Battery diagnostic device and method of operation thereof

Abstract

A battery diagnostic device according to one embodiment disclosed herein includes a charge / discharge unit that charges and discharges a battery in CC (Constant Current) mode or CV (Constant Voltage) mode, an information acquisition unit that measures the voltage or temperature of the battery, and a controller that diagnoses the state of the battery based on at least one of a voltage change range over a set period of time or a temperature change from the time of switching the charge mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross-reference to Related Applications] The present invention claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0074245, filed on June 9, 2023, and includes all the contents disclosed in the document of the Korean patent application as part of this specification.

[0002] The embodiments disclosed in this document relate to a battery diagnostic device and an operating method thereof.

Background Art

[0003] Currently, commercially available batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium-ion batteries, etc. Among these, lithium-ion batteries are in the spotlight due to advantages such as being almost free from memory effects compared to nickel-based batteries, allowing free charge and discharge, having a very low self-discharge rate, and a high energy density.

[0004] A lithium-ion battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, an electrolyte, and a separator, and is a secondary battery capable of charge and discharge by the movement of lithium ions through the electrolyte between the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

[0005] When a battery catches fire during use of such a battery, a major accident may occur due to the reaction of chemicals inside the battery. To prevent this, a technology has been developed to diagnose the state of the battery by observing whether the voltage of the battery exceeds a preset voltage. However, the existing technology for predicting the ignition of a battery has limitations in that it is difficult to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the prediction.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] One objective of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a battery diagnostic device and a method for operating the same that can detect in advance a battery fire based on the battery's voltage, temperature, or current.

[0007] The technical problems of the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A battery diagnostic device according to one embodiment disclosed herein includes a charge / discharge unit that charges and discharges a battery in CC (Constant Current) mode or CV (Constant Voltage) mode, an information acquisition unit that measures the voltage or temperature of the battery, and a controller that diagnoses the state of the battery based on at least one of a voltage change range over a set period of time or a temperature change from the time of switching the charge mode.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the controller can calculate the voltage change range during the predetermined time in the CV mode and determine the battery state based on the change range.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the controller determines that the battery state is abnormal if the range of change is within a previously set range, and in this case, the range of change may be the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the voltage.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the previously set range may be set based on the specifications of the charging and discharging unit.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the previously set time may be set based on the specifications of the charging and discharging unit.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the controller compares a reference temperature, which is the temperature at the time of switching from the CC mode to the CV mode, with the temperature of the battery, and if the difference between the battery temperature and the reference temperature is greater than or equal to a first reference value, the controller can determine that the state of the battery is abnormal.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the controller determines that the battery is in an abnormal state when the difference between the battery temperature and the reference temperature is greater than or equal to a second reference value and the battery current increases. In this case, the second reference value may be smaller than the first reference value.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the information acquisition unit measures the current of the battery, and the controller determines whether the current falls outside a pre-set range. If the current falls outside a pre-set range, the controller can determine that the battery is in an abnormal state.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the controller can transmit an alarm to the user if the battery is in an abnormal state.

[0017] A battery diagnostic method according to one embodiment disclosed herein includes the operation of charging and discharging a battery in CC (Constant Current) mode or CV (Constant Voltage) mode, the operation of measuring the voltage, current, or temperature of the battery, and the operation of diagnosing the state of the battery based on at least one of the voltage change range over a predetermined period of time or the temperature change amount from the time of switching the charging mode.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the operation for diagnosing the state of the battery can calculate the voltage change range during the predetermined time in the CV mode and determine the state of the battery based on the change range.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the operation of diagnosing the state of the battery is an operation of determining that the state of the battery is abnormal when the change range is within a preset range. At this time, the change range may be the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the voltage.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the preset range may be set based on the specifications of the charge / discharge unit.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the preset time may be set based on the specifications of the charge / discharge unit.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the operation of diagnosing the state of the battery is to compare the temperature of the battery with a reference temperature that is the temperature at the time of switching from the CC mode to the CV mode, and when the difference between the temperature of the battery and the reference temperature is greater than or equal to a first reference value, it may be an operation of determining that the state of the battery is abnormal.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the operation of diagnosing the state of the battery is an operation of determining that the state of the battery is abnormal when the difference between the temperature of the battery and the reference temperature is greater than or equal to a second reference value and the current of the battery increases. At this time, the second reference value may be smaller than the first reference value.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the operation of diagnosing the state of the battery is to determine whether the current is outside a preset range, and when the current is outside the preset range, it may be an operation of determining that the state of the battery is abnormal.

[0025] According to one embodiment, after the operation of diagnosing the state of the battery, when the state of the battery is abnormal, it may further include an operation of transmitting an alarm to the user.

[0026] Specific matters of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and the drawings.

Advantages of the Invention

[0027] The battery diagnostic device and its operation method according to the embodiments disclosed in this document can diagnose the state of the battery based on the voltage, temperature, or current of the battery in the CV (Constant Voltage) mode.

[0028] The effects of the battery diagnostic device and its operation method according to the disclosure of this document are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the disclosure of this document.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing a battery pack according to an embodiment disclosed in this document. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing a battery diagnostic device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document. [Figure 3] It is a graph showing a method for a battery diagnostic device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document to diagnose the state of the battery based on the voltage change range. [Figure 4] It is a graph showing a method for a battery diagnostic device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document to diagnose the state of the battery based on the temperature change amount. [Figure 5] It is a graph showing a method for a battery diagnostic device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document to diagnose the state of the battery based on the current. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing a battery diagnostic method according to an embodiment disclosed in this document. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart specifically showing the operation of diagnosing the state of the battery in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] It is a block diagram showing a computer system for executing a battery diagnostic method according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0030] With regard to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this should not be understood as limiting the present invention to any particular embodiment, but rather as including various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives to embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] The embodiments and terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to any particular embodiment, but should be understood to include a variety of modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of such embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar or related reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more such items unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0033] In this document, each of the phrases such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together with the phrase in question, or any possible combination thereof. Terms such as “first,” “second,” “first,” “second,” “A,” “B,” “(a),” or “(b)” may be used merely to distinguish one component from other components and, unless otherwise stated, do not limit the component in any other way (e.g., importance or order).

[0034] In this document, when a component (e.g., component 1) is referred to as being "coupled," "connected," or "connected" to another component (e.g., component 2), with or without such terms, it means that the component may be directly (e.g., wired or wirelessly) or indirectly (via component 3) connected to the other component.

[0035] 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 storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory, CD-ROM) or online (e.g., download or upload) via an application store or directly between two user devices. In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a device-readable storage medium such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store server, or an intermediary server.

[0036] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, each of the components described above (e.g., a module or a program) may include one or more individuals, some of which may be separated and arranged in other components. According to the embodiments disclosed herein, one or more of the aforementioned components or operations may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Broadly or additionally, multiple components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the components of the multiple components before the integration. According to the embodiments disclosed herein, operations performed by a module, program or other component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be performed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0037] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a battery pack according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0038] Referring to Figure 1, a schematic diagram of a battery control system including a battery pack 1 and a higher-level controller 2 included in a higher-level system is shown according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0039] As illustrated in Figure 1, the battery pack 1 may include one or more battery cells 11, a switching unit 14 connected in series to the first terminal and / or second terminal of the battery cell 11 for controlling the flow of charge and discharge current to the battery cell 11, and a battery management system 20 that monitors the voltage, current, temperature, etc. of the battery pack 1 and manages to prevent overcharging and over-discharging.

[0040] In this case, the battery pack 1 may be equipped with multiple battery cells 11, sensors 12, switching units 14, and battery management systems 20. For example, the first terminal may be the (+) terminal of the battery cell 11, and the second terminal may be the (-) terminal.

[0041] Here, the switching unit 14 is an element for controlling the flow of current for charging or discharging a plurality of battery cells 11, and for example, at least one is connected according to the specifications of the battery pack 1, and a magnetic contactor or the like may be used.

[0042] The battery management system 20 is an interface that receives input values ​​of the various parameters mentioned above, and may include multiple terminals and circuits connected to these terminals to process the input values. The battery management system 20 can also control the ON / OFF state of the switching unit 14, such as a relay or contactor, and can be connected to the battery cells 11 to monitor the state of each battery cell 11.

[0043] The higher-level controller 2 can transmit control signals to the battery management system 20 for the battery cells 11. This allows the battery management system 20 to be controlled based on the signals applied from the higher-level controller 2.

[0044] In one embodiment, the battery management system 20 may include the battery diagnostic device 100 shown in Figure 2. In another embodiment, the battery management system 20 may be a different system from the battery diagnostic device 100 shown in Figure 2. That is, the battery diagnostic device 100 shown in Figure 2 may be included in the battery pack 1, or it may be configured as a separate device outside the battery pack 1. For the sake of explanation, the following description assumes that the battery diagnostic device 100 is configured as a separate device outside the battery pack 1, but it is not limited to this. For example, the operation of the battery diagnostic device 100 described below can be performed not only by the BMS (Battery management system) in the vehicle, but also by various devices such as servers, clouds, chargers, or chargers / dischargers.

[0045] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a battery diagnostic device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0046] Referring to Figure 2, the battery diagnostic device 100 may include a charging / discharging unit 110, an information acquisition unit 120, and a controller 130.

[0047] The charge / discharge unit 110 can charge and discharge the battery 200. According to this embodiment, the charge / discharge unit 110 can charge and discharge the battery 200 in multiple modes. For example, the charge / discharge unit 110 can charge and discharge the battery 200 in CC (Constant Current) mode or CV (Constant Voltage) mode. Here, CC mode may be a constant current mode, and CV mode may be a constant voltage mode.

[0048] According to this embodiment, the charge / discharge unit 110 can charge and discharge the battery 200 in CC mode, and then charge and discharge the battery 200 in CV mode. That is, the charge / discharge unit 110 can charge and discharge the battery 200 in CC mode and then change the charge / discharge mode from CC mode to CV mode. In this case, the point at which the CC mode ends may be the same as the point at which the CV mode starts.

[0049] The information acquisition unit 120 can acquire information about the battery 200. According to this embodiment, the information acquisition unit 120 can acquire the voltage, temperature, or current of the battery 200. According to this embodiment, the information acquisition unit 120 may be connected to the battery 200.

[0050] The controller 130 can diagnose the state of the battery 200. The controller 130 can diagnose the state of the battery 200 based on the voltage, temperature, or current of the battery 200 acquired by the information acquisition unit 120. The controller 130 can determine the state of the battery 200 based on whether the voltage change range is within a pre-set range in CV mode. The controller 130 can determine the state of the battery 200 based on whether the difference between the temperature of the battery 200 and the reference temperature is greater than or equal to a first reference value in CV mode. The controller 130 can also determine the state of the battery 200 based on whether the current of the battery 200 is outside a pre-set range. In other words, the controller 130 can determine whether the state of the battery 200 is normal or abnormal based on the voltage, temperature, or current of the battery 200. Here, a battery 200 in an abnormal state means a battery 200 that has the potential to catch fire.

[0051] The controller 130 can transmit an alarm to the user. If the controller 130 determines that the state of the battery 200 is abnormal, it can provide the user with information about the battery 200. According to the embodiment, the controller 130 can provide information about the battery 200 to the user terminal via a communication unit (not shown), and can also provide information about the battery 200 via a display installed in the vehicle or charger, etc.

[0052] Figure 3 is a graph showing how a battery diagnostic device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document diagnoses the state of a battery based on a range of voltage changes.

[0053] Referring to Figure 3, the controller 130 can diagnose the state of the battery 200 based on the voltage of the battery 200. According to the embodiment, the controller 130 can diagnose the state of the battery 200 based on the voltage change range a. Specifically, in CV mode, the controller 130 can diagnose the state of the battery 200 based on the comparison result of the voltage change range a and a pre-set range b.

[0054] First, the controller 130 can calculate the voltage change range a for a pre-set time in CV mode. Here, the pre-set time may be set based on the specifications of the charge / discharge unit 110. For example, if the accuracy of the voltage or current applied by the charge / discharge unit 110 for charging the battery 200 is relatively high, the pre-set time may be set to be relatively long. If the accuracy of the voltage or current applied by the charge / discharge unit 110 for charging the battery 200 is relatively low, the pre-set time may be set to be relatively short. The controller 130 can detect the maximum value V1 and minimum value V2 of the voltage within the pre-set time. The controller 130 can calculate the voltage change range a by calculating the difference between the maximum value V1 and the minimum value V2 of the voltage.

[0055] The controller 130 can compare the voltage change range a with a pre-set range b. If the voltage change range a is within the pre-set range b, the controller 130 can determine that the state of the battery 200 is abnormal. If the voltage change range a is outside the pre-set range b, the controller 130 can determine that the state of the battery 200 is normal. Here, the pre-set range b may be set based on the specifications of the charge / discharge unit 110. For example, if the accuracy of the voltage or current applied by the charge / discharge unit 110 for charging the battery 200 is relatively high, the pre-set range b may be set relatively narrowly. If the accuracy of the voltage or current applied by the charge / discharge unit 110 for charging the battery 200 is relatively low, the pre-set range b may be set relatively wide. According to the embodiment, the width of the pre-set range b may be 0.00001V or less, but is not limited thereto.

[0056] Depending on the accuracy of the voltage or current of the charge / discharge unit 110 that charges and discharges the battery 200, the voltage applied by the charge / discharge unit 110 to the battery 200 in CV mode can change. Therefore, in the case of a normal battery 200, the voltage of the battery 200 can also change in accordance with the voltage applied by the charge / discharge unit 110. Conversely, in the case of a malfunctioning battery 200, the range of voltage change a of the battery 200 may be relatively small despite the change in the voltage applied by the charge / discharge unit 110.

[0057] Figure 4 is a graph showing how a battery diagnostic device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document diagnoses the state of a battery based on the amount of temperature change.

[0058] Referring to Figure 4, the controller 130 can diagnose the state of the battery 200 based on the temperature of the battery 200. According to the embodiment, the controller 130 can diagnose the state of the battery 200 based on the change in the temperature of the battery 200. Specifically, the controller 130 can diagnose the state of the battery 200 by comparing the change in the temperature of the battery 200 with a reference value.

[0059] First, the controller 130 can set a reference temperature T1. Here, the reference temperature T1 may be the temperature of the battery 200 at the time when the charging mode of the battery 200 is switched from CC mode to CV mode. In other words, the controller 130 can set the temperature of the battery 200 at the start of CV mode as the reference temperature T1.

[0060] According to this embodiment, the controller 130 can calculate the difference between the temperature of the battery 200 and a reference temperature T1. The controller 130 can also compare the difference between the temperature of the battery 200 and the reference temperature T1 with a first reference value. Here, the first reference value may be set considering the type of battery 200, etc.

[0061] The controller 130 can determine that the battery 200 is in an abnormal state if the difference between the battery 200's temperature and the reference temperature T1 is greater than or equal to a first reference value. The controller 130 can determine that the battery 200 is in a normal state if the difference between the battery 200's temperature and the reference temperature T1 is less than the first reference value. In CV charging mode, generally, the current of the battery 200 decreases and the voltage remains constant, so the temperature of the battery 200 can be maintained within a certain range. Therefore, if the temperature of the battery 200 changes significantly from the time of the charging mode conversion as charging continues, it may be an abnormal battery.

[0062] According to the embodiment, the controller 130 can diagnose the state of the battery 200 based on its temperature and current. That is, the controller 130 can diagnose the state of the battery 200 by considering both the temperature and current of the battery 200. For example, the controller 130 can determine that the state of the battery 200 is abnormal if the difference between the temperature of the battery 200 and the reference temperature T1 is greater than or equal to a second reference value and the current of the battery 200 is increasing. The controller 130 can determine that the state of the battery 200 is normal if the difference between the temperature of the battery 200 and the reference temperature T1 is less than the second reference value or the current of the battery 200 is not increasing. Here, the second reference value may be smaller than the first reference value. That is, since it takes time for the temperature of the battery 200 to rise, if the controller 130 considers both the temperature and current change of the battery 200, the speed of battery diagnosis can be improved compared to considering only the temperature of the battery 200.

[0063] Figure 5 is a graph showing how a battery diagnostic device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document diagnoses the state of a battery based on its current.

[0064] Referring to Figure 5, the controller 130 can diagnose the state of the battery 200 based on the current of the battery 200. According to the embodiment, the controller 130 can diagnose the state of the battery 200 by comparing the current of the battery 200 with a pre-set range. In CV mode, the controller 130 can determine whether the current of the battery 200 falls outside the pre-set range. If the current of the battery 200 falls outside the pre-set range, the controller 130 can determine that the state of the battery 200 is abnormal. If the current of the battery 200 does not fall outside the pre-set range, the controller 130 can determine that the state of the battery 200 is normal. Here, the pre-set range may be set considering the type of battery 200, the state of the battery 200, etc.

[0065] The battery diagnostic device 100 can improve the reliability of diagnosing the condition of the battery 200 by diagnosing the condition of the battery 200 based on the voltage change range a, temperature change amount, or current of the battery 200. In addition, the battery diagnostic device 100 can prevent the battery 200 from catching fire by transmitting an alarm to the user for batteries 200 that may be at risk of ignition.

[0066] The battery diagnostic device 100 can diagnose the condition of the battery 200 based on one of the available pieces of information: voltage, temperature, and current. This minimizes the equipment required for diagnosing the battery 200 and improves the efficiency of battery diagnosis.

[0067] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a battery diagnostic method according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0068] The embodiment shown in Figure 6 is only one embodiment, and the sequence of operations in various embodiments of the present invention may differ from that shown in Figure 6. Some steps shown in Figure 6 may be omitted, the order of steps may be changed, or steps may be merged.

[0069] Referring to Figure 6, the operation S100 may include charging and discharging the battery 200, measuring the voltage, current, or temperature of the battery 200, diagnosing the state of the battery 200, and transmitting an alarm to the user.

[0070] In the following, the operations S100 to S400 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

[0071] In operation S100, the battery diagnostic device 100 can charge and discharge the battery 200. According to this embodiment, the battery diagnostic device 100 can charge and discharge the battery 200 in multiple modes. For example, the battery diagnostic device 100 can charge and discharge the battery 200 in CC (Constant Current) mode or CV (Constant Voltage) mode. Here, CC mode may be a constant current mode, and CV mode may be a constant voltage mode.

[0072] According to the embodiment, the battery diagnostic device 100 can charge and discharge the battery 200 in CC mode, and then charge and discharge the battery 200 in CV mode. That is, the battery diagnostic device 100 can charge and discharge the battery 200 in CC mode and then change the charge / discharge mode from CC mode to CV mode. As a result, the point at which the CC mode ends may be the same as the point at which the CV mode starts.

[0073] In operation S200, the battery diagnostic device 100 can measure the voltage, current, or temperature of the battery 200. That is, the battery diagnostic device 100 can measure at least one of the voltage, current, or temperature of the battery 200. In CV mode, the battery diagnostic device 100 can measure at least one of the voltage, current, or temperature of the battery 200.

[0074] In operation S300, the battery diagnostic device 100 can diagnose the state of the battery 200. The battery diagnostic device 100 can diagnose the state of the battery 200 based on its voltage, temperature, or current. That is, the battery diagnostic device 100 can determine whether the state of the battery 200 is normal or abnormal based on its voltage, temperature, or current. Here, a battery 200 in an abnormal state can mean a battery 200 that has the potential to catch fire.

[0075] In operation S400, the battery diagnostic device 100 can transmit an alarm to the user. If the battery diagnostic device 100 determines that the state of the battery 200 is abnormal, it can provide the user with information about the battery 200. According to the embodiment, the battery diagnostic device 100 can provide information about the battery 200 to the user terminal via a communication unit (not shown), and can also provide information about the battery 200 via a display provided in the vehicle or charger, etc.

[0076] Figure 7 is a flowchart that specifically illustrates the procedure for diagnosing the status of battery 200 shown in Figure 6.

[0077] Referring to Figure 7, the operation to diagnose the state of battery 200 may include the following steps: operation S310 to calculate the voltage change range a for a set time in CV (Constant Voltage) mode; operation S320 to determine if the change range a is within a set range; operation S330 to determine if the difference between the temperature of battery 200 and the reference temperature T1 is greater than or equal to a first reference value; operation S340 to determine if the current of battery 200 is outside a set range; operation S350 to determine that the state of battery 200 is normal; and operation S360 to determine that the state of battery 200 is abnormal.

[0078] In operation S310, the battery diagnostic device 100 can calculate the voltage change range a for a pre-set time in CV (Constant Voltage) mode. Here, the pre-set time may be set based on the specifications of the charge / discharge unit 110. For example, if the accuracy of the voltage or current applied by the charge / discharge unit 110 for charging the battery 200 is relatively high, the pre-set time may be set to be relatively long. If the accuracy of the voltage or current applied by the charge / discharge unit 110 for charging the battery 200 is relatively low, the pre-set time may be set to be relatively short. The battery diagnostic device 100 can detect the maximum value V1 and minimum value V2 of the voltage within the pre-set time. The battery diagnostic device 100 can calculate the voltage change range a by calculating the difference between the maximum value V1 and the minimum value V2 of the voltage.

[0079] In operation S320, the battery diagnostic device 100 can determine whether the change range a is within a previously set range. The battery diagnostic device 100 can compare the voltage change range a with the previously set range. Here, the previously set range may be set based on the specifications of the charge / discharge unit 110. For example, if the accuracy of the voltage or current applied by the charge / discharge unit 110 for charging the battery 200 is relatively high, the previously set range may be set to be relatively narrow. If the accuracy of the voltage or current applied by the charge / discharge unit 110 for charging the battery 200 is relatively low, the previously set range may be set to be relatively wide. According to the embodiment, the width of the previously set range may be 0.00001V or less.

[0080] If the battery diagnostic device 100 determines that the voltage change range a is within a previously set range, it can perform operation S360. If the battery diagnostic device 100 determines that the voltage change range a is not within a previously set range, it can perform operation S350.

[0081] In operation S330, the battery diagnostic device 100 can determine whether the difference between the temperature of the battery 200 and the reference temperature T1 is greater than or equal to a first reference value. First, the battery diagnostic device 100 can set the reference temperature T1. Here, the reference temperature T1 may be the temperature of the battery 200 at the time when the charging mode of the battery 200 is switched from CC mode to CV mode. That is, the battery diagnostic device 100 can set the temperature of the battery 200 at the start of CV mode as the reference temperature T1.

[0082] According to this embodiment, the battery diagnostic device 100 can calculate the difference between the temperature of the battery 200 and a reference temperature T1. Furthermore, the battery diagnostic device 100 can compare the difference between the temperature of the battery 200 and the reference temperature T1 with a first reference value. Here, the first reference value may be set considering the type of battery 200, etc.

[0083] The battery diagnostic device 100 can perform operation S360 if it determines that the difference between the temperature of the battery 200 and the reference temperature T1 is greater than or equal to the first reference value. The battery diagnostic device 100 can perform operation S350 if it determines that the difference between the temperature of the battery 200 and the reference temperature T1 is less than the first reference value.

[0084] In operation S340, the battery diagnostic device 100 can determine whether the current of the battery 200 falls outside a previously set range.

[0085] The battery diagnostic device 100 can diagnose the state of the battery 200 based on the current of the battery 200. According to the embodiment, the battery diagnostic device 100 can diagnose the state of the battery 200 by comparing the current of the battery 200 with a pre-set range. In CV mode, the battery diagnostic device 100 can determine whether or not the current of the battery 200 falls outside the pre-set range. Here, the pre-set range may be set considering the type of battery 200, the state of the battery 200, etc.

[0086] The battery diagnostic device 100 can perform operation S360 if it determines that the current of the battery 200 is outside the previously set range. The battery diagnostic device 100 can perform operation S350 if it determines that the current of the battery 200 is not outside the previously set range.

[0087] In operation S350, the battery diagnostic device 100 can determine that the battery 200 is in a normal state.

[0088] In operation S360, the battery diagnostic device 100 can determine that the state of the battery 200 is abnormal. Here, an abnormal state may be a state in which there is a possibility of the battery 200 catching fire.

[0089] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing a computer system performing a battery diagnostic method according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0090] Referring to Figure 7, the computer system 300 according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may include an MCU 310, a memory 320, an input / output interface 330, and a communication interface 340.

[0091] The MCU310 may be a processor that executes various programs stored in the memory 320 (for example, a SOH calculation program, a cell balancing target determination program, etc.), processes various data including SOC and SOH of multiple battery cells through such programs, and performs the functions of the battery diagnostic device 100 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

[0092] Memory 320 can store various programs related to calculating the State of Health (SOH) of battery cells and determining which cells are eligible for cell balancing. Memory 320 can also store various data, such as the State of Charge (SOC) and SOH data of each battery cell.

[0093] Multiple such memory 320s may be provided as needed. The memory 320 may be volatile or non-volatile. For volatile memory, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, etc., may be used. For non-volatile memory, ROM, PROM, EAROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, etc., may be used. The examples of memory 320 listed above are merely illustrative and the system is not limited to these examples.

[0094] The input / output interface 330 can provide an interface that connects input devices (not shown), such as keyboards, mice, and touch panels, and output devices (not shown), such as displays, with the MCU 310, enabling data transmission and reception.

[0095] The communication interface 340 is configured to send and receive various data with the server and may be various devices that can support wired or wireless communication. For example, programs for calculating the State of Health (SOH) of battery cells and determining which cells are to be balanced, as well as various other data, can be sent and received from an external server separately provided via the communication interface 340.

[0096] Thus, the battery diagnostic method according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may be recorded in memory 320 and executed by MCU 310.

[0097] The above explanation is merely illustrative in describing the technical concept disclosed in this document, and a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments disclosed in this document belong could make various modifications and variations, provided that they do not deviate from the essential characteristics of the embodiments disclosed in this document.

[0098] Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only, and not to limit, the technical ideas disclosed herein, and such embodiments do not limit the scope of the technical ideas disclosed herein. The scope of protection for the technical ideas disclosed herein shall be interpreted in accordance with the following claims, and all technical ideas within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included in the scope of rights of this document. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0099] 20: Battery Management System 100: Battery diagnostic device 110: Charge / discharge section 120: Information acquisition department 130: Controller 200: Battery

Claims

1. A charging and discharging unit that charges and discharges the battery in CC mode or CV mode; An information acquisition unit for measuring the voltage or temperature of the aforementioned battery; and A battery diagnostic device including a controller that diagnoses the state of the battery based on at least one of the following: a range of voltage changes over a pre-set period of time or a change in temperature from the time of switching to a charging mode.

2. In the CV mode, the controller During the previously set time, the voltage change range is calculated. The battery diagnostic device according to claim 1, which determines the state of the battery based on the range of change.

3. The controller determines that the battery state is abnormal if the range of change is within a previously set range. The battery diagnostic device according to claim 2, wherein the range of change is the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the voltage.

4. The battery diagnostic device according to claim 3, wherein the previously set range is set based on the specifications of the charging and discharging unit.

5. The battery diagnostic device according to claim 2, wherein the previously set time is set based on the specifications of the charging and discharging unit.

6. The controller compares the temperature of the battery with a reference temperature, which is the temperature at the time of switching from the CC mode to the CV mode. The battery diagnostic device according to claim 1, wherein if the difference between the temperature of the battery and the reference temperature is greater than or equal to a first reference value, the state of the battery is determined to be abnormal.

7. The controller determines that the battery is in an abnormal state if the difference between the battery temperature and the reference temperature is greater than or equal to the second reference value and the battery current increases. The battery diagnostic device according to claim 6, wherein the second reference value is smaller than the first reference value.

8. The information acquisition unit measures the current of the battery, The controller determines whether the current falls outside a previously set range. A battery diagnostic device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein if the current falls outside a previously set range, the state of the battery is determined to be abnormal.

9. The battery diagnostic device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the controller transmits an alarm to the user if the battery is in an abnormal state.

10. The operation of charging and discharging the battery in CC mode or CV mode; An operation to measure the voltage, current, or temperature of the aforementioned battery; and A battery diagnostic method, which includes an operation to diagnose the state of the battery based on at least one of the following: a range of voltage changes over a pre-set period of time or a change in temperature from the time of switching to a charging mode.

11. The operation to diagnose the state of the battery is as follows: In the CV mode, the voltage change range is calculated during the previously set time. The battery diagnostic method according to claim 10, which is an operation to determine the state of the battery based on the range of change.

12. The operation to diagnose the state of the battery is as follows: If the aforementioned range of change is within a previously set range, the operation determines that the battery state is abnormal. The battery diagnostic method according to claim 11, wherein the range of change is the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the voltage.

13. The battery diagnostic method according to claim 12, wherein the previously set range is set based on the specifications of the charging and discharging unit.

14. The battery diagnostic method according to claim 11, wherein the previously set time is set based on the specifications of the charging and discharging unit.

15. The operation to diagnose the state of the battery is as follows: The temperature of the battery is compared with the reference temperature, which is the temperature at the time when the switch from CC mode to CV mode is made. The battery diagnostic method according to claim 10, wherein if the difference between the battery temperature and the reference temperature is greater than or equal to a first reference value, the battery condition is determined to be abnormal.

16. The operation to diagnose the state of the battery is as follows: If the difference between the battery temperature and the reference temperature is greater than or equal to the second reference value, and the battery current increases, the operation determines that the battery state is abnormal. The battery diagnostic method according to claim 15, wherein the second reference value is smaller than the first reference value.

17. The operation to diagnose the state of the battery is as follows: Determine whether the current falls outside the previously set range. A battery diagnostic method according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein if the current falls outside a previously set range, the battery state is determined to be abnormal.

18. After the operation to diagnose the battery status, A battery diagnostic method according to any one of claims 10 to 16, further comprising the action of communicating an alarm to the user if the state of the battery is abnormal.

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