Battery testing device and battery testing method

Abstract

The battery test apparatus disclosed herein includes a communication unit that receives battery data from a battery cell, and a control unit that determines a verification driving pattern for the battery cell, tests the battery cell using the verification driving pattern to acquire test data, and determines the degree of influence on the battery cell's lifespan by comparing the standard capacity change rate and resistance change rate of a first driving mode and a second driving mode, respectively, obtained based on the test data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0193112, filed on December 27, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the literature of the Korean patent application are included as part of this specification.

[0002] The embodiments disclosed in this document relate to a battery test apparatus and a battery test method.

Background Art

[0003] Recently, research and development on secondary batteries have been actively carried out. Here, a secondary battery is a battery that can be charged and discharged, meaning it includes all conventional Ni / Cd batteries, Ni / MH batteries, etc. and recent lithium - ion batteries. Among secondary batteries, lithium - ion batteries have the advantage of having a much higher energy density compared to conventional Ni / Cd batteries, Ni / MH batteries, etc. Also, lithium - ion batteries are small, lightweight, and can be manufactured, and are used as power sources for mobile devices. In addition, the scope of use of lithium - ion batteries as power sources for electric vehicles has been expanded, and they have attracted attention as next - generation energy storage media.

[0004] <完 Due to the increasing demand for such batteries, it is essential to improve the battery test algorithm for verifying battery performance. When a battery is used in a high - temperature environment like that of a high - power vehicle, verifying the safety of the battery is directly related to the safety of battery users. However, general battery test algorithms have the problem that they do not simulate the battery usage environment, resulting in battery life impact and errors occurring during actual battery use.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] According to one embodiment disclosed in this document, a battery testing apparatus and a battery testing method are provided that perform battery testing by simulating an environment in which battery cells are used at high temperatures.

[0006] The technical problems of the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A battery test apparatus according to one embodiment may include a communication unit for acquiring battery data from a battery cell, and a control unit for determining a verification driving pattern for testing the battery cell, acquiring test data reflecting the temperature deviation of the battery cell, acquiring the standard capacity change rate and resistance change rate of the battery cell in a first driving mode and a second driving mode, respectively, based on the test data, and determining the degree of influence on the battery cell's lifespan by comparing the standard capacity change rate and the resistance change rate.

[0008] The control unit can compare the standard capacity change rate and the resistance change rate based on the fact that the temperature deviation of the battery cells in the first driving mode and the second driving mode is greater than or equal to the reference deviation.

[0009] The control unit can determine the degree of impact on the battery cell's lifespan based on the fact that the time during which the temperature deviation exceeds the reference deviation is equal to or greater than the reference time.

[0010] The control unit can determine the lifespan impact based on whether the conditions for stopping the operation of the battery cell are met within the reference time.

[0011] The control unit can acquire the test data from a simulation kit that includes multiple temperature sensors.

[0012] The control unit can obtain the test data from the simulation kit, which includes a heating pad formed to bring one side of the battery cell to a preset first critical temperature, and a cooling line formed to bring the other side of the battery cell to a preset second critical temperature.

[0013] The control unit can obtain the test data from the simulation kit, which is provided with insulating pads surrounding the battery cells to maintain the battery temperature above a certain temperature.

[0014] The verification driving pattern may include a driving pattern in which the battery cell is driven at its maximum output within the drivable range of the battery cell.

[0015] A battery test method according to one embodiment includes acquiring battery data from a battery cell, determining a verification driving pattern for testing the battery cell, acquiring test data reflecting the temperature deviation of the battery cell, acquiring the standard capacity change rate and resistance change rate of the battery cell in a first driving mode and a second driving mode, respectively, based on the test data, and determining the degree of impact on the battery cell's lifespan by comparing the standard capacity change rate and the resistance change rate.

[0016] A battery test system according to one embodiment includes a battery cell included in a battery module, a simulation kit for reflecting the temperature deviation of the battery cell, and a battery test device that obtains test data by testing the battery cell in a verification driving pattern while reflecting the temperature deviation, obtains the standard capacity change rate and resistance change rate of the battery cell in each of the first and second driving modes based on the test data, and determines the degree of influence on the battery cell's lifespan in each of the first and second driving modes by comparing the standard capacity change rate and resistance change rate.

[0017] The battery test device can compare the standard capacity change rate and the resistance change rate based on whether the temperature deviation of the battery cells in the first driving mode and the second driving mode is greater than or equal to the reference deviation.

[0018] The battery test device can determine the degree of impact on the battery cell's lifespan based on the fact that the time during which the temperature deviation exceeds the reference deviation is equal to or greater than the reference time.

[0019] The battery test device can determine the lifespan impact based on whether the conditions for stopping the operation of the battery cells are met within the reference time.

[0020] The simulation kit may include a plurality of temperature sensors for detecting the temperature deviation of the battery cell.

[0021] The simulation kit may include a heating pad formed to maintain one side of the battery cell at a preset first critical temperature, and a cooling line formed to maintain the other side of the battery cell at a preset second critical temperature.

[0022] The simulation kit may be provided with insulating pads surrounding the battery cells to maintain the battery temperature above a certain temperature.

[0023] The verification driving pattern may include a driving pattern in which the battery cell is driven at its maximum output within the drivable range of the battery cell. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to one embodiment of the battery testing device, it is possible to verify and determine in advance the degradation of battery performance and potential hazards caused by high-output modes during battery use, thereby increasing the safety of battery use.

[0025] According to the battery test device according to one embodiment, when the battery is used in the high-power running mode, there is an effect that can be predicted in advance with respect to the degree of performance degradation with respect to the battery performance specified for battery quality assurance.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing a general battery system including a battery test device according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the configuration of a battery test device according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 3] A flowchart showing the flow in which a battery test device according to one embodiment verifies a battery is schematically shown. [Figure 4] Charge-discharge profiles of different running modes used in a battery test device according to one embodiment are shown. [Figure 5] Charge-discharge profiles of different running modes used in a battery test device according to one embodiment are shown. [Figure 6] The temperature deviation generated in a battery test device according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 7] A simulation kit included in a battery test device according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 8] The discharge capacity change rate and resistance increase rate considering the temperature deviation by a battery test device according to one embodiment are shown. [Figure 9] The degree of degradation considering the temperature deviation by a battery test device according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 10] A control flowchart of a battery test method according to one embodiment is shown.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] The various embodiments disclosed in this document will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The same reference numerals are used for identical components in the drawings, and redundant descriptions of identical components will be omitted.

[0028] With respect to the various embodiments disclosed herein, any specific structural or functional descriptions are provided merely as examples for the purpose of illustrating the embodiments, and the various embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in a variety of ways and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0029] Expressions such as “first,” “second,” “primary,” or “secondary” used in various embodiments can modify various components in any order and / or importance, and do not limit such components. For example, without exceeding the scope of rights of the embodiments disclosed herein, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named in place of the first component.

[0030] The terminology used in this document is used solely to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0031] All terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, may have the same meaning as those generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art of the embodiments disclosed herein. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries may be interpreted as having the same or similar meaning as they have in the context of the relevant art, and not as ideally or excessively formal unless explicitly defined herein. In some cases, even terms defined herein should not be interpreted in a way that excludes the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0032] Figure 1 shows a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a typical battery system, including battery testing equipment in various embodiments.

[0033] Specifically, Figure 1 schematically shows a battery system 10 according to one embodiment disclosed in this document, and a higher-level controller 20 included in the higher-level system.

[0034] As shown in Figure 1, the battery system 10 may include multiple battery modules 12, sensor units 14, switching units 16, and a battery test device 1. In this case, the battery system 10 may be equipped with multiple battery modules 12, sensor units 14, switching units 16, and battery test devices 1.

[0035] Multiple battery modules 12 may include at least one rechargeable battery cell 13. The battery cell 13 may include a positive electrode, a positive electrode material, a negative electrode, a negative electrode material, a separator membrane, an electrolyte, a polymer, and a case. In this case, the multiple battery modules 12 may be connected in series or in parallel.

[0036] The sensor unit 14 may include a voltage sensor, a current sensor, and a temperature sensor.

[0037] A voltage sensor may be connected in parallel to the battery and configured to detect the battery voltage, which is the voltage across the battery, and to generate a voltage signal indicating the detected battery voltage.

[0038] The voltage sensor may include at least one of a resistive distribution sensor, a Hall effect sensor, and a Shockley effect sensor for voltage measurement, and is not limited to any configuration for measuring the voltage of a battery cell.

[0039] The current sensor can detect the current used in the process of determining the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery cell 13. The current sensor may include all the necessary components to generate a signal corresponding to the magnitude of the charging current, and the current sensor may be placed on the charge / discharge path, which is the path through which the charge / discharge current flows in the battery.

[0040] The current sensor can measure the battery current flowing through the battery, i.e., the charging current and the discharging current, and transmit the measurement results to the battery test device 1. In one embodiment, the current sensor can measure the battery current at a predetermined interval during a charging cycle in which the battery is charged with power from an external device, or a discharging cycle in which the battery is discharged, and transmit the measurement results to the battery test device 1.

[0041] A temperature sensor may be configured to measure the battery temperature and generate a temperature signal indicating the measured battery temperature. The temperature sensor may be placed inside the case to measure a temperature close to the actual temperature of the battery. For example, the temperature sensor may be attached to the surface of at least one battery cell in a cell group, and the surface temperature of the battery cell may be detected as the battery temperature.

[0042] In Figure 1, the sensor unit 14 is connected between the positive electrode of the battery cell 13 and the switching unit 16. However, the configuration and the connections between the components shown in Figure 1 are just examples and are not limited to this configuration.

[0043] The switching unit 16 is connected in series with either the (+) or (-) terminal of the battery module 12 and can control the flow of charge and discharge current to the battery module 12. For example, the switching unit 16 may utilize at least one relay, magnetic contactor, or the like, depending on the specifications of the battery system 10.

[0044] The battery test device 1 is an interface into which values ​​of various parameters are input, and may include multiple terminals and circuits connected to these terminals that process the input values. The battery test device 1 can also control the ON / OFF state of a switching unit 16, such as a relay or contactor, and is connected to the battery module 12, allowing it to monitor the state of each battery module 12.

[0045] Furthermore, the battery test device 1 can receive temperature data, voltage data, and current data from the sensor unit 14 to acquire battery status information and verify the battery's condition.

[0046] The higher-level controller 20 can transmit control signals to the battery test device 1 for controlling the battery module 12. This allows the battery test device 1 to operate based on the control signals applied by the higher-level controller 20. The battery module 12 may also be part of an Energy Storage System (ESS). In such a case, the higher-level controller 20 may be a battery bank controller (BBMS) containing multiple battery systems 10, or an ESS controller that controls the entire ESS containing multiple banks. However, the battery system 10 is not limited to this application.

[0047] Figure 2 shows a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery test device according to one embodiment.

[0048] Referring to Figure 2, a battery test device 1 according to one embodiment includes a control unit 100 containing at least one processor 110 and memory 120, and a communication unit 200, and can test a battery by communicating with an external device 3 via the communication unit 200.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the external device 3 that communicates with the battery test device 1 may include a user terminal and a server device that transmit the test results obtained by the battery test device 1.

[0050] Specifically, if the external device 3 is a user terminal, the control unit 100 of the battery test device 1 can transmit the battery test results to the user terminal for the user to confirm. In this case, the user terminal may include, but is not limited to, a personal computer, terminal, portable telephone, smartphone, handheld device, wearable device, etc.

[0051] Furthermore, if external device 3 is a server device, the server device can be embodied as a variety of computing devices such as a workstation, cloud, data drive, or data station. The server device can be embodied as one or more server devices physically or logically separated based on functions, detailed functional configurations, or data, and can send and receive data and process the sent and received data through communication between each server device.

[0052] In one embodiment, the battery test device 1 may mean all electronic devices including a processor 110 and memory 120, and can be mounted and operated in a vehicle. The components of the battery test device 1 will be described in detail below.

[0053] The communication unit 200 may include a wireless communication unit 210 and a wired communication unit 220 for communicating with the external device 3. The communication unit 200 can send and receive programs and various data for calculating battery cell characteristic values, class classification, degree of degeneration calculation, and life estimation from a separately provided external server.

[0054] The wireless communication unit 210 may include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module.

[0055] The short-range communication module can communicate with an adjacent external device 3 to the battery test device 1 using a short-range communication method. Here, the short-range communication module can utilize one of the following communication methods: Bluetooth®, Bluetooth Low Energy, Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Zigbee, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Ultra Wideband (UWB), or Near Field Communication (NFC).

[0056] The long-distance communication module may include communication modules that perform various types of long-distance communication, and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit can send and receive radio signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and an external device 3 on a mobile communication network. The long-distance communication module can also communicate with the external device 3 or other electronic devices via a peripheral access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect the local network (LAN) to which the battery test device 1 is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the communication server is connected. As a result, the battery test device 1 can connect to the external device 3 and the communication server via the wide area network (WAN), and communicate with each other.

[0057] The wired communication unit 220 can connect to a wired communication network and communicate with an external device 3 via the wired communication network. For example, the wired communication unit 220 can connect to a wired communication network via Ethernet (IEEE 802.3 technical standard) or via CAN communication, and can send and receive data with an external device 3 or the like via the wired communication network.

[0058] A battery test device 1 according to one embodiment may include an input / output interface (not shown). This interface can provide a connection between an input device (not shown) such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel, an output device (not shown) such as a display, and a processor 110 to transmit and receive data.

[0059] Memory 120 can store various information necessary for operating the battery test device 1. Specifically, memory 120 can store the operating system and programs necessary for operating the battery test device 1, or it can store the data necessary for operating the battery test device 1.

[0060] Specifically, memory 120 can store various programs related to calculating the degree of degeneration and estimating the lifespan of battery cells. Furthermore, memory 120 can store various battery data, such as voltage, current, temperature, and characteristic value data for each battery cell.

[0061] Furthermore, the memory 120 can store the battery cell lifespan impact performed by the processor 110.

[0062] Memory 120 may include volatile memory 120 such as S-RAM (Static Random Access Memory) and D-RAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing data. Memory 120 may also include non-volatile memory 120 such as ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) for long-term data storage.

[0063] The processor 110 outputs control signals to control the battery test device 1 overall. The processor 110 may include one or more CPUs (central processing units) and GPUs (Graphics Processing Units). In this case, the processor 110 may be implemented as an array of many logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor 110 and a memory 120 in which a program executable by the microprocessor 110 is stored.

[0064] The aforementioned memory 120 and processor 110 may be included in the control unit 100, and the control unit 100 can verify the battery cell by controlling the aforementioned components.

[0065] Specifically, the control unit 100 can determine a verification driving pattern for the battery cell 13 and acquire test data that reflects the temperature deviation of the battery cell 13. In this case, the verification driving pattern may be selected by the control unit 100 from among several driving patterns, or it may receive a pre-generated verification driving pattern via the communication unit 200.

[0066] Subsequently, the control unit 100 obtains the standard capacity change rate and resistance change rate for the first and second driving modes, respectively, based on the test data, and can determine the lifespan impact of each standard capacity change rate and resistance change rate by comparing them. Here, the first driving mode may refer to the general driving mode of a vehicle using the battery, and the second driving mode may refer to the high-power driving mode of a high-power vehicle using the battery.

[0067] As a result, the battery test device 1 according to one embodiment can determine the impact on lifespan by comparing the standard capacity change rate and resistance change rate in the general driving mode and the high-power driving mode, respectively.

[0068] Specifically, the control unit 100 can compare the standard capacity change rate and the resistance change rate based on whether the temperature deviation of the battery cell 13 in the first driving mode and the second driving mode is greater than or equal to the reference deviation, and the control unit 100 can determine the lifespan impact of the battery cell 13 based on whether the time during which the temperature deviation exceeds the reference deviation is greater than or equal to the reference time.

[0069] In other words, the control unit 100 can determine the degree of impact on the lifespan of the battery cells 13 by taking into account the temperature deviation inside the battery cells 13 in each driving mode, so that the battery can be tested in an environment closer to actual driving conditions.

[0070] Furthermore, the control unit 100 can determine the lifespan impact based on whether the conditions for stopping the operation of the battery cell 13 are met within a reference time. The control unit 100 can also reflect in the lifespan impact of the battery cell 13 if the battery is used in high-output mode, causing a temperature deviation, which results in the battery cell 13 stopping due to the occurrence of a voltage upper / lower limit or a temperature upper limit.

[0071] Thus, the battery test device 1 according to one embodiment can determine the impact on the lifespan of the battery cells 13 by considering not only the driving mode but also the temperature deviation of the battery cells 13. Therefore, the impact on the lifespan of the battery cells 13 can be determined before the battery is shipped, and this makes it possible to consider the lifespan of the battery cells 13 in the battery warranty.

[0072] Figure 3 schematically shows the flow of a battery testing device according to one embodiment for verifying a battery.

[0073] In Figure 3, the configurations 101 to 104 are embodied in software block form, stored in memory 120, and can be executed by processor 110.

[0074] Referring to Figure 3, the control unit 100 can receive battery data from the sensor unit 14 or the communication unit 200 for the battery cell 13. The control unit 100 can receive the battery data and determine the standard capacity change rate and the resistance change rate for each driving mode.

[0075] Subsequently, the verification driving pattern determination unit 101 of the control unit 100 can determine a vehicle driving pattern for verifying the battery cell 13. For example, the verification driving pattern may include a driving pattern in which the battery cell 13 is driven at maximum output within the drivable range of the battery cell 13. Specifically, the verification driving pattern can be determined as a driving pattern in the worst-case scenario for battery usage, which uses the highest output and highest temperature within the battery-driving range of the existing and new systems, by constructing a vehicle simulation of driving on a specific circuit.

[0076] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the verification driving pattern can be actively determined by the control unit 100 from multiple driving patterns, or it can receive a predetermined driving pattern via the communication unit 200 and determine the received driving pattern as the verification driving pattern.

[0077] The standard capacity change rate determination unit 102 of the control unit 100 can determine the standard capacity change rate for each of the driving modes: the first driving mode (general driving mode) and the second driving mode (high-power driving mode). In this case, the standard capacity change rate can be determined by the control unit 100 by assuming that the battery is used according to the verification driving pattern in each mode.

[0078] In this case, the standard capacity of the battery may decrease over time and may change depending on the battery usage pattern. Therefore, the control unit 100 can calculate the impact on battery life by comparing the rate of change of the standard capacity, which changes according to the driving mode.

[0079] Specifically, the control unit 100 can determine the rate of capacity reduction over time as the standard rate of capacity change. The standard rate of capacity change can be calculated by subtracting the current capacity from the initial capacity of the battery and dividing that value by the initial capacity.

[0080] The resistance change rate determination unit 103 of the control unit 100 can determine the resistance change rate for both the first driving mode (general driving mode) and the second driving mode (high-power driving mode). In this case, the resistance change rate can be determined by the control unit 100 by assuming that the battery is used according to the verification driving pattern in each mode.

[0081] In this case, the resistance change rate refers to the change in the internal resistance of the battery and can increase over time. Since the resistance change rate can increase based on an increase in temperature or an increase in temperature deviation, the control unit 100 can calculate the impact on battery life based on the resistance change rate inside the battery, which changes in response to changes in temperature and the upper limit of current.

[0082] Specifically, the control unit 100 receives the internal resistance value of the battery from a resistance sensor that measures the internal resistance of the battery, calculates the degree to which the internal resistance value of the battery changes over time, and can determine the resistance change rate for each driving mode.

[0083] The lifespan impact determination unit 104 of the control unit 100 can determine the lifespan impact based on the standard capacity change rate and resistance change rate determined for each driving mode. In other words, when the battery is used in the second driving mode (high-power driving mode), the control unit 100 can compare the standard capacity change rate and resistance change rate of the first driving mode (general driving mode) and the second driving mode (high-power driving mode) respectively in order to determine the lifespan impact, and in addition, it can also take into account the temperature deviation inside the battery cell 13.

[0084] The control unit 100 can determine the degree of impact on battery life of the second driving mode (high-power driving mode) and transmit the determined degree of impact on battery life or battery life to the external device 3. This allows the user or battery manager to easily check the degree of impact that the increased upper limit current value and upper limit temperature value in high-power driving mode have on battery life.

[0085] Figures 4 and 5 show charge and discharge profiles for different driving modes used in a battery test device according to one embodiment.

[0086] The control unit 100 can store driving data related to the drive specifications and upper limits of detailed parameters of the battery cell 13 in the memory 120 for each driving mode. In other words, the control unit 100 can separately maintain upper limits for current or temperature that differ between the general driving mode and the high-power driving mode, and can use these detailed parameters when a battery test is performed in each driving mode.

[0087] As a result, as shown in Figure 4(a), the control unit 100 can generate a charge / discharge profile based on the driving data stored in the memory 120 in the first driving mode (general driving mode). Also, as shown in Figure 5(a), the control unit 100 can generate a charge / discharge profile based on the driving data stored in the memory 120 in the second driving mode (high-power driving mode).

[0088] The control unit 100 can calculate the limit conditions within the battery's lifetime when using the battery in a verification driving pattern based on the charge / discharge profiles derived in Figures 4 and 5. For example, to match the actual battery usage environment with the test environment, the control unit 100 can set the time exceeding the reference upper temperature value to 2 minutes when the verification driving pattern is repeated once, and a maximum of 10 hours within the battery's lifetime. In addition, the number of times the high-power driving mode can be set within the battery's lifetime can be specified to a maximum of 144 times.

[0089] In this way, the control unit 100 can simulate the actual battery usage environment during the battery verification process, and therefore can derive the effect of the high-power driving mode on the battery's degradation rate in a manner similar to actual battery usage.

[0090] Figure 6 shows the temperature deviation that occurs in a battery test device according to one embodiment.

[0091] The simulation kit included in the battery test device 1 may include multiple temperature sensors for detecting temperature deviations of the battery cells 13. That is, unlike conventional technology, the battery test device 1 according to one embodiment can directly replicate the temperature deviations of a battery located inside a vehicle in an actual driving environment, and thus can determine the impact on battery life that is more similar to that of an actual driving environment.

[0092] To this end, the simulation kit can be equipped with a temperature sensor at each point in the battery cell 13, as explained in Figure 7. In this case, the temperature sensors may be placed at the points in the battery cell 13 that are furthest apart from each other.

[0093] In other words, as shown in Figure 6, the control unit 100 can receive temperatures from each temperature sensor (a to g) at different points on a single battery cell 13. Thus, even within a single battery cell 13, various temperature deviations can occur, and the battery test device 1 according to one embodiment can take into account the temperature deviation of the battery cell 13 during the battery test process, thereby allowing for a more accurate pre-verification of the impact on battery life.

[0094] Referring to Figures 6(a) and (g), the control unit 100 can detect a maximum temperature deviation of 27 approximately 16 minutes after the start of battery use. Furthermore, when the battery cell 13 is used once in the verification driving pattern, the control unit 100 can detect that a deviation of 15 or more, which is a meaningful temperature deviation that can affect battery life, persists for 6 minutes.

[0095] In this way, the control unit 100 can detect the temperature deviation of the battery cell 13, including the maximum temperature deviation, and compare the impact on battery life depending on the driving mode under conditions where the temperature deviation of the battery cell 13 occurs. This allows the battery designer to specifically set the limit temperature and limit current, which can then be reflected in the battery warranty.

[0096] Figure 7 shows a simulation kit included in a battery test apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0097] Referring to Figure 7, the simulation kit included in the battery test device 1 may include a heating pad (a), a cooling line (b), a temperature sensor (c), an insulating pad (d), and insulating material (e). This allows the simulation kit to provide an environment for testing the battery cell 13 in an environment similar to that of actual vehicle operation.

[0098] In a battery test environment, no temperature deviation is applied to the battery cell 13. Therefore, the heating pad (a) included in the simulation kit may be configured to heat one side of the battery cell 13 in order to create an artificial temperature deviation. For example, the heating pad (a) may include a resistive electric heater, a heat pump, or a heater, and may heat one side of the battery cell 13 to maintain a temperature of 70°C.

[0099] The cooling line (b) included in the simulation kit may be provided to cool one side of the battery cell 13 in order to create an artificial temperature deviation in the battery cell 13, similar to the heating pad (a). For example, the cooling line (b) may include a cooling tube or cooler through which cooling water flows, and may cool one side of the battery cell 13 to maintain the temperature at 25°C.

[0100] In other words, the battery test apparatus 1 according to one embodiment can further take into account temperature deviations in the test environment of the battery cell 13, including a heating pad (a) and a cooling line (b).

[0101] The simulation kit may also include multiple temperature sensors (c). As mentioned above, the multiple temperature sensors (c) may measure the temperature of each part of the battery cell 13 in order to measure the temperature deviation of the battery cell 13, and may be located at the furthest points from each other.

[0102] Furthermore, since heat dissipation is easier in the test environment than in the actual battery usage environment, the simulation kit can be configured so that the heat-insulating pad (d) and heat-insulating material (e) surround the battery cell 13.

[0103] For example, the insulation pad (d) may include a plate of bakelite material configured to a predetermined thickness, and the insulation material (e) may include a polyurethane foam configured to a predetermined thickness.

[0104] In other words, the battery test apparatus 1 according to one embodiment can take into account the thermal insulation environment of the battery cell 13 in the test environment, including the thermal insulation pad (d) and thermal insulation material (e).

[0105] According to this, the battery test device 1 can simulate an environment similar to the actual usage environment of the battery, and therefore it is possible to derive the difference in the impact on lifespan between the first driving mode (general driving mode) and the second driving mode (high-power driving mode) in an environment similar to the actual usage environment.

[0106] Figure 8 shows the rate of change in discharge capacity and the rate of increase in resistance, taking temperature deviation into account, using a battery test device according to one embodiment.

[0107] Referring to Figure 8, the x-axis may represent the number of cycles in the verification run pattern (NBR), and the y-axis may represent the standard capacitance change rate and resistance change rate, respectively.

[0108] In the graphs, (a) and (c) may represent the results of running the verification run pattern in a mole cell, while (b) and (d) may represent the results of running the verification run pattern in a bol cell. Furthermore, (e) shows a graph of the standard volume change rate when the effect of temperature deviation is considered.

[0109] Here, a mol cell (middle of life cell) may refer to a battery cell that assumes operation for a predetermined number of years based on the expected capacity retention rate and resistance increase rate of the battery cell within the warranty period.

[0110] For example, "molcell" may refer to a battery cell that has been driven for four years with an expected capacity retention rate of 80% and a resistance increase rate of 130%, assuming that the warranty period of 8 years and 160,000 km of driving occur first.

[0111] Furthermore, "bol cell" (beginning of life cell) can refer to a battery cell in its factory-fresh state, before any degeneration occurred.

[0112] Thus, one embodiment of the battery testing device allows vehicle drivers to perform tests in both molar and volar cells to simulate diverse cell environments, thereby overcoming the difficulty in predicting how much a cell has degraded before using high-power mode, and to utilize the results.

[0113] In other words, referring to Figures 8(a-d), as the number of battery verification run patterns increases, that is, as battery usage increases, the internal resistance may increase and the standard capacity may decrease.

[0114] However, when temperature deviations are taken into consideration, as in the battery test device 1 according to one embodiment, the standard capacity change rate decreases more than when temperature deviations are not considered, making it possible to determine the impact on lifespan.

[0115] Figure 9 shows the degree of degradation considering temperature deviation using a battery test device according to one embodiment.

[0116] Next, referring to Figure 9, the x-axis may represent the discharge capacity, which is the maximum amount of power that can be transmitted per unit time, and the y-axis may represent the standard capacity change rate and power maintenance capacity, respectively.

[0117] In the graphs, (a) represents a high-power driving mode that can be driven in a standard vehicle, and (b) represents a high-power driving mode that can be driven in a premium vehicle, and may represent an embodiment in which the battery cell temperature is extended to a range of 70 degrees or less, and the average speed is higher than that of (a).

[0118] Furthermore, (c) can be interpreted as the case where temperature deviation is taken into account in the second driving mode (high-power driving mode), and (d) can be interpreted as a graph showing the difference in capacity maintenance rates between (a) and (b).

[0119] In other words, comparing (a) and (b) in Figure 9, the standard capacity decreases as the battery's discharge capacity increases, and the power retention capacity may decrease, potentially resulting in a difference in capacity retention rate as shown in (d). However, when temperature deviation is considered, as in the battery test device 1 according to one embodiment, the impact on lifespan can be determined by assuming that the rate of change in standard capacity decreases more than when temperature deviation is not considered, and the difference in capacity retention rate can be diagrammed as shown in (d) to analyze the impact of capacity deviation on lifespan.

[0120] Thus, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, with the battery test apparatus 1 according to one embodiment, the temperature deviation inside the battery cell 13 can be taken into account by the simulation kit, so the degree of battery degradation and the impact on lifespan can be estimated with greater accuracy.

[0121] Figure 10 shows a control flowchart of a battery test method according to one embodiment.

[0122] Referring to Figure 10, the control unit 100 can receive battery data from multiple battery cells 13 (1000) and determine a verification driving pattern for the battery cells 13 (1010). In this case, the verification driving pattern may include a driving pattern in which the existing temperature and current values ​​for verifying the battery cells 13 are increased.

[0123] Subsequently, the control unit 100 can determine the standard capacity change rate for each driving mode (1020) and the resistance change rate for each driving mode (1030). Based on the difference between the standard capacity change rate and the resistance change rate for each driving mode, the control unit 100 can determine the degree of battery degradation (1040), and based on the degree of degradation, it can determine the degree of impact on battery life.

[0124] In this case, as mentioned in Figures 8 and 9, the control unit 100 can determine whether or not the temperature difference inside the battery cell 13 exceeds a reference value, since it is only by taking into account the temperature deviation of the battery cell 13 itself that results similar to the actual battery usage environment can be obtained. (1050)

[0125] If the control unit 100 determines, based on the simulation kit, that the temperature difference inside the battery cell 13 exceeds a reference value (if YES is obtained in 1050), it can additionally reflect the degree of degradation due to the temperature difference in the battery life impact (1060).

[0126] Subsequently, the battery designer can set a battery warranty to be offered to the battery user based on the acquired battery life impact. That is, before selling the battery cells 13 to the user, they can be verified using a battery test device 1 according to one embodiment, and the battery life impact derived from the verification results can be reflected in the battery warranty to maximize user satisfaction and the profits of the battery seller.

[0127] On the other hand, the disclosed embodiments may be embodied in the form of a recording medium for storing computer-executable instruction words. The instruction words may be stored in the form of program code, which, when executed by a processor, can generate a program module to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be embodied as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0128] Computer-readable recording media include all types of recording media that store computer-readable instruction words. Examples include ROM (read-only memory), RAM (random access memory), magnetic tape, magnetic disks, flash memory, and optical data storage devices.

[0129] Furthermore, computer-readable recording media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. Here, “non-transitory storage media” simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily. For example, “non-transitory storage media” may include buffers in which data is stored temporarily.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the methods according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between sellers and buyers. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable recording medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or through an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM It may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via a network or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be at least temporarily recorded or temporarily generated on a device-readable recording medium such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store server, or an intermediary server.

[0131] Although it has been explained that all components constituting the embodiments disclosed in this document either combine into one or operate in combination, the embodiments disclosed in this document are not necessarily limited to such embodiments. That is, within the scope of the purpose of the embodiments disclosed in this document, all components may be selectively combined into one or more configurations to operate.

[0132] Furthermore, terms such as "includes," "constitutes," or "possesses," as described above, mean that the component in question may be inherent, and should not be interpreted as excluding other components, but rather as potentially including other components, unless otherwise specified. All terms, including technical and scientific terms, should be interpreted, unless otherwise specified, as having the same meaning as that generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments disclosed herein belong. Commonly used terms, such as those defined in dictionaries, should be interpreted as having their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an idealistic or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0133] The above description is merely illustrative of the technical concept disclosed herein, and a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments disclosed herein belong can make various modifications and variations, provided that they do not deviate from the essential characteristics of the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only, not to limit the technical concept of the embodiments disclosed herein, and the scope of the technical concept disclosed herein is not limited by such embodiments. The scope of protection of the technical concept disclosed herein shall be interpreted in accordance with the following claims, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included in the scope of rights of this document. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1. Battery testing device 2. Voltage sensor 3 External device 10 Battery System 12 Multiple battery modules 13 battery cells 14 Sensor section 16 Switching section 20 Higher-level controllers 100 Control Unit 110 processors 120 memory 200 Communications Department 210 Wireless Communication Section 220 Wired Communications Department

Claims

1. A communication unit that acquires battery data from the battery cells, A battery test apparatus comprising: a control unit that determines a verification driving pattern for testing the battery cell, acquires test data reflecting the temperature deviation of the battery cell, acquires the standard capacity change rate and resistance change rate of the battery cell in a first driving mode and a second driving mode, respectively, based on the test data, and determines the degree of influence on the battery cell's lifespan by comparing the standard capacity change rate and the resistance change rate.

2. The control unit, The battery test apparatus according to claim 1, which compares the standard capacity change rate and the resistance change rate based on the fact that the temperature deviation of the battery cells in the first driving mode and the second driving mode is greater than or equal to a reference deviation.

3. The control unit, The battery test apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the degree of impact on the lifespan of the battery cell is determined based on the fact that the time during which the temperature deviation exceeds the reference deviation is equal to or greater than the reference time.

4. The control unit, The battery test apparatus according to claim 3, which determines the lifespan impact based on whether the conditions for stopping the operation of the battery cell are met within the aforementioned reference time.

5. The control unit, The battery test apparatus according to claim 1, which obtains the test data from a simulation kit including multiple temperature sensors.

6. The control unit, The battery test apparatus according to claim 5, which obtains the test data from the simulation kit, which includes a heating pad formed to cause one side of the battery cell to reach a preset first critical temperature, and a cooling line formed to cause the other side of the battery cell to reach a preset second critical temperature.

7. The control unit, The battery test apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the simulation kit is provided with insulating pads for maintaining the temperature of the battery cells above a certain temperature so as to surround the battery cells, and the test data is obtained from the simulation kit.

8. The aforementioned verification driving pattern is: The battery test apparatus according to claim 1, including a driving pattern in which the battery cell is driven at maximum output within the drivable range of the battery cell.

9. Battery data is obtained from the battery cells, Determine the verification driving pattern for testing the aforementioned battery cell. Test data is obtained that reflects the temperature deviation of the aforementioned battery cells. Based on the aforementioned test data, the standard capacity change rate and resistance change rate of the battery cell in the first driving mode and the second driving mode are obtained, A battery testing method comprising determining the degree of impact on the battery cell's lifespan by comparing the standard capacity change rate and the resistance change rate.

10. The battery cells included in the battery module, A simulation kit for reflecting the temperature deviation of the aforementioned battery cells, A battery test system comprising: a battery test device that obtains test data by testing the battery cell in a verification driving pattern while reflecting the temperature deviation; obtains the standard capacity change rate and resistance change rate of the battery cell in a first driving mode and a second driving mode, respectively, based on the test data; and determines the degree of impact on the battery cell's lifespan in a first driving mode and a second driving mode, respectively, by comparing the standard capacity change rate and resistance change rate.

11. The aforementioned battery test device is The battery test system according to claim 10, wherein the standard capacity change rate and the resistance change rate are compared based on the fact that the temperature deviation of the battery cells in the first driving mode and the second driving mode is greater than or equal to a reference deviation.

12. The aforementioned battery test device is The battery test system according to claim 11, wherein the degree of impact on the lifespan of the battery cell is determined based on the fact that the time for which the temperature deviation exceeds the reference deviation is equal to or greater than the reference time.

13. The aforementioned battery test device is The battery test system according to claim 12, wherein the lifespan impact is determined based on whether the conditions for stopping the operation of the battery cell are met within the aforementioned reference time.

14. The aforementioned simulation kit is The battery test system according to claim 10, further comprising a plurality of temperature sensors for detecting the temperature deviation of the battery cell.

15. The aforementioned simulation kit is The battery test system according to claim 10, comprising a heating pad formed to maintain one side of the battery cell at a preset first critical temperature, and a cooling line formed to maintain the other side of the battery cell at a preset second critical temperature.

16. The aforementioned simulation kit is The battery test system according to claim 10, wherein an insulating pad for maintaining the temperature of the battery cell above a certain temperature is provided so as to surround the battery cell.

17. The aforementioned verification driving pattern is: The battery test system according to claim 10, including a driving pattern in which the battery cell is driven at maximum output within the drivable range of the battery cell.

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