Battery system and method of operating a battery system

Abstract

A battery system for balancing battery sub-packs can be provided. The battery system may include multiple battery sub-packs and a main microprocessor. Each battery sub-pack may include a battery module, a main positive contactor, an auxiliary positive contactor, a negative contactor, and a sub-pack microprocessor configured to open and close the main positive contactor, the auxiliary positive contactor, and the negative contactor. The main microprocessor can electrically communicate with the sub-pack microprocessor of each battery sub-pack. The main microprocessor can be configured to receive information about the voltage value of the battery module in each battery sub-pack and distinguish between the multiple battery sub-packs based on the voltage value of the battery sub-pack.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to methods and systems for balancing battery sub-packs, and more specifically, to a contactor for controlling battery sub-packs to effectively balance a battery system, for example, without using complex balancing circuitry, and a method for operating said battery system.

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 968,685, filed with the USPTO on December 4, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Batteries are increasingly being integrated into a wide range of mobile devices, including smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and energy storage systems (ESS). To ensure optimal performance and safety, these batteries are typically paired with a battery management system (BMS) that monitors their overall operation. In particular, larger battery packs used in vehicles or energy storage systems often consist of multiple battery modules. These modules are arranged in a multi-module configuration, allowing them to be connected in series and / or in parallel.

[0004] Parallel battery packs in a Battery Management System (BMS) often encounter battery pack imbalance issues, leading to suboptimal performance and shortened lifespan. This imbalance can occur due to variations in battery characteristics, manufacturing tolerances, and uneven aging of individual cells within the pack. These differences can become more pronounced as batteries charge and discharge over time, causing some cells or the entire pack to bear a disproportionate load. This uneven distribution of charge and discharge cycles can accelerate degradation in some cells, further exacerbating the imbalance and potentially compromising the reliability of the entire system.

[0005] Traditional methods for addressing battery pack imbalances typically involve passive or active balancing techniques, which can be complex and expensive to implement. For example, passive balancing may rely on removing excess energy from higher-charged cells via resistors and dissipating it as heat, while active balancing may use more complex circuitry to redistribute charge between cells. While these methods can be effective, they often require additional components and careful design considerations, potentially increasing system complexity and cost. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] This disclosure is designed to solve problems in related technologies, and therefore aims to provide a battery system for effectively balancing battery sub-groups by controlling contactors of battery sub-groups without using complex balancing circuits, and a method for operating the battery system.

[0008] These and other objects and advantages of this disclosure will be understood from the following detailed description and will become more apparent from exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Likewise, it will be readily understood that the objects and advantages of this disclosure can be achieved by the means shown in the appended claims and combinations thereof.

[0009] Technical solution

[0010] According to certain aspects of this disclosure, methods and systems are disclosed for controlling contactors of battery sub-groups to effectively balance battery sub-groups, for example, without using complex balancing circuits.

[0011] For example, a battery system for balancing battery sub-packs may include multiple battery sub-packs, each of the multiple battery sub-packs including: a battery module; a main positive contactor; an auxiliary positive contactor, wherein the main positive contactor and the auxiliary positive contactor are electrically connected in parallel with each other, and wherein the main positive contactor and the auxiliary positive contactor are electrically connected to the positive terminal of the battery module; a negative contactor, the negative contactor being electrically connected to the negative terminal of the battery module; and a sub-pack microprocessor configured to open and close the main positive contactor, the auxiliary positive contactor, and the negative contactor; and a main microprocessor electrically communicating with the sub-pack microprocessor of each of the multiple battery sub-packs. The main microprocessor is configured to receive information on the voltage values ​​of the battery modules in each of the plurality of battery subgroups, wherein the plurality of battery subgroups includes a first battery subgroup and a second battery subgroup. The main microprocessor is further configured to: sort the plurality of battery subgroups according to their voltage values; determine whether the difference between the voltage values ​​of the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup is equal to or less than a first predetermined threshold; and when the difference between the voltage values ​​of the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup is determined to be equal to or less than the first predetermined threshold, connect the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup by closing a contactor of the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup.

[0012] A method of operating a battery system, wherein the battery system includes: a plurality of battery sub-groups, each of the plurality of battery sub-groups including: a battery module; a main positive contactor; an auxiliary positive contactor, wherein the main positive contactor and the auxiliary positive contactor are electrically connected in parallel with each other, wherein the main positive contactor and the auxiliary positive contactor are electrically connected to the positive terminal of the battery module; a negative contactor, the negative contactor being electrically connected to the negative terminal of the battery module; and a sub-group microprocessor configured to open and close the main positive contactor, the auxiliary positive contactor, and the negative contactor; and a main microprocessor electrically communicating with the sub-group microprocessor of each of the plurality of battery sub-groups, wherein the main microprocessor... The processor is configured to receive information on the voltage values ​​of the battery modules for each of the battery subgroups, wherein the plurality of battery subgroups includes a first battery subgroup and a second battery subgroup, wherein the method includes the following steps: the main microprocessor sorts the plurality of battery subgroups according to the voltage values ​​of the plurality of battery subgroups; the main microprocessor determines whether the difference between the voltage values ​​of the first battery subgroup and the voltage values ​​of the second battery subgroup is equal to or less than a first predetermined threshold; and when it is determined that the difference between the voltage values ​​of the first battery subgroup and the voltage values ​​of the second battery subgroup is equal to or less than the first predetermined threshold, the main microprocessor closes the contactors of the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup to connect the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup.

[0013] A battery system for balancing battery sub-groups, the battery system comprising a plurality of battery sub-groups, each of the plurality of battery sub-groups comprising: a battery module; a main positive contactor; an auxiliary positive contactor, wherein the main positive contactor and the auxiliary positive contactor are electrically connected in parallel to each other, wherein the main positive contactor and the auxiliary positive contactor are electrically connected to the positive terminal of the battery module; a negative contactor, the negative contactor being electrically connected to the negative terminal of the battery module; and a sub-group microprocessor configured to open and close the main positive contactor, the auxiliary positive contactor, and the negative contactor; and a main microprocessor electrically communicating with the sub-group microprocessor of each of the plurality of battery sub-groups, wherein the main microprocessor is configured to receive information on the voltage value of the battery module for each of the plurality of battery sub-groups, wherein the plurality of battery sub-groups includes a first battery sub-group, a second battery sub-group, a third battery sub-group, and a fourth battery sub-group, wherein... The main microprocessor is further configured to: sort the first battery subgroup, the second battery subgroup, the third battery subgroup, and the fourth battery subgroup according to their voltage values, wherein the voltage value of the fourth battery subgroup is equal to or greater than the voltage value of the third battery subgroup, wherein the voltage value of the third battery subgroup is equal to or greater than the voltage value of the second battery subgroup, and the voltage value of the second battery subgroup is equal to or greater than the voltage value of the first battery subgroup; determine whether the difference between the voltage values ​​of the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup is equal to or less than a first predetermined threshold; determine whether the difference between the voltage values ​​of the third battery subgroup and the fourth battery subgroup is equal to or less than the first predetermined threshold; and determine whether the difference between the average of the voltage values ​​of the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup and the average of the voltage values ​​of the third battery subgroup and the fourth battery subgroup is equal to or greater than a second predetermined threshold.

[0014] Further objects and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments.

[0015] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory, and not intended to limit the claimed and disclosed embodiments.

[0016] Beneficial effects

[0017] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the battery sub-pack can be effectively balanced by controlling the contactors of the battery sub-pack without using complex balancing circuits.

[0018] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other effects not mentioned herein, based on the descriptions in the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Various exemplary embodiments are illustrated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are included and form part of this specification, and together with the specification serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments.

[0020] Figure 1 An exemplary block diagram of a system for balancing battery sub-groups according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0021] Figure 2 An exemplary block diagram of a system for balancing battery sub-groups according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0022] Figures 3a to 3f Flowcharts of exemplary methods 300A to 300F for operating multiple battery sub-packs according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0023] Figure 4 An example of a table with a predetermined contactor control configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Generally, this disclosure relates to battery management methods and battery management systems for controlling contactors of battery sub-groups to effectively balance battery sub-groups without, for example, using complex balancing circuits.

[0025] Various aspects of this disclosure can mitigate battery pack imbalance in parallel battery banks by utilizing the inrush current rating of a contactor. By intelligently closing the contactor based on a certain range of inrush current, systems according to various aspects of this disclosure can effectively balance battery sub-packs without requiring complex balancing circuits.

[0026] In some aspects, a system according to examples of this disclosure may include a battery management system (BMS) that can, for example, monitor the inrush current of the contactor of each parallel component during the initial connection phase. Based on predetermined thresholds and the individual state of charge of the battery sub-groups, the BMS can selectively close the contactors to balance the battery sub-groups. For example, aspects of this disclosure can be implemented in an existing BMS with little or no hardware modification by updating the BMS / system logic / algorithm / software to include inrush current monitoring and contactor control logic.

[0027] In this way, aspects of the present invention eliminate the need for complex passive or active balancing circuits, thereby reducing overall system complexity. Furthermore, by utilizing existing contactors and monitoring circuits, aspects of this disclosure can minimize additional hardware costs. Moreover, the systems exemplified according to this disclosure can intelligently balance battery sub-packs based on inrush current, thereby ensuring optimal performance and lifespan of the parallel battery packs.

[0028] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An exemplary block diagram of a system 100 for balancing battery sub-packs is depicted. In some examples, system 100 may be a battery management system (BMS) configured to monitor, manage, and / or protect the battery pack. In some examples, system 100 may be part of a mobile device, such as an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, a plug-in hybrid vehicle, a smartphone, a laptop computer, and an energy storage system.

[0029] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, system 100 may include multiple battery sub-packs 110A-110D, electrical connectors 120, and a main controller 130. Although in Figure 2 The diagram shows four battery sub-groups, but the number of battery sub-groups can be more or less than four (e.g., 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10…). Figure 2 As shown, in some examples, each of the battery sub-packs 110A-110D may include battery modules 111A-111D, sub-pack microprocessors 112A-112D, cell monitoring circuits 113A-113D, main positive contactors 115A-115D, auxiliary positive contactors 116A-116D, and / or negative contactors 117A-117D.

[0030] In some examples, each battery module 111A-111D of battery subgroups 110A-110D may include multiple battery submodules. In some examples, the number of battery submodules in each battery module 111A-111D may range from approximately 8 to 64 submodules. For example, each of battery modules 111A-111D may include 8, 16, 32, or 64 submodules. In other examples, each of battery modules 111A-111D may include any other suitable number of battery submodules.

[0031] In some examples, each of these battery submodules may include multiple battery cells. In some examples, the number of battery cells in each battery submodule can range from 2 to 64. For example, each battery submodule may include 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, or 64 battery cells. In other examples, each of the battery submodules may include any other suitable number of battery cells.

[0032] The main positive contactors 115A-115D and auxiliary positive contactors 116A-116D can be electrically connected to the positive terminal of battery modules 111A-111D, and the negative contactor 117A-117D can be electrically connected to the negative terminal of battery modules 111A-111D. In some examples, the main positive contactors 115A-115D and auxiliary positive contactors 116A-116D can be connected in parallel with each other. The auxiliary positive contactors 116A-116D can be battery pack balancing contactors used to withstand inrush current.

[0033] In some examples, the cell monitoring circuits 113A-113D can be configured to detect the voltage and / or current values ​​of the battery modules 111A-111D. In some examples, the cell monitoring circuits 113A-113D can be configured to transmit information about the voltage and / or current values ​​of the battery modules 111A-111D to corresponding subgroup microprocessors 112A-112D within the same battery subgroup 110A-110D, for example, via a transmitter (e.g., an RF transmitter).

[0034] Subgroup microprocessors 112A-112D can be configured to receive, for example, information about the voltage and / or current values ​​of battery modules 111A-111D from cell monitoring circuits 113A-113D via a receiver (e.g., an RF receiver). Subgroup microprocessors 112A-112D can also be configured to open and close the main positive contactors 115A-115D, auxiliary positive contactors 116A-116D, and negative contactors 117A-117D. In some examples, subgroup microprocessors 112A-112D can wirelessly send / receive data to / from cell monitoring circuits 113A-113D, such as... Figure 2 As shown. In other examples, subgroup microprocessors 112A-112D can send / receive data to / from cell monitoring circuits 113A-113D via a wired connection.

[0035] In some examples, the main controller 130 may include a main microprocessor 131. Subgroup microprocessors 112A-112D may be configured to transmit information about the voltage and / or current values ​​of battery modules 111A-111D to the main microprocessor 131, for example, via a transmitter (e.g., a CAN transmitter). The main microprocessor 131 may be configured to receive information about the voltage and / or current values ​​of battery modules 111A-111D from the subgroup microprocessors 112A-112D, for example, via a receiver (e.g., a CAN receiver). In some examples, the main microprocessor 131 may wirelessly send / receive data to / from the subgroup microprocessors 112A-112D, such as... Figure 2 As shown. In other examples, the master microprocessor 131 can send / receive data to / from the slave microprocessors 112A-112D via a wired connection.

[0036] The main microprocessor 131 can be configured to control all or some components of the battery sub-packs 110A-110D, for example, by using the corresponding sub-pack microprocessors 112A-112D. For example, the main microprocessor 131 can be configured to open and close the main positive contactors 115A-115D, the auxiliary positive contactors 116A-116D, and the negative contactors 117A-117D, for example, by sending open / close commands to the corresponding sub-pack microprocessors 112A-112D.

[0037] In some examples, electrical connector 120 may include a positive electrical connector 121 and a negative electrical connector 123. Battery sub-packs 110A-110D can be connected in parallel with each other via positive electrical connector 121 and negative electrical connector 123. For example, positive electrical connector 121 can be connected to the main positive / auxiliary positive contactors of battery sub-packs 110A, 110B, 110C, and 110D via nodes A, C, E, and G, respectively. Similarly, negative electrical connector 123 can be connected to the negative contactors of battery sub-packs 110A, 110B, 110C, and 110D via nodes B, D, F, and H, respectively.

[0038] In some examples, the positive electrical connector 121, the negative electrical connector 123, and / or the node AH may be formed of a conductive material, such as a metal (e.g., copper) or any other suitable conductive material.

[0039] In some examples, system 100 may also include a main positive contactor 141, a pre-charge contactor 143, and a main negative contactor 145. The main positive contactor 141 may be connected to a positive electrical connector 121, and the main negative contactor 145 may be connected to a negative electrical connector 123. The main positive and main negative contactors 141 and 145 may be configured to connect and / or disconnect the battery sub-pack 110A-110D from external devices, for example, by closing / opening the main positive and main negative contactors 141 and 145. Examples of external devices may include a battery charger (e.g., for charging the battery sub-pack 110A-110D) and a battery backup system (e.g., for providing power from the battery sub-pack 110A-110D to a residence, office, shop, restaurant, or any other suitable facility, for example, during a power outage). In some examples, the main microprocessor 131 may be configured to control (e.g., open / close, etc.) the main positive contactor 141, the precharge contactor 143, and the main negative contactor 145 and / or any other component of the system 100.

[0040] In some examples, the main microprocessor 131 can be configured to sort the battery subgroups 110A-110D according to their voltage values. As used herein, the voltage value of a battery subgroup can refer to the voltage value of the battery module of the corresponding battery subgroup. The main microprocessor 131 can also determine whether the difference between the voltage value of the first battery subgroup (e.g., 110A) and the voltage value of the second battery subgroup (e.g., 110B) is equal to or less than a first predetermined threshold. When it is determined that the voltage value of the first battery subgroup and the difference between the voltage values ​​of the first and second battery subgroups are equal to or less than the first predetermined threshold, the main microprocessor 131 can connect the first and second battery subgroups, for example, by closing a contactor between the first and second battery subgroups.

[0041] In some examples, the connection between the first and second battery sub-groups can be implemented in the following order. In this example, it is assumed that the voltage of the second battery sub-group is greater than that of the first battery sub-group. First, the main microprocessor 131 can close the negative contactor (e.g., 117A) of the first battery sub-group (e.g., 110A) and the negative contactor (e.g., 117B) of the second battery sub-group (e.g., 110B). Then, the main microprocessor 131 can close the main positive contactor (e.g., 115A) of the first battery sub-group (e.g., 110A), followed by closing the auxiliary positive contactor (e.g., 116B) of the second battery sub-group (e.g., 110B). In other examples, the main microprocessor 131 can close the negative contactor (e.g., 117A) of the first battery sub-group (e.g., 110A) and then close the main positive contactor (e.g., 115A) of the first battery sub-group (e.g., 110A). After the main positive contactor (e.g., 115A) of the first battery sub-pack (e.g., 110A) is closed, the main microprocessor 131 can close the negative contactor (e.g., 117B) of the second battery sub-pack (e.g., 110B). Then, the main microprocessor 131 can close the auxiliary positive contactor (e.g., 116B) of the second battery sub-pack (e.g., 110B).

[0042] After the auxiliary positive contactor (e.g., 116B) of the second battery sub-group (e.g., 110B) is closed, the main microprocessor 131 may close the main positive contactor (e.g., 115B) of the second battery sub-group (e.g., 110B). In some examples, after the auxiliary positive contactor (e.g., 116B) of the second battery sub-group (e.g., 110B) is closed, the main microprocessor 131 may monitor voltage / current values ​​and / or voltage / current changes (e.g., inrush current) and wait for a predetermined amount of time before closing the main positive contactor (e.g., 115B). In some examples, the predetermined amount of time may be in the range of 1 to 180 seconds. In other examples, the predetermined amount of time may be any suitable amount of time.

[0043] In some examples, after the auxiliary positive contactor (e.g., 116B) of the second battery sub-group (e.g., 110B) is closed, the main microprocessor 131 can monitor voltage / current values ​​or changes in voltage / current values ​​(e.g., inrush current) and wait before closing the main positive contactor (e.g., 115B) until the current becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold current value I. T In some examples, the predetermined threshold current value I T The current can be in the range of 30A to 70A, more preferably in the range of 40A to 60A or 45A to 55A. For example, a predetermined threshold current value I. TIt can be 30A, 35A, 45A, 50A, 55A, 60A, 65A, 70A, or 75A. In other examples, a predetermined threshold current value I... T It can have any other suitable current value.

[0044] In some implementations, after closing the main positive contactor (e.g., 115B) of the second battery sub-group (e.g., 110B), the main microprocessor 131 can disconnect the auxiliary positive contactor (e.g., 116B) of the second battery sub-group (e.g., 110B). The contactor closing / opening process can be reversed when the voltage value of the first battery sub-group is greater than that of the second battery sub-group.

[0045] In some examples, the current of battery modules 111A-111D / battery sub-packs 110A-110D can be monitored by the sub-pack microprocessor 112A-112D via cell monitoring circuit 113A-113D. In some examples, the sub-pack microprocessor 112A-112D / cell monitoring circuit 113A-113D can use the resistance of the auxiliary positive contactor 116A-116D / main positive contactor 115A-115D to calculate the current. In this case, battery sub-packs 110A-110D may not have any resistors except for the auxiliary positive contactor 116A-116D / main positive contactor 115A-115D used for current calculation.

[0046] In some embodiments, the auxiliary positive contactors 116A-116D of each battery sub-group may be formed of a different material than the main positive contactors 115A-115D forming each battery sub-group. The main positive contactors 115A-115D of the battery sub-group may be formed of at least one of copper, aluminum, nickel, gold, silver, tungsten, or any other suitable conductive material. The auxiliary positive contactors 116A-116D of the battery sub-group may be made of tungsten or any other suitable conductive material. In some examples, the resistance of the auxiliary positive contactors 116A-116D may be greater than the resistance of the main positive contactors 115A-115D of the battery sub-group. In other examples, the main positive contactors 115A-115D and the auxiliary positive contactors 116A-116D may be formed of the same material and / or have the same resistance.

[0047] Figures 3a to 3f Flowcharts of exemplary methods 300A-300F for operating multiple battery sub-packs according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Although referenced... Figures 3a to 3fThe flowcharts shown illustrate exemplary methods 300A-300F; however, it should be understood that many other methods can be used to perform the actions associated with these methods. For example, the order of some boxes can be changed, some boxes can be combined with other boxes, and some of the boxes described are optional.

[0048] In some examples, the main microprocessor 131 and / or the subgroup microprocessors 112A-112D can execute one or more parts of processes 300A-300F, and can be implemented using, for example, a chipset that includes a processor and memory.

[0049] In the example shown, the main microprocessor 131 can read the battery sub-pack (P A P B P C P D The voltage value of the battery subgroups 110A-110D in system 100 (box 301). For example, the main microprocessor 131 may receive information about the voltage values ​​of the battery subgroups 110A-110D in system 100, for example, from the respective subgroup microprocessors 112A-112D.

[0050] Then, the main microprocessor 131 can determine whether the boot diagnostics are complete (box 303). If the boot diagnostics are not complete, the main microprocessor 131 can wait until the boot diagnostics are complete (box 305).

[0051] If the diagnostics are completed, the main microprocessor 131 can sort the battery subgroups according to their voltage values ​​(box 307). For example, suppose there are four battery subgroups that can be sorted in ascending order from lowest to highest (P1, P2, P3, P4). In this case, the voltage value of P4 can be equal to or greater than the voltage value of P3, the voltage value of P3 can be equal to or greater than the voltage value of P2, and the voltage value of P2 can be equal to or greater than the voltage value of P1.

[0052] Then, the main microprocessor 131 can determine the voltage value V of the first battery sub-group P1. P1 The voltage value V of the second battery sub-group P2 P2 Is the difference between them equal to or less than a first predetermined threshold V? T1 (Box 309A). The main microprocessor 131 can also determine the voltage value V of the third battery sub-group P3. P3 The voltage value V of the fourth battery subgroup P4 P4 Is the difference between them equal to or less than a first predetermined threshold V? T1 (Box 309B). The main microprocessor 131 can also determine the voltage values ​​V of the first and second battery sub-groups P1 and P2. P1 V P2The average value and the voltage values ​​V of the third and fourth battery subgroups P3 and P4 P3 V P4 Is the difference between the average values ​​equal to or greater than the second predetermined threshold V? T2 (Box 309C). For reference, symbol P1 may refer to the first battery sub-group 110A, symbol P2 may refer to the second battery sub-group 110B, symbol P3 may refer to the third battery sub-group 110C, and symbol P4 may refer to the fourth battery sub-group 110D.

[0053] In some examples, the first predetermined threshold V T1 It can be in the range of 25V to 75V, more preferably in the range of 30V to 70V, 35V to 65V, 40V to 60V, or 45V to 55V. For example, a first predetermined threshold V T1 It can be 25V, 30V, 35V, 40V, 45V, 50V, 55V, 60V, 65V, 70V, or 75V. In other examples, the first predetermined threshold V... T1 It can have any other suitable voltage value.

[0054] In some examples, the first predetermined threshold V T1 This can depend on the threshold inrush current. For example, a first predetermined threshold V. T1 A voltage value can be set such that the inrush current caused by the voltage difference in a given resistor (when two battery sub-assemblies are connected) will become equal to or less than a predetermined threshold current value I. T1 For example, when the resistance of the contactor of the battery sub-pack is 0.125 ohms and the predetermined threshold current value I... T1 When the value is 400A, the first predetermined threshold V T1 It will become 50V (i.e., V=I (400A)). R (0.125 ohms)).

[0055] Predetermined threshold current value I T1 The current can be in the range of 300A to 500A, more preferably in the range of 350A to 400A, 350A to 450A, 375A to 425A, or 395A to 405A. For example, a predetermined threshold current value I. T1 It can be 300A, 325A, 350A, 375A, 400A, 425A, 450A, 475A, or 500A. In other examples, a predetermined threshold current value I... T1 It can have any other suitable current value. In some examples, the predetermined threshold current value I... T1 It can be the maximum allowable inrush current or determined based on the maximum allowable inrush current (e.g., 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% of the maximum allowable inrush current).

[0056] In some examples, the first predetermined threshold V T1 This can be adjusted according to temperature changes. In some examples, the main microprocessor 131 can change a first predetermined threshold V based on temperature changes in the battery subgroups 110A-110D / battery modules 111A-111D. T1 .

[0057] In some examples, the second predetermined threshold V T2 It can be in the range of 75V to 125V, more preferably in the range of 80V to 120V, 85V to 115V, 90V to 110V, or 95V to 105V. For example, the second predetermined threshold V T2 It can be 75V, 80V, 85V, 90V, 95V, 100V, 105V, 110V, 115V, 120V, or 125V. In other examples, the second predetermined threshold V... T2 It can have any other suitable voltage value.

[0058] In some examples, the second predetermined threshold V T2 It can be greater than the first predetermined threshold V T1 In some examples, the second predetermined threshold V T2 It can be set to a first predetermined threshold V T1 The voltage value is 1.5 to 3 times that of the voltage.

[0059] Although Figure 3a Boxes 309A through 309C are implemented in this order, but the order of these boxes can be changed, and any one of boxes 309A through 309C can be implemented in any order: first, second, and third. In some examples, if any answer to boxes 309A through 309C is negative, the main microprocessor 131 can proceed to the next step (e.g., box 313) by skipping any remaining steps in boxes 309A through 309C.

[0060] If the answer to all boxes 309A to 309C is "yes," then the main microprocessor 131 can connect the third battery subgroup P3 to the fourth battery subgroup P4 (box 311). For example, the main microprocessor 131 can connect the third battery subgroup P3 and the fourth battery subgroup P4 by closing the contactors of the third and fourth battery subgroups. The connection of the third battery subgroup P3 and the fourth battery subgroup P4 can be implemented in the following order. First, the main microprocessor 131 can close the negative contactor of the third battery subgroup P3 and the negative contactor of the fourth battery subgroup P4. Then, the main microprocessor 131 can close the positive contactor of the third battery subgroup P3, followed by closing the auxiliary positive contactor of the fourth battery subgroup P4. In other examples, the main microprocessor 131 can close the negative contactor of the third battery subgroup P3, and then close the positive contactor of the third battery subgroup P3. After the positive contactor of the third battery sub-group P3 is closed, the main microprocessor 131 can close the negative contactor of the fourth battery sub-group P4. Then, the main microprocessor 131 can close the auxiliary positive contactor of the fourth battery sub-group P4.

[0061] After the auxiliary positive contactor of the fourth battery sub-group P4 is closed, the main microprocessor 131 can close the positive contactor of the fourth battery sub-group P4. In some embodiments, after closing the positive contactor of the fourth battery sub-group P4, the main microprocessor 131 can disconnect the auxiliary positive contactor of the fourth battery sub-group P4.

[0062] In some examples, if any answer to boxes 309A through 309C is negative, the method can proceed. Figure 3b The steps shown are as follows. The main microprocessor 131 can determine the voltage value V of the first battery sub-group P1. P1 The voltage value V of the second battery sub-group P2 P2 Is the difference between them equal to or less than a first predetermined threshold V? T1 And whether the first and second battery sub-groups are not connected (box 313). In some examples, if the voltage value V of the first battery sub-group P1 has already been determined at box 309A. P1 The voltage value V of the second battery sub-group P2 P2 If the difference is between the two, the main microprocessor 131 can avoid repeating the same query and only check whether the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup are not connected.

[0063] If we determine the voltage value V of the first battery sub-group P1 P1 The voltage value V of the second battery sub-group P2 P2 The difference between them is equal to or less than the first predetermined threshold V T1If the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup are not connected, the main microprocessor 131 can connect the first battery subgroup P1 and the second battery subgroup P2 (block 315). At block 311, the connection of the first battery subgroup P1 and the second battery subgroup P2 can be implemented in the same / similar order as discussed above regarding the connection of the third battery subgroup P3 and the fourth battery subgroup P4 (e.g., the order of closing / opening the contactor).

[0064] After the first battery sub-group P1 is connected to the second battery sub-group P2, the voltage value V of the first battery sub-group is... P1 The voltage value V of the second battery sub-group P2 It can be converted to the same voltage value (for example, assuming the first and second battery sub-groups have the same capacity, V). P1 and V P2 (The average value). For example, if the voltage value V of the first battery subgroup P1 is... P1 It is 500V and the voltage value V of the second battery sub-group P2. P2 If it is 550V, then the voltage V of the first battery sub-group P1 and the second battery sub-group P2 is... P1-2 After connection, it can be converted to 525V.

[0065] Once the first battery subgroup P1 and the second battery subgroup P2 are connected to each other, the main microprocessor 131 can proceed to... Figure 3d Method 300D is shown. (As shown) Figure 3d As shown, the main microprocessor 131 can adjust the battery sub-pack (P) according to the voltage value of the battery sub-pack. 1-2 The first battery subgroup P1 and the second battery subgroup P2 are sorted (box 325). In this case, once connected, the main microprocessor 131 can treat the first battery subgroup P1 and the second battery subgroup P2 as a single battery subgroup (e.g., P1, P2, P3, P4). 1' For example, it is used for battery pack balancing purposes. In some examples, battery sub-packs (P...) 1-2 P3, P4) can be sorted from lowest to highest (P 1' P 2' P 3' Sort in ascending order.

[0066] Then, the main microprocessor 131 can determine the first battery subgroup P. 1' (For example, P) 1-2 The voltage value V P1' With the second battery subgroup P 2' (For example, the voltage value V of P3) P2' Is the difference between them equal to or less than a first predetermined threshold V? T1 and the first battery subgroup P 1' Second battery subgroup P 2'Is it not connected (box 327)? If determining the first battery subgroup P 1' voltage value V P1' With the second battery subgroup P 2' voltage value V P2' The difference between them is greater than the first predetermined threshold V T1 Then the main microprocessor 131 can maintain the first battery subgroup P 1' Second battery subgroup P 2' Disconnect (box 329).

[0067] If we determine the first battery subgroup P 1' voltage value V P1' With the second battery subgroup P 2' voltage value V P2' The difference between them is equal to or less than the first predetermined threshold V T1 And the first battery subgroup P 1' Second battery subgroup P 2' If not connected, the main microprocessor 131 can connect the first battery subgroup P. 1' With the second battery subgroup P 2' Connect (box 331).

[0068] For example, the main microprocessor 131 can close the second battery sub-group P in the following order. 2' The contactor. First, the main microprocessor 131 can close the second battery sub-pack P. 2' The negative contactor. Then, the main microprocessor 131 can close the second battery sub-pack P. 2' The auxiliary positive contactor. In the second battery sub-group P 2' After the auxiliary positive contactor is closed, the main microprocessor 131 can close the second battery sub-pack P. 2' The positive contactor. In some embodiments, when the second battery sub-pack P is closed... 2' After the positive contactor, the main microprocessor 131 can disconnect the second battery sub-pack P. 2' The auxiliary positive contactor.

[0069] First battery subgroup P 1' With the second battery subgroup P 2' After connection, the first battery subgroup P 1' voltage value V P1' Second battery subgroup P 2' voltage value V P2' It can be converted to the same voltage value (for example, assuming the first and second battery sub-groups have the same capacity, V). P1' and V P2' (The average value). For example, if the first battery subgroup P 1' voltage value VP1' It is 525V and the second battery sub-pack P 2' voltage value V P2' If it is 575V, then the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup P 1' P 2' voltage value V P1-2' After connection, it can become 550V.

[0070] Once the first battery subgroup P 1' (For example, P) 1-2 ) and the second battery subgroup P 2' (For example, P3) are connected to each other, and the main microprocessor 131 can then perform... Figure 3e Method 300E is shown. (As shown) Figure 3e As shown, the main microprocessor 131 can adjust the battery pack (e.g., P) according to the voltage value of the battery sub-pack. 1-2-3 The main microprocessor 131 can sort the connected battery sub-groups (e.g., P4) (box 333). In this case, the main microprocessor 131 can sort the connected battery sub-groups (e.g., P4) (box 333). 1-2-3 ) is considered as a battery sub-group (e.g., P) 1" In some examples, the battery subgroup (P) 1-2-3 P4) can be sorted from lowest to highest (P) 1" P 2" Sort in ascending order.

[0071] Then, the main microprocessor 131 can determine the first battery subgroup P. 1" voltage value VP 1" With the second battery subgroup P 2" voltage value V P2" Is the difference between them equal to or less than a first predetermined threshold V? T1 and the first battery subgroup P 1" Second battery subgroup P 2" Is it not connected (box 335)? If determining the first battery subgroup P 1" voltage value V P1" With the second battery subgroup P 2" voltage value V P2" The difference between them is greater than the first predetermined threshold V T1 Then the main microprocessor 131 can maintain the first battery subgroup P 1" Second battery subgroup P 2" Disconnect (box 337).

[0072] If we determine the first battery subgroup P 1" voltage value VP 1" With the second battery subgroup P 2" voltage value V P2" The difference between them is equal to or less than the first predetermined threshold VT1 And the first battery subgroup P 1" Second battery subgroup P 2" If not connected, the main microprocessor 131 can connect to the first battery subgroup P. 1" With the second battery subgroup P 2" (Box 339). First battery subgroup P 1" With the second battery subgroup P 2" The connection can be implemented in the same / similar order as discussed above for the connection of the first battery subgroup P1' and the second battery subgroup P2' at box 331 (e.g., the order of closing / opening the contactor).

[0073] Once the first battery subgroup P 1" (For example, P) 1-2-3 ) and the second battery subgroup P 2' (For example, P4) are connected to each other, and the main microprocessor 131 can then perform... Figure 3f The method shown is 300F. For example, as... Figure 3f As shown, once all battery sub-packs are connected to each other, the main microprocessor 131 can send a ready signal (block 341) to the upper-level controller (e.g., the controller of the mobile device). The ready signal indicates that the main microprocessor 131 is ready to close the main contactors (e.g., the main positive contactor 141 and the main negative contactor 145). The main microprocessor 131 can then receive a command to close the main contactors from the upper-level controller (block 343).

[0074] Upon receiving a command to close the main contactor, the main microprocessor 131 can close the main positive contactor 141 and the main negative contactor 145, thereby connecting the battery sub-packs 110A-110D to external devices. Then, the main microprocessor 131 can determine i) the current I of the battery pack / main contactor. MC Is it equal to or less than the predetermined threshold current value I? T2 or ii) the amount of time T that has elapsed since the main contactor was closed. MC Is it equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold time T? T1 (Box 345). In some examples, one or more current sensors may be arranged at or near the main negative contactor 145 and monitor the current I of the battery pack / main contactor. MC In some examples, the predetermined threshold time amount T T1 This can be in the range of 5 to 20 seconds. In other examples, the predetermined threshold time T... T1 It can be any other suitable amount of time.

[0075] If the current I of the battery pack / main contactor MC Current value greater than the predetermined threshold value I T2Or the amount of time T that has elapsed since the main contactor was closed. MC The time T is less than the predetermined threshold T1 Then, the main microprocessor 131 can wait for, for example, a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 1 to 2 seconds) while keeping the main contactor closed (box 347). After the predetermined amount of time, the main microprocessor 131 can repeat box 345.

[0076] If the current I of the battery pack / main contactor MC Equal to or less than the predetermined threshold current value I T2 Or the amount of time T that has elapsed after the main contactor is closed. MC The time T is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold. T1 Then, the main microprocessor 131 can disconnect the main contactor (block 349). The main microprocessor 131 can then wait for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 200 to 300 seconds) to perform sub-pack self-balancing (block 351). In some examples, the predetermined time for battery pack self-balancing can vary depending on temperature changes. In some examples, the main microprocessor 131 can monitor the balancing current and wait until the balancing current becomes equal to or below a predetermined current value (e.g., 30A to 40A). Then, the main microprocessor 131 can disconnect the battery sub-pack contactor (block 353).

[0077] See back Figure 3b If the main microprocessor 131 determines the voltage value V of the first battery subgroup P1 P1 The voltage value V of the second battery sub-group P2 P2 The difference between them is greater than the first predetermined threshold V T1 Then the main microprocessor 131 can determine the voltage value V of the first battery subgroup P1. P1 The voltage value V of the second battery sub-group P2 P2 Is the difference between them greater than the first predetermined threshold V? T1 And less than the second predetermined threshold V T2 (Box 317). If the main microprocessor 131 determines the voltage value V of the first battery sub-group P1... P1 The voltage value V of the second battery sub-group P2 P2 The difference between them is equal to or greater than the second predetermined threshold V T2 If the main microprocessor 131 determines that the voltage value V of the first battery subgroup P1 is disconnected from the second battery subgroup P2 (box 319), then the main microprocessor 131 can keep the first battery subgroup P1 and the second battery subgroup P2 disconnected. P1 The voltage value V of the second battery sub-group P2 P2 The difference between them is greater than the first predetermined threshold V T1 And less than the second predetermined threshold V T2 Then the main microprocessor 131 can proceed to Figure 3cThe methods shown are 300C1 or 300C2.

[0078] In some examples, when determining the voltage value V of the first battery sub-group P1 P1 The voltage value V of the second battery sub-group P2 P2 The difference between them is greater than the first predetermined threshold V T1 And less than the second predetermined threshold V T2 At this time, the main microprocessor 131 can identify two battery subgroups (e.g., P1, P2, P3, P4) with the smallest voltage difference (block 321). The main microprocessor 131 can then connect the two battery subgroups with the smallest voltage difference (block 323). For example, the main microprocessor 131 can identify that the second battery subgroup P2 and the third battery subgroup P3 have the smallest voltage difference, and connect these two battery subgroups, for example, by closing the contactors of these two battery subgroups. In block 311, the connection of the second battery subgroup P2 to the third battery subgroup P3 can be implemented in the same / similar order (e.g., the order of closing / opening the contactors) discussed above regarding the connection of the third battery subgroup P3 to the fourth battery subgroup P4.

[0079] If there are more than one pair of battery sub-groups with a minimum voltage difference, the main microprocessor 131 can connect the two battery sub-groups with the higher capacity. For example, suppose battery sub-groups P1, P2, P3, and P4 have voltage values ​​of 500V, 575V, 600V, and 625V, and the groups P2 and P3, as well as P3 and P4, have the same minimum voltage difference of 25V. In this case, the main microprocessor 131 can connect P3 and P4 because the group of P3 and P4 (e.g., an average of 612.5V) has a higher capacity than the group of P2 and P3 (e.g., an average of 587.5V).

[0080] In some examples, before connecting two battery sub-groups with the smallest voltage difference, the main microprocessor 131 can determine whether the voltage difference between the two battery sub-groups with the smallest voltage difference is equal to or less than a first predetermined threshold V. T1 When the difference in voltage values ​​between the two battery sub-groups is equal to or less than a first predetermined threshold V... T1 At this time, the main microprocessor 131 can connect to these two battery sub-groups. If it is determined that the voltage difference between the two battery sub-groups is greater than a first predetermined threshold V... T1 If the two battery sub-packets are disconnected, the main microprocessor 131 can maintain this connection. Once the two battery sub-packets with the smallest voltage difference are connected, the main microprocessor 131 can proceed to... Figure 3d The steps are shown.

[0081] Referring to method 300C2, in some other examples, if the main microprocessor 131 determines the voltage value V of the first battery sub-group P1 at block 317... P1 The voltage value V of the second battery sub-group P2 P2 The difference between them is greater than the first predetermined threshold V T1 And less than the second predetermined threshold V T2 Then the main microprocessor 131 can read the table (box 321') with a predetermined contactor control configuration. Figure 4 An example of this table is shown below. Figure 4 As shown, the table can have the order of battery sub-packs that need to be closed at a given voltage / charging state.

[0082] For example, when battery subgroups SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 have voltage values ​​X, X-50, X-50, and X-100, respectively, the main microprocessor 131 can close SP2, SP3, SP4, and SP1 in this order according to the table (consider serial number 3). When battery subgroups SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 have voltage values ​​X, X-50, X-150, and X, respectively, the main microprocessor 131 can close SP1, SP4, and SP2 in this order, and keep the contactor of SP3 open according to the table (consider serial number 4). In this table, "O" can refer to the contactor of a given battery subgroup being disconnected (e.g., kept open). When battery subgroups SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 have voltage values ​​X, X-50, X-100, and X, respectively, the main microprocessor 131 can close SP3, SP2, SP4, and SP1 in this order, or close SP4 and SP1 in this order (consider serial number 8). In other examples, when battery subgroups SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 have voltage values ​​X, X-50, X-100, and X, respectively, the main microprocessor 131 may close SP4, SP1, SP2, and SP3 in this order, for example, according to a table.

[0083] In some examples, the table may also include information about the predetermined amount of time required between closing one battery sub-group and closing the next. In some examples, the predetermined time may be in the range of 1 to 180 seconds. In some other examples, the predetermined time may be any suitable amount of time. In some examples, the predetermined time may be applied to all or some serial numbers and / or only to some battery sub-groups within a given serial number.

[0084] After connecting all battery sub-groups to each other by controlling the contactors of the battery sub-groups according to the table, the main microprocessor 131 can proceed to... Figure 3fMethod 300F is shown. In some examples, the main microprocessor 131 can, for example, control the contactors of the battery sub-pack according to the table from the outset by overriding the steps described in blocks 307 through 339. For example, after completing the startup diagnostics at block 303, the main microprocessor 131 can read the table and control the contactors of the battery sub-pack according to the table until it proceeds to... Figure 3f Method 300F is shown.

[0085] although Figures 3a to 3f The methods shown are primarily described assuming the existence of four battery subgroups, but these methods can be applied / implemented when there are more or fewer than four battery subgroups.

[0086] For example, when there are fewer than four battery sub-packs, the main microprocessor can proceed to box 325 (e.g., when there are three battery sub-packs) or box 333 (e.g., when there are two battery sub-packs), for example, after completing startup diagnostics at box 303.

[0087] In some examples, when there are more than four battery subgroups (e.g., P1, P2, ... P...), n-1 P n When the main microprocessor 131 is in use, it can use the two lowest battery subgroups P1 and P2 for frames 309A and 309C, and the two highest battery subgroups P1 and P2 for frames 309B, 309C and 311. n-1 P n (Instead of P3, P4). For example, in this case, box 309B will become "(V Pn-1 -V Pn )≤ V T1 "?". "Box 309C will become "Avg (V Pn-1 V Pn ) – Avg (V P1 V P2 ) ≥ V T2 And box 311 will change to "Connect P" n-1 and P n "It is possible to..." Figures 3b to 3f The other boxes shown are modified similarly. Specifically, this can be repeated. Figures 3b to 3f The steps in the process continue until all battery subgroups in the system or have a value less than a first predetermined threshold V. T1 All battery sub-groups with voltage differences are connected to each other (before proceeding to method 300F).

[0088] In some other examples, when there are more than four battery subgroups (e.g., P1, P2, ... P...), n-1 P nWhen the main microprocessor 131 is in use, it can use the two lowest battery subgroups P1 and P2 for frames 309A and 309C, and the next two lowest battery subgroups P3 and P4 for frames 309B, 309C, and 311. In this case, it can repeat... Figures 3b to 3f The steps in the process continue until all battery subgroups in the system or have a value less than a first predetermined threshold V. T1 All battery sub-groups with voltage differences are connected to each other (before proceeding to method 300F).

[0089] In some examples, when there are more than four battery subgroups (e.g., P1, P2, ... P...), n-1 P n When the main microprocessor 131 is in use, it can utilize the two highest battery sub-packs P in frames 309B, 309C, and 311. n-1 P n (Instead of P3, P4), and the two second-highest battery subgroups P are used for boxes 309A and 309C. n-3 P n-2 (Instead of P1, P2). This can be done for... Figures 3b to 3f The other boxes shown are modified similarly. Specifically, this can be repeated. Figures 3b to 3e The steps in the process continue until all battery subgroups in the system or have a value less than a first predetermined threshold V. T1 All battery sub-groups with voltage differences are connected to each other (before proceeding to method 300F).

[0090] In some examples, when there are more than four battery subgroups (e.g., P1, P2, ... P...), n-1 P n When [the battery is in its sorted state], the main microprocessor 131 can use any four adjacent battery subgroups (in terms of the order resulting from the sorting at box 307). For example, P7 and P8 (instead of P3 and P4) can be used for boxes 309B, 309C, and 311, and P5 and P6 (instead of P1 and P2) can be used for boxes 309A and 309C. Figures 3b to 3f The other boxes shown are modified similarly. Specifically, this can be repeated. Figures 3b to 3e The steps in the process continue until all battery subgroups in the system or have a value less than a first predetermined threshold V. T1 All battery sub-groups with voltage differences are connected to each other (before proceeding to method 300F).

[0091] In some other examples, when there are more or fewer than four battery sub-groups, the main microprocessor 131 can determine the appropriate configuration based on a table (with a predetermined contactor control configuration)... Figure 4The table shown is similar to the one used to control the contactors of the battery sub-groups. In some examples, multiple tables exist for different numbers of battery sub-groups. In some examples, after the startup diagnostics are completed at box 303, the main microprocessor 131 can control the contactors of the battery sub-groups according to one or more tables until it progresses to... Figure 3f The method shown is 300F.

[0092] In some examples, all or some of the functions performed by the main microprocessor 131 may be performed by one or more subgroup microprocessors 112A-112D. In some examples, one of the subgroup microprocessors 112A-112D may be used as the main microprocessor to perform all or some of the functions performed by the main microprocessor 131. In this case, there may be no separate main controller 130 / main microprocessor 131. In some examples, the main microprocessor 131 may perform all or some of the functions performed by one or more subgroup microprocessors 112A-112D.

[0093] The general discussion of this disclosure provides a brief, general description of suitable computing environments in which this disclosure may be implemented. In some examples, any of the disclosed systems, methods, and / or graphical user interfaces may be performed or implemented by a computing system consistent with or similar to the computing systems depicted and / or explained in this disclosure. Although not required, aspects of this disclosure are described in the context of computer-executable instructions, such as routines executed by data processing devices (e.g., server computers, wireless devices, and / or personal computers). Those skilled in the art will recognize that aspects of this disclosure can be practiced with other communication, data processing, or computer system configurations, including: Internet devices, handheld devices (including personal digital assistants (“PDAs”), wearable computers, cellular or mobile phones of all kinds (including IP-based voice (“VoIP”) phones), virtual terminals, media players, gaming devices, virtual reality devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, set-top boxes, network PCs, microcomputers, mainframe computers, etc. In fact, the terms “computer”, “server”, etc. are generally used interchangeably in this document and refer to any of the aforementioned devices and systems as well as any data processor.

[0094] The aspects of this disclosure can be implemented in a dedicated computer and / or data processor specifically programmed, configured, and / or constructed to execute one or more of the computer-executable instructions explained in detail herein. While aspects of this disclosure (e.g., certain functions) are described as performing only on a single device, this disclosure can also be practiced in a distributed environment in which functions or modules are shared among different processing devices linked via communication networks (e.g., local area networks (“LANs”), wide area networks (“WANs”), and / or the Internet). Similarly, the techniques involving multiple devices proposed herein can be implemented in a single device. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can reside in local and / or remote memory storage devices.

[0095] Various aspects of the present invention can be stored and / or distributed on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, including magnetically or optically readable computer disks, hardwired or pre-programmed chips (e.g., EEPROM semiconductor chips), nanotechnology memories, biological memories, or other data storage media. Alternatively, computer-implemented instructions, data structures, screen displays, and other data according to various aspects of the present disclosure can be distributed over a period of time on the Internet and / or other networks (including wireless networks), on signals propagating on a propagation medium (e.g., electromagnetic waves, sound waves, etc.), and / or they can be provided on any analog or digital network (packet switching, circuit switching, or other schemes).

[0096] The program aspect of this technology can typically be considered a "product" or "artifact" in the form of executable code and / or associated data, carried or embodied in a type of machine-readable medium. "Storage" media includes any or all tangible memory, or associated modules, of computers, processors, etc., such as various semiconductor memories, tape drives, disk drives, etc. (which provide non-transitory storage for software programming at any time). All or part of the software can sometimes be communicated via the Internet or various other telecommunications networks. For example, such communication enables the loading of software from one computer or processor to another, such as from a management server or host computer of a mobile communication network to a server's computer platform and / or from a server to a mobile device. Therefore, another type of medium that can carry software elements includes optical, electrical, and electromagnetic waves, such as those used over wired and optical terrestrial networks and over various air links at physical interfaces between local devices. Physical elements carrying such waves (e.g., wired or wireless links, optical links, etc.) can also be considered as media carrying software. As used herein, unless limited to non-transitory, tangible "storage" media, terms such as "computer or machine-readable medium" refer to any medium involved in providing instructions to a processor for execution. In some examples, the main microprocessor 131 may be part of the aforementioned computing system / dedicated computer (e.g., processor).

[0097] The terms used above may be interpreted in their broadest and most reasonable manner, even when used in conjunction with the detailed description of certain specific instances of this disclosure. Indeed, some terms may even be emphasized above; however, any term intended to be interpreted in any limiting manner will be so clearly and specifically defined in this detailed description section. The foregoing general and detailed descriptions are merely exemplary and explanatory, and not intended to limit the claimed features.

[0098] As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “containing,” or other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0099] As used herein, “about,” “approximately,” “generally,” and “substantially” should be understood to mean numbers within a range, such as -10% to +10% of the mentioned quantity, preferably -5% to +5%, more preferably -1% to +1%, and most preferably -0.1% to +0.1% of the mentioned quantity. Furthermore, these numerical ranges should be construed as providing support for claims relating to any value or subset of values ​​within that range. For example, disclosures of 1 to 10 should be construed as supporting ranges of 1 to 5, 3 to 6, 1 to 9, 2.5 to 4.7, 2.2 to 9.9, etc.

[0100] As used herein, the term “electrical connection” can refer to the components being referenced being connected directly or indirectly in a manner that allows current to flow between them.

[0101] It should be noted that the terms “attachable,” “attachable,” “connectable,” and “connected” used below include directly or indirectly attachable, directly or indirectly attached, directly or indirectly connectable, and directly or indirectly connected, respectively.

[0102] When terms such as “on,” “above,” “below,” “under,” and “adjacent” are used to describe the positional relationship between two components, one or more components may be positioned between the two components, unless these terms are used with the terms “immediately” or “directly.” Similarly, as used herein, the terms “attachable,” “attachable,” “connectable,” “connected,” or any similar terms may include directly or indirectly attachable, directly or indirectly attached, directly or indirectly connectable, and directly or indirectly connected.

[0103] In cases where the convention is similar to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc.", such a construction is generally intended for use in the sense of the convention as understood by a person skilled in the art (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" will include, but is not limited to, systems having a single A, a single B, a single C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). In cases where the convention is similar to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc.", such a construction is generally intended for use in the sense of the convention as understood by a person skilled in the art (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" will include, but is not limited to, systems having a single A, a single B, a single C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). Those skilled in the art will further understand that, unless the context otherwise requires, extractive words and / or phrases that typically present two or more alternative terms (whether in the specification, claims, or drawings) should be understood to cover the possibility of including one, any one, or both of these terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will generally be understood to include the possibility of “A” or “B” or “A and B”.

[0104] Additionally, when describing components of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These are used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another, but do not imply or suggest the substance, order, sequence, or number of components, unless the context otherwise requires.

[0105] The term “exemplary” is used in the sense of “example” rather than “ideal.” As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context otherwise specifies.

[0106] Other embodiments of the invention disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the description and practice thereof. This description and embodiments are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the appended claims.

[0107] Various aspects of this disclosure can provide a simple, cost-effective, and efficient solution for battery pack imbalance in parallel battery packs. By utilizing the rated inrush current of the contactors, for example by connecting the battery sub-packs (only) when they have a voltage difference equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (which can be determined based on a predetermined threshold current value / maximum permissible inrush current), the systems according to the examples of this disclosure can effectively balance the battery packs, thereby improving overall system performance and lifespan.

[0108] Example

[0109] This disclosure also covers the following aspects.

[0110] Example 1. A battery system comprising: a plurality of battery sub-groups, each of the plurality of battery sub-groups comprising: a battery module; a main positive contactor; an auxiliary positive contactor, wherein the main positive contactor and the auxiliary positive contactor are electrically connected in parallel with each other, wherein the main positive contactor and the auxiliary positive contactor are electrically connected to the positive terminal of the battery module; a negative contactor, the negative contactor being electrically connected to the negative terminal of the battery module; and a sub-group microprocessor configured to open and close the main positive contactor, the auxiliary positive contactor, and the negative contactor; and a main microprocessor electrically communicating with the sub-group microprocessor of each of the plurality of battery sub-groups, wherein... The main microprocessor is configured to receive information on the voltage values ​​of the battery modules in each of the plurality of battery subgroups, wherein the plurality of battery subgroups includes a first battery subgroup and a second battery subgroup. The main microprocessor is further configured to: sort the plurality of battery subgroups according to their voltage values; determine whether the difference between the voltage values ​​of the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup is equal to or less than a first predetermined threshold; and when the difference between the voltage values ​​of the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup is determined to be equal to or less than the first predetermined threshold, connect the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup by closing a contactor of the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup.

[0111] Example 2. The battery system according to Example 1, wherein connecting the first battery sub-group and the second battery sub-group includes: closing the negative contactor of the first battery sub-group and the negative contactor of the second battery sub-group; closing the main positive contactor of the first battery sub-group; closing the auxiliary positive contactor of the second battery sub-group; and closing the main positive contactor of the second battery sub-group.

[0112] Example 3. The battery system according to Example 2, wherein connecting the first battery sub-group and the second battery sub-group further includes: after closing the main positive contactor of the second battery sub-group, disconnecting the auxiliary positive contactor of the second battery sub-group.

[0113] Example 4. A battery system according to any one of Examples 2 to 3, wherein the voltage value of the second battery sub-group is greater than the voltage value of the first battery sub-group.

[0114] Example 5. A battery system according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the auxiliary positive contactor of each of the plurality of battery sub-groups is formed of a material different from the material of the main positive contactor forming each of the plurality of battery sub-groups.

[0115] Example 6. The battery system according to Example 5, wherein the material of the auxiliary positive contactor includes tungsten.

[0116] Example 7. A method of operating a battery system, wherein the battery system comprises: a plurality of battery sub-groups, each of the plurality of battery sub-groups comprising: a battery module; a main positive contactor; an auxiliary positive contactor, wherein the main positive contactor and the auxiliary positive contactor are electrically connected in parallel with each other, wherein the main positive contactor and the auxiliary positive contactor are electrically connected to the positive terminal of the battery module; a negative contactor, the negative contactor being electrically connected to the negative terminal of the battery module; and a sub-group microprocessor configured to open and close the main positive contactor, the auxiliary positive contactor, and the negative contactor; and a main microprocessor electrically communicating with the sub-group microprocessor of each of the plurality of battery sub-groups, wherein the main microprocessor... The processor is configured to receive information on the voltage values ​​of the battery modules for each of the battery subgroups, wherein the plurality of battery subgroups includes a first battery subgroup and a second battery subgroup, wherein the method includes the following steps: the main microprocessor sorts the plurality of battery subgroups according to the voltage values ​​of the plurality of battery subgroups; the main microprocessor determines whether the difference between the voltage values ​​of the first battery subgroup and the voltage values ​​of the second battery subgroup is equal to or less than a first predetermined threshold; and when it is determined that the difference between the voltage values ​​of the first battery subgroup and the voltage values ​​of the second battery subgroup is equal to or less than the first predetermined threshold, the main microprocessor closes the contactors of the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup to connect the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup.

[0117] Example 8. According to the method of Example 7, the step of connecting the first battery sub-group and the second battery sub-group includes the following steps: closing the negative contactor of the first battery sub-group and the negative contactor of the second battery sub-group; closing the main positive contactor of the first battery sub-group; closing the auxiliary positive contactor of the second battery sub-group; and closing the main positive contactor of the second battery sub-group.

[0118] Example 9. According to the method of Example 8, the step of connecting the first battery sub-group and the second battery sub-group further includes the step of: after closing the main positive contactor of the second battery sub-group, disconnecting the auxiliary positive contactor of the second battery sub-group.

[0119] Example 10. The method according to any one of Examples 8 to 9, wherein the voltage value of the second battery sub-group is greater than the voltage value of the first battery sub-group.

[0120] Example 11. A battery system comprising: a plurality of battery sub-groups, each of the plurality of battery sub-groups comprising: a battery module; a main positive contactor; an auxiliary positive contactor, wherein the main positive contactor and the auxiliary positive contactor are electrically connected in parallel with each other, wherein the main positive contactor and the auxiliary positive contactor are electrically connected to the positive terminal of the battery module; a negative contactor, the negative contactor being electrically connected to the negative terminal of the battery module; and a sub-group microprocessor configured to open and close the main positive contactor, the auxiliary positive contactor, and the negative contactor; and a main microprocessor electrically communicating with the sub-group microprocessor of each of the plurality of battery sub-groups, wherein the main microprocessor is configured to receive information on the voltage value of the battery module for each of the plurality of battery sub-groups, wherein the plurality of battery sub-groups includes a first battery sub-group, a second battery sub-group, a third battery sub-group, and a fourth battery sub-group, wherein the main microprocessor is further configured to... The configuration is as follows: The first battery subgroup, the second battery subgroup, the third battery subgroup, and the fourth battery subgroup are sorted according to their voltage values, wherein the voltage value of the fourth battery subgroup is equal to or greater than the voltage value of the third battery subgroup, the voltage value of the third battery subgroup is equal to or greater than the voltage value of the second battery subgroup, and the voltage value of the second battery subgroup is equal to or greater than the voltage value of the first battery subgroup; the difference between the voltage values ​​of the first and second battery subgroups is equal to or less than a first predetermined threshold; the difference between the voltage values ​​of the third and fourth battery subgroups is equal to or less than the first predetermined threshold; and the difference between the average of the voltage values ​​of the first and second battery subgroups and the average of the voltage values ​​of the third and fourth battery subgroups is equal to or greater than a second predetermined threshold.

[0121] Example 12. The battery system according to Example 11, wherein the main microprocessor is further configured to: connect the third battery subgroup and the fourth battery subgroup by closing a contactor when determining i) the difference between the voltage value of the first battery subgroup and the voltage value of the second battery subgroup is equal to or less than the first predetermined threshold, ii) the difference between the voltage value of the third battery subgroup and the voltage value of the fourth battery subgroup is equal to or less than the first predetermined threshold, and iii) the difference between the average of the voltage values ​​of the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup and the average of the voltage values ​​of the third battery subgroup and the fourth battery subgroup is equal to or greater than the second predetermined threshold.

[0122] Example 13. A battery system according to any one of Examples 11 to 12, wherein the main microprocessor is further configured to: connect the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup by closing a contactor when it is determined that the difference between the voltage value of the first battery subgroup and the voltage value of the second battery subgroup is greater than a first predetermined threshold, and i) the difference between the voltage value of the third battery subgroup and the voltage value of the fourth battery subgroup is greater than the first predetermined threshold, or ii) the difference between the average of the voltage values ​​of the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup and the average of the voltage values ​​of the third battery subgroup and the fourth battery subgroup is less than the second predetermined threshold. The first and second battery subgroup voltage values ​​may represent the voltage at two terminals of either end of the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup when the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup are electrically connected in parallel via the contactor.

[0123] Example 14. The battery system according to Example 13, wherein the main microprocessor is further configured to, after connecting the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup: by treating the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup as a single battery subgroup, sort the first and second battery subgroups, the third battery subgroup and the fourth battery subgroup according to the voltage values ​​of the first and second battery subgroups, the voltage value of the third battery subgroup and the voltage value of the fourth battery subgroup, and determine whether the difference between the voltage value of the first and second battery subgroups of the first and second battery subgroups and the voltage value of the third battery subgroup is equal to or less than the first predetermined threshold.

[0124] Example 15. According to the battery system of Example 14, the main microprocessor is further configured to: when determining that the difference between the voltage values ​​of the first-second battery subgroup and the voltage value of the third battery subgroup is equal to or less than a first predetermined threshold, connect the third battery subgroup to the first and second battery subgroups by closing a contactor of the third battery subgroup, wherein after the third battery subgroup is connected to the first and second battery subgroups, the voltage value of the third battery subgroup and the voltage values ​​of the first-second battery subgroup of the first and second battery subgroups become the same as the voltage value of the first-second-third battery subgroup. The voltage value of the first-second-third battery subgroup can represent the voltage at two terminals of any one of the first, second, and third battery subgroups when the first, second, and third battery subgroups are electrically connected in parallel via contactors.

[0125] Example 16. The battery system according to Example 15, wherein the main microprocessor is further configured to, after connecting the third battery subgroup to the first and second battery subgroups: by treating the first, second, and third battery subgroups, and the fourth battery subgroup as a single battery subgroup, sort the first, second, and third battery subgroups and the fourth battery subgroup according to the voltage values ​​of the first, second, and third battery subgroups and the voltage value of the fourth battery subgroup, and determine whether the difference between the voltage values ​​of the first-second-third battery subgroups of the first, second, and third battery subgroups and the voltage value of the fourth battery subgroup is equal to or less than a first predetermined threshold.

[0126] Example 17. The battery system according to Example 16, wherein the main microprocessor is further configured to: when it is determined that the difference between the voltage values ​​of the first-second-third battery subgroups of the first, second, and third battery subgroups and the voltage value of the fourth battery subgroup is equal to or less than the first predetermined threshold, connect the fourth battery subgroup and the first, second, and third battery subgroups by closing the contactor of the fourth battery subgroup.

[0127] Example 18. A battery system according to any one of Examples 11 to 17, wherein the main microprocessor is further configured to: determine whether the difference between the voltage value of the first battery subgroup and the voltage value of the second battery subgroup is greater than the first predetermined threshold and less than the second predetermined threshold when it is determined that the difference between the voltage value of the first battery subgroup and the voltage value of the second battery subgroup is greater than the first predetermined threshold and less than the second predetermined threshold.

[0128] Example 19. The battery system according to Example 18, wherein the main microprocessor is further configured to: when it is determined that the difference between the voltage value of the first battery subgroup and the voltage value of the second battery subgroup is greater than a first predetermined threshold and less than a second predetermined threshold, identify two battery subgroups among the first battery subgroup, the second battery subgroup, the third battery subgroup, and the fourth battery subgroup having the smallest voltage difference; and connect the two battery subgroups by closing the contactors of the two battery subgroups.

[0129] Example 20. A battery system according to any one of Examples 18 to 19, wherein the main microprocessor is further configured to: when it is determined that the difference between the voltage value of the first battery subgroup and the voltage value of the second battery subgroup is greater than a first predetermined threshold and less than a second predetermined threshold, control the contactors of the first battery subgroup, the second battery subgroup, the third battery subgroup and the fourth battery subgroup according to a table having a predetermined contactor control configuration.

Claims

1. A battery system, the battery system comprising: Multiple battery subgroups, each of the multiple battery subgroups comprising: Battery module; Main positive contactor; An auxiliary positive contactor, wherein the main positive contactor and the auxiliary positive contactor are connected in parallel, and wherein the main positive contactor and the auxiliary positive contactor are electrically connected to the positive terminal of the battery module; A negative contactor, the negative contactor being electrically connected to the negative terminal of the battery module; and Subgroup microprocessors, configured to open and close the main positive contactor, the auxiliary positive contactor, and the negative contactor; and The main microprocessor is in electrical communication with the sub-group microprocessor of each of the plurality of battery sub-groups. The main microprocessor is configured to receive information about the voltage values ​​of the battery modules in each of the plurality of battery sub-groups. The plurality of battery sub-groups include a first battery sub-group and a second battery sub-group. The main microprocessor is further configured as follows: The battery subgroups are sorted according to their voltage values; Determine whether the difference between the voltage value of the first battery sub-group and the voltage value of the second battery sub-group is equal to or less than a first predetermined threshold; and When it is determined that the difference between the voltage value of the first battery subgroup and the voltage value of the second battery subgroup is equal to or less than the first predetermined threshold, the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup are connected by closing the contactors of the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup.

2. The battery system according to claim 1, wherein, Connecting the first battery sub-group and the second battery sub-group includes: Close the negative contactor of the first battery sub-group and the negative contactor of the second battery sub-group; Close the main positive contactor of the first battery sub-group; Close the auxiliary positive contactor of the second battery sub-pack; and Close the main positive contactor of the second battery sub-group.

3. The battery system according to claim 2, wherein, Connecting the first battery sub-group and the second battery sub-group further includes: After closing the main positive contactor of the second battery sub-group, disconnect the auxiliary positive contactor of the second battery sub-group.

4. The battery system according to claim 2, wherein, The voltage value of the second battery sub-group is greater than the voltage value of the first battery sub-group.

5. The battery system according to claim 1, wherein, The auxiliary positive contactor of each of the plurality of battery sub-groups is formed of a material different from the material of the main positive contactor forming each of the plurality of battery sub-groups.

6. The battery system according to claim 5, wherein, The auxiliary positive contactor is made of tungsten.

7. A method for operating a battery system, wherein, The battery system includes: Multiple battery subgroups, each of the multiple battery subgroups comprising: Battery module; Main positive contactor; An auxiliary positive contactor, wherein the main positive contactor and the auxiliary positive contactor are connected in parallel, and wherein the main positive contactor and the auxiliary positive contactor are electrically connected to the positive terminal of the battery module; A negative contactor, the negative contactor being electrically connected to the negative terminal of the battery module; and Subgroup microprocessors, configured to open and close the main positive contactor, the auxiliary positive contactor, and the negative contactor; and The main microprocessor is in electrical communication with the sub-group microprocessor of each of the plurality of battery sub-groups. The main microprocessor is configured to receive information about the voltage values ​​of the battery modules for each of the plurality of battery sub-groups. The plurality of battery sub-groups include a first battery sub-group and a second battery sub-group. The method includes the following steps: The main microprocessor sorts the multiple battery subgroups according to their voltage values; The main microprocessor determines whether the difference between the voltage values ​​of the first battery sub-group and the second battery sub-group is equal to or less than a first predetermined threshold; and When it is determined that the difference between the voltage value of the first battery subgroup and the voltage value of the second battery subgroup is equal to or less than the first predetermined threshold, the main microprocessor closes the contactors of the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup to connect the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The step of connecting the first battery sub-group and the second battery sub-group includes the following steps: Close the negative contactor of the first battery sub-group and the negative contactor of the second battery sub-group; Close the main positive contactor of the first battery sub-group; Close the auxiliary positive contactor of the second battery sub-pack; and Close the main positive contactor of the second battery sub-group.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The step of connecting the first battery sub-group and the second battery sub-group further includes the following steps: After closing the main positive contactor of the second battery sub-group, disconnect the auxiliary positive contactor of the second battery sub-group.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The voltage value of the second battery sub-group is greater than the voltage value of the first battery sub-group.

11. A battery system, the battery system comprising: Multiple battery subgroups, each of the multiple battery subgroups comprising: Battery module; Main positive contactor; An auxiliary positive contactor, wherein the main positive contactor and the auxiliary positive contactor are connected in parallel, and wherein the main positive contactor and the auxiliary positive contactor are electrically connected to the positive terminal of the battery module; A negative contactor, the negative contactor being electrically connected to the negative terminal of the battery module; and Subgroup microprocessors, configured to open and close the main positive contactor, the auxiliary positive contactor, and the negative contactor; and The main microprocessor is in electrical communication with the sub-group microprocessor of each of the plurality of battery sub-groups. The main microprocessor is configured to receive information about the voltage values ​​of the battery modules for each of the plurality of battery sub-groups. The plurality of battery sub-groups include a first battery sub-group, a second battery sub-group, a third battery sub-group, and a fourth battery sub-group. The main microprocessor is further configured as follows: The first, second, third, and fourth battery subgroups are sorted according to their voltage values, wherein the voltage value of the fourth battery subgroup is equal to or greater than the voltage value of the third battery subgroup, the voltage value of the third battery subgroup is equal to or greater than the voltage value of the second battery subgroup, and the voltage value of the second battery subgroup is equal to or greater than the voltage value of the first battery subgroup. Determine whether the difference between the voltage value of the first battery subgroup and the voltage value of the second battery subgroup is equal to or less than a first predetermined threshold. Determine whether the difference between the voltage value of the third battery sub-group and the voltage value of the fourth battery sub-group is equal to or less than the first predetermined threshold; and Determine whether the difference between the average voltage value of the first battery subgroup and the average voltage value of the second battery subgroup and the average voltage value of the third battery subgroup and the fourth battery subgroup is equal to or greater than a second predetermined threshold.

12. The battery system according to claim 11, wherein, The main microprocessor is also configured to: When it is determined that i) the difference between the voltage values ​​of the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup is equal to or less than the first predetermined threshold, ii) the difference between the voltage values ​​of the third battery subgroup and the fourth battery subgroup is equal to or less than the first predetermined threshold, and iii) the difference between the average value of the voltage values ​​of the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup and the average value of the voltage values ​​of the third battery subgroup and the fourth battery subgroup is equal to or greater than the second predetermined threshold, the third battery subgroup and the fourth battery subgroup are connected by closing the contactors of the third battery subgroup and the fourth battery subgroup.

13. The battery system according to claim 11, wherein, The main microprocessor is also configured to: When it is determined that the difference between the voltage value of the first battery subgroup and the voltage value of the second battery subgroup is greater than the first predetermined threshold, and i) the difference between the voltage value of the third battery subgroup and the voltage value of the fourth battery subgroup is greater than the first predetermined threshold, or ii) the difference between the average value of the voltage values ​​of the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup and the average value of the voltage values ​​of the third battery subgroup and the fourth battery subgroup is less than the second predetermined threshold, the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup are connected by closing the contactor of the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup, wherein, after the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup are connected, the voltage values ​​of the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup become the same as the voltage values ​​of the first and second battery subgroups.

14. The battery system according to claim 13, wherein, The main microprocessor is also configured to, after connecting the first battery sub-pack and the second battery sub-pack: By treating the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup as a single battery subgroup, the first and second battery subgroups, the third battery subgroup, and the fourth battery subgroup are sorted according to their voltage values, the voltage values ​​of the third battery subgroup, and the voltage values ​​of the fourth battery subgroup. Determine whether the difference between the voltage values ​​of the first and second battery subgroups of the first and second battery subgroups and the voltage value of the third battery subgroup is equal to or less than the first predetermined threshold.

15. The battery system according to claim 14, wherein, The main microprocessor is further configured to connect the third battery subgroup to the first and second battery subgroups by closing a contactor of the third battery subgroup when it is determined that the difference between the voltage value of the first-second battery subgroup of the first and second battery subgroups and the voltage value of the third battery subgroup is equal to or less than the first predetermined threshold. After connecting the third battery subgroup to the first and second battery subgroups, the voltage value of the third battery subgroup becomes the same as the voltage value of the first-second-third battery subgroup.

16. The battery system according to claim 15, wherein, The main microprocessor is also configured to, after connecting the third battery sub-packet to the first and second battery sub-packets: By treating the first, second, and third battery subgroups as a single battery subgroup, and sorting the first, second, and third battery subgroups and the fourth battery subgroup according to their voltage values ​​and the voltage value of the fourth battery subgroup, the following steps are taken: Determine whether the difference between the voltage values ​​of the first-second-third battery subgroups of the first, second, and third battery subgroups and the voltage value of the fourth battery subgroup is equal to or less than the first predetermined threshold.

17. The battery system according to claim 16, wherein, The main microprocessor is also configured to connect the fourth battery subgroup to the first, second, and third battery subgroups by closing the contactor of the fourth battery subgroup when it is determined that the difference between the voltage values ​​of the first-second-third battery subgroups and the voltage value of the fourth battery subgroup is equal to or less than the first predetermined threshold.

18. The battery system according to claim 11, wherein, The main microprocessor is also configured to: When it is determined that the difference between the voltage value of the first battery subgroup and the voltage value of the second battery subgroup is greater than the first predetermined threshold, and the difference between the average value of the voltage values ​​of the first battery subgroup and the second battery subgroup and the average value of the voltage values ​​of the third battery subgroup and the fourth battery subgroup is less than the second predetermined threshold, it is determined whether the difference between the voltage value of the first battery subgroup and the voltage value of the second battery subgroup is greater than the first predetermined threshold and less than the second predetermined threshold.

19. The battery system according to claim 18, wherein, The main microprocessor is also configured to: When it is determined that the difference between the voltage value of the first battery subgroup and the voltage value of the second battery subgroup is greater than the first predetermined threshold and less than the second predetermined threshold, the two battery subgroups with the smallest voltage difference among the first battery subgroup, the second battery subgroup, the third battery subgroup and the fourth battery subgroup are identified. as well as The two battery sub-groups are connected by closing the contactors of the two battery sub-groups.

20. The battery system according to claim 18, wherein, The main microprocessor is also configured to: When it is determined that the difference between the voltage value of the first battery subgroup and the voltage value of the second battery subgroup is greater than the first predetermined threshold and less than the second predetermined threshold, the contactors of the first battery subgroup, the second battery subgroup, the third battery subgroup and the fourth battery subgroup are controlled according to a table with a predetermined contactor control configuration.

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