Battery module management system and battery module management method

Abstract

To provide a battery module management system capable of determining that a plurality of battery cells includes a battery cell whose expansion is caused by deterioration, while suppressing the number of sensors.SOLUTION: A management system 12 for managing a battery module 1 comprises: coolant piping 3, routed so as to pass through between two adjacent battery cells 2, for making coolant 20 circulate between the battery cells 2, the coolant piping 3 having elasticity deformable in a direction in which a flow passage for the coolant 20 is reduced by expansion of the battery cells 2; a plurality of particles 4 that is mixed in the coolant 20 and circulates together with the coolant 20 in the coolant piping 3; a fluid pressure meter 6, a flow meter 7, and a number-of-particles measurement unit 8 that are detection units for detecting physical parameters on the coolant 20 containing the particles 4 or a flow of the coolant 20; and a determination unit 9 that on the basis of the detected physical parameters, determines that the plurality of battery cells 2 includes a battery cell 2 whose expansion is caused by deterioration.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module management system and a battery module management method. [Background technology]

[0002] Electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles are equipped with battery modules equipped with multiple battery cells, which are rechargeable secondary batteries. Battery cells tend to deteriorate and expand when used over a long period of time through repeated charging and discharging. Battery cells that have expanded due to deterioration need to be detected early in order to be replaced.

[0003] Therefore, in the battery module management system described in Patent Document 1, in order to detect the state of each of the multiple battery cells, multiple sensors are attached to detect multiple operating parameters including distortion of each battery cell, and the presence or absence of deteriorated and swollen battery cells is determined based on the signals from each sensor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-198085 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the above-described battery module management system, when there are multiple battery cells, a huge number of sensors are required in proportion to the number of battery cells, making the entire system complicated and cumbersome and increasing the manufacturing costs of the system.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a battery module management system that is capable of determining whether a battery cell that has expanded due to deterioration is present among multiple battery cells while reducing the number of sensors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the battery module management system of claim 1 of the present invention is a management system for managing a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged side by side in a predetermined direction, and is characterized in that it comprises a refrigerant piping that is arranged to pass between two adjacent battery cells and circulates a refrigerant between the battery cells, the refrigerant piping having elasticity that allows it to deform in a direction that narrows the flow path of the refrigerant due to expansion of the battery cells, a plurality of particles that are mixed into the refrigerant and circulate through the refrigerant piping together with the refrigerant, a detection unit that detects physical parameters related to the refrigerant containing the particles or the flow of the refrigerant, and a judgment unit that judges, based on the physical parameters, that there is a battery cell that has expanded due to deterioration among the plurality of battery cells.

[0008] In this configuration, in a configuration with refrigerant piping for circulating refrigerant between battery cells of a battery module, by mixing a plurality of particles into the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant piping, when one of the battery cells of the battery module expands, the refrigerant piping deforms in a position adjacent to the expanded battery cell due to the expansion of the battery cell, narrowing the flow path of the refrigerant, and particles become clogged in the narrowed portion, causing the circulation of the refrigerant to stagnate. When the circulation of the refrigerant stagnates, physical parameters related to the refrigerant containing particles or the flow of the refrigerant (for example, the flow rate or pressure of the refrigerant, the number of particles contained in the refrigerant, or the color of the refrigerant (particularly the shade), etc.) change. Therefore, in the above configuration, the detection unit detects the above physical parameters that change due to the expansion of the battery cell, and the determination unit determines whether a battery cell that has expanded due to deterioration is present among the multiple battery cells based on the detected physical parameters. This makes it possible to determine whether a battery cell that has expanded due to deterioration is present among the multiple battery cells while reducing the number of sensors.

[0009] In the above-mentioned battery module management system, it is preferable that the detection unit detects the number of the particles passing a predetermined position, and the determination unit determines, based on a reduction in the number of the particles, that there is a battery cell among the plurality of battery cells that has expanded due to deterioration.

[0010] According to this configuration, the determination unit can determine that there is a battery cell that has expanded due to deterioration among the multiple battery cells, based on a decrease in the number of particles detected by the detection unit.

[0011] In the above-mentioned battery module management system, it is preferable that the system further comprises a temperature sensor provided in each of the plurality of battery cells to detect a temperature of each battery cell, and an identification unit that identifies an expanded battery cell based on the temperature of the battery cell.

[0012] According to this configuration, it is possible to identify the battery cell that has expanded due to deterioration from among the multiple battery cells using only the temperature sensor, without using a strain sensor. That is, in this configuration, as described above, at the position adjacent to the expanded battery cell, the refrigerant pipe is deformed and the flow path of the refrigerant becomes smaller, and particles are clogged in the portion where the flow path is narrowed, and the circulation of the refrigerant is halted. Therefore, the expanded battery cell is not smoothly cooled by the refrigerant, and the temperature of the battery cell rises. The identifying unit is able to identify the expanded battery cell from among the multiple battery cells based on the temperature of the battery cell detected by the temperature sensor. That is, in this configuration, when the determining unit determines that an expanded battery cell exists based on physical parameters, the identifying unit is further able to identify the expanded battery cell from among the multiple battery cells based on the temperature of the battery cell.

[0013] In the above battery module management system, it is preferable that the particles have a property of melting at a predetermined temperature or higher.

[0014] With this configuration, even if the expansion of the battery cells causes particles to become clogged inside the refrigerant piping, slowing down the circulation of the refrigerant, the particles will melt due to the heat generated by the battery cells, making it possible to prevent long-term stagnation of the refrigerant flow.

[0015] In the above battery module management system, it is preferable that the refrigerant piping is transparent or translucent, the particles are composed of a hollow shell having a strength sufficient to be broken by contact between the particles when the particles become stuck inside the refrigerant piping due to expansion of the battery cells, and a colored material sealed within the shell, the detection unit detects the color of the refrigerant, and the determination unit determines, based on the color of the refrigerant, that there is a battery cell among the multiple battery cells that has expanded due to deterioration.

[0016] According to this configuration, the particles are composed of an outer shell having a strength that allows them to be broken by contact between the particles when the particles become clogged inside the refrigerant piping due to the expansion of the battery cells, and a coloring material sealed within the outer shell. When the particles become clogged inside the refrigerant piping due to the expansion of the battery cells, the outer shell is broken by contact between the particles, and the coloring material sealed within the shell mixes with the refrigerant and colors the refrigerant. The determination unit is capable of determining that there is a battery cell that has expanded due to deterioration among the multiple battery cells, based on the color of the refrigerant detected by the detection unit.

[0017] In the above battery module management system, it is preferable that the detection unit monitors the color of the refrigerant in the entire refrigerant piping, and the management system further includes an identification unit that identifies a position where the color of the refrigerant has changed.

[0018] With this configuration, the detection unit monitors the color of the refrigerant throughout the entire refrigerant piping, and the identification unit identifies the location within the entire refrigerant piping where the color of the refrigerant has changed, making it possible to identify the expanded battery cell.

[0019] The battery module management system according to claim 7 of the present invention is a management system for managing a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged in a predetermined direction, and is characterized in that it comprises: refrigerant piping arranged in parallel so as to individually follow the outer surfaces of each of the plurality of battery cells, circulating a refrigerant through each battery cell, the refrigerant piping having elasticity such that it can deform in a direction that narrows the flow path of the refrigerant due to expansion of the battery cells; a plurality of particles that are mixed in the refrigerant and circulate through the refrigerant piping together with the refrigerant; temperature sensors provided in each of the plurality of battery cells to detect the temperature of each battery cell; and an identification unit that identifies expanded battery cells based on the temperature of the battery cells.

[0020] In this configuration, in a configuration in which a refrigerant pipe is provided for circulating a refrigerant in parallel to each battery cell of the battery module, by mixing a plurality of particles into the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant pipe, when one of the battery cells of the battery module expands, the refrigerant pipe deforms in a position adjacent to the expanded battery cell as the battery cell expands, narrowing the flow path of the refrigerant, and particles become clogged in the narrowed portion, causing the circulation of the refrigerant to be impeded. Therefore, the expanded battery cell is no longer smoothly cooled by the refrigerant, and the temperature of the battery cell rises. The identification unit can identify the expanded battery cell from among the multiple battery cells based on the temperature of the battery cell detected by the temperature sensor. This makes it possible to identify the battery cell that has expanded due to deterioration from among the multiple battery cells using only the temperature sensor, without using a strain sensor.

[0021] The battery module management method of the present invention is a method for managing a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged side by side in a predetermined direction, and is characterized by including a preparation step of preparing a refrigerant piping that is arranged to pass between two adjacent battery cells and circulates a refrigerant between the battery cells, the refrigerant piping having elasticity that allows it to deform in a direction that narrows the flow path of the refrigerant due to expansion of the battery cells; a particle mixing step of mixing a plurality of particles into the refrigerant and circulating the particles through the refrigerant piping together with the refrigerant; a parameter detection step of detecting physical parameters related to the refrigerant containing the particles or the flow of the refrigerant; and a determination step of determining, based on the physical parameters, that there is a battery cell that has expanded due to deterioration among the plurality of battery cells.

[0022] According to this feature, in the preparation step, a refrigerant pipe having elasticity capable of being deformed in a direction in which the refrigerant flow path becomes smaller due to the expansion of the battery cell is prepared. In the particle mixing step, a plurality of particles are mixed into the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant pipe provided in the battery module. As a result, when any one of the plurality of battery cells of the battery module expands, the refrigerant pipe deforms with the expansion of the battery cell at a position adjacent to the expanded battery cell, the refrigerant flow path becomes smaller, and the particles get stuck in the part where the flow path becomes smaller, and the circulation of the refrigerant is halted. As the circulation of the refrigerant is halted, physical parameters related to the refrigerant containing particles or the flow of the refrigerant (for example, the flow rate or pressure of the refrigerant, the number of particles contained in the refrigerant, or the color of the refrigerant (particularly the shade), etc.) change. In the parameter detection step, the above physical parameters that change due to the expansion of the battery cell are detected, and in the determination step, it is determined based on the detected physical parameters that the plurality of battery cells contains a battery cell that has expanded due to deterioration. As a result, it is possible to determine that the plurality of battery cells contains a battery cell that has expanded due to deterioration while suppressing the number of sensors. Effect of the Invention

[0023] According to the battery module management system and the battery module management method of the present invention, it is possible to determine whether or not a battery cell that has expanded due to deterioration is present among a plurality of battery cells while reducing the number of sensors. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an overall configuration of a battery module management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing multiple branch pipes arranged along the side surfaces of the battery cells in the refrigerant piping of FIG. 1 under normal conditions, and showing the refrigerant and particles flowing through the branch pipes. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing a state in which a refrigerant and particles flow inside the branch pipe of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which one of the battery cells in the battery module of FIG. 1 has deteriorated and expanded, causing particles to become clogged inside a refrigerant pipe whose flow path has become narrower. [Diagram 5] 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which particles are clogged inside a branch pipe due to an expansion part occurring on the side surface of the expanded battery cell in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing a state in which the inside of the branch pipe in FIG. 5 is clogged with particles. FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a battery module management method using the battery module management system according to the first embodiment of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a system configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of a battery module management system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a battery module management method using the battery module management system according to the second embodiment of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a system configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of a battery module management system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a partially cutaway cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the particle of FIG. [Figure 12]11 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which particles are clogged inside the branch pipe due to an expansion portion occurring on the side surface of the expanded battery cell in FIG. 10, and the refrigerant is colored by the coloring material that has flowed out from inside the outer shells of the particles. FIG. [Figure 13] 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a battery module management method using the battery module management system according to the third embodiment of FIG. 11. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, a battery module management system 12 (hereinafter, simply referred to as the management system 12) according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0026] (Configuration of management system 12) 1, a battery module 1 managed by a management system 12 has a configuration in which a plurality of battery cells 2, which are chargeable and dischargeable secondary batteries, are arranged side by side in a predetermined direction X, and each battery cell 2 is cooled by a refrigerant 20 through refrigerant piping 3 described below. The battery module 1 is used while mounted on an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or the like.

[0027] The management system 12 of the first embodiment is a system in which particles 4 are mixed into the refrigerant 20 used to cool the battery cells 2, and when the battery cell 2 expands due to deterioration, the system determines the presence of the expanded battery cell 2A based on changes in physical parameters related to the refrigerant 20 or the flow of the refrigerant 20 (specifically, the pressure (water pressure) of the refrigerant 20, the flow rate, the number of particles 4 contained in the refrigerant 20, etc.) that occur due to clogging of the particles 4 of the refrigerant 20 at a position adjacent to the expanded battery cell 2A (see Figure 4).

[0028] The management system 12 of the first embodiment mainly comprises a refrigerant piping 3 for circulating a refrigerant 20, a plurality of particles 4 that are mixed into the refrigerant 20 and circulate through the refrigerant piping 3 together with the refrigerant 20, a detection unit (specifically, a hydraulic pressure gauge 6, a flow meter 7, and a particle number measurement unit 8 described below) that detects physical parameters related to the refrigerant 20 containing the particles 4 or the flow of the refrigerant 20, a control device 10 equipped with a determination unit 9 that determines the presence of an expanded battery cell 2A, and an alarm unit 11 that alerts the presence of an expanded battery cell 2A.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 1, the refrigerant piping 3 is arranged to pass between two adjacent battery cells 2, and is a loop-shaped pipe that circulates the refrigerant 20 between the battery cells 2. The refrigerant piping 3 in the first embodiment is arranged in series so as to pass continuously between the multiple battery cells 2. The refrigerant 20 and particles 4 inside the refrigerant piping 3 are sent in a predetermined flow direction A by a circulator 5 such as a pump, and circulate inside the refrigerant piping 3. Note that it is preferable to provide a spacer or partition between adjacent battery cells 2 to ensure a gap for arranging the refrigerant piping 3 so that the cells do not come into contact with each other even if they vibrate while the vehicle is running.

[0030] 2-3, the refrigerant pipes 3 specifically have multiple branch pipes 3a arranged along the side surface 21 of the battery cell 2. The multiple branch pipes 3a extend, for example, horizontally and are spaced apart from one another in the up-down direction. The multiple branch pipes 3a form a sheet-like assembly 3b and are in contact with or close to the side surface 21 of the battery cell 2.

[0031] 4 to 6, the refrigerant pipes 3 have elasticity that enables them to deform in a direction that narrows the flow path of the refrigerant 20 due to the expansion of the battery cells 2 when a portion (expansion portion 22) near the middle in the vertical direction of the side surface 21 expands due to deterioration of the battery cells 2. The refrigerant pipes 3 are made of an elastic material such as resin or rubber, for example.

[0032] The coolant 20 flowing through the coolant pipes 3 may be any liquid capable of cooling the battery cells 2, such as water.

[0033] A plurality of particles 4 are mixed into refrigerant 20 so as to be mixed into refrigerant 20 and circulate throughout refrigerant pipe 3 together with refrigerant 20. A large number of particles 4 are preferably mixed into refrigerant pipe 3 so as to be evenly distributed throughout refrigerant pipe 3. Particles 4 are made of a material that is insoluble in refrigerant 20 such as water, such as resin. Note that particles 4 preferably have the property of melting at or above a predetermined temperature in order to prevent long-term stagnation of the refrigerant flow.

[0034] The size and number of the particles 4 are set so that they do not clog the inside of the refrigerant pipe 3 in the normal state before deformation, but will clog the inside of the refrigerant pipe 3 when the refrigerant pipe 3 is deformed to reduce the flow path due to the expansion of the battery cells 2. The shape of the particles 4 is preferably spherical or nearly spherical with a smooth surface so that they do not get caught inside the refrigerant pipe 3 in the normal state.

[0035] As described above, the management system 12 is equipped with a hydraulic pressure gauge 6, a flow meter 7, and a particle number measuring unit 8 as detection units that detect physical parameters related to the refrigerant 20 containing particles 4 or the flow of the refrigerant 20 (in the first embodiment, the pressure, flow rate, and number of particles 4 contained in the refrigerant 20 of the refrigerant 20).

[0036] The hydraulic pressure gauge 6 measures the pressure (specifically, water pressure) of the refrigerant 20, such as water, inside the refrigerant piping 3. The hydraulic pressure gauge 6 is preferably disposed in the refrigerant piping 3 at a position upstream of the most upstream battery cell 2, in order to determine abnormalities in the battery cells.

[0037] The flow meter 7 measures the flow rate of the refrigerant 20 inside the refrigerant pipe 3 .

[0038] The particle number measuring unit 8 measures the number of particles 4 passing through the particle number measuring unit 8. The particle number measuring unit 8 includes, for example, a propeller that rotates as the particles 4 pass through, and measures the number of particles 4 based on the number of rotations of the propeller. Note that the particle number measuring unit 8 may be configured to measure the number of particles 4 optically, magnetically, or electrically.

[0039] In order to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the battery cell 2, the flow meter 7 and the particle number measurement unit 8 are preferably disposed in the refrigerant piping 3 at a position downstream of the most downstream battery cell 2.

[0040] The control device 10 is a device that performs overall control of the management system 12, and is configured by a computer including a CPU, a memory, etc. The control device 10 includes at least a determination unit 9.

[0041] The determination unit 9 determines that a battery cell 2A that has expanded due to deterioration is present among the multiple battery cells 2, based on the physical parameters (the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant 20, and the number of particles 4 contained in the refrigerant 20) detected by the above-mentioned liquid pressure gauge 6, flow meter 7, and particle number measurement unit 8. The determination unit 9 in the first embodiment only needs to determine that a battery cell 2A that has expanded due to deterioration is present among the multiple battery cells 2, based on any one of the physical parameters detected by the above-mentioned liquid pressure gauge 6, flow meter 7, and particle number measurement unit 8, that is, the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant 20, and the number of particles 4 contained in the refrigerant 20.

[0042] The notification unit 11 is configured to provide an alert when the determination unit 9 determines that an expanded battery cell 2A is present. The notification unit 11 is configured with a means capable of alerting a person near the battery module 1 with light or sound, such as a lamp, a liquid crystal panel, or a speaker provided near the driver's seat of the vehicle in which the battery module 1 is mounted.

[0043] (Management method using management system 12) A method for managing the battery module 1 for determining the presence of an expanded battery cell 2A in the battery module 1 using the management system 12 configured as described above is performed as follows.

[0044] First, prepare a refrigerant pipe 3 that is arranged to pass between two adjacent battery cells 2 and circulates refrigerant 20 between the battery cells 2, and has elasticity that can be deformed in a direction in which the flow path of the refrigerant 20 becomes smaller due to the expansion of the battery cell 2 (preparation step).

[0045] Next, mix a plurality of particles 4 into the refrigerant 20 and circulate the particles 4 together with the refrigerant 20 through the refrigerant pipe 3 (particle mixing step).

[0046] Next, detect a physical parameter related to the refrigerant 20 containing the particles 4 or the flow of the refrigerant 20 (parameter detection step). Specifically, as in step S1 of the flowchart in FIG. 7, from the above flowmeter 7, hydraulic pressure gauge 6, and particle number measurement unit 8, as physical parameters, the flow rate, pressure (water pressure), and number of particles 4 of the refrigerant 20 are read into the control device 10.

[0047] Then, the determination unit 9 of the control device 10 determines based on the above physical parameters (flow rate, water pressure, particle number) that there is a battery cell 2A (see FIG. 4) that has expanded due to deterioration among the plurality of battery cells 2 (determination step). Specifically, as in step S2 of the flowchart in FIG. 7, when any of the flow rate, water pressure, and particle number falls below a predetermined value (that is, when the flow rate < A or the water pressure < B or the particle number < C), the determination unit 9 determines that there is an expanded battery cell 2A.

[0048] When the determination unit 9 determines that there is an expanded battery cell 2A, as in step S3 of the flowchart in FIG. 7, the notification unit 11 notifies the driver of the vehicle equipped with the battery module 1 or the like of a battery cell abnormality (detection of the expanded battery cell 2A) by light or sound or the like.

[0049] As described above, in the above management method, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, the battery cell 2 expands due to deterioration (the expansion section 22 occurs), compressing the refrigerant piping 3 and causing particles 4 to clog around the expanded battery cell 2A, resulting in a change in a physical parameter related to the refrigerant, i.e., an increase in water pressure, a decrease in refrigerant flow rate, or a decrease in the number of particles passing through the particle number measuring section 8. Based on this, it is possible to determine whether an expanded battery cell 2A is present among the multiple battery cells 2 in the battery module 1, based on any one of the changes in the physical parameters related to the refrigerant, i.e., an increase in water pressure, a decrease in refrigerant flow rate, or a decrease in the number of particles passing through the particle number measuring section 8.

[0050] (Features of the first embodiment) (1) The battery module management system 12 of the first embodiment is a management system 12 that manages a battery module 1 in which a plurality of battery cells 2 are arranged side by side in a predetermined direction X. The management system 12 includes a refrigerant pipe 3 that is arranged to pass between two adjacent battery cells 2 and circulates a refrigerant 20 between the battery cells 2, the refrigerant pipe 3 having elasticity that allows it to deform in a direction in which the flow path of the refrigerant 20 becomes smaller due to expansion of the battery cells 2, a plurality of particles 4 that are mixed in the refrigerant 20 and circulate through the refrigerant pipe 3 together with the refrigerant 20, a liquid pressure gauge 6, a flow meter 7, and a particle number measurement unit 8 as detection units that detect the refrigerant 20 containing the particles 4 or physical parameters related to the flow of the refrigerant 20 (the pressure, flow rate, and particle number of the refrigerant 20), and a determination unit 9 that determines, based on the physical parameters, that a battery cell 2A that has expanded due to deterioration is present among the plurality of battery cells 2.

[0051] In this configuration, in a configuration including a refrigerant pipe 3 for circulating a refrigerant 20 between the battery cells 2 of a battery module 1, a plurality of particles 4 are mixed into the refrigerant 20 circulating through the refrigerant pipe 3. When one of the battery cells 2 of the battery module 1 expands, the refrigerant pipe 3 deforms in a position adjacent to the expanded battery cell 2A with the expansion of the battery cell 2, narrowing the flow path of the refrigerant 20, and the particles 4 become clogged in the narrowed portion, causing the circulation of the refrigerant 20 to stagnate. When the circulation of the refrigerant 20 stagnates, the refrigerant 20 containing the particles 4 or physical parameters related to the flow of the refrigerant 20 (pressure, flow rate, and number of particles of the refrigerant 20) change. In the above configuration, the detection unit detects the above physical parameters that change due to the expansion of the battery cell 2, and the determination unit 9 determines that a battery cell 2A that has expanded due to deterioration is present among the multiple battery cells 2 based on the detected physical parameters. This makes it possible to determine that a battery cell 2A that has expanded due to deterioration is present among the multiple battery cells 2 while reducing the number of sensors.

[0052] Furthermore, in the above configuration, the cooling function and the expansion / deterioration detection function for the battery cells 2 are integrated into one component, making it possible to simplify the structure of the management system 12.

[0053] Moreover, the weight of the battery module 1 and the management system 12 as a whole can be reduced, and the fuel economy or electricity cost of a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle equipped with the battery module 1 can be improved.

[0054] The management system 12 of the first embodiment described above is equipped with a hydraulic pressure gauge 6, a flow meter 7, and a particle number measuring unit 8 as detection units for detecting physical parameters related to the refrigerant 20 containing particles 4 or the flow of the refrigerant 20, but the above-mentioned effects can be achieved with just any one of them.

[0055] (2) In the battery module management system 12 of the first embodiment, a particle number measuring unit 8 serving as a detection unit detects the number of particles 4 passing through a predetermined position. A determination unit 9 determines, based on a decrease in the number of particles 4, that a battery cell 2A that has expanded due to deterioration is present among the multiple battery cells 2.

[0056] With this configuration, the determination unit 9 can determine, based on a decrease in the number of particles 4 detected by the detection unit, that a battery cell 2A that has expanded due to deterioration is present among the multiple battery cells 2. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine that a battery cell 2A is present, even without measuring the fluid pressure or flow rate.

[0057] (3) In the battery module management system 12 of the first embodiment, the particles 4 have the property of melting at a predetermined temperature or higher. In this configuration, even if the particles 4 become clogged inside the refrigerant pipes 3 due to the expansion of the battery cells 2 and the circulation of the refrigerant 20 is halted, the particles 4 melt due to the heat generated by the battery cells 2, so it is possible to prevent the refrigerant flow from stagnating for a long period of time.

[0058] (4) The battery module management method of the first embodiment is a method for managing a battery module 1 in which a plurality of battery cells 2 are arranged side by side in a predetermined direction X. The management method includes a preparation step of preparing a refrigerant pipe 3 that is arranged to pass between two adjacent battery cells 2 and circulates a refrigerant 20 between the battery cells 2, the refrigerant pipe 3 having elasticity such that the refrigerant 20 can be deformed in a direction that reduces the flow path of the refrigerant 20 due to expansion of the battery cells 2, a particle mixing step of mixing a plurality of particles 4 into the refrigerant 20 and circulating the particles 4 together with the refrigerant 20 through the refrigerant pipe 3, a parameter detection step of detecting a physical parameter related to the refrigerant 20 containing the particles 4 or the flow of the refrigerant 20, and a determination step of determining, based on the physical parameter, that a battery cell 2A that has expanded due to deterioration is present among the plurality of battery cells 2.

[0059] According to this feature, in the preparation step, the refrigerant pipe 3 is prepared, which has elasticity such that the flow path of the refrigerant 20 is deformed in a direction in which the flow path of the refrigerant 20 becomes smaller due to the expansion of the battery cell 2. In the particle mixing step, a plurality of particles 4 are mixed into the refrigerant 20 circulating through the refrigerant pipe 3 of the battery module 1. As a result, when any one of the plurality of battery cells 2 of the battery module 1 expands, the refrigerant pipe 3 deforms with the expansion of the battery cell 2 at a position adjacent to the expanded battery cell 2A, and the flow path of the refrigerant 20 becomes smaller, and the particles 4 clog the portion where the flow path becomes smaller, and the circulation of the refrigerant 20 is halted. As the circulation of the refrigerant 20 is halted, the physical parameters related to the refrigerant 20 containing the particles 4 or the flow of the refrigerant 20 (specifically, the pressure, flow rate, and number of particles of the refrigerant 20) change. In the parameter detection step, the above physical parameters that change due to the expansion of the battery cell 2 are detected, and in the determination step, it is determined that a battery cell 2A that has expanded due to deterioration is present among the plurality of battery cells 2 based on the detected physical parameters. This makes it possible to determine whether or not a battery cell 2A that has expanded due to deterioration is present among the multiple battery cells 2 while keeping the number of sensors to a minimum.

[0060] Second embodiment The management system 12 of the above-mentioned first embodiment is configured to detect physical parameters related to the refrigerant 20 containing particles 4 or the flow of the refrigerant 20 (specifically, the pressure, flow rate, and number of particles of the refrigerant 20) using the above-mentioned detection units 6 to 8, and to determine whether or not a battery cell 2A that has expanded due to deterioration is present among the multiple battery cells 2 based on the detected physical parameters, but does not identify which of the multiple battery cells 2 is the expanded battery cell 2.

[0061] Therefore, as a second embodiment of the present invention, the management system 12 shown in FIG. 8 further includes a temperature sensor 13 provided in each of the multiple battery cells 2 to detect the temperature of each battery cell 2 in order to identify the expanded battery cell 2, and an identification unit 14 that identifies the expanded battery cell 2A based on the temperature of the battery cell 2.

[0062] The other configuration of the management system 12 shown in FIG. 8 is common to the configuration of the management system 12 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS.

[0063] The temperature sensor 13 is attached to the outer surface of each battery cell 2 to detect the temperature of each battery cell 2. The temperature sensor 13 is preferably attached to a position that avoids the side surface 21 (see FIG. 2) of the battery cell 2, for example, on the top surface of each battery cell 2, so as not to be affected by the expansion of the battery cell 2.

[0064] The identifying unit 14 identifies the expanded battery cell 2A based on the temperature of each battery cell 2 detected by the temperature sensor 13. The identifying unit 14 is provided in the control device 10 together with the determining unit 9 that determines the presence of an expanded battery cell 2A.

[0065] A method for managing the battery module 1 to determine the presence of an expanded battery cell 2A in the battery module 1 and identify the expanded battery cell 2A using the management system 12 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 8 configured as described above is performed as follows.

[0066] First, similarly to the management method of the first embodiment, the refrigerant piping preparation step and the particle mixing step are performed.

[0067] Next, the above-mentioned determination process is performed in the same manner as in the management method of the first embodiment. Specifically, as in step S11 of the flowchart in Fig. 8, the flow rate, pressure (water pressure) of the refrigerant 20, and the number of particles 4 are read into the control device 10 as physical parameters from the flow meter 7, the hydraulic pressure meter 6, and the particle number measurement unit 8. In the second embodiment, at this time, the temperature of each battery cell 2 is also read into the control device 10 from the temperature sensor 13 of each battery cell 2.

[0068] Then, the determination unit 9 of the control device 10 determines based on the above physical parameters (flow rate, water pressure, and number of particles) that there is a battery cell 2A (see FIG. 4) that has expanded due to deterioration among the plurality of battery cells 2 (determination process). Specifically, as in step S12 of the flowchart in FIG. 8, when any one of the flow rate, water pressure, and number of particles is below a predetermined value (that is, when the flow rate < A or the water pressure < B or the number of particles < C), the determination unit 9 determines that there is an expanded battery cell 2A.

[0069] When the determination unit 9 determines that there is an expanded battery cell 2A, as in step S13 of the flowchart in FIG. 8, the specifying unit 14 specifies the battery cells 2 based on the temperature of each battery cell 2 and stores them in the memory of the control device 10.

[0070] Thereafter, in step S14, the notification unit 11 notifies the driver of the vehicle equipped with the battery module 1 or the like of a battery cell abnormality (detection of the expanded battery cell 2A) by light or sound or the like. At this time, the notification unit 11 preferably displays which of the plurality of battery cells 2 is the expanded battery cell 2A on a lamp or a liquid crystal panel or the like.

[0071] (Features of the Second Embodiment) The management system 12 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 8 further includes a temperature sensor 13 provided for each of the plurality of battery cells 2 to detect the temperature of each battery cell 2 and a specifying unit 14 for specifying the expanded battery cell 2A based on the temperature of the battery cell 2, in addition to the configuration of the management system 12 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0072] According to this configuration, it is possible to identify the battery cell 2A that has expanded due to deterioration from among the multiple battery cells 2 using only the temperature sensor 13, without using a strain sensor. That is, in this configuration, as described above, at a position adjacent to the expanded battery cell 2A, the refrigerant pipe 3 deforms, narrowing the flow path of the refrigerant 20, and particles 4 become clogged in the portion where the flow path has become narrow, slowing down the circulation of the refrigerant 20. Therefore, the expanded battery cell 2A is no longer smoothly cooled by the refrigerant 20, and the temperature of the battery cell 2A rises. The identification unit 14 is able to identify the expanded battery cell 2A from among the multiple battery cells 2, based on the temperature of the battery cell 2 detected by the temperature sensor 13.

[0073] That is, in this configuration, when the above-mentioned determination unit 9 determines that an expanded battery cell 2A is present based on physical parameters, the identification unit 14 is further able to identify the expanded battery cell 2A from among the multiple battery cells 2 based on the temperature of the battery cell 2.

[0074] (Modification of the second embodiment) In the management system 12 shown in FIG. 8 above, the refrigerant piping 3 is arranged in series so as to pass continuously between the multiple battery cells 2. However, if the refrigerant piping 3 is arranged in parallel so as to run individually along the outer surface of each battery cell, it becomes possible to identify the expanded battery cell 2A from among the multiple battery cells 2 based on the temperature of the battery cell 2.

[0075] Such a management system according to the modified example of the second embodiment is configured as follows.

[0076] That is, the management system of the modified example of the second embodiment is a management system that manages a battery module 1 in which a plurality of battery cells 2 are arranged side by side in a predetermined direction X, and is characterized by including: refrigerant piping 3 that is arranged in parallel along each of the outer surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 2 and circulates a refrigerant 20 through each battery cell 2, the refrigerant piping 3 having elasticity that allows it to deform in a direction that narrows the flow path of the refrigerant 20 due to expansion of the battery cell 2; a plurality of particles 4 that are mixed in the refrigerant 20 and circulate through the refrigerant piping 3 together with the refrigerant 20; a temperature sensor 13 provided in each of the plurality of battery cells to detect the temperature of each battery cell; and an identification unit 14 that identifies an expanded battery cell 2A based on the temperature of the battery cell 2.

[0077] In the configuration of this modification, in a configuration in which the refrigerant piping 3 is provided for circulating the refrigerant 20 in parallel to each battery cell 2 of the battery module 1, a plurality of particles 4 are mixed into the refrigerant 20 circulating through the refrigerant piping 3. When one of the battery cells 2 of the battery module 1 expands, the refrigerant piping 3 deforms in a position adjacent to the expanded battery cell 2A with the expansion of the battery cell 2, narrowing the flow path of the refrigerant 20, and the particles 4 clog the narrowed portion of the flow path, slowing down the circulation of the refrigerant 20. Therefore, the expanded battery cell 2A is no longer smoothly cooled by the refrigerant 20, and the temperature of the battery cell 2A rises. The identification unit 14 can identify the expanded battery cell 2A from among the multiple battery cells based on the temperature of the battery cell 2 detected by the temperature sensor 13. This makes it possible to identify the battery cell 2A that has expanded due to deterioration from among the multiple battery cells using only the temperature sensor 13 without using a strain sensor.

[0078] Furthermore, in the configuration of this modified example, the above-mentioned detection unit and determination unit, i.e., the detection unit that detects physical parameters related to the refrigerant containing particles or the flow of the refrigerant (specifically, the hydraulic pressure gauge 6, flow meter 7, particle number measurement unit 8, and the determination unit 9 that determines, based on the physical parameters, that there is a battery cell 2A that has expanded due to deterioration among the multiple battery cells, is not required, making it possible to further simplify the configuration of the management system.

[0079] Third embodiment In the above first and second embodiments, the judgment unit 9 judges the presence of an expanded battery cell 2A based on the refrigerant 20 containing particles 4 or physical parameters related to the refrigerant 20, such as the flow rate, liquid pressure (water pressure), and number of particles of the refrigerant 20. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the presence of an expanded battery cell 2A may be judged based on the color of the refrigerant 20, as another physical parameter.

[0080] From this perspective, as shown in FIG. 10, a management system 12 according to a third embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration in order to determine whether an expanded battery cell 2A is present based on the color of the refrigerant 20.

[0081] The refrigerant piping 3 is transparent or semi-transparent, and the color of the refrigerant 20 can be detected from the outside of the refrigerant piping 3. The refrigerant piping 3 shown in Fig. 10 differs from the refrigerant piping 3 of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1 in that it is transparent or semi-transparent, but the other configurations are common to both.

[0082] As shown in Fig. 11, the particles 4 are composed of a hollow shell 4a that has enough strength to be broken by contact between the particles 4 when the particles 4 become stuck inside the refrigerant pipe 3 due to the expansion of the battery cells 2, and a coloring material 4b sealed within the shell 4a. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 12, when the particles 4 become stuck inside the refrigerant pipe 3 due to the expansion of the battery cells 2, the shell 4a is broken by contact between the particles 4 and the coloring material 4b sealed within the shell 4a is mixed into the refrigerant 20, coloring the refrigerant 20 (see colored refrigerant 23 in Fig. 12).

[0083] For example, microcapsule ink is used as the particles 4 shown in Fig. 11. That is, the material, film thickness, glass transition point, etc. of the outer shell 4a are set so that it does not break when circulating with the refrigerant 20, but has a strength such that it breaks when pressurized by clogging of the particles 4 due to the expansion of the battery cell 2. The material of the outer shell 4a is composed of, for example, amino-aldehyde resin. Among amino-aldehyde resins, melamine-formaldehyde resin is particularly preferable because it has good water resistance, chemical resistance, and aging resistance.

[0084] The coloring material 4b may be any material capable of coloring the refrigerant 20 such as water, and is preferably a liquid such as ink, since it can be mixed with water to rapidly color the refrigerant 20. The coloring material 4b may be in a gel or granular form, as well as a liquid. By mixing the coloring material 4b into the refrigerant 20 such as colorless and transparent water, the color shade of the refrigerant 20, specifically, the hue, brightness, and saturation of the color, changes.

[0085] Furthermore, the management system 12 shown in FIG. 10 includes, as a detection unit, a laser sensor 15 and a camera 16 that detect the color of the refrigerant 20.

[0086] The laser sensor 15 is disposed in a position downstream of the most downstream battery cell 2 in the refrigerant piping 3, and detects the color of the refrigerant 20 after it has passed all of the battery cells 2. Furthermore, the camera 16 in the third embodiment monitors the color of the refrigerant 20 in the entire refrigerant piping 3, but may also monitor only a part of the refrigerant piping 3.

[0087] As data relating to the color of refrigerant 20, laser sensor 15 and camera 16 may detect, for example, the degree of shading of the color, specifically, at least one of the hue, brightness, and saturation of the color.

[0088] The determination unit 9 determines, based on the color of the refrigerant 20, that a battery cell 2A that has expanded due to deterioration is present among the plurality of battery cells 2.

[0089] 1, the management system 12 shown in Fig. 10 includes a control device 10 having a determination unit 9 and a notification unit 11, and further includes an identification unit 14 that identifies the position where the color of the refrigerant 20 has changed. The identification unit 14 is provided in the control device 10 together with the determination unit 9.

[0090] A method for managing the battery module 1 to determine the presence of an expanded battery cell 2A in the battery module 1 and identify the expanded battery cell 2A using the management system 12 of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 10 configured as described above is performed as follows.

[0091] First, similarly to the management method of the first embodiment, the refrigerant piping preparation step and the particle mixing step are performed.

[0092] Next, a determination step is performed to determine whether or not there is an expanded battery cell 2A. Specifically, as in step S21 of the flowchart in Fig. 13, color data of the refrigerant 20 (for example, the degree of color shading, specifically, at least one of hue, brightness, and saturation data) is read into the control device 10 from the laser sensor 15 and the camera 16 as a physical parameter. Note that if color data is obtained from at least the camera 16 out of the laser sensor 15 and the camera 16, it is possible to monitor changes in the color of the refrigerant 20 throughout the entire refrigerant piping 3.

[0093] Then, in step S22, the judgment unit 9 of the control device 10 uses the above color data to judge whether the color of the refrigerant 20 has changed, thereby determining that there is a battery cell 2A among the multiple battery cells 2 that has expanded due to deterioration (judgment process).

[0094] If the judgment unit 9 determines that an expanded battery cell 2A is present, in step S23, the identification unit 14 identifies the most upstream position where the color of the refrigerant 20 has changed (i.e., the position of the expanded battery cell 2A) and stores it in the memory of the control device 10.

[0095] Thereafter, in step S24, the notification unit 11 notifies the driver or the like of the vehicle mounting the battery module 1 of the battery cell abnormality (detection of an expanded battery cell 2A) by using light, sound, or the like. At this time, the notification unit 11 preferably displays, by a lamp, liquid crystal panel, or the like, which of the multiple battery cells 2 is the expanded battery cell 2A.

[0096] 13, the process of identifying and storing the most upstream position where the color of the refrigerant 20 has changed (i.e., the position of the expanded battery cell 2A) may be omitted. Even if step S23 is omitted, it is possible to determine the presence of an expanded battery cell 2A and notify the user.

[0097] (Features of the third embodiment) (1) In the management system 12 of the third embodiment, the refrigerant pipe 3 is transparent or translucent. The particles 4 are composed of a hollow shell 4a that has enough strength to be broken by contact between the particles 4 when the particles become clogged inside the refrigerant pipe due to the expansion of the battery cells, and a colored material 4b sealed within the shell 4a. The detection unit, which is a laser sensor 15 and a camera 16, detects the color of the refrigerant 20. The determination unit 9 determines, based on the color of the refrigerant 20, that a battery cell 2A that has expanded due to deterioration is present among the multiple battery cells 2.

[0098] According to this configuration, the particles 4 are composed of an outer shell 4a having a strength that allows them to be broken by contact between the particles 4 when the particles become clogged inside the refrigerant pipe as the battery cells expand, and a coloring material 4b sealed within the outer shell 4a. When the particles 4 become clogged inside the refrigerant pipe 3 as the battery cells 2 expand, the outer shell 4a is broken by contact between the particles 4 and the coloring material 4b sealed within the shell 4a is mixed into the refrigerant 20, coloring the refrigerant 20. The determination unit 9 is capable of determining that a battery cell 2A that has expanded due to deterioration is present among the multiple battery cells 2, based on the color of the refrigerant 20 detected by the detection unit.

[0099] (2) In management system 12 of the third embodiment, camera 16, which is a detection unit, monitors the color of refrigerant 20 in the entire refrigerant pipes 3. Management system 12 further includes an identification unit 14 that identifies the position where the color of refrigerant 20 has changed.

[0100] According to this configuration, the detection unit monitors the color of the refrigerant 20 throughout the entire refrigerant piping 3, and the identification unit 14 identifies the location within the entire refrigerant piping 3 where the color of the refrigerant 20 has changed, making it possible to identify the expanded battery cell 2A. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1 Battery module 2 Battery Cells 2A swollen battery cell 3 Refrigerant piping 4 particles 4a Outer shell 4b Coloring material 6. Liquid pressure gauge (detection part) 7 Flow meter (detection section) 8 Particle number measurement unit (detection unit) 9 Judgment section 10 Control device 12 Management Systems 13 Temperature Sensor 14 Specific section 15 Laser sensor (detection part) 16 Camera (detection unit) 20 Refrigerants 22 Expansion section 23 Colored refrigerants

Claims

1. A management system for managing a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged in a predetermined direction, a refrigerant pipe that is arranged to pass between two adjacent battery cells and circulates a refrigerant between the battery cells, the refrigerant pipe having elasticity such that it can be deformed in a direction that narrows the flow path of the refrigerant due to expansion of the battery cells; A plurality of particles that are mixed in the refrigerant and circulate through the refrigerant pipe together with the refrigerant; a detection unit for detecting a physical parameter related to the refrigerant or the flow of the refrigerant including the particles; a determination unit that determines whether a battery cell that has expanded due to deterioration is present among the plurality of battery cells based on the physical parameters; Equipped with A battery module management system comprising:

2. The battery module management system according to claim 1, The detection unit detects the number of the particles passing through a predetermined position, The determination unit determines whether a battery cell that has expanded due to deterioration is present among the plurality of battery cells based on the decrease in the number of particles. A battery module management system comprising:

3. 3. The battery module management system according to claim 1, a temperature sensor provided in each of the plurality of battery cells to detect a temperature of each battery cell; an identification unit that identifies an expanded battery cell based on the temperature of the battery cell; Further comprising: A battery module management system comprising:

4. The battery module management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The particles have the property of melting at a predetermined temperature or higher. A battery module management system comprising:

5. The battery module management system according to claim 1, The refrigerant pipe is transparent or translucent, the particles are composed of a hollow shell having a strength sufficient to be broken by contact between the particles when the particles become clogged inside the refrigerant pipe due to expansion of the battery cell, and a coloring material enclosed within the shell; The detection unit detects a color of the refrigerant, the determination unit determines, based on a color of the refrigerant, whether or not a battery cell that has expanded due to deterioration is present among the plurality of battery cells. A battery module management system comprising:

6. The battery module management system according to claim 5, The detection unit monitors the color of the refrigerant in the entire refrigerant piping, The management system further includes an identification unit that identifies a position where the color of the refrigerant has changed. A battery module management system comprising:

7. A management system for managing a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged in a predetermined direction, refrigerant piping arranged in parallel along each outer surface of the plurality of battery cells, the refrigerant piping circulating a refrigerant through each battery cell, the refrigerant piping having elasticity such that it can be deformed in a direction in which a flow path of the refrigerant becomes smaller due to expansion of the battery cells; A plurality of particles that are mixed in the refrigerant and circulate through the refrigerant pipe together with the refrigerant; a temperature sensor provided in each of the plurality of battery cells to detect a temperature of each battery cell; an identification unit that identifies an expanded battery cell based on the temperature of the battery cell; Equipped with A battery module management system comprising:

8. A method for managing a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged in a predetermined direction, comprising the steps of: a preparation step of preparing refrigerant piping that is arranged to pass between two adjacent battery cells and circulates refrigerant between the battery cells, the refrigerant piping having elasticity that allows it to deform in a direction that narrows the flow path of the refrigerant due to expansion of the battery cells; a particle mixing step of mixing a plurality of particles into the refrigerant and circulating the particles together with the refrigerant through the refrigerant piping; a parameter detection step of detecting a physical parameter related to the refrigerant or the flow of the refrigerant containing the particles; a determining step of determining whether or not a battery cell that has expanded due to deterioration is present among the plurality of battery cells based on the physical parameters; Including, A battery module management method comprising:

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