Battery system and method for assigning its identifier

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of lower-level control devices connected in parallel and a higher-level control device that controls the plurality of lower-level control devices, wherein the higher-level control device can sequentially assign identifiers to the plurality of lower-level control devices and determine whether or not to terminate the assignment of identifiers to the plurality of lower-level control devices based on a termination identification signal received from any one of the plurality of lower-level control devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0149102, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on November 1, 2023, and all of the contents disclosed in the document of the Korean patent application are incorporated herein.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery system and a method for assigning identifiers thereto, and more particularly, to a method for assigning identifiers to lower-level control devices within a battery system.

Background Art

[0003] An Energy Storage System (ESS) is a system that links renewable energy, a battery storing electric power, and existing grid power. In recent years, with the spread of smart grids and renewable energy, and as the efficiency and stability of the power grid are emphasized, the demand for energy storage systems is increasing steadily. Generally, an energy storage system provides a battery system composed of at least one battery pack and a battery rack. In a battery system, batteries are managed by communicating with each other using battery management devices (Battery Management System, BMS) individually stored in at least one battery pack or battery rack. For this reason, an identifier assignment for battery management is necessarily required for the battery management device.

[0004] However, the conventional identifier assignment method has a drawback in that a separate circuit is required because identifiers are assigned according to the connection order of the battery management devices.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The objective of the present invention, which aims to solve the above-mentioned problems, is to provide a battery system.

[0006] Another objective of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned problems is to provide a method for assigning identifiers to battery systems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A battery system according to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above objective includes a plurality of parallel-connected lower-level control devices and a higher-level control device that manages the plurality of lower-level control devices, wherein the higher-level control device sequentially assigns identifiers to the plurality of lower-level control devices and determines whether or not to terminate the assignment of identifiers to the plurality of lower-level control devices based on a termination identification signal received from any one of the plurality of lower-level control devices.

[0008] Furthermore, the battery system may further include a communication cable connecting the multiple lower-level control devices and the higher-level control device.

[0009] As a result, the above-mentioned higher-level control device can be sequentially connected in series with the above-mentioned multiple lower-level control devices via the above-mentioned communication cable.

[0010] On the other hand, the higher-level control device can check the termination identification signal of the activated lower-level control device among the multiple lower-level control devices, and if the termination identification signal is a specific value, it can terminate the assignment of identifiers to the multiple lower-level control devices.

[0011] In this case, the termination identification signal may have the specified value when a termination resistor is connected.

[0012] Here, the termination resistor may be provided to the last of the multiple lower-level control devices to be connected.

[0013] On the other hand, the higher-level control device can send an identifier assignment message to the activated lower-level control device among the plurality of lower-level control devices, receive a message from the activated lower-level control device confirming receipt of the identifier assignment message, and then assign an identifier to the activated lower-level control device.

[0014] At this time, the first of the plurality of lower-level control devices is activated by a wake-up signal transmitted from the upper-level control device, and the lower-level control devices other than the first lower-level control device may be activated by wake-up signals transmitted from the previously activated lower-level control device connected by a communication cable.

[0015] On the other hand, if the higher-level control unit does not receive the reception completion message from the activated lower-level control unit, it can determine whether or not there is a malfunction in the activated lower-level control unit.

[0016] In this case, if the higher-level control unit does not receive the reception completion message from the activated lower-level control unit, it can compare the previously stored information on the number of lower-level control units with the last assigned identifier information to determine a faulty connection in at least one component within the activated lower-level control unit.

[0017] An identifier assignment method by a battery system according to another embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above objective includes the steps of: a higher-level control device sequentially assigning identifiers to a plurality of lower-level control devices; and the higher-level control device deciding whether or not to terminate the identifier assignment to the plurality of lower-level control devices based on a termination identification signal received from any one of the plurality of lower-level control devices.

[0018] Furthermore, the battery system may further include a communication cable connecting the communication modules of the multiple lower-level control devices and the higher-level control device.

[0019] As a result, the above-mentioned higher-level control device can be sequentially connected in series with the above-mentioned multiple lower-level control devices via the above-mentioned communication cable.

[0020] On the other hand, the step of deciding whether or not to terminate the identifier assignment may include the step of the higher-level control unit checking the termination identification signal of the activated lower-level control unit among the plurality of lower-level control units, and, if the termination identification signal is a specific value, the higher-level control unit terminating the identifier assignment to the plurality of lower-level control units.

[0021] In this case, the termination identification signal may have the specified value when a termination resistor is connected.

[0022] Here, the termination resistor may be provided to the last of the multiple lower-level control devices to be connected.

[0023] On the other hand, the step of assigning sequential identifiers may further include the step of the higher-level control unit sending an identifier assignment message to a lower-level control unit among the plurality of lower-level control units that has been activated by a wake-up signal, and the step of the higher-level control unit assigning an identifier to the activated lower-level control unit when it receives a message from the activated lower-level control unit confirming receipt of the identifier assignment message.

[0024] At this time, the first of the plurality of lower-level control devices is activated by a wake-up signal transmitted from the upper-level control device, and the lower-level control devices other than the first lower-level control device may be activated by wake-up signals transmitted from the previously activated lower-level control device connected by a communication cable.

[0025] On the other hand, the step of deciding whether or not to terminate the identifier assignment may further include the step of deciding whether or not there is a malfunction in the activated lower-level control unit if the higher-level control unit does not receive the reception completion message.

[0026] At this time, the step of analyzing the cause of the abnormality of the activated lower-level control device may include the step of the upper-level control device comparing the pre-stored number information of the lower-level control devices with the last assigned identifier information when the upper-level control device does not receive the reception completion message, and determining a fastening defect of at least one configuration in the activated lower-level control device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0027] The battery system and its identifier assignment method according to an embodiment of the present invention can recognize the termination resistor connected to the lower-level control device and confirm the time point when the identifier assignment ends, and can detect hardware abnormalities such as a termination resistor or communication cable connection defect or device failure when there is an identifier assignment error.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram of an energy storage system to which the present invention can be applied. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is an image for explaining a communication cable in a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is an image of a communication network connection structure of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram of an upper-level control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a block diagram of a lower-level control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart for explaining a method of assigning an identifier to a lower-level control device by a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart for explaining the step of sequentially assigning identifiers among the identifier assignment methods of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9]This is a flowchart illustrating the step of analyzing the cause of an anomaly in identifier assignment in an identifier assignment method for a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] The present invention can be modified in various ways and may have many different embodiments. Therefore, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather to include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutions that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Similar reference numerals are used for similar components in the description of each drawing.

[0030] The terms First, Second, A, B, etc., may be used to describe a variety of components, but the components are not limited by these terms. The terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the First component may be named the Second component, and similarly, the Second component may be named the First component. The terms "and / or" include a combination of multiple related items or one of multiple related items.

[0031] When it is stated that one component is "linked" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that this may mean that it is directly linked or connected to that other component, but that there may also be another component in between. Conversely, when it is stated that one component is "directly linked" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there is no other component in between.

[0032] The terms used in this application are used solely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless they are clearly different in context. In this application, terms such as “includes” or “having” are intended to specify the existence of features, figures, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should not be understood to preemptively exclude the existence or possibility of adding one or more other features, figures, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as those generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and not as ideal or overly formal unless explicitly defined herein.

[0034] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an energy storage system to which the present invention may be applied.

[0036] Referring to Figure 1, the smallest unit of a battery that stores power in an energy storage system (ESS) is usually a battery cell. A series / parallel combination of battery cells forms a battery pack, and a number of battery packs can constitute a battery rack. That is, a battery rack is a series / parallel combination of battery packs and can be the smallest unit of a battery system. Here, depending on the device or system in which the battery is used, a battery pack may also be called a battery module. For example, batteries #1, #2, ..., and #N shown in Figure 1 may be in the form of a battery pack or a battery module.

[0037] In this case, each battery may be equipped with a Battery Management System (BMS) 10. The BMS 10 monitors the current, voltage, and temperature of each battery pack (or rack) managed by the machine, and can calculate the Status of Charge (SOC) based on the monitoring results to control charging and discharging.

[0038] On the other hand, each battery system, which includes numerous batteries and peripheral circuits and devices, may be equipped with a Battery System Controller (BSC). This allows the BSC20 to monitor and control the voltage, current, temperature, circuit breakers, and other controlled elements within the battery system.

[0039] On the other hand, communication can be performed between BMS10, BSC20, PMS30, and PCS40 using CAN (Controller Area Network) or Ethernet (shown as dotted lines in Figure 1).

[0040] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Referring to Figure 2, the battery system 100 may include a higher-level control unit 110 and a plurality of lower-level control units 120 that manage the battery group and are controlled by the higher-level control unit 110.

[0042] Furthermore, the battery system 100 may include communication cables 130 and termination resistors 140 that connect the higher-level control unit 110 to each of the multiple lower-level control units 120.

[0043] According to this embodiment, the higher-level control unit 110 can control the operation of multiple lower-level control units 120. In this case, for the higher-level control unit 110 to control the operation of multiple lower-level control units 120, each of the multiple lower-level control units 120 must be assigned a unique identifier. This allows the higher-level control unit 110 to individually assign identifiers to the multiple lower-level control units 120.

[0044] To explain in more detail by configuration, the higher-level control unit 110 can sequentially transmit wake-up signals to multiple lower-level control units 120 via the communication cable 130 to activate them.

[0045] Subsequently, the higher-level control device 110 can assign identifiers to the lower-level control devices 120 that are activated sequentially. For example, the higher-level control device 110 may be a battery bank management device (BBMS) or a battery system controller (BSC).

[0046] Multiple lower-level control devices 120 are provided connected in parallel to each other, allowing for individual management of battery groups. According to one embodiment, a battery group may be a battery rack. In other words, the multiple lower-level control devices 120 may be a battery rack management system (RBMS).

[0047] Figure 3 is an image illustrating a communication cable within a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Referring to Figure 3, the communication cable 130 can sequentially connect the higher-level control unit 110 and each of the multiple lower-level control units 120.

[0049] According to the embodiment, the communication cable 130 is provided in multiple units, allowing the communication module of the higher-level control device 110 to be sequentially connected in series to the respective communication modules of the multiple lower-level control devices 120.

[0050] For example, to explain more specifically, the communication modules of the higher-level control unit 110 and the multiple lower-level control units 120 can be connected in a daisy-chain configuration by a communication cable 130. In other words, the higher-level control unit 110 and the first lower-level control unit 120-1 may be connected to each other by a first communication cable 130-1, the first lower-level control unit 120-1 and the second lower-level control unit 120-2 may be connected to each other by a second communication cable 130-2, and the N-1th lower-level control unit 120-(N-1) and the Nth lower-level control unit 120-N may be connected by the Nth communication cable 130-N. Here, N can be a natural number greater than or equal to 1.

[0051] The communication cable 130 may be provided as a cable having multiple wires. This allows the communication cable 130 to sequentially transmit at least one data between the control devices 110 and 120 which are connected in series with each other.

[0052] Table 1 below is a pin map that organizes the pin information within each lower-level control unit 120 to which the wires of the communication cable 130 are individually connected.

[0053] According to the embodiment, the communication cable 130 can transmit at least one of the following information—a wake-up signal, a termination identification signal, a communication network connection signal (CAN Low, CAN High), and grounding information (GND)—between the control devices 110 and 120 through each line, as shown in [Table 1].

[0054] [Table 1]

[0055] To be more specifically described by the embodiment, the communication cable 130 may be connected to different pins (Pins) depending on the control devices 110 and 120 to which it is connected.

[0056] According to one embodiment, both ends of the first communication cable 130-1 can connect the wake-up signal pin, ground pin, and communication network connection pin (CAN Low, CAN High signals) of the higher-level control device 110 and the first lower-level control device 120-1, respectively. Here, the wake-up signal may be wake-up voltage signal information.

[0057] In another embodiment, the ends of the second to nth communication cables 130, which daisy-chain the first to nth lower-level control devices 120, can connect the wake-up signal pin, ground pin, and communication network connection pin (CAN Low, CAN High signals) of each lower-level control device 120. Here, the termination identification pin may be a pin that transmits an identification signal regarding the presence or absence of the termination resistor 140.

[0058] According to this embodiment, the termination identification pin is provided as a GPIO Input Pin and can be connected to either the wake-up pin or the ground pin, depending on whether the termination resistor 140 is connected or not.

[0059] Figure 4 shows an image of the communication network connection structure of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Referring to Figures 2 and 4, the Terminating Resistance 140 can be connected to the higher-level control device 110 and the lower-level control devices 120-N located at the beginning and end of the communication cable 130.

[0061] In the case of communication cable 130, various impedance resistance values ​​can be applied according to the design standards.

[0062] Therefore, in the battery system according to the embodiment of the present invention, by connecting a termination resistor 140 having a specific resistance value to the Nth lower-level control device 120-N to which the communication cable 130-N of the N-1 is connected to the upper-level control device 110, a current of a certain magnitude is induced to flow through the communication line, thereby reducing the reflection phenomenon of the communication signal and eliminating noise. This makes it possible to provide improved communication performance.

[0063] On the other hand, the termination resistor 140 connected to the Nth lower-level control device 120-N may be provided in the form of a cable. In other words, the termination resistor 140 may be connected to a pin provided to the Nth lower-level control device 120-N. However, it may be inserted into the control device 110 or 120-N or in various forms such as a cable connector, without being limited to what is described. In this case, the termination identification signal of the termination resistor 140 may be a signal for identifying whether or not the termination resistor 140 is connected.

[0064] According to this embodiment, the termination identification pin can receive a first signal when the termination resistor 140 is connected from a lower-level control device, and a second signal when the termination resistor is not connected. In other words, the termination identification pin can recognize the termination identification signal in reverse, depending on whether the termination resistor is connected or not.

[0065] More specifically, in one embodiment, when the termination identification pin is connected to the wake-up signal pin, the higher-level control unit can recognize a first signal received from any one of the first to N-1 lower-level control units 120-1 to 120-N-1, to which the termination resistor 140 is not connected, as a Low signal. Consequently, if a signal is received from the Nth lower-level control unit 120-N, to which the termination resistor 140 is connected, the higher-level control unit can recognize the signal received from the Nth lower-level control unit 120-N as a High signal.

[0066] In another embodiment, when the termination identification pin is connected to the ground pin, the higher-level control unit can recognize a first signal received from any one of the first to N-1 lower-level control units 120-1 to 120-N-1, to which the termination resistor 140 is not connected, as a High signal. Consequently, if a signal is received from the Nth lower-level control unit 120-N, to which the termination resistor 140 is connected, the higher-level control unit can recognize the signal received from the Nth lower-level control unit 120-N as a Low signal.

[0067] As a result, the battery system according to the embodiment of the present invention can identify the lower-level control device connected to the terminal among the multiple lower-level control devices based on the termination identification signal, making it possible to confirm the completion of identifier assignment or whether there is a communication abnormality when assigning identifiers to multiple lower-level control devices.

[0068] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a higher-level control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Referring to Figure 5, the higher-level control device 110 may include a memory 111, a processor 112, a transceiver 113, an input interface device 114, an output interface device 115, and a storage device 116.

[0070] According to this embodiment, the components 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, and 116 included in the higher-level control device 110 are connected by a bus and can communicate with each other. Here, the bus may be a CAN bus.

[0071] Of the components 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, and 116 of the higher-level control unit 110, the memory 111 and the storage device 116 may consist of at least one of a volatile storage medium and a non-volatile storage medium. For example, the memory 111 and the storage device 116 may consist of at least one of a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM).

[0072] Among these, memory 111 may contain at least one instruction to be executed by processor 112.

[0073] According to this embodiment, at least one instruction in the higher-level control unit 110 may include an instruction to sequentially assign identifiers to the plurality of lower-level control units, and an instruction to determine whether or not to terminate the assignment of identifiers to the plurality of lower-level control units based on a termination identification signal received from any one of the plurality of lower-level control units.

[0074] In this case, the instruction to determine whether or not to terminate the identifier assignment may include an instruction to check the termination identification signal of the activated lower control unit among the plurality of lower control units, and an instruction to terminate the identifier assignment to the plurality of lower control units if the termination identification signal is a specific value.

[0075] On the other hand, the instruction for assigning the sequential identifier may further include an instruction for sending an identifier assignment message to the lower control unit that has been activated by the wake-up signal among the plurality of lower control units, and an instruction for assigning an identifier to the activated lower control unit when a message indicating completion of receipt of the identifier assignment message is received from the activated lower control unit.

[0076] On the other hand, the instruction to determine whether or not to terminate the identifier assignment may further include an instruction to determine whether or not there is a malfunction in the activated lower-level control unit if the reception completion message is not received.

[0077] In this case, the command to analyze the cause of the abnormality in the activated lower control unit may include, if the reception completion message has not been received, a command to compare the previously stored number information of the lower control units with the last assigned identifier information to determine a faulty connection in at least one component within the activated lower control unit.

[0078] The processor 112 may mean a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a dedicated processor on which a method according to the embodiment of the present invention is performed.

[0079] As described above, the processor 112 can execute at least one program command stored in memory 111.

[0080] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a lower-level control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Referring to Figure 6, each of the lower-level control devices 120 may include a memory 121, a processor 122, a transceiver 123, an input interface device 124, an output interface device 125, and a storage device 126.

[0082] According to this embodiment, the components 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, and 126 included in the lower-level control device 120 are connected by a bus and can communicate with each other. Here, the bus may be a CAN bus.

[0083] Of the components 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, and 126 of the lower-level control unit 120, the memory 121 and the storage device 126 may be composed of at least one of a volatile storage medium and a non-volatile storage medium. For example, the memory 121 and the storage device 126 may be composed of at least one of a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM).

[0084] Among these, memory 121 may contain at least one instruction to be executed by processor 122.

[0085] According to one embodiment, at least one instruction in the lower-level control unit 120 may include an instruction to be activated by a wake-up signal transmitted from a previously activated lower-level control unit connected by a communication cable.

[0086] The processor 122 may mean a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a dedicated processor on which a method according to the embodiment of the present invention is performed.

[0087] As described above, the processor 122 can execute at least one program command stored in memory 121.

[0088] The configuration of the battery system according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above. Below, a method for assigning an identifier to a lower-level control device using the above battery system will be described.

[0089] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating how an identifier is assigned to a lower-level control device by a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Referring to Figure 7, the higher-level control unit 110 in the battery system 100 can sequentially assign identifiers to each of the multiple lower-level control units 120 (S710).

[0091] Subsequently, the higher-level control unit 110 can decide whether or not to terminate identifier assignment based on whether or not it has received a termination identification signal from one of the multiple lower-level control units 120 (S720).

[0092] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the step of sequentially assigning identifiers in the identifier assignment method for a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Referring to Figure 8, the higher-level control unit 110 in the battery system 100 can send a wake-up signal to the first lower-level control unit 120-1 connected by a communication cable in the initial state (S810) (S820). This can activate the first lower-level control unit 120-1 (S830). Here, the initial state is a state in which the index information is 0, and the index information may be information for counting the number of lower-level control units to which an identifier has been assigned.

[0094] Subsequently, the higher-level control unit 110 can send an identifier assignment message to the bus, which is a communication network (S840).

[0095] Subsequently, the higher-level control device 110 can confirm whether an identifier has been assigned to the first lower-level control device 120-1.

[0096] More specifically, each of the higher-level control unit 110 and the plurality of lower-level control units 120 can be independently connected to the bus. According to this embodiment, each of the higher-level control unit 110 and the plurality of lower-level control units 120 can be connected to the bus by a first signal and a second signal. Here, the first signal may be a CAN High signal, and the second signal may be a CAN Low signal.

[0097] Subsequently, the higher-level control unit 110 can send an identifier assignment message to the bus. This allows the first lower-level control unit 120-1, which has been activated by the wake-up signal, to receive the identifier assignment message from the bus.

[0098] On the other hand, the higher-level control unit 110 can check whether an identifier has been assigned to the first lower-level control unit 120-1 based on whether or not it has received a reception completion message transmitted from the first lower-level control unit 120-1.

[0099] More specifically, when the first lower-level control unit 120-1 receives an identifier assignment message, it can send a message confirming receipt to the higher-level control unit 110 via the bus.

[0100] At this time, if the higher-level control unit 110 does not receive a message indicating completion of reception from the first lower-level control unit 120-1 (S850), it can determine that an abnormal condition has occurred in identifier assignment (S851). Subsequently, the higher-level control unit 110 can analyze the cause of the abnormality in identifier assignment (S852).

[0101] On the other hand, when the higher-level control unit 110 receives a message indicating that reception is complete from the first lower-level control unit 120-1 (S850), it can confirm that an identifier has been assigned to the first lower-level control unit 120-1 (S860). At this time, the identifier can be assigned in accordance with the index information. For example, the identifier of the first lower-level control unit 120-1 may be the index initial information plus 1 (ID=Index+1).

[0102] Subsequently, the higher-level control unit 110 can confirm the termination identification signal of the first lower-level control unit 120-1 (S870). Here, the termination identification signal may be a signal sent through the first communication cable 130-1.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the higher-level control unit 110 can confirm that the first lower-level control unit 120-1 is the last lower-level control unit if the termination identification signal of the first lower-level control unit 120-1 is the first signal (S870). This allows the higher-level control unit 110 to complete the assignment of identifiers (S880). For example, the first signal of the termination identification signal may be a High (1) value.

[0104] In another embodiment, if the termination identification signal of the first lower-level control device 120-1 is the second signal (S870), the first lower-level control device 120-1 can send a wake-up signal to the second lower-level control device 120-2 (S871). Subsequently, the upper-level control device 110 can count the index information (Index++) (S872). For example, the second signal of the termination identification signal may be a Low (0) value.

[0105] Subsequently, the first lower control unit 120-1 can sequentially repeat steps S830 to S880 until it has finished assigning an identifier to the last lower control unit 120, which is the Nth lower control unit 120-N.

[0106] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the step of analyzing the cause of an anomaly in identifier assignment in an identifier assignment method for a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] Referring to Figure 9, the higher-level control unit 110 can confirm the number information of multiple lower-level control units 120 that has been stored in advance. Subsequently, the higher-level control unit 110 can compare the index information or the last assigned identifier information with the aforementioned pre-stored number information.

[0108] At this time, if the index information or the last assigned identifier information is greater than or equal to a threshold value relative to the pre-stored quantity information (S910), the higher-level control unit 110 can determine that an abnormality has occurred in the physical connection of the termination resistor 140 at the Nth lower-level control unit 120-N (S920). In other words, the higher-level control unit 110 can determine that a defect has occurred in the fastening of the termination resistor 140.

[0109] On the other hand, if the index information or the last assigned identifier information is less than a threshold value relative to the pre-stored quantity information (S910), the higher-level control unit 110 can determine that a failure has occurred in the corresponding lower-level control unit 120 or that there is an abnormality in the physical connection of the communication cable connected to the corresponding lower-level control unit 120 (S930). In other words, the higher-level control unit 110 can determine that a failure has occurred in the corresponding lower-level control unit 120 or that there is a defect in the connection of the communication cable connected to the corresponding lower-level control unit 120.

[0110] The battery system and its identifier assignment method according to the present invention have been described above.

[0111] An embodiment of the present invention, a battery system and its identifier assignment method, includes a plurality of parallel-connected lower-level control devices and a higher-level control device that manages the plurality of lower-level control devices. The upper-level control device can recognize the termination resistors connected to the lower-level control devices to confirm the completion of identifier assignment, and can detect hardware abnormalities such as faulty termination resistors, poor communication cable connections, or device failures in the event of an identifier assignment error.

[0112] The operation of the method according to the embodiment of the present invention can be embodied as a computer-readable program or code on a computer-readable recording medium. A computer-readable recording medium includes all types of recording devices on which data that can be read by a computer system is stored. Furthermore, computer-readable programs or code can be stored and executed in a distributed manner on computer-readable recording media distributed across networked computer systems.

[0113] Furthermore, computer-readable recording media can include hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Program instructions can include not only machine code generated by a compiler, but also high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like.

[0114] Some aspects of the present invention have been described in the context of apparatus, but they can also be described by corresponding methods, where a block or apparatus corresponds to a method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in the context of a method can be described by corresponding blocks or items or features of corresponding apparatus. Some or all of the method steps can be carried out by (or using) hardware devices such as, for example, a microprocessor, a programmable computer, or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, one or more of the most important method steps can be carried out by such devices.

[0115] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the present invention, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be modified and altered in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0116] 110: Higher-level control unit 120: Lower control unit 130: Communication cable 140: Termination resistor 111, 121: Memory 112, 122: Processor 113, 123: Transceiver 114, 124: Input Interface Device 115, 125: Output interface device 116, 126: Storage device bus: bus

Claims

1. It is a battery system, Multiple lower-level control devices connected in parallel, and Includes a higher-level control unit that manages the aforementioned plurality of lower-level control units, The aforementioned higher-level control device is Identifiers are sequentially assigned to the aforementioned plurality of lower-level control devices. A battery system that determines whether or not to terminate identifier assignment to the plurality of lower-level control devices based on a termination identification signal received from any one of the plurality of lower-level control devices.

2. The battery system according to claim 1, further comprising a communication cable connecting the plurality of lower-level control devices and the higher-level control device.

3. The aforementioned higher-level control device is connected by the communication cable, The battery system according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of lower-level control devices are sequentially connected in series.

4. The aforementioned higher-level control device is The battery system according to claim 3, wherein the termination identification signal of the activated lower control unit among the plurality of lower control units is checked, and if the termination identification signal is a specific value, the assignment of identifiers to the plurality of lower control units is terminated.

5. The battery system according to claim 4, wherein the termination identification signal has the specified value when a termination resistor is connected.

6. The aforementioned termination resistor is The battery system according to claim 5, provided to the last connected lower-level control device among the plurality of lower-level control devices.

7. The aforementioned higher-level control device is An identifier assignment message is sent to the activated lower-control unit among the plurality of lower-control units. The battery system according to claim 1, wherein the system receives a message indicating completion of receipt for the identifier assignment message from the activated lower-level control unit and assigns an identifier to the activated lower-level control unit.

8. Of the plurality of lower-level control devices, the first lower-level control device is activated by a wake-up signal transmitted from the higher-level control device. The battery system according to claim 7, wherein the lower control devices, excluding the first lower control device among the plurality of lower control devices, are activated by a wake-up signal transmitted from a previously activated lower control device connected by a communication cable.

9. The aforementioned higher-level control device is The battery system according to claim 7, wherein if the activated lower-level control device does not receive the reception completion message, the system determines whether or not there is a malfunction in the activated lower-level control device.

10. The aforementioned higher-level control device is The battery system according to claim 9, wherein if the reception completion message is not received from the activated lower control unit, the number information of the lower control units stored in advance is compared with the last assigned identifier information to determine a faulty connection of at least one component in the activated lower control unit.

11. A method for assigning identifiers by a battery system, A step in which a higher-level control unit sequentially assigns identifiers to a plurality of lower-level control units, An identifier assignment method comprising the step of determining whether or not to terminate identifier assignment to the plurality of lower control devices based on a termination identification signal received by any one of the plurality of lower control devices from the higher control device.

12. The aforementioned battery system The identifier assignment method according to claim 11, further comprising communication cables connecting the communication modules of the plurality of lower-level control devices and the communication modules of the higher-level control device.

13. The aforementioned higher-level control device is connected by the communication cable, The identifier assignment method according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of lower-level control devices are sequentially connected in series.

14. The step of deciding whether or not to terminate the identifier assignment is: The steps include: The higher-level control unit confirming the termination identification signal of the activated lower-level control unit among the plurality of lower-level control units, and The identifier assignment method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of the higher-level control device terminating the assignment of identifiers to the plurality of lower-level control devices when the termination identification signal is a specific value.

15. The identifier assignment method according to claim 14, wherein the termination identification signal has the specified value when a termination resistor is connected.

16. The aforementioned termination resistor is The identifier assignment method according to claim 15, provided to the last connected lower control device among the plurality of lower control devices.

17. The step of assigning sequential identifiers is, The steps include: the higher-level control unit sending an identifier assignment message to the lower-level control unit that has been activated by the wake-up signal among the plurality of lower-level control units; and The identifier assignment method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of assigning an identifier to the activated lower-control unit when the higher-level control unit receives a message from the activated lower-level control unit indicating completion of receiving the identifier assignment message.

18. Of the plurality of lower-level control devices, the first lower-level control device is activated by a wake-up signal transmitted from the higher-level control device. The identifier assignment method according to claim 17, wherein the lower control devices, excluding the first lower control device among the plurality of lower control devices, are activated by a wake-up signal transmitted from a lower control device that has been previously activated and is connected by a communication cable.

19. The step of deciding whether or not to terminate the identifier assignment is: The identifier assignment method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of determining whether there is an abnormality in the activated lower-level control unit if the higher-level control unit does not receive the reception completion message.

20. The step of analyzing the cause of the abnormality of the activated lower-level control device is: The identifier assignment method according to claim 19, further comprising the step of determining a faulty connection of at least one component in the activated lower control unit by comparing pre-stored number information of lower control units with the last assigned identifier information if the higher control unit does not receive the reception completion message.

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