Multi-module battery management system and communication address configuration method

Abstract

The application discloses a multi-module battery management system and a communication address configuration method. The battery management system comprises a plurality of control modules connected in parallel on a communication bus, and each control module is used for managing a battery pack. The communication address configuration method comprises the following steps: each control module receives and stores a target communication address currently broadcast on the communication bus; when any control module monitors an indication event occurring in the control module, the control module updates the communication address from an initial state to the target communication address; the indication event is that power interruption or communication interruption lasts for a predetermined threshold. The communication address configuration method does not need to additionally increase a digital interface and a complex cascade wiring harness, greatly reduces the single-board manufacturing cost and the system wiring complexity, solves the problem that address conflicts of multiple devices simultaneously online cannot be solved by bus configuration addresses, simplifies the communication address configuration process, and effectively supports the inventory devices without special addressing hardware.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of communication address configuration technology, and in particular to a multi-module battery management system and a communication address configuration method. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of large-scale energy storage systems, battery management systems (BMS) typically adopt a distributed architecture. In order to enable the energy management system (EMS) or host computer to accurately monitor and maintain the battery array, multiple battery management control modules running in parallel on the communication bus must have unique communication addresses to ensure the accuracy of communication data and the uniqueness of command execution.

[0003] Currently, mainstream technologies for allocating communication addresses for control modules in energy storage power stations largely rely on hardware-level physical cascading. For example, a common approach is to add an extra pair of digital input (DI) and digital output (DO) interfaces to each control module of the battery system, using the cascading connection of the DI and DO interfaces to transmit physical signals. Through the step-by-step transmission of signals in the cascaded link, the host computer can identify and distinguish the physical location of each module, and then complete the allocation of communication addresses through dedicated software.

[0004] However, the aforementioned existing technologies have the following limitations in practical engineering applications: First, in order to implement address encoding, all control modules must undergo single-board hardware upgrades, which increases the additional DI / DO hardware costs. At the same time, complex cascading harnesses need to be added inside and outside the battery box, resulting in a significant increase in the overall material and assembly costs of the system.

[0005] Secondly, the hardware interfaces and wiring harnesses specifically designed for address encoding are typically used only during initial debugging or very few maintenance scenarios throughout the entire lifecycle of the device, remaining idle during daily operation, resulting in serious waste of resources.

[0006] Furthermore, during on-site operation and maintenance, if a new module without a cascading interface is replaced or a new module is added to the old system, there are often problems such as the inability to code on-site or the coding process being too complicated, which reduces the operation and maintenance efficiency of the power plant.

[0007] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a new communication address configuration scheme for energy storage battery management systems. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a multi-module battery management system and communication address configuration method that does not require additional hardware costs and is effectively compatible with existing and new devices in order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a communication address configuration method for a multi-module battery management system. The battery management system includes multiple control modules connected in parallel on a communication bus, each control module being used to manage a battery pack. The method includes: Each of the control modules receives and stores the target communication address currently broadcast on the communication bus; When any of the control modules detects an indication event, the control module updates its communication address from the initial state to the target communication address; The indicated event is a power outage or communication interruption, and the duration of the interruption reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0010] Preferably, the battery management system further includes a host computer that is communicatively connected to the communication bus, the host computer being used to broadcast the target communication address to the communication bus; The control module also sends a configuration success feedback to the host computer through the updated target communication address; after receiving the feedback, the host computer stops broadcasting the current target communication address.

[0011] Preferably, after the host computer receives the configuration success feedback and stops broadcasting the current target communication address, the method further includes: The host computer determines whether all communication addresses have been successfully set. If not, the host computer updates the target communication address to the next communication address to be assigned, and broadcasts the updated target communication address to the communication bus to trigger the address configuration process of the next control module.

[0012] Preferably, the method by which the host computer broadcasts the target communication address to the communication bus includes: The host computer encapsulates the target communication address in a dedicated data frame to generate an address setting command; The host computer continuously sends the dedicated data frames on the communication bus at predetermined time intervals until it receives the configuration success feedback or receives a manual stop command.

[0013] Preferably, the control module integrates a power failure detection circuit. When the indicated event is a power outage, any of the control modules uses its built-in power failure detection circuit to identify its own power supply status and determine whether the duration of the power outage has reached the predetermined threshold.

[0014] Preferably, when any of the control modules updates its communication address to the target communication address, the method further includes: This control module executes preset human-computer interaction actions; The human-computer interaction action includes: controlling the prompter on the control module to emit a prompt sound to indicate that the current control module has recognized the indication event and successfully obtained the target communication address.

[0015] Preferably, after receiving the configuration success feedback, the host computer further includes an address conflict detection method: If the host computer receives two or more feedback signals with the same target communication address within a preset time period, it determines that there is a current address configuration conflict. The host computer then broadcasts an address invalidation command to the communication bus so that the target control module can cancel the current address update and revert to the initial state.

[0016] The present invention also provides a multi-module battery management system, which includes multiple control modules connected in parallel on a communication bus. Each control module is used to manage a battery pack, and the multiple control modules configure communication addresses based on the communication address configuration method described above.

[0017] The present invention also provides a multi-module battery management system, which includes: One or more processors; Memory; And one or more programs, wherein the one or more programs are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the one or more processors, the programs including instructions for performing the communication address configuration method as described above.

[0018] The present invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium comprising a computer program that can be executed by a processor to perform the communication address configuration method as described above.

[0019] Compared with existing technologies, the communication address configuration method for the multi-module battery management system provided by the above technical solution effectively solves the limitations of traditional addressing schemes by receiving broadcast target communication addresses and using the physical characteristics of the control module itself, such as "power interruption" or "communication interruption," as the trigger condition for address updates. This solution eliminates the need for additional digital interfaces and complex cascading harnesses, significantly reducing single-board manufacturing costs and system wiring complexity. Furthermore, on-site commissioning or maintenance personnel only need to perform simple power-off or communication-disconnection operations on the designated module to accurately complete the address binding and update of specific devices. This method not only avoids address conflicts caused by multiple devices being online simultaneously, thoroughly simplifying the configuration process, but also effectively supports existing devices without dedicated addressing hardware, significantly improving the on-site installation and full lifecycle operation and maintenance efficiency of large-scale energy storage power stations. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the multi-module battery management system in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the communication address configuration method in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To illustrate the technical content, structural features, objectives, and effects of the present invention in detail, the following description is provided in conjunction with the embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0023] This embodiment discloses a communication address configuration method for a multi-module battery management system, mainly applied in scenarios with large-scale battery stacks, such as energy storage power stations. In this scenario, such as... Figure 1 A battery management system typically includes multiple control modules (such as a battery cluster management unit or a main control module) connected in parallel via a communication bus UN (such as a CAN bus or an RS485 bus). Each control module is responsible for managing an independent battery pack BT.

[0024] In the initial state, all control modules have the same initial communication address recorded in their built-in non-volatile memory (e.g., the factory default address is uniformly 0 or 1). The communication address configuration process in this embodiment is as follows: S1: All control modules are in normal operation and continuously monitor messages on the communication bus UN. At a certain moment, the communication bus UN broadcasts the target communication address N to be assigned.

[0025] S2: All control modules on the communication bus UN can receive the broadcast message and temporarily store the target communication address N in the message in the local random access memory (RAM) or a specific buffer, but do not immediately update their own communication address.

[0026] S3: Each control module monitors itself in real time to see if a specific indication event has occurred. The indication event refers to a change in the power supply or communication status of the control module that meets specific time conditions. Specifically, the indication event is defined as: the control module detects an interruption in its power input, or a break in its physical connection with the communication bus UN, and the duration of this interruption reaches a predetermined threshold T. If this occurs, proceed to S4; otherwise, return directly to continue monitoring.

[0027] S4: When the field operator manually disconnects the power or communication cable of a control module (such as UC1) at a specific location and maintains this for at least T seconds, UC1 recognizes the occurrence of the indication event. At the instant UC1 restores power or reconnects to the communication bus UN, UC1 updates its own communication address from the initial state to address N according to the target communication address N previously stored in the buffer.

[0028] During this process, although other control modules also receive and store the target communication address N, they do not generate any indication events and therefore will not perform an address update operation.

[0029] This mechanism, based on a combination of physical state changes and software logic judgments, enables precise address configuration for specific control modules on a shared bus. This technology eliminates the need for additional DI / DO hardware interfaces and cascading harnesses on the control modules; address encoding can be completed using the modules' existing power-down detection or communication links, effectively reducing system hardware complexity and material costs.

[0030] In another embodiment, the battery management system further includes a host computer connected to the communication bus UN. After the control module completes the communication address update (changing from the initial address to N), the control module immediately sends a configuration success feedback message to the communication bus UN using the updated communication address N. The host computer continuously listens for feedback information from address N on the bus. Once the host computer accurately receives the feedback message, it can determine that the current address N has been successfully assigned to a unique physical node, and then the host computer automatically stops broadcasting the current target communication address N on the bus.

[0031] This mechanism ensures that each address allocation action is accurately executed, preventing the host computer from continuing to occupy bus bandwidth and send invalid broadcasts after the address has been configured.

[0032] Furthermore, after receiving the configuration success message from the target control module and stopping the broadcast address N, the host computer will determine whether there are still control modules in the system that have not been configured (for example, based on the preset total number of battery clusters). If it is determined that configuration still needs to continue, the host computer will automatically update the target communication address to the next value to be assigned (such as N+1) and restart the broadcast process. At this time, the field operators only need to move to the next battery cabinet to be configured and perform a power-off / communication-disconnection operation. Through this iterative method, the host computer can guide the operators to complete the address assignment of all control modules in the entire energy storage power station in an orderly manner, greatly improving the efficiency of large-scale on-site commissioning.

[0033] In another embodiment, to ensure communication stability in complex industrial electromagnetic environments, the host computer encapsulates the target communication address N in a dedicated data frame conforming to a standard communication protocol (such as CAN2.0B). The host computer is configured to continuously and cyclically send this dedicated data frame on the communication bus UN at predetermined time intervals (e.g., every 500ms).

[0034] This high-frequency, fixed-interval cyclic transmission mechanism ensures that even if the control module loses power and restarts, the communication link is interrupted, or there is transient electromagnetic interference, the control module can re-capture the target address message within a very short time after resuming operation.

[0035] In addition, the host computer's human-machine interface can also provide a manual stop interface, allowing engineers to forcibly terminate the current broadcast process when they discover operational errors or sudden operating conditions, thus ensuring system security.

[0036] Next, we will provide a detailed explanation of the automatic identification and configuration method for communication addresses in the scenario of repairing and replacing control modules.

[0037] In this embodiment, when the energy storage system is in operation or maintenance state, the host computer continuously monitors the status of each node on the communication bus.

[0038] If a control module is replaced due to a fault, the newly connected control module usually has a specific preset address (e.g., the factory default address 0 or 255, which is defined as an unaddressed state outside the normal communication range).

[0039] The specific configuration process is as follows: First, the host computer scans the bus nodes and identifies unaddressed modules with addresses 0 or 255 on the bus. Then, based on the existing communication address allocation table in the system, the host computer automatically calculates and extracts the smallest missing valid address bit as the target communication address N.

[0040] Then, the host computer automatically starts the broadcast process, continuously sending dedicated data frames carrying the target communication address N at predetermined intervals.

[0041] Next, after the maintenance personnel install and power on the new control module, they only need to disconnect the power supply or communication for the new control module and maintain this for at least a predetermined threshold time T.

[0042] After detecting a qualified indication event, the new control module automatically captures the target communication address N on the bus and completes the local address update, and then sends a feedback signal to the host computer.

[0043] In addition, if multiple control modules are replaced in the system at the same time, the host computer will automatically switch to the next missing minimum address after the first missing address is repaired and broadcast it to guide the operation and maintenance personnel to complete the automatic coding one by one.

[0044] Using the method described in this embodiment, when replacing control modules on-site, no manual intervention is required in the address setting logic of the host computer. The system can automatically detect and identify the unaddressed state and provide address distribution support. Maintenance personnel only need to ensure that the new device is in the default initial state and perform a simple power-off or communication disconnection operation after installation to achieve accurate matching between the new device and the system's original logical address, greatly simplifying the complexity of subsequent maintenance.

[0045] In another embodiment, the control module integrates a dedicated power-down detection circuit. This circuit, typically composed of a voltage comparator or the ADC acquisition circuit of the MCU, is used to monitor the voltage level at the power supply input of the control module in real time. When the power plug is unplugged by a field operator and the supply voltage drops below a preset shutdown threshold, the power-down detection circuit sends an interrupt signal to the processor. The processor starts timing; if the voltage remains below the threshold for a predetermined threshold T (e.g., T is set to 3 to 10 seconds), the processor, after the next power-on initialization, will recognize this power-down as a valid address update trigger signal. Using the existing power-down detection circuit, complex address encoding functions can be implemented without any modifications to the existing single-board hardware, offering strong compatibility and cost-effectiveness.

[0046] Furthermore, to enhance the visibility of on-site operations, when any control module detects an indication event and successfully updates its communication address to N after power-on / connection to the communication bus UN, the control module immediately drives its onboard prompter to execute a preset action. In this embodiment, the prompter is a buzzer, and its actions include emitting a prompt tone of a specific frequency or rhythm (e.g., three short beeps). In some optional implementations, the prompter can also be an LED status indicator, which indicates successful configuration by changing the indicator's color (e.g., from red to green) or flashing pattern. This allows on-site operators to receive immediate physical feedback after operating the power plug, confirming the module configuration is complete without real-time observation of the host computer interface, significantly reducing the error rate.

[0047] Furthermore, considering that multiple control modules may reset simultaneously due to external interference in industrial settings, or that two control modules may simultaneously trigger indication events due to operator error, this embodiment provides an address conflict detection and fault-tolerant processing method, as detailed below: After receiving a successful configuration feedback, the host computer does not immediately proceed to the next address allocation. Instead, it enters a conflict monitoring period with a preset duration of Tcheck. If, within the Tcheck period, the host computer receives two or more feedback messages on the bus declaring that they have been updated to the target communication address N, the host computer determines that an address conflict has occurred. At this time, the host computer immediately broadcasts an address invalidation command (or reset command) to the communication bus UN. Upon receiving this command, the target control module will forcibly revert the current address update, revert the communication address to its initial state (address 0 or 1), and clear the cache. The host computer then issues an alarm prompt, requiring personnel to re-perform the configuration. This detection mechanism ensures the uniqueness and determinism of bus address allocation.

[0048] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a multi-module battery management system is also disclosed, which includes multiple control modules connected in parallel on a communication bus UN. Each control module is used to manage a battery pack BT, and the multiple control modules configure communication addresses based on the communication address configuration method in the above embodiment.

[0049] This invention also discloses another multi-module battery management system, which includes one or more processors, a memory, and one or more programs, wherein the one or more programs are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the one or more processors. The programs include instructions for executing the communication address configuration method as described above. The processors may be general-purpose central processing units (CPUs), microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more integrated circuits, used to execute relevant programs to implement the functions required by the modules in the multi-module battery management system of this application embodiment, or to execute the communication address configuration method of this application embodiment.

[0050] This invention also discloses a computer-readable storage medium comprising a computer program executable by a processor to perform the address configuration method described above. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center integrating one or more available media. The available medium can be read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), or magnetic media, such as floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, magnetic disks, or optical media, such as digital versatile discs (DVDs), or semiconductor media, such as solid-state disks (SSDs).

[0051] This application also discloses a computer program product or computer program, which includes computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. The processor of an electronic device reads the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the computer instructions, causing the electronic device to perform the aforementioned address configuration method.

[0052] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Therefore, any equivalent variations made in accordance with the claims of the present invention are still within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A communication address configuration method for a multi-module battery management system, characterized in that, The battery management system includes multiple control modules connected in parallel to a communication bus, each control module managing a battery pack, and the method includes: Each of the control modules receives and stores the target communication address currently broadcast on the communication bus; When any of the control modules detects an indication event, the control module updates its communication address from the initial state to the target communication address; The indicated event is a power outage or communication interruption, and the duration of the interruption reaches a predetermined threshold.

2. The communication address configuration method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery management system also includes a host computer that is communicatively connected to the communication bus, and the host computer broadcasts the target communication address to the communication bus; The control module also sends a configuration success feedback to the host computer through the updated target communication address; after receiving the feedback, the host computer stops broadcasting the current target communication address.

3. The communication address configuration method according to claim 2, characterized in that, After the host computer receives the configuration success feedback and stops broadcasting the current target communication address, the method further includes: The host computer determines whether all communication addresses have been successfully set. If not, the host computer updates the target communication address to the next communication address to be assigned, and broadcasts the updated target communication address to the communication bus to trigger the address configuration process of the next control module.

4. The communication address configuration method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method by which the host computer broadcasts the target communication address to the communication bus includes: The host computer encapsulates the target communication address in a dedicated data frame to generate an address setting command; The host computer continuously sends the dedicated data frames on the communication bus at predetermined time intervals until it receives the configuration success feedback or receives a manual stop command.

5. The communication address configuration method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control module integrates a power failure detection circuit. When the indicated event is a power outage, any of the control modules uses its built-in power failure detection circuit to identify its own power supply status and determine whether the duration of the power outage has reached the predetermined threshold.

6. The communication address configuration method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When any of the control modules updates its communication address to the target communication address, the method further includes: This control module executes preset human-computer interaction actions; The human-computer interaction action includes: controlling the prompter on the control module to emit a prompt sound to indicate that the current control module has recognized the indication event and successfully obtained the target communication address.

7. The communication address configuration method according to claim 2, characterized in that, After receiving the configuration success feedback, the host computer also includes an address conflict detection method: If the host computer receives two or more feedback signals with the same target communication address within a preset time period, it determines that there is a current address configuration conflict. The host computer then broadcasts an address invalidation command to the communication bus so that the target control module can cancel the current address update and revert to the initial state.

8. A multi-module battery management system, characterized in that, It includes multiple control modules connected in parallel on a communication bus, each of which manages a battery pack, and the multiple control modules configure communication addresses based on the communication address configuration method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A multi-module battery management system, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; Memory; And one or more programs, wherein the one or more programs are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the one or more processors, the programs including instructions for performing the communication address configuration method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, Includes a computer program that can be executed by a processor to perform the communication address configuration method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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