COMMUNICATION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION METHOD AND ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM

Abstract

In an energy storage system, where a CAN data frame containing information about the states of a plurality of storage batteries and a CAN ID is sent from the storage batteries to a state monitoring device via a CAN bus, the state monitoring device can acquire the information about the states of the plurality of storage batteries. The communication device (100) includes a CAN ID conversion device (101-1) configured to convert the CAN ID contained in the CAN data frame into a BMS ID to identify state information of battery B1 and the battery.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device, a communication method and an energy storage system. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A system is known that collects information about the state of a battery (hereinafter referred to as state information) and remotely monitors the battery (see, for example, patent literature 1). The system disclosed in patent literature 1 comprises various sensors, such as a voltage sensor, a current sensor, and a temperature sensor, for detecting the state of a battery; a control unit into which the detection signals from the sensors are input; and a communication interface for transmitting state information and the like from the battery, which is input to the control unit. QUOTE LIST PATENT LITERATURE

[0003] Patent Literature 1: JP2020-530256A SUMMARY TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0004] A scenario is assumed in which an energy storage system is implemented using storage batteries used in an electric vehicle (or storage batteries not used in the electric vehicle) and a CAN communication unit for the electric vehicle, in which battery status information is transmitted via a Controller Area Network (CAN). In this scenario, CAN IDs for the same data type transmitted by multiple CAN communication units overlap if multiple storage batteries and multiple CAN communication units are used in or intended for the same vehicle model. For example, a CAN ID corresponding to the voltage of one specific storage battery and CAN IDs corresponding to the voltage of other storage batteries are identical.Therefore, CAN data frames on a CAN bus may collide with each other, and a condition monitoring device may not be able to acquire condition information from the multitude of storage batteries.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an objective of the present invention is to provide a communication device, a communication method and an energy storage system in which a CAN data frame containing state information of several storage batteries and a CAN ID is transmitted from the storage batteries via a CAN to a state monitoring device, so that the state monitoring device can acquire the state information of the several storage batteries. SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0006] A communication device of the present invention is a communication device provided in an energy storage system comprising multiple storage batteries and a condition monitoring device configured to monitor the states of the plurality of storage batteries, and which sends the state information, which is information about the states of the storage batteries, and a first CAN ID for identifying the state information from the storage batteries to the condition monitoring device via a CAN (Controller Area Network), wherein the communication device includes: a conversion unit configured to convert the first CAN ID into a first identifier for identifying the state information and the storage batteries,wherein the conversion unit has storage battery identification information for identifying the storage batteries and the conversion unit is configured to perform a first generation process to generate the first identifier based on the first CAN ID received from the storage batteries and the storage battery identification information, a second generation process to generate first reference information that specifies a relationship between the storage battery identification information, the first identifier and the state information, and which the state monitoring device references based on the storage battery identification information, the first identifier and the first CAN ID generated in the first generation process and the state information received from the storage batteries, and a first conversion process to convert the first CAN ID into the first identifier.

[0007] A communication method of the present invention is a communication method for sending, in an energy storage system comprising a plurality of storage batteries and a condition monitoring device configured to monitor the states of the plurality of storage batteries, state information, which is information about the states of the storage batteries, and a CAN ID for identifying the state information, from the storage batteries to the condition monitoring device via a CAN, wherein the communication method comprises: a first generation step for generating an identifier for identifying the state information and the storage batteries based on the CAN ID received from the storage batteries, and storage battery identification information for identifying the storage batteries;a second generation step to create reference information that specifies a relationship between the storage battery identification information, the identifier, and the state information, and is referenced by the state monitoring device, based on the storage battery identification information, the identifier generated in the first generation step, the CAN ID, and the state information received from the storage batteries; and a conversion step to convert the CAN ID into the identifier.

[0008] An energy storage system of the present invention is an energy storage system comprising: a plurality of storage batteries; a condition monitoring device configured to monitor the states of the plurality of storage batteries; and a communication device configured to send state information, which is information about the states of the storage batteries, and a CAN ID for identifying the state information from the storage batteries to the condition monitoring device via a CAN, wherein the communication device includes a conversion unit configured to convert the CAN ID into an identifier for identifying the state information and the storage batteries, the conversion unit has storage battery identification information for identifying the storage batteries, and the conversion unit is configured tothat they have a first generation process to generate the identifier based on the CAN ID received from the storage batteries and the storage battery identification information, a second generation process to generate reference information that specifies a relationship between the storage battery identification information, the identifier and the state information and is referenced by the state monitoring device, based on the storage battery identification information, the identifier generated in the first generation process and the CAN ID, and the state information received from the storage batteries, and a conversion process to convert the CAN ID into the identifier. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to the present invention, in the energy storage system in which the CAN data frame containing the state information of the plurality of storage batteries and the CAN ID is transmitted from the storage batteries to the state monitoring device via the CAN, the state monitoring device can acquire the state information of the plurality of storage batteries. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a circuit diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of an energy storage system with a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a function block diagram illustrating an example of functions that are defined by the in Fig. The communication device shown in section 1 will be implemented. Fig. Figure 3 is a table illustrating an example of CAN IDs and data contained in a CAN data frame transmitted by a battery. Fig. 4 is a table that provides an example of a Fig. 2 illustrated CAN ID conversion tables. Fig. 5 is a table that provides an example of a Fig. 2 illustrated BMS ID table. Fig. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for generating a CAN ID conversion table and a BMS ID table. Fig. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the communication between a battery and a BMS. DESCRIPTION OF EXECUTION FORMS

[0010] The present invention is described below with reference to preferred embodiments. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and the embodiments can be suitably modified without deviating from the essential nature of the present invention. In the embodiments described below, some configurations may not be described or shown in the drawings, and with regard to the details of the omitted techniques, publicly known or generally known techniques are suitably applied, provided they do not contradict the content to be described below.

[0011] Fig. Figure 1 is a circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration of an energy storage system 1 with a communication device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The circuit shown in Figure 1 is a circuit diagram showing an energy storage system 1 with a communication device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. The energy storage system 1 shown is a stationary or vehicle-integrated power supply and comprises multiple strings STR or a single string STR, a power converter PC and a battery management system (BMS) 10. If multiple strings STR are present, the multiple strings STR are connected in parallel.

[0012] The string STR comprises several batteries B1 to Bn connected in series. Each of the batteries B1 to Bn comprises several cells C1 to Cn connected in series. The batteries B1 to Bn of the present embodiment are used and collected in an electric motor vehicle or are prepared for the electric motor vehicle and are unused. Therefore, there may be differences in the degree of wear of the batteries B1 to Bn. The batteries B1 to Bn are lithium-ion batteries or the like and are discharged via the power converter PC (described later) to supply power to an external system (not illustrated). The external system includes a load, a power generator, and the like. If the energy storage system 1 is a stationary power supply, household appliances, a commercial power supply system, and the like serve as loads, and a solar photovoltaic power generation system and the like serve as the power generator.If, on the other hand, energy storage system 1 is a vehicle power supply, a drive motor, an air conditioning system, various electrical components in the vehicle, and the like serve as loads. The drive motor serves both as a load and as a power generator. Conversely, the power generated by the power generator is supplied via the power converter PC to batteries B1 to Bn, and the batteries B1 to Bn are charged.

[0013] The STR string contains several battery modules BM1 to BMn and a current sensor 14. Each battery module BM1 to BMn contains batteries B1 to Bn, battery electronic control units (ECUs) 11, integrated cell protection circuits (ICs) 12, CAN transceiver ICs 13, and bypass units BU1 to BUn. The batteries B1 to Bn, the cell protection ICs 12, and the CAN transceiver ICs 13 are used in an electric vehicle and are either collected or prepared for use in an electric vehicle and are currently unused.

[0014] The battery ECUs 11 detect the states of batteries B1 to Bn, determine the states of batteries B1 to Bn, and control the bypass units BU1 to BUn. The cell protection IC 12 detects overcharging, over-discharging, discharge overcurrent, and charge overcurrent of cells C1 to Cn, detects and interrupts a short circuit, detects a disconnection, restores cells C1 to Cn from an overcharged or over-discharged state, and balances cells C1 to Cn.

[0015] The battery ECUs 11 transmit information about the states of batteries B1 to Bn (hereinafter referred to as battery state information) to the CAN transceiver ICs 13. Conversely, the battery ECUs 11 receive information about the control of batteries B1 to Bn (hereinafter referred to as battery control information) from the CAN transceiver ICs 13. Examples of battery state information sent from the battery ECUs 11 include a state of charge (SOC). Examples of battery control information received by the battery ECUs 11 include a voltage setpoint, a current setpoint, and the control information (ON / OFF of switches S1 and S2, described later) of the bypass units BU1 to BUn.

[0016] The cell protection IC 12 transmits the battery status information to the CAN transceiver IC 13 and receives the battery control information from the CAN transceiver IC 13. Examples of the battery status information transmitted by the cell protection ICs 12 include the voltages of cells C1 to Cn and the current of batteries B1 to Bn. Furthermore, examples of the battery control information received by the cell protection ICs 12 include a voltage setpoint and a current setpoint.

[0017] The CAN transceiver IC 13 sends the battery status information to the BMS 10 via CAN communication carried out by the communication device 100 and receives the battery control information from the BMS 10. The communication device 100 is described later.

[0018] The power converter PC is a bidirectional converter and is connected to a string bus 3. Furthermore, the power converter PC is connected to a positive electrode of the initial battery B1 and a negative electrode of the final battery Bn.

[0019] When string STR is being charged, the power converter PC converts a voltage input from string bus 3 according to a command value for the charging power (or charging current) and outputs the converted voltage to the multitude of batteries B1 to Bn. The voltage at string STR changes according to the bypass state of batteries B1 to Bn (number of bypassed batteries B1 to Bn) and the state of charge of batteries B1 to Bn. Therefore, when string STR is being charged, the power converter PC converts the voltage input from string bus 3 into the voltage at string STR and outputs the converted voltage to the multitude of batteries B1 to Bn.

[0020] When string STR is discharged, the power converter PC converts the voltage input from the multiple batteries B1 to Bn according to a setpoint for the discharge power (or discharge current) and outputs the converted voltage to string bus 3. Here, the input voltage of the power converter PC changes during discharge according to the bypass state of batteries B1 to Bn or their state of charge. Consequently, when the multiple strings STR are operating in parallel, fluctuations in the input voltage of the power converter PC occur between the strings during discharge. Therefore, when string STR is discharged, the power converter PC converts its input voltage to a voltage that corresponds to the other strings STR and outputs the converted voltage to string bus 3.If the current flowing through string bus 3 is an alternating current, the power converter PC includes a synchronization unit for tracking a change in an instantaneous value.

[0021] The bypass units BU1 to BUn are each intended for batteries B1 to Bn. Each bypass unit BU1 to BUn comprises a bypass line BL and switches S1 and S2. The bypass line BL is a power line that bypasses each of the batteries B1 to Bn. Switch S1 is located on the bypass line BL. Switch S1 can be, for example, a mechanical switch, a semiconductor switch, or a relay. Switch S2 is located between a positive electrode of each of the batteries B1 to Bn and one end of the bypass line BL. Switch S2 can be, for example, a mechanical switch, a semiconductor switch, or a relay.

[0022] The initial battery B1 and the final battery Bn are connected to an external system via the power converter PC and the string bus 3. When switch S1 is off and switch S2 is on in all bypass units BU1 to BUn, all batteries B1 to Bn are connected in series. Conversely, when switch S2 is off and switch S1 is on in one of the bypass units BU1 to BUn, the batteries B1 to Bn corresponding to the bypass units BU1 to BUn are bypassed.

[0023] The current sensor 14 is located on the power line of string STR. The current sensor 14 detects the charging and discharging current of string STR and transmits a detection signal to the BMS 10. Additionally, string STR is equipped with a voltage sensor, a temperature sensor, and similar components (not shown). The voltage sensor detects the total voltage of string STR and transmits a detection signal to the BMS 10. Additionally, the temperature sensor detects the ambient temperature of string STR and transmits a detection signal to the BMS 10.

[0024] The BMS 10 communicates with a host control unit (not illustrated), the multiple battery ECUs 11, and the multiple cell protection ICs 12, and controls and manages the multiple battery modules BM1 to BMn. In addition, the BMS 10 controls and manages auxiliary equipment provided in the STR string. Examples of auxiliary equipment include the power converter PC and the current sensor 14.

[0025] Based on the battery status information received via CAN from the battery ECUs 11 and the cell protection ICs 12, the BMS 10 monitors the states of batteries B1 to Bn and generates and transmits the battery control information. This information includes details on the control of the bypass units BU1 to BUn, as well as information on the voltage and current setpoints for batteries B1 to Bn. The BMS 10 receives a setpoint for the charging and discharging power (or charging and discharging current) of string STR from the host controller and calculates the voltage and current setpoints for batteries B1 to Bn based on this setpoint and the battery status information.Furthermore, the BMS 10 determines whether a request transmitted by the battery ECUs 11 to control the bypass units BU1 to BUn is permissible, and transmits bypass control information to the battery ECUs 11 according to the result of the determination.

[0026] The communication device 100 comprises several CAN ID conversion devices 101-1 to 101-n and a BMS ID table 102. The CAN ID conversion devices 101-1 to 101-n are intended for the respective battery modules BM1 to BMn. It is not mandatory to provide the multiple CAN ID conversion devices 101-1 to 101-n and to assign the CAN ID conversion devices 101-1 to 101-n to the battery modules BM1 to BMn in a one-to-one relationship. A CAN ID conversion device can be provided with multiple input and output connections, and the input and output connections can correspond to the battery modules BM1 to BMn in a one-to-one relationship.

[0027] Each of the CAN ID conversion devices 101-1 to 101-n comprises a CAN ID conversion table 101A, a CAN ID conversion unit 101B, and a table generation unit 101C. The CAN ID conversion table 101A is a table referenced when CAN IDs contained in a CAN data frame are converted into BMS IDs as described later.

[0028] The CAN ID conversion unit 101B converts the CAN IDs contained in the CAN data frame transmitted by the CAN transceiver IC 13 into BMS IDs with reference to the CAN ID conversion table 101A and transmits the converted CAN data frame to the BMS 10. Conversely, the CAN ID conversion unit 101B converts the BMS IDs contained in the CAN data frame transmitted by the BMS 10 into CAN IDs with reference to the CAN ID conversion table 101A and transmits the converted CAN data frame to the CAN transceiver IC 13.

[0029] Each table generation unit 101C generates each CAN ID conversion table 101A and the BMS ID table 102. The BMS ID table 102 is referenced when the BMS 10 identifies the battery status information and the batteries B1 to Bn at the time of receiving the CAN data frame from each of the CAN ID conversion units 101-1 to 101-n. Furthermore, the BMS ID table 102 is also referenced when the BMS 10 generates the battery control information.

[0030] Fig. 2 is a function block diagram illustrating an example of functions that are defined by the in Fig. The communication device shown in 1 is implemented in 100. Fig. Figure 2 illustrates the communication between the battery module BM1 and the BMS 10, with communication between the other battery modules BM2 to BMn and the BMS 10 taking place in a similar manner.

[0031] The in Fig. 2 Illustrated CAN ID conversion device 101-1 is installed between the battery module BM1 and the BMS 10 when the battery B1 is newly connected to the energy storage system 1 (see Fig. 1) In the present embodiment, the battery B1, the cell protection IC 12, and the CAN transceiver IC 13 are used in or prepared for use in the electric vehicle. In contrast, the bypass unit BU1, the battery ECU 11, and the CAN ID conversion device 101-1 are newly installed. If the battery module BM1, which contains the bypass unit BU1, is used, then the bypass unit BU1 can also be used. If the battery ECU 11 can be reused, the bypass unit BU1, the battery ECU 11, and the CAN ID conversion device 101-1 do not need to be newly installed.

[0032] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2, the CAN data frame containing the CAN IDs and battery status information is transmitted from the CAN transceiver IC 13 via the CAN to the CAN ID conversion device 101-1.

[0033] Fig. Figure 3 is a table illustrating an example of CAN IDs and data contained in the CAN data frame sent from battery B1. As illustrated in this table, the CAN data frame transmitted by battery B1 includes data such as voltage, current, state of charge (SOC), voltage setpoint, current setpoint, control information about bypass unit BU1, and the CAN IDs used to identify the data. The voltage, current, and SOC correspond to the battery state information, and the voltage setpoint, current setpoint, and control information of bypass unit BU1 correspond to the battery control information.

[0034] Here, the CAN IDs for identifying the status and control information of batteries B1 to Bn are defined for each vehicle model. For example, if battery B1 and battery B2 are batteries for the same vehicle model, the CAN IDs for identifying battery status and control information will overlap between battery B1 and battery B2. For instance, the CAN IDs for identifying the voltage of battery B1 and battery B2 will be identical. Consequently, the CAN data frames transmitted by battery B1 and battery B2 may collide on the CAN bus and potentially not be detected by the BMS 10.

[0035] Therefore, the CAN ID conversion device 101-1 in the present embodiment, as described in Fig. Figure 2 illustrates how the CAN ID contained in the CAN data frame received from battery B1 is converted into the BMS ID, which can be identified by the BMS 10. The CAN ID conversion device 101-1 converts the CAN ID into the BMS ID with reference to the CAN ID conversion table 101A.

[0036] On the other hand, the CAN ID conversion device 101-1 converts the BMS ID contained in the CAN data frame received by the BMS 10 into the CAN ID that can be identified at battery B1. The CAN ID conversion device 101-1 converts the BMS ID into the CAN ID with reference to the CAN ID conversion table 101A.

[0037] Fig. 4 is a table that provides an example of the in Fig. Figure 2 illustrates CAN ID conversion table 101A. As shown in this table, CAN ID conversion table 101A is a table that specifies a mapping between a battery number, CAN IDs, BMS IDs, and data. This table illustrates the CAN ID conversion table 101A corresponding to battery B1 with battery number 1. The CAN ID conversion table 101A shown in this table is stored in the CAN ID conversion device 101-1, which is connected to battery module BM1 via the CAN bus. The CAN ID conversion table 101A corresponding to the other battery numbers, i.e., batteries B2 through Bn, has different battery numbers and BMS IDs than those shown in the table. Fig. 4 illustrated CAN ID conversion table 101A.

[0038] As shown in the table of Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, the CAN IDs in CAN ID conversion table 101A correspond to the CAN IDs shown in the table in Fig. The 3 CAN data frames shown are included. On the other hand, the BMS IDs of the CAN ID conversion table 101A are defined in such a way that the battery numbers and data types can be identified.

[0039] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2, the CAN ID conversion device 101-1 comprises the CAN ID conversion table 101A, the CAN ID conversion unit 101B, and the table generation unit 101C. The CAN ID conversion unit 101B converts the CAN IDs with reference to the CAN ID conversion table 101A when it receives the CAN data frame from the CAN transceiver IC 13. The CAN ID conversion unit 101B then transmits the CAN data frame to the BMS 10 after the ID conversion. Conversely, the CAN ID conversion unit 101B converts the BMS IDs to CAN IDs with reference to the CAN ID conversion table 101A when it receives the CAN data frame from the BMS 10. The CAN ID conversion unit 101B then transmits the CAN data frame to the CAN transceiver IC 13 after the ID conversion.

[0040] The table generation unit 101C generates the BMS IDs, the CAN ID conversion table 101A, and the BMS ID table 102. The BMS ID table 102 is a table that is referenced when the BMS 10 receives the CAN data frame containing the battery status information and when the BMS 10 generates the CAN data frame containing the battery control information.

[0041] Fig. 5 is a table that provides an example of the in Fig. Figure 2 illustrates BMS ID Table 102. As illustrated in this table, BMS ID Table 102 is a table that specifies a mapping between battery numbers, BMS IDs, and data (battery status information and battery control information). This table illustrates the BMS IDs and data corresponding to battery B1 with battery number 1, as well as the BMS IDs and data corresponding to battery B2 with battery number 2. BMS ID Table 102, as shown in this table, is stored in BMS 10, the host controller, or on an external server (not illustrated).

[0042] The in Fig. Table generation unit 101C, illustrated in Figure 2, stores battery numbers for identifying batteries B1 to Bn. When new batteries B1 to Bn are connected, table generation unit 101C captures a CAN data frame from CAN transceiver IC 13. Table generation unit 101C then generates BMS IDs based on the CAN IDs contained in the captured CAN data frame and the previously stored battery numbers. Table generation unit 101C generates CAN ID conversion table 101A based on the CAN IDs and data contained in the captured CAN data frame, as well as the generated BMS IDs. Furthermore, table generation unit 101C generates BMS ID table 102 based on the CAN IDs and data contained in the captured CAN data frame, the previously stored battery numbers, and the generated BMS IDs.

[0043] The BMS 10 identifies the types of data corresponding to the BMS IDs contained in the CAN data frame, with reference to BMS ID Table 102, when it receives the CAN data frame from the CAN ID conversion device 101-1. Conversely, when it generates the battery control information, the BMS 10 stores the battery control information and the BMS IDs in the CAN data frame in conjunction with each other, again with reference to BMS ID Table 102.

[0044] Fig. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example procedure for generating the CAN ID conversion table 101A and the BMS ID table 102. The BMS ID table 102 illustrated in the flowchart is generated when the new batteries B1 to Bn are connected to the energy storage system 1.

[0045] In step S1, an operator first installs the CAN ID conversion devices 101-1 to 101-n, corresponding to the newly connected batteries B1 to Bn, between the battery modules BM1 to BMn and the BMS 10. The installed CAN ID conversion devices 101-1 to 101-n store the battery numbers of the newly connected batteries B1 to Bn.

[0046] Next, in step S2, the table generation unit 101C determines, based on the reception of a CAN data frame from battery modules BM1 to BMn, whether the new batteries B1 to Bn are connected to energy storage system 1. If the determination in step S2 is "Yes", the process continues with step S3, and if the determination in step S2 is "No", the process continues with step S6.

[0047] In step S3, the table generation unit 101C captures a CAN data frame containing various data and CAN IDs from the CAN transceiver ICs 13, corresponding to the new batteries B1 to Bn. Here, the "various data" includes battery state information and battery control information. The CAN ID for identifying the battery state information corresponds to a first CAN ID, and the CAN ID for identifying the battery control information corresponds to a second CAN ID.

[0048] Next, in step S4, the table generation unit 101C generates BMS IDs based on the stored battery numbers and the CAN IDs contained in the CAN data frame received by the CAN transceiver IC 13. The BMS IDs generated in step S4 include a first identifier to identify batteries B1 to Bn and the type of battery status information, and a second identifier to identify batteries B1 to Bn and the type of battery control information.

[0049] Next, in step S5, the table generation unit 101C sends the BMS IDs generated in step S4, the battery status and control information identified by the BMS IDs, and the battery numbers to the BMS ID table 102. This generates the BMS ID table 102 according to the newly connected batteries B1 through Bn. The above process in steps S2 and S5 is repeated while BMS 10 is operating (NO in step S6) and ends when BMS 10 stops operating (YES in step S6).

[0050] Fig. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the communication between batteries B1 to Bn and the BMS 10. The process illustrated in the flowchart is initiated when the BMS 10 starts operating.

[0051] First, in step S11, the CAN ID conversion unit 101B determines whether the CAN data frame has been received from the CAN transceiver IC 13. If the determination in step S11 is "Yes", the process continues with step S12, and if the determination in step S11 is "No", the process continues with step S13.

[0052] In step S12, the CAN ID conversion unit 101B converts the CAN IDs contained in the CAN data frame received by the CAN transceiver IC 13 into the BMS IDs, referring to the CAN ID conversion table 101A. The CAN ID conversion unit 101B then transmits the CAN data frame to the BMS 10 after the ID conversion.

[0053] Next, in step S13, the CAN ID conversion unit 101B determines whether the CAN data frame from the BMS 10 has been received. If the determination in step S13 is "Yes", the process continues with step S14, and if the determination in step S13 is "No", the process continues with step S15.

[0054] In step S14, the CAN ID conversion unit 101B converts the BMS IDs contained in the CAN data frame received by the BMS 10 into CAN IDs, referring to the CAN ID conversion table 101A. At this point, the CAN ID conversion unit 101B only receives the CAN data frame containing the BMS IDs listed in the CAN ID conversion table 101A and converts the BMS IDs into the CAN IDs on the received CAN data frame. The CAN ID conversion unit 101B then sends the CAN data frame to the CAN transceiver IC 13 after the ID conversion. The process described above in steps S11 and S14 is repeated while the BMS 10 is operating (NO in step S15), and ends when the BMS 10 stops operating (YES in step S15).

[0055] As described above, the communication device 100 of the present embodiment includes the CAN ID conversion devices 101-1 to 101-n. The CAN ID conversion devices 101-1 to 101-n contain the battery number information for identifying the batteries B1 to Bn.

[0056] When the new batteries B1 to Bn are connected, the CAN ID conversion devices 101-1 to 101-n acquire the CAN IDs from the battery status information of batteries B1 to Bn. Next, the CAN ID conversion devices 101-1 to 101-n generate the BMS IDs to identify the battery status information and the batteries B1 to Bn based on the CAN IDs and battery numbers acquired from batteries B1 to Bn (first generation process).

[0057] Next, the CAN ID conversion devices 101-1 to 101-n generate the BMS ID table 102, which specifies a relationship between the battery number, the BMS IDs and the battery status information, based on the battery number information, the generated BMS IDs and the CAN IDs and the battery status information received from the batteries B1 to Bn (second generation process).

[0058] When the CAN data frame containing the battery status information and CAN IDs from batteries B1 to Bn is sent to BMS 10, the CAN ID conversion devices 101-1 to 101-n convert the CAN IDs into the BMS IDs (first conversion process). This conversion is based on the CAN ID conversion table 101A, which specifies the relationship between the CAN IDs and the BMS IDs. The CAN ID conversion devices 101-1 to 101-n then send the CAN data frame to BMS 10 after the ID conversion.

[0059] Accordingly, even if the energy storage system 1 is implemented using batteries B1 to Bn for the same vehicle model, overlap of the CAN IDs for the same type of battery status information transmitted by the different battery modules BM1 to BMn can be prevented. Therefore, the CAN data frames transmitted by the different battery modules BM1 to BMn can be captured by the BMS 10 without collision on the CAN bus. Subsequently, the BMS 10 can identify, with reference to the BMS ID table 102, which of the batteries B1 to Bn corresponds to the battery status information contained in the captured CAN data frame.

[0060] Furthermore, in the communication device 100 of the present embodiment, the CAN-ID conversion table 101A serves as reference information, which specifies a relationship between the battery numbers, the CAN-IDs via the battery control information and the BMS-IDs via the control information of batteries B1 to Bn.

[0061] When the new batteries B1 to Bn are connected, the CAN ID conversion devices 101-1 to 101-n acquire the CAN IDs from the battery control information of batteries B1 to Bn. Next, the CAN ID conversion devices 101-1 to 101-n generate the BMS IDs based on the battery control information and the battery numbers (third generation process).

[0062] Next, the CAN ID conversion devices 101-1 to 101-n generate the BMS ID table 102, which specifies a relationship between the battery numbers, the BMS IDs and the battery control information based on the battery numbers, the generated BMS IDs and CAN IDs and the battery control information received from the batteries B1 to Bn (fourth generation process).

[0063] When the CAN data frame containing the battery control information and CAN IDs is sent from BMS 10 to batteries B1 to Bn, the CAN ID conversion devices 101-1 to 101-n convert the BMS IDs into CAN IDs (second conversion process). This conversion refers to the CAN ID conversion table 101A, which specifies the relationship between the CAN IDs and the BMS IDs. The CAN ID conversion devices 101-1 to 101-n then send the converted CAN data frame to batteries B1 to Bn.

[0064] Accordingly, even if the energy storage system 1 is implemented using batteries B1 to Bn for the same vehicle model, overlap of the CAN IDs for battery control information of the same type, transmitted by the BMS 10 to the different battery modules BM1 to BMn, can be prevented. Therefore, the CAN data frames transmitted by the BMS 10 to the different battery modules BM1 to BMn can be captured by the battery modules BM1 to BMn without collision on the CAN bus. Subsequently, the BMS 10 can identify, with reference to the BMS ID table 102, which of the battery modules BM1 to BMn corresponds to the battery control information contained in the CAN data frame to be transmitted.

[0065] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments described above, it is not limited to these embodiments. Modifications can be made without departing from the essence of the present invention, or publicly known or generally known techniques can be combined in a suitable manner.

[0066] For example, in the embodiments described above, a storage battery is a battery, and the storage battery can be another secondary battery, such as a capacitor. Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the CAN ID conversion table 101A and the BMS ID table 102 are generated when batteries B1 to Bn are reconnected. However, the connection of the new batteries B1 to Bn can be checked at predetermined time intervals, and the CAN ID conversion table 101A and the BMS ID table 102 can be generated when the connection is confirmed.

[0067] Although various embodiments have been described above, it is understood that the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is obvious that those skilled in the art can make various modifications or corrections within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these modifications or corrections naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components described in the embodiments above can be freely combined without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0068] The present application is based on a Japanese patent application (No. JP 2023-30007) filed on February 28, 2023, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. LIST OF REFERENCE POINTS 1 Energy storage system 10 BMS (Battery Management System) 100 communication devices 101-1 to 101-n CAN ID conversion device (conversion unit) 102 BMS ID table (first reference information, second reference information, reference information) B1 to Bn battery (storage battery) QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2020-530256A

[0003] JP 2023-30007

[0068]

Claims

[1] Communication device provided in an energy storage system comprising a plurality of storage batteries and a condition monitoring device configured to monitor the states of the plurality of storage batteries, and transmitting the state information, which is information about the states of the storage batteries, and a first CAN ID for identifying the state information from the storage batteries to the condition monitoring device via a CAN (Controller Area Network), wherein the communication device comprises: a conversion unit configured to convert the first CAN ID into a first identifier for identifying the status information and the storage batteries, wherein the conversion unit has storage battery identification information for identifying the storage batteries and the conversion unit is configured to execute a first generation process to generate the first identifier based on the first CAN ID received from the storage batteries and the storage battery identification information, a second generation process for generating initial reference information that specifies a relationship between the storage battery identification information, the first identifier, and the state information, and is referenced by the state monitoring device based on the storage battery identification information, the first identifier and the first CAN ID generated in the first generation process, and the state information received from the storage batteries, and a first conversion process to convert the first CAN ID into the first identifier. [2] Communication device according to claim 1, wherein control information, which is information about the control of the storage batteries, and a second identifier for identifying the control information and the storage batteries are transmitted from the condition monitoring device to the storage batteries via the CAN, and the conversion unit is configured so that it a third generation process for receiving a second CAN ID to identify the control information from the storage batteries and for generating the second identifier based on the second CAN ID and the storage battery identification information, a fourth generation process for generating a second reference information that specifies a relationship between the storage battery identification information, the second identifier, and the control information, and is referenced by the condition monitoring device based on the storage battery identification information, the second identifier generated in the third generation process, the second CAN ID received from the storage batteries, and the control information. a second conversion process to convert the second identifier into the second CAN ID. [3] Communication method for sending state information, which is information about the states of the storage batteries, and a CAN ID for identifying the state information from the storage batteries to a state monitoring device via a CAN in an energy storage system comprising multiple storage batteries and a state monitoring device configured to monitor the states of the plurality of storage batteries, wherein the communication method comprises: a first generation step to generate an identifier to identify the status information and the storage batteries based on the CAN ID received from the storage batteries and storage battery identification information to identify the storage batteries; a second generation step to generate reference information that specifies a relationship between the storage battery identification information, the identifier, and the status information, and is referenced by the status monitoring device based on the storage battery identification information, the identifier generated in the first generation step, the CAN ID, and the status information received from the storage batteries; and a conversion step to convert the CAN ID into the identifier. [4] Energy storage system, comprising: a large number of storage batteries; a condition monitoring device configured to monitor the states of the multiple storage batteries; and a communication device configured to transmit condition information, which is information about the states of the storage batteries, and a CAN ID for identifying the condition information from the storage batteries to the condition monitoring device via a CAN, wherein The communication device includes a conversion unit configured to convert the CAN ID into an identifier for identifying the status information and the storage batteries. the conversion unit has storage battery identification information for identifying the storage batteries, and the conversion unit is configured to execute: a first generation process to generate the identifier based on the CAN ID received from the storage batteries and the storage battery identification information, a second generation process for generating reference information that specifies a relationship between the storage battery identification information, the identifier, and the state information, and is referenced by the state monitoring device based on the storage battery identification information, the identifier generated in the first generation process, the CAN ID, and the state information received from the storage batteries, and a conversion process to convert the CAN ID into the identifier.

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