MONITORING OVERVOLTAGE OF A CELLULAR BATTERY OF A SYSTEM

Abstract

A monitoring method is implemented in a vehicle comprising a cellular battery comprising N electrical energy storage cells, with N > 1, and N sensors respectively measuring N voltages at the terminals of the N cells, and capable, on the one hand, of being recharged by an external power source in at least one mode called external recharge or by torque recovery in a mode called internal recovery, and, on the other hand, of discharging in a mode called discharge. This method comprises a step (10-30) in which, when the cellular battery is used in one of the aforementioned modes, the sum of the N measured voltages is compared to a threshold depending on this mode used, and a main action depending on this mode used is carried out in the vehicle when this sum is greater than this threshold. Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: MONITORING OVERVOLTAGES OF A CELLULAR BATTERY OF A SYSTEM Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to systems comprising at least one cellular battery capable of being discharged and recharged by an external power source or by internal torque recovery, and more specifically to the monitoring within such systems of overvoltages of the cellular battery. State of the art

[0002] Certain systems, such as for example certain vehicles (possibly of the automobile type), comprise at least one cellular battery capable, on the one hand, of being recharged by an external power source in at least one so-called external recharge mode or by torque recovery in a so-called internal recovery mode, and, on the other hand, of discharging in a so-called discharge mode.

[0003] It will be noted that when the system is a vehicle comprising a powertrain (or GMP) comprising at least one electric motor, the cellular battery is in the discharge mode in particular when it supplies this electric motor with electrical energy so that it produces engine torque. It will also be noted that when the system is a vehicle, the torque recovery in the internal recovery mode may at least consist of recovering regenerative braking torque.

[0004] As is known to those skilled in the art, a cellular battery can sometimes be subject to an overvoltage when using the external recharge mode or the internal recovery mode or even the discharge mode, which can prove dangerous, in particular when this overvoltage lasts because it can cause a fire and / or electrocution of person(s). In addition, overvoltages are likely to reduce the lifespan of the cells of the cellular battery.

[0005] It has been proposed to monitor the respective overvoltages of the N cells of a cellular battery in the external recharge mode. But there is no known solution for detecting the actual and potentially dangerous overvoltages of a cellular battery, neither in the external recharge mode, nor in the internal recovery mode, nor in the discharge mode, and therefore even less in each of the aforementioned modes.

[0006] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0007] It proposes in particular for this purpose a monitoring method intended to be implemented works in a system comprising a cellular battery comprising N electrical energy storage cells, with N > 1, and N sensors respectively measuring N voltages at the terminals of these N cells, and capable, on the one hand, of being recharged by an external power source in at least one mode called external recharge or by torque recovery in a mode called internal recovery, and, on the other hand, of discharging in a mode called discharge.

[0008] This monitoring method is characterized by the fact that it comprises a step in which, when the cellular battery is used in one of the aforementioned modes, a sum of the N measured voltages is compared to a threshold which is a function of this mode used, and a main action is carried out in the system which is a function of this mode used when this sum is greater than this threshold.

[0009] Thanks to the invention, it is certain to detect each overvoltage actually occurring during the use of a mode, and therefore, in the event of detection of an overvoltage in a mode, it is possible to act in a manner adapted to the current situation, which makes it possible to prevent an overvoltage from causing a fire and / or electrocution of person(s).

[0010] The monitoring method according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0011] - in its step, one can carry out in the system a main action function of the mode used when the sum is greater than the threshold concerned for at least a first duration which is a function of this mode used;

[0012] - in the presence of the first option, in its step, each first duration associated with one of the modes can be between 2s and 4s;

[0013] - in its step, in the discharge mode and internal recovery mode, the action main function may consist of alerting a person using the system by means of a light on the latter and / or a text message and / or an audible message;

[0014] - in its step, in each external charging mode the main action can consist at least of prohibiting the use of the external charging mode;

[0015] - in the presence of the last option, in its step, in each recharging mode external the main action may also consist of electrically isolating the cellular battery from any electrical supply circuit of the system after the expiration of a second chosen duration since the prohibition of use of the external charging mode;

[0016] - in its step, when performing a main action, one can also perform in the system a secondary action consisting of recording at least one fault code representative of an overvoltage problem in the cell battery.

[0017] The invention also provides a computer program product comprising a set of instructions which, when executed by processing means, is capable of implementing a monitoring method of the type presented above, in a system comprising a cellular battery comprising N storage cells. of electrical energy, with N > 1, and N sensors respectively measuring N voltages at the terminals of these N cells, and capable, on the one hand, of being recharged by an external power source in at least one mode called external recharge or by torque recovery in a mode called internal recovery, and, on the other hand, of discharging in a mode called discharge, to monitor the operation of the cellular battery in order to detect overvoltages of the latter.

[0018] The invention also proposes a monitoring device intended to equip a system comprising a cellular battery comprising N electrical energy storage cells, with N > 1, and N sensors respectively measuring N voltages at the terminals of these N cells, and capable, on the one hand, of being recharged by an external power source in at least one mode called external recharge or by torque recovery in a mode called internal recovery, and, on the other hand, of discharging in a mode called discharge.

[0019] This monitoring device is characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one processor and at least one memory arranged to carry out the operations consisting, when the cellular battery is used in one of the aforementioned modes, in comparing a sum of the N measured voltages with a threshold which is a function of this mode used, and in triggering the carrying out in the system of a main action which is a function of this mode used when this sum is greater than this threshold.

[0020] The invention also proposes a system, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising:

[0021] - a cellular battery comprising N electrical energy storage cells, with N > 1, and N sensors respectively measuring N voltages at the terminals of these N cells, and capable, on the one hand, of being recharged by an external power source in at least one mode called external recharge or by torque recovery in a mode called internal recovery, and, on the other hand, of discharging in a mode called discharge, and

[0022] - a monitoring device of the type presented above. Brief description of the figures

[0023] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the appended drawings, in which:

[0024] [Fig. 1] schematically and functionally illustrates an example of the embodiment of a system constituting a vehicle comprising a GMP transmission chain with an electric motor associated with a cellular battery associated with a battery computer, and a monitoring device according to the invention,

[0025] [Fig.2] schematically and functionally illustrates an example of the embodiment of a battery calculator comprising an exemplary embodiment of a supercharging device surveillance according to the invention, and

[0026] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates an example of an algorithm implementing a monitoring method according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0027] The invention aims in particular to propose a monitoring method, and an associated monitoring device DS, intended to enable monitoring of the operation of the cellular battery BP (rechargeable) of a system S, in order to detect overvoltages.

[0028] In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the system S is a vehicle of the automobile type, such as for example a car, as illustrated in [Fig.l]. But the invention is not limited to this type of system. It relates in fact to any type of system comprising at least one cellular battery (rechargeable) which can be used in at least one so-called external recharging mode, one so-called internal recovery mode, and one so-called discharge mode. Thus, it relates to land vehicles (utility vehicles, camper vans, minibuses, coaches, trucks, motorcycles, road machinery, construction machinery, agricultural machinery, leisure machinery (snowmobile, kart), tracked vehicles, trains and trams, for example), boats, aircraft, installations (possibly of the industrial type), and buildings.

[0029] Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the vehicle S comprises a transmission chain with a powertrain (or GMP) of the all-electric type (and therefore whose drive is provided exclusively by at least one electric motor MME). But the GMP could be of the hybrid type (thermal and electric).

[0030] [Fig.l] schematically shows a system S (here a vehicle) comprising a transmission chain with electric GMP (and therefore with electric motor MME), a supervision computer CS, an on-board network RB, a service battery BS, a cellular battery BP (rechargeable) associated with an interface device DI and a battery computer CB, a main electrical circuit CEP, a converter CV, and a monitoring device DS according to the invention.

[0031] The on-board network RB is an electrical power supply network to which electrical (or electronic) equipment (or components) that consume electrical energy are coupled.

[0032] The service battery BS is responsible for supplying electrical energy to the on-board network RB, in addition to that supplied by the CV converter powered by the cellular battery BP via the main electrical circuit CEP, and sometimes instead of this CV converter. For example, this service battery BS can be arranged in the form of a very low voltage type battery (typically 12 V, 24 V or 48 V). It is rechargeable at least by the CV converter. In the following, as a non-limiting example, it is considered that the BS service battery is of the 12 V Lithium-ion type.

[0033] The main (or "high voltage") electrical circuit CEP is connected, on the one hand, to the cellular battery BP (here) via the interface device DI, and, on the other hand, to electronic equipment, such as for example the converter CV and the electric motor MME. It also allows external recharging, in at least one so-called external recharging mode (ml (j = 1) or m2 (j = 2)), of the cellular battery BP by an external power source SA and temporarily coupled to the vehicle S, for example via a recharging connector CR of the latter (S).This main electrical circuit CEP therefore comprises at least one power supply circuit PI ensuring the coupling between the cellular battery BP and at least the electric motor MME and converter CV, and a recharging circuit P2 connected (here) to the recharging connector CR and making it possible to recharge the cellular battery BP via an external power source SA and temporarily coupled to the recharging connector CR via a recharging cable (in at least one external recharging mode ml or m2).

[0034] In the example illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 1] the recharging circuit P2 makes it possible to recharge the cellular battery BP not only in direct current in a first external recharging mode ml (or mode 4), but also in alternating current in a second external recharging mode m2 (or mode 2 or 3), under the control of a charger calculator CA of a charger CH and the battery calculator CB (associated with the cellular battery BP). But in alternative embodiments not illustrated, the recharging circuit P2 could only allow recharging in the first external recharging mode ml (in direct current or mode 4) or only recharging in the second external recharging mode m2 (in alternating current or mode 2 or 3).

[0035] It is recalled that a recharge in mode 2 is carried out by coupling the charging connector CR of the vehicle S to an external power source SA in the form of a conventional wall socket, with a current generally between 8 A and 13 A, at an alternating voltage of 220 V AC (alternating current). It is also recalled that a recharge in mode 3 is carried out by coupling the charging connector CR of the vehicle S to an external power source SA in the form of a specific wall box (or "wallbox"), with a current generally between 16 A and 32 A, at an alternating voltage of 220 V AC, single-phase or three-phase.

[0036] In an alternating current recharge (mode 2 or 3) it is the converter CV, which is temporarily coupled to the external power source SA via the charging connector CR of the vehicle S, which supplies the cellular battery BP (to be recharged) with direct current, after AC / DC conversion (for example from 220 V to 450 V). In a rolling phase of the vehicle S the CV converter is responsible for converting part of the electric current from the cellular battery BP to supply electric current to the on-board network RB of the vehicle S and / or the service battery BS to recharge it.

[0037] It is also recalled that in a direct current recharge (mode 4), the cellular battery BP is recharged, via the main electrical circuit CEP which is coupled to the interface device DI, in high direct current (typically from 125 A to 250 A) which comes directly from an external power source SA, temporarily connected to the main electrical circuit CEP via a recharge cable connected to the recharge connector CR of the vehicle S, without conversion by the converter CV.

[0038] The transmission chain has a GMP which is, here, purely electric and therefore which comprises, in particular, an electric motor MME, a motor shaft AM, and a transmission shaft AT. Here, the term "electric motor" means an electric machine arranged so as to provide engine torque to move the vehicle S when it is supplied with electrical energy by the cellular battery BP in a so-called discharge mode m3 (j = 3) of the latter (BP), as well as to recover torque in the transmission chain in a so-called internal recovery mode m4 (j = 4).

[0039] The operation of the transmission chain (and therefore of the GMP) is supervised by a CS supervision computer.

[0040] The electric motor MME (here an electric motor) is here coupled to the cellular battery BP via the power supply circuit PI of the main electrical circuit CEP, in order to be supplied with electrical energy in the discharge mode m3, as well as to supply this cellular battery BP with electrical current resulting from a torque recovery (for example during a regenerative braking phase) in the internal recovery mode m4.

[0041] Furthermore, this electric motor MME is coupled to the motor shaft AM, to provide it with motor torque by rotational drive. This motor shaft AM is here coupled to a reducer RD which is also coupled to the transmission shaft AT, itself coupled to a first train T1 (here of wheels), preferably via a differential DV.

[0042] This first train T1 is here located in the front part PVV of the vehicle S. But in a variant this first train T1 could be the one which is here referenced T2 and which is located in the rear part PRV of the vehicle S.

[0043] The CV converter is also responsible, here, during the driving phases of the vehicle S for converting part of the electric current stored in the cellular battery BP to supply the on-board network RB and the service battery BS (to recharge it) with converted electric current.

[0044] It will be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l], that the CV converter can be part of the CH charger which also includes the CA charger calculator responsible, at least, for controlling the recharges of the BP cellular battery.

[0045] The cellular battery BP supplying (here) the electric motor MME, it constitutes a main battery (or "traction" or even "power"). It comprises N CE cells for storing electrical energy, with N > 2. These CE cells can, for example, be electrochemical (for example of the lithium-ion (or Li-ion) or Ni-Mh or Ni-Cd type). Also for example, the cellular battery BP can be of the low voltage type (typically 450 V for illustration purposes). But it could be of the medium voltage or high voltage type.

[0046] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l], the CE cells can be grouped into MC cellular modules.

[0047] The cellular battery BP also comprises N (voltage) sensors respectively measuring the N ucm voltages at the terminals of the N CE cells. These measurements are preferably carried out periodically. For example, the period may be between 50 ms and 500 ms. As an illustrative example, the period may be equal to 100 ms.

[0048] Furthermore, the cellular battery BP is (here) associated with a battery box BB which notably comprises the interface device DI, voltage / current measuring means (not illustrated), and the battery calculator CB. For example, the cellular battery BP and the battery box BB may be part of a battery assembly (or “pack”).

[0049] The interface device DI is arranged so as to electrically isolate, if necessary, the cellular battery BP from the entire main electrical circuit CEP, as well as individually (here) from the charging connector CR, the electric motor MME, and the converter CV. It comprises contactors (or switches), possibly based on MOSFET(s), which can each be placed in an open (or non-conducting) state or a closed (or conducting) state on command from the battery computer CB, as well as protective fuses.

[0050] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l] the vehicle S also comprises a distribution box BD to which the service battery BS, the converter CV and the on-board network RB are coupled. This distribution box BD is responsible for distributing in the on-board network RB the electrical energy stored in the service battery BS or produced by the converter CV, for the supply of the electrical components (or equipment) coupled to the on-board network RB according to power supply requests received (in particular from the supervision computer CS of the GMP).

[0051] As mentioned above, the invention proposes in particular a monitoring method intended to enable monitoring of the operation of the cellular battery BP of the system S, in order to detect overvoltages of the latter (BP).

[0052] This (monitoring) method can be implemented at least partially by the monitoring device DS (illustrated at least partially in FIGS. 1 and 2) which comprises for this purpose at least one processor PR1, for example a digital signal processor (or DSP ("Digital Signal Processor")), and at least one memory MD. This monitoring device DS can therefore be produced in the form of a combination of electrical or electronic circuits or components (or "hardware") and software modules (or "software"). For example, it can be a microcontroller.

[0053] The memory MD is RAM in order to store instructions for the implementation by the processor PR1 of at least part of the monitoring method. The processor PR1 may comprise integrated (or printed) circuits, or several integrated (or printed) circuits connected by wired or wireless connections. An integrated (or printed) circuit is understood to mean any type of device capable of carrying out at least one electrical or electronic operation.

[0054] In the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2, the monitoring device DS is part of the battery computer CB. But this is not obligatory. Indeed, the monitoring device DS could comprise its own dedicated computer, which is then coupled to the battery computer CB, or could be part of the supervision computer CS, for example.

[0055] As illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 3], the (monitoring) method, according to the invention, comprises a step 10-30 which is implemented each time the cellular battery BP is used to supply electrical energy (discharge mode m3) or to receive a recharge current (external recharge mode ml or m2 (by coupling to an external power source SA) or internal recovery mode m4 (by internal torque recovery)).

[0056] Step 10-30 of the method comprises a sub-step 20 in which, when the cellular battery BP is used in one of the aforementioned modes (mj with j = 1 to 4), one (for example the monitoring device DS) compares the sum sucm of the N measured voltages ucm to a (voltage) threshold sj which is a function of this mode used mj.

[0057] Step 10-30 of the method also comprises a sub-step 30 in which one (of a) main action is carried out (for example the monitoring device DS triggers the carrying out) in the system S (here a vehicle) which is a function of the mode used mj when the sum sucm is greater than the threshold sj (corresponding to this mode used mj).

[0058] In other words, each mode mj corresponds to a specific (voltage) threshold sj and a specific main action (possibly common to the external recharge modes ml and m2).

[0059] Thanks to the use of the threshold sj which is perfectly adapted to the mode mj which is in during use by the cellular battery BP, we are sure to detect each overvoltage actually occurring during the use of this mj mode. This results from the fact that a given sum sucm can be considered as representative of an overvoltage in one mj mode, but as acceptable or normal in another mj' mode (with j' j). Thus, in the event of detection of an overvoltage in an mj mode, we can advantageously act in a manner adapted to the current situation (by carrying out the main action corresponding to this mj mode). This makes it possible to prevent an overvoltage from causing a fire and / or electrocution of person(s) (here passengers of the vehicle S and / or emergency personnel). In addition, since the actual overvoltages are detected as soon as they appear, regardless of the mj mode in use, this makes it possible to increase the service life of the CE cells of the cellular battery BP.

[0060] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.3], step 10-30 may comprise a sub-step 10 in which one (for example the monitoring device DS) may determine the sum sucm of the N measured voltages ucm.

[0061] In sub-step 20, if the sum sucm is less than or equal to the threshold sj associated with the mode used mj (i.e. sucm < sj), one (for example the monitoring device DS) can return to perform sub-step 10 with the next N measured voltages ucm. On the other hand, if the sum sucm is greater than the threshold sj associated with the mode used mj (i.e. sucm > sj), one (for example the monitoring device DS) performs sub-step 30 to at least perform the main action associated with the mode used mj.

[0062] For example, when the BP cell battery has a normal operating voltage equal to 450 V:

[0063] - the first threshold s 1 (j = 1) associated with the first recharge mode ml can be between 452.5 V and 453.5 V. As an illustrative example, this first threshold si can be equal to 453.1 V. But other values ​​of first threshold si can be used. For example, this first threshold si can be chosen during the development or testing phase of a vehicle similar to vehicle S;

[0064] - the second threshold s2 (j = 2) associated with the second charging mode m2 can be between 452 V and 453 V. As an illustrative example, this second threshold s2 can be equal to 452.6 V. But other values ​​of second threshold s2 can be used. For example, this second threshold s2 can be chosen during the development or testing phase of a vehicle similar to vehicle S;

[0065] - the third threshold s3 (j = 3) associated with the discharge mode m3 can be between 453 V and 454 V. As an illustrative example, this third threshold s3 can be equal to 453.6 V. But other values ​​of third threshold s3 can be used. For example, this third threshold s3 can be chosen during the development or testing phase of a vehicle similar to vehicle S;

[0066] - the fourth threshold s4 (j = 4) associated with the internal recovery mode m4 can be between 451.5 V and 452.5 V. As an illustrative example, this fourth threshold s4 can be equal to 452 V. But other values ​​of fourth threshold s4 can be used. For example, this fourth threshold s4 can be chosen during the development or testing phase of a vehicle similar to vehicle S.

[0067] Preferably, in sub-step 30 of step 10-30 it is possible to carry out (for example the monitoring device DS can trigger the carrying out) in the system S (here a vehicle) a (of a) main action depending on the mode used mj when the sum sucm is greater than the threshold sj for at least a first duration dl which is a function of this mode used mj.

[0068] For this purpose, one (for example the monitoring device DS) can trigger in substep 10 a time delay of the first duration dl as soon as the sum sucm is greater than the threshold sj (associated with the mode used mj) for the first time. If before the expiry of the first duration dl associated with this mode used mj, the sum sucm is again less than or equal to the threshold sj, substep 10 will be carried out again and the time delay is interrupted. On the other hand, if at the expiry of the first duration dl the sum sucm is greater than the threshold sj, then substep 30 is carried out.

[0069] This option is intended to avoid performing a main action in a rushed manner as soon as the sum sucm is greater than the threshold sj once or several times in succession, for example due to a very brief malfunction of at least one voltage sensor, or of the internal communication network (possibly multiplexed) on which the measured voltages ucm are transmitted, or of a computer involved in the transmission of the measured voltages ucm.

[0070] For example, the first duration dl may be between 2 s and 4 s. As an illustrative example, this first duration dl may be equal to 3 s. But other values ​​of first duration dl may be used. For example, this first duration dl may be chosen during the development or testing phase of a vehicle similar to vehicle S.

[0071] Also for example, in sub-step 30 of step 10-30, in the discharge mode m3 and the internal recovery mode m4 the main action may consist of alerting a person using the system S (for example the driver when it is a vehicle) by means of a warning light of this system S and / or a text message and / or an audible message.

[0072] Also for example, in the event of an alert to a person (for example the driver), intended to draw his attention to the occurrence of an overvoltage of the cellular battery BP) the indicator light may be part of the dashboard or be displayed on a display screen EA of the vehicle S (possibly that of the central instrument panel installed on or in the dashboard). It may be a indicator light dedicated to the problem of overvoltage of the cellular battery BP or the service indicator light (not dedicated), drawing attention to the fact that the vehicle S must be serviced at an after-sales service.

[0073] Also for example, in the event of an alert from a person (for example the driver) the text alert message can signal an overvoltage of the cellular battery BP, and can be displayed on at least one screen EA of the vehicle S (for example of the dashboard or the central instrument panel) or on the screen of a smart phone (or "smartphone") of the driver.

[0074] Also for example, in the event of an alert from a person (for example the driver) the sound (or audio) alert message can signal an overvoltage of the cellular battery BP, and can be broadcast by at least one loudspeaker of the vehicle S or of the aforementioned smartphone.

[0075] Also for example, in sub-step 30 of step 10-30, in each external charging mode ml or m2 the main action may consist at least in prohibiting the use of the external charging mode ml or m2.

[0076] It should be noted that the prohibition on external recharging of the cellular battery BP has no impact on the movements of the vehicle S since the latter (S) is stationary.

[0077] It will also be noted that the prohibition of external recharging of the cellular battery BP can, for example, be done by ordering the charger computer CA to immediately stop the external recharging in progress via an external power source SA.

[0078] Also for example, in sub-step 30 of step 10-30, in each external charging mode ml or m2 the main action can also consist of electrically isolating the cellular battery BP from any electrical supply circuit of the vehicle S (and therefore here from the main electrical circuit CEP) after the lapse of a second duration d2 chosen since the prohibition of use of the external charging mode ml or m2.

[0079] When the cellular battery BP is associated with an interface device DI, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l], the electrical isolation can be ensured by this interface device DI (for example by placing contactor(s) (or switches)) in the open (or non-conducting) state), under the control of the battery computer CB.

[0080] For example, the second chosen duration d2 may be between 1 s and 3 s. As an illustrative example, this second chosen duration d2 may be equal to 2 s. But other values ​​of second chosen duration d2 may be used. For example, this second chosen duration d2 may be chosen during the development or testing phase of a vehicle similar to vehicle S.

[0081] Also for example, in sub-step 30 of step 10-30, when a main action is carried out, it is also possible to carry out (for example the monitoring device DS can also trigger the carrying out) in the system S (here a vehicle) a (of a) secondary action consisting of recording at least one fault code representative of a overvoltage problem in BP cell battery.

[0082] It will also be noted that the storage of the (each) fault code can, for example, be done in a memory (possibly dead) of the monitoring device DS or the battery calculator CB or even the supervision calculator CS. This makes it possible to signal to the after-sales service which will service the vehicle S that the cellular battery BP has been subject to an overvoltage, and thus to facilitate the repair in this after-sales service. Preferably, a specific fault code is provided for each overvoltage associated with a mode mj to further facilitate the repair in the after-sales service.

[0083] It will also be noted that when a main action has been carried out following the detection of an overvoltage of the cellular battery BP in an external recharge mode ml or m2, in sub-step 30 of step 10-30, it is also possible to carry out (for example the monitoring device DS can also trigger the realization) in the system S (here a vehicle) another secondary action consisting of alerting a person using the system S (for example the driver when it is a vehicle) by means of a warning light of this system S and / or a text message and / or an audible message.

[0084] The indicator light may be part of the dashboard or be displayed on a display screen EA of the vehicle S (possibly that of the central instrument panel installed on or in the dashboard). It may be a indicator light dedicated to the problem of overvoltage of the cellular battery BP or the service indicator light (not dedicated), drawing attention to the fact that the vehicle S must be serviced in an after-sales service. The text alert message may signal a stoppage of external charging due to an overvoltage of the cellular battery BP, and may be displayed on at least one screen EA of the vehicle S (for example of the dashboard or the central instrument panel) or on the screen of the driver's smartphone. The sound (or audio) alert message may signal a stoppage of external charging due to an overvoltage of the cellular battery BP, and may be broadcast by at least one loudspeaker of the vehicle S or of the aforementioned smartphone.

[0085] It will also be noted that when the vehicle S is put back into operation after the detection of an overvoltage of the cellular battery BP, one (for example the monitoring device DS) can again authorize normal operation without an alert and / or without a recharge ban when the sum sucm is less than or equal to the threshold sj. On the other hand, if the sum sucm is still greater than the threshold sj the alert and / or the recharge ban is / are maintained.

[0086] It will also be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.2], that the battery calculator CB (or the calculator of the monitoring device DS) can also comprise a mass memory MM1, in particular for storing each voltage measured ucm and the mj mode in use, as well as any intermediate data involved in all its calculations and processing. Furthermore, this CB battery calculator (or the DS monitoring device calculator) may also include an IE input interface for receiving at least each measured voltage ucm and the mj mode in use, to use them in calculations or processing, possibly after having shaped and / or demodulated and / or amplified them, in a manner known per se, by means of a PR2 digital signal processor.In addition, this CB battery calculator (or the calculator of the DS monitoring device) can also include an IS output interface, in particular to deliver a message (or order) requesting the prohibition of recharging of the BP cellular battery or the triggering of an alert, and each possible message triggering electrical isolation of the BP cellular battery or storage of a fault code.

[0087] It will also be noted that the invention also proposes a computer program product (or computer program) comprising a set of instructions which, when executed by processing means of the electronic circuit (or hardware) type, such as for example the processor PR1, is capable of implementing the monitoring method described above to monitor in the system S the operation of the cellular battery BP in order to detect overvoltages of the latter (BP).

Claims

Claims

1. Monitoring method for a system (S) comprising a cellular battery (BP) comprising N cells (CE) for storing electrical energy, with N > 1, and N sensors respectively measuring N voltages at the terminals of said N cells (CE), and suitable i) for being recharged by an external power source (SA) in at least one mode called external recharge or by torque recovery in a mode called internal recovery, and ii) for discharging in a mode called discharge, characterized in that it comprises a step (10-30) in which, when said cellular battery (BP) is used in one of said modes, a sum of said N measured voltages is compared to a threshold depending on this mode used, and a main action depending on said mode used is carried out in said system (S) when said sum is greater than said threshold.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that in said step (10-30) a main action is carried out in said system (S) depending on said mode used when said sum is greater than said threshold for at least a first duration depending on this mode used.

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that in said step (10-30) each first duration associated with one of said modes is between 2 s and 4 s.

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in said step (10-30) in said discharge mode and internal recovery mode said main action consists of alerting a person using said system (S) by means of a light of the latter (S) and / or a text message and / or an audible message.

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in said step (10-30) in each external charging mode said main action consists at least in prohibiting the use of said external charging mode.

6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that in said step (10-30) in each external charging mode said main action also consists of electrically isolating said cellular battery (BP) from any electrical supply circuit of said system (S) after the lapse of a second chosen duration since said prohibition of use of said external charging mode.

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that in said step (10-30), when a main action is carried out, a secondary action is also carried out in said system (S) consisting of recording at least one fault code representative of an overvoltage problem in said cellular battery (BP).

8. Computer program product comprising a set of instructions which, when executed by processing means, is capable of implementing the monitoring method according to one of claims 1 to 7, in a system (S) comprising a cellular battery (BP) comprising N cells (CE) for storing electrical energy, with N > 1, and N sensors respectively measuring N voltages at the terminals of said N cells (CE), and capable i) of being recharged by an external power source (SA) in at least one so-called external recharge mode or by torque recovery in a so-called internal recovery mode, and ii) of discharging in a so-called discharge mode, to monitor the operation of said cellular battery (BP) in order to detect overvoltages of the latter (BP).

9. Monitoring device (DS) for a system (S) comprising a cellular battery (BP) comprising N cells (CE) for storing electrical energy, with N > 1, and N sensors respectively measuring N voltages at the terminals of said N cells (CE), and suitable i) for being recharged by an external power source (SA) in at least one mode called external recharge or by torque recovery in a mode called internal recovery, and ii) for discharging in a mode called discharge, characterized in that it comprises at least one processor (PR1) and at least one memory (MD) arranged to carry out the operations consisting, when said cellular battery (BP) is used in one of said modes, in comparing a sum of said N measured voltages with a threshold depending on this mode used, and in triggering an execution in said system (S) of a main action depending on said mode used when said sum is greater than said threshold.

10. System (S) comprising a cellular battery (BP) comprising N cells (CE) for storing electrical energy, with N > 1, and N sensors respectively measuring N voltages at the terminals of said N cells (CE), and capable i) of being recharged by an external power source (SA) in at least one mode called external recharge or by torque recovery in a mode called internal recovery, and ii) of discharging in a mode called discharge, characterized in that it further comprises a monitoring device (DS) according to claim 9.

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