A method for monitoring the state of an energy storage device and an energy storage device

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of state monitoring method of energy storage equipment and energy storage equipment, real-time clock chip is powered by battery in energy storage equipment, the method comprises: at the current time, when wake-up time, the real-time clock chip controls the battery to power micro control unit by control signal;After the micro control unit is powered on and detects the real-time clock chip control signal, the state monitoring of the energy storage equipment is carried out.The application can realize the timing monitoring of energy storage equipment state, save power consumption while improving safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of energy storage system control technology, and in particular to a method for monitoring the condition of an energy storage device and the energy storage device itself. Background Technology

[0002] Energy storage devices are being used more and more widely in daily life, and their safety issues are becoming increasingly prominent. For example, in high-temperature outdoor environments or relatively enclosed spaces with high temperatures, such as inside a car exposed to the sun or a boiler room, if the ambient temperature exceeds the safe operating temperature of the battery cells, thermal runaway of the battery cells can easily occur if intervention is not timely, leading to equipment damage or even fire.

[0003] In existing technologies, most energy storage devices cannot sense changes in their status when powered off. Some energy storage devices have their MCU (Microcontroller Unit) continuously working after being powered off to monitor the device status in real time. However, this method has a particularly serious power consumption problem, which affects the battery life of the energy storage device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a method for monitoring the status of an energy storage device and the energy storage device itself, so as to realize the timed monitoring of the status of the energy storage device, saving power consumption while improving safety.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for monitoring the status of an energy storage device, wherein a real-time clock chip in the energy storage device is powered by a battery cell, and the method includes: When the current time is the wake-up time, the real-time clock chip controls the battery cell to supply power to the microcontroller unit through a control signal; After powering on and detecting the control signal from the real-time clock chip, the microcontroller unit monitors the status of the energy storage device.

[0006] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention also provide an energy storage device, including a battery management system motherboard, a main control board, battery cells, and an inverter; The battery management system motherboard is used to supply power to the microcontroller unit of the main control board in the working mode; The main control board includes a real-time clock chip and a microcontroller unit; The real-time clock chip is used to control the battery cell to supply power to the microcontroller unit via a real-time clock chip control signal at the wake-up time. The microcontroller unit is used to monitor the status of the energy storage device after power-on and detecting the control signal of the real-time clock chip; The battery cell is used to power the real-time clock chip and, in the energy storage device status monitoring mode, to power the microcontroller unit.

[0007] The technical solution of this invention uses a battery cell to power a real-time clock chip. At the wake-up time, the real-time clock chip controls the battery cell to power a microcontroller unit. Upon power-up, the microcontroller unit detects the real-time clock chip control signal and begins monitoring the energy storage device's status. This embodiment uses a real-time clock chip to periodically control the battery cell's power supply to the microcontroller unit, waking it up. This enables timed monitoring of the energy storage device's status when it is powered off, improving safety while saving power and extending the device's lifespan.

[0008] It should be understood that the description in this section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of the present invention, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention. Other features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0009] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a status monitoring method for an energy storage device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an energy storage device based on PMOS switches for power supply control of a microcontroller unit, as provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a flowchart of another energy storage device status monitoring method provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an energy storage device based on a DC-DC chip for power supply control of a microcontroller unit, as provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an energy storage device provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0011] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0012] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or device that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or devices. In the embodiments of this application, certain software, components, models, and other existing industry solutions may be mentioned. These should be considered exemplary, intended only to illustrate the feasibility of implementing the technical solutions of this application, and do not imply that the applicant has already used or necessarily used such solutions.

[0013] The acquisition, transmission, storage, use, and processing of data in this application all comply with the relevant provisions of national laws and regulations.

[0014] Example 1 Figure 1 The flowchart of a status monitoring method for an energy storage device is provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. This embodiment is applicable to the situation of performing timed device status monitoring when the energy storage device is powered off. The method can be executed by a status monitoring device of the energy storage device, which can be implemented in hardware and / or software and can be configured in the energy storage device.

[0015] like Figure 1 As shown, the method includes: S110. When the current time is the wake-up time, the real-time clock chip controls the battery to supply power to the microcontroller unit through the control signal.

[0016] The real-time clock chip is powered by the battery cell. The real-time clock chip (RTC) can independently keep time, read timestamps, and supports timed wake-up functionality. Battery cell power supply, also known as the positive B+ power supply on the battery cell side, differs from the battery pack P+ power supply of the Battery Management System (BMS). The B+ power supply is not controlled by contactors and can be permanently energized. Therefore, powering the real-time clock chip via the battery cell's B+ ensures that the chip is always powered on.

[0017] Meanwhile, because the real-time clock chip has a timed wake-up function, it can control the battery cell B+ to supply power to the microcontroller unit (MCU) at a pre-set wake-up time, thus enabling the MCU of the energy storage device to be powered on at a set time even when it is powered off. The MCU can collect the device and battery status data to monitor the device's status.

[0018] This embodiment provides a specific implementation method for controlling the power supply of the microcontroller unit by the battery cell B+ based on the control signal of the real-time clock chip. Specifically, the battery cell of the energy storage device also includes a PMOS (P-channel Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) switch. The real-time clock chip controls the battery cell to supply power to the microcontroller unit through the control signal, including: the real-time clock chip controls the PMOS switch to turn on through the control signal, thereby supplying power to the microcontroller unit through the battery cell.

[0019] In this embodiment, the PMOS switch is turned on by the control signal of the real-time clock chip, so that the battery cell B+ supplies power to the microcontroller unit.

[0020] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an energy storage device based on PMOS switches for microcontroller power supply control is provided, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, the energy storage device includes battery cells, a BMS (Battery Management System), a main control board, and an inverter. The main control board includes a real-time clock chip (RTC), a DC-DC converter (DCDC) chip, an LDO (Low Dropout Regulator), and a microcontroller unit (MCU). Figure 2In this circuit, the PMOS switch is Q1. The PMOS control circuit is controlled by an NMOS (N-channel Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) switch, Q3. Applying sufficient voltage to the gate-source of NMOS switch Q3 turns it on, which in turn turns on PMOS switch Q1. The control pin of the real-time clock chip is connected to the PMOS control circuit. The real-time clock chip pulls the level of its control pin high or low at the wake-up time through its control signal, turning on NMOS switch Q3, which in turn turns on PMOS switch Q1. At this time, the B+ cell supplies power to the DC-DC chip and LDO after PMOS switch Q1, and the microcontroller unit (MCU) is powered on and woken up.

[0021] After powering on and detecting the control signal from the real-time clock chip, the S120 microcontroller performs status monitoring of the energy storage device.

[0022] After power-on and wake-up, the microcontroller unit (MCU) detects the control signal of the real-time clock chip, specifically, it detects the high or low level of the real-time clock chip's control pin. Taking a high level on the real-time clock chip's control pin as an example, if the MCU detects a high level on the real-time clock chip's control pin after power-on and wake-up, it determines that the MCU was woken up by the real-time clock chip and is currently in the device status monitoring mode in a power-off state, thus initiating device status monitoring of the energy storage device.

[0023] Specifically, the status monitoring of energy storage devices includes storing the status data of the energy storage devices in flash memory chips and determining whether the status of the energy storage devices is abnormal based on the status data.

[0024] Flash memory chips, also known as FLASH chips, can be used to store energy storage device status data, which may include basic electrical data of the battery cells, temperature data, power, power status, hardware switch and power device status data, fault alarm data, and abnormal warning data.

[0025] The microcontroller unit (MCU) stores the energy storage device's status data in an external FLASH chip and simultaneously determines whether the energy storage device's status is abnormal based on this data. For example, an abnormal energy storage device status can be determined directly based on fault alarm data and anomaly warning data; temperature data can be compared with a pre-set temperature threshold to determine if the energy storage device's status is abnormal; basic electrical data of the battery cells can be compared with pre-set electrical data thresholds, such as the cell's highest voltage, lowest voltage, and a pre-set voltage range, to determine if the cell voltage is abnormal. This embodiment does not limit the quantity or specific type of energy storage device status data, nor the specific implementation method for determining anomalies based on this data.

[0026] Furthermore, after monitoring the energy storage device's status, if an anomaly is determined based on the device's status data, alarms can be triggered via buzzer sounds, screen notifications, or other means. If a client device with a communication connection to the energy storage device is identified, alarm notifications can also be sent to that device. This communication connection can be Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or a local area network, and the client device can be a mobile terminal. This setup is suitable for situations where the energy storage device is not near the user and they cannot address the issue promptly, reminding them to be aware of the device's safety and take timely action.

[0027] Furthermore, after monitoring the status of the energy storage device, if it is determined that the energy storage device is in normal condition based on the status data, the process also includes: the microcontroller determining the next wake-up time based on the clock information of the real-time clock chip and sending the next wake-up time to the real-time clock chip; the microcontroller controlling the real-time clock chip to turn off the control signal, thereby powering down the microcontroller.

[0028] In this embodiment, the microcontroller unit (MCU) can communicate with the real-time clock (RTC) chip. The MCU can read the clock information from the RTC chip, determine the next wake-up time based on a preset wake-up time interval, and send the next wake-up time to the RTC chip. After setting the next wake-up time, the MCU releases the control pin of the RTC chip, causing the MCU to power down. The energy storage device then returns to a shutdown state until it is powered on normally, plugged in for charging, or reaches the next wake-up time for device status monitoring.

[0029] Specifically, the real-time clock chip control signal may include a high level on the real-time clock chip control pin; correspondingly, detecting the real-time clock chip control signal may include detecting that the real-time clock chip control pin is at a high level; controlling the real-time clock chip control signal to turn off may include controlling the real-time clock chip to release the control pin.

[0030] In this embodiment, by pulling the control pin of the real-time clock chip high, the PMOS switch is turned on, and the battery cell B+ supplies power to the microcontroller unit (MCU). Correspondingly, when the MCU detects a high level on the control pin of the real-time clock chip, it can determine that the MCU was woken up by the real-time clock chip and perform device status monitoring. Similarly, after the MCU sets the next wake-up time, it sends a control signal to the real-time clock chip via IIC (Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication to turn it off. Upon receiving the turn-off signal, the real-time clock chip releases its control pin.

[0031] In this embodiment, because a PMOS switch is added after the battery cell, this embodiment combines... Figure 2 This paper describes the control process of the normal operation mode when the microcontroller is powered by a PMOS switch.

[0032] Specifically, the microcontroller executes the operating mode after power-on and without detecting a real-time clock chip control signal; or, after power-on and detecting a real-time clock chip control signal, the microcontroller executes the operating mode if a charging insertion or power-on signal is detected. In the operating mode, the PMOS switch is turned on by the battery pack control of the battery management system, or the DC-DC converter is enabled, to power the microcontroller through the battery cells, and the battery pack of the battery management system powers other power circuits on the main control board of the energy storage device. In the case where the energy storage device is powered off, after the inverter detects a charging insertion, the PMOS switch is turned on by the inverter power supply signal, or the DC-DC converter is enabled, to power on the microcontroller.

[0033] When an energy storage device is powered off, there are typically three scenarios: periodic device status monitoring, power-on wake-up after charging is plugged in, or power-on via a user button. The control process for device status monitoring has been explained above. Specifically, after the microcontroller unit (MCU) is powered on and woken up, the MCU detects a high level on the real-time clock chip control pin, thus entering device status monitoring mode. If no real-time clock chip control signal is detected, i.e., the real-time clock chip control pin is low, it indicates that the MCU has been woken up by a user button and enters operating mode. Furthermore, even in device status monitoring mode, if the MCU detects a power-on signal from charging or a user button, it will switch from device status monitoring mode to operating mode.

[0034] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the PMOS switch control signals include three: a real-time clock chip control signal, a battery pack P+ control signal, and an inverter power supply signal (i.e., inverter auxiliary power +12V). The real-time clock chip control signal is used to control the microcontroller unit (MCU) to enter the device status monitoring mode. The battery pack P+ control signal of the battery management system (BMS) conducts after detecting a power-on signal. At this time, the PMOS switch conducts, the battery cell B+ supplies power to the MCU, and the battery pack P+ supplies power to other power circuits on the main control board of the energy storage device. After the MCU is powered on and woken up, it enters the operating mode if the real-time clock chip control signal is not detected. The inverter power supply signal is used to control the MCU to power on after the inverter detects a charging insertion. Specifically, after the inverter detects a charging insertion, it supplies +12V to the main control board. At this time, the PMOS switch conducts, the MCU powers on, and enters the operating mode.

[0035] Furthermore, for the three control signals of the PMOS switch, diodes can be connected in series to utilize their unidirectional conductivity and avoid mutual interference between the control voltages.

[0036] The technical solution of this invention uses a battery cell to power a real-time clock chip. At the wake-up time, the real-time clock chip controls the battery cell to power a microcontroller unit. Upon power-up, the microcontroller unit detects the real-time clock chip's control signal and begins monitoring the energy storage device's status. This embodiment uses a real-time clock chip to periodically control the battery cell's power supply to the microcontroller unit, waking it up and enabling timed monitoring of the device's status even when it's powered off, thus improving safety. Simultaneously, the timed wake-up of the microcontroller unit for status monitoring saves power and extends the lifespan of the energy storage device. Finally, the automatic switching between the device status monitoring mode and the operating mode is seamless, improving the user experience.

[0037] Example 2 Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a state monitoring method for an energy storage device provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Based on the above embodiments, the present invention further specifies the process of enabling effective control of the battery cell to supply power to the microcontroller unit through a DC-DC converter.

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, the method includes: S210. When the current time is the wake-up time, the real-time clock chip controls the DC-DC converter to be enabled through the control signal, and supplies power to the microcontroller unit through the battery cell.

[0039] The real-time clock chip is connected to the DC-DC converter (DCDC chip), and the power input of the microcontroller unit is output from the DC-DC converter.

[0040] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an energy storage device based on a DC-DC chip for microcontroller power supply control is provided, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown, compared to Figure 2 Power supply control for microcontrollers based on PMOS switches Figure 4 The energy storage device does not include a PMOS switch. The real-time clock chip is directly connected to the DC-DC chip. By controlling the DC-DC chip to enable it, the B+ cell is controlled to power the microcontroller unit (MCU) and wake it up.

[0041] Specifically, the real-time clock chip uses the real-time clock chip control signal to pull up or pull down the level of the control pin of the real-time clock chip at the wake-up time, thereby enabling the DC-DC chip. At this time, the battery cell B+ supplies power to the DC-DC chip and LDO, and the microcontroller unit MCU is powered on and woken up.

[0042] After powering on and detecting the control signal from the real-time clock chip, the S220 microcontroller performs status monitoring of the energy storage device.

[0043] Similarly, after the microcontroller unit (MCU) is powered on and woken up, it detects the control signal of the real-time clock chip. Upon detecting a high level on the control pin of the real-time clock chip, it begins monitoring the device status of the energy storage device. The above process is the same as the device status monitoring process of the MCU when the power supply control is based on a PMOS switch, and will not be described again in this embodiment.

[0044] This embodiment combines Figure 4 This paper describes the control process of the normal working mode when the microcontroller is powered by a DC-DC chip.

[0045] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, the DC-DC chip control signals include three: a real-time clock chip control signal, a battery pack P+ control signal, and an inverter power supply signal (i.e., inverter auxiliary power +12V). The real-time clock chip control signal is used to control the microcontroller unit (MCU) to enter the device status monitoring mode. The battery pack P+ control signal of the battery management system (BMS) is activated after detecting a power-on signal. At this time, the DC-DC chip is enabled, the battery cell B+ supplies power to the MCU, and the battery pack P+ supplies power to other power circuits on the main control board of the energy storage device. After the MCU is powered on and woken up, it does not detect the real-time clock chip control signal and enters the operating mode. The inverter power supply signal is used to control the MCU to power on after the inverter detects a charging insertion. Specifically, after the inverter detects a charging insertion, it supplies +12V to the main control board. At this time, the DC-DC chip is enabled, the MCU powers on, and enters the operating mode.

[0046] Furthermore, for the three control signals of the DC-DC chip, diodes can be connected in series to utilize their unidirectional conductivity and avoid mutual interference between the control voltages.

[0047] Example 3 Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an energy storage device is provided for Embodiment 3 of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown, the energy storage device 30 includes a battery management system main board 310, a main control board 320, battery cells 330, and an inverter 340. The battery management system motherboard 310 is used to supply power to the microcontroller unit 322 of the main control board 320 in the working mode; The main control board 320 includes a real-time clock chip 321 and a microcontroller unit 322; The real-time clock chip 321 is used to control the battery cell 330 to supply power to the microcontroller 322 through the real-time clock chip control signal at the wake-up time. The microcontroller unit 322 is used to monitor the status of the energy storage device after power-on and detection of the real-time clock chip control signal; The battery cell 330 is used to power the real-time clock chip 321 and to power the microcontroller unit 322 in the energy storage device status monitoring mode.

[0048] Optionally, based on the above embodiments, the battery cell of the energy storage device 30 may also include a PMOS switch Q1; The PMOS switch Q1 is turned on when a real-time clock chip control signal is detected, so as to supply power to the microcontroller unit 322 through the battery cell 330.

[0049] Optionally, based on the above embodiments, the energy storage device 30 may further include a DC-DC converter 323; The DC-DC converter 323 is enabled when a real-time clock chip control signal is detected, so as to power the microcontroller 322 through the battery cell 330.

[0050] According to embodiments of the present invention, the process described in the above-mentioned flowchart can be applied to energy storage devices. In such embodiments, the energy storage devices provided in this application are suitable for various application scenarios, such as grid-connected power generation and energy storage, off-grid photovoltaic energy storage (for powering electrical equipment in homes, RVs, and yachts), wind power storage and power generation, and electric equipment, etc., which can be determined according to the actual application scenario and are not limited herein. Currently, with the further development of the new energy industry and the expansion of application scenarios, higher requirements are being placed on the various performance aspects of energy storage devices, including system stability and consistency, waterproofing and dustproofing, and safety levels.

[0051] It should be understood that the various forms of processes shown above can be used, with steps reordered, added, or deleted. For example, the steps described in this invention can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in different orders, as long as the desired result of the technical solution of this invention can be achieved, and this is not limited herein.

[0052] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this invention should be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring the condition of an energy storage device, characterized in that, The real-time clock chip in the energy storage device is powered by a battery cell, and the method includes: When the current time is the wake-up time, the real-time clock chip controls the battery cell to supply power to the microcontroller unit through a control signal; After powering on and detecting the control signal from the real-time clock chip, the microcontroller unit monitors the status of the energy storage device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery cell also includes a PMOS switch, and the real-time clock chip controls the battery cell to supply power to the microcontroller unit via a control signal, including: The real-time clock chip controls the PMOS switch to turn on via a control signal, thereby powering the microcontroller unit through the battery cell.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The real-time clock chip is connected to a DC-DC converter, and the power input of the microcontroller is output from the DC-DC converter. The real-time clock chip controls the battery cell to supply power to the microcontroller via control signals, including: The real-time clock chip controls the enable of the DC-DC converter through a control signal, and supplies power to the microcontroller unit through the battery cell.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Performing condition monitoring of the energy storage device includes: The status data of the energy storage device is stored in a flash memory chip, and the status of the energy storage device is determined based on the status data.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After performing status monitoring of the energy storage device, the following is also included: The microcontroller determines the next wake-up time based on the clock information of the real-time clock chip and sends the next wake-up time to the real-time clock chip; The microcontroller controls the real-time clock chip to shut down, thus powering down the microcontroller.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Real-time clock chip control signals include a high level on the real-time clock chip control pin; The detection of the real-time clock chip control signal includes: A high level was detected on the real-time clock chip control pin. Control signals to shut down the real-time clock chip include: Control the release control pin of the real-time clock chip.

7. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The microcontroller operates in a working mode after being powered on and no control signal from the real-time clock chip is detected. Alternatively, after the microcontroller is powered on and detects the real-time clock chip control signal, if it detects a charging insertion or power-on signal, it executes the working mode. In the working mode, the PMOS switch is turned on by the battery pack control of the battery management system, or the DC to DC converter is enabled, so that the microcontroller is powered by the battery cells, and other power circuits of the main control board of the energy storage device are powered by the battery pack of the battery management system. When the energy storage device is powered off, the inverter detects the charging insertion and controls the PMOS switch to turn on through the inverter power supply signal, or enables the DC-DC converter to power on.

8. An energy storage device, characterized in that, This includes the battery management system motherboard, main control board, battery cells, and inverter; The battery management system motherboard is used to supply power to the microcontroller unit of the main control board in the working mode; The main control board includes a real-time clock chip and a microcontroller unit; The real-time clock chip is used to control the battery cell to supply power to the microcontroller unit via a real-time clock chip control signal at the wake-up time. The microcontroller unit is used to monitor the status of the energy storage device after power-on and detecting the control signal of the real-time clock chip; The battery cell is used to power the real-time clock chip and, in the energy storage device status monitoring mode, to power the microcontroller unit.

9. The energy storage device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The battery cells of the energy storage device also include PMOS switches; The PMOS switch is used to turn on when the control signal of the real-time clock chip is detected, so as to supply power to the microcontroller unit through the battery cell.

10. The energy storage device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The energy storage device also includes a DC-DC converter; The DC-DC converter is enabled when the control signal of the real-time clock chip is detected, so as to power the microcontroller unit through the battery cell.

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