Battery module including a battery management system

Abstract

The battery module includes a plurality of battery cells including a first battery cell and a second battery cell, a master battery management system (BMS) for managing the plurality of battery cells, a bus bar connecting the plurality of battery cells and connected to the master BMS, and a switch configured to electrically connect or disconnect the first battery cell and the second battery cell. The first battery cell includes a first cell controller. The first cell controller is configured to acquire first data related to deterioration of the first battery cell, and, when it is determined that the first battery cell has deteriorated based on the first data, to control the switch to electrically disconnect the first battery cell from the second battery cell.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module that includes a battery management system. [Background technology]

[0002] A battery module may be comprised of multiple electrically connected battery cells, which may be connected in series and / or parallel to one another, and each of the multiple battery cells may age at a different rate.

[0003] The battery module may include a battery management system (BMS) for monitoring the states of the battery cells. The battery management system may monitor the battery cells constituting the battery module and transmit and receive data signals to and from the battery cells to control the operation of the battery cells. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In order for the BMS to monitor and control each of the battery cells, the BMS and the battery cells need to be electrically connected to each other. For example, a battery module may include a wire harness that electrically connects the BMS to each of the battery cells. As the number of battery cells constituting a battery module increases, the number and length of the wire harnesses may increase. Therefore, the design of the battery module may become complicated and heavy.

[0005] The BMS can manage the SOH of multiple battery cells. If a degraded battery cell is present among the multiple battery cells, the overall performance of the battery module may be degraded. The BMS can identify the degraded battery cell and perform an operation to separate the identified battery cell from the other battery cells. However, identifying the degraded battery cell can be difficult, and a separate experiment, such as performing separate charge and discharge, may be required to measure the SOH of each of the multiple battery cells. Furthermore, when the BMS identifies a degraded battery cell, it is required to suspend operation of the entire system and directly separate the degraded battery cell.

[0006] The technical problems to be achieved in this specification are not limited to the above-mentioned technical problems, and other technical problems not described will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A battery module according to one embodiment may include a plurality of battery cells, a master battery management system (BMS), a bus bar, and a switch. The plurality of battery cells may include a first battery cell and a second battery cell. The master BMS may be configured to manage the plurality of battery cells. The bus bar may connect the plurality of battery cells to each other. The bus bar may be electrically connected to the master BMS. The switch may be configured to electrically connect or electrically isolate the first battery cell and the second battery cell. The first battery cell may include a first cell controller configured to communicate with the master BMS via the bus bar. The first cell controller may be configured to acquire first data related to degradation of the first battery cell. The first cell controller may be configured to determine degradation of the first battery cell based on the first data, and thereby control the switch to electrically isolate the first battery cell from a second battery cell distinct from the first battery cell.

[0008] A battery module according to one embodiment may include a plurality of battery cells, a master battery management system, a bus bar, a plurality of cell controllers, and a switch. The plurality of battery cells may include a first battery cell and a second battery cell. The master BMS may be configured to manage the plurality of battery cells. The bus bar may connect the plurality of battery cells to each other. The bus bar may be electrically connected to the master BMS. The plurality of cell controllers may be disposed in each of the plurality of battery cells and configured to communicate with the master BMS via the bus bar. The switch may be configured to electrically connect or electrically isolate the first battery cell and the second battery cell. The master BMS may be configured to set a reference range based on data related to deterioration of each of the plurality of battery cells. The master BMS may be configured to identify a degraded battery cell among the plurality of battery cells based on the reference range. The master BMS may be configured to control the switch via one of the plurality of cell controllers based on identifying the degraded battery cell to electrically isolate the degraded battery cell from other battery cells. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] In one embodiment of the battery module, the master BMS and each of the battery cells can communicate via a bus bar, eliminating the need for a separate wire harness. According to one embodiment, eliminating the wire harness can simplify the design and reduce the weight.

[0010] The effects obtained by the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a battery module according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a cell controller according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] 3 shows an example of a first battery cell that constitutes a battery module according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 illustrates an example of a data packet of signals transmitted and received via a cell controller of a battery module according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 illustrates an example of a data signal transmission / reception operation of a plurality of battery cells of a battery module according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates an example of a battery module according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates an example of a switch of a battery module according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart of an example of an operation for a master BMS of a battery module to isolate a deteriorated battery cell according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of an example of an operation for a cell controller of a battery module to isolate a deteriorated battery cell according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart of an example of an operation for a master BMS of a battery module to isolate a deteriorated battery cell based on data written in a memory of a cell controller according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] 11a and 11b show an example of a switch of a battery module according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart of an example of an operation for a master BMS of a battery module to isolate a deteriorated battery cell according to an embodiment. [Figure 13]10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the master BMS to set a reference range. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart of an example of an operation for a cell controller of a battery module to isolate a deteriorated battery cell according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a battery module according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of a cell controller according to an embodiment.

[0013] 1 , a battery module 100 according to one embodiment may include a plurality of battery cells 120 connected in series with each other and a master battery management system (BMS) 110 operatively coupled to the plurality of battery cells 120. The plurality of battery cells 120 may be connected in series with each other to form the battery module 100. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , the plurality of battery cells 120 may be connected to a load via an inverter or a pulse generator to operate as a driving source for the load. The circuit described below may refer to a circuit including circuit elements interconnected to provide a specific function.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the plurality of battery cells 120 may be connected in series with each other. Referring to FIG. 1 , the first battery cell 120-1 may be connected to the master BMS 110. The second battery cell 120-2 may be connected to the first battery cell 120-2. The third battery cell 120-3 may be connected to the second battery cell 120-2. According to one embodiment, the first battery cell 120-1 to the n-th battery cell 120-n may be sequentially connected in series in a first direction D1. For example, the negative terminal of the first battery cell 120-1 may be electrically connected to the positive terminal of the second battery cell 120-2. The negative terminal of the second battery cell 120-2 may be electrically connected to the positive terminal of the third battery cell 120-3. When the plurality of battery cells 120 are connected in series with each other, the voltage of the entire system may be set as the sum of the voltages of the battery cells 120 constituting the plurality of battery cells 120. 1, the plurality of battery cells 120 are shown aligned in the first direction D1, but this is not intended to be limiting and is intended to illustrate the electrical connection of the plurality of battery cells 120. For example, the battery module 100 can be formed by assembling the plurality of battery cells 120 by stacking them on top of each other.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 may be configured to control the overall operation of the plurality of battery cells 120. According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 may be configured to communicate with the plurality of cell controllers 200 of the plurality of battery cells 120 via a bus bar (e.g., bus bar 500 in FIG. 6 ) for connecting the plurality of battery cells 120 without a separate wire harness. The master BMS 110 may be configured to obtain information regarding the SOH of each of the plurality of battery cells 120 via the bus bar. For example, the master BMS 110 may be configured to obtain information regarding the voltage and / or current of each of the plurality of battery cells 120 via the bus bar. For example, the master BMS 110 may be configured to obtain information regarding the state of each of the plurality of battery cells 120, such as the state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), and temperature of each of the plurality of battery cells 120, via the bus bar. For example, the master BMS 110 can be configured to transmit signals via a bus bar to multiple cell controllers 200 disposed within the multiple battery cells 120 to request charging and / or discharging of each of the multiple battery cells 120.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 may include multiple cell controllers 200 disposed in each battery cell 120 to collect information regarding the status of the multiple battery cells 120. For example, a first battery cell 120-1 may include a first cell controller 200-1 disposed therein. A second battery cell 120-2 may include a second cell controller 200-2 disposed therein. For example, the multiple cell controllers 200 may be disposed on power lines within the multiple battery cells 120. The multiple cell controllers 200 may be configured to transmit and / or receive data using the power lines as a transmission medium. According to one embodiment, the multiple battery cells 120 may transmit signals including information regarding their respective statuses to the master BMS 110 using the multiple cell controllers 200. The master BMS 110 can use the multiple cell controllers 200 to transmit signals to each of the multiple battery cells 120 to request operation of each of the multiple battery cells 120 and / or signals to request information regarding the SOH of each of the multiple battery cells 120.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 2, the master BMS 110 may include a communication circuit 210, a charge / discharge control circuit 220, a monitoring circuit 230, a notification circuit 240, and a memory 119.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the communication circuitry 210 can transmit and / or receive signals via bus bars to and from the cell communication modules 125 of the plurality of battery cells 120. The communication circuitry 210 may be connected to a power supply line for data signal transmission and power supply to and from the battery cells 120.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the charge / discharge control circuit 220 can control charging and / or discharging of the plurality of battery cells 120. For example, the charge / discharge control circuit 220 can perform a function of monitoring the voltage and remaining capacity (state of charge, SOC) of a secondary battery (e.g., secondary battery 121 in FIG. 3 ) in the plurality of battery cells 120, a function of controlling charging and discharging of the plurality of battery cells 120, and a function of preventing overcharging and overdischarging.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the monitoring circuit 230 may be configured to monitor the status of the plurality of battery cells 120. When an abnormal state occurs, the monitoring circuit 230 can notify the abnormality of the battery cells 120 via the notification circuit 240. For example, the notification circuit 240 can be connected to a display or a light emitting diode (LED) that sends a visual signal. For example, the notification circuit 240 can be connected to a speaker that sends an audible signal. However, the notification circuit 240 is not limited to this.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the memory 119 may be configured to store various information regarding the plurality of battery cells 120. For example, the memory 119 may store a unique ID and status for each of the plurality of battery cells 120. For example, the memory 119 may store an ID table of the battery cells 120, which will be described later. For example, the memory 119 may store information regarding the charge / discharge history, charge capacity, and remaining life of the battery cells 120.

[0022] According to one embodiment, an ID may be assigned to each of the plurality of battery cells 120. The signal transmitted from the master BMS 110 and the signal transmitted from the battery cells 120 may include information regarding the ID assigned to each of the plurality of battery cells 120. According to one embodiment, when the plurality of cell controllers 200 receives a signal from the master BMS 110, the plurality of cell controllers 200 may be configured to identify information regarding the ID included in the signal. The plurality of cell controllers 200 may be configured to identify the battery cell that is to receive the signal received from the master BMS 110 based on the information regarding the identified ID.

[0023] For example, when the master BMS 110 sends a signal to the third battery cell 120-3 to request a specified operation, the master BMS 110 may send a signal to the first battery cell 120-1 including information about the ID assigned to the third battery cell 120-3. The first cell controller 200-1 disposed in the first battery cell 120-1 may be configured to receive the signal and identify the information about the ID included in the signal. The first cell controller 200-1 may identify that the information about the ID included in the signal does not match the information about the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1, and based on the identification, transmit the signal to the second battery cell 120-2. The second cell controller 200-2 disposed in the second battery cell 120-2 may be configured to receive the signal and identify the information about the ID included in the signal. The second cell controller 200-2 may identify that the information regarding the ID included in the signal does not match the information regarding the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2, and based on this identification, transmit the signal to the third battery cell 120-3. The third cell controller 200-3 disposed in the third battery cell 120-3 may be configured to receive the signal and identify the information regarding the ID included in the signal. The third cell controller 200-3 may identify that the information regarding the ID included in the signal matches the information regarding the ID assigned to the third battery cell 120-3, and based on this identification, identify a specified action included in the signal. The third cell controller 200-3 may be configured to perform at least one action corresponding to the specified action to perform the specified action.

[0024] For example, when a signal including information about the state of the first battery cell 120-1 is transmitted to the master BMS 110, the master BMS 110 can identify that the signal is related to the first battery cell 120-1 through the information about the ID included in the signal. For example, when the plurality of battery cells 120 receive a signal including information about the charge and / or discharge signal of the first battery cell 120-1, the plurality of battery cells 120 can identify that the signal is related to the first battery cell 120-1 through the information about the ID included in the signal.

[0025] Because the battery module 100 according to one embodiment can communicate via a bus bar connecting the multiple battery cells 120, the design for transmitting and / or receiving communications between the master BMS 110 and the multiple battery cells 120 can be simple.

[0026] According to one embodiment, when the master BMS 110 transmits a signal to a specific battery cell (e.g., the second battery cell 120-2), the signal may be transmitted through other battery cells (e.g., the first battery cell 120-1) other than the battery cell (e.g., the second battery cell 120-2) that is intended to receive the signal. Furthermore, when a specific battery cell (e.g., the second battery cell 120-2) transmits a signal to the master BMS 110, the signal may be transmitted to the master BMS 110 through at least one other battery cell (e.g., the first battery cell 120-1).

[0027] For example, when the master BMS 110 transmits a signal to the third battery cell 120-3 requesting information about the state of the third battery cell 120-3, the master BMS 110 transmits a signal S 01 The signal S 01 may be transmitted in a first direction D1. 01is transmitted to the first battery cell 120-1 connected to the master BMS 110, and then transmitted from the first battery cell 120-1 to the second battery cell 120-2. 12 The signal S transmitted from the first battery cell 120-1 to the second battery cell 120-2 can be changed to 12 is transmitted to the second battery cell 120-2, and then transmitted from the second battery cell 120-2 to the third battery cell 120-3. 23 can be changed to.

[0028] For example, when the third battery cell 120-3 transmits a signal including information about the state of the third battery cell 120-3 to the master BMS 110, the signal can be transmitted in the second direction D2. 32 may be transmitted to the second battery cell 120-2. The signal S transmitted from the third battery cell 120-3 to the second battery cell 120-2 32 is transmitted to the second battery cell 120-2, and then transmitted from the second battery cell 120-2 to the first battery cell 120-1. 21 The signal S transmitted from the second battery cell 120-2 to the first battery cell 120-1 can be changed to 21 is transmitted to the first battery cell 120-1, and then transmitted from the first battery cell 120-1 to the master BMS 110. 10 The master BMS 110 can change the signal S 10 receives the signal S 10 Information regarding the state of the third battery cell included in the

[0029] When a signal passes through the battery cells 120 sequentially, the signal strength may be reduced due to the internal impedance of the battery cells 120 (e.g., the internal resistance of the battery cells). Since the signal strength is reduced each time the signal passes through a battery cell 120, it is necessary to maintain the signal strength when transmitting signals through multiple battery cells 120. Furthermore, since signal collision may occur when signals are transmitted in different directions, it is necessary to set the signal transmission directionality.

[0030] 3 shows an example of a first battery cell constituting a battery module according to an embodiment. The components described below for the first battery cell 120-1 can be similarly applied to the other battery cells.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 3, the first battery cell 120-1 may include a secondary battery 121, a protection circuit 123, and a first cell controller 200-1.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the secondary battery 121 can store electrical energy. The secondary battery 121 is a secondary battery that can charge electrical energy and discharge the charged electrical energy, and can include a negative electrode material, a positive electrode material, a separator, and an electrolyte. According to one embodiment, the first battery cell 120-1 can include at least one secondary battery 121.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the protection circuit module (PCM) 123 is a protection circuit for the secondary battery 121 that can prevent over-discharge, over-charge, and over-current of the secondary battery 121. Over-charging of the secondary battery 121 can cause internal overheating and swelling, which can damage the secondary battery 121. Over-discharging of the secondary battery 121 can damage the electrodes and cause failure of the secondary battery 121. To prevent damage and / or failure of the secondary battery 121, the protection circuit 123 can shut off the charging circuit based on determining that the voltage of the secondary battery 121 has reached a charging limit voltage, and can shut off the discharging circuit based on determining that the voltage of the secondary battery 121 has reached a discharging limit voltage. According to one embodiment, the protection circuit 123 can obtain information regarding the state of the secondary battery 121 and provide the obtained information to the first cell controller 200-1.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 is connected between the protection circuit 123 and the secondary battery 121, and can be configured to receive signals from the master BMS 110 or transmit signals from the master BMS 110. For example, but not limited to, the first cell controller 200-1 may be connected to a power line in the first battery cell 120-1.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 can obtain information regarding the state of the secondary battery 121 from the protection circuit 123. For example, the information regarding the state of the secondary battery 121 can include, but is not limited to, information regarding the voltage, current, and temperature of the secondary battery 121. The first cell controller 200-1 is electrically coupled to the protection circuit 123 and can receive information regarding the state of the secondary battery 121 from the protection circuit 123. The first cell controller 200-1 can be configured to transmit the received information regarding the state of the secondary battery 121 to the master BMS 110.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 may receive a signal from the master BMS 110 via a bus bar (e.g., bus bar 500 in FIG. 6). When the first cell controller 200-1 receives a signal from the master BMS 110, the signal may be transmitted through multiple battery cells connected to each other (e.g., the multiple first battery cells 120-1 in FIG. 1), thereby reducing the signal strength. For example, when the master BMS 110 transmits a signal to the third battery cell 120-3, the signal may pass through the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 and then be transmitted to the third battery cell 120-3. When the signal is transmitted, the signal strength may be reduced due to the internal impedance of the first battery cell 120-1 and the internal impedance of the second battery cell 120-2.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 can identify whether the target of a signal received from the master BMS 110 is the first battery cell 120-1. The signal may include information about a target ID, which is information about the ID of the first battery cell 120-1 that is the target of receiving the signal. The first cell controller 200-1 can compare the target ID included in the signal received from the master BMS 110 with the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 can perform an action corresponding to the signal based on identifying that the target ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 can be configured to amplify the signal and then transmit it to a second battery cell (e.g., the second battery cell 120-2 in FIG. 1 ) connected to the first battery cell 120-1 based on identifying that the target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1.

[0038] For example, when the master BMS 110 transmits a signal to the first battery cell 120-1 requesting information about the status of the first battery cell 120-1, the first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1, which is connected in series to the master BMS 110, can receive the signal. The signal can include information about a target ID set to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1 can identify the target ID included in the received signal and determine whether the identified target ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. If the first cell controller 200-1 determines that the identified target ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1, the first cell controller 200-1 can be configured to generate a signal including information about the status of the first battery cell 120-1 and transmit the generated signal to the master BMS 110.

[0039] For example, when the master BMS 110 transmits a signal to the second battery cell 120-2 requesting information about the status of the second battery cell 120-2, the first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1 connected in series to the master BMS 110 can receive the signal. The first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1 can identify a target ID included in the received signal and determine whether the identified target ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. If the first cell controller 200-1 determines that the identified target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to amplify the signal and then transmit it to the second battery cell 120-2 connected in series to the first battery cell 120-1. The second cell controller of the second battery cell 120-2 (e.g., the second cell controller 200-2 in FIG. 1) can generate a signal including information about the status of the second battery cell 120-2 based on identifying that the target ID included in the signal corresponds to the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2. The second cell controller 200-2 may be configured to transmit the generated signal to the master BMS 110.

[0040] Referring to Figure 3, the first cell controller 200-1 may include a microprocessor 201 that controls the transmission and / or reception of signals, an amplifier circuit 202 for amplifying signals transmitted and / or received by the microprocessor 201, and a switch SW for controlling the transmission path of the signals.

[0041] According to one embodiment, a signal transmitted to and / or received by the first cell controller 200-1 can be transmitted and / or received after being amplified via the amplifier circuit 202. When a signal is received from outside the first cell controller 200-1, the switch SW can provide a receiving path for the signal by being closed so that the signal is received by the microprocessor 201. When a signal is transmitted from the first cell controller 200-1, the switch SW can provide a transmitting path for the signal by being closed so that the signal is transmitted from the microprocessor 201.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 can be connected between the protection circuit 123 and the secondary battery 121. Referring to FIG. 3, the first cell controller 200-1 can include a first stage 125a connected to the positive electrode tab 121a of the secondary battery 121 and the first stage 123a of the protection circuit 123, and a second stage 125b connected to the negative electrode tab 121b of the secondary battery 121 and the second stage 123b of the protection circuit 123. A signal transmitted to the first battery cell 120-1 can be transmitted to the first cell controller 200-1 via the first stage 125a of the first cell controller 200-1. The first cell controller 200-1 can identify a signal received from the master BMS 110 based on a potential difference V2-V1 between the second stage 125b of the first cell controller 200-1 and the first stage 125a of the first cell controller 200-1. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 can detect the potential V2 of the second stage 125b of the first cell controller 200-1 and the potential V1 of the first stage 125a of the first cell controller 200-1, identify the signal based on the potential difference V2-V1, and receive and / or transmit the signal.

[0043] According to one embodiment, if the target ID included in the received signal does not correspond to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1, the first cell controller 200-1 can apply an amplified signal to the first stage 125a of the first cell controller 200-1 to transmit the signal to the second battery cell 120-2. The amplified signal applied to the first stage 125a of the first cell controller 200-1 can be transmitted to the second battery cell 120-2 via the secondary battery 121. Therefore, even if the signal passes through the first battery cell 120-1, because it is amplified by the first stage 125a of the first cell controller 200-1, the signal can maintain a constant strength while passing through the multiple battery cells 120 connected to each other.

[0044] In one embodiment, the battery module 100 has a simplified structure for transmitting and / or receiving communication signals between the battery cells by connecting multiple battery cells 120 together, and can maintain signal strength using multiple cell controllers 200 while ensuring stability of the power supply.

[0045] FIG. 4 shows an example of a data packet of signals transmitted and received via the cell controller of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0046] According to an embodiment, signals transmitted and received through a plurality of cell controllers 200 of a battery module (e.g., the battery module 100 of FIG. 1) may include information for setting directionality. Referring to FIG. 4, a data packet 300 of the signal may include information such as a start of header (SOH) 301, a signal transmission direction (DIR) 302, a target ID (TAR_ID) 303, a transmit ID (TX_ID) 304, a string length (LEN) 305, a command (CMD) 306 indicating an actual operation instruction, a payload 307 which is data to be transmitted, and a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) 308 for checking errors. For example, when the DIR 302 is 0, the signal transmission direction may be the first direction (e.g., the first direction D1 of FIG. 1) of FIG. 1, and when the DIR 302 is 1, the signal transmission direction may be the second direction (e.g., the second direction D2 of FIG. 1) of FIG. 1. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. TX_ID 304 indicates an ID assigned to the battery management system (e.g., the master BMS 110 in FIG. 1) or the plurality of battery cells (e.g., the plurality of battery cells 120 in FIG. 1) that transmitted the signal. TAR_ID 303 may indicate an ID assigned to the master BMS 110 or the plurality of battery cells 120 that receive the signal.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the CMD 306 included in the data packet 300 can include information related to a specific operation. Referring to FIG. 4 , the CMD 306 can include a packet 306a including information for requesting assignment of an ID to each of the plurality of battery cells 120 and a packet 306b including information for requesting a reset of IDs preassigned to the plurality of battery cells 120. For example, the plurality of battery cells 120 can transmit a data signal with a value of 1 input to the packet 306a to the master BMS 110 to request assignment of an ID. In addition to the packets 306a and 306b, the CMD 306 can also include a packet 306c including various information. For example, the master BMS 110 can transmit a data signal to a first battery cell (e.g., the first battery cell 120-1 in FIG. 1 ) including information requesting information regarding the status of the first battery cell. The first battery cell 120-1 can transmit information about the state of the first battery cell 120-1 to the master BMS 110 based on receiving the data signal.

[0048] According to one embodiment, when a signal is sent to any one of the plurality of battery cells 120, a cell controller located at the one of the plurality of cell controllers (e.g., the plurality of cell controllers 200 of FIG. 1 ) can compare DIR302 with the ID assigned to the one of the battery cells.

[0049] For example, if DIR302 is 0, the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2 does not match TAR_ID303, and the battery cell having the ID corresponding to TAR_ID303 is located in the first direction D1 further than the battery cell having the ID corresponding to TX_ID304, the second cell controller 200-2 may ignore the received signal. Since the above example is a case where a signal is erroneously transmitted in the opposite direction to the transmission direction of the signal, the second cell controller 200-2 may ignore the received signal.

[0050] For example, if DIR302 is 1, the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2 does not match TAR_ID303, and the battery cell having the ID corresponding to TAR_ID303 is located in the second direction D2 relative to the battery cell having the ID corresponding to TX_ID304, the second cell controller 200-2 can transmit a signal in the second direction D2. As described above, the second cell controller 200-2 can amplify the signal before transmitting it. Since the above example is a case where a signal is transmitted in the signal transmission direction, the second cell controller 200-2 can amplify the received signal and then transmit it in the second direction D2 so that it can be transmitted to the battery cell having the ID matching TAR_ID303. The signal is transmitted sequentially until it is transmitted to the battery cell whose ID matches TAR_ID303, and an operation corresponding to the signal can be performed in the corresponding battery cell.

[0051] For example, if the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2 matches TAR_ID303, the second cell controller 200-2 can perform the specified action based on the CMD306 included in the data packet 300 of the signal.

[0052] According to one embodiment, in a battery module 100 including a plurality of battery cells 120 connected to each other, signals can be smoothly transmitted and received between a master BMS 110 and the plurality of battery cells 120. Through a signal including information on a signal transmission direction and a target ID, the battery module 100 according to one embodiment can prevent signal collisions due to series connection.

[0053] FIG. 5 shows an example of a data signal transmission / reception operation of a plurality of battery cells of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0054] The operation shown in Fig. 5 is performed assuming that IDs are assigned in order to multiple battery cells 120 connected in series to the master BMS 110. In the operation shown in Fig. 5, it is assumed that the ID assigned to the master BMS 110 is 0 (ID=0), the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1 is 1 (ID=1), the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2 is 2 (ID=2), and the ID assigned to the third battery cell 120-3 is 3 (ID=3).

[0055] 5, the master BMS 110 may generate a data signal 401a to transmit to the third battery cell 120-3, and transmit the generated data signal 401a to the first battery cell 120-1. The data signal 401a may include information on a target ID, a transmission ID, and a transmission direction. Referring to FIG. 5, the data signal 401a may include information that the target ID is 3, the transmission ID is 0, and the transmission direction is a first direction D1.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the first battery cell 120-1 may receive a data signal 401b from the master BMS 110. The first cell controller (e.g., the first cell controller 200-1 of FIG. 1) of the first battery cell 120-1 may identify information regarding the target ID included in the data signal 401b and compare it with the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. Because the information regarding the target ID included in the data signal 401b is 3, the first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1 may identify that the target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1 and may transmit a data signal 402a to the second battery cell 120-2. The data signal 402a may include information indicating that the target ID is 3, the transmission ID is 1, and the transmission direction is the first direction D1.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the second battery cell 120-2 may receive a data signal 402b from the first battery cell 120-1. The second cell controller (e.g., the second cell controller 200-2 of FIG. 1) of the second battery cell 120-2 may identify information regarding the target ID included in the data signal 402b and compare it with the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2. Because the information regarding the target ID included in the data signal 402b is 3, the second cell controller 200-2 of the second battery cell 120-2 may identify that the target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2 and may transmit a data signal 403a to the third battery cell 120-3. The data signal 403a may include information indicating that the target ID is 3, the transmission ID is 2, and the transmission direction is the first direction D1.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the third battery cell 120-3 may receive a data signal 403b from the second battery cell 120-2. The third cell controller (e.g., the third cell controller 200-3 of FIG. 1) of the third battery cell 120-3 may identify information regarding the target ID included in the data signal 403b and compare it with the ID assigned to the third battery cell 120-3. Because the information regarding the target ID included in the data signal 403b is 3, the third cell controller 200-3 of the third battery cell 120-3 may identify that the target ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the third battery cell 120-3 and perform an operation corresponding to the data signal 403b.

[0059] According to one embodiment, when the first battery cell 120-1 receives a data signal 403b from the second battery cell 120-2, the first cell controller 200-1 can check the information included in the data signal 403b. Since the transmission ID included in the data signal 403b is 2 and the transmission direction is the first direction D1, the first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1 may ignore the data signal 403b.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the third battery cell 120-3 may perform an operation corresponding to the information included in the data signal 403b. If the information included in the data signal 403b includes a request for information regarding the status of the third battery cell 120-3, the third battery cell 120-3 may transmit a data signal 404a including information regarding the status of the third battery cell 120-3 to the second battery cell 120-2. The data signal 404a may include information regarding a target ID, a transmission ID, and a transmission direction. Referring to FIG. 5, the data signal 404a may include information indicating that the target ID is 0, the transmission ID is 3, and the transmission direction is the second direction D2.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the second battery cell 120-2 may receive a data signal 404b from the third battery cell 120-3. The second cell controller 200-2 of the second battery cell 120-2 may identify information regarding the target ID included in the data signal 404b and compare it with the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2. Because the information regarding the target ID included in the data signal 404b is 0, the second cell controller 200-2 of the second battery cell 120-2 may identify that the target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2 and may transmit a data signal 405a to the first battery cell 120-1. The data signal 405a may include information indicating that the target ID is 0, the transmission ID is 2, and the transmission direction is the second direction D2.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the first battery cell 120-1 may receive a data signal 405b from the second battery cell 120-2. The first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1 may identify information regarding the target ID included in the data signal 405b and compare it with the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. Because the information regarding the target ID included in the data signal 405b is 0, the first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1 may identify that the target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1 and may transmit a data signal 406a to the master BMS 110. The data signal 406a may include information indicating that the target ID is 0, the transmission ID is 1, and the transmission direction is the second direction D2.

[0063] According to one embodiment, when the third battery cell 120-3 receives a data signal 405b from the second battery cell 120-2, the third cell controller 200-3 of the third battery cell 120-3 can check the information included in the data signal 405b. Since the transmission ID included in the data signal 405b is 2 and the transmission direction is the second direction D2, the third cell controller 200-3 of the third battery cell 120-3 may ignore the data signal 405b.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 can receive a data signal 406b from the first battery cell 120-1. The master BMS 110 can identify information about the target ID included in the data signal 406b and compare it with the ID assigned to the master BMS 110. Because the information about the target ID included in the data signal 406b is 0, the master BMS 110 can identify that the target ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the master BMS 110. The master BMS 110 can receive the data signal 406b.

[0065] According to one embodiment, when the second battery cell 120-2 receives the data signal 406b from the first battery cell 120-1, the second cell controller 200-2 of the second battery cell 120-2 can check the information included in the data signal 406b. Since the transmission ID included in the data signal 406b is 1 and the transmission direction is the second direction D2, the second cell controller 200-2 of the second battery cell 120-2 may ignore the data signal 406b.

[0066] As described above, a signal transmission structure between the master BMS 110 and the multiple battery cells 120 connected to each other can be easily implemented via multiple cell controllers (e.g., the multiple cell controllers 200 in FIG. 1). According to one embodiment, information included in the transmitted and received signals can prevent errors in signal transmission and improve accuracy.

[0067] Figure 6 illustrates an example of a battery module according to one embodiment. Figure 7 illustrates an example of a switch of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 6 , a battery module 100 according to one embodiment may include a plurality of battery cells 120 , a master battery management system 110 , a bus bar 500 , and a switch 600 .

[0069] The battery module 100 according to one embodiment may include a master BMS 110 for managing a plurality of battery cells 120. The plurality of battery cells 120 and the master BMS 110 may refer to the above-described plurality of battery cells 120 and master BMS 110. The contents described with reference to Figures 1 to 5 are similarly applicable to the battery module 100 described below, and therefore, redundant description will be omitted.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the bus bar 500 can connect multiple battery cells 120. For example, when multiple battery cells 120 are connected in series, the bus bar 500 can connect the positive terminal of one battery cell to the negative terminal of the other battery cell. Although the bus bar 500 shown in FIG. 6 is shown on a portion of the connection line between the multiple battery cells 120, it may be disposed on the entire connection line between the multiple battery cells 120. The bus bar 500 can be electrically connected to the master BMS 110. For example, the master BMS 110 and at least some of the multiple battery cells 120 may be connected to each other via the bus bar 500. However, this is not limiting.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 may be configured to communicate with multiple battery cells 120 via the bus bar 500. The master BMS 110 may send signals to multiple cell controllers 200 via the bus bar 500, and the multiple cell controllers 200 may send signals to the master BMS 110 via the bus bar 500. For example, if the master BMS 110 sends a signal to a second battery cell 120-2, the signal may be sent to the second battery cell 120-2 via the bus bar 500.

[0072] 1, when the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 are connected in series, the signal can pass through the first battery cell 120-1 and be transmitted to the second battery cell 120-2. The signal can include information about the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2 receiving the signal (e.g., TAR_ID 303 in FIG. 3). The first cell controller 200-1 can identify the information, amplify the received signal, and then transmit it to the second battery cell 120-2.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 6, when the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 are connected in parallel, the signal can be transmitted directly from the master BMS 110 to the second battery cell 120-2. However, this is not limited to this. The signal transmission and / or reception operation can refer to the operations described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the switch 600 may be configured to electrically connect or disconnect any of the plurality of battery cells 120 from the remaining battery cells. According to one embodiment, the switch 600 can electrically connect or disconnect the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2.

[0075] 7 , the switch 600 may include a first switch 600-1 connected across the first battery cell 120-1, a second switch 600-2, a third switch 600-3 connected across the second battery cell 120-2, a fourth switch 600-4, a fifth switch 600-5 connected across the third battery cell 120-3, and a sixth switch 600-6. For example, when the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 are opened, the first battery cell 120-1 may be electrically isolated from the second battery cell 120-2 and the third battery cell 120-3. For example, when the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 are closed, the first battery cell 120-1 may be electrically connected to the second battery cell 120-2 and the third battery cell 120-3. Even when the first battery cell 120-1 is electrically isolated from the second battery cell 120-2 and the third battery cell 120-3, the second battery cell 120-2 and the third battery cell 120-3 can be configured to supply power to the load. However, the shape and location of the switch 600 are not limited to those shown in the drawings. The switch 600 may be arranged outside the battery cells or inside the battery cells.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the switch 600 may be controlled by the master BMS 110 and / or multiple cell controllers 200. For example, a first cell controller 200-1 disposed in a first battery cell 120-1 may be configured to control a first switch 600-1 and a second switch 600-2 disposed across the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 may control the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 to be open or closed.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 can directly and / or indirectly control the switch 600. For example, the master BMS 110 can directly transmit a signal to the switch 600 to control the operation of the switch 600. For example, the master BMS 110 can transmit a signal to the switch 600 to control the operation of the switch 600 to a first cell controller 200-1 among the multiple cell controllers 200. The first cell controller 200-1, which receives the signal, can be configured to control the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 based on the signal.

[0078] According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of cell controllers 200 may be configured to acquire data related to the deterioration of the plurality of battery cells 120. The data related to the deterioration of the plurality of battery cells 120 may refer to various data quantitatively representing the degree of the battery's state of health (SOH). According to one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire data related to at least one of the voltage, current, temperature, and change in state of charge (SOC) due to charging and / or discharging of the first battery cell 120-1. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may identify a change in state of charge (SOC) of the first battery cell 120-1 when charging the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 may acquire data including information regarding changes in the SOC of the battery cells over time. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may identify a change in SOC of the first battery cell 120-1 when discharging the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 can obtain data including information regarding the SOC change of the battery cell over time. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 can identify the temperature of the first battery cell 120-1 during operation of the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 can obtain data including information regarding the temperature change of the first battery cell 120-1 depending on the operation time.

[0079] According to one embodiment, if the first battery cell 120-1 is determined to be degraded, the first battery cell 120-1 may be electrically isolated from the other battery cells. The determination of the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 may be performed by, but is not limited to, the master BMS 110 and / or the first cell controller 200-1.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 can be configured to control the switch 600 to electrically isolate the first battery cell 120-1 from the second battery cell 120-2 when the first battery cell 120-1 is determined to be degraded. If the first battery cell 120-1 is degraded, the first battery cell 120-1 may degrade the performance of the battery module 100 when the battery module 100 including the degraded first battery cell 120-1 is in operation. For example, when the battery module 100 is being charged, if the voltage of the degraded first battery cell 120-1 drops below the steady-state voltage, cell balancing may reduce the voltage of the second battery cell 120-2 to match the voltage of the first battery cell 120-1. In this case, the steady-state voltage of the second battery cell 120-2 is consumed, potentially reducing energy efficiency. For example, when the battery module 100 is operating, if the temperature of the degraded first battery cell 120-1 is higher than the steady-state temperature, the first battery cell 120-1 may cause the temperature of the battery module 100 to rise. As the temperature of the battery module 100 rises, a fire may occur or a safety system of a device (e.g., an electric vehicle) that uses the battery module 100 may shut down the operation of the device.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 and / or the first cell controller 200-1 can determine degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 based on data related to the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1. If it is determined that the first battery cell 120-1 has degraded, the first cell controller 200-1 can electrically isolate the first battery cell 120-1 from the other battery cells by controlling the switch 600. Isolating the degraded first battery cell 120-1 can prevent a degradation in the performance of the battery module 100.

[0082] 8 is a flow chart of an example of an operation for isolating a deteriorated battery cell by a master BMS of a battery module according to one embodiment. The operation of the first cell controller (e.g., the first cell controller 200-1 in FIG. 6) described with reference to FIG. 8 can be similarly applied to the cell controllers of the remaining battery cells (e.g., the second cell controller 200-2).

[0083] In operation 801, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire data related to deterioration of the first battery cell 120-1. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire data related to at least one of the voltage, current, temperature, and SOC change due to charging and / or discharging of the first battery cell 120-1. The data related to deterioration may refer to data indicating the degree of SOH of the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire the data regardless of whether the first battery cell 120-1 is activated. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to measure the temperature, operating voltage, and / or operating current of the first battery cell 120-1 while the first battery cell 120-1 is activated, and acquire data related to the measured temperature, operating voltage, and / or operating current. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to measure the open-circuit voltage of the first battery cell 120-1 when the first battery cell 120-1 is in an inactive state (e.g., a sleep state, a turn-off state) and obtain data related to the measured open-circuit voltage. The above data is exemplary only and is not limiting.

[0084] In operation 802, the master BMS 110 may be configured to request the first cell controller 200-1 to transmit the acquired data. For example, in operation 802, the master BMS 110 may transmit a second signal to the first cell controller 200-1 requesting the transmission of the acquired data. The second signal may be transmitted from the master BMS 110 to the first cell controller 200-1 via a bus bar (e.g., the bus bar 500 in FIG. 6). For example, the master BMS 110 may transmit the second signal to the first cell controller 200-1 at intervals specified by a user. For example, the master BMS 110 may transmit the second signal to the first cell controller 200-1 when a specified event occurs.

[0085] According to one embodiment, operation 802 may be omitted. If operation 802 is omitted, the first cell controller 200-1 may perform operation 803 without a separate request from the master BMS 110. According to one embodiment, operation 802 may be performed based on the state of the first battery cell 120-1. According to one embodiment, in a first state in which the first battery cell 120-1 operates, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to transmit acquired data to the master BMS 110 via the bus bar 500 without receiving a separate request signal from the master BMS 110. The first state may refer to a state in which the first battery cell 120-1 is supplying power to a load. In the first state, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to transmit acquired data to the master BMS 110. According to one embodiment, operation 802 may be performed in a second state distinct from the first state. The second state may refer to a turn-off state, a low-power operating state, or a sleep state in which the first battery cell 120-1 is not supplying power to the load. When the first battery cell 120-1 is in the second state, the master BMS 110 may be configured to transmit a second signal to the first cell controller 200-1 to request transmission of the data. Because the power consumption of the first battery cell 120-1 needs to be minimized in the second state, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to transmit the data to the master BMS 110 upon receiving the second signal. For example, if the first cell controller 200-1 continues to transmit data to the master BMS 110 when the load has insufficient power to drive it, a situation may arise in which the load cannot be driven due to insufficient power. The first cell controller 200-1 may minimize the power consumption of the first battery cell 120-1 due to the data transmission.

[0086] In operation 803, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to transmit the acquired data related to the deterioration of the first battery cell 120-1 to the master BMS 110. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 can transmit the acquired data to the master BMS 110 based on receiving a signal requesting the transmission of the data from the master BMS 110. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 can transmit the acquired data to the master BMS 110 at intervals specified by a user. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 can transmit the acquired data to the master BMS 110 when a specified event occurs.

[0087] In operation 804, the master BMS 110 may be configured to compare the data acquired from the first cell controller 200-1 with a predetermined reference value. The predetermined reference value may be a value indicating a steady state in which the first battery cell 120-1 is not degraded. The predetermined reference value may be determined as a range in which degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 can be determined based on the type of data. For example, if the first cell controller 200-1 transmits data including information about the temperature of the first battery cell 120-1, the predetermined reference value may be determined as a temperature range of the first battery cell 120-1 in the steady state. The temperature range of the first battery cell 120-1 in the steady state may refer to a temperature range in which the first battery cell 120-1 can operate normally. For example, if the first cell controller 200-1 transmits data regarding the SOC when charging the first battery cell 120-1, the predetermined reference value can be determined as the rate of change of the SOC over time of the first battery cell 120-1 in a steady state.

[0088] In operation 805, the master BMS 110 can be configured to send a first signal to the first cell controller 200-1 to isolate the first battery cell 120-1 from the second battery cell 120-2 based on identifying, as a result of the comparison in operation 804, that the data received from the first cell controller 200-1 is outside the reference value. For example, if the master BMS 110 identifies that the data received from the first cell controller 200-1, including information regarding the temperature of the first battery cell 120-1, is not within the reference value, the master BMS 110 can send a first signal to the first cell controller 200-1. The first signal may be sent from the master BMS 110 to the first cell controller 200-1 via the bus bar 500.

[0089] In operation 806, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured, based on receiving a first signal from the master BMS 110, to control the switch 600 to electrically isolate the first battery cell 120-1 from the second battery cell 120-2. For example, based on receiving the first signal, the first cell controller 200-1 can control the first switch 600-1 (e.g., the first switch 600-1 in FIG. 7 ) and the second switch 600-2 (e.g., the second switch 600-2 in FIG. 7 ) to be open. Electrical isolation of the first battery cell 120-1 from the second battery cell 120-2 can mean that the first battery cell 120-1 is electrically isolated from the remaining battery cells in the battery module 100 except for the first battery cell 120-1. The first battery cell 120-1 can maintain an electrical connection with the master BMS 110 even when electrically isolated from the remaining battery cells. The master BMS 110 can continuously manage the SOH of the isolated first battery cell 120-1. In operations 805 and 806, the switch 600 has been described as being controlled by the first cell controller 200-1, but this is not limiting. For example, the master BMS 110 can electrically isolate the first battery cell 120-1 from the second battery cell 120-2 by directly controlling the switch 600 based on identifying that the data received from the first cell controller 200-1 has deviated from the reference value.

[0090] In operation 807, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to send a signal to the master BMS 110 to notify that the first battery cell 120-1 has been electrically isolated from the second battery cell 120-2. The first cell controller 200-1 may send the signal to the master BMS 110 after controlling the switch 600. The signal may be sent from the first cell controller 200-1 to the master BMS 110 via the bus bar 500.

[0091] In operation 808, the master BMS 110 may be configured to notify that the first battery cell 120-1 has been electrically isolated from the second battery cell 120-2. For example, the master BMS 110 may be a component of an apparatus including the battery module 100 and may transmit a signal notifying that the first battery cell 120-1 has been isolated. For example, in an electric vehicle including the battery module 100, the master BMS 110 may transmit a visual or audio signal to a user via a display or speaker to notify that the first battery cell 120-1 has been isolated. The user may recognize that the first battery cell 120-1 has degraded via the notification.

[0092] The battery module 100 according to an embodiment can identify whether each of the battery cells 120 is degraded through the cell controllers 200 disposed within the battery cells 120 electrically connected to each other. Generally, identifying the degradation of a battery cell requires a separate process, such as charging and discharging the battery cell, via a degradation determination device. The battery module 100 according to an embodiment can easily acquire data related to the degradation of the battery cells 120 through the cell controllers 200 included in each of the battery cells 120. The acquired data can be transmitted to the master BMS 110 via the bus bar 500, eliminating the need for a separate wire harness for communication. This reduces the overall weight of the system and simplifies its design. The master BMS 110 can determine whether each of the battery cells 120 is degraded based on the received data. The master BMS 110 can electrically isolate the degraded battery cells from the remaining battery cells, thereby preventing the performance of the battery module 100 from being degraded by the degraded battery cells.

[0093] 9 is a flowchart of an example of an operation for isolating a deteriorated battery cell by a cell controller of a battery module according to one embodiment. The operation of the first cell controller 200-1 described with reference to FIG. 9 can be similarly applied to the cell controllers of the remaining battery cells (e.g., the second cell controller 200-2).

[0094] 9, in operation 901, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire data related to the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire data related to at least one of the voltage, current, temperature, and SOC change due to charging and / or discharging of the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire the data regardless of whether the first battery cell 120-1 is activated. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to measure the temperature, operating voltage, and / or operating current of the first battery cell 120-1 while the first battery cell 120-1 is activated, and acquire data related to the measured temperature, operating voltage, and / or operating current. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to measure the open-circuit voltage of the first battery cell 120-1 when the first battery cell 120-1 is in an inactive state (e.g., a sleep state, a turn-off state) and obtain data related to the measured open-circuit voltage. The above data is exemplary only and is not limiting.

[0095] In operation 902, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to compare the acquired data with a predetermined reference value. The predetermined reference value may be determined as a range within which deterioration of the first battery cell 120-1 can be determined based on the type of data. For example, if the first cell controller 200-1 acquires data including information about the temperature of the first battery cell 120-1, the predetermined reference value may be determined as a temperature range of the first battery cell 120-1 in a steady state. The temperature range of the first battery cell 120-1 in a steady state may refer to a temperature range within which the first battery cell 120-1 can operate normally. For example, if the first cell controller 200-1 acquires data regarding the SOC during charging of the first battery cell 120-1, the predetermined reference value may be determined as a rate of change of the SOC over time of the first battery cell 120-1 in a steady state.

[0096] In operation 903, the first cell controller 200-1 can be configured to control the switch 600 based on the comparison result in operation 902. According to one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 can be configured to control the switch 600 to electrically isolate the first battery cell 120-1 from the second battery cell 120-2 based on identifying that the acquired data falls outside the reference value. The first controller can be configured to control the switch 600 to electrically connect the first battery cell 120-1 with the second battery cell 120-2 based on identifying that the acquired data falls within the reference value.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 can be configured to determine the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 based on data related to the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1. Because the first cell controller 200-1 can determine the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 by itself, it can determine whether the first battery cell 120-1 is isolated without needing to send and / or receive signals from the master BMS 110.

[0098] 10 is a flowchart of an example of an operation in which the master BMS of the battery module according to one embodiment separates a deteriorated battery cell based on data written in the memory of the cell controller. The operation of the first cell controller 200-1 described with reference to FIG. 10 can be similarly applied to the cell controllers of the remaining battery cells (e.g., the second cell controller 200-2).

[0099] 10, in operation 1001, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to obtain data related to the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1. Operation 1001 may be referred to as operation 801 in FIG.

[0100] In operation 1002, the first cell controller 200-1 can be configured to store the acquired data in a memory (e.g., memory 250 of FIG. 2). The memory 250 can be configured to store data related to the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1.

[0101] In operation 1003, the master BMS 110 may be configured to send a third signal to the first cell controller 200-1 requesting transmission of the data written to the memory 250. The master BMS 110 may request the first cell controller 200-1 to transmit the data stored in the memory 250 to determine whether the first battery cell 120-1 has deteriorated. The third signal may be sent from the master BMS 110 to the first cell controller 200-1 via the bus bar 500.

[0102] In operation 1004, the first cell controller 200-1 can be configured to transmit at least a portion of the data stored in the memory 250 to the master BMS 110 based on receiving the third signal. The first cell controller 200-1 may transmit all of the data stored in the memory 250 to the master BMS 110, or may transmit a portion of the data stored in the memory 250 to the master BMS 110. For example, the master BMS 110 can transmit a third signal to the first cell controller 200-1 including information requesting transmission of all or a portion of the data depending on the time since determining whether the first battery cell 120-1 has degraded and / or the number of times power has been supplied from the first battery cell 120-1 to the load. The first cell controller 200-1 can transmit all or a portion of the data to the master BMS 110 based on the third signal. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 can transmit to the master BMS 110 data that has not been transmitted to the master BMS 110 and that has been newly stored in the memory 250, except for data that was transmitted to the master BMS 110 before receiving the third signal. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0103] In operation 1005, the master BMS 110 may be configured to compare the data obtained from the first cell controller 200-1 with a pre-determined reference value. Operation 1005 may be referred to as operation 804 in FIG. 8.

[0104] In operation 1006, the master BMS 110 may be configured to send a first signal to the first cell controller 200-1 to isolate the first battery cell 120-1 from the second battery cell 120-2 based on identifying that the data received from the first cell controller 200-1 deviates from the reference value as a result of the comparison in operation 1005. Operation 1006 may be referred to as operation 805 in FIG.

[0105] In operation 1007, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to control the switch 600 to electrically isolate the first battery cell 120-1 from the second battery cell 120-2 based on receiving the first signal from the master BMS 110. Operation 1007 may be referred to as operation 806 in FIG.

[0106] In operation 1008, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to send a signal to the master BMS 110 to notify it that the first battery cell 120-1 has been electrically isolated from the second battery cell 120-2. Operation 1008 may refer to operation 807 in FIG. 8 .

[0107] In operation 1009, the master BMS 110 may be configured to signal that the first battery cell 120-1 is electrically isolated from the second battery cell 120-2. Operation 1009 may refer to operation 808 in FIG. 8.

[0108] The battery module 100 according to one embodiment can continuously store data related to deterioration in multiple cell controllers 200 arranged in each of the multiple battery cells 120. The data stored in the memory 250 may be transmitted to the master BMS 110 in response to a request from the master BMS 110. The master BMS 110 can determine whether each of the multiple battery cells 120 is degraded through the data stored in the memory 250. Because the multiple cell controllers 200 are arranged in each of the multiple battery cells 120, it is possible to easily acquire data related to the deterioration of the battery cells. Each of the multiple cell controllers 200 can acquire data from an operating or inoperating battery cell and write the acquired data to the memory 250. Through the data recorded in the memory 250, the master BMS 110 can easily determine whether each of the multiple battery cells 120 is degraded. For example, when charging a battery cell, the master BMS 110 can check the change in the time required to fully charge the battery through the data stored in the memory 250. Through the stored data over a period of time, the master BMS 110 may be configured to accurately determine the degradation of each of the plurality of battery cells 120.

[0109] 11a and 11b show an example in which the second battery cell 120-2 is electrically isolated from the other battery cells. Referring to FIG. 11a and 11b, the switch 600 may include a first switch 600-1 and a second switch 600-2 connected across the second battery cell 120-2. Multiple battery cells 120 may be connected in series with each other.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the battery module 100 may include a first line L1 to which all of the battery cells 120 are electrically connected and a second line L2 to which at least one of the battery cells 120 is electrically isolated. The switch 600 may connect the battery cells 120 to the first line L1 or the second line L2.

[0111] 11a, when the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 are connected to the first line L1, the second battery cell 120-2 can be electrically connected to the first battery cell 120-1 and the third battery cell 120-3. The first battery cell 120-1, the second battery cell 120-2, and the third battery cell 120-3, which are electrically connected to each other, can be configured to supply power to drive a load. When the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 are connected to the first line L1, a path P1 can be formed for a current to flow through the first battery cell 120-1, the second battery cell 120-2, and the third battery cell 120-3.

[0112] 11b, when the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 are connected to the second line L2, the second battery cell 120-2 can be electrically isolated from the first battery cell 120-1 and the third battery cell 120-3. The first battery cell 120-1 and the third battery cell 120-3 may be electrically connected. When the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 are connected to the second line L2, a bypass path P2 that bypasses the second battery cell 120-2 can be formed. When the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 are connected to the second line L2, a path P2 for current flowing through the first battery cell 120-1 and the third battery cell 120-3 can be formed. Even when the second battery cell 120-2 is electrically isolated from the first battery cell 120-1 and the third battery cell 120-3, the first battery cell 120-1 and the third battery cell 120-3 can be configured to supply power to the load via the path P2. However, the form and arrangement position of the switch 600 are not limited to those shown in the drawings. The switch 600 may be arranged outside or inside the battery cells.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the switch 600 may be controlled by a master BMS (e.g., the master BMS 110 of FIG. 6) and / or multiple cell controllers 200. For example, a first cell controller 200-1 disposed in a first battery cell 120-1 may be configured to control a first switch 600-1 and a second switch 600-2 disposed across the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 may control the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 to be open or closed.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 can directly and / or indirectly control the switch 600. For example, the master BMS 110 can directly transmit a signal to the switch 600 to control the operation of the switch 600. For example, the master BMS 110 can transmit a signal to the second cell controller 200-2 of the multiple cell controllers 200 to control the operation of the switch 600. The second cell controller 200-2, which receives the signal, can be configured to control the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 based on the signal.

[0115] According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of cell controllers 200 may be configured to acquire data related to the deterioration of the plurality of battery cells 120. The data related to the deterioration of the plurality of battery cells 120 may represent various data quantitatively representing the degree of the battery's state of health (SOH). The plurality of cell controllers 200 may identify the degree of deterioration of each of the plurality of battery cells 120 based on the data. The degree of deterioration may be a numerical value indicating how much the battery cell has deteriorated. The degree of deterioration may be identified based on the data.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 and / or the first cell controller 200-1 can determine degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 based on data related to the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1. If it is determined that the first battery cell 120-1 has degraded, the first cell controller 200-1 can electrically isolate the first battery cell 120-1 from the other battery cells by controlling the switch 600. Isolating the degraded first battery cell 120-1 can prevent a degradation in the performance of the battery module 100.

[0117] 12 is a flow chart of an example of an operation for isolating a deteriorated battery cell by a master BMS of a battery module according to one embodiment. The operations of the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 described with reference to FIG. 12 can be similarly applied to the cell controllers of the remaining battery cells.

[0118] In operation 1201, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire first data related to degradation of a first battery cell (e.g., the first battery cell 120-1 of FIG. 6). For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire first data related to at least one of the voltage, current, temperature, and SOC change due to charging and / or discharging of the first battery cell 120-1. According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 may be configured to pre-specify the type of data. For example, the master BMS 110 may specify that the first cell controller 200-1 acquire data including information regarding the temperature of the first battery cell 120-1. The first data may indicate the degree of degradation of the first battery cell 120-1.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire the first data regardless of whether the first battery cell 120-1 is activated. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to measure the temperature, operating voltage, and / or operating current of the first battery cell 120-1 when the first battery cell 120-1 is activated, and acquire first data related to the measured temperature, operating voltage, and / or operating current. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to measure the open-circuit voltage of the first battery cell 120-1 when the first battery cell 120-1 is deactivated (e.g., sleep state, turn-off state), and acquire first data related to the measured open-circuit voltage. The above-mentioned first data is merely exemplary and not limiting.

[0120] In ACT 1202, the second cell controller 200-2 may be configured to obtain second data related to the degradation of a second battery cell (e.g., the second battery cell 120-2 in FIG. 6). ACT 1202 may refer to ACT 1201.

[0121] In operation 1203, the master BMS 110 can be configured to request the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 to transmit the acquired data. For example, in operation 1203, the master BMS 110 can transmit a signal requesting the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 to transmit the acquired data. The signal may be transmitted from the master BMS 110 to the first cell controller 200-1 via a bus bar (e.g., bus bar 500 in FIG. 6). When multiple cells 120 are connected in series, the signal may be transmitted from the master BMS 110 to the second cell controller 200-2 via the bus bar 500, passing through the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to amplify the signal as it passes through the first battery cell 120-1 before transmitting it to the second battery cell 120-2. For example, the master BMS 110 can transmit a signal to the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 at a period designated by a user. For example, the master BMS 110 can transmit the signal to the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 when a designated event occurs.

[0122] According to one embodiment, operation 1203 may be omitted. If operation 1203 is omitted, the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 may perform operation 1204 without a separate request from the master BMS 110. According to one embodiment, operation 1203 may be performed based on the states of the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2. According to one embodiment, in the first state in which the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 are operating, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to transmit acquired data to the master BMS 110 via the bus bar 500 without receiving a separate request signal from the master BMS 110. The first state may refer to a state in which the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 are supplying power to a load. In the first state, the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 may be configured to transmit the acquired data to the master BMS 110. According to one embodiment, operation 1203 may be performed in a second state distinct from the first state. The second state may refer to a turn-off state, a low-power operating state, or a sleep state in which the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 are not supplying power to the load. In the second state of the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2, the master BMS 110 may be configured to transmit a signal to the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 to request the transmission of the data. In the second state, the power consumption of the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 needs to be minimized, and therefore, upon receiving the signal, the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 may be configured to transmit the data to the master BMS 110. For example, if the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 continue to transmit data to the master BMS 110 in a situation where there is a shortage of power to drive the load, a situation may arise in which the load cannot be driven due to a lack of power.The first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 can minimize the power consumption of the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 due to the data transmission.

[0123] In operation 1204, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to transmit the acquired first data related to the deterioration of the first battery cell 120-1 to the master BMS 110. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 can transmit the first data to the master BMS 110 based on receiving a signal requesting the transmission of the first data from the master BMS 110. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 can transmit the acquired first data to the master BMS 110 at intervals specified by a user. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 can transmit the first data to the master BMS 110 when a specified event occurs.

[0124] In OPERATION 1205, the second cell controller 200-2 may be configured to transmit the acquired second data related to the degradation of the second battery cell 120-2 to the master BMS 110. If multiple cells 120 are connected in series, the second data may pass through the first battery cell 120-1 and be transmitted to the master BMS 110. OPERATION 1205 may refer to OPERATION 1204.

[0125] In operation 1206, the master BMS 110 may be configured to set a reference range based on the first data and the second data acquired from the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2. The reference range may refer to a range related to the degree of deterioration of each of the plurality of battery cells 120. The reference range may be set as a range indicating the degree of deterioration of the battery cells based on the type of data. For example, if the first data and the second data include information about the temperature of the battery cells, the reference range may refer to a temperature range of the battery cells in a steady state. For example, if the first data and the second data include information about the SOC during charging of the battery cells, the reference range may refer to a rate of change of the SOC of the battery cells over time in a steady state. The steady state may refer to a state of the battery cells that is not deteriorated.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 may be configured to determine a reference range that is determined relatively according to the SOH of the plurality of battery cells 120, rather than a predetermined reference range, to determine the deterioration of each of the plurality of battery cells 120. The determination of the deterioration of the plurality of battery cells 120 may vary depending on the device, environment, frequency, etc. in which the battery module 100 is used. The master BMS 110 may be configured to set the relative reference range via data related to the deterioration of the plurality of battery cells 120. According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 can make an appropriate determination depending on the situation, compared to determining the deterioration of the battery cells using a fixed reference range.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 can be configured to receive data related to degradation of each of the plurality of battery cells 120 from the plurality of battery cells 120. The master BMS 110 can identify the least degraded data from the received data. The master BMS 110 can be configured to set a reference range based on the least degraded data.

[0128] For example, if the second battery cell 120-2 has the smallest degree of deterioration among the multiple battery cells 120, the master BMS 110 can set a reference range based on the second data. The reference range can be set so that the difference between the value of the second data and the value of the first data is equal to or less than a certain value. For example, if the difference between the value of the second data and the value of the first data is equal to or less than a certain value, it can be determined that the first battery cell 120-1 is not deteriorated. For example, if the difference between the value of the second data and the value of the first data exceeds a certain value, it can be determined that the first battery cell 120-1 is deteriorated.

[0129] In operation 1207, the master BMS 110 can be configured to identify whether each of the plurality of battery cells 120 is degraded based on the reference range. The master BMS 110 may be configured to identify degraded battery cells among the plurality of battery cells 120. According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 can identify data that does not fall within a reference range determined based on data with the least degree of degradation. For example, if the reference range is set based on second data, the master BMS 110 can identify degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 based on identifying that the difference between the value of the second data and the value of the first data falls outside the reference range.

[0130] In operation 1208, the master BMS 110 may transmit an isolation request signal to a cell controller included in the degraded battery cell to request isolation of the degraded battery cell from the other battery cells in order to electrically isolate the degraded battery cell from the other battery cells. For example, the master BMS 110 may be configured to transmit a signal to the first cell controller 200-1 to isolate the first battery cell 120-1 from the second battery cell 120-2 based on identifying that the first data falls outside a reference range. For example, the master BMS 110 may transmit a first signal to the first cell controller 200-1 when it identifies that the data received from the first cell controller 200-1, including information regarding the temperature of the first battery cell 120-1, does not fall within a reference range. The first signal may be transmitted from the master BMS 110 to the first cell controller 200-1 via the bus bar 500.

[0131] In operation 1209, the cell controller disposed in the degraded battery cell may be configured to control the switch 600 to electrically isolate the degraded battery cell from the other battery cells. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to control the switch 600 to electrically isolate the first battery cell 120-1 from the second battery cell 120-2 based on receiving an isolation request signal from the master BMS 110. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may control the first switch (e.g., the first switch 600-1 in FIG. 7 ) and the second switch (e.g., the second switch 600-2 in FIG. 7 ) to be connected to the second line based on receiving the isolation request signal. Electrical isolation of the first battery cell 120-1 from the second battery cell 120-2 may mean that the first battery cell 120-1 is electrically isolated from the remaining battery cells in the battery module 100 except for the first battery cell 120-1. The first battery cell 120-1 can maintain electrical connection with the master BMS 110 even when electrically isolated from the remaining battery cells. The master BMS 110 can continuously manage the SOH of the isolated first battery cell 120-1. In operations 1208 and 1209, the switch 600 is described as being controlled by the first cell controller 200-1, but this is not limiting. For example, the master BMS 110 can electrically isolate the first battery cell 120-1 from the second battery cell 120-2 by directly controlling the switch 600 based on identifying that the first data falls outside the reference range.

[0132] In operation 1210, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to send a signal to the master BMS 110 to notify that the first battery cell 120-1 has been electrically isolated from the second battery cell 120-2. The first cell controller 200-1 may send the signal to the master BMS 110 after controlling the switch 600. The signal may be sent from the first cell controller 200-1 to the master BMS 110 via the bus bar 500.

[0133] In operation 1211, the master BMS 110 can be configured to estimate the performance of the battery module 100 configured with the plurality of battery cells 120 based on data received from the plurality of battery cells 120 and / or the connection status of the plurality of battery cells 120. The master BMS 110 can estimate the SOH of each of the plurality of battery cells 120 and estimate the performance of the battery module 100 configured with the plurality of battery cells 120. The master BMS 110 can estimate the performance of the battery module 100 based on the connection status of the plurality of battery cells 120. For example, in a state in which the first battery cell 120-1 is electrically isolated from the other battery cells, the master BMS 110 can estimate the performance of the battery module 100 with the remaining battery cells excluding the first battery cell 120-1. The master BMS 110 can notify the user of the estimated performance of the battery module 100.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 may be configured to notify that the first battery cell 120-1 has been electrically isolated from the second battery cell 120-2. For example, the master BMS 110 may be a component of an apparatus including the battery module 100 and may transmit a signal notifying that the first battery cell 120-1 has been isolated. For example, in an electric vehicle including the battery module 100, the master BMS 110 may transmit a visual or audio signal via a display or speaker to a user to notify that the first battery cell 120-1 has been isolated. The user may recognize that the first battery cell 120-1 has deteriorated through the notification.

[0135] The battery module 100 according to an embodiment can identify whether each of the battery cells 120 is degraded through the cell controllers 200 disposed in the battery cells 120 electrically connected to each other. Generally, identifying the degradation of a battery cell requires separate experiments, such as charging and discharging the battery cell. The battery module 100 according to an embodiment can easily acquire data related to degradation through the cell controllers 200 included in each of the battery cells 120. The acquired data can be transmitted to the master BMS 110 via the bus bar 500, eliminating the need for a separate wire harness for communication. This reduces the overall weight of the system and simplifies its design. The master BMS 110 can determine whether each of the battery cells 120 is degraded based on the received data. By isolating the degraded battery cells, it is possible to prevent the performance of the battery module 100 from being degraded.

[0136] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the master BMS to set the reference range. The operations of the first to third cell controllers 200-1, 200-2, 200-3 described with reference to Fig. 13 can be similarly applied to the cell controllers of the remaining battery cells.

[0137] 13, in operation 1301, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire first data related to the deterioration of a first battery cell (e.g., the first battery cell 120-1 of FIG. 6). The first data may indicate the degree of deterioration of the first battery cell 120-1. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire first data related to at least one of the voltage, current, temperature, and SOC change due to charging and / or discharging of the first battery cell 120-1. According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 may be configured to pre-specify the type of data. For example, the master BMS 110 may specify that the first cell controller 200-1 acquires data including information regarding the temperature of the first battery cell 120-1.

[0138] In OPERATION 1302, the second cell controller 200-2 may be configured to obtain second data related to the degradation of a second battery cell (e.g., the second battery cell 120-2 in FIG. 6). In OPERATION 1303, the third cell controller 200-3 may be configured to obtain third data related to the degradation of a third battery cell (e.g., the third battery cell 120-3 in FIG. 6). OPERATION 1302 and OPERATION 1303 may refer to OPERATION 1301.

[0139] In operation 1304, the first cell controller 200-1 can be configured to transmit the first data to the second battery cell 120-2 connected to the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 can transmit the first data to the second battery cell 120-2 via the bus bar 500.

[0140] In operation 1305, the second cell controller 200-2 can be configured to compare the first data and the second data received from the first cell controller 200-1 and transmit the data of the battery cell with a lesser degree of deterioration to the third battery cell 120-3. For example, if the degree of deterioration identified based on the first data is less between the degree of deterioration of the first battery cell 120-1 identified based on the first data and the degree of deterioration of the second battery cell 120-2 identified based on the second data, the second cell controller 200-2 can transmit the first data to the third battery cell 120-3.

[0141] In operation 1306, the third cell controller 200-3 can be configured to compare the data (e.g., the first data) received from the second cell controller 200-2 with the third data and transmit the data of the battery cell with a lesser degree of deterioration to the master BMS 110. The third battery cell 120-3 can transmit the data to the master BMS 110 via the bus bar 500. The data may be transmitted to the master BMS 110 via the second battery cell 120-2 and the first battery cell 120-1. For example, if the degree of deterioration identified based on the third data is less than the degree of deterioration of the first battery cell 120-1 identified based on the first data and the degree of deterioration of the third battery cell 120-3 identified based on the third data, the third cell controller 200-3 can transmit the third data to the master BMS 110.

[0142] In operation 1307, the master BMS 110 can be configured to set a reference range based on data received from the third cell controller 200-3. Operation 1307 can refer to operation 1206 in FIG. 12 . For example, when third data is received from the third cell controller 200-3, the master BMS 110 can set a reference range based on the third data. The master BMS 110 can determine that a battery cell has deteriorated based on the fact that data received from the battery cell falls outside the reference range.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 can set a reference range that is determined relatively according to the SOH of the plurality of battery cells 120. The master BMS 110 can determine whether each of the plurality of battery cells 120 is degraded based on the reference range. According to one embodiment, the battery module 100 can control the plurality of battery cells 120 to a state suitable for the operation of the load.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 can set the reference range based on the degree of deterioration of the battery cell with the smallest degree of deterioration. For example, if the third battery cell 120-3 has the smallest degree of deterioration, and the difference between the degree of deterioration of the second battery cell 120-2 and the degree of deterioration of the third battery cell 120-3 falls outside the reference range, the master BMS 110 can determine that the first battery cell 120-1 has deteriorated. The master BMS 110 can directly and / or indirectly control the switch 600 to electrically isolate the second battery cell 120-2 from the other battery cells. For example, the master BMS 110 can directly control a first switch (e.g., the first switch 600-1 in FIG. 7b) and a second switch (e.g., the second switch 600-2 in FIG. 7b) arranged on both ends of the second battery cell 120-2 to form a current path (e.g., the current path P2 in FIG. 7b) that bypasses the second battery cell 120-2. For example, the master BMS 110 can send a control signal for the switch 600 to the second cell controller 200-2. Based on receiving the signal, the second cell controller 200-2 can control the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 to form the current path P2 that bypasses the second battery cell 120-2.

[0145] 14 is a flowchart of an example of an operation for isolating a deteriorated battery cell by a cell controller of a battery module according to one embodiment. The operation of the first cell controller (e.g., the first cell controller 200-1 in FIG. 6) described with reference to FIG. 14 can be similarly applied to the cell controllers of the remaining battery cells (e.g., the second cell controller 200-2).

[0146] 14, in operation 1401, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to receive information regarding a reference range from a master BMS (e.g., the master BMS 110 of FIG. 6). The reference range may be set based on data related to the degradation of each of a plurality of battery cells (e.g., the plurality of battery cells 120 of FIG. 6).

[0147] In operation 1402, the first cell controller 200-1 can be configured to determine degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 based on whether first data related to degradation of the first battery cell (e.g., the first battery cell 120-1 in FIG. 6) falls within the reference range. The first cell controller 200-1 can determine that the first battery cell 120-1 is not degraded based on identifying that the first data falls within the reference range. The first cell controller 200-1 can determine that the first battery cell 120-1 is degraded based on identifying that the first data does not fall within the reference range.

[0148] In operation 1403, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to control a switch (e.g., the switch 600 in FIG. 6) based on the determination result. For example, if the first cell controller 200-1 determines that the first battery cell 120-1 is not degraded, the first cell controller 200-1 can connect the switch 600 to a first line (e.g., the first line L1 in FIG. 7a). For example, if the first cell controller 200-1 determines that the first battery cell 120-1 is degraded, the first cell controller 200-1 can connect the switch 600 to a second line (e.g., the second line L2 in FIG. 7b). The first cell controller 200-1 can determine for itself whether the first battery cell 120-1 is degraded based on the reference range received from the master BMS 110. The first cell controller 200-1 can control the connection state of the first battery cell 120-1 by controlling the switch 600 based on the determination result.

[0149] The above operations may be performed by multiple cell controllers (e.g., multiple cell controllers 200 in FIG. 6). As described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, the master BMS 110 can determine whether multiple battery cells 120 have deteriorated, and as described with reference to FIG. 14, multiple cell controllers 200 can also determine whether multiple battery cells 120 have deteriorated.

[0150] A battery module (e.g., battery module 100 of FIG. 6 ) according to one embodiment may include a plurality of battery cells (e.g., a plurality of battery cells 200 of FIG. 6 ), a master battery management system (BMS) (e.g., a master BMS 110 of FIG. 6 ), a bus bar (e.g., a bus bar 500 of FIG. 6 ), and a switch (e.g., a switch 600 of FIG. 6 ). The plurality of battery cells may include a first battery cell (e.g., a first battery cell 120-1 of FIG. 6 ) and a second battery cell (e.g., a second battery cell 120-2 of FIG. 6 ). The master BMS may be configured to manage the plurality of battery cells. The bus bar may connect the plurality of battery cells. The bus bar may be electrically connected to the master BMS. The switch may be configured to electrically connect or electrically isolate the first battery cell and the second battery cell. The first battery cell may include a first cell controller (e.g., first cell controller 200-1 in FIG. 6) configured to communicate with the master BMS via the bus bar. The first cell controller may be configured to acquire first data related to degradation of the first battery cell. When the first battery cell is determined to be degraded based on the first data, the first cell controller may be configured to control the switch such that the first battery cell is electrically isolated from a second battery cell distinct from the first battery cell.

[0151] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller may be configured to transmit the first data to the master BMS via a bus bar. The master BMS may be configured to compare the first data received from the first cell controller with a pre-determined reference value. The master BMS may be configured to transmit a first signal to the first cell controller to electrically isolate the first battery cell from the second battery cell based on identifying that the first data deviates from the reference value. The first cell controller may be configured to control the switch to electrically isolate the first battery cell from the second battery cell based on receiving the first signal from the master BMS.

[0152] According to one embodiment, in a first state in which the first battery cell operates, the first cell controller may be configured to transmit the first data to the master BMS via the bus bar. In a second state of the first battery cell distinct from the first state, the master BMS may be configured to transmit a second signal to the first cell controller via the bus bar to request transmission of the first data. The first cell controller may be configured to transmit the first data to the master BMS via the bus bar based on receiving the second signal from the master BMS.

[0153] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller may be configured to compare the first data with a predetermined reference value, and the first cell controller may be configured to control the switch such that the first battery cell is electrically isolated from the second battery cell based on identifying that the first data deviates from the reference value.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller may include a memory (e.g., memory 250 in FIG. 2) configured to store the first data. The first cell controller may be configured to transmit at least a portion of the first data stored in the memory to the master BMS based on receiving a third signal from the master BMS requesting transmission of the first data stored in the memory. The master BMS may be configured to determine degradation of the first battery cell based on the first data written to the memory received from the first cell controller.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the master BMS may be configured to set a reference range based on data related to degradation of each of the plurality of battery cells. The master BMS may be configured to identify whether the first battery cell has degraded based on the reference range. The master BMS may be configured to control the switch via the first cell controller based on identifying that the first battery cell has degraded so that the first battery cell is electrically isolated from the second battery cell.

[0156] According to one embodiment, the master BMS can be configured to, based on identifying that the first battery cell has deteriorated, send a first signal to the first cell controller to electrically isolate the first battery cell from the second battery cell. The first cell controller may be configured, based on receiving the first signal from the master BMS, to control the switch such that the first battery cell is electrically isolated from the second battery cell.

[0157] According to one embodiment, the second battery cell may include a second cell controller (e.g., second cell controller 200-2 in FIG. 6) configured to communicate with the master BMS via the bus bar. The first cell controller may be configured to acquire first data related to degradation of the first battery cell. The first cell controller may be configured to transmit the first data to the second battery cell connected to the first battery cell. The second cell controller may be configured to acquire second data related to degradation of the second battery cell. The second cell controller may be configured to transmit the data indicating a lesser degree of degradation from the first data or the second data to the master BMS. The master BMS may be configured to set the reference range based on the data indicating a lesser degree of degradation from the first data or the second data received from the second cell controller.

[0158] According to one embodiment, the master BMS may be configured to transmit the reference range, which is set based on the less deteriorated of the first data and the second data, to the first battery cell. The first cell controller may be configured to control the switch to electrically isolate the first battery cell from the second battery cell based on identifying that the first data is not included in the reference range.

[0159] According to one embodiment, the master BMS may be configured to estimate performance of a battery module consisting of the plurality of battery cells based on the data and a connection state of the plurality of battery cells.

[0160] A battery module (e.g., battery module 100 of FIG. 6 ) according to one embodiment may include a plurality of battery cells (e.g., a plurality of battery cells 200 of FIG. 6 ), a master battery management system (e.g., master BMS 110 of FIG. 6 ), a bus bar (e.g., bus bar 500 of FIG. 6 ), a plurality of cell controllers (e.g., a plurality of cell controllers 200 of FIG. 6 ), and a switch (e.g., switch 600 of FIG. 6 ). The plurality of battery cells may include a first battery cell (e.g., first battery cell 120-1 of FIG. 6 ) and a second battery cell (e.g., second battery cell 120-2 of FIG. 6 ). The master BMS may be configured to manage the plurality of battery cells. The bus bar may connect the plurality of battery cells. The bus bar may be electrically connected to the master BMS. The plurality of cell controllers may be disposed in each of the plurality of battery cells and configured to communicate with the master BMS via the bus bar. The switch may be configured to electrically connect or electrically isolate the first battery cell and the second battery cell. The master BMS may be configured to set a reference range based on data related to degradation of each of the plurality of battery cells. The master BMS may be configured to identify a degraded battery cell among the plurality of battery cells based on the reference range. The master BMS may be configured to control the switch via one of the plurality of cell controllers based on identifying the degraded battery cell so that the degraded battery cell is electrically isolated from other battery cells.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the master BMS may be configured to send a signal to a cell controller disposed in the degraded battery cell to electrically isolate the degraded battery cell from other battery cells, and the cell controller disposed in the degraded battery cell may be configured to control the switch such that the degraded battery cell is electrically isolated from the other battery cells.

[0162] According to one embodiment, a first cell controller (e.g., first cell controller 200-1 in FIG. 6) disposed in a first battery cell of the plurality of battery cells may be configured to acquire first data related to degradation of the first battery cell. The first cell controller may be configured to transmit the first data to a second battery cell connected to the first battery cell. A second cell controller disposed in the second battery cell may be configured to acquire second data related to degradation of the second battery cell. The second cell controller may be configured to transmit the data of the battery cell with the lesser degree of degradation from the first data and the second data to the master BMS. The master BMS may be configured to set the reference range based on the data of the battery cell with the lesser degree of degradation from the first data and the second data received from the second cell controller.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the master BMS may be configured to transmit the reference range, which is set based on the data with the least degree of degradation out of the first data and the second data, to the first battery cell. The first cell controller may be configured to control the switch so as to electrically isolate the first battery cell from other battery cells based on identifying that the first data is not included in the reference range.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the master BMS can be configured to estimate the performance of the battery module consisting of the plurality of battery cells based on the data and the connection status of the plurality of battery cells.

[0165] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to specific embodiments, but include various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments. In describing the drawings, similar or related components may be referred to by similar reference numerals. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the item, unless the relevant context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, each of phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," "first," or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from other corresponding components and do not limit the component in other aspects (e.g., importance or order). When a (e.g., first) component is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., second) component, either in combination with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., by wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0166] Various embodiments of the present specification may be implemented as software (e.g., a program) including one or more instructions stored in a machine-readable storage medium (internal or external memory). For example, a processor of the device may retrieve and execute at least one of the one or more stored instructions from the storage medium. This enables the device to operate to perform at least one function according to the retrieved at least one instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between data being stored semi-permanently and data being stored temporarily on the storage medium.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the methods according to various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be available on an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily generated on a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory 130 of a manufacturer's server, an application store server, or an intermediary server.

[0168] According to various embodiments, each of the aforementioned components (e.g., modules or programs) may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be located separately in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the aforementioned components or operations may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as performed by the corresponding component of the multiple components before integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be performed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. A battery module, a plurality of battery cells including a first battery cell and a second battery cell; a master battery management system (BMS) for managing the plurality of battery cells; a bus bar connecting the battery cells to each other and electrically connected to the master BMS; and a switch configured to electrically connect or electrically disconnect the first battery cell and the second battery cell; The first battery cell a first cell controller configured to communicate with the master BMS via the busbar; The first cell controller acquiring first data related to degradation of the first battery cell; a battery module configured to control the switch to electrically isolate the first battery cell from the second battery cell by determining degradation of the first battery cell based on the first data.

2. The first cell controller configured to transmit the first data to the master BMS via a bus bar; The master BMS: comparing the first data received from the first cell controller with a predetermined reference value; configured to send a first signal to the first cell controller to electrically isolate the first battery cell from the second battery cell based on identifying that the first data deviates from the reference value; The first cell controller 2. The battery module of claim 1, configured to control the switch to electrically isolate the first battery cell from a second battery cell based on receiving the first signal from the master BMS.

3. The first cell controller The first battery cell is configured to transmit the first data to the master BMS via the bus bar within a first state in which the first battery cell operates; The master BMS: configured to transmit, within a second state of the first battery cell distinct from the first state, a second signal via the bus bar to a first cell controller to request transmission of the first data; The first cell controller The battery module according to claim 2 , configured to transmit the first data to the master BMS via the bus bar based on receiving the second signal from the master BMS.

4. The first cell controller comparing the first data with a predetermined reference value; 2. The battery module of claim 1, configured to control the switch to electrically isolate the first battery cell from the second battery cell based on identifying that the first data deviates from the reference value.

5. The first cell controller a memory configured to store the first data; configured to transmit at least a portion of the first data stored in the memory to the master BMS based on receiving a third signal from the master BMS requesting transmission of the first data stored in the memory; The master BMS: The battery module of claim 1 , configured to determine the deterioration of the first battery cell based on first data received from the first cell controller and stored in the memory.

6. The master BMS: establishing a reference range based on data relating to degradation of each of the plurality of battery cells; Identifying whether the first battery cell has deteriorated based on the reference range; 2. The battery module of claim 1, further comprising: a first cell controller configured to control the switch to electrically isolate the first battery cell from the second battery cell based on identifying degradation of the first battery cell.

7. The master BMS: configured to send a first signal to the first cell controller to electrically isolate the first battery cell from the second battery cell based on identifying a degradation of the first battery cell; The first cell controller 7. The battery module of claim 6, configured to control the switch to electrically isolate the first battery cell from the second battery cell based on receiving the first signal from the master BMS.

8. The second battery cell a second cell controller configured to communicate with the master BMS via the busbar; The first cell controller acquiring first data related to degradation of the first battery cell; configured to transmit the first data to the second battery cell connected to the first battery cell; The second cell controller acquiring second data related to degradation of the second battery cell; The master BMS is configured to transmit one of the first data and the second data, which is less degraded, to the master BMS; The master BMS: The battery module of claim 6, configured to set the reference range based on the data that is less deteriorated between the first data and the second data received from the second cell controller.

9. The master BMS: the reference range set based on one of the first data and the second data, which data indicates a smaller degree of deterioration, is transmitted to the first battery cell; The first cell controller 9. The battery module of claim 8, configured to control the switch to electrically isolate the first battery cell from the second battery cell based on identifying the first data not falling within the reference range.

10. The master BMS: The battery module according to claim 6 , configured to estimate a performance of the battery module including the plurality of battery cells based on the data and a connection state of the plurality of battery cells.

11. A battery module, a plurality of battery cells including a first battery cell and a second battery cell; a master battery management system (BMS) for managing the plurality of battery cells; a bus bar connecting the plurality of battery cells to each other and electrically connected to the master BMS; a plurality of cell controllers disposed in each of the plurality of battery cells and configured to communicate with the master BMS via the bus bar; and a switch configured to electrically connect or electrically disconnect the first battery cell and the second battery cell; The master BMS: establishing a reference range based on data relating to degradation of each of the plurality of battery cells; Identifying a deteriorated battery cell from among the plurality of battery cells based on the reference range; a battery module configured to control the switch via one of the plurality of cell controllers to electrically isolate the degraded battery cell from other battery cells based on identifying the degraded battery cell.

12. The master BMS: configured to send a signal to a cell controller disposed in the deteriorated battery cell to electrically isolate the deteriorated battery cell from other battery cells; The cell controller disposed in the deteriorated battery cell The battery module according to claim 11 , configured to control the switch so that the deteriorated battery cell is electrically isolated from the other battery cells.

13. A first cell controller disposed in a first battery cell among the plurality of battery cells, acquiring first data related to degradation of the first battery cell; configured to transmit the first data to a second battery cell connected to the first battery cell; a second cell controller disposed in the second battery cell; acquiring second data related to degradation of the second battery cell; The master BMS is configured to transmit data of a battery cell having a smaller degree of deterioration out of the first data and the second data, The master BMS: The battery module of claim 11, configured to set the reference range based on the data with a smaller degree of degradation between the first data and the second data received from the second cell controller.

14. The master BMS: the reference range set based on one of the first data and the second data, which data indicates a smaller degree of deterioration, is transmitted to the first battery cell; The first cell controller 14. The battery module of claim 13, further comprising: controlling the switch to electrically isolate the first battery cell from other battery cells based on identifying that the first data is not within the reference range.

15. The master BMS: The battery module according to claim 11 , configured to estimate a performance of the battery module including the plurality of battery cells based on the data and a connection state of the plurality of battery cells.

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