Battery management device, battery management system, and battery management method

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a battery management device, system, and method for controlling a DC contactor electrically connected between a battery and a power converter to open under no-load conditions through protective action, thereby avoiding performance degradation of the battery and power converter due to protective action. [Solution] The battery management device 100 includes a detection circuit 110 that detects state information indicating the state of the battery, and a control circuit 120 that monitors the state of the battery based on the state information detected through the detection circuit 110 and controls battery-related functions based on the monitoring results. The control circuit 120 is configured to open a load switch 106 electrically connected between the battery 102 and the power converter 104 in response to the detection of an abnormal state of the battery during charging or discharging of the battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery management device, a battery management system, and a battery management method.

Background Art

[0002] A secondary battery is a battery that can be charged and discharged, unlike a primary battery that cannot be charged. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in portable small electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, notebook computers, digital cameras, and video cameras, and high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for motor drives such as hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles, and as batteries for power storage. Such a secondary battery includes an electrode assembly composed of a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a case that houses the electrode assembly, electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly, and the like.

[0003] Such a secondary battery can be used in a battery pack that includes a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are connected in series and / or in parallel. Also, a plurality of battery modules or battery packs can be connected in series / parallel to form a battery rack, and a plurality of battery racks can be connected in parallel to form a battery container. Also, such a battery container can be used as an Energy Storage System (ESS).

[0004] An energy storage system can connect renewable energy such as wind power and solar power, whose power generation output cannot be controlled, to an existing power grid and charge or discharge energy according to the power consumption pattern. In particular, a battery energy storage system using secondary batteries is not only used for grid voltage and frequency stabilization, but also stores surplus energy in association with a renewable energy power generation system with an unstable power generation amount such as wind power and solar power, and can discharge the energy stored in the battery to supply energy to a load.

[0005] In such energy storage systems, efficient battery management is a crucial element. For example, by managing various aspects of battery operation, such as charging, discharging, and cell balancing, battery life can be extended, and power can be reliably supplied to the load. For this purpose, energy storage systems may include a battery management device or a Battery Management System (BMS).

[0006] Such battery management devices or battery management systems can perform protection operations (or protection modes, or failure modes) in response to the detection of abnormal conditions in the battery or battery container during charging or discharging. However, existing battery management devices or battery management systems, through their protection operations, may open DC contactors electrically connected between the battery and the power converter (or power conversion system, PCS) while under load, which can degrade the performance of the battery and power converter. Consequently, there is a need for technological development of battery management devices, battery management systems, and battery management methods that can control the opening of DC contactors under no-load conditions.

[0007] The aforementioned information disclosed in the technology underlying such inventions is merely intended to improve understanding of the background of the present invention and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1904815 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] This disclosure provides a battery management device, a battery management system, and a battery management method for solving the aforementioned problems.

[0010] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A battery management device according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the aforementioned technical problems includes a detection circuit for detecting state information indicating the state of a battery, and a control circuit for monitoring the state of the battery based on the state information detected through the detection circuit and controlling battery-related functions based on the monitoring results, wherein the control circuit may be configured to open a load switch electrically connected between the battery and a power converter in response to the detection of an abnormal state of the battery during charging or discharging of the battery.

[0012] A battery management system according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the aforementioned technical problems includes a power converter, a power management device, a first battery container, and a battery management device, wherein the first battery container includes a plurality of first batteries, a first detection device for detecting first state information indicating the state of the first battery container, a first load switch electrically connected between the plurality of first batteries and the power converter, and a plurality of first DC contactors electrically connected between each of the plurality of first batteries and the first load switch, wherein the first detection device can be configured to open the first load switch in response to the detection of an abnormal state in the state of the first battery container based on the first state information during charging or discharging of the plurality of first batteries.

[0013] A battery management method according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the aforementioned technical problems may include the steps of: detecting status information indicating the state of the battery; monitoring the state of the battery based on the status information; and, in response to the detection of an abnormal state in the battery during charging or discharging, opening a load switch electrically connected between the battery and the power converter. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, by controlling the opening of the DC contactor under no-load conditions, it is possible to support the safe execution of protective actions in the event of an abnormal situation with the battery or battery container without degrading the performance of the battery and power converter.

[0015] However, the effects that can be obtained through the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other technical effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] The following drawings accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention that follows, serve to further illustrate the technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited solely to the matters depicted in such drawings. [Figure 1] This is a drawing illustrating the configuration of a battery management device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating a method for transmitting a signal to a power management device according to one embodiment of the present invention to inform the user in advance of the opening of a load switch. [Figure 3] This drawing shows an example of a signal that provides advance notice of the opening of a load switch according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery management system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5]This is a drawing for explaining the configuration of a battery management system including a plurality of battery containers according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a drawing for explaining a battery management method in a battery management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a drawing showing an example of a signal transmitted and received in a battery management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a drawing for explaining a battery management method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a drawing for explaining another battery management method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] <Summary of the Invention> According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control circuit can be set to open a DC contactor electrically connected between the battery and the load switch after the load switch is opened.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control circuit can be set to transmit a signal to notify the power management device in advance of the opening of the load switch through the communication circuit before opening the load switch.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control circuit can be set to open the load switch when a specified time has elapsed after transmitting the signal.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery management device can be set to open a DC contactor related to an abnormal situation of the first battery container among a plurality of first DC contactors after the first load switch is opened.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first detection device may be configured to transmit a first signal indicating an abnormal situation in the first battery container to a battery management device, and the battery management device may be configured to transmit a second signal in response to the receipt of the first signal to a power management device to inform the power management device in advance of the opening of the first load switch.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the power management device may be configured to adjust the output of the power converter to less than a specified value in response to the reception of a second signal.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first detection device may be configured to open the first load switch after a specified time has elapsed since the transmission of the first signal.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery management device may be included in the first battery container.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery management system further includes a second battery container, the second battery container may include a plurality of second batteries, a second detection device for detecting second state information indicating the state of the second battery container, a second load switch electrically connected between the plurality of second batteries and a power converter, and a plurality of second DC contactors electrically connected between each of the plurality of second batteries and the second load switch.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second detection device may be configured to open the second load switch in response to the detection of an abnormal state in the state of the second battery container based on the second state information during the charging or discharging of a plurality of second batteries.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery management device may be configured to open a DC contactor among a plurality of second DC contactors associated with an abnormal situation in the second battery container after the second load switch is opened.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second detection device may be configured to transmit a third signal indicating an abnormal situation in the second battery container to the battery management device, and the battery management device may be configured to transmit a fourth signal in response to the receipt of the third signal to the power management device to inform the power management device in advance of the opening of the second load switch.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the power management device may be configured to adjust the output of the power converter to less than a specified value in response to the reception of a fourth signal.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second detection device may be configured to open the second load switch after a specified time has elapsed since the transmission of the third signal.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery management method may further include the step of opening a DC contactor electrically connected between the battery and the load switch after the load switch has been opened.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery management method may further include the step of transmitting a signal to a power management device via a communication circuit to inform the power management device in advance of the opening of the load switch before opening the load switch.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of opening the load switch may include the step of opening the load switch after a specified time has elapsed since the transmission of the signal.

[0034] <Detailed description of the invention> Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and in the claims should not be interpreted in a manner limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a manner consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that inventors can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein and the configurations illustrated in the drawings represent only some of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and that there may be a variety of equivalents and modifications that can substitute for them at the time of filing.

[0035] Furthermore, as used herein, “comprise, include” and / or “comprising, including” specify the presence of the shapes, figures, stages, actions, members, elements and / or groups thereof mentioned, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other shapes, figures, actions, members, elements and / or groups thereof. Also, when describing embodiments of the present invention, “may be” and “may include” “one or more embodiments of the present invention.”

[0036] Furthermore, to aid in understanding the invention, the accompanying drawings are not shown to actual scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. Also, the same reference numeral may be assigned to the same component in different embodiments.

[0037] The statement that two comparison objects are "identical" means that they are "substantially identical." Therefore, substantially identical objects may include those with deviations considered low in the industry, for example, deviations of 5% or less. Also, the uniformity of certain parameters within a given domain may mean that they are uniform in terms of averages.

[0038] Although terms like "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are simply used to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise stated, the first component may be the second component.

[0039] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each component may be singular or plural.

[0040] To say that any configuration is positioned "above (or below)" or "above (or below)" a component means not only that the configuration is positioned in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, but also that other configurations may be interposed between the component and any configuration positioned on (or below) it.

[0041] Furthermore, when it is stated that one component is “connected,” “joined,” or “connected” to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected to or linked to each other, but may also be “interposed” between each component, or each component may be “connected,” “joined,” or “connected” through other components. Also, when it is stated that one part is electrically coupled to another part, this includes not only cases where they are directly connected, but also cases where they are connected with another element in between.

[0042] Whenever the specification states "A and / or B," it means A, B, or A and B unless otherwise specified. That is, "and / or" includes all or any combination of the listed items. When it states "C to D," it means C or greater and D or less, unless otherwise specified.

[0043] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing the embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0044] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery management device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 1, the battery management device 100 can manage a battery 102. Such a battery management device 100 may include a detection circuit 110 and a control circuit 120. However, the configuration of the battery management device 100 is not limited thereto. According to various embodiments, the battery management device 100 may further include at least one other component in addition to the components described above. For example, the battery management device 100 may further include a battery 102, a balancing circuit (or balancing device) that performs balancing operations of the battery modules and / or battery cells constituting the battery 102.

[0045] The detection circuit 110 (or detection device) can detect state information indicating the state of the battery 102 (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, etc.). For example, the detection circuit 110 can sense the state of the battery 102 and detect state information indicating the state of the battery. As one example, the detection circuit 110 can detect the voltage of each cell or each battery module that makes up the battery 102. As another example, the detection circuit 110 can detect the current flowing through each battery module that makes up the battery module or battery pack. As yet another example, the detection circuit 110 can detect the temperature of the cells, modules and / or surrounding area at at least one point in the battery 102.

[0046] The control circuit 120 (or control device) can monitor the state of the battery 102 based on state information (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, etc.) detected through the detection circuit 110, and control functions related to the battery 102 based on the monitoring results. For example, the control circuit 120 can receive state information of the battery 102 from the detection circuit 110 and monitor and calculate the voltage, current, temperature, charge state (SOC), lifespan (State of Health, SOH), etc. of the battery 102 based on the received state information. The control circuit 120 can also perform temperature control, balancing control, charge / discharge control, etc. based on the monitoring results. The control circuit 120 may also perform protection functions (e.g., over-discharge, over-charge, over-current prevention, short-circuit, fire extinguishing function, etc.) based on the monitoring results. The control circuit 120 may also perform wired or wireless communication functions with external devices (e.g., higher-level controller, vehicle, charger, power converter 104, etc.) of the battery 102, battery module, or battery pack.

[0047] In one embodiment, the control circuit 120 may be configured to open a load switch 106 (e.g., a Disconnect Switch Unit (DSU)) electrically connected between the battery 102 and the power converter 104 in response to the detection of an abnormal state in the battery 102 during charging or discharging of the battery 102. The load switch 106 can switch the load current between the battery 102 and the power converter 104 on or off. For example, when the load switch 106 electrically connected between the battery 102 and the power converter 104 is opened, the DC contactor electrically connected between the battery 102 and the power converter 104 may become unloaded. Subsequently, the control circuit 120 can open the DC contactor. Consequently, when the battery 102 is in an abnormal state, if the load switch 106 is opened first, and then the unloaded DC contactor is opened after the load switch 106 is opened, the protective operation of the battery 102 can be safely performed without degrading the performance of the battery 102 and the power converter 104 (e.g., minimizing damage). In one embodiment, the control circuit 120 can open the DC contactor in response to receiving a signal indicating that the load switch 106 is open.

[0048] In one embodiment, the control circuit 120 may be configured to transmit a signal through a communication circuit to a power management device (or power management system (PMS) or energy management system (EMS)) in advance of opening the load switch 106 before opening the load switch 106. The power management device can manage the power supplied to the system. For example, the power management device can manage the power of a battery management device 100, a power converter 104, and a battery 102. Here, the signal in advance of opening the load switch 106 may include an open delay bit.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the power management device may be configured to adjust the output of the power converter 104 to a value less than a specified value when it receives a signal from the control circuit 120 in advance to indicate the opening of the load switch 106. For example, the power management device may adjust the output of the power converter 104 to zero ("0") in response to receiving a signal in advance to indicate the opening of the load switch 106. Here, adjusting the output of the power converter 104 to zero may include interrupting charging or discharging. Also, when the output of the power converter 104 is adjusted to zero, the DC contactor electrically connected between the battery 102 and the power converter 104 may become unloaded. Subsequently, the control circuit 120 can open the load switch 106. Accordingly, if the state of the battery 102 is abnormal, the control circuit 120 may induce the power management device to adjust the output of the power converter 104 to zero by transmitting a signal to the power management device in advance to indicate the opening of the load switch 106. Subsequently, the control circuit 120 can safely perform protective operations for the battery 102 without degrading the performance of the battery 102 and the power converter 104 (e.g., minimizing damage) by opening the load switch 106 after the output of the power converter 104 has been adjusted to zero, and then opening the DC contactor in the unloaded state after the load switch 106 has been opened.

[0050] In one embodiment, the control circuit 120 may be configured to open the load switch 106 after a specified time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed following the transmission of a signal in advance indicating the opening of the load switch 106. For example, the control circuit 120 may wait for a specified time after transmitting a signal in advance indicating the opening of the load switch 106 to the power management device. Here, the specified time may include the time required for the power management device to receive the signal in advance indicating the opening of the load switch 106 and adjust the output of the power converter 104 to zero. Accordingly, the control circuit 120 may open the load switch 106 after waiting for the specified time for the power management device to adjust the output of the power converter 104 to zero. In one embodiment, the control circuit 120 may open a DC contactor electrically connected between the battery 102 and the power converter 104 after a specified time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed following the transmission of a signal in advance indicating the opening of the load switch 106.

[0051] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a method for transmitting a signal to a power management device 220 to inform it in advance of the opening of a load switch according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a signal to inform it in advance of the opening of a load switch according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the battery management device 210 (e.g., the battery management device 100 in Figure 1) can transmit a signal to the power management device 220 to inform it in advance of the opening of a load switch (e.g., the load switch 106 in Figure 1) in response to the detection of an abnormal state in the battery (e.g., the battery 102 in Figure 1). For example, the battery management device 210 can inform the power management device 220 in advance of the opening of the load switch before opening it. Here, the load switch is electrically connected between the battery and the power converter 230 and can switch the load current on and off. The signal to inform it in advance of the opening of the load switch may also include an opening delay bit. Figure 3 illustrates an example of an instruction word 320 that sets an opening delay bit in the signal 310 that provides advance notification of the opening of the load switch for each battery container.

[0052] The power management device 220 may be configured to adjust the output of the power converter 230 to a value below a specified value when it receives a signal from the battery management device 210 in advance of the opening of the load switch. For example, in response to receiving a signal in advance of the opening of the load switch, the power management device 220 can adjust the output of the power converter 230 to zero, thereby interrupting charging or discharging. Also, when the output of the power converter 230 is adjusted to zero, the DC contactor electrically connected between the battery and the power converter 230 may be in a no-load state.

[0053] Subsequently, the battery management device 210 can open the load switch. At this time, the battery management device 210 may be set to open the load switch after transmitting a signal to the power management device 220 in advance of the opening of the load switch, and after a specified time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed. Here, the specified time may be set based on the time required from the time the signal in advance of the opening of the load switch is transmitted from the battery management device 210 until it is received by the power management device 220, and the time required for the power management device 220 to adjust the output of the power converter 230 to a zero value. After the load switch is opened, the battery management device 210 can open the DC contactor. According to one embodiment, the battery management device 210 can open the DC contactor in response to the reception of a signal indicating the open state of the load switch (e.g., a feedback signal from the load switch). In one embodiment, the battery management device 210 may open the DC contactor after a specified time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed since transmitting a signal to indicate in advance that the load switch will be opened.

[0054] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery management system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 4, the battery management system may include a battery container 400, a battery management device 420, a power management device 460, and a power converter 470. However, the configuration of the battery management system is not limited thereto. According to various embodiments, the battery management system may omit at least one of the aforementioned components and may further include at least one other component.

[0055] The battery container 400 may include multiple batteries 410 (e.g., battery 102 in Figure 1), a detection device 430, a load switch 440, and a DC contactor. However, the configuration of the battery container 400 is not limited thereto. According to various embodiments, the battery container 400 may omit at least one of the aforementioned components and may further include at least one other component. For example, a battery management device 420 may be included in the battery container 400.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the multiple batteries 410 may consist of battery modules in which battery cells are connected in series and / or parallel, or multiple battery racks 412, 414, 416 in which battery packs containing battery modules are connected in series / parallel. According to one embodiment, the multiple battery racks 412, 414, 416 can send and receive data or signals to and from a battery management device 420 using the CAN (Controller Area Network) communication protocol.

[0057] The detection device 430 can detect status information 432 indicating the status of multiple batteries 410 and battery containers 400. For example, the detection device 430 can sense the status of multiple batteries 410 and battery containers 400 and detect status information 432 indicating the status of multiple batteries 410 and battery containers 400. According to one embodiment, the detection device 430 can receive status information 432 indicating the status of the battery container 400 from at least one of a cooling device 434, an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) 436, or an FACP (Fire Alarm Control Panel) that is included in or adjacent to the battery container 400. At this time, the detection device 430 can send and receive data or signals with at least one of the cooling device 434, HVAC 436, or FACP using a serial communication protocol (e.g., RS485). According to one embodiment, the detection device 430 may include a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).

[0058] The detection device 430 can transmit status information 432 to the battery management device 420. For example, the detection device 430 can collect information about abnormal situations (e.g., failure conditions) occurring in the battery container 400 and transmit the collected information to the battery management device 420. In one embodiment, the detection device 430 can send and receive data or signals to and from the battery management device 420 using a serial communication protocol (e.g., RS485).

[0059] The detection device 430 can control the on / off state of the load switch 440. In one embodiment, the detection device 430 may be configured to open the load switch 440 in response to the detection of an abnormal state in the battery container 400 based on state information 432 indicating the state of the battery container 400 during the charging or discharging of multiple batteries 410. In one embodiment, the detection device 430 may be configured to open the load switch 440 after a specified time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed after transmitting a signal indicating an abnormal state in the battery container 400 to the battery management device 420.

[0060] The load switch 440 is electrically connected between multiple batteries 410 and a power converter 470, allowing it to switch the load current on and off. According to one embodiment, the load switch 440 may include a DSU.

[0061] A DC contactor can be electrically connected between each of the multiple batteries 410 and the load switch 440. For example, multiple DC contactors may be provided, and each of the multiple DC contactors can be electrically connected between any one of the multiple batteries 410 and the load switch 440.

[0062] The battery management device 420 can manage multiple batteries 410 and battery containers 400. The battery management device 420 receives status information 432 indicating the status of the battery containers 400 from the detection device 430 and can monitor the status of the battery containers 400 based on the received status information 432. In addition, the battery management device 420 can control functions related to the internal components of the battery containers 400 (e.g., multiple batteries 410) based on the monitoring results.

[0063] In one embodiment, the battery management device 420 may be configured to open a DC contactor associated with an abnormal situation in the battery container 400 among a plurality of DC contactors after the load switch 440 is opened. For example, when the load switch 440 is opened and the plurality of DC contactors are in an unloaded state, the battery management device 420 can open a DC contactor associated with an abnormal situation in the battery container 400. Accordingly, when the state of the battery container 400 is an abnormal situation, if the load switch 440 is opened first, and then the DC contactors in an unloaded state are opened after the load switch 440 is opened, the protective operation of the battery container 400 can be safely performed without degrading the performance of the plurality of batteries 410 and power converter 470 (e.g., minimizing damage). In one embodiment, the battery management device 420 can open a DC contactor associated with an abnormal situation in the battery container 400 in response to receiving a signal indicating that the load switch 440 is open.

[0064] In one embodiment, the battery management device 420 may be configured to transmit a signal to the power management device 460 in advance to open the load switch 440 when it receives a signal from the detection device 430 indicating an abnormal situation in the battery container 400. Here, the signal in advance to open the load switch 440 may include an open delay bit. In one embodiment, the battery management device 420 can send and receive data or signals to and from the power management device 460 via a hub 450. The communication protocol used in this case may include, for example, the Modbus TCP / IP communication protocol. In one embodiment, the battery management device 420 may open the DC contactor associated with the abnormal situation in the battery container 400 after a specified time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed since transmitting the signal in advance to the power management device 460 to open the load switch 440.

[0065] The power management device 460 can manage the power supplied to the battery management system. For example, the power management device 460 can manage the power of the components within the battery container 400 (e.g., multiple batteries 410), the battery management device 420, and the power converter 470.

[0066] In one embodiment, the power management device 460 may be configured to adjust the output of the power converter 470 to a specified value when it receives a signal from the battery management device 420 in advance of the opening of the load switch 440. For example, in response to receiving a signal in advance of the opening of the load switch 440, the power management device 460 can adjust the output of the power converter 470 to zero to interrupt charging or discharging. At this time, when the output of the power converter 470 is adjusted to zero, the DC contactors may be in an unloaded state. Subsequently, when multiple DC contactors are in an unloaded state, the battery management device 420 can open the DC contactors associated with the abnormal situation in the battery container 400. Accordingly, the protective operation of the battery container 400 can be safely performed without degradation of the performance of the multiple batteries 410 and the power converter 470 (e.g., minimizing damage).

[0067] The power converter 470 can convert the form of electrical energy to meet the needs of the power system. For example, the power converter 470 can convert AC power from an external power source to DC power and store (or charge) it in multiple batteries 410, and can convert the DC power stored in the multiple batteries 410 to AC power and supply (or discharge) it to an external system.

[0068] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery management system including a plurality of battery containers 502, 504 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The battery management system described with reference to Figure 5 may be an extended version of the battery management system described with reference to Figure 4. In Figure 5, we will describe a structure in which the battery management system includes a plurality of battery containers 502, 504. Accordingly, the description of configurations that are the same as or similar to those described in Figure 4 may be omitted.

[0069] Referring to Figure 5, the battery management system may include multiple battery containers 502, 504 (e.g., battery container 400 in Figure 4), a battery management device 520 (e.g., battery management device 420 in Figure 4), a power management device 560 (e.g., power management device 460 in Figure 4), and a power converter 570 (e.g., power converter 470 in Figure 4). However, the configuration of the battery management system is not limited thereto. According to various embodiments, the battery management system may omit at least one of the aforementioned components and may further include at least one other component.

[0070] Each of the multiple battery containers 502, 504 may include multiple batteries 512, 514 (e.g., multiple batteries 410 in Figure 4), detection devices 532, 534, load switches 542, 544, and DC contactors. However, the configuration of each of the multiple battery containers 502, 504 is not limited thereto. According to various embodiments, each of the multiple battery containers 502, 504 may omit at least one of the aforementioned components and may further include at least one other component. Also, although Figure 5 describes a battery management system structure including a first battery container 502 and a second battery container 504, the number of battery containers included in the battery management system is not limited thereto. For example, the battery management system may further include at least one other third battery container.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the multiple batteries 512, 514 contained in each of the multiple battery containers 502, 504 may be composed of multiple battery racks 512a, 512b, 512c, 514a, 514b, 514c. For example, the multiple first batteries 512 contained in the first battery container 502 may be composed of multiple battery racks 512a, 512b, 512c. Similarly, the multiple second batteries 514 contained in the second battery container 504 may be composed of multiple battery racks 514a, 514b, 514c.

[0072] According to one embodiment, multiple battery racks 512a, 512b, 512c, 514a, 514b, and 514c can send and receive data or signals to each other using the CAN communication protocol. Furthermore, multiple battery racks 512a, 512b, and 512c contained in any one of the multiple battery containers 502 and 504 (e.g., first battery container 502) can send and receive data or signals to the battery management device 520 using the CAN communication protocol. Additionally, multiple battery racks 514a, 514b, and 514c contained in any one of the other battery containers 502 and 504 (e.g., second battery container 504) may not communicate directly with the battery management device 520, but instead can communicate with adjacent battery racks 512a, 512b, and 512c using the optical CAN communication protocol.

[0073] Detection devices 532 and 534 can detect state information 532a and 534a indicating the state of multiple batteries 512 and 514 and battery containers 502 and 504. For example, a first detection device 532 included in a first battery container 502 can detect first state information 532a indicating the state of multiple first batteries 512 and first battery containers 502. Similarly, a second detection device 534 included in a second battery container 504 can detect second state information 534a indicating the state of multiple second batteries 514 and second battery containers 504. According to one embodiment, detection devices 532 and 534 can receive state information 532a and 534a indicating the state of battery containers 502 and 504 from at least one of cooling devices 532b, 534b, HVAC 532c, 534c, or FACP that are included in or adjacent to the battery containers 502 and 504.

[0074] Detection devices 532 and 534 can transmit state information 532a and 534a to the battery management device 520. For example, detection devices 532 and 534 (e.g., first detection device 532) contained in one of the multiple battery containers 502 and 504 (e.g., first battery container 502) can transmit state information 532a and 534a (e.g., first state information 532a) to the battery management device 520. As another example, detection devices 532 and 534 (e.g., second detection device 534) contained in one of the other battery containers 502 and 504 (e.g., second battery container 504) may not directly transmit state information 532a and 534a (e.g., second state information 534a) to the battery management device 520, but instead can transmit it indirectly through an adjacent detection device 532 or 534 (e.g., first detection device 532). In this case, detection devices 532 and 534 (e.g., first detection device 532) that directly transmit status information 532a and 534a to the battery management device 520 may be referred to as master detection devices, and detection devices 532 and 534 (e.g., second detection device 534) that indirectly transmit status information 532a and 534a to the battery management device 520 may be referred to as slave detection devices. The master detection device can communicate with the battery management device 520 using a serial communication protocol (e.g., RS485), and the slave detection device can communicate with the master detection device using the Modbus TCP / IP communication protocol. For example, the slave detection device can transmit status information 532a and 534a (e.g., second status information 534a) indicating the status of the battery container (e.g., second battery container 504) containing the slave detection device to the master detection device using the Modbus TCP / IP communication protocol.Subsequently, the master detection device can combine status information 532a, 534a (e.g., first status information 532a) indicating the status of the battery container containing the master detection device (e.g., first battery container 502) and status information 532a, 534a (e.g., second status information 534a) received from the slave detection device, and transmit the combined information to the battery management device 520 using a serial communication protocol (e.g., RS485).

[0075] Detection devices 532 and 534 can control the on / off state of load switches 542 and 544. In one embodiment, detection devices 532 and 534 may be configured to open load switches 542 and 544 in response to detection of an abnormal state in battery containers 502 and 504, based on state information 532a and 534a indicating the state of battery containers 502 and 504, while charging or discharging multiple batteries 512 and 514. For example, the first detection device 532 may be configured to open the first load switch 542 in response to detection of an abnormal state in the first battery container 502, based on first state information 532a indicating the state of the first battery container 502, while charging or discharging multiple first batteries 512. Furthermore, the second detection device 534 may be configured to open the second load switch 544 in response to the detection of an abnormal state in the second battery container 504 based on second state information 534a indicating the state of the second battery container 504 during charging or discharging of multiple second batteries 514. According to one embodiment, the operation of the detection devices 532 and 534 to open the load switches 542 and 544 may be performed after a specified time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed since the detection devices 532 and 534 transmitted a signal indicating an abnormal state in the battery containers 502 and 504 to the battery management device 520.

[0076] The load switches 542 and 544 are electrically connected between multiple batteries 512 and 514 and the power converter 570, allowing them to switch the load current on and off. For example, the first load switch 542 is electrically connected between multiple first batteries 512 and the power converter 570, allowing it to switch the load current on and off. Similarly, the second load switch 544 is electrically connected between multiple second batteries 514 and the power converter 570, allowing it to switch the load current on and off.

[0077] The DC contactors can be electrically connected to each of the multiple batteries 512, 514 and to the load switches 542, 544. For example, each of the multiple first DC contactors can be electrically connected to any one of the multiple first batteries 512 and to the load switch 542. Similarly, each of the multiple second DC contactors can be electrically connected to any one of the multiple second batteries 514 and to the load switch 544.

[0078] The battery management device 520 can manage multiple batteries 512, 514 and battery containers 502, 504. According to one embodiment, the battery management device 520 may be contained in any one of the multiple containers 502, 504. For example, the battery management device 520 may be contained in the first battery container 502.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the battery management device 520 may be configured to open DC contactors among a plurality of DC contactors that are related to abnormal conditions in battery containers 502 and 504 after the load switches 542 and 544 have been opened. For example, the battery management device 520 can open DC contactors related to abnormal conditions in battery containers 502 and 504 when the load switches 542 and 544 have been opened and the plurality of DC contactors are in an unloaded state. As an example, the battery management device 520 can open DC contactors among a plurality of first DC contactors that are related to abnormal conditions in the first battery container 502 after the first load switch 542 has been opened. As another example, the battery management device 520 can open DC contactors among a plurality of second DC contactors that are related to abnormal conditions in the second battery container 504 after the second load switch 544 has been opened. Accordingly, when the battery containers 502 and 504 are in an abnormal state, the load switches 542 and 544 are opened first, and then the DC contactors in an unloaded state are opened after the load switches 542 and 544 have been opened, so that the protective operation of the battery containers 502 and 504 can be safely performed without degrading the performance of the multiple batteries 512 and 514 and the power converter 570 (e.g., minimizing damage). In one embodiment, the battery management device 520 can open the DC contactors associated with the abnormal state of the battery containers 502 and 504 in response to receiving a signal indicating that the load switches 542 and 544 are open.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the battery management device 520 may be configured to transmit a signal to the power management device 560 in advance to open the load switches 542 and 544 when it receives a signal from the master detection device indicating an abnormal situation in the battery containers 502 and 504. For example, when the battery management device 520 receives a signal from the master detection device indicating an abnormal situation in the first battery container 502, it can transmit a signal to the power management device 560 in advance to open the first load switch 542. Also, when the battery management device 520 receives a signal from the master detection device indicating an abnormal situation in the second battery container 504, it can transmit a signal to the power management device 560 in advance to open the second load switch 544.

[0081] In one embodiment, the battery management device 520 can send and receive data or signals through the power management device 560 and the hub 550. The communication protocol used in this case may include, for example, the Modbus TCP / IP communication protocol. In one embodiment, the battery management device 520 can open the DC contactors associated with abnormal conditions in the battery containers 502 and 504 after a specified time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed since the power management device 560 transmitted a signal in advance to inform the power management device 560 of the opening of load switches 542 and 544.

[0082] The power management device 560 can manage the power supplied to the battery management system. In one embodiment, when the power management device 560 receives a signal from the battery management device 520 in advance of the opening of load switches 542 and 544, it may be configured to adjust the output of the power converter 570 to less than a specified value. For example, in response to receiving a signal in advance of the opening of load switches 542 and 544, the power management device 560 can adjust the output of the power converter 570 to zero to interrupt charging or discharging. At this time, when the output of the power converter 570 is adjusted to zero, the DC contactors may be in an unloaded state. Subsequently, when multiple DC contactors are in an unloaded state, the battery management device 520 can open the DC contactors associated with the abnormal conditions in the battery containers 502 and 504. Accordingly, protective operations for the battery containers 502 and 504 can be safely performed without degradation of the performance of multiple batteries 512 and 514 and the power converter 570 (e.g., minimizing damage).

[0083] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a battery management method in a battery management system according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 7 is a diagram showing examples of signals transmitted and received by a battery management system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 6 and 7, a detection device 610 included in the battery management system (e.g., detection device 430 in Figure 4 or detection devices 532, 534 in Figure 5) can detect an abnormal situation in a battery container (e.g., battery container 400 in Figure 4 or battery containers 502, 504 in Figure 5) in 612 steps (S612). For example, the detection device 610 can detect an abnormal situation in a battery container that contains the detection device 610.

[0084] When an abnormality in the battery container is detected, the detection device 610 can transmit a signal indicating the abnormality in the battery container to the battery management device 620 (e.g., the battery management device 420 in Figure 4 or the battery management device 520 in Figure 5) in step 614 (S614).

[0085] Upon receiving a signal indicating an abnormal situation in the battery container, the battery management device 620 can, in step 622 (S622), transmit a signal to the power management device 630 (e.g., power management device 460 in Figure 4 or power management device 560 in Figure 5) to give advance notice of the opening of a load switch (e.g., load switch 440 in Figure 4 or load switches 542, 544 in Figure 5). The signal giving advance notice of the opening of a load switch may include an opening delay bit, such as the first signal 710 (e.g., the "DSU Open Delay bit" signal) shown in Figure 7.

[0086] Upon receiving a signal in advance indicating the opening of load switches 542 and 544, the power management device 630 can adjust the output of the power converter (e.g., power converter 470 in Figure 4 or power converter 570 in Figure 5) in 632 steps (S632). For example, in response to receiving a signal in advance indicating the opening of load switches, the power management device 630 can adjust the output of the power converter to zero.

[0087] After a specified time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed following the transmission of a signal indicating an abnormal situation in the battery container, the detection device 610 can open the load switch in step 616 (S616). For example, after the detection device 610 has transmitted a signal indicating an abnormal situation in the battery container and a specified time has elapsed, it can transmit the second signal 720 (e.g., the "DSU Open" signal) shown in Figure 7 to the load switch, thereby opening the load switch. Consequently, when the load switch is opened, the DC contactor electrically connected between the battery (e.g., battery 410 in Figure 4 or batteries 512, 514 in Figure 5) and the load switch may become unloaded.

[0088] When the load switch is opened, the detection device 610 can provide feedback to the battery management device 620 in 618 steps (S618) regarding the open state of the load switch. For example, after opening the load switch, the detection device 610 can transmit a feedback signal indicating the open state of the load switch to the battery management device 620.

[0089] Upon receiving a feedback signal indicating the open state of the load switch, the battery management device 620 can open the DC contactor in step 624 (S624). For example, in response to receiving a feedback signal indicating the open state of the load switch, the battery management device 620 can transmit a third signal 730 (e.g., a "DC Contactor Open" signal) as shown in Figure 7 to the DC contactor, thereby opening the DC contactor. Accordingly, when the state of the battery container is abnormal, the battery management system can safely perform protective operations for the battery container while minimizing damage to the internal components of the battery management system by setting the DC contactor to an unloaded state and opening the DC contactor in an unloaded state.

[0090] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a battery management method according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 8, the battery management device (e.g., the battery management device 100 in Figure 1) can detect state information indicating the state of the battery (e.g., the battery 102 in Figure 1) in 810 steps (S810).

[0091] With 820 steps (S820), the battery management device can monitor the battery status based on status information.

[0092] In step 830 (S830), the battery management device can open a load switch (e.g., load switch 106 in Figure 1) in response to detecting an abnormal state in the battery during charging or discharging. For example, the battery management device can open a load switch electrically connected between the battery and the power converter (e.g., power converter 104 in Figure 1) in response to detecting an abnormal state in the battery during charging or discharging.

[0093] In step 840 (S840), the battery management device can open a DC contactor after the load switch has been opened. For example, after the load switch has been opened, the battery management device can open a DC contactor electrically connected between the battery and the load switch.

[0094] The battery management method described above can also be applied to a battery management system in the same or similar manner. For example, in step 810, the battery management system (e.g., the battery management system in Figure 4 or the battery management system in Figure 5) can detect status information indicating the state of a battery container (e.g., battery container 400 in Figure 4 or battery containers 502, 504 in Figure 5). Subsequently, in step 820, the battery management system can monitor the state of the battery container based on the status information. Furthermore, in step 830, the battery management system can open a load switch (e.g., load switch 440 in Figure 4 or load switches 542, 544 in Figure 5) in response to detecting an abnormal state in the battery container during battery charging or discharging. Subsequently, in step 840, after the load switch has been opened, the battery management system can open a DC contactor associated with the abnormal state of the battery container.

[0095] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating another battery management method according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 9, the battery management device (e.g., the battery management device 100 in Figure 1) can detect state information indicating the state of the battery (e.g., the battery 102 in Figure 1) in 910 steps (S910).

[0096] With 920 steps (S920), the battery management device can monitor the battery status based on status information.

[0097] In step 930 (S930), the battery management device may, in response to detecting an abnormal battery condition during battery charging or discharging, transmit a signal to the power management device to pre-notify it of the opening of a load switch (e.g., load switch 106 in Figure 1). For example, the battery management device may transmit a signal to the power management device via a communication circuit to pre-notify it of the opening of the load switch before opening it. Upon receiving the pre-notification signal for the opening of the load switch, the power management device may adjust the output of the power converter (e.g., power converter 104 in Figure 1) to less than a specified value. For example, the power management device may adjust the output of the power converter to zero.

[0098] In step 940 (S940), the battery management device can open the load switch after a specified time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed following the transmission of a signal indicating the opening of the load switch. For example, the battery management device can wait for a specified time for the output of the power converter to be adjusted to a value below a specified level, and after the specified time has elapsed, it can open the load switch regardless of whether the output of the power converter has been adjusted or not.

[0099] In step 950 (S950), the battery management device can open a DC contactor after the load switch has been opened. For example, after the load switch has been opened, the battery management device can open a DC contactor that is electrically connected between the battery and the load switch.

[0100] The battery management methods described above can also be applied to battery management systems in the same or similar manner. For example, in step 910, the battery management system (e.g., the battery management system in Figure 4 or the battery management system in Figure 5) can detect status information indicating the state of a battery container (e.g., battery container 400 in Figure 4 or battery containers 502, 504 in Figure 5). Subsequently, in step 920, the battery management system can monitor the state of the battery container based on the status information. In step 930, in response to detecting an abnormal state in the battery container during battery charging or discharging, the battery management system can transmit a signal to a power management device (e.g., power management device 460 in Figure 4 or power management device 560 in Figure 5) to pre-notify it of the opening of a load switch (e.g., load switch 440 in Figure 4 or load switches 542, 544 in Figure 5). In this case, upon receiving a signal in advance indicating the opening of the load switch, the power management device can adjust the output of the power converter (e.g., power converter 470 in Figure 4 or power converter 570 in Figure 5) to a value less than the specified value. For example, the power management device can adjust the output of the power converter to zero. Subsequently, in step 940, the battery management system can open the load switch after a specified time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed since the transmission of the signal in advance indicating the opening of the load switch. For example, the battery management system can wait for a specified time for the output of the power converter to be adjusted to a value less than the specified value. Then, after the specified time has elapsed, the battery management system can open the load switch regardless of whether the output of the power converter has been adjusted. Subsequently, in step 950, after the load switch has been opened, the battery management system can open the DC contactor associated with the abnormal situation in the battery container.

[0101] Although the present invention has been described above with limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and of course, various modifications and variations are possible within the equivalent scope of the technical concept of the present invention and the claims described below by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0102] 100: Battery management device 102: Battery 104: Power converter 106: Load switch 110: Detection circuit 120: Control circuit

Claims

1. A detection circuit that detects status information indicating the battery status, The circuit includes a control circuit that monitors the state of the battery based on the state information detected through the detection circuit and controls functions related to the battery based on the results of the monitoring, The aforementioned control circuit is A battery management device configured to open a load switch electrically connected between the battery and a power converter in response to the detection of an abnormal state in the battery during charging or discharging of the battery.

2. The aforementioned control circuit is The battery management device according to claim 1, wherein after the load switch is opened, the DC contactor electrically connected between the battery and the load switch is set to open.

3. The aforementioned control circuit is The battery management device according to claim 1, wherein before opening the load switch, it is configured to transmit a signal to the power management device via a communication circuit to notify the power management device in advance of the opening of the load switch.

4. The aforementioned control circuit is The battery management device according to claim 3, wherein the device is set to open the load switch after a specified time has elapsed since the transmission of the signal.

5. Power converter and Power management device and The first battery container, Includes a battery management device, The first battery container is Multiple first batteries, A first detection device for detecting first state information indicating the state of the first battery container, A first load switch electrically connected between the plurality of first batteries and the power converter, The system includes a plurality of first DC contactors electrically connected between each of the plurality of first batteries and the first load switch, The first detection device is A battery management system configured to open the first load switch in response to the detection of an abnormal state in the state of the first battery container based on the first state information during the charging or discharging of the plurality of first batteries.

6. The aforementioned battery management device is The battery management system according to claim 5, wherein after the first load switch is opened, the DC contactor among the plurality of first DC contactors associated with the abnormal situation of the first battery container is set to open.

7. The first detection device is The system is configured to transmit a first signal indicating an abnormal situation in the first battery container to the battery management device. The aforementioned battery management device is The battery management system according to claim 5, configured to transmit a second signal to the power management device in advance to inform the first load switch of the opening in response to the reception of the first signal.

8. The power management device is, The battery management system according to claim 7, which is configured to adjust the output of the power converter to less than a specified value in response to the reception of the second signal.

9. The first detection device is The battery management system according to claim 7, wherein the system is configured to open the first load switch after a specified time has elapsed since the transmission of the first signal.

10. The aforementioned battery management device is The battery management system according to claim 5, which is included in the first battery container.

11. Further including a second battery container, The preceding second battery container is Multiple second batteries, A second detection device for detecting second state information indicating the state of the second battery container, A second load switch is electrically connected between the plurality of second batteries and the power converter, The battery management system according to claim 5, further comprising a plurality of second DC contactors electrically connected between each of the plurality of second batteries and the second load switch.

12. The second detection device is The battery management system according to claim 11, wherein, during charging or discharging of the plurality of second batteries, the second load switch is set to open in response to the detection of an abnormal state in the state of the second battery container based on the second state information.

13. The aforementioned battery management device is The battery management system according to claim 12, wherein after the second load switch is opened, the DC contactor among the plurality of second DC contactors related to the abnormal situation of the second battery container is set to open.

14. The second detection device is The system is configured to transmit a third signal indicating an abnormal situation in the second battery container to the battery management device. The aforementioned battery management device is The battery management system according to claim 12, wherein, in response to the reception of the third signal, it is configured to transmit a fourth signal to the power management device in advance to inform the second load switch of the opening.

15. The power management device is, The battery management system according to claim 14, wherein in response to the reception of the fourth signal, the output of the power converter is set to be adjusted to less than a specified value.

16. The second detection device is The battery management system according to claim 14, wherein the system is configured to open the second load switch after a specified time has elapsed following the transmission of the third signal.

17. The stage of detecting status information indicating the battery status, A step of monitoring the state of the battery based on the aforementioned state information, A battery management method comprising the step of opening a load switch electrically connected between the battery and a power converter in response to the detection of an abnormal state in the battery during charging or discharging of the battery.

18. The battery management method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of opening a DC contactor electrically connected between the battery and the load switch after the load switch has been opened.

19. The battery management method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of transmitting a signal to a power management device via a communication circuit to inform a power management device in advance of the opening of the load switch before opening the load switch.

20. The step of opening the load switch is as follows: The battery management method according to claim 19, further comprising the step of opening the load switch after a specified time has elapsed since the transmission of the signal.

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