 112_1 can be disposed in opposite directions using the third module 113_1 as a center. Therefore, the third module 113_1 can cover the side surface of the second module 112_1.

[0095] The first module 111_1 can be disposed within the internal space. According to an embodiment, the first module 111_1 can be disposed within the internal space where the second module 112_1 is located. For example, the first module 111_1 can be configured to directly or indirectly contact the second module 112_1. Therefore, the first module 111_1 can be configured to be spaced apart from the third module 113_1 and the housing. That is, the second module 112_1 can be disposed between the first module 111_1 and the third module 113_1. In other words, the first module 111_1 and the third module 113_1 can be arranged in opposite directions using the second module 112_1 as the center. Therefore, the second module 112_1 can cover the side surface of the first module 111_1.

[0096] According to an embodiment, the shortest distance between each of the first module 111_1, the second module 112_1, and the third module 113_1 and the housing can be different from each other. For example, the shortest distance between the first module 111_1 and the housing can be greater than the shortest distance between the second module 112_1 and the housing. The shortest distance between the second module 112_1 and the housing can be greater than the shortest distance between the third module 113_1 and the housing. Therefore, the shortest distance between the first module 111_1 and the housing can be greater than the shortest distance between the third module 113_1 and the housing. That is, the third module 113_1, the second module 112_1, and the first module 111_1 can be arranged sequentially from the housing defining the appearance of the battery pack 100_1 along a direction toward the center of the battery pack 100_1.

[0097] The capacities of the first module 111_1, the second module 112_1, and the third module 113_1 can be different from each other. According to an embodiment, the capacity of the first module 111_1 can be a[Ah], the capacity of the second module 112_1 can be b[Ah], and the capacity of the third module 113_1 can be c[Ah]. Here, a, b, and c can be different from each other.

[0098] According to the embodiment, the capacity of the first module 111_1 can be greater than the capacity of the second module 112_1. Furthermore, the capacity of the second module 112_1 can be greater than the capacity of the third module 113_1. That is, a can be greater than b, and b can be greater than c.

[0099] According to an embodiment, the number of battery cells included in the first module 111_1 may be greater than the number of battery modules included in the second module 112_1. Furthermore, the number of battery modules included in the second module 112_1 may be greater than the number of battery modules included in the third module 113_1. That is, the capacity difference between the first module 111_1, the second module 112_1, and the third module 113_1 can be determined by the number of identical battery cells included, but is not limited to this. For example, the capacity of the battery cells included in the first module 111_1 may be greater than the capacity of the battery cells included in the second module 112_1.

[0100] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the placement of modules including a battery pack according to another embodiment disclosed in this document and the charge / discharge rate.

[0101] refer to Figure 5 The current of the first module 111_1, the second module 112_1, and the third module 113_1 can be the same. The first module 111_1, the second module 112_1, and the third module 113_1 can be connected in series, and since the modules connected in series share the current, the current of the first module 111_1, the second module 112_1, and the third module 113_1 can be the same.

[0102] According to the embodiment, the charging / discharging rates of the first module 111_1, the second module 112_1, and the third module 113_1 can be different from each other. Since the first module 111_1, the second module 112_1, and the third module 113_1 have different capacities, and the first module 111_1, the second module 112_1, and the third module 113_1 have the same current, their charging / discharging rates can be different from each other. That is, the charging / discharging rates of the first module 111_1, the second module 112_1, and the third module 113_1 can be different from each other.

[0103] According to the embodiment, the charging / discharging rate of the first module 111_1 can be A[C], the charging / discharging rate of the second module 112_1 can be B[C], and the charging / discharging rate of the third module 113_1 can be C[C]. Here, A, B, and C can be different from each other.

[0104] According to an embodiment, the charging / discharging rate of the first module 111_1 can be less than the charging / discharging rate of the second module 112_1. Furthermore, the charging / discharging rate of the second module 112_1 can be less than the charging / discharging rate of the third module 113_1. That is, A can be less than B, and B can be less than C.

[0105] According to an embodiment, the temperature change caused by charging or discharging each of the plurality of battery modules 110_1 can be proportional to the charging / discharging rate of each of the plurality of battery modules 110_1. The heat generated by charging each of the plurality of battery modules 110_1 and the temperature rise caused by the generated heat can be proportional to the charging / discharging rate of each of the plurality of battery modules 110_1. The heat generated by discharging each of the plurality of battery modules 110_1 and the temperature rise caused by the generated heat can be proportional to the charging / discharging rate of each of the plurality of battery modules 110_1. That is, when the charging / discharging rate is low, the temperature change caused by charging or discharging may be small, and when the charging / discharging rate is high, the temperature change caused by charging or discharging may be large.

[0106] According to the embodiment, the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the first module 111_1 can be less than the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the second module 112_1, and the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the second module 112_1 can be less than the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the third module 113_1. That is, since the charging / discharging rate of the first module 111_1 is less than the charging / discharging rate of the second module 112_1, the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the first module 111_1 can be less than the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the second module 112_1. Furthermore, since the charging / discharging rate of the second module 112_1 is less than the charging / discharging rate of the third module 113_1, the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the second module 112_1 can be less than the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the third module 113_1. Therefore, the magnitude of the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the multiple battery modules 110_1 can increase in the order of the first module 111_1, the second module 112_1, and the third module 113_1.

[0107] The space between the first module 111_1 and the second module 112_1 can be defined as a first space. Furthermore, the space between the second module 112_1 and the third module 113_1 can be defined as a second space. According to an embodiment, the temperature of the first space can be lower than the temperature of the second space. That is, since the temperature rise of the first module 111_1 is less than the temperature rise of the second module 112_1, and the temperature rise of the second module 112_1 is less than the temperature rise of the third module 113_1, the temperature rise of the first space can be less than the temperature rise of the second space. Therefore, the temperature of the first space can be lower than the temperature of the second space.

[0108] According to an embodiment, the temperature outside the battery pack 100_1 can be lower than the temperature inside the battery pack 100_1. Therefore, heat inside the battery pack 100_1 can be transferred to the outside of the battery pack 100_1. The casing can define the appearance of the battery pack 100_1, and the amount of heat transferred from the inside of the battery pack 100_1 to the outside of the battery pack 100_1 can be proportional to the distance from the outside of the battery pack 100_1. Therefore, the amount of heat transferred from the plurality of battery modules 110_1 to the outside can be proportional to the distance from the casing. That is, the amount of heat transferred from the third module 113_1 to the outside of the battery pack 100_1 can be greater than the amount of heat transferred from the second module 112_1 to the outside of the battery pack 100_1. Furthermore, the amount of heat transferred from the second module 112_1 to the outside of the battery pack 100_1 can be greater than the amount of heat transferred from the first module 111_1 to the outside of the battery pack 100_1. In other words, the degree to which multiple battery modules 110_1 are cooled by the external temperature of the battery pack 100_1 can increase in the order of the third module 113_1, the second module 112_1, and the first module 111_1.

[0109] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a battery pack according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0110] Figure 6 The embodiments shown are merely examples, and the order of operations may differ according to various embodiments of the present invention. Figure 6 The order of operations shown can be omitted. Figure 6 Some of the processes shown can be changed in order, or the processes can be combined.

[0111] refer to Figure 6The method for operating the battery pack 100 may include: obtaining temperature information of at least one of the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113 (S110); comparing the temperature information with a first set value (S120); controlling the cooling component 130 disposed from the third module 113 along a first direction to an on state (S130); comparing the temperature information with a second set value (S140); and controlling the cooling component 130 to a off state (S150).

[0112] In the following text, see references Figures 1 to 5 The specific descriptions of operations S110 to S150 are as follows.

[0113] In operation S110, the battery pack 100 can acquire temperature information of at least one of the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113.

[0114] The battery pack 100 can acquire information about a plurality of battery modules 110. According to an embodiment, the battery pack 100 can acquire temperature information about the plurality of battery modules 110. For example, the battery pack 100 can acquire temperature information about each of the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113. According to one embodiment, the battery pack 100 can also acquire temperature information about at least one of the first space, the second space, and the battery casing.

[0115] In operation S120, the battery pack 100 can compare the temperature information with a first set value.

[0116] The battery pack 100 can control the cooling component 130. According to an embodiment, the battery pack 100 can control the cooling component 130 based on temperature information received from the battery pack 100. That is, the battery pack 100 can control the cooling component 130 based on the temperature of at least one of the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113. Here, the temperature of at least one of the first module 111, the second module 112, and the third module 113 can be defined as temperature information.

[0117] When the cooling component 130 is in the off state, the battery pack 100 can compare temperature information with a first set value. Here, the first set value can be set based on the battery type, external temperature, whether the vehicle is being driven, etc. The first set value can be used as a basis for determining whether the battery needs to be cooled.

[0118] In operation S130, the battery pack 100 can control the cooling component 130, which is disposed from the third module 113 along the first direction, to be turned on.

[0119] According to one embodiment, when the temperature information is equal to or greater than a first preset value, the battery pack 100 can control the cooling component 130 to be in an on state. That is, the battery pack 100 can change the state of the cooling component 130 from an off state to an on state. Furthermore, if the temperature information is less than the first preset value, the battery pack 100 may not issue a separate command to the cooling component 130. That is, the battery pack 100 can keep the cooling component 130 in an off state.

[0120] In operation S140, the battery pack 100 can compare the temperature information with a second set value.

[0121] When the cooling component 130 is in the on state, the battery pack 100 can compare temperature information with a second set value. Here, the second set value can be set based on factors such as battery type, external temperature, and whether the vehicle is being driven. The second set value can be used as a basis for determining whether the battery needs to be cooled.

[0122] In operation S150, the battery pack 100 can control the cooling component 130 to be in a closed state.

[0123] According to an embodiment, when the temperature information is equal to or greater than a second set value, the battery pack 100 can control the cooling component 130 to be in a closed state. That is, the battery pack 100 can change the state of the cooling component 130 from an on state to a closed state. Furthermore, if the temperature information is less than the second set value, the battery pack 100 does not need to issue a separate command to the cooling component 130. That is, the battery pack 100 can keep the cooling component 130 in an on state.

[0124] According to the embodiment, the first setting value can be greater than the second setting value. That is, the first setting value can be greater than the second setting value. The first setting value is the standard for the battery pack 100 to control the cooling component 130 to the on state, and the second setting value is the standard for the battery pack 100 to control the cooling component 130 to the off state, but it is not limited to this.

[0125] The above description is merely an illustrative description of the technical concepts disclosed in this document, and those skilled in the art to which the embodiments disclosed in this document pertain can make various modifications and variations without departing from the basic characteristics of the embodiments disclosed in this document.

[0126] Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in this document are intended to illustrate, and not limit, the technical concepts disclosed herein, and the scope of the technical concepts disclosed herein is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the technical concepts disclosed in this document should be interpreted by the scope of the appended claims, and all technical concepts within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the rights in this document.

[0127] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0128] 100: Battery pack

[0129] 110: Multiple battery modules

[0130] 120: Information Acquisition Department

[0131] 130: Cooling components

[0132] 140: Controller

Claims

1. A battery pack, comprising: The first module includes multiple battery cells; The second module is connected in series with the first module and is disposed from the first module along a first direction; as well as The third module is connected in series with the second module and is disposed from the second module along the first direction. The first module, the second module, and the third module have different capacities.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The capacity of the first module is greater than the capacity of the second module, and The capacity of the second module is greater than the capacity of the third module.

3. The battery pack of claim 2, further comprising a housing configured to accommodate the first module, the second module, and the third module. in, The shortest distance between the housing and the first module is longer than the shortest distance between the housing and the third module.

4. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, The charging / discharging rate of the first module is less than that of the second module, and The charging / discharging rate of the second module is less than that of the third module.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, Because the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the first module is less than the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the second module, and The temperature change caused by charging or discharging the second module is less than the temperature change caused by charging or discharging the third module.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein, The temperature of the first space, which is the space between the first module and the second module, is lower than the temperature of the second space, which is the space between the second module and the third module.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The second module is configured to cover the side surface of the first module.

8. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The number of battery cells respectively set in the first module, the second module and the third module are different from each other.

9. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising: A cooling component, the cooling component being configured to absorb heat from the first module, the second module and the third module and disposed from the third module along the first direction; An information acquisition unit is configured to acquire temperature information of the first module, the second module, and the third module. as well as A controller configured to control the cooling component based on the temperature of at least one of the first module, the second module, and the third module.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein, The capacity of the first module is greater than the capacity of the second module, and The capacity of the second module is greater than the capacity of the third module.

11. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein, The controller is configured to: When the temperature of the third module exceeds the first set value, the cooling component is turned on; and When the temperature of the third module is lower than the second set value, the cooling component is controlled to be turned off.

12. The battery pack according to claim 11, wherein, The first setting value is greater than the second setting value.

13. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein, The controller is configured to control the opening / closing of the cooling component based on the opening / closing signals of the first module, the second module, and the third module.

14. A method for operating a battery pack, the method comprising: Obtain temperature information from at least one of the first, second, and third modules; The temperature information is compared with a first set value; as well as The cooling component, which is positioned along the first direction from the third module, is controlled to be in the on state. The second module is connected in series with the first module and is disposed from the first module along the first direction. The third module is connected in series with the second module and is disposed from the second module along the first direction, and The first module to the third module have different capacities.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: The temperature information is compared with a second set value; and The cooling component is controlled to be in the off state.

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