Charge / discharge test device and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a charge / discharge test device and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a charge / discharge test device and a control method thereof capable of cooling a power supply unit that supplies power to a charging unit that performs a charge / discharge test on a battery cell during an activation process of the battery cell.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a charge / discharge test device and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a charge / discharge test device and a control method thereof capable of cooling a power supply unit that supplies power to a charging unit that performs a charge / discharge test on a battery cell during an activation process of the battery cell.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0175786 dated December 9, 2021, and all contents disclosed in the documents of that Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0003] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a conventional jig formation device.

[0004] The formation process is a process in which the battery cells are repeatedly charged and discharged to activate the battery cells and remove gas. During the battery cell formation process, a lot of heat is generated, and in the case of high-capacity battery cells, the amount of heat generated increases even more.

[0005] Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional jig formation device 10 for performing a formation process includes a device frame 11, a charging unit 13, and a power supply unit 12.

[0006] The device frame 11 is a frame that supports the charging unit 13 and the power supply unit 12. The charging unit 13 is provided to perform an activation process of the battery cells. In the activation process, the battery cells are charged and discharged through the charging unit. The charging unit 13 is supplied with power from the power supply unit 12. In the conventional jig formation device, the power supply unit 12 is installed below the charging unit 13.

[0007] As battery cells are manufactured with a high capacity, the specification of the supply current of the power supply unit increases, and as the capacity of the power supply unit increases, the size and heat generation of the power supply unit also increase.

[0008] The conventional jig formation device 10 has a problem that heat generated in the power supply unit 12 during the activation process of the battery cells is transferred to the charging unit 13. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide a charge / discharge test device and a control method thereof capable of effectively cooling a power supply unit that supplies power to a charging unit during an activation process of a battery cell.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a charge / discharge test device and a control method thereof, in which a charging unit and a power supply unit are mounted in separate spaces within a frame unit and cooling air can be supplied to a frame passage located between the charging unit and the power supply unit.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a charge / discharge test device and a control method thereof that can block the transfer of heat generated in a power supply unit to a charging unit.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a charge / discharge test device and a control method thereof that can improve the efficiency of air conditioning within the device during a battery activation process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a charge / discharge test device including: a charging unit for charging and discharging a battery cell; a power supply unit for applying power to the charging unit; a first installation space in which the power supply unit is disposed; a second installation space in which the charging unit is disposed; a frame passage disposed between the first installation space and the second installation space; a frame portion including a first partition wall that separates the frame passage from the first installation space and has a first flow hole; and a second partition wall that separates the frame passage from the first installation space and has a second flow hole; a cooling duct that is disposed in the frame passage and has a supply hole opened to the frame passage; one or more duct air inlets configured to supply cooling air to the cooling duct; a first blower fan configured to introduce air in the frame passage into the first installation space through the first flow hole; and a second blower fan configured to introduce air in the second installation space into the frame passage through the second flow hole.

[0014] In addition, the frame portion may have a first exhaust hole for exhausting air within the first installation space to the outside, and the cooling air flowing into the frame passage through the cooling duct may be configured to flow into the first installation space and then be exhausted to the outside of the frame portion through the first exhaust hole.

[0015] In addition, the air flowing from the second installation space into the frame passage through the second flow hole may be configured to flow into the first installation space together with the cooling air supplied from the cooling duct, and then be discharged to the outside of the frame portion through the first exhaust hole.

[0016] In addition, the duct inlet may be provided in a plurality of units. In this case, the charge / discharge test device may include a first duct inlet connected to one end of the cooling duct and a second duct inlet connected to the other end of the cooling duct.

[0017] In addition, the first duct air supply unit may include a first air supply duct connected to the cooling duct and a first air supply fan provided in the first air supply duct, and the second duct air supply unit may include a second air supply duct connected to the cooling duct and a second air supply fan provided in the second air supply duct. With this structure, cooling air can be supplied to both sides of the cooling duct.

[0018] Also, the first discharge hole may be positioned to face the first flow hole.

[0019] Also, the power supply unit may be located between the first exhaust hole and the first flow hole.

[0020] Also, the first flow hole and the second flow hole may be provided at different heights within the frame portion.

[0021] Also, the supply hole of the cooling duct may be disposed at a position higher than the first flow hole within the frame portion.

[0022] The charge / discharge test device may also include a control unit configured to control the power supply unit, the charging unit, the duct air supply unit, and the first and second blower fans.

[0023] The control unit may be configured to operate the duct air supply unit to supply cooling air to the cooling duct and to operate the first and second blower fans when power is applied to the charging unit.

[0024] The charge / discharge test device may further include a power supply room surrounding the frame portion and including a room air supply section and a room exhaust section.

[0025] The air flowing into the power supply room through the room air supply part may be configured to flow into the second installation space of the frame part.

[0026] In addition, the air discharged into the power supply room through the first exhaust hole of the frame portion may be discharged to the outside of the power supply room by the room exhaust part of the power supply room.

[0027] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for the charge / discharge test device, the control method including the steps of applying power to the charging unit, supplying cooling air to the cooling duct, supplying the cooling air in the frame passage to the inside of the first installation space by operating the first blower fan, and discharging the air in the first installation space to the frame passage by operating the second blower fan. Effect of the Invention

[0028] As described above, the charge / discharge test device and the control method thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention have the following advantages.

[0029] During the activation process of the battery cell, the power supply unit that supplies power to the charging unit can be effectively cooled.

[0030] In addition, by arranging the charging unit and the power supply unit in separate spaces within the frame unit and supplying cooling air to the frame passage located between the charging unit and the power supply unit, it is possible to prevent heat generated in the power supply unit from being transferred to the charging unit.

[0031] In addition, during the battery activation process, the efficiency of air conditioning within the device can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional zig formation device. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a main configuration of a charge / discharge test device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 1 is a front view showing a main configuration of a charge / discharge test device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a plan view showing a main configuration of a charge / discharge test device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating a flow of cooling air supplied to each frame unit when a plurality of frame units are stacked in a power supply room; [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram illustrating a flow of cooling air supplied to each frame unit when a plurality of frame units are stacked in a power supply room; [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram illustrating a flow of cooling air supplied to each frame unit when a plurality of frame units are stacked in a power supply room; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a charge / discharge test device and a control method thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention, which are provided merely to explain the present invention in detail and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0035] In addition, identical or corresponding components regardless of drawing symbols will be given the same reference numbers, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted. For convenience of explanation, the size and shape of each component illustrated may be exaggerated or reduced.

[0036] The terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one component from another component.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the main components of a charge / discharge test apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a front view showing the main components of a charge / discharge test apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the main components of a charge / discharge test apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] The charge / discharge test device 100 of the present invention includes a charging unit 130 for charging and discharging the battery cell 50, a power supply unit 120 for applying power to the charging unit 130, a frame unit 110 in which the charging unit 130 and the power supply unit 120 are respectively installed, a cooling duct 140, one or more duct air supply units 150, 160, a first blower fan 172 and a second blower fan 171.

[0039] Here, the charging unit 130 is provided to charge and discharge the battery cell 50 and to perform an activation process of the battery cell 50. As an example, the battery cell 50 may be a stack cell in which electrodes and a separator are stacked, and a pouch-type battery cell in which an electrolyte is housed in a pouch.

[0040] Also, the power supply unit 120 applies power to the charging unit 130. The charging unit 130 and the power supply unit 120 are well-known equipment used in the conventional jig formation device, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0041] The frame part 110 has a first installation space 111, a second installation space 112, and a frame passage 113. Specifically, the frame part 110 includes the first installation space 111 in which the power supply part 120 is disposed, the second installation space 112 in which the charging part 130 is disposed, and the frame passage 113 located between the first installation space 111 and the second installation space 112.

[0042] In addition, the frame part 110 includes a first partition wall 115 that divides the frame passage 113 and the first installation space 111 and has a first flow hole 115a, and a second partition wall 116 that divides the frame passage 113 and the second installation space 112 and has a second flow hole 114. The first flow hole 115a and the second flow hole 114 may be configured in the form of a mesh that allows air to flow.

[0043] In this manner, through the first partition 115 and the second partition 116, the internal space of the frame portion 110 can be divided into a first installation space 111, a second installation space 112, and a frame passage 113 located between the first installation space 111 and the second installation space 112.

[0044] The frame passage 113 physically separates the spaces in which the power supply unit 120 and the charging unit 130 are arranged, providing a space that can prevent heat generated in the power supply unit 120 from being transferred to the charging unit 130.

[0045] The charge / discharge test device 100 is disposed in the frame passage 113 and includes a cooling duct 140 having a supply hole 143 open to the frame passage 113, and one or more duct air supply parts 150, 160 configured to supply cooling air A to the cooling duct 140.

[0046] When cooling air A is supplied to the cooling duct 140 through the duct air inlets 150 and 160, the cooling air A may flow into the frame passage 113 through the supply hole 143 of the cooling duct 140. With this structure, the cooling air A may be supplied to the inside of the frame passage 113 between the first installation space 111 and the second installation space 112.

[0047] In addition, the charge / discharge test device 100 includes a first blower fan 172 arranged to introduce air in the frame passage 113 into the first installation space 111 through the first flow hole 115a, and a second blower fan 171 arranged to introduce air in the second installation space 112 into the frame passage 113 through the second flow hole 114.

[0048] In addition, the first blower fan 172 may be disposed to generate air flow in a direction from the frame passage 113 toward the first installation space 111. In addition, the first blower fan 172 may be mounted on the first partition wall 115 and disposed adjacent to the first flow hole 115a.

[0049] In addition, the second blower fan 171 may be disposed to generate air flow in a direction from the second installation space 112 toward the frame passage 113. In addition, the second blower fan 171 may be mounted on the second partition wall 114 and disposed adjacent to the second flow hole 114.

[0050] In addition, the frame unit 110 has a first exhaust hole 111a for exhausting air in the first installation space 111 to the outside. In addition, the first exhaust hole 111a may be positioned to face the first flow hole 115a. In addition, the power supply unit 120 may be positioned between the first exhaust hole 111a and the first flow hole 115a. In this structure, air flowing into the first installation space 111 through the first flow hole 115a passes through the power supply unit 120 and can be exhausted to the outside of the frame unit 110 through the first exhaust hole 111a.

[0051] When the duct inlets 150,160 are in operation, cooling air A is supplied to the cooling duct 140 through the duct inlets 150,160.

[0052] The cooling air A supplied to the frame passage 113 through the supply hole 143 of the cooling duct 140 can be configured to flow into the first installation space 111 through the first flow hole 115a and then be discharged to the outside of the frame part 110 through the first exhaust hole 111a.

[0053] In addition, air B flowing from the second installation space 112 into the frame passage 113 through the second flow hole 114a can be configured to flow into the first installation space 111 through the first flow hole 115a together with cooling air A supplied from the cooling duct 140, and then be discharged to the outside of the frame portion through the first exhaust hole 111a.

[0054] Cooling air A flowing into frame passage 113 flows into first installation space 111 through first flow hole 115a and exchanges heat with power supply unit 120, and air C having exchanged heat with power supply unit 120 is discharged from first installation space 111 to the outside of frame unit 110 through first exhaust hole 111a. That is, air C having exchanged heat with power supply unit 120 is not transferred to charging unit 120 but is discharged to the outside of frame unit 110.

[0055] Also, the first flow hole 115a and the second flow hole 114 may be provided at different heights in the frame part 110. The second flow hole 114 may be provided at a higher position than the first flow hole 115a. Also, the supply hole 143 of the cooling duct 140 may be provided at a higher position than the first flow hole 115a in the frame part 120. In this structure, the cooling air A flowing into the frame passage through the supply hole 143 may fall toward the first flow hole 115a and then be supplied to the first installation space 111. Also, the air B supplied to the frame passage from the second installation space 112 may fall toward the first flow hole 115a together with the cooling air A and then be supplied to the first installation space 111.

[0056] In addition, the charge / discharge test device 100 may include a power supply unit 120, a charging unit 130, duct air supply units 150 and 160, a first blower fan 172, and a second blower fan 171.

[0057] In addition, the control unit 190 may be configured to operate the duct air supply units 150 and 160 to supply cooling air A to the cooling duct 140 and operate the first and second blower fans 172 and 171, respectively, when power is applied to the charging unit 130.

[0058] 4, a plurality of duct inlets may be provided. In this case, the charge / discharge test device 100 may include a first duct inlet 150 connected to one end 141 of the cooling duct 140 and a second duct inlet 160 connected to the other end 143 of the cooling duct 140. With this structure, cooling air A can be supplied to both sides of the cooling duct 140.

[0059] 5 to 7 are diagrams for explaining the flow of cooling air supplied to each frame section when a plurality of frame sections are stacked in a power supply room.

[0060] 5, the first duct air supply unit 150 may include a first air supply duct 151 connected to the cooling duct 140 and a first air supply fan 152 provided in the first air supply duct 151. In addition, the second duct air supply unit 160 may include a second air supply duct 161 connected to the cooling duct 140 and a second air supply fan 162 provided in the second air supply duct 161.

[0061] 7, the charge / discharge test device 100 may include a power supply room 20 that surrounds the frame unit 110 and includes a room air supply unit 180 and a room exhaust unit 185. The room air supply unit 180 is provided to supply air to the inside of the power supply room 20 and may include one or more blower fans, and the room exhaust unit 185 is provided to exhaust air to the outside of the power supply room 20 and may include one or more blower fans.

[0062] In addition, the air flowing into the power supply room 20 through the room air supply unit 180 may be configured to flow into the second installation space 112 of the frame unit 110. A portion of the frame unit 110 that forms the second installation space 112 is open to the inside of the power supply room 20.

[0063] With this structure, air flowing into second installation space 112 exchanges heat with charging unit 120, and air B that has exchanged heat with charging unit 120 flows into frame passage 113 by second blower fan 172. Also, as described above with reference to FIG. 3, cooling air A supplied to frame passage 113 through cooling duct 140 flows into first installation space 111 and is then discharged to the outside of frame unit 110 through first exhaust hole 111a.

[0064] Also, referring to FIG. 7, the air C discharged into the power supply room 20 through the first exhaust hole 111a of the frame part 110 can be discharged to the outside of the power supply room 20 through the room exhaust part 185 of the power supply room 20.

[0065] In addition, the charge / discharge test device 100 may include a plurality of frame parts 110 inside the power supply room 20. At this time, a charging part 130 and a power supply part 120 are disposed inside each frame part 110.

[0066] 5 and 7, a plurality of frame parts 110 may be stacked such that the frame passages 113 are aligned in a vertical direction.

[0067] The first and second air supply ducts 151, 161 are each connected to the cooling duct 140 and guide the cooling air A to the cooling duct 140. The first and second air supply fans 152, 162 are provided in the first and second air supply ducts 151, 161, respectively, and are blower fans that cause the cooling air A to flow into the cooling duct 140 via the first and second air supply ducts 151, 162.

[0068] When the first air supply fan 152 and the second air supply fan 162 are operating, cooling air A flows into the cooling duct 140 through the first and second air supply ducts 151, 161, and the cooling air A flows from the cooling duct 140 through the frame passage 113 to the first installation space 111, where it exchanges heat with the power supply unit 120.

[0069] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, when multiple frame parts 110 are stacked and assembled in the vertical direction, the first air supply duct 151 and the second air supply duct 161 can be branched into multiple parts and connected to the cooling ducts 140 of the multiple frame parts 110.

[0070] For this purpose, the first and second air supply ducts 151 and 161 may include a plurality of air supply branch pipes 151a and 161a, respectively. Also, the air supply branch pipes 151a and 161a may be individually provided with air supply fans 153 and 163 for branching. In this case, the air supply fans 153 and 163 for branching may be individually operated.

[0071] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a control method for the charge / discharge test device 100, the control method including the steps of applying power to a charging unit, supplying cooling air to a cooling duct, supplying the cooling air in the frame passage to the inside of a first installation space by operating a first blower fan, and discharging the air in the first installation space to the frame passage by operating a second blower fan.

[0072] The preferred embodiments of the present invention described above have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, and those skilled in the art having ordinary knowledge of the present invention may make various modifications, changes, and additions within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications, changes, and additions should be understood to fall within the scope of the following claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0073] As described above in detail, according to the charge / discharge test device and control method related to one embodiment of the present invention, the charging unit and the power supply unit are arranged in separate spaces within the frame unit, and cooling air is supplied to the frame passage located between the charging unit and the power supply unit, thereby preventing heat generated in the power supply unit from being transferred to the charging unit.

Claims

1. a charging unit for performing charging and discharging of the battery cells; a power supply unit that applies power to the charging unit; a frame portion including: a first installation space in which the power supply unit is disposed; a second installation space in which the charging unit is disposed; a frame passage located between the first installation space and the second installation space; a first partition wall that separates the frame passage from the first installation space and has a first flow hole; and a second partition wall that separates the frame passage from the second installation space and has a second flow hole; a cooling duct disposed in the frame passage and having a supply hole open to the frame passage; one or more duct inlets adapted to supply cooling air to said cooling ducts; a first blower fan configured to introduce air in the frame passage into the first installation space through the first flow hole; and a second blower fan configured to introduce air from within the second installation space into the frame passage through the second flow hole;

2. the frame portion has a first exhaust hole for exhausting air in the first installation space to the outside, 2 . The charge / discharge test device of claim 1 , wherein the cooling air flowing into the frame passage through the cooling duct flows into the first installation space and is then discharged to the outside of the frame through the first exhaust hole.

3. 3. The charge / discharge test device of claim 2, wherein the air flowing from the second installation space into the frame passage through the second flow hole flows into the first installation space together with cooling air supplied from the cooling duct, and is then discharged to the outside of the frame portion through the first exhaust hole.

4. The duct air intake section is provided in a plurality of pieces, a first duct air supply part connected to one end of the cooling duct and a second duct air supply part connected to the other end of the cooling duct, the first duct air supply unit includes a first air supply duct connected to the cooling duct; and a first air supply fan provided in the first air supply duct, 2 . The charge / discharge test device according to claim 1 , wherein the second duct air supply unit includes: a second air supply duct connected to the cooling duct; and a second air supply fan provided in the second air supply duct.

5. 3. The charge / discharge test device of claim 2, wherein the first discharge hole is positioned opposite the first flow hole.

6. 6. The charge / discharge test device according to claim 5, wherein the power supply unit is located between the first discharge hole and the first flow hole.

7. 2. The charge / discharge test device of claim 1, wherein the first flow hole and the second flow hole are provided at different heights within the frame portion.

8. The charge / discharge test device of claim 1 , wherein the supply hole of the cooling duct is provided at a position higher than the first flow hole in the frame portion.

9. The air conditioner further includes a control unit configured to control the power supply unit, the charging unit, the duct air supply unit, and the first and second blower fans; 2. The charge / discharge test device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to operate the duct air supply unit to supply cooling air to the cooling duct and to operate the first and second blower fans, respectively, when power is applied to the charging unit.

10. 3. The charge / discharge test device according to claim 2, further comprising a power supply room surrounding the frame portion and including a room air supply section and a room exhaust section.

11. The charge / discharge test device according to claim 10 , wherein the air flowing into the power supply room through the room air supply part flows into the second installation space of the frame part.

12. The charge / discharge test device of claim 11 , wherein the air discharged into the power supply room through the first exhaust hole of the frame part is discharged to the outside of the power supply room by the room exhaust part of the power supply room.

13. A method for controlling a charge / discharge test device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising: applying power to the charging unit; supplying cooling air to said cooling duct; Supplying cooling air in the frame passage to the inside of the first installation space by operating the first blower fan; and A method for controlling a charge / discharge test device, comprising the step of discharging air in the first installation space into the frame passage by operating the second blower fan.

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