Apparatus and method for controlling balance of battery

Abstract

To provide an apparatus and method for controlling balance of a battery for protecting battery cells by preventing repetition of unnecessary balancing operation by excluding a defective battery cell from the target of balancing operation with respect to imbalance due to the defective battery cell.SOLUTION: An apparatus for controlling balance of a battery includes: a battery 190 including multiple battery cells 191-199 and a sensor 140 measuring voltages of the multiple battery cells. A processor 110 monitors states of the multiple battery cells to detect failure based on data obtained through the sensor, sets a defective battery cell as an exclusion cell, and performs imbalance determination and balancing operation with respect to the multiple battery cells excluding the battery cell set as the exclusion cell, thereby protecting battery cells by preventing incorrect imbalance determination and repetition of unnecessary balancing operation due to a defective battery cell.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for controlling the balance of battery cells, and more particularly to a battery balance control device and method for performing cell balancing on remaining battery cells excluding a faulty battery cell and controlling a current due to charging or discharging based on a degree of deterioration. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the use of batteries has expanded to include not only mobile devices such as mobile phones and tablet PCs, but also electrically powered vehicles (EV, HEV, PHEV) and large-capacity energy storage devices (ESS, Energy Storage Systems).

[0003] An energy storage system (ESS) is connected to a power generation facility to store generated energy and, when necessary, discharge the energy to supply it to a load or a power grid.

[0004] Batteries are designed to contain multiple battery cells in a single battery pack, allowing for large-capacity energy storage.

[0005] Due to the nature of batteries, which are made up of chemical substances, voltage deviations can occur between battery cells. Such deviations in batteries are unlikely to be detected immediately after production, but can occur after the battery is actually used and is charged or discharged several times.

[0006] A voltage deviation of a battery may cause an abnormality in one battery cell and may also cause a reduction in the usable capacity of another battery cell. Therefore, it is preferable to classify a battery with a large voltage deviation as a faulty battery and replace it.

[0007] However, even if a defective battery cell is present, it is not possible to determine whether or not it should be replaced during the initial period of battery use, and so the battery will be used without any time constraints.

[0008] When a faulty battery cell is used together with a normally operating battery cell, a voltage imbalance occurs between the battery cells, and this voltage imbalance causes a problem in that a cell balancing operation is repeatedly performed.

[0009] In addition, if the cell balancing operation is performed frequently, there is a problem that the use of the battery is restricted in a product equipped with the battery.

[0010] Therefore, a method is needed to classify and inspect defective battery cells even in the early stages of use.

[0011] The background art of the present invention is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0060997 (published on May 12, 2022). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] The present invention aims to provide a battery balance control device and method that inspects abnormal faulty battery cells and excludes the faulty battery cells from the target of balancing operations in response to imbalances caused by the faulty battery cells, thereby preventing unnecessary balancing operations from being repeated and protecting the battery cells.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery balance control device and method that limits the amount of current used during charging or discharging in consideration of the degree of deterioration of a battery cell. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] A battery balance control device according to some embodiments of the present invention includes a battery including a plurality of battery cells; a sensor for measuring the voltage of the plurality of battery cells; and a processor for monitoring the states of the plurality of battery cells based on data measured through the sensor, detecting a fault, setting the faulty battery cell as an exclusion target, and excluding battery cells included in the exclusion target, and performing an imbalance determination and balancing operation on the plurality of battery cells.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, the processor may generate an alarm requesting inspection of the battery cell set as the excluded target, and output the alarm through an output unit.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present invention, the processor is configured to cancel the exclusion setting and cancel the alarm when an inspection is performed on the battery cell set as the excluded target or when the battery cell set as the excluded target is replaced.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present invention, the processor may monitor a voltage for the battery cell that is set as the excluded cell.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present invention, the processor detects a battery cell with a lowest voltage among the remaining battery cells excluding the battery cells included in the exclusion target among the plurality of battery cells, and determines whether or not there is an imbalance based on the battery cell with the lowest voltage.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present invention, the processor performs a balancing operation on the remaining battery cells among the plurality of battery cells, excluding the battery cells included in the exclusion target, based on a voltage of a battery cell with a lowest voltage among the remaining battery cells.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present invention, the processor is configured to calculate a charge current limit (CCL) and a discharge current limit (DCL) by reflecting a state of health (SOH) of the plurality of battery cells.

[0021] In some embodiments of the present invention, the processor generates a guide for charging current and discharging current including the charging current limit (CCL) and the discharging current limit (DCL), and transmits the guide to a registered terminal via a communication unit.

[0022] In some embodiments of the present invention, the processor controls a charging current of the battery in response to the charging current limit (CCL) and controls an output of the battery in response to the discharging current limit (DCL).

[0023] A battery balance control method according to some embodiments of the present invention includes a step of: a processor monitoring states of a plurality of battery cells based on voltages of the plurality of battery cells measured through a sensor to detect a fault; a step of the processor setting a faulty battery cell as an exclusion target; a step of the processor excluding battery cells included in the exclusion target and determining an imbalance for the plurality of battery cells; and a step of the processor excluding the battery cells included in the exclusion target and performing a balancing operation when the plurality of battery cells are unbalanced.

[0024] In some embodiments of the present invention, the step of setting the battery cell as an excluded target may include generating an alarm requesting inspection of the battery cell set as an excluded target and outputting the alarm through an output unit.

[0025] In some embodiments of the present invention, the step of setting the battery cell as an excluded target includes monitoring a voltage of the battery cell set as an excluded target.

[0026] In some embodiments of the present invention, after the step of setting the battery cell as an excluded target, the processor may further include a step of canceling the exclusion setting for the battery cell and canceling the alarm when an inspection is performed on the battery cell set as an excluded target or the battery cell set as an excluded target is replaced.

[0027] In some embodiments of the present invention, the determining of the imbalance includes: detecting a battery cell having a lowest voltage among the remaining battery cells excluding the battery cells included in the exclusion target among the plurality of battery cells; and determining the imbalance based on the battery cell having the lowest voltage.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present invention, in the step of determining the imbalance, if a voltage of a first battery cell included in the exclusion target among the plurality of battery cells is a lowest voltage, the processor excludes the first battery cell and determines whether or not there is an imbalance by comparing a voltage of a second battery cell, which is the next lowest voltage, with a set value.

[0029] In some embodiments of the present invention, the step of performing the balancing operation may include performing a balancing operation on voltages of remaining battery cells, excluding the battery cells included in the exclusion target, among the plurality of battery cells.

[0030] In some embodiments of the present invention, in the balancing operation, the processor may perform the balancing operation based on a voltage of a battery cell having a lowest voltage among the remaining battery cells.

[0031] In some embodiments of the present invention, the method further includes the steps of: the processor calculating a state of health (SOH) for the plurality of battery cells; the processor calculating a charge current limit (CCL) and a discharge current limit (DCL) for the battery by reflecting the state of health (SOH); and the processor generating a guide for charge current and discharge current including the charge current limit (CCL) and the discharge current limit (DCL).

[0032] In some embodiments of the present invention, the method further includes the step of: the processor outputting the guide through an output unit or transmitting the guide to a designated terminal through a communication unit.

[0033] In some embodiments of the present invention, the method further includes the steps of: charging the battery by controlling a charging current applied in response to the charge current limit (CCL) by the processor; and controlling an output of the battery to supply to a load in response to the discharge current limit (DCL) by the processor. Effect of the Invention

[0034] The battery balance control device and method according to the present invention can prevent the balancing operation from being repeatedly performed due to the imbalance caused by the faulty battery cell, and can protect the normal battery cells.

[0035] The battery balance control device and method according to the present invention can improve user convenience by solving the problem of limitations on battery use.

[0036] In addition, the battery balance control device and method according to the present invention can minimize damage caused by overcurrent and improve the efficiency of charging and discharging the battery by outputting guidance on charging current and discharging current according to the degree of deterioration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a battery balance control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2 is an exemplary diagram showing a battery connection configuration of a battery balance control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Diagram 3] 4 is an example diagram showing an imbalance state caused by a voltage deviation of battery cells according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a flow chart showing a control method of a battery balance control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 5] 4 is a flow chart showing a method for guiding a charge / discharge current according to a deterioration degree of a battery balance control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a battery balance control device and method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this process, the thickness of lines and the size of components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation. In addition, the terms described below are defined in consideration of the functions of the present invention, and may vary depending on the intentions or customs of users or operators. Therefore, the definitions of such terms should be determined based on the overall contents of this specification.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a battery balance control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 1, a battery balance control device (hereinafter, referred to as a control device) 100 of the present invention includes a memory 120, a communication unit 130, a sensor 140, an output unit 180, a battery 190, and a processor 110.

[0041] The battery 190 is charged by a supplied charging current and can output the charged current. The battery 190 can include a plurality of battery cells 191 to 199. The plurality of battery cells 191 to 199 can be modularized and configured to be replaceable on a battery cell basis.

[0042] The sensor 140 may include at least one of a voltage sensor, a current sensor, and a temperature sensor.

[0043] The sensor 140 may measure the voltage or current of the battery 190 and apply the result to the processor 110. The sensor 140 may also measure the temperature of the battery 190 and apply the result to the processor 110.

[0044] The output unit 180 may include at least one of an LED lamp, a display, and a speaker. In some cases, the output unit 180 may be provided in a product including the control device 100.

[0045] The output unit 180 outputs an alarm according to a control command from the processor 110 .

[0046] The output unit 180 can output data related to the temperature, current, and voltage of the battery 190. The output unit 180 can output information on a failed battery cell among the multiple battery cells 191-199 of the battery 190.

[0047] The output unit 180 may output a request for inspection of the faulty battery cell as an alarm. In response to the alarm, the output unit 180 may output a warning sound through a speaker, turn on a warning light through an operation lamp, or output a warning message through a display.

[0048] When the alarm is cancelled by the processor 110, the output unit 180 can stop outputting the warning sound, turn off the warning light, and delete the warning message.

[0049] The memory 120 may store data measured through the sensor 140, data for battery control, data for switch control, reference data for determining imbalance, and data for cell balancing. The memory 120 may also store data calculated by the processor 110.

[0050] The memory 120 can store data regarding the capacity of multiple battery cells, the voltage, current and temperature of each battery cell, State Of Charge (SOC) data and State Of Health (SOH) data.

[0051] The memory 120 may include storage means such as a random access memory (RAM), a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a flash memory, an SDD, an SSD, or the like.

[0052] The communication unit 130 may transmit and receive data between an external controller (not shown) and the processor 110. For example, the communication unit 130 may include a driver for Controller Area Network (CAN) communication or a driver for Local Interconnect Network (LIN) communication to transmit and receive data. The communication unit 130 may transmit and receive data through serial communication or parallel communication.

[0053] In some cases, the communication unit 130 may communicate with a user or administrator terminal using a wired or wireless communication module. For example, the communication unit 130 may communicate using a communication method such as the Internet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.

[0054] The processor 110 monitors and manages the state of the battery 190. The processor 110 can use any one of a central processing control unit (CPU), an electronic control unit (ECU), a micro controller unit (MCU), and a battery management system (BMS).

[0055] The processor (as a subject for diagnosing the battery system (BAT) in this embodiment) may be embodied as a central processing unit (CPU) or a system on chip (SoC), and may drive an operating system or application to control a plurality of hardware or software components connected to the processor, and may process and calculate various data. The processor may be configured to execute at least one instruction stored in the memory, and store the execution result data in the memory.

[0056] The processor 110 determines the state of the battery 190 and detects a failure based on at least one of the battery current, voltage, and temperature measured through the sensor 140.

[0057] The processor 110 can calculate a state of charge (SOC) of the battery 190. The processor 110 can also calculate a degree of health (SOH) of the battery 190.

[0058] The processor 110 can monitor the voltage of each of a plurality of battery cells, determine an imbalance based on a voltage difference between the battery cells, and perform balancing.

[0059] The processor 110 controls the charging and discharging of the battery 190 and can monitor the voltage of each battery cell to detect faulty battery cells.

[0060] The processor 110 sets the failed battery cell as an exception target.

[0061] The processor 110 may generate an alarm requesting inspection of the faulty battery cell and output the alarm through the output unit 180.

[0062] The processor 110 may exclude the excluded failed battery cell from the target of the balancing operation. In other words, the processor 110 may ignore the imbalance caused by the failed battery cell determined to have an abnormality, and determine whether or not there is an imbalance with respect to the remaining battery cells.

[0063] When the defective battery cell is replaced, the processor 110 cancels the alarm and removes the corresponding battery cell from the exclusion target.

[0064] In addition, the processor 110 can calculate a charge current limit (CCL) and a discharge current limit (DCL) based on the state of health (SOH) of the battery 190.

[0065] The processor 110 may generate a charge current guide or a discharge current guide including at least one of a charge current limit (CCL) and a discharge current limit (DCL).

[0066] The processor 110 can also control the charging and discharging currents to the battery 190 according to a charging current limit (CCL) and a discharging current limit (DCL).

[0067] The processor 110 may output the generated charging current guide and discharging current guide through the output unit 180 or may transmit the same to a user or administrator terminal through the communication unit 130 .

[0068] When charging the battery 190, the user or administrator can charge the battery 190 by setting the charging current according to the charging current guide so as not to exceed the charging current limit (CCL).

[0069] In addition, when discharging the battery 190 to output a current, the user or administrator can control the discharge current according to the discharge current guide so as not to exceed the discharge current limit (DCL).

[0070] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a battery connection configuration of a battery balance control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 2, the battery 190 may have one end connected to the first switch 160 and the other end connected to the sensor 140 and the second switch 170.

[0072] The sensor 140 may include multiple sensors, including at least one of a voltage sensor, a current sensor, and a temperature sensor of the battery 190, and may apply measured data to the processor 110.

[0073] The sensor 140 can measure the voltage of the battery 190 and the individual voltages of the multiple battery cells 191-199.

[0074] The first switch 160 and the second switch 170 output or cut off a discharging current of the battery 190. In addition, the first switch 160 and the second switch 170 can supply or cut off an external charging current to the battery 190.

[0075] The first switch 160 and the second switch 170 are turned on or off according to a control signal from the processor 110. The processor 110 controls the first switch 160 and the second switch 170 to charge the battery 190 or output a discharge current.

[0076] The processor 110 determines the state of the battery 190 based on the data applied from the sensor 140. The processor 110 can also determine a failure of the battery 190 based on the data.

[0077] The processor 110 can measure the voltage and current of each of the battery cells 191 to 199 included in the battery 190 through the sensor 140.

[0078] The processor 110 can compare the voltages of the battery cells and determine that an imbalance exists if the voltage of any battery cell is higher or lower than the voltage of another battery cell by a preset value or more.

[0079] When it is determined that the voltages of the battery cells are unbalanced, the processor 110 performs a balancing operation on the battery cells (191 to 199).

[0080] Meanwhile, during the initial operation of the battery 190, the processor 110 charges and discharges the battery 190, and performs a balancing operation for voltage deviations of the battery cells.

[0081] The processor 110 can determine that a battery cell is abnormal and faulty when at least one of the following cases is true: if the voltage deviation of any battery cell is greater than or equal to a predetermined value even after a balancing operation has been performed a predetermined number of times; if the rate of change in the state of charge during charging is less than or equal to a certain value; and if the battery cell has a faster discharge rate than other battery cells.

[0082] For example, if the voltage of the first battery cell 191 is higher or lower than the voltage of the remaining battery cells by a predetermined value, or if the charging state does not change, the processor 110 may determine that the first battery cell 191 is a faulty battery cell.

[0083] The processor 110 may set the failed battery cell as an excluded target. The processor 110 generates an alarm for the excluded first battery cell 191 and outputs the alarm through the output unit 180. The processor 110 may maintain the alarm until the first battery cell 191 is inspected or replaced.

[0084] The processor 110 may continuously monitor the voltage, current, and temperature of the faulty battery cell that is set as an excluded battery cell.

[0085] Meanwhile, the processor 110 excludes the failed battery cell set as the excluded target from the imbalance determination target. Also, the processor 110 can exclude the failed battery cell set as the excluded target from the balancing operation.

[0086] In addition, the processor 110 may exclude the battery cells to be excluded when calculating the SOC and SOH.

[0087] The processor 110 can determine whether or not there is an imbalance by comparing the voltage of the battery cell with the lowest voltage for the remaining second battery cell to nth battery cell 192 to 199, excluding the first battery cell 191 which is a faulty battery cell, with the imbalance determination condition (set value).

[0088] The processor 110 may also determine whether an imbalance occurs due to a voltage difference between the battery cells.

[0089] When determining that there is an imbalance, the processor 110 can perform a balancing operation after checking the balancing operation conditions.

[0090] The processor 110 may perform a balancing operation on the second battery cell to the nth battery cell 192 to 199, if the minimum voltage of the battery cells, excluding the first battery cell 191, satisfies the condition for the balancing operation.

[0091] The processor 110 may perform a balancing operation based on the lowest voltage among the remaining second to n-th battery cells 192 to 199 excluding the first battery cell 191 to be excluded.

[0092] For example, assuming that the voltage of the first battery cell 191 is 3.0 V, the voltage of the second battery cell 192 is 3.2 V, and the voltage of the third battery cell 193 is 3.75 V, if the first battery cell 191 is a faulty battery cell, the processor 110 sets the first battery cell 191 as an excluded cell and outputs an alarm accordingly.

[0093] The processor 110 compares the voltage of the second battery cell 192, which is the lowest voltage among the voltages of the second battery cell 192 and the third battery cell 193, with a first set value, which is an imbalance determination condition. For example, the set value may be set to 3.1V.

[0094] Although the actual lowest voltage among the measured battery cell voltages is the first battery cell 191, the processor 110 excludes the first battery cell 191 from the imbalance determination because it is an exception target.

[0095] Accordingly, the processor 110 compares the voltage 3.2V of the second battery cell 192, which is the lowest voltage among the remaining battery cells excluding the first battery cell 191, with 3.1V (a preset value) which is the imbalance determination condition.

[0096] The processor 110 can determine that the voltage of the second battery cell 192, 3.2V, is greater than the first set value of 3.1V, and therefore is not in an unbalanced state but in a normal state.

[0097] In addition, assuming that the voltage of the first battery cell 191 is 3.73V, the voltage of the second battery cell 192 is 3.75V, and the voltage of the third battery cell 193 is 3.78V, the processor 110 can perform voltage balancing on the remaining second to nth battery cells 192 to 199, excluding the first battery cell 191 which is to be excluded.

[0098] At this time, the processor 110 may perform the balancing operation based on the voltage of the second battery cell 192, which is 3.75V, which is the lowest voltage among the second to n-th battery cells 192 to 199.

[0099] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an imbalance state caused by a voltage deviation of battery cells according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] Referring to (a) of Figure 3, when the first battery cell 191, the third battery cell 193 and the nth battery cell 199 among the multiple battery cells 191 to 199 of the battery 190 are discharged and the second battery cell 192 is not discharged, the processor 110 can determine that the second battery cell 192 is a faulty battery cell.

[0101] The processor 110 may set the second battery cell 192 as an excluded target (A1).

[0102] When the second battery cell 192 is set as the cell to be excluded (A1), the processor 110 sets the third battery cell 193, which has the lowest voltage, as the reference (B1). The processor 110 may compare the voltage of the third battery cell 193 with a set value to determine whether there is an imbalance.

[0103] In addition, when the processor 110 performs battery cell balancing, the processor 110 may perform balancing based on the voltage of the third battery cell 193, which is the lowest voltage.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 3(b), when the charging state of the third battery cell 193 is different from that of the other battery cells, the processor 110 may determine that the third battery cell 193 is a faulty battery cell.

[0105] The processor 110 may set the third battery cell 193 as an excluded target (A2).

[0106] When the third battery cell 193 is set as the excluded cell (A2), the processor 110 sets the second battery cell 192, which has the lowest voltage, as the reference (B2). The processor 110 may compare the voltage of the second battery cell 192, which is the reference (B2), with a set value to determine whether there is an imbalance.

[0107] In addition, when the processor 110 balances the battery cells, the processor 110 may perform balancing on the remaining battery cells excluding the third battery cell 193, and may perform balancing based on the voltage of the second battery cell 192, which is the lowest voltage.

[0108] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a control method of a battery balance control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 4, the processor 110 measures the battery cell voltage of the battery 190 through the sensor 140 and monitors the voltage (S310).

[0110] The processor 110 may determine that the first battery cell 191 is a faulty battery cell if the voltage of the first battery cell 191 is different from the voltages of the other battery cells by a predetermined value or more (S320).

[0111] The processor 110 sets the first battery cell 191, which is a failed battery cell, as an exclusion target (S330).

[0112] The processor 110 generates an alarm requesting a review of the first battery cell to be excluded, and outputs the alarm through the output unit 180 (S340). The output unit 180 may output the review alarm in at least one form of an alarm sound, an alarm light, and an alarm message.

[0113] The processor 110 maintains the first battery cell 191 as an excluded target until inspection or replacement is performed.

[0114] The processor 110 receives and continuously monitors cell voltages of the battery cells 191 to 199 including the first battery cell 191 (S350).

[0115] The processor 110 determines whether or not there is an imbalance in the voltages of the battery cells 191 to 199.

[0116] The processor 110 determines whether there is an imbalance based on the battery cell with the lowest voltage. In this case, if the voltage of the first battery cell 191 is the lowest voltage, the processor 110 excludes the first battery cell and determines whether there is an imbalance based on the battery cell with the next lowest voltage. For example, the processor 110 may determine whether there is an imbalance based on the second battery cell with the lowest voltage among the remaining battery cells excluding the first battery cell.

[0117] The processor 110 may compare the voltage of the second battery cell with a preset value for determining an imbalance, and determine that an imbalance exists if the voltage of the second battery cell is equal to or lower than the preset value (S370).

[0118] In addition, the processor 110 may determine that there is an imbalance when the difference between the voltage average of the battery cells and the second battery cell having the lowest voltage is greater than or equal to a certain value, or when the difference between the voltage of the second battery cell having the lowest voltage and the voltage of the battery cell having the highest voltage is greater than or equal to a certain value.

[0119] When the processor 110 determines that the battery cells are in an unbalanced state, the processor 110 may perform voltage balancing on the remaining battery cells excluding the excluded battery cells (S380).

[0120] When performing balancing, the processor 110 performs balancing based on the voltage of the second battery cell 192, which is the lowest voltage.

[0121] Accordingly, the processor 110 can solve the problem of determining that there is an imbalance due to a faulty battery cell to be excluded. In addition, when balancing the voltages of the battery cells, the processor 110 can perform balancing by excluding the faulty battery cell to be excluded, and can effectively perform balancing by excluding the reference faulty battery cell.

[0122] When the processor 110 inspects or replaces the first battery cell 191, which is a faulty battery cell, the processor 110 cancels the exclusion setting for the first battery cell, removes the first battery cell from the exclusion targets, and cancels the alarm.

[0123] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method for guiding a charge / discharge current according to a deterioration degree of a battery balance control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0124] Referring to FIG. 5, the processor 110 calculates a state of health (SOH) for the battery 190 including a plurality of battery cells 191 to 199 (S390).

[0125] The processor 110 may calculate the SOH based on at least one of a charging time required for each voltage interval, an accumulated current, a change in state of charge (SOC), a usage time, a capacity, and a change in resistance. The processor 110 may also calculate the SOH using a learning model. The processor 110 may calculate the SOH for each battery cell.

[0126] The processor 110 calculates a charge current limit value and a discharge current limit value that reflect the state of health (SOH) (S400).

[0127] The processor 110 may calculate the charging current limit (CCL) using the following Equation 1. The processor 110 may calculate the charging current limit by assuming an initial capacity of the battery cell. The processor 110 may calculate the charging current limit (CCL) based on a nominal voltage, a design production capacity, a maximum charging C-rate, a set constant, and an average cell voltage.

[0128]

number

[0129] For example, assuming the capacity of one battery cell is 112Ah, the nominal voltage is about 3.63, the design capacity is about 112, the maximum charging C-rate is 0.9, and the setting constant is 1.0. This is based on the initial specifications of the battery cell and assumes that the same battery cell will be used.

[0130] From this, a charging current limit (CCL) of approximately 98.89 can be calculated.

[0131] The processor 110 may output a guide (charge current guide or discharge current guide) including at least one of a charge current limit (CCL) and a discharge current limit (DCL) through the output unit 180 (S410).

[0132] In addition, the processor 110 can transmit the charging current guide or the discharging current guide to an external terminal through the communication unit 130.

[0133] The processor 110 can charge the battery 190 according to an externally set charging current or control the discharging current of the battery 190 (S420).

[0134] For example, when charging the battery 190, the user or administrator can set the charging current according to the charging current guide so as not to exceed the charging current limit (CCL) and charge the battery 190.

[0135] In addition, when discharging the battery 190 to output a current, the user or administrator can control the discharge current according to the discharge current guide so as not to exceed the discharge current limit (DCL).

[0136] As a result, the present invention provides guidance for charging and discharging the battery 190 while protecting it, thereby improving the efficiency of battery usage and extending its lifespan.

[0137] The implementations described herein may be embodied, for example, as a method or process, an apparatus, a software program, a data stream, or a signal. Even if discussed in the context of only one form of implementation (e.g., discussed only as a method), the implementation of the discussed features may also be embodied in other forms (e.g., an apparatus or a program). An apparatus may be embodied in appropriate hardware, software, firmware, and the like. A method may be embodied in an apparatus, such as, for example, a processor, which generally refers to a processing device including a computer, a microprocessor, an integrated circuit, or a programmable logic device, and the like. A processor also includes a communication device, such as a computer, a mobile phone, a portable / personal digital assistant ("PDA"), and another device that facilitates communication of information between end users.

[0138] The present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, but it is understood that these are merely illustrative and that those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should be determined by the following claims.

Claims

1. a battery including a plurality of battery cells; a sensor for measuring a voltage of the plurality of battery cells; and a processor that monitors the states of the battery cells based on data measured through the sensor, detects a failure, sets the failed battery cell as an exclusion target, and excludes the battery cells included in the exclusion target, and performs an imbalance determination and a balancing operation on the battery cells.

2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the processor generates an alarm requesting an inspection of the battery cell set as the excluded target, and outputs the alarm through an output unit.

3. 3. The battery balance control device according to claim 2, wherein the processor cancels the exclusion setting and the alarm when an inspection is performed on the battery cell set as the excluded target or when the battery cell set as the excluded target is replaced.

4. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the processor monitors a voltage of the battery cell set as the excluded battery cell.

5. 2. The battery balance control device according to claim 1, wherein the processor detects a battery cell having a lowest voltage among the remaining battery cells excluding the battery cells included in the exclusion target among the plurality of battery cells, and determines whether or not there is an imbalance based on the battery cell having the lowest voltage.

6. 2. The battery balance control device according to claim 1, wherein the processor performs a balancing operation on remaining battery cells, excluding the battery cells included in the exclusion target, among the plurality of battery cells, based on a voltage of a battery cell having a lowest voltage among the remaining battery cells.

7. 2. The battery balance control device according to claim 1, wherein the processor calculates a charge current limit (CCL) and a discharge current limit (DCL) by reflecting a state of health (SOH) of the plurality of battery cells.

8. 8. The battery balance control device according to claim 7, wherein the processor generates a guide for charging current and discharging current including the charging current limit (CCL) and the discharging current limit (DCL), and transmits the guide to a registered terminal through a communication unit.

9. 8. The battery balance control device according to claim 7, wherein the processor controls a charging current of the battery in response to the charging current limit (CCL) and controls an output of the battery in response to the discharging current limit (DCL).

10. A processor monitors a state of the battery cells based on voltages of the battery cells measured by a sensor to detect a failure of the battery cells; The processor sets the failed battery cell as an exception target; The processor excludes the battery cells included in the exclusion target, and determines an imbalance for the plurality of battery cells; and The method of claim 1, further comprising: when the plurality of battery cells are unbalanced, excluding a battery cell included in the exclusion target, and performing a balancing operation.

11. The step of setting the object to be excluded includes:

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: generating an alarm requesting an inspection of the battery cell set as the excluded target, and outputting the alarm through an output unit.

12. The step of setting the object to be excluded includes:

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: monitoring a voltage of the battery cell set as the excluded battery cell.

13. After the step of setting the object to be excluded, 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: canceling the exclusion setting for the battery cell and canceling the alarm when the battery cell set as the excluded target is inspected or replaced.

14. The step of determining the imbalance comprises: detecting a battery cell having a lowest voltage from among the remaining battery cells excluding the battery cells included in the exclusion target among the plurality of battery cells; and 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: determining an imbalance based on the battery cell with the lowest voltage.

15. In the step of determining the imbalance, 15. The battery balance control method of claim 14, wherein the processor excludes the first battery cell when a voltage of a first battery cell included in the exclusion target among the plurality of battery cells is a lowest voltage, and determines whether or not there is an imbalance by comparing a voltage of a second battery cell, which is the next lowest voltage, with a set value.

16. The step of performing the balancing operation includes:

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: performing a balancing operation on voltages of remaining battery cells excluding the battery cells included in the excluded battery cells among the plurality of battery cells.

17. In the step of performing the balancing operation, The method of claim 16, wherein the processor performs the balancing operation based on a voltage of a battery cell having a lowest voltage among the remaining battery cells.

18. The processor calculates a state of health (SOH) for the plurality of battery cells; calculating a charge current limit (CCL) and a discharge current limit (DCL) for the battery by reflecting the state of health (SOH); and 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: generating a guide for charging and discharging currents, the guide including the charging current limit (CCL) and the discharging current limit (DCL).

19. 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: the processor outputting the guide through an output unit or transmitting the guide to a designated terminal through a communication unit.

20. charging the battery by controlling an applied charging current corresponding to the charging current limit (CCL) by the processor; and 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: controlling an output of the battery to supply to a load in response to the discharge current limit (DCL) by the processor.

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