Battery Charging Control Device and Method

Abstract

A battery charging control device according to an embodiment of the present invention can include at least one processor; and a memory storing at least one instruction executed through the at least one processor. The at least one instruction may include: an instruction to collect battery state information and charger state information if user input information including a charging target is received; an instruction to derive a plurality of optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target based on the battery state information and the charger state information; an instruction to output information regarding each of the derived optimal charging maps via a predefined GUI; and an instruction to control the battery to be charged through the optimal charging map corresponding to the user selection signal if a user selection signal for any one of the optimal charging maps is received.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0081593, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on June 26, 2023, and all of the contents disclosed in the document of the Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery charging control device and method, and more particularly, to a battery charging control device and method for controlling the charging of a battery in an optimal charging method corresponding to a charging target set by a user.

Background Art

[0003] A secondary battery is a battery that can be reused through charging after discharging, and can be used as an energy source for small devices such as mobile phones, tablet PCs, and vacuum cleaners, and can also be used as an energy source for medium and large devices such as automobiles and smart grid ESSs (Energy Storage Systems).

[0004] Secondary batteries are applied to a system in the form of an assembly such as a battery module in which a number of battery cells are connected in series or parallel according to the requirements of the system, or a battery pack in which battery modules are connected in series or parallel. In the case of medium and large devices such as electric vehicles, a high-capacity battery system in which a number of battery packs are connected in parallel can be applied to satisfy the required capacity of the corresponding device.

[0005] In recent years, as the capacity of secondary batteries has increased, rapid charging technologies that can charge batteries more quickly have emerged. When charging is performed using a rapid charging method, a stepwise charging method is mainly used in which charging is performed with a high charging current at the initial stage of charging, and the charging current is gradually attenuated as the SOC (State Of Charge) or voltage value of the battery increases to proceed with charging. Here, considering charging safety, the charging current can be adjusted based on the current temperature of the battery.

[0006] Generally, the charging current value during the battery charging process is determined by a pre-stored charging map or charging profile. That is, the charging of the battery proceeds according to a preset charging method, and the user's right to choose regarding the charging method is restricted.

[0007] In some cases of charging devices, the user is given the right to choose regarding charging time, charging speed, etc., but the selectable items are very limited. Also, when the battery is charged at high speed according to the user's choice, the battery life may be shortened, or after charging is completed, the battery temperature may exceed the optimal range and the output performance may decrease.

[0008] Therefore, an appropriate charging control technology that can solve such problems is required.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] An object of the present invention for solving the above problems is to provide a battery charging control device that controls the charging of a battery with an optimal charging method corresponding to a charging target set by a user.

[0010] Another object of the present invention for solving the above problems is to provide a battery charging control method by such a battery charging control device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] A battery charging control device according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object may include at least one processor; and a memory that stores at least one instruction executed through the at least one processor.

[0012] If the above at least one instruction receives user input information including a charging target, it can include an instruction to derive a plurality of optimal charging maps that meet the above charging target based on the battery state information and the charger state information; an instruction to output information regarding each of the derived optimal charging maps via a predefined GUI; and an instruction to control the battery to be charged through the optimal charging map corresponding to the user selection signal if a user selection signal for any one of the above optimal charging maps is received.

[0013] Here, the above charging target can include a charging target value including one or more of a target charge amount, a target charging time, and a target battery temperature at the time of charging completion; or a charging priority item including one or more of a maximum charge amount, a minimum charging time, and a maximum performance.

[0014] The instruction to derive the above plurality of optimal charging maps can include an instruction to derive an optimal charging map that meets the above charging target from among the plurality of pre-stored charging maps.

[0015] The instruction to derive the above plurality of optimal charging maps can include an instruction to generate charging prediction information regarding each of the plurality of pre-stored charging maps using a predefined battery behavior prediction model; and an instruction to select N optimal charging maps that meet the above charging target based on the generated charging prediction information.

[0016] The instruction to generate the above charging prediction information can include an instruction to predict one or more of a charging completion time, a charge amount at the time of charging completion, a battery temperature at the time of charging completion, and an accumulated amount of polarization values when charging proceeds according to the charging map.

[0017] The instruction to derive the above plurality of optimal charging maps can include an instruction to select one or more of a first charging map that can charge in the minimum time, a second charging map that can charge with the maximum charge amount, a third charging map that meets a predefined maximum performance condition, and a fourth charging map that meets a predefined maximum life condition from among the charging maps that meet the above charging target.

[0018] The instruction to derive the plurality of optimal charging maps includes one or more of the following instructions: when the charging target is the target charge amount or the maximum charge amount, determining one or more of the first charging map, the third charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map; when the charging target is the target charging time or the minimum charging time, determining one or more of the second charging map, the third charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map; and when the charging target is the target battery temperature or the maximum performance at the time of charging completion, determining one or more of the first charging map, the second charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map.

[0019] The instruction to output via the GUI can include an instruction to output identification information and charge prediction information for each of the N optimal charging maps.

[0020] The instruction to output via the GUI can include an instruction to output each of the optimal charging maps according to a predefined priority order.

[0021] The instruction to control the battery to be charged can include an instruction to control the battery to be charged through the optimal charging map defined as the first priority if the user selection signal is not received within a predefined time.

[0022] A battery charging control method by a battery charging control device according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving another purpose includes: when user input information including a charging target is received, deriving a plurality of optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target based on the state information of the battery and the state information of the charger; outputting information regarding each of the derived optimal charging maps via a predefined GUI; and when a user selection signal for any one of the optimal charging maps is received, controlling the battery to be charged through the optimal charging map corresponding to the user selection signal.

[0023] Here, the above charging target may include a charging target value including one or more of a target charge amount, a target charging time, and a target battery temperature at the time of charging completion; or may include a charging priority item including one or more of a maximum charge amount, a minimum charging time, and a maximum performance.

[0024] The step of deriving the plurality of optimal charging maps may include the step of deriving an optimal charging map that satisfies the above charging target among the plurality of pre-stored charging maps.

[0025] The step of deriving the plurality of optimal charging maps may include the step of generating charging prediction information for each of the plurality of pre-stored charging maps using a predefined battery behavior prediction model; and the step of selecting N optimal charging maps that satisfy the above charging target based on the generated charging prediction information.

[0026] The step of generating the above charging prediction information may include the step of predicting one or more of a charging completion time, a charge amount at the time of charging completion, a battery temperature at the time of charging completion, and an accumulated amount of polarization values when charging is performed according to the charging map.

[0027] The step of deriving the plurality of optimal charging maps may include the step of selecting one or more of a first charging map that can charge in the minimum time, a second charging map that can charge with the maximum charge amount, a third charging map that satisfies a predefined maximum performance condition, and a fourth charging map that satisfies a predefined maximum life condition among the charging maps that satisfy the above charging target.

[0028] The step of deriving the plurality of optimal charging maps includes, when the charging target is the target charge amount or the maximum charge amount, determining one or more of the first charging map, the third charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map; when the charging target is the target charging time or the minimum charging time, determining one or more of the second charging map, the third charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map; and when the charging target is the target battery temperature or the maximum performance at the time of charging completion, determining one or more of the first charging map, the second charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map, and can include one or more of these steps.

[0029] The step of outputting via the GUI can include the step of outputting identification information and charge prediction information regarding each of the N optimal charging maps.

[0030] The step of outputting via the GUI can include the step of outputting each of the optimal charging maps according to a predefined priority order.

[0031] The step of controlling the battery to be charged can include, if the user selection signal is not received within a predefined time, controlling the battery to be charged through the optimal charging map defined as the first rank.

Advantages of the Invention

[0032] According to the embodiments of the present invention as described above, by deriving an optimal charging map that meets the charging target set by the user and controlling the charging of the battery through the charging map selected by the user among these, it is possible to improve the user's degree of freedom in selecting the charging method, the charging efficiency, performance, and residual value of the battery.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0034] The present invention can be modified in various ways and can have various embodiments. Therefore, 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 modifications, 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.

[0035] Terms such as first, second, A, and B can be used to describe various components, but the above components should not be limited by the above terms. The above terms are only used 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 also be named the first component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of a plurality of relatedly described items or one of the plurality of relatedly described items.

[0036] When it is mentioned that a certain component is "connected to" or "coupled to" another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or coupled to the other component, but there may also be another component in the middle. In contrast, when it is mentioned that a certain component is "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another component, it should be understood that there is no other component in the middle.

[0037] The terms used in this application are only 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 "including" or "having" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and it should be understood that the existence or addition possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof, etc. is not precluded in advance.

[0038] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries shall be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related art, and shall not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless clearly defined in the present application.

[0039] Some of the terms used in this specification are defined as follows.

[0040] A battery cell is the smallest unit that serves to store electric power, and a battery module means an assembly in which a plurality of battery cells are electrically connected.

[0041] A battery pack or battery rack means a single-structured system that can be electrically connected in module units set by a battery manufacturer and monitored and controlled through a BMS (Battery Management System), and can be configured to include a plurality of battery modules and one BPU (Battery Protection Unit) or protection device.

[0042] A battery bank can mean a collection of large-scale battery rack systems configured by connecting a plurality of battery racks in parallel. Through the BMS of the battery bank unit, monitoring and control of the rack BMS (RBMS) of the battery rack unit can be performed.

[0043] A battery assembly is configured to include a plurality of electrically connected battery cells, and means an assembly that is applied to a specific system or device and functions as a power supply source. Here, the battery assembly can mean a battery module, a battery pack, a battery rack, or a battery bank, etc., but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these individuals.

[0044] SOC (State of Charge) represents the current charged state of the battery as a percentage, and SOH (State of Health) represents the current remaining state of the battery as a percentage.

[0045] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining a battery charging system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 1, the battery charging system can include a battery assembly 100, a battery charger 200, a battery charge control device 300, and a user interface device 400.

[0048] The battery assembly 100 can include a plurality of battery cells 10, and the battery cells 10 can be electrically connected to each other.

[0049] The battery assembly 100 can be included in an electric moving means such as an electric vehicle, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these individuals.

[0050] The battery charger 200 is a device that is electrically connected to the battery assembly 100 and charges the battery. Here, the battery charger 200 can be included inside the device to which the battery assembly 100 is applied, or can be separately provided outside the corresponding device.

[0051] The battery charge control device 300 can determine a charge control value and control the battery charger 200 so that the battery is charged according to the charge control value. Here, the charge control value can mean a charge current value, a charge voltage value, or a charge power value applied to the battery assembly 100 or the individual battery 10.

[0052] The battery charging control device 300 can determine a charging control value using a pre-stored charging map. Here, the charging map can include data in which the charging control value is predefined for each section of the battery state value and each section of the state of charge value.

[0053] For example, the battery charging control device 300 can check a charging current value corresponding to the current state of charge value (SOC value or voltage value) and the current temperature value of the battery from the charging map stored in the storage device, and control the battery charger 200 so that the battery is charged with the confirmed charging current value.

[0054] The battery charging control device 300 can include a battery state information collection device that senses the state value of the battery, or can be connected to the battery state information collection device. Here, the state value of the battery can include the voltage value, current value, temperature value, and SOC of the battery.

[0055] The battery charging control device 300 can be included in the battery system or can be included in the battery charger 200. For example, the battery charging control device 300 can be provided inside the battery system and implemented in conjunction with the BMS (Battery Management System), or can be included in the control system of the rapid charger and implemented.

[0056] The user interface device 400 is a device operable by a user, and can output specific information to the user or receive specific information from the user via a predefined GUI (Graphical User Interface). For example, the user interface device 400 can correspond to an AVN (Audio Video Navigation) device provided in an electric vehicle or a mobile phone. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these individuals.

[0057] The user interface device 400 is connected to the battery charging control device 300 through a network, receives specific information from the battery charging control device 300, displays it via the GUI, and can receive specific information from the user and transmit it to the battery charging control device 300.

[0058] FIG. 2 is an operation flowchart of a battery charging control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] The battery charging control device can receive user input information including a charging target (S210).

[0060] Specifically, the user interface device can receive user input information including a charging target from the user via the GUI. Thereafter, the battery charging control device can receive the user input information from the user interface device.

[0061] In an embodiment, the charging target can include a charging target value including one or more of a target state of charge (SOC_target), a target charging time (t_target), and a target battery temperature at the end of charging (T_end_target). For example, the user interface device can receive [SOC 80%] as the target state of charge, [charging time 20 minutes] as the target charging time, or [25°C] as the target battery temperature from the user, and transmit the input charging target value to the battery charging control device.

[0062] In another embodiment, the charging target can include a charging priority item including one or more of a maximum charge amount, a minimum charging time, and maximum performance. For example, the user interface device can receive a charging priority item corresponding to [maximum charge amount], [minimum charging time], or [maximum performance] from the user, and transmit the input charging priority item to the battery charging control device.

[0063] If user input information is received, the battery charging control device can collect the state information of the battery and the state information of the charger (S220). Here, the battery charging control device can check the state information of the battery from the BMS of the battery system and check the state information of the charger from the battery charger.

[0064] The battery state information can include one or more of the voltage value, temperature value, SOC, and SOH of the battery. Also, the charger state information can include one or more of the maximum charging current value, maximum charging voltage value, maximum charging power value, and maximum charging time of the battery charger.

[0065] Based on the state information of the battery and the state information of the charger, the battery charging control device can derive a plurality of optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target input by the user (S230). Here, the battery charging control device can derive a predefined number (N) of optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target from among the plurality of charging maps already stored in the storage device. For example, when the charging target is [charging time 20 minutes], the battery charging control device selects N charging maps that can complete charging within 20 minutes when charging is carried out with the state information of the battery and the state information of the charger as charging conditions from among the plurality of stored charging maps, and can determine the selected charging maps as the optimal charging maps.

[0066] The charging map can correspond to data in which the charging control value is predefined for each interval for the battery state value and each interval for the charging state value. FIG. 3 is an illustration of a charging map according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, the charging map can be embodied in a table in which the charging current value is predefined for each SOC interval and each temperature interval. Here, the charging current value can be defined as the current value (A) or the charging rate (C-rate). On the other hand, the charging map can also be embodied in a table in which the charging control value is predefined for each voltage interval and each temperature interval, different from FIG. 3.

[0067] In an embodiment, the battery charging control device can derive an optimal charging map using a predefined battery behavior prediction model. Here, the battery behavior prediction model can be predefined to take, as input data, a charging target, battery state information, and charger state information, and output, as output data, charging prediction information regarding each of the charging maps.

[0068] The charging prediction information can include data indicating battery state information or charging-related information at the time of charging completion when charging proceeds according to a specific charging map. Here, the charging prediction information can include one or more of the charging completion time, the battery charge amount at the time of charging completion, the battery temperature at the time of charging completion, and the cumulative amount of polarization values.

[0069] That is, the battery behavior prediction model uses the charging target, the initial state value of the battery, and the limit value of the charger input by the user as charging conditions, performs a charging simulation for each of the charging maps, and can predict the charging result value for each of the charging maps.

[0070] Thereafter, the battery charging control device can select N charging maps that satisfy the charging target based on the charging prediction information from the battery behavior prediction model and determine the optimal charging map.

[0071] The battery charging control device can select one or more of a first charging map (minimum time charging map) that can charge in the shortest time, a second charging map (maximum charge amount charging map) that can charge with the maximum charge amount, a third charging map (maximum performance charging map) that satisfies a predefined maximum performance condition, and a fourth charging map (maximum life charging map) that satisfies a predefined maximum life condition among the charging maps that satisfy the charging target, and determine the selected charging map as the optimal charging map.

[0072] For example, when the charging target is [charging time: 20 minutes], the battery charging control device can select, from among the charging maps that can complete charging within 20 minutes, the charging map that can charge with the maximum charge amount (the second charging map), the charging map in which the battery temperature after charging shows a value closest to a predefined optimal temperature value (the third charging map), and the charging map in which the cumulative amount of polarization values shows the lowest value (the fourth charging map), and can determine the three selected charging maps as the optimal charging maps.

[0073] The battery charging control device can output information regarding each of the optimal charging maps derived in S230 via a predefined GUI (S240).

[0074] The battery charging control device transmits identification information and charging prediction information regarding each of the derived N optimal charging maps to the user interface device, and the user interface device can display the transmitted information via a predefined GUI. For example, the user interface device can output, through a display device, the charging completion time, the SOC at the time of charging completion, the battery temperature (or performance level) at the time of charging completion, and the cumulative amount of polarization values (or life impact level) for each of the [maximum charge amount charging map], [maximum performance charging map], and [maximum life charging map].

[0075] Thereafter, the battery charging control device can receive a user selection signal for any one of the optimal charging maps from the user interface device (S250).

[0076] Specifically, the user interface device can receive a selection signal for any one of the optimal charging maps from the user via the GUI. Thereafter, the user interface device can transmit the user selection signal to the battery charging control device.

[0077] The battery charging control device can control the battery to be charged through the received user selection signal and the corresponding optimal charging map (S260). Here, the battery charging control device can transmit the selected optimal charging map to the battery charger so that the battery is charged according to the corresponding optimal charging map. Or, the battery charging control device can confirm the charging control value corresponding to the current state value of the battery for each unit time with the selected optimal charging map, and transmit the confirmed charging control value to the battery charger so that the battery is charged according to the corresponding optimal charging map.

[0078] Figure 4 is a reference diagram for explaining the battery behavior prediction model according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] The battery behavior prediction model according to an embodiment of the present invention can input charging target, battery state information, and charger state information as input data, and output charging prediction information regarding each of the charging maps (#1 to #M) as output data.

[0080] The charging target is a charging target value input by the user, and can correspond to the target charge amount (SOC_target), the target charging time (t_target), or the target battery temperature (T_end_target) at the time of charging completion. Or, the charging target is a charging priority item input by the user, and can correspond to the maximum charge amount, the minimum charging time, or the maximum performance.

[0081] The battery state information can include one or more of the voltage value, temperature value, SOC, and SOH of the battery.

[0082] The charger state information can include one or more of the maximum charging current value, maximum charging voltage value, maximum charging power value, and maximum charging time of the battery charger.

[0083] M charging maps (#1 to #M) can be pre-stored in the storage device. Here, charging maps pre-defined for various scenarios can be pre-stored in the storage device. For example, charging maps corresponding to various charger outputs (such as 50kW, 100kW, 250kW, 350kW, etc.), charging maps corresponding to various initial SOCs (such as 0, 20, 40, etc.), and charging maps corresponding to various initial temperatures (such as 0, 15, 25, 40, etc.) can be pre-stored in the storage device.

[0084] Based on the input data (charging target, battery state information, charger state information), the battery behavior prediction model can output charging prediction information for each of the stored charging maps (#1 to #M).

[0085] Specifically, the battery behavior prediction model can use the battery state information as the initial value to perform a charging simulation using the charging map (#1), and calculate the cumulative amounts of battery voltage value, SOC, heat generation amount, and polarization value (the difference value between the voltage value and the open-circuit voltage value) for each unit time. During the charging simulation, when the limit value of the battery charger (maximum charging current value, maximum charging voltage value, or maximum charging power value) is reached, the battery behavior prediction model can change the charging control value to the limit value of the battery charger at that time and continue the charging simulation.

[0086] The battery behavior prediction model can include a pre-defined voltage prediction model and temperature prediction model for calculating the charging prediction information.

[0087] The voltage prediction model can be pre-defined to output the battery voltage value, SOC, heat generation amount (Q), and polarization value based on the SOC at the previous time point, SOH, battery temperature (T), and charging current value. Also, the temperature prediction model can be pre-defined to output the battery temperature (T) based on the battery temperature (T) and heat generation amount (Q) at the previous time point. Here, the voltage prediction model and the temperature prediction model can be interlocked to share the result values for the heat generation amount (Q) and the battery temperature (T), and update the output values for each unit time.

[0088] During the progress of the charging simulation, if the charging target is reached or the maximum charging time of the battery charger is exceeded, the battery behavior prediction model can terminate the charging simulation at that time and store the cumulative charging time, battery charge amount, battery temperature, and cumulative amount of polarization value at the end of charging. Here, the battery behavior prediction model can output the stored result value as the charging prediction information of the corresponding charging map (#1).

[0089] After that, the battery behavior prediction model can sequentially proceed with the charging simulation for the remaining charging maps (#2 to #M) and generate charging prediction information for each of the charging maps (#2 to #M).

[0090] FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram for explaining the voltage prediction model according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] The voltage prediction model according to an embodiment of the present invention can be included in the battery behavior prediction model.

[0092] The voltage prediction model can be defined as an RC equivalent circuit including a battery, one or more resistors, and one or more capacitors. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the voltage prediction model can be embodied in an equivalent circuit model including a battery, a plurality of resistors (Rs, Rp1, Rp2), and a plurality of capacitors (Cp1, Cp2).

[0093] Here, the battery voltage (Vt), heat generation amount (Q), and polarization value (Vpol) can be calculated based on the following mathematical formulas 1 to 3, and the SOC can be calculated based on a predefined correspondence curve between OCV and SOC. [Mathematical formula 1] [Number] [Mathematical formula 2] [Number] [Mathematical formula 3] [Number]

[0094] On the one hand, the equivalent circuit model shown in FIG. 5 is an illustration for understanding the present invention, and the voltage prediction model included in the battery behavior prediction model can be embodied differently from the equivalent circuit model of FIG. 5 or can be embodied in an electrochemical model.

[0095] FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram for explaining the temperature prediction model according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] The temperature prediction model according to an embodiment of the present invention can be included in the battery behavior prediction model.

[0097] The temperature prediction model can be defined as an RC equivalent circuit including a battery, one or more resistors, and one or more capacitors. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the temperature prediction model can be embodied in an equivalent circuit model including a battery, a plurality of resistors (Rconv, Rcool), and a plurality of capacitors (Cb, Cc).

[0098] The battery temperature (Tb) can be calculated based on the following mathematical formulas 4 and 5. [Mathematical formula 4] [Number] Here, the battery heat generation amount (Q) can be provided from the voltage prediction model of FIG. 5. [Mathematical formula 5] [Number]

[0099] (T ∞ is the outside air temperature, Rconv is the thermal resistance between the outside air and the battery, Q is the battery heat generation amount, Cb is the battery heat capacity, Tb is the battery temperature, Tc is the cooling water temperature, Rcool is the thermal resistance between the battery and the cooling water, Qh is the heat generation amount of the cooling water temperature rise, Qc is the cooling heat amount of the cooling water, and Cc is the heat capacity of the cooling water.)

[0100] On the one hand, the equivalent circuit model shown in FIG. 6 is an example for understanding the present invention, and the temperature prediction model included in the battery behavior prediction model can be embodied differently from the equivalent circuit model of FIG. 6 or can be embodied in an electrochemical model.

[0101] FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart of an optimal charging map derivation method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] The battery charging control device can receive user input information including a charging target (S510).

[0103] The charging target can include a charging target value including one or more of a target state of charge (SOC_target), a target charging time (t_target), and a target battery temperature (T_end_target) at the time of charging completion, or can include a charging priority item including one or more of a maximum charge amount, a minimum charging time, and maximum performance.

[0104] If the user input information is received, the battery charging control device can collect battery state information and charger state information (S520).

[0105] The battery charging control device can derive N optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target based on the battery state information and the charger state information (S530).

[0106] Here, the battery charging control device uses a predefined battery behavior prediction model to select one or more of a first charging map (minimum time charging map) that can charge in the minimum time, a second charging map (maximum charge amount charging map) that can charge with the maximum charge amount, a third charging map (maximum performance charging map) that satisfies a predefined maximum performance condition, and a fourth charging map (maximum life charging map) that satisfies a predefined maximum life condition among the charging maps that satisfy the charging target, and can determine the selected charging map as the optimal charging map.

[0107] Here, the maximum performance charging map (the third charging map) can be determined as a charging map in which the battery temperature after charging indicates a value closest to the target battery temperature or the battery temperature after charging indicates a value closest to a predefined optimal temperature value. Also, the maximum life charging map (the fourth charging map) can be determined as a charging map in which the cumulative amount of polarization values indicates the lowest value.

[0108] When the charging target input by the user is the target charge amount or the maximum charge amount, the battery charge control device can determine the first charging map (the minimum time charging map), the third charging map (the maximum performance charging map), and the fourth charging map (the maximum life charging map) as the optimal charging map (S541).

[0109] When the charging target input by the user is the target charging time or the minimum charging time, the battery charge control device can determine the second charging map (the maximum charge amount charging map), the third charging map (the maximum performance charging map), and the fourth charging map (the maximum life charging map) as the optimal charging map (S542).

[0110] When the charging target input by the user is the target battery temperature or the maximum performance at the time of charging completion, the battery charge control device can determine the first charging map (the minimum time charging map), the second charging map (the maximum charge amount charging map), and the fourth charging map (the maximum life charging map) as the optimal charging map (S543).

[0111] The battery charge control device can assign priorities to the selected multiple optimal charging maps.

[0112] When the charging target input by the user is the target charge amount or the maximum charge amount, the battery charge control device can define the priorities of the selected three optimal selection maps in the order of the first charging map (the minimum time charging map), the third charging map (the maximum performance charging map), and the fourth charging map (the maximum life charging map).

[0113] When the charging target input by the user is the target battery temperature or maximum performance at the time of charging completion, the battery charging control device can define the priority order of the three selected optimal selection maps as the order of the second charging map (maximum charge amount charging map), the third charging map (maximum performance charging map), and the fourth charging map (maximum life charging map).

[0114] When the charging target input by the user is the target charging time or minimum charging time, the battery charging control device can define the priority order of the three selected optimal selection maps as the order of the first charging map (minimum time charging map), the second charging map (maximum charge amount charging map), and the fourth charging map (maximum life charging map).

[0115] The battery charging control device can output information regarding each of the derived optimal charging maps via a predefined GUI. Here, the battery charging control device can output the selected optimal charging maps in order according to the predefined priority order.

[0116] Thereafter, the battery charging control device can receive a user selection signal for any one of the optimal charging maps from the user interface device.

[0117] The battery charging control device can control the battery to be charged through the received user selection signal and the corresponding optimal charging map.

[0118] If the user selection signal is not received within a predefined time (for example, within 10 seconds), the battery charging control device can control the battery to be charged through the optimal charging map defined as the first priority.

[0119] Figures 8 to 10 are screen illustrations of the user interface device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 8, when the charging target input by the user is the target charge amount (SOC 80%), the battery charge control device can determine the minimum time charging map, the maximum performance charging map, and the maximum life charging map as the optimal charging map. Here, the battery charge control device can define the priority order of the selected three optimal selection maps as the order of the minimum time charging map, the maximum performance charging map, and the maximum life charging map.

[0121] The battery charge control device transmits information regarding each of the optimal charging maps to the user interface device, and the user interface device can display the identification information and the charge prediction information of each of the optimal charging maps according to the priority order as shown in FIG. 8.

[0122] The charge prediction information can be output as it is for each item, or at least a part of it can be output in grades. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the battery temperature value at the time of charge completion can be classified into one of the grades of best, good, normal, and bad according to the magnitude, and the classification result can be output as [performance state]. Also, the cumulative amount of the polarization value can be classified into one of the grades of best, good, normal, and bad according to the magnitude, and the classification result can be output as [life impact].

[0123] Thereafter, the user interface device can receive a selection signal for any one of the optimal charging maps from the user via the GUI. Thereafter, the user interface device can transmit the user selection signal to the battery charge control device. If the user selection signal is not input within a predefined time (for example, within 10 seconds), the minimum time charging map defined as the first priority can be processed as being selected by the user.

[0124] FIG. 9 is an example screen when the charging target input by the user is the target charging time (20 minutes). When the charging target is the target charging time, the battery charging control device can determine the maximum charge amount charging map, the maximum performance charging map, and the maximum life charging map as the optimal charging map. Here, the battery charging control device can define the priority order of the three selected optimal selection maps as the order of the maximum charge amount charging map, the maximum performance charging map, and the maximum life charging map. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the user interface device can display the identification information and charging prediction information of each optimal charging map according to the priority order.

[0125] FIG. 10 is an example screen when the charging target input by the user is the maximum performance among the charging priority items. When the charging target is [maximum performance], the battery charging control device can determine the minimum time charging map, the maximum charge amount charging map, and the maximum life charging map as the optimal charging map. Here, the battery charging control device can define the priority order of the three selected optimal selection maps as the order of the minimum time charging map, the maximum charge amount charging map, and the maximum life charging map. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the user interface device can display the identification information and charging prediction information of each optimal charging map according to the priority order.

[0126] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a battery charging control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0127] The battery charging control device 300 can include at least one processor 310, a memory 320 that stores at least one instruction executed through the above processor, and a transceiver 330 that is connected to a network and communicates.

[0128] If the above at least one instruction receives user input information including a charging target, it may include an instruction to collect battery state information and charger state information; an instruction to derive a plurality of optimal charging maps that meet the charging target based on the battery state information and the charger state information; an instruction to output information regarding each of the derived optimal charging maps via a predefined GUI; and an instruction to control the battery to be charged through the optimal charging map corresponding to the user selection signal if a user selection signal for any one of the optimal charging maps is received.

[0129] Here, the charging target may include a charging target value including one or more of a target charge amount, a target charging time, and a target battery temperature at the time of charging completion; or a charging priority item including one or more of a maximum charge amount, a minimum charging time, and maximum performance.

[0130] The instruction to derive the plurality of optimal charging maps may include an instruction to derive an optimal charging map that meets the charging target from among the plurality of pre-stored charging maps.

[0131] The instruction to derive the plurality of optimal charging maps may include an instruction to generate charging prediction information regarding each of the plurality of pre-stored charging maps using a predefined battery behavior prediction model; and an instruction to select N optimal charging maps that meet the charging target based on the generated charging prediction information.

[0132] The instruction to generate the charging prediction information may include an instruction to predict one or more of a charging completion time, a charge amount at the time of charging completion, a battery temperature at the time of charging completion, and an accumulated amount of polarization values when charging proceeds according to the charging map.

[0133] The instruction for deriving the plurality of optimal charging maps may include an instruction for selecting one or more of a first charging map that can charge in the shortest time, a second charging map that can charge with the maximum charge amount, a third charging map that satisfies a predefined maximum performance condition, and a fourth charging map that satisfies a predefined maximum lifespan condition among the charging maps that meet the charging target.

[0134] The instruction for deriving the plurality of optimal charging maps includes: when the charging target is the target charge amount or the maximum charge amount, an instruction for determining one or more of the first charging map, the third charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map; when the charging target is the target charging time or the minimum charging time, an instruction for determining one or more of the second charging map, the third charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map; and when the charging target is the target battery temperature or the maximum performance at the end of charging, an instruction for determining one or more of the first charging map, the second charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map, and may include one or more of these instructions.

[0135] The instruction for output via the GUI may include an instruction for outputting identification information and charge prediction information regarding each of the N optimal charging maps.

[0136] The instruction for output via the GUI may include an instruction for outputting each of the optimal charging maps according to a predefined priority order.

[0137] The instruction for controlling the battery to be charged may include an instruction for controlling the battery to be charged through the optimal charging map defined as the first priority if the user selection signal is not received within a predefined time.

[0138] The battery charging control device 300 can further include an input interface device 340, an output interface device 350, a storage device 360, etc. Each component included in the battery charging control device 300 can be connected by a bus 370 to communicate with each other.

[0139] Here, the processor 310 can 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. The memory (or storage device) can be composed of at least one of a volatile storage medium and a non-volatile storage medium. For example, the memory can be composed of at least one of a read only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM).

[0140] 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.

[0141] Some aspects of the present invention have been described in the context of an apparatus, which can also be represented by a corresponding method, 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 device 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 a device.

[0142] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, 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 Signs

[0143] 10: Battery 100: Battery Assembly 200: Battery Charger 300: Battery Charge Control Device 400: User Interface Device

Claims

1. At least one processor; and A memory for storing at least one instruction executed through the at least one processor; including, The at least one instruction If user input information including a charging target is received, instructions for deriving a plurality of optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target based on battery state information and charger state information; Instructions for outputting information regarding each of the derived optimal charging maps via a predefined GUI; and If a user selection signal for any one of the optimal charging maps is received, a battery charging control device including instructions for controlling the battery to be charged through the optimal charging map corresponding to the user selection signal.

2. The charging target A charging target value including one or more of a target charge amount, a target charging time, and a target battery temperature at the time of charging completion; or The battery charging control device according to claim 1, including a charging priority item including one or more of a maximum charge amount, a minimum charging time, and maximum performance.

3. The instructions for deriving the plurality of optimal charging maps Include instructions for deriving an optimal charging map that satisfies the charging target among a plurality of pre-stored charging maps. The battery charging control device according to claim 1.

4. The instructions for deriving the plurality of optimal charging maps Instructions for generating charging prediction information regarding each of a plurality of pre-stored charging maps using a predefined battery behavior prediction model; and The battery charging control device according to claim 3, including instructions for selecting N optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target based on the generated charging prediction information.

5. The instructions for generating the charging prediction information Include instructions for predicting one or more of a charging completion time, a charge amount at the time of charging completion, a battery temperature at the time of charging completion, and an accumulated amount of polarization values when charging proceeds according to a charging map. The battery charging control device according to claim 4.

6. The instructions for deriving the plurality of optimal charging maps Among the charging maps that satisfy the charging target, instructions for selecting one or more of a first charging map that can charge in the minimum time, a second charging map that can charge with the maximum charge amount, a third charging map that satisfies a predefined maximum performance condition, and a fourth charging map that satisfies a predefined maximum life condition. The battery charging control device according to claim 4.

7. The instructions for deriving the plurality of optimal charging maps When the charging target is the target charge amount or the maximum charge amount, a command to determine one or more of the first charging map, the third charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map; When the charging target is the target charging time or the minimum charging time, a command to determine one or more of the second charging map, the third charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map; and The battery charging control device according to claim 6, including one or more of the commands to determine one or more of the first charging map, the second charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map when the charging target is the target battery temperature or the maximum performance at the time of charging completion.

8. The command to output via the GUI The battery charging control device according to claim 4, including a command to output identification information and charge prediction information regarding each of the N optimal charging maps.

9. The command to output via the GUI The battery charging control device according to claim 8, including a command to output each of the optimal charging maps according to a predefined priority order.

10. The command to control the battery to be charged The battery charging control device according to claim 9, including a command to control the battery to be charged through the optimal charging map defined as the first priority if the user selection signal is not received within a predefined time.

11. A battery charging control method by a battery charging control device, If user input information including a charging target is received, a step of deriving a plurality of optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target based on the state information of the battery and the state information of the charger; A step of outputting information regarding each of the derived optimal charging maps via a predefined GUI; and A battery charging control method including a step of controlling the battery to be charged through the optimal charging map corresponding to the user selection signal if a user selection signal for any one of the optimal charging maps is received.

12. The charging target is A charging target value including one or more of a target charge amount, a target charging time, and a target battery temperature at the time of charging completion; or The battery charging control method according to claim 11, including a charging priority item including one or more of a maximum charge amount, a minimum charging time, and a maximum performance.

13. The step of deriving the plurality of optimal charging maps is The battery charging control method according to claim 11, including the step of deriving an optimal charging map that satisfies the charging target among a plurality of stored charging maps.

14. The step of deriving the plurality of optimal charging maps includes: generating charging prediction information for each of the plurality of stored charging maps using a predefined battery behavior prediction model; and selecting N optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target based on the generated charging prediction information, the battery charging control method according to claim 13.

15. The step of generating the charging prediction information includes: predicting one or more of the charging completion time, the amount of charge at the charging completion time, the battery temperature at the charging completion time, and the cumulative amount of polarization values when charging is performed according to the charging map, the battery charging control method according to claim 14.

16. The step of deriving the plurality of optimal charging maps includes: selecting one or more of a first charging map that can charge in the shortest time, a second charging map that can charge with the maximum charge amount, a third charging map that satisfies a predefined maximum performance condition, and a fourth charging map that satisfies a predefined maximum life condition among the charging maps that satisfy the charging target, the battery charging control method according to claim 14.

17. The step of deriving the plurality of optimal charging maps includes: when the charging target is the target charge amount or the maximum charge amount, determining one or more of the first charging map, the third charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map; when the charging target is the target charging time or the minimum charging time, determining one or more of the second charging map, the third charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map; and when the charging target is the target battery temperature or the maximum performance at the charging completion time, including one or more of the steps of determining one or more of the first charging map, the second charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map, the battery charging control method according to claim 16.

18. The step of outputting via the GUI includes: outputting identification information and charging prediction information for each of the N optimal charging maps, the battery charging control method according to claim 14.

19. The step of outputting via the GUI includes: The battery charging control method according to claim 18, comprising the step of outputting each of the optimal charging maps according to a predefined priority order.

20. The step of controlling the battery to be charged is The battery charging control method according to claim 19, comprising the step of controlling the battery to be charged through the optimal charging map defined as the first priority if the user selection signal is not received within a predefined time.

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