ESS management device, ESS management method, and ESS management system

Abstract

The ESS management device disclosed herein includes a memory and a processor operably coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to acquire vehicle usage data from a first battery pack used in a vehicle among a plurality of battery packs of an energy storage device (ESS), acquire charge status data from the remaining battery packs excluding the first battery pack, and, based on the vehicle usage data and the charge status data, select a second battery pack from the remaining battery packs to replace the first battery pack.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0088443 filed on July 4, 2024 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0117274 filed on September 4, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said patent application are incorporated as a part of the present specification.

[0002] Embodiments disclosed in the present specification relate to an ESS management apparatus, an ESS management method, and an ESS management system.

Background Art

[0003] In recent years, research and development on secondary batteries have been actively conducted. Here, a secondary battery is a battery that can be charged and discharged, and can be interpreted to include all conventional batteries such as Ni / Cd batteries and Ni / MH batteries as well as modern lithium-ion batteries. Among secondary batteries, lithium-ion batteries have higher energy density than conventional Ni / Cd batteries, Ni / MH batteries and the like, and can be manufactured to be small and lightweight, so they can be effectively used as a power source for mobile devices. In recent years, the range of use has been expanded to power sources for electric vehicles, and they are attracting attention as next-generation energy storage media.

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Embodiments disclosed in the present specification provide an ESS management apparatus, an ESS management method, and an ESS management system that enable the use of electric power from an energy storage system (ESS) in electric vehicles.

[0005] The embodiments disclosed in the present specification are not limited to the technical problems 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

[0006] According to one embodiment disclosed herein, the ESS management device includes a memory and a processor operably coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to acquire vehicle usage data from a first battery pack used in a vehicle among a plurality of battery packs of the energy storage device (ESS), acquire charge status data from the remaining battery packs excluding the first battery pack, and, based on the vehicle usage data and the charge status data, select a second battery pack from the remaining battery packs to replace the first battery pack.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the processor is configured to establish a communication channel with the first pack management device of the first battery pack when it detects a transition to the replacement mode of the first battery pack, and to acquire the vehicle usage data from the first pack management device via the communication channel.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the processor is configured to enter the replacement mode when a battery replacement button, which is provided for removing the first battery pack from the vehicle, is pressed by the user, or when the first battery pack is separated from the vehicle.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the vehicle usage data includes auxiliary usage data relating to the amount of power used for auxiliary functions of the first battery pack excluding the vehicle's driving function, and acceleration data relating to impact events in the vehicle of the first battery pack, wherein the auxiliary function includes an air conditioning function for the interior of the vehicle, and the air conditioning function includes a cooling function, a heating function, a ventilation function, and a dehumidifying function.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the processor is further configured to display on a display the position in which the second battery pack is housed in the ESS and communicate this to the user, and to diagnose whether there is any abnormality in the first battery pack based on the acceleration data after the first battery pack has been returned to the ESS.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the processor is configured to calculate a first average amount of power that the plurality of battery packs provide to the vehicle on average, based on the cumulative data of the auxiliary usage data of the first battery pack used in the vehicle, and to select the second battery pack based on the first average amount of power and a second average amount of power that the plurality of battery packs provide to the installation location of the ESS on average.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the processor is configured to calculate a recommendation score for the remaining battery packs based on the health status of the remaining battery packs, the first average power, and the second average power, and to select the second battery pack from the remaining battery packs based on the recommendation score.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the processor is configured to calculate a first suitability score indicating whether each of the remaining battery packs is suitable for use in the vehicle, based on the remaining charge of the remaining battery packs and the first average energy; calculate a second suitability score indicating whether each of the remaining battery packs is suitable for use at the installation site of the ESS, based on the remaining charge of the remaining battery packs and the second average energy; and calculate a recommendation score for each of the remaining battery packs based on the health status of each of the remaining battery packs, the first suitability score, and the second suitability score.

[0014] According to one embodiment disclosed herein, the ESS management method includes the steps of: acquiring vehicle usage data from a first battery pack used in a vehicle among a plurality of battery packs of an energy storage device (ESS); acquiring charge status data of the remaining battery packs excluding the first battery pack; and selecting a second battery pack to be replaced with the first battery pack from among the remaining battery packs based on the vehicle usage data and the charge status data.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the step of acquiring the vehicle usage data includes, when a transition to the replacement mode of the first battery pack is detected, the step of forming a communication channel with the first pack management device of the first battery pack, and the step of acquiring the vehicle usage data from the first pack management device via the communication channel.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the step of forming the communication channel includes entering the replacement mode when a battery replacement button provided for removing the first battery pack from the vehicle is pressed by the user or when the first battery pack is separated from the vehicle.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the vehicle usage data includes auxiliary usage data relating to the amount of power used for auxiliary functions of the first battery pack excluding the vehicle's driving function, and acceleration data relating to impact events in the vehicle of the first battery pack, wherein the auxiliary function includes an air conditioning function for the interior of the vehicle, and the air conditioning function includes a cooling function, a heating function, a ventilation function, and a dehumidifying function.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the ESS management method further includes the steps of displaying the location where the second battery pack is stored in the ESS on a display and informing the user of this location, and diagnosing whether there is any abnormality in the first battery pack based on the acceleration data after the first battery pack has been returned to the ESS.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the step of selecting the second battery pack includes the step of calculating a first average amount of power that the plurality of battery packs provide to the vehicle on average, based on the cumulative data of the auxiliary usage data of the first battery pack in the vehicle, and the step of selecting the second battery pack based on the first average amount of power and a second average amount of power that the plurality of battery packs provide to the installation location of the ESS on average.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the step of selecting the second battery pack includes the step of calculating a recommendation score for the remaining battery packs based on the health status of the remaining battery packs, the first average energy, and the second average energy; and the step of selecting the second battery pack based on the recommendation score.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the step of calculating the recommendation score includes: calculating a first suitability score indicating whether each of the remaining battery packs is suitable for use in the vehicle, based on the remaining charge of the remaining battery packs and the first average energy; calculating a second suitability score indicating whether each of the remaining battery packs is suitable for use at the installation site of the ESS, based on the remaining charge of the remaining battery packs and the second average energy; and calculating a recommendation score for each of the remaining battery packs, based on the health status of each of the remaining battery packs, the first suitability score, and the second suitability score.

[0022] According to one embodiment disclosed herein, the ESS management system includes a plurality of battery packs of an energy storage device (ESS), and an ESS management device configured to acquire vehicle usage data from a first battery pack used in a vehicle, acquire charge status data from the remaining battery packs excluding the first battery pack, and select a second battery pack from the remaining battery packs to replace the first battery pack based on the vehicle usage data and the charge status data.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the ESS management device is configured to establish a communication channel with the first pack management device of the first battery pack when it detects that the first battery pack has entered replacement mode, and to acquire the vehicle usage data from the first pack management device via the communication channel.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the ESS management device is configured to enter the replacement mode when a battery replacement button provided for detaching the first battery pack from the vehicle is pressed by a user, or when the first battery pack is separated from the vehicle.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the vehicle usage data includes auxiliary usage data related to power consumption used for auxiliary functions excluding the driving function of the vehicle, and acceleration data related to impact events of the vehicle, the auxiliary functions include an air conditioning function for the interior of the vehicle, and the air conditioning function includes a cooling function, a heating function, a ventilation function, and a dehumidification function.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the ESS management device is configured to display a position where the second battery pack is stored in the ESS on a display to notify a user, and diagnose whether the first battery pack is abnormal based on the acceleration data after the first battery pack is returned to the ESS.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the ESS management device is configured to calculate a first average electric energy that the plurality of battery packs averagely provide to the vehicle based on cumulative data of the auxiliary usage data of the first battery pack, and select the second battery pack based on the first average electric energy and a second average electric energy that the plurality of battery packs averagely provide to an installation site of the ESS.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the ESS management device is configured to calculate a recommendation score for the remaining battery packs based on a health status of the remaining battery packs, the first average electric energy, and the second average electric energy, and select the second battery pack based on the recommendation score.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the ESS management device calculates, based on the remaining charge of the remaining battery packs and the first average power amount, a first suitability score indicating whether each of the remaining battery packs is suitable for use in the vehicle, calculates, based on the remaining charge of the remaining battery packs and the second average power amount, a second suitability score indicating whether each of the remaining battery packs is suitable for use at the installation site of the ESS, and is configured to calculate a recommendation score for each of the remaining battery packs based on the health status of each of the remaining battery packs, the first suitability score, and the second suitability score. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] According to the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, there can be provided an ESS management device, an ESS management method, and an ESS management system that enable the electric power of an energy storage system (ESS) to be utilized in electric vehicles.

[0031] The technical effects of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the disclosure of the present specification. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0032] The following drawings attached to the present specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and serve to further understand the technical idea of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention described below, therefore the present invention should not be construed as being limited only to the matters described in the drawings.

[0033] [Figure 1] Shows constituent elements of an ESS management system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Shows a structure in which a plurality of battery packs are used in an ESS management system according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] Shows constituent elements of an ESS management device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4]The structure of a battery pack used in a home or vehicle in an ESS management system according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 5] This describes how the ESS battery pack operates in a vehicle according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This illustrates the process by which an ESS battery pack according to one embodiment provides power to an air conditioning system after it has been installed in a vehicle. [Figure 7] This illustrates the process by which a battery pack according to one embodiment is returned from the vehicle to the ESS (Electrical System). [Figure 8] The steps comprising an ESS management method according to one embodiment are shown. [Figure 9] The following describes a step in which an ESS management device according to one embodiment selects a second battery pack to be replaced with a first battery pack.

[0034] In some of the attached drawings, corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Those skilled in the art will understand that these drawings are intended to show elements simply and clearly, and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, to facilitate understanding of various embodiments, the dimensions of some elements shown in the drawings may be exaggerated compared to other elements. Furthermore, elements of the prior art that are useful or essential in commercially viable embodiments are often omitted from the illustrations so as not to detract from the spirit of the various embodiments of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] The embodiments described herein are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the disclosure herein to any particular embodiment, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives to the embodiments described herein.

[0036] 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 various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of such embodiments. In relation to 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, in the context of the reference, it is clearly indicated otherwise.

[0037] In this specification, each of the following phrases may include any one of the items listed together with the applicable phrase, or any possible combination thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," "first," "second," "A," "B," "(a)," or "(b)" may be used simply to distinguish one component from other components and, unless otherwise stated, do not limit the component in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0038] In this specification, when a component (e.g., the first) is referred to as being "coupled," "joined," or "connected" to another component (e.g., the second) with or without such terms, it means that the first component may be directly (e.g., wired or wirelessly) or indirectly (e.g., via the third component) connected to the other component.

[0039] Methods according to various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of an instrument-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 on an instrument-readable storage medium such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store server, or an intermediary server.

[0040] According to embodiments disclosed herein, each of the aforementioned components (e.g., a module or program) may include one or more individuals, and some of the individuals may be separated and arranged in other components. According to 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. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., a module or 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 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.

[0041] Embodiments disclosed herein provide an Energy Storage System (ESS) management device, an ESS management method, and an ESS management system that enable the use of electricity from an ESS for electric vehicles.

[0042] For efficient power utilization, secondary batteries can be configured in the form of Energy Storage Systems (ESS). Household ESSs store solar energy in battery packs composed of secondary batteries, allowing for the use of the stored energy within the home. Beyond household use, ESSs can also be used in offices and commercial settings. Meanwhile, research is being conducted to expand the applications of ESS beyond limited spaces such as homes, including into the mobility sector, such as electric vehicles, where solving energy supply and demand problems related to driving range is a continuous challenge.

[0043] Figure 1 shows the elements constituting an ESS management system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 1, the ESS management system 100 disclosed herein may include an energy storage device (ESS) 120, which can supply power not only to homes 110 but also to vehicles 130. According to the embodiment, the ESS 120 may include a home solar power system and can be used not only in homes but also in offices and commercial applications.

[0044] The ESS120 may include an ESS management device 121 and multiple battery packs 122. If the ESS120 is a home ESS device, the electrical energy converted from sunlight can charge multiple battery packs 122, and the power from the multiple battery packs 122 can be used for various purposes in the home. For such purposes, the ESS management device 121 can perform charging, discharging, and management functions for the multiple battery packs 122.

[0045] In the case of home ESS devices, there is a problem that the utilization of batteries is limited to home use only, and a method is needed to utilize the power of multiple battery packs 122 outside the home. In relation to this, the power of home ESS devices can be used in electric vehicles.

[0046] Electric vehicles can use their main battery as a power source for propulsion. A DC-DC converter can be used to convert the power from the main battery into a control power source, which can be used in the control system of the electric vehicle. The main battery of an electric vehicle is also used to power air conditioning equipment such as heating and cooling systems. However, when using air conditioning functions such as heating and cooling systems, the driving range of the electric vehicle is reduced as the capacity of the main battery decreases, and since it is generally difficult to predict the amount of air conditioning equipment used, the accuracy of predicting the driving range of the electric vehicle may also decrease.

[0047] The ESS management system 100 makes the battery pack 122 of the home ESS device 120 portable and mobile, thereby increasing its usability. As a result, the battery pack's applications can be extended not only to home use but also to, for example, air conditioning systems in electric vehicles. When ESS batteries are used in electric vehicle air conditioning systems, for example, it can solve the problem of drivers being hesitant to actively use the air conditioning system due to concerns that they may not be able to reach their destination due to insufficient capacity of the main battery used to power the electric vehicle.

[0048] The home ESS device disclosed herein may contain multiple battery packs of the same form. According to one embodiment, each battery pack 122 is removable and can be charged and stored by the home ESS device 120. When removed and separated from the home ESS device, each battery pack can exchange battery information with the ESS 120 from outside the ESS 120 using a short-range communication method such as Bluetooth. Each battery pack may have an acceleration sensor, which can record impact events and self-diagnose related problems. For example, information such as the state of health (SOH), state of charge (SOC), and presence or absence of impact can be transmitted to the ESS 120, and the ESS 120 can recommend the optimal battery pack to replace using an algorithm.

[0049] The ESS management system 100 disclosed herein is configured to use a household ESS battery as a power source for the air conditioning system of an electric vehicle. In one embodiment, the main battery of the electric vehicle is selectively used only for power and control purposes, while the household ESS battery is used for driving the air conditioning system. With current technology, the main battery of the electric vehicle covers both driving and the air conditioning system, which leads to the problem of a reduced driving range when the air conditioning system is in use. By utilizing a household ESS battery for the air conditioning system of an electric vehicle, the main battery can be used exclusively as a power source, and therefore the predictive consistency of the driving range provided by the main battery can be increased.

[0050] Figure 2 shows a structure in which multiple battery packs 122 are used in an ESS management system 100 according to one embodiment. Referring to Figure 2, in the ESS management system 100 disclosed herein, the multiple battery packs 122 may include four battery packs, including the first battery pack 1221 to the fourth battery pack 1224. On the other hand, the number of multiple battery packs 122 may be less than four or five or more, contrary to the example.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the first battery pack 1221 of the ESS120 disclosed herein is designed to supply power to a vehicle 130. For example, the first battery pack 1221 can be removed and separated from the ESS120 and installed in the vehicle 130, and can supply power to the air conditioning system of the vehicle 130. The air conditioning system of the vehicle 130 can perform heating, cooling, ventilation, dehumidification, and the like. When the first battery pack 1221 of the ESS120 is discharged in the vehicle 130, the user can separate the first battery pack 1221 from the vehicle 130 and return it to the ESS120.

[0052] The second battery pack 1222 to the fourth battery pack 1224 can supply power to the outside of the ESS 120 according to the original function of the ESS 120. According to one embodiment, the ESS 120 may be a household ESS device, and the second battery pack 1222 to the fourth battery pack 1224 can supply power to other electronic devices in the household where the ESS 120 is installed. When the first battery pack 1221 is returned, the ESS management device 121 of the ESS 120 can select one of the second battery pack 1222 to the fourth battery pack 1224 to be the next battery pack, and the selected battery pack can be installed in the vehicle 130.

[0053] Figure 3 shows the elements that constitute an ESS management device according to one embodiment. Referring to Figure 3, the ESS management device 121 may include a memory 1211 and a processor 1212. However, it is not limited to this, and some components may be omitted from the ESS management device 121, and other general-purpose components may be further included in the ESS management device 121.

[0054] The memory 1211 and the processor 1212 can be operationally coupled. According to one embodiment, the memory 1211 and the processor 1212 can be electrically coupled to each other via an inter-device communication scheme. According to one embodiment, the inter-device communication scheme may include a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), MIPI (mobile industry processor interface), etc.

[0055] The memory 1211 of the ESS management device 121 can be configured to store various data, instruction words, software, mobile applications, computer programs, etc. For example, the memory 1211 can be implemented using non-volatile devices such as ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, PRAM, MRAM, RRAM, FRAM, or volatile devices such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, PRAM, and can be implemented in the form of HDD, SSD, SD, Micro-SD, or a combination thereof.

[0056] The processor 1212 of the ESS management device 121 can realize the operation of the ESS management device 121 by executing instructions stored in the memory 1211. The processor 1212 can be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates for processing various operations or as a general-purpose microprocessor, and can consist of a single processor or multiple processors. For example, the processor 1212 can be implemented in at least one form from among a microprocessor, CPU, GPU, and AP.

[0057] Figures 4 and 5 show the structure and operation of an ESS battery pack 500 supplied with power from a home 110 or a vehicle 130 in an ESS management system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. According to the embodiment, the ESS battery pack 500 can correspond to each of a plurality of battery packs 122.

[0058] The ESS battery pack 500 may include a plurality of battery modules 540 located inside the pack, and a pack management device 530 for managing the plurality of battery modules 540. The pack management device 530 can measure the voltage, current, temperature, etc., of each of the plurality of battery modules 540 located inside the pack, and can perform management functions for the plurality of battery modules 540 based on these measurements. According to one embodiment, the pack management device 530 can operate in accordance with instructions from the ESS management device 121.

[0059] The ESS battery pack 500 is normally fixed to the ESS 120 and can be removed and separated from the ESS 120 as needed. The ESS battery pack 500, removed and separated from the ESS 120, can be mounted on the vehicle 130. In one embodiment, the ESS battery pack 500 can power various electronic devices in a home 110 or other installation location of the ESS 120, and for this purpose can be carried or transported by the user. The front end 511 of the ESS battery pack 500 may include a handle 512 to assist in mounting, detaching, and carrying the ESS battery pack 500.

[0060] Referring to Figure 5, the vehicle 130 may include a vehicle battery 131, a vehicle control device 132, a vehicle air conditioning system 133, and a vehicle drive system 134. According to one embodiment, the ESS battery pack 500 may mean a first battery pack 1221 attached to the vehicle 130 from among a plurality of battery packs 122, while the remaining battery packs 123 can be charged and stored by the ESS 120.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle control device 132 of the vehicle 130 can operate the vehicle air conditioning system 133 and the vehicle drive system 134 using the power of the vehicle battery 131. On the other hand, when an ESS battery pack 500 is installed in the vehicle 130, the vehicle control device 132 can selectively operate the vehicle air conditioning system 133 with the power of the ESS battery pack 500 and operate the vehicle drive system 134 of the vehicle 130, for example, an electric vehicle, with the power of the vehicle battery 131.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the ESS battery pack 500 may include a communication module 510, an accelerometer 520, a pack management device 530, and a plurality of battery modules 540. According to one embodiment, the communication module 510 may include a Bluetooth module for wireless communication with the ESS management device 121. The accelerometer 520 of the ESS battery pack 500 may also include a gyro sensor for recording impact events of the vehicle 130. The pack management device 530 may include its own memory and processor. The ESS battery pack 500 may further include a battery replacement button 550 for removal and separation.

[0063] The operation of the ESS management system 100 disclosed in this application will be described below, focusing on the operation of the ESS management device 121. The operation of the ESS management system 100 will be described below.

[0064] The processor 1212 of the ESS management device 121 can be configured to acquire usage data (vehicle usage data) in the vehicle 130 from the first battery pack 1221 used in the vehicle 130, which is one of the multiple battery packs 122 of the energy storage device (ESS) 120. The vehicle usage data may include data relating to the amount of electricity supplied to the vehicle 130 by the first battery pack. According to the embodiment, the vehicle usage data may include the amount of the first battery pack used in the air conditioning system of the vehicle 130. According to the embodiment, the first battery pack 1221 does not have to belong to the multiple battery packs 122 of the ESS 120, in which case the first battery pack 1221 may be an external battery pack compatible with the ESS 120.

[0065] The processor 1212 of the ESS management device 121 can be configured to acquire charge status data for the remaining battery packs among the multiple battery packs 122, excluding the first battery pack 1221. According to the embodiment, the remaining battery packs can be charged by sunlight and supply power to the home 110. The charge status data may include the current remaining charge level of each of the remaining battery packs, the amount of solar charge, and the amount of power supplied to the home 110.

[0066] The processor 1212 of the ESS management device 121 can be configured to select the second battery pack 1222 to replace the first battery pack 1221 from among the remaining battery packs, based on vehicle usage data and charging status data. For example, based on vehicle usage data and charging status data, the average amount of power consumed by the air conditioning system of the vehicle 130 and the amount of power supplied on average by the battery pack to the home 110 can be calculated, and based on this, the second battery pack 1222 to replace the first battery pack 1221 can be selected.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the processor 1212 of the ESS management device 121 can be configured to establish a communication channel between the ESS battery pack 500 (e.g., the first battery pack 1221) and the pack management device 530 when it detects that the ESS battery pack 500 has entered replacement mode, and to acquire vehicle usage data from the pack management device 530 via the communication channel. In replacement mode, vehicle usage data for the ESS battery pack 500 can be acquired, and the second battery pack 1222 to be replaced with the ESS battery pack 500 can be selected. The communication channel between the pack management device 530 and the ESS management device 121 can include, for example, a short-range communication channel such as Bluetooth. Because short-range wireless communication is possible, the user can prepare for battery pack replacement simply by moving the vehicle 130 to a location close to the ESS 120 without wired connection.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the processor 1212 of the ESS management device 121 can be configured to enter replacement mode when a battery replacement button 550, which is provided for removing the ESS battery pack 500 from the vehicle 130, is pressed by the user, or when the ESS battery pack 500 is separated from the vehicle 130. Each of the multiple battery packs 122 in the ESS 120 can be provided with a battery replacement button 550, which can be configured to release the connection between the vehicle 130 and each battery pack. In this case, the battery pack can be prepared for replacement by transitioning to replacement mode simultaneously with the release of the connection. Alternatively, the replacement mode can be started when a used ESS battery pack 500 is separated from the vehicle 130 without any input from the button 550. In this manner, the user waiting time for battery pack replacement can be reduced.

[0069] According to the embodiment, the vehicle usage data includes auxiliary usage data relating to the amount of power used for auxiliary functions excluding the drive function of the vehicle 130, and acceleration data relating to impact events of the vehicle 130. The auxiliary functions include an air conditioning function for the interior of the vehicle 130, and the air conditioning function can include cooling, heating, ventilation, and dehumidification functions. The ESS battery pack 500 installed in the vehicle 130 can provide power to the auxiliary functions, and the main battery of the vehicle 130 can provide power to the drive function. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the driving range of the vehicle 130 from being shortened and the accuracy of the predicted driving range from decreasing due to the main battery being used for auxiliary functions in an electric vehicle. According to the embodiment, the air conditioning function has the largest power consumption among the auxiliary functions, and the ESS battery pack 500 can provide power assistance mainly for the air conditioning function.

[0070] Referring again to Figures 3 and 5, the processor 1212 of the ESS management device 121 according to the embodiment can be further configured to display on the display 1213 the location where the second battery pack 1222 is stored in the ESS 120 and communicate this to the user, and to diagnose whether there is any abnormality in the first battery pack 1221 based on acceleration data after the first battery pack 1221 has been returned to the ESS 120. Once the second battery pack 1222 to be replaced in place of the first battery pack 1221 has been selected, the ESS management device 121 can display on the display 1213 the storage location of the second battery pack 1222 within the ESS 120 and communicate this to the user. Subsequently, when the first battery pack 1221 is returned to the location where the second battery pack 1222 was stored, a diagnosis can be performed on the first battery pack 1221, and whether there is any abnormality due to an impact event in the vehicle 130 can be diagnosed based on acceleration data. For example, if an acceleration exceeding a reference value is detected, it can be diagnosed that pack damage due to impact is suspected.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the processor 1212 of the ESS management device 121 can be configured to calculate a first average energy amount (P_avg_car) that multiple battery packs 122 provide to the vehicle 130 on average, based on cumulative auxiliary usage data of the first battery pack 1221, and to select a second battery pack 1222 based on the first average energy amount (P_avg_car) and a second average energy amount (P_avg_home) that multiple battery packs 122 provide to the ESS 120 installation location on average. The ESS management device 121 can analyze how suitable each of the remaining battery packs 123 is for replacement based on the first average energy amount (P_avg_car) and the second average energy amount (P_avg_home). The installation location of the ESS 120 may be, but is not limited to, a home 110, and may also include an office or commercial space.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the processor 1212 of the ESS management device 121 can be configured to calculate a recommendation score (R_i) for each of the remaining battery packs 123 based on the health status (SOH_i), first average energy consumption (P_avg_car), and second average energy consumption (P_avg_home) of the remaining battery packs 123, and to select a second battery pack 1222 to be used as the ESS battery pack 500 from among the remaining battery packs 123 based on the recommendation score (R_i). The health status (SOH_i) of the i-th battery pack of the ESS 120 can be calculated by an SOH estimation algorithm. The battery pack with the highest recommendation score (R_i) can be selected as the second battery pack 1222.

[0073] According to the embodiment, the processor 1212 of the ESS management device 121 can be configured to calculate a first suitability score (N_car) indicating whether each of the remaining battery packs 123 is suitable for use in a vehicle 130, based on the remaining charge (SOC_i) and first average energy (P_avg_car) of the remaining battery packs 123; calculate a second suitability score (N_home) indicating whether each of the remaining battery packs 123 is suitable for use in an installation location for the ESS 120, for example, a home 110, based on the remaining charge (SOC_i) and second average energy (P_avg_home) of the remaining battery packs 123; and calculate a recommendation score (R_i) for each of the remaining battery packs 123 based on the health status (SOH_i), first suitability score (N_car), and second suitability score (N_home) of each of the remaining battery packs 123. According to the embodiment, the recommendation score (R_i) for each of the remaining battery packs 123 can be calculated by Equation 1.

[0074]

number

[0075] In Equation 1, the recommendation score (R_i) can be calculated based on the first goodness-of-fit score (N_car), health status (SOH_i), and second goodness-of-fit score (N_home). To solve the problem of small values ​​when using exponential functions, the first goodness-of-fit score (N_car), health status (SOH_i), and second goodness-of-fit score (N_home) can be normalized. Weights (w1, w2, w3) can be applied to the three normalized variables. Equations 2 to 4 show specific methods of normalization.

[0076]

number

[0077]

number

[0078]

number

[0079] In Equation 4, E_i may represent the current charge level of the i-th battery pack. E_i can be calculated by multiplying the charge state (SOC_i) by the conversion coefficient (C_i). E_total may represent the total energy of the remaining battery packs 123 in ESS120. In Equation 3, E_left may represent the energy remaining in ESS120 when the i-th battery pack is removed. A larger value of E_left-P_avg_home can result in a higher recommendation score (R_i). In Equation 2, max_N_car may represent the largest value of E_i-P_avg_car for the remaining battery packs 123, and min_N_car may represent the smallest value of E_i-P_avg_car for the remaining battery packs 123.

[0080] Figure 6 shows the process by which an ESS battery pack 500 according to one embodiment provides power to the air conditioning system after it has been installed in the vehicle. Referring to Figure 6, the process 600 of supplying power to the air conditioning system after the ESS battery pack 500 has been installed in the vehicle 130 may include detailed steps 602, 604, ..., 628.

[0081] In step 602, the ESS battery pack 500 can be mounted on the vehicle 130, and in step 604, the control device 132 of the vehicle 130 can allow communication and power transmission with the ESS battery pack 500. In step 606, the ESS battery pack 500 can transmit power to the air conditioning system of the vehicle 130. In step 608, when an impact event occurs in the vehicle 130, the acceleration sensor 520 of the ESS battery pack 500 can be activated. In step 610, the pack management device 530 of the ESS battery pack 500 can record the frequency and magnitude of impacts applied to the ESS battery pack 500.

[0082] In step 612, the pack management device 530 of the ESS battery pack 500 can diagnose the condition of the ESS battery pack 500 in relation to the shock event. For example, in step 614, the pack management device 530 can check whether the magnitude of the shock exceeds a standard value, in step 616, whether the frequency of shocks exceeds a standard value, in step 618, whether the state of charge (SOC) of the ESS battery pack 500 does not reach a standard value, and in step 620, whether any other problem has occurred with the ESS battery pack 500.

[0083] If the results of steps 614 to 620 are all "N" (NO), the process returns to step 606, and the ESS battery pack 500 can continue to supply power to the vehicle 130. If at least one of the results of steps 614 to 620 is "Y" (YES), then in step 622, data regarding the impact event can be recorded; in step 624, the vehicle control device 132 of the vehicle 130 can stop the discharge of the ESS battery pack 500; in step 626, the vehicle control device 132 of the vehicle 130 can display the reason for the stop to the driver of the vehicle 130; and in step 628, the vehicle control device 132 of the vehicle 130 can operate the air conditioning system using the power of the main battery, the vehicle battery 131.

[0084] Figure 7 shows the process by which an ESS battery pack 500 according to one embodiment is returned from the vehicle 130 to the ESS 120. Referring to Figure 7, the process 700 in which the battery pack is returned from the vehicle 130 to the ESS 120 may include detailed steps 702, 704, ..., 730.

[0085] In step 702, the ESS management device 121 of the ESS 120 can detect the separation or button input of the ESS battery pack 500. In step 704, the ESS management device 121 can pair with the pack management device 530 of the ESS battery pack 500. In step 706, the pack management device 530 of the ESS battery pack 500 can transmit separation information such as battery level and shock event logs to the ESS management device 121. In step 708, the pack management device 530 can further transmit SOC information and diagnostic information to the ESS management device 121.

[0086] In step 710, the ESS management device 121 can receive information from the pack management device 530. In step 712, the ESS management device 121 can calculate the predicted and actual usage of the battery packs in the vehicle 130. In step 714, the ESS management device 121 can recommend a replacement pack using an algorithm for selecting the optimal battery from the remaining battery packs 123. In step 716, the ESS management device 121 can display the storage location of the pack to be replaced to the user. In step 718, the ESS management device 121 can recognize that the pack to be replaced has been separated from the ESS 120. In step 720, the ESS management device 121 can recognize that the pack separated from the vehicle 130 and returned to the ESS 120 is located at the same location where the pack to be replaced was separated.

[0087] In step 722, the ESS management device 121 can measure the SOC of the pack separated from the vehicle 130 and returned to the ESS 120, and can perform a diagnostic algorithm on the returned pack. In step 724, the ESS management device 121 can check whether a diagnostic record exists for the returned pack from the pack management device 530. Then, in step 726, the ESS management device 121 can check whether the frequency and magnitude of impacts on the returned pack exceed the standard values. If the results of both steps 724 and 726 are "N" (NO), in step 728, the ESS management device 121 can start charging the returned pack. If at least one of the results of steps 724 and 726 is "Y" (YES), the ESS management device 121 can stop charging the slot where the returned pack is located and can communicate relevant information to the user and / or administrator.

[0088] Figure 8 shows the steps comprising an ESS management method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 8, the ESS management method 800 may include steps 810 to 830. However, it is not limited to this, and some steps may be omitted or other general steps may be added, and the steps of the ESS management method 800 may be performed in an order different from that shown.

[0089] The ESS management method 800 can consist of steps processed chronologically in the ESS management device 121. Therefore, even if some details are omitted below, the information provided above regarding the ESS management device 121 can be applied similarly to the ESS management method 800.

[0090] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, steps 810 to 830 of the ESS management method 800 can be performed by the memory 1211 and processor 1212 of the ESS management device 121.

[0091] In step 810, the ESS management device 121 can acquire vehicle usage data from the first battery pack 1221 used in the vehicle, among the multiple battery packs 122 of the ESS 120.

[0092] In step 820, the ESS management device 121 can acquire charge status data for the remaining battery packs 123 among the multiple battery packs 122, excluding the first battery pack 1221.

[0093] In step 830, the ESS management device 121 can select the second battery pack 1222 to be replaced with the first battery pack 1221 from the remaining battery packs 123 based on vehicle usage data and charging status data. Referring to Figure 9, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ESS management device 121 can select the second battery pack 1222 to be replaced with the first battery pack 1221 from the remaining battery packs 123 by performing the following steps. However, these steps are not limited thereto, some steps may be omitted, or other general steps may be added, and the steps of the ESS battery pack selection method 900 may be performed in an order different from the order shown.

[0094] First, in step 910, the ESS management device 121 calculates a first average amount of power that the multiple battery packs provide to the vehicle 130 on average, based on the cumulative data of the auxiliary usage data used by the first battery pack 1221 in the vehicle 130.

[0095] In step 920, the ESS management device 121 calculates the second average amount of power that the plurality of battery packs provide to the installation location of the ESS on average. In step 930, the ESS management device 121 calculates the remaining health status of the battery pack 123 using, for example, an SOH estimation algorithm.

[0096] In step 940, the ESS management device 121 calculates a first suitability score indicating whether each of the remaining battery packs 123 is suitable for use in the vehicle 130, based on the remaining charge and first average energy of the remaining battery packs 123.

[0097] In step 950, the ESS management device 121 calculates a second suitability score indicating whether each of the remaining battery packs 123 is suitable for use at the installation site of the ESS, based on the remaining charge and second average energy of the remaining battery packs 123.

[0098] In step 960, the ESS management device 121 uses the first fitness score, the second fitness score, and the health status to calculate the recommendation score for the remaining battery packs 123.

[0099] In step 970, the ESS management device 121 selects the battery pack with the highest recommendation score as the second battery pack 1222 to replace the first battery pack 1221.

[0100] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ESS management method 800 and the battery pack sorting method 900 can be implemented in the form of a computer program stored on a computer-readable storage medium. That is, the computer program may include instructions for implementing the ESS management method 800 and the battery pack sorting method 900, and the instructions of the program may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium. The computer program may include a mobile application.

[0101] According to the embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium may include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute computer program instructions, such as ROMs, RAMs, and flash memory. Computer program instructions may include machine code produced by a compiler and high-level language code executable by a computer using an interpreter or the like.

[0102] The terms “contains,” “constitutes,” or “possesses,” as used herein, mean, unless otherwise stated, that the component may be inherent in that component, and not exclude other components, but rather may further contain other components. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as that generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments disclosed herein belong, unless otherwise defined. Commonly used terms, such as those defined in dictionaries, should be interpreted in accordance with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology and not in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0103] The above description is merely illustrative of the technical concept disclosed herein, and any person with ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments disclosed herein belong can make various modifications and variations without departing 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 claims described below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the scope of rights of this specification. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 100: ESS Management System 110: Home 120:ESS 121:ESS management device 1211: Memory 1212: Processor 122: Multiple battery packs 1221: First battery pack 123: Remaining battery pack 130: Vehicle

Claims

1. Memory and A processor operably connected to the aforementioned memory, Includes, The processor acquires vehicle usage data from the first battery pack used in the vehicle. We acquire charge status data for multiple battery packs in an energy storage system (ESS). An ESS management device configured to select a second battery pack to replace the first battery pack from among the plurality of battery packs based on the vehicle usage data and the charging status data.

2. When the processor detects that the first battery pack has entered replacement mode, it establishes a communication channel with the first pack management device of the first battery pack. The ESS management device according to claim 1, configured to acquire the vehicle usage data from the first pack management device via the communication channel.

3. The ESS management device according to claim 2, wherein the processor is configured to enter the replacement mode when a battery replacement button provided for removing the first battery pack from the vehicle is pressed by the user, or when the first battery pack is separated from the vehicle.

4. The vehicle usage data includes auxiliary usage data relating to the amount of power used for auxiliary functions of the first battery pack excluding the vehicle's driving function, and acceleration data relating to impact events in the vehicle of the first battery pack. The ESS management device according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary function includes an air conditioning function for the interior of the vehicle, and the air conditioning function includes a cooling function, a heating function, a ventilation function, and a dehumidifying function.

5. The processor displays the location where the second battery pack is housed in the ESS on the display and communicates this to the user. The ESS management device according to claim 4, further configured to diagnose whether there is an abnormality in the first battery pack based on the acceleration data after the first battery pack has been returned to the ESS.

6. The processor calculates a first average amount of power that the plurality of battery packs provide to the vehicle on average, based on the cumulative data of the auxiliary usage data used by the first battery pack in the vehicle. The ESS management device according to claim 4, configured to select the second battery pack based on the first average power amount and the second average power amount that the plurality of battery packs provide on average to the installation location of the ESS.

7. The processor calculates a recommendation score for the plurality of battery packs based on the health status of the plurality of battery packs, the first average power consumption, and the second average power consumption. The ESS management device according to claim 6, configured to select the second battery pack from among the plurality of battery packs based on the recommendation score.

8. The processor calculates a first suitability score indicating whether each of the plurality of battery packs is suitable for use in the vehicle, based on the remaining charge of the plurality of battery packs and the first average power amount. Based on the remaining charge of the plurality of battery packs and the second average energy, a second suitability score is calculated to indicate whether each of the plurality of battery packs is suitable for use at the installation location of the ESS. The ESS management device according to claim 7, configured to calculate a recommendation score for each of the remaining battery packs based on the health status of each of the plurality of battery packs, the first suitability score, and the second suitability score.

9. A step of acquiring vehicle usage data from the first battery pack used in the vehicle, A step of acquiring charge status data of multiple battery packs of an energy storage device (ESS), A step of selecting a second battery pack to replace the first battery pack from among the plurality of battery packs based on the vehicle usage data and the charging status data, ESS management methods, including [specific details omitted].

10. The step of acquiring the aforementioned vehicle usage data is: When the transition of the first battery pack to replacement mode is detected, the first battery pack is configured to form a communication channel with the first pack management device. The ESS management method according to claim 9, comprising the step of acquiring the vehicle usage data from the first pack management device via the communication channel.

11. The ESS management method according to claim 10, wherein the step of forming the communication channel includes entering the replacement mode when a battery replacement button provided for removing the first battery pack from the vehicle is pressed by the user or when the first battery pack is separated from the vehicle.

12. The vehicle usage data includes auxiliary usage data relating to the amount of power used for auxiliary functions of the first battery pack excluding the vehicle's driving function, and acceleration data relating to impact events in the vehicle of the first battery pack. The ESS management method according to claim 9, wherein the auxiliary function includes an air conditioning function for the interior of the vehicle, and the air conditioning function includes a cooling function, a heating function, a ventilation function, and a dehumidifying function.

13. The steps include: displaying the location where the second battery pack is stored in the ESS on the display and informing the user of this location; The ESS management method according to claim 12, further comprising the step of diagnosing whether there is an abnormality in the first battery pack based on the acceleration data after the first battery pack has been returned to the ESS.

14. The step of selecting the second battery pack is as follows: A step of calculating a first average amount of power supplied to the vehicle by the plurality of battery packs on average, based on the cumulative data of the auxiliary usage of the first battery pack in the vehicle, The ESS management method according to claim 12, comprising the step of selecting the second battery pack based on the first average power amount and the second average power amount that the plurality of battery packs provide on average to the installation location of the ESS.

15. The step of selecting the second battery pack is as follows: A step of calculating a recommendation score for the plurality of battery packs based on the health status of the plurality of battery packs, the first average power, and the second average power; The ESS management method according to claim 14, comprising the step of selecting the second battery pack from among the plurality of battery packs based on the recommendation score.

16. The step of calculating the aforementioned recommendation score is: A step of calculating a first suitability score indicating whether each of the plurality of battery packs is suitable for use in the vehicle, based on the remaining charge of the plurality of battery packs and the first average energy amount, A step of calculating a second suitability score indicating whether each of the plurality of battery packs is suitable for use at the installation location of the ESS, based on the remaining charge of the plurality of battery packs and the second average power amount, The ESS management method according to claim 15, comprising the step of calculating a recommendation score for each of the remaining battery packs based on the health status of each of the plurality of battery packs, the first suitability score, and the second suitability score.

17. Multiple battery packs for an energy storage system (ESS), An ESS management device is configured to acquire vehicle usage data from a first battery pack used in a vehicle, acquire charge status data of the plurality of battery packs, and, based on the vehicle usage data and the charge status data, select a second battery pack from the plurality of battery packs to replace the first battery pack. An ESS management system, including [this].

18. The vehicle usage data includes auxiliary usage data relating to the amount of electricity used for auxiliary functions excluding the driving function of the vehicle, and acceleration data relating to impact events in the vehicle. The ESS management system according to claim 17, wherein the auxiliary function includes an air conditioning function for the interior of the vehicle, and the air conditioning function includes a cooling function, a heating function, a ventilation function, and a dehumidifying function.

19. The ESS management device calculates a first average amount of power supplied to the vehicle by the plurality of battery packs on average, based on the cumulative data of the auxiliary usage data of the first battery pack. The ESS management system according to claim 18, configured to select the second battery pack based on the first average power amount and the second average power amount that the plurality of battery packs provide on average to the installation location of the ESS.

20. The ESS management device calculates a recommendation score for the plurality of battery packs based on the health status of the plurality of battery packs, the first average power consumption, and the second average power consumption. The ESS management system according to claim 19, configured to select the second battery pack from among the plurality of battery packs based on the recommendation score.

Images