Battery management device and method, and battery system including the same

Abstract

A battery management device, method, and battery system including the same according to an embodiment of the present invention can provide software capable of highly efficient battery operation management by recognizing and executing control logic updated from a control logic generation device by a virtual machine in real time, so that the updated control logic can be executed without interrupting the battery management system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0146067, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on November 4, 2022, and all of the contents disclosed in the documents of the Korean patent application are incorporated herein.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery management device and method, and a system including the same, and more specifically, to a battery management device and method including a virtual machine for executing updated control logic without interrupting battery monitoring, and a system including the same.

Background Art

[0003] An Energy Storage System (ESS) is a system that links renewable energy, a battery storing power, and existing grid power. In recent years, with the spread of smart grids and renewable energy, and with the importance placed on the efficiency and stability of power grids, the demand for energy storage systems is increasing steadily for power supply and demand regulation and power quality improvement. Depending on the purpose of use, the output and capacity of the energy storage system vary. To configure a large-capacity energy storage system, multiple battery systems can be connected to each other.

[0004] For example, an energy storage system applied to a photovoltaic (PV) power generation system can include a battery section composed of a number of batteries, a battery management system for battery management, a power conversion system (PCS), an energy management system (EMS), a DC-DC converter, and the like.

[0005] Among them, the battery management system is a core component for managing batteries, and continuous system updates are required to efficiently manage the batteries in operation at the site.

[0006] Therefore, in the conventional battery management system, for software updates, the administrator directly visits the site, interrupts the operation of the battery system in operation, and then updates the software.

[0007] However, in this case, compensation due to the interruption of the use of the battery management system is always required, and it is necessary to visit the site for software updates, so there are problems of time and material costs and inefficiency. Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] An object of the present invention for solving the above problems is to provide a highly efficient battery management device.

[0009] Another object of the present invention for solving the above problems is to provide a highly efficient battery management method.

[0010] Another object of the present invention for solving the above problems is to provide a highly efficient battery system. Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] A battery management device (Battery Management System, BMS) according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object, which operates according to updated control logic without interrupting the charge and discharge monitoring of the battery, includes a memory and a processor that executes at least one instruction stored in the memory, and the at least one instruction includes an instruction for controlling a virtual machine that executes control logic pre-recorded in the memory to execute the updated control logic.

[0012] Here, the instruction for controlling the virtual machine to execute the updated control logic, if the updated control logic exists in the external storage area connected to the battery management device, may include an instruction to execute a loader to copy the updated control logic and store it in the memory, and an instruction to operate the virtual machine to parse and execute the updated control logic.

[0013] Further, at least one instruction may further include an instruction to operate the loader to copy the control logic pre-recorded in the external storage area and store it in the memory, and an instruction to operate the virtual machine to execute the pre-recorded control logic.

[0014] Further, at least one instruction may further include an instruction to store the updated control logic in the external storage area and terminate when a termination signal is received.

[0015] On the other hand, the memory may include a non-volatile memory for storing at least one instruction of the processor, and a volatile memory for storing the pre-recorded control logic and the updated control logic.

[0016] At this time, the volatile memory may include a main memory for storing the pre-recorded control logic and a backup memory for storing the updated control logic.

[0017] On the other hand, at least one instruction may further include an instruction to copy the newly updated control logic and store it in any one of the divided areas of the backup memory in the memory, and an instruction to operate the virtual machine to execute the newly updated control logic, if the newly updated control logic is stored in the external storage area after the updated control logic before the termination signal is received.

[0018] In addition, the pre-recorded control logic and the updated control logic are generated from a control logic generator and can be compiled into a computer language compatible with the virtual machine.

[0019] On the other hand, the external storage area can be included in a non-volatile storage device including at least one of a hard disk drive (HDD), a flash memory, an EEPROM, and a removable storage device.

[0020] In addition, the control logic generator can be connected to the battery management device via a wireless or wired network to transmit the updated control logic to the battery management device.

[0021] A battery management method of a battery management system (BMS) including a memory and a processor according to another embodiment of the present invention for achieving the object, and operating according to the updated control logic without interrupting the charge and discharge monitoring of the battery, includes a step of controlling a virtual machine that executes the control logic pre-recorded in the memory to execute the updated control logic.

[0022] Here, the step of controlling the virtual machine to execute the updated control logic may include, if the updated control logic exists in an external storage area connected to the battery management device, executing a loader to copy the updated control logic and store it in the memory, and operating the virtual machine to parse and execute the updated control logic.

[0023] Furthermore, it may further include steps of operating a loader to copy control logic pre-recorded in an external storage area and storing it in a memory, and operating a virtual machine to execute the pre-recorded control logic.

[0024] Also, the battery management method may further include a step of storing the updated control logic in the external storage area and ending when an end signal is received.

[0025] On the other hand, the memory may include a non-volatile memory for storing at least one instruction of a processor, and a volatile memory for storing pre-recorded control logic and updated control logic.

[0026] At this time, the volatile memory may include a main memory for storing pre-recorded control logic and a backup memory for storing updated control logic.

[0027] On the other hand, if newly updated control logic is stored in the external storage area after the updated control logic before an end signal is received, the battery management method may further include steps of copying the newly updated control logic and storing it in any one of the divided areas of the backup memory in the memory, and operating the virtual machine to execute the newly updated control logic.

[0028] Also, the pre-recorded control logic and the updated control logic can be generated from a control logic generator and compiled into a computer language compatible with the virtual machine.

[0029] On the one hand, the external memory area can be included in a non-volatile memory device including at least one of a hard disk drive (HDD), a flash memory, an EEPROM, and a removable memory device.

[0030] In addition, the control logic generation device can be connected to the battery management device via a wireless or wired network to transmit the updated control logic to the battery management device.

[0031] A battery management system according to another embodiment of the present invention for achieving the object, which operates according to the updated control logic without interrupting the charge and discharge monitoring of the battery, includes a control logic generation device (Logic generator) that generates and compiles the updated control logic, a memory, and a processor, and a battery management device that controls a virtual machine that executes the control logic pre-recorded in the memory to execute the updated control logic.

[0032] Here, if there is updated control logic in the external memory area connected to the battery management device, the battery management device can execute a loader to copy the updated control logic and store it in the memory, and parse the updated control logic to operate the virtual machine to execute it.

[0033] In addition, the battery management device can further include operating a loader to copy the control logic pre-recorded in the external memory area and store it in the memory, and operating the virtual machine to execute the pre-recorded control logic.

[0034] In addition, the battery management device can further include storing the updated control logic in the external memory area and ending when receiving an end signal.

[0035] On the one hand, before the end signal is received, if the newly updated control logic after the control logic updated in the external memory area is stored, the battery management device may further include copying the newly updated control logic and storing it in any one of the divided backup memories in the memory, and operating the virtual machine to execute the newly updated control logic.

[0036] At this time, the control logic generation device can compile the pre-recorded control logic and the updated control logic into a computer language compatible with the virtual machine.

[0037] On the other hand, the external memory area can be included in a non-volatile memory device including at least one of a hard disk drive (HDD), a flash memory, an EEPROM, and a removable storage device.

[0038] In addition, the control logic generation device can be connected to the battery management device via a wireless or wired network and transmit the updated control logic to the battery management device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0039] The battery management device and method according to the embodiments of the present invention, and a battery system including the same can recognize and execute the control logic updated from the control logic generation device by the virtual machine in real time, so that the updated control logic can be executed without interrupting the battery management system, thereby providing software capable of highly efficient battery operation management.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0040]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0041] Since the present invention can be subjected to various changes and can have various embodiments, specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include all changes, equivalents or alternatives included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Similar reference numerals are used for similar components while explaining each drawing.

[0042] Terms such as first, second, A, B, etc. can be used to describe various components, but the above components should not be limited by the above terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the rights of the present invention, the first component can be named the second component, and similarly the second component can be named the first component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of a plurality of relatedly described items or one of a plurality of relatedly described items.

[0043] When a component is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly coupled or connected to the other component, but there may also be other components in between. In contrast, when a component is referred to as being "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0044] The terms used in this application are merely used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should not be construed as precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0045] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related art, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless clearly defined in this application.

[0046] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a conventional battery system.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 1, generally, a common battery system applied to an Energy Storage System requires continuous system updates to efficiently manage the batteries in operation at a Site.

[0048] Therefore, conventionally, in order to update the software of the battery management device in the battery system, an administrator directly visits the site to interrupt the operation of the operating battery system and perform the software update of the battery management device.

[0049] More specifically, the update of the conventional battery management device performed software updates using a compiled image file. Therefore, in order to apply the compiled image file to the software, interruption of the use of the battery system was always required.

[0050] Therefore, for the software update of the conventional battery management device, after interrupting the battery system that was already in operation, the existing compiled execution file remaining in the memory was deleted, and the initialization of the battery management device was advanced.

[0051] After that, after switching the battery management device to the update mode, the loader copied and stored the updated compiled image from the external storage device to the memory, initialized the battery management device, and applied the updated compiled image to the software program to perform the update. For example, the external storage device may be a removable storage device.

[0052] As described above, the conventional battery system always requires interruption of the operation of the battery system in order to apply the updated compiled image to the software program, requires compensation due to the interruption of use, and requires a site visit for software update, resulting in time and material costs and having the disadvantage of being inefficient.

[0053] Therefore, the battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention can acquire the control logic updated in real time and reflect the updated control logic on the system without interrupting the system by a virtual machine.

[0054] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an energy storage system to which an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 2, a battery that serves to store power in an energy storage system can usually be embodied in such a form that a number of battery modules form a battery rack, and a number of battery racks form a battery bank. Here, depending on the device or system in which the battery is used, the battery rack can also be called a battery pack. For example, the batteries #1, #2, …, #N shown in FIG. 1 may be in the form of a battery pack or a battery rack.

[0056] At this time, a battery management device (Battery Management System; BMS) 1000 can be provided for each battery.

[0057] A battery management system 1000 (BMS) to which an embodiment of the present invention can be applied can monitor the current, voltage, and temperature of each battery pack (or rack) managed by itself, calculate the SOC (Status Of Charge) based on the monitoring results, and control charging and discharging.

[0058] On the other hand, a battery section controller (Battery Section Controller; BSC) can be provided for each of the battery sections configured to include a number of batteries and peripheral circuits, devices, etc. Thereby, the BSC 2000 can monitor and control the objects to be controlled such as voltage, current, temperature, circuit breaker, etc. within the battery section. In addition, the BSC 2000 calculates the output of each DC-DC converter based on the monitored state information of the battery side and transmits it to the DC-DC converter.

[0059] In addition, the Power Conversion System (PCS) 4000 provided for each battery section controls the power supplied from the outside and the power supplied from the battery section to the outside to control the charging and discharging of the battery, and can include a DC / AC inverter.

[0060] Also, the output of the DC-DC converter 5000 can be connected to the PCS 4000, and the PCS 4000 can be connected to the grid 600 and the load 7000. The PCS 4000 usually operates in a Constant Power mode. The Power Management System (PMS) 3000 connected to the PCS 4000 is the highest-level control device that determines and controls the output of the PCS 4000 based on the monitoring and control results of the BMS 1000 or the BSC 2000.

[0061] In the energy storage system of FIG. 2, Battery #1 is connected to DC-DC Converter #1, Battery #2 is connected to DC-DC Converter #2, and Battery #N is connected to DC-DC #N. The output of the DC-DC converter 5000 corresponding to each battery is connected to the PCS 4000 via the DC link section.

[0062] The DC-DC converter may be a bidirectional converter. When conversion is performed from the battery to the load direction, the input of the DC-DC converter is connected to the battery (battery unit, battery rack, or battery pack), and the output of the DC-DC converter can be connected to the load. As examples of the DC-DC converter, various types of converters such as a full-bridge converter, a half-bridge converter, and a flyback converter can be used.

[0063] The DC-DC converter may be a bidirectional converter. When the conversion is performed from the battery to the load direction, the input of the DC-DC converter can be connected to a battery (battery unit, battery rack or battery pack), and the output of the DC-DC converter can be connected to the load. As examples of the DC-DC converter, various types of converters such as a full-bridge converter, a half-bridge converter, and a flyback converter can be used.

[0064] On the other hand, communication using CAN (Controller Area Network) or Ethernet (indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 2) can be performed among BMS1000, BSC2000, PMS3000, and PCS4000.

[0065] Hereinafter, in the present invention, a battery system applicable to an energy storage system (ESS) will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in preferred embodiments.

[0066] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 3, the battery system 1000 may be applied to an energy storage system (ESS) as described above. Thereby, the battery system 1000 can manage the state of the battery in operation at a site.

[0068] According to the embodiment, the battery system 1000 can perform continuous system updates in order to efficiently manage the battery in operation at a site.

[0069] More specifically, the battery system 1000 can include a control logic generation device 1100 and a battery management device 1300. Further, the battery system 1000 can further include an external storage device 1500.

[0070] The control logic generation device 1100 (Logic Generator) can generate control logic (Control Logic) for application to the software of the battery management device 1300 described later for software updates of at least one battery system applied to the energy storage system (ESS). According to an embodiment, the control logic generation device 1100 may be a supplier PC dualized with the battery management device 1300 described later.

[0071] Here, the control logic is program logic for managing the state of the battery, and can include at least one program logic that requires continuous updates for efficient management of the battery state, such as battery charge and discharge control, cell balancing, state monitoring, etc. However, without being limited to what is disclosed, the control logic can also be provided modularized separately from the program logic.

[0072] For example, when the control logic is provided modularized separately from the program logic, virtual machines within the battery management device 1300 described later can also be provided individually for each module. Thereby, the modularized control logic and virtual machines can operate identically to the functions of the control logic and virtual machines described later.

[0073] The control logic generation device 1100 can include a compiler. Thereby, the control logic generation device 1100 can execute the operation of the compiler to compile the generated control logic into a computer language compatible with a virtual machine (VM) in a battery management device 1300 described later. Thereby, an interpreter of the virtual machine (VM) in the battery management device 1300 described later can execute the updated control logic generated from the control logic generation device 1100. However, without being limited to what is disclosed, the compilation of the updated control logic can also be performed by an external storage device 1500 described later.

[0074] The battery management device 1300 can acquire the updated control logic generated from the control logic generation device 1100.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the battery management device 1300 can be connected to the control logic generation device 1100 via a wired or wireless network. Thereby, the battery management device 1300 can receive the updated control logic from the control logic generation device 1100 through network communication.

[0076] According to another embodiment, the battery management device 1300 can acquire the updated control logic by using an external storage device 1500 described later.

[0077] More specifically, the external storage device 1500 can be physically connected to the control logic generation device 1100 and the battery management device 1300 through ports. In other words, the external storage device 1500 can be physically connected to the control logic generation device 1100 to download the updated control logic generated by the control logic generation device 1100. Then, when the external storage device 1500 is physically connected to the battery management device 1300 and the battery management device 1300 recognizes the external storage device 1500, the battery management device 1300 can execute a loader to copy the updated control logic stored in the external storage device 1500 and temporarily store it in the memory within the battery management device 1300. Here, the loader may be a Bootloader.

[0078] The battery management device 1300 can include a virtual machine (VM). Thereby, the battery management device 1300 can execute the control logic stored in the memory by operating the virtual machine (VM) with a processor described later.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the battery management device 1300 can execute control logic pre-recorded in at least one storage area during initial operation.

[0080] Thereafter, when the updated control logic is acquired, the battery management device 1300 stores the updated control logic in the backup memory area in the memory by the loader, operates the virtual machine (VM), and can execute the updated control logic. For example, the virtual machine (VM) can execute an interpreter to parse and execute the updated control logic. Here, as described above, the updated control logic is compiled into a computer language compatible with the interpreter in the virtual machine (VM) by the control logic generation device 1100 and provided, so that it can be driven by the interpreter.

[0081] As described above, the external storage device 1500 may be a storage device that stores at least one piece of data. According to an embodiment, the external storage device 1500 may be a non-volatile storage device provided in the form of physical hardware. For example, the external storage device 1500 can be provided in at least one form of a hard disk drive (HDD), a flash memory, an EEPROM, and a removable storage device.

[0082] Thereby, the external storage device 1500 can temporarily store the updated control logic generated by the control logic generation device 1100 and transmit it to the battery management device 1300.

[0083] In addition, the external storage device 1500 can store the control logic executed by the virtual machine (VM) from the battery management device 1300 before the battery management device 1300 ends. Here, the control logic executed by the virtual machine (VM) can be copied by the loader and operated in the main memory in the memory when the battery management device is restarted. The battery management method by the operation of the battery management device will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 6 described later.

[0084] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a battery management device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Referring to Figure 4, the battery management device 1300 may include a memory 100, a processor 200, a transceiver 300, an input interface device 400, an output interface device 500, and a storage device 600, respectively. Here, the processor 200 may be a control unit (as an example, the MCU, microcontroller unit in Figure 2) of the battery pack and the battery rack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] According to an embodiment, each component 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 included in the battery management device 1100 may be connected by a bus 700 and communicate with each other.

[0087] Among the components 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 of the battery management device 1300, the memory 100 and the storage device 600 may be composed of at least one of a volatile storage medium and a non-volatile storage medium. For example, the memory 100 may be composed of at least one of a read only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). The memory 100 will be described in more detail in Figure 5 below.

[0088] The processor 200 may mean a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a dedicated processor on which the method according to an embodiment of the present invention is performed.

[0089] As described above, the processor 200 can execute at least one program command stored in the non-volatile memory in the memory 1100.

[0090] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a memory in a battery management device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 5, the memory 100 can include a non-volatile memory 110 and a volatile memory 150.

[0092] The non-volatile memory 110 can permanently store at least one piece of data regardless of the program operation of the battery management device.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the non-volatile memory 110 can include at least one instruction executed by the processor 200 to control the operation of the wireless communication module. For example, the non-volatile memory 110 can be provided as a read only memory (ROM) as described above.

[0094] At least one instruction in the battery management device includes an instruction to control a virtual machine configured to execute control logic pre-recorded in the memory to execute updated control logic.

[0095] Here, the instruction to control the virtual machine to execute the updated control logic includes, if there is updated control logic in an external storage area connected to the battery management device, an instruction to execute a loader to copy the updated control logic and store it in the memory, and an instruction to operate the virtual machine to parse and execute the updated control logic.

[0096] In addition, at least one instruction can further include an instruction to operate a loader to copy control logic pre-recorded in the external storage area and store it in the memory, and an instruction to operate the virtual machine to execute the pre-recorded control logic.

[0097] Further, at least one instruction can further include an instruction to store the updated control logic in an external storage area and end when a termination signal is received.

[0098] On the other hand, the memory can include a non-volatile memory that stores at least one instruction of the processor, and a volatile memory that stores pre-recorded control logic and updated control logic.

[0099] At this time, the volatile memory can include a main memory that stores pre-recorded control logic, and a backup memory that stores updated control logic.

[0100] On the other hand, before the termination signal is received, if newly updated control logic is stored in the external storage area after the updated control logic, at least one instruction can further include an instruction to copy the newly updated control logic and store it in any one of the divided areas of the backup memory in the memory, and an instruction to operate the virtual machine to execute the newly updated control logic.

[0101] Also, the pre-recorded control logic and the updated control logic can be generated from a control logic generator and compiled into a computer language compatible with the virtual machine.

[0102] On the other hand, the external storage area can be included in a non-volatile storage device that includes at least one of a hard disk drive (HDD), a flash memory, an EEPROM, and a removable storage device.

[0103] Also, the control logic generator can be connected to the battery management device via a wireless or wired network and transmit the updated control logic to the battery management device.

[0104] On the one hand, the volatile memory 150 can temporarily store pre-recorded control logic and updated control logic.

[0105] According to an embodiment, the volatile memory 150 may include a main memory 151 and a backup memory 155.

[0106] The main memory 151 can temporarily store pre-recorded control logic. More specifically, the main memory 151 may be a space for storing pre-recorded control logic copied from an external storage area by a loader during the initial operation of the battery management device 1300. Thereby, the battery management device 1300 can execute the pre-recorded control logic stored in the main memory 151 by a virtual machine (VM) during the initial operation by initialization. Here, the pre-recorded control logic stored in the main memory 151 may be the latest updated control logic executed before the completion of the initialization of the battery management device 1300 as described above.

[0107] The backup memory 155 can temporarily store newly updated control logic. More specifically, the backup memory 155 can store the updated control logic obtained from the control logic generation device 1100 by a loader.

[0108] The backup memory 155 can store at least one updated control logic obtained from the control logic generation device 1100 until before the end signal of the battery management device 1300 is received, that is, until before the initialization of the battery management device 1300 is completed.

[0109] According to an embodiment, the backup memory 155 can be provided with its area divided to correspond to the number of updated control logics, or can be provided with its area divided into a preset number by the user in consideration of the memory capacity. Thus, even when a plurality of updated control logics are provided from the control logic generation device 1100 before the battery management device 1300 is initialized, the updated control logics can be sequentially stored in the divided areas of the backup memory 155. Therefore, the battery management device 1300 according to the embodiment of the present invention can sequentially store newly updated control logics in the backup memory 155 regardless of whether initialization is performed. Each time a newly updated control logic is stored, the interpreter of the virtual machine (VM) executes the corresponding control logic, so that the software of the battery management device can be updated without interrupting the battery system.

[0110] As described above, the battery management device, method, and battery system including the same according to the embodiment of the present invention have been described. Hereinafter, the battery management method by the operation of the processor of the battery management device will be described in more detail.

[0111] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the battery management method according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 6, the battery management device 1300 can be initially executed by the operation of the processor 200 (S1000).

[0113] The battery management device 1300 can execute a loader. Thus, the battery management device 1300 can copy the control logic pre-recorded in the external storage area by the loader and temporarily store it in the main memory 151.

[0114] After that, the battery management device 1300 can execute a virtual machine (VM). As a result, the interpreter of the virtual machine (VM) can manage the battery by parsing and executing (S2000) the control logic stored in the main memory 151. Here, the control logic may be the latest updated control logic executed immediately before the initial execution of the battery management device 1300. In other words, the battery management device 1300 can operate with the latest software applied at the initial execution.

[0115] After that, the battery management device 1300 can check the external storage area connected to the battery management device 1300 to confirm whether there is updated control logic. Here, the external storage area may be a non-volatile storage medium.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the battery management device 1300 can check whether there is updated control logic in an external storage device 1500 physically connected by a port. For example, the external storage device 1500 can be provided in the form of physical hardware such as a hard disk drive (HDD), flash memory, EEPROM, or a removable storage device.

[0117] According to another embodiment, the battery management device 1300 can check whether there is updated control logic in an external server or cloud storage connected by a wired or wireless network.

[0118] If there is updated control logic, the battery management device 1300 can execute a loader to store the updated control logic in the backup memory 155 (S3000).

[0119] After that, the virtual machine (VM) in the battery management device 1300 can execute an interpreter to parse and execute the updated control logic stored in the backup memory 155 (S4000).

[0120] After that, when the battery management device 1300 receives an end signal from the outside (S8000), it can store the updated control logic being executed by the virtual machine (VM) in the external storage area (S9000) and end the update operation.

[0121] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a battery management method when there is newly updated control logic after the updated control logic in the battery management method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 7, after the execution of the updated control logic and before an end signal is received from the outside, if there is newly updated control logic (S5000), the battery management device 1300 can execute a loader to copy the newly updated control logic and store it in an area of the divided backup memory 155 where the control logic being executed is not stored (S6000).

[0123] Thereby, the interpreter of the virtual machine in the battery management device 1300 can parse and execute the newly updated control logic stored in the divided backup memory 155 (S7000).

[0124] After that, as shown in FIG. 6, when the battery management device 1300 receives an end signal from the outside (S8000), it can store the updated control logic being executed by the virtual machine (VM) in the external storage area (S9000) and end the update operation.

[0125] Referring again to FIG. 6, the battery management device 1300 according to an embodiment of the present invention is not limited to what is described therein, and when executing the updated control logic by the virtual machine (VM) in step S4000, the updated control logic can be stored in an external storage area during the idle time generated for each battery diagnosis cycle.

[0126] More specifically, generally, the control logic executed by the virtual machine (VM) can diagnose the battery at a preset cycle. In other words, the diagnosis of the battery can be completed within a preset cycle. For example, when the preset cycle is 1 second (sec), the battery diagnosis period may be 0.4 (sec). In other words, an idle period of 0.6 seconds can occur.

[0127] Therefore, the battery management device 1300 according to an embodiment of the present invention can utilize the idle time to store the updated control logic in an external storage area.

[0128] For example, the battery management device 1300 can separately store the updated control logic in an external storage area during the idle time ensured for each battery diagnosis cycle.

[0129] According to one embodiment, if the battery management device 1300 completes storing the updated control logic in the external storage area before receiving an end signal from the outside, it can omit step S9000 and end.

[0130] According to another embodiment, if the battery management device 1300 does not complete storing the updated control logic in the external storage area until it receives an end signal from the outside, it can complete storing the remaining capacity that could not be stored in step S9000.

[0131] On the other hand, if newly updated control logic such as S5000 is recognized while the updated control logic is being stored during the idle time, the battery management device 1300 can delete the updated control logic pre-recorded in the external storage area for each idle time.

[0132] After the deletion of the updated control logic is completed, the battery management device 1300 can store the newly updated control logic in the external storage area.

[0133] For example, the battery management device 1300 can separately store the newly updated control logic in the external storage area during the idle time secured for each battery diagnosis cycle.

[0134] According to one embodiment, if the battery management device 1300 completes storing the newly updated control logic in the external storage area before receiving an end signal from the outside, it can omit the S9000 step and end.

[0135] According to another embodiment, if the battery management device 1300 has not completed storing the newly updated control logic in the external storage area until it receives an end signal from the outside, it can complete storing the remaining capacity that could not be stored in the S9000 step.

[0136] Therefore, the battery management device according to the embodiment of the present invention first stores the updated control logic during the idle time generated for each battery diagnosis cycle. When an end signal is received from the outside, the updated control logic can be quickly updated in the external storage area, and the storage time can be shortened.

[0137] The battery management device and method according to the embodiment of the present invention, and the battery system including the same have been described above.

[0138] The battery management device, method, and battery system including the same according to an embodiment of the present invention can provide software capable of highly efficient battery operation management by recognizing and executing in real time the control logic updated from a control logic generation device by a virtual machine, so that the updated control logic can be executed without interrupting the battery management system.

[0139] The operation of the method according to an embodiment of the present invention can be embodied as a computer-readable program or code on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium includes all kinds of recording devices in which data that can be read by a computer system is stored. Also, the computer-readable recording medium can be distributed to a computer system connected by a network, and a computer-readable program or code can be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

[0140] In addition, the computer-readable recording medium can include a hardware device specially configured to store and execute program instructions, such as a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, etc. The program instructions can include not only machine language code generated by a compiler but also high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like.

[0141] Some aspects of the present invention have been described in the context of apparatus, which can also represent corresponding method descriptions where a block or apparatus corresponds to a method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in the context of a method can be represented by corresponding blocks or items or features of a corresponding apparatus. Some or all of the method steps can be performed by (or with) a hardware apparatus such as, for example, a microprocessor, a programmable computer, or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, one or more of the most important method steps can be performed by such an apparatus.

[0142] As described above with reference to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be variously modified and changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention described in the following claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0143] 1000: Battery system 1100: Control logic generation device 1300: Battery management device 1500: External storage device 100: Memory 110: Non-volatile memory 150: Volatile memory 151: Main memory 155: Backup memory 200: Processor 300: Transceiver 400: Input interface device 500: Output interface device 600: Storage device 700: Bus

Claims

1. A battery management device (Battery Management System, BMS) that operates according to updated control logic without interrupting the charge and discharge monitoring of the battery, including a memory, and a processor that executes at least one instruction stored in the memory, wherein the at least one instruction includes an instruction for controlling a virtual machine that executes control logic pre-recorded in the memory to execute the updated control logic, the battery management device.

2. The instruction for controlling the virtual machine to execute the updated control logic includes an instruction to execute a loader to copy the updated control logic and store it in the memory if the updated control logic exists in an external storage area connected to the battery management device, and an instruction to operate the virtual machine to parse and execute the updated control logic, the battery management device according to claim 1.

3. The at least one instruction further includes an instruction to operate a loader to copy control logic pre-recorded in an external storage area and store it in the memory, and an instruction to operate the virtual machine to execute the pre-recorded control logic, the battery management device according to claim 1.

4. The at least one instruction further includes an instruction to store the updated control logic in an external storage area and end when an end signal is received, the battery management device according to claim 1.

5. The memory includes a non-volatile memory that stores at least one instruction of the processor, and a volatile memory that stores the pre-recorded control logic and the updated control logic, the battery management device according to claim 2.

6. The volatile memory includes a main memory that stores the pre-recorded control logic, and a backup memory that stores the updated control logic, the battery management device according to claim 5.

7. The at least one instruction if new updated control logic is stored in the external storage area after the updated control logic before the end signal is received, An instruction to copy the newly updated control logic and store it in any one of the divided areas of the backup memory in the memory, and The battery management device according to claim 4, further comprising an instruction to operate the virtual machine so as to execute the newly updated control logic.

8. The pre-recorded control logic and the updated control logic are Generated from a control logic generator and compiled into a computer language compatible with the virtual machine, the battery management device according to claim 2.

9. The external storage area is Included in a non-volatile storage device including at least one of a hard disk drive (HDD), a flash memory, an EEPROM, and a removable storage device, the battery management device according to claim 2.

10. The control logic generator is Connected to the battery management device via a wireless or wired network to transmit the updated control logic to the battery management device, the battery management device according to claim 8.

11. A battery management method for a battery management system (BMS) including a memory and a processor, operating according to updated control logic without interrupting battery charge and discharge monitoring, comprising: A battery management method including a step of controlling a virtual machine that executes control logic pre-recorded in the memory to execute the updated control logic.

12. The step of controlling the virtual machine to execute the updated control logic is If the updated control logic exists in an external storage area connected to the battery management device, executing a loader to copy the updated control logic and store it in the memory, and The battery management method according to claim 11, including a step of parsing the updated control logic and operating the virtual machine to execute it.

13. A step of operating a loader to copy control logic pre-recorded in an external storage area and store it in the memory, and The battery management method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of operating the virtual machine to execute the pre-recorded control logic.

14. The battery management method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of storing the updated control logic in an external storage area and ending when an end signal is received.

15. The memory includes a non-volatile memory that stores at least one instruction of the processor, and a volatile memory that stores the pre-recorded control logic and the updated control logic, according to the battery management method of claim 12.

16. The volatile memory includes a main memory that stores the pre-recorded control logic, a backup memory that stores the updated control logic, according to the battery management method of claim 15.

17. Before the end signal is received, if newly updated control logic is stored in the external storage area after the updated control logic, the step of copying the newly updated control logic and storing it in any one of the divided areas of the backup memory in the memory, and the step of operating the virtual machine to execute the newly updated control logic, according to the battery management method of claim 14.

18. The pre-recorded control logic and the updated control logic are generated from a control logic generator and compiled into a computer language compatible with the virtual machine, according to the battery management method of claim 12.

19. The external storage area is included in a non-volatile storage device including at least one of a hard disk drive (HDD), a flash memory, an EEPROM, and a removable storage device, according to the battery management method of claim 12.

20. The control logic generator is connected to the battery management device via a wireless or wired network and transmits the updated control logic to the battery management device, according to the battery management method of claim 12.

21. A battery management system that operates according to updated control logic without interrupting battery charge and discharge monitoring. A control logic generation device (Logic generator) that generates and compiles the updated control logic, and A battery system including a virtual machine that includes a memory and a processor and executes control logic pre-recorded in the memory, and controls the virtual machine to execute the updated control logic.

22. The battery management device is If the updated control logic exists in an external storage area connected to the battery management device, execute a loader to copy the updated control logic and store it in the memory, The battery system according to claim 21, wherein the virtual machine is operated to parse and execute the updated control logic.

23. The battery management device is Operate a loader to copy the control logic pre-recorded in the external storage area and store it in the memory, The battery system according to claim 21, further including operating the virtual machine to execute the pre-recorded control logic.

24. The battery management device is When receiving an end signal, further including storing the updated control logic in an external storage area and ending, the battery system according to claim 21.

25. The battery management device is Before the end signal is received, if newly updated control logic is stored in the external storage area after the updated control logic, Copy the newly updated control logic and store it in any one of the divided areas of the backup memory in the memory, The battery system according to claim 24, further including operating the virtual machine to execute the newly updated control logic.

26. The control logic generation device is The battery system according to claim 22, which compiles the pre-recorded control logic and the updated control logic into a computer language compatible with the virtual machine.

27. The external storage area is The battery system according to claim 21, included in a non-volatile memory device including at least one of a hard disk drive (HDD), a flash memory, an EEPROM, and a removable memory device.

28. The control logic generation device The battery system according to claim 21, connected to the battery management device via a wireless or wired network and transmitting the updated control logic to the battery management device.

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