Battery Control Method

Abstract

In the present invention; a control unit that controls a battery, a storage unit in which data on allowable power is stored, and a measuring unit that measures a voltage value between a pair of electrode terminals of the battery are used; the allowable power is defined as a maximum chargeable power calculated by a predetermined upper limit voltage value and a current charging state; the data includes a first voltage value that is an upper limit value that does not require the limitation of the allowable power, a second voltage value that is higher than the first voltage value and requires the partial limitation of the allowable power, and a third voltage value that is higher than the second voltage value and requires the full limitation of the allowable power; and the control unit acquires a voltage value from the measurement unit at predetermined intervals, implements the full limitation of the allowable power when the voltage value of the allowable power becomes equal to or higher than the third voltage value, and implements the partial or full limitation of the allowable power until the voltage value of the allowable power decreases to the first voltage value through the second voltage value. Accordingly, a battery control method that eliminates hunting and improves reliability is provided.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery control method. [Background technology]

[0002] In a vehicle system that receives and transmits power to an on-board secondary battery system, there is an "allowable power" that is an index showing the maximum power that the battery can output and the maximum power that the vehicle system can consume. The vehicle system is operated by a battery control method that keeps the power consumption within a range below the allowable power. There are two types of allowable power: the allowable power in the charging direction (allowable charging power) and the allowable power in the discharging direction (allowable discharging power).

[0003] For example, the discharge allowable power is determined by referring to the difference between the minimum operating voltage and the current battery voltage. However, if an abnormality occurs in the battery system even if the discharge allowable power is within the range of the discharge allowable power, the allowable power is forcibly limited so as to immediately prohibit or suppress charging or discharging of the battery, and the vehicle system is caused to limit the use of the battery.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a mechanism for preventing overcharging and overdischarging during charging and discharging. This mechanism is provided as a function for post-processing the power value calculated to limit the allowable power, setting an overvoltage threshold voltage and an overdischarge threshold voltage, and limiting the calculated value of the allowable power by a ratio before the battery voltage reaches those values. The post-processing is as follows. At the limit start threshold voltage, the limit rate is set to 100%, and the output is output as is. At the limit end threshold voltage, the limit rate is set to 0%, and the calculated result is set to 0 W. Between the threshold voltages, the limit rate is applied with a constant slope. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. WO2012 / 157065 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the mechanism of Patent Document 1, when the allowable power approaches an unstable state such as overcharging or over-discharging, the allowable power is limited, temporarily creating a safe state, but there is a risk that the allowable power will become unstable immediately after that. This mechanism has the drawback that as the output voltage fluctuates up and down in a short period, hunting occurs in which the limit and release of the allowable power is repeated in a short period, making the output of the allowable power unstable.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a battery control method that improves reliability by eliminating the hunting of limiting and releasing the limit on the allowable power. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The battery control method of the present invention uses a control unit that controls the battery, a memory unit that stores data regarding the allowable power for charging the battery, and a measurement unit that measures the voltage value between a pair of electrode terminals of the battery, wherein the allowable power is defined as the maximum chargeable power calculated from a predetermined upper limit voltage value and the current charging state, and the data includes a first voltage value that is the upper limit value at which no restriction on the allowable power is required, a second voltage value that is higher than the first voltage value and requires partial restriction of the allowable power, and a third voltage value that is higher than the second voltage value and requires complete restriction of the allowable power, and the control unit acquires the voltage value from the measurement unit at predetermined time intervals, and when the voltage value of the allowable power becomes equal to or higher than the third voltage value, completely restricts the allowable power, and partially or completely restricts the allowable power until the voltage value of the allowable power decreases to the first voltage value via the second voltage value. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a battery control method which improves reliability by eliminating the hunting of limiting and releasing the limit on the allowable power. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a battery system according to a first embodiment (hereinafter, also referred to as "the system"). [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing in more detail a battery state estimation unit in the system of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 3 is a block diagram showing in more detail an allowable power calculation unit provided in the battery state estimation unit of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram showing a battery model used in the present system described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. [Diagram 5] 2 is a block diagram showing in more detail an allowable power limiting section in the system of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a graph showing a charging allowable power limiting method according to a comparative example (hereinafter also referred to as a "comparative charging limiting method" or a "battery control method"); [Figure 7] 7 is a graph showing a hunting phenomenon that occurs in the charge limiting method of the comparative example shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 4 is a graph showing a discharge allowable power limiting method according to a comparative example (hereinafter also referred to as a "comparative example discharge limiting method" or a "battery control method"). [Figure 9] 9 is a graph showing a hunting phenomenon that occurs in the discharge limiting method of the comparative example shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 2 is a graph showing a method for limiting an allowable charging power in the present system of FIG. 1 (hereinafter also referred to as "the present charging limiting method" or "battery control method"). [Figure 11] 11 is a flowchart showing the process from restriction application to restriction release in the charge restriction method of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] 12 is a graph showing the effect of applying the charge limiting method of FIG. 10 and FIG. 11. [Figure 13] 2 is a graph showing a method for limiting discharge allowable power in the present system of FIG. 1 (hereinafter also referred to as "the present discharge limiting method" or "battery control method"). [Figure 14] 14 is a flowchart showing the process from restriction activation to restriction release in the discharge limiting method of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] 15 is a graph showing the effect of applying the discharge limiting method of FIG. 13 and FIG. 14. [Figure 16] 11 is a graph showing a charge allowable power limiting method according to a second embodiment (hereinafter also referred to as "the charge limiting method according to the second embodiment" or "battery control method"). [Figure 17] 10 is a graph showing a discharge allowable power limiting method according to a second embodiment (hereinafter also referred to as "the present discharge limiting method of the second embodiment" or "battery control method"). [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an allowable power limiting unit (see FIG. 3) according to a third embodiment. [Figure 19] 20 is a graph showing a charging allowable power limiting method using the allowable power limiting unit of FIG. 18 (hereinafter also referred to as "the main charging limiting method of the third embodiment" or "battery control method"). [Figure 20] 20 is a graph showing a charging allowable power limiting method using the allowable power limiting unit of FIG. 18 (hereinafter also referred to as "the main discharging limiting method of Example 3" or "battery control method"). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. EXAMPLES

[0012] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a battery system (this system) 100 according to a first embodiment. The battery system 100 is a system that supplies electric power to an external target, and the target may be an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, a train, or industrial equipment. The battery system 100 in Fig. 1 is equipped in a hybrid vehicle, and is configured to exchange electric power with a motor generator 410 for running the vehicle.

[0013] The battery system 100 is connected to an inverter 400 via relays 300 and 310. The inverter 400 supplies power from the battery system 100 to a motor generator 410. The inverter 400 and the motor generator 410 are controlled by a motor / inverter control unit 420. The vehicle control unit 200 determines the distribution of driving force and the like based on battery information obtained from the battery system 100, information from the inverter 400 and the motor generator 410, information from an engine (not shown), and the like.

[0014] The battery system 100 comprises an assembled battery 110 composed of multiple cells 111, a measurement unit 120 having multiple cell control units 121a, 121b (collectively 121) that monitor the state of the cells 111, a current detection unit 130 that detects the current flowing through the assembled battery 110, a voltage detection unit 140 that detects the total voltage of the assembled battery 110, a battery state estimation unit 150 that estimates the battery state of the assembled battery 110, and a memory unit 180 that stores information regarding the battery characteristics of the assembled battery 110, the cells 111, and the cell group 112.

[0015] The plurality of unit cells 111 constituting the battery pack 110 are grouped into a predetermined number of units. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the plurality of unit cells 111 are grouped into two unit cell groups 112a and 112b. The unit cell groups 112a and 112b are electrically connected in series.

[0016] The cell 111 is a repeatedly rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery. Other examples of the cell 111 include storage batteries such as nickel-metal hydride batteries, lead batteries, and electric double layer capacitors, as well as devices equipped with a power storage function. Here, the cell 111 is considered to be a single battery, but it may be replaced with a modular structure in which multiple cells 111 are connected in series and parallel.

[0017] 1 illustrates an example of the battery pack 110 in which two cell groups 112a and 112b are connected in series, but the present invention is not limited to this. The battery pack 110 may have a predetermined number of cell groups connected in series or in parallel. Also, the battery pack 110 may be configured with various numbers of cell groups connected in series or in parallel depending on the application.

[0018] The measurement unit 120 monitors the state of each of the cells 111 constituting the battery pack 110, and is provided with the same number of cell control units 121a, 121b corresponding to the multiple cell groups 112a, 112b. The cell control unit 121a is assigned to the cell group 112a, and the cell control unit 121b is assigned to the cell group 112b.

[0019] Each of the cell control units 121a and 121b operates by receiving power from the cell groups 112a and 112b assigned to it. Each of the cell control units 121a and 121b monitors the battery voltage and battery temperature of the cell groups 112a and 112b assigned to it.

[0020] The battery state estimation unit 150 receives the value of the current flowing through the battery pack 110 transmitted from the current detection unit 130 and the total voltage value of the battery pack 110 transmitted from the voltage detection unit 140. The battery state estimation unit 150 also transmits and receives signals to and from the measurement unit 120 via the signal communication unit 160. The battery state estimation unit 150 receives diagnosis results and abnormality signals from the measurement unit 120.

[0021] The diagnosis result refers to the detection value of the measuring unit 120 and the diagnosis result based on the battery voltage and battery temperature of the cell 111, and further whether the cell 111 is overcharged or overdischarged. The abnormality signal is a signal outputted when a communication error occurs in the measuring unit 120.

[0022] The battery state estimation unit 150 performs processing such as estimating the battery state based on the input information. The processing results are transmitted to the measurement unit 120 and the vehicle control unit 200. The battery state estimation unit 150 performs numerical calculation processing for estimating states such as SOC, SOH, and allowable power. The measurement unit 120 operates by receiving power from the battery pack 110. In contrast, the battery state estimation unit 150 uses a battery for on-board accessories (e.g., a 12V battery) as a power source.

[0023] Therefore, the operating power supplies of battery state estimation unit 150 and measurement unit 120 have different reference potentials. For this reason, an insulating element 170 such as a photocoupler is provided in signal communication unit 160. Isolation element 170 may be mounted on a circuit board constituting measurement unit 120, or may be mounted on a circuit board constituting battery state estimation unit 150. Note that, depending on the system configuration, it is also possible to omit insulating element 170.

[0024] The cell control units 121a and 121b are connected in series in descending order of the potential of the cell groups 112a and 112b that they monitor. No insulating element 170 is provided between the output of the cell control unit 121a and the input of the cell control unit 121b, because the cell control units 121a and 121b are provided with a mechanism that allows communication between the cell control units 121a and 121b even when they have different operating reference potentials. However, if electrical insulation is required for communication between the cell control unit 121a and the cell control unit 121b, the insulating element 170 must be provided.

[0025] The signal transmitted by the battery state estimation unit 150 is input to the single cell control unit 121a by the signal communication unit 160 provided with an insulating element 170. The output signal from the single cell control unit 121b is transmitted to the input unit of the battery state estimation unit 150 by the signal communication unit 160 provided with an insulating element 170.

[0026] In this way, the battery state estimation unit 150 and the cell control units 121a and 121b are connected in a loop shape by the signal communication unit 160. This type of connection and communication method is called a daisy chain connection, but may also be called a daisy chain connection or a potato vine connection.

[0027] Information such as an OCV-SOC map is stored in the storage unit 180. The OCV-SOC map is information that indicates, for the battery pack 110, the cell 111, and the cell group 112, internal resistance characteristics, capacity at full charge, polarization resistance characteristics, deterioration characteristics, individual difference information, and the correspondence relationship between the battery open circuit voltage OCV and the charging rate SOC of the battery.

[0028] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the memory unit 180 is configured to be disposed outside the battery state estimation unit 150 and the measurement unit 120. However, the memory unit 180 may be configured to be provided in the battery state estimation unit 150 or the measurement unit 120.

[0029] <Configuration of battery state estimation unit 150> Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing in more detail the battery state estimation unit in the present system 100 in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the battery state estimation unit 150 includes a battery state detection unit 151 and an allowable power calculation unit 152. The battery state detection unit 151 receives the voltage, current, and temperature as input, and calculates and outputs the SOC (battery charging rate) and SOHR (battery deterioration rate).

[0030] The allowable power calculation unit 152 receives as input the SOC and SOHR (similar concept to SOH) output from the battery state detection unit 151, as well as the voltage, current, and temperature, and calculates and outputs the allowable charging power (the margin of power up to the upper limit of the voltage to which charging can be performed when charging) and the allowable discharging power (the margin of power up to the lower limit of the voltage to which discharging can be performed when discharging).

[0031] Here, the voltage, current, and temperature input to the battery state detection unit 151 and the allowable power calculation unit 152 are representative values ​​indicating the battery state of the battery pack 110 obtained by the single cell control units 121a and 121b and the current detection unit .

[0032] The voltage indicates information on the variation and average of the battery, such as the maximum voltage, average voltage, and minimum voltage of each battery voltage of the single cells 111. The current indicates the instantaneous current acquired at the same timing as the battery voltage acquisition timing, or the section average current obtained by continuously sampling the current flowing through the battery pack 110 in a certain time section and averaging the multiple sampled current values.

[0033] The temperature indicates the maximum temperature, average temperature, and minimum temperature obtained by multiple temperature sensors arranged in the battery pack 110, taking into consideration the temperature distribution of the battery pack 110 or the cell group 112 and the cell 111. These temperature information, voltage values, and current values ​​are used as necessary to calculate the SOC, SOHR, and allowable power (allowable charging power and allowable discharging power).

[0034] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing in more detail the allowable power calculation section provided in the battery state estimation section of Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 3, the allowable power calculation section 152 is made up of an allowable power calculation section 153 and an allowable power limit section 154. The allowable power calculation section 153 inputs the SOC, SOHR, and the voltage, current, and temperature described in Fig. 2, and calculates the allowable power while taking into account an index value of battery deterioration.

[0035] Based on the battery state information, allowed power limiting unit 154 appropriately limits the allowed power output by allowed power calculation unit 153. At this time, allowed power limiting unit 154 uses the voltage, current, temperature, and SOC as the battery state information to determine whether or not to limit the current allowed power.

[0036] Here, the final allowable power of allowable power limiting unit 154 and the allowable power before the limiting by allowable power calculating unit 153 are referred to separately. The charge allowable power output from allowable power calculating unit 153 is referred to as the "charge allowable power after the calculation unit." The discharge allowable power output from allowable power calculating unit 153 is referred to as the "discharge allowable power after the calculation unit."

[0037] <How to calculate the allowable power> In the first embodiment, the allowable power calculation unit 153 estimates the allowable power from actual battery information (SOC, voltage, temperature, current, etc.) using an equivalent circuit model of the battery (hereinafter also referred to as a "battery model" or a "circuit model"). Here, a method of calculating the allowable power using the circuit model will be described.

[0038] Figure 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram showing a battery model used in the present system 100 described in Figures 1 to 3. As shown in Figure 4, the circuit model can be represented by a circuit in which a battery open circuit voltage OCV, a current resistance Ro, a polarization resistance Rp, and a CR parallel circuit (time constant τ) of a polarization capacitance component are connected in series.

[0039] When a current I flows, the battery voltage V can be expressed as in equation (1). The polarization voltage Vp in equation (1) is the voltage generated when a current I flows through a CR parallel circuit (with a time constant τ) consisting of the polarization resistance Rp and the polarization capacitance component.

[0040]

number

[0041] First, a method for calculating the allowable charging power in the first embodiment will be described. The allowable charging power per battery is expressed as the product of the allowable charging current (Imax, chg) and the chargeable voltage (Vmax, chg). Here, the allowable charging current (chargeable current) is the maximum current that can be flowed in the current battery state.

[0042] The chargeable voltage is the voltage generated when the allowable charging current flows through the circuit model. The battery pack 110 of the first embodiment is composed of N unit cells 111 connected in series. Therefore, the allowable discharge power of the first embodiment is N times the allowable charging power per cell.

[0043] First, calculate the allowable charging current Imax,chg. Equation (2) shows the basic calculation formula for the allowable charging current. The allowable charging current here is Ichg. The allowable charging current is the current that flows when the voltage V shown in the circuit model in Figure 4 is equal to the upper limit voltage Vmax used in the vehicle system. Therefore, equation (2) can be obtained by modifying equation (1) for the current I.

[0044] However, in the first embodiment, the open circuit voltage OCV is calculated from the current SOC and temperature T using an OCV map showing the correspondence between SOC and battery temperature. DC resistance Ro is also calculated from the current SOC and temperature T using an Ro map obtained from the correspondence between SOC and temperature T. This Ro map is composed of values ​​for a new battery and is different from values ​​when the battery is deteriorated. Multiplying this Ro by SOHR, which is the deterioration rate of the battery, makes it possible to approach the actual Ro of the battery taking into account the current deterioration state of the battery.

[0045]

number

[0046] The chargeable current Ichg obtained by equation (2) is the maximum current that can be passed through the battery. However, the current is limited to the upper limit Ilimit defined in the specifications of the battery system 100 even if the battery performance has some margin.

[0047] Equation (3) expresses the chargeable current Imax,chg, which is restricted to the upper limit current Ilimit of the system as the maximum current. It is limited so that Ichg obtained from the circuit model does not exceed the upper limit current Ilimit in the system. In this way, the maximum allowable current Imax,chg can be obtained.

[0048]

number

[0049] Equation (4) shows the chargeable voltage Vmax,chg. It is the voltage V when the allowable charging current Imax,chg flows through the circuit model in Figure 4, and is calculated by applying equation (1). As with Imax,chg, the OCV is calculated using an OCV map. In addition, the Ro calculated from the Ro map for a new battery is multiplied by the battery deterioration rate SOHR to reflect the current battery deterioration and bring it closer to the actual Ro.

[0050]

number

[0051] The allowable power per battery is obtained by multiplying the chargeable voltage Vmax,chg and the allowable charging current Imax,chg obtained above. Considering that this is for the number N of batteries in the battery pack 110, the allowable charging power Wchg after calculation, which is the output of the allowable power calculation unit 153 in the first embodiment, can be obtained by equation (5).

[0052]

number

[0053] Next, a method for calculating the discharge allowable power in the first embodiment will be described. The discharge allowable power per battery is expressed as the product of the charge allowable current (Imax,dis) and the dischargeable voltage (Vmax,dis). Here, the discharge allowable current (dischargeable current) is the maximum current that can be flowed in the current battery state.

[0054] The dischargeable voltage is the voltage generated when the dischargeable current flows through the circuit model. The battery pack 110 of the first embodiment is composed of N unit cells 111 connected in series. Therefore, the dischargeable power of the first embodiment is N times the dischargeable power per cell as the number of cells.

[0055] First, calculate the allowable discharge current Imax,dis. Equation (6) shows the basic calculation formula for the allowable discharge current. The dischargeable current here is Idis. The allowable discharge current can be calculated as the current that flows when the voltage V shown in the circuit model in Figure 4 is equal to the lower limit voltage Vmin used in the vehicle system.

[0056] Therefore, equation (6) can be obtained by modifying equation (1) with respect to the current I. The basic calculation is the same as the allowable charging current Ichg in equation (2), but considering that the current direction is reversed, the equation is modified so that Idis becomes a positive value.

[0057]

number

[0058] Equation (7) is an equation that expresses the dischargeable current Imax,dis, which is restricted to the upper limit current Ilimit of the system as the maximum current, similar to the calculation of the allowable current Imax,chg. The Idis obtained from the circuit model is restricted so as not to exceed the upper limit current Ilimit of the system. In this way, the maximum allowable current Imax,dis can be obtained.

[0059]

number

[0060] Equation (8) shows the maximum discharge voltage Vmax,dis. It is the voltage V when the discharge allowable current Imax,dis is applied to the circuit model in Figure 4, and is calculated by applying equation (1). As with Imax,dis, the OCV is calculated using an OCV map. In addition, the Ro calculated from the Ro map of a new battery is multiplied by the battery deterioration rate SOHR to reflect the current battery deterioration and bring it closer to the actual Ro.

[0061]

number

[0062] The allowable power per battery is calculated by multiplying the dischargeable voltage Vmax,dis and the allowable discharge current Imax,dis obtained above. Considering that this is for the number N of batteries in the battery pack 110, the discharge allowable power Wdis after the calculation unit, which is the output of the allowable power calculation unit 153 in the first embodiment, can be obtained by equation (5).

[0063]

number

[0064] [About the allowable power limit section] Fig. 5 is a detailed block diagram of the allowable power limiting section 154 in the system 100 of Fig. 1. Multipliers 511 and 512 in Fig. 5 multiply the allowable power after the calculation section by a limiting rate.

[0065] Here, the allowable power after the calculation unit is the output of allowable power calculation unit 153, and is the charge allowable power after the calculation unit and the discharge allowable power after the calculation unit. Also, the limit rate is the output of allowable power limiting unit 500, and is the charge limit rate and the discharge limit rate. These are output from allowable charge power limiting unit 501 and allowable discharge power limiting unit 502 of allowable power limiting unit 500, respectively.

[0066] The resulting limiting rate is input to a change amount limiting section 520 (a charging change amount limiting section 521 and a discharging change amount limiting section 522), and the final allowable power (the charging allowable power and the discharging allowable power) is calculated.

[0067] The allowed power limiting unit 500 is composed of a charging allowed power limiting unit 501 and a discharging allowed power limiting unit 502, each of which receives battery state values ​​(here, SOC, voltage, current, and temperature) as input and calculates the limiting rates (charging limiting rate and discharging limiting rate) for limiting the allowed power after the calculation unit to 100% (no limit)-0% (0 kW).

[0068] The charge allowable power limiting unit 501 calculates the charge limit rate for limiting the charge allowable power, detects overcharge voltage, excessive SOC, abnormal current, and abnormal temperature, and limits the charge allowable power. During charging, the voltage and SOC rise, creating the risk of overcharging. For this reason, it is necessary to monitor the voltage and SOC, and limit them when they exceed the overcharge voltage or the upper limit SOC set by the system.

[0069] The current is monitored, and power limitation is also required if excessive current that may damage the system or battery is continuously passed. Also, the temperature of the battery is monitored, and power limitation is similarly required if the temperature becomes too high or too low beyond the allowable limit and the battery becomes dangerous. Discharge allowable power limiting unit 502 calculates the discharge limit rate for limiting the discharge allowable power, and detects over-discharge voltage, too low SOC, abnormal current, and abnormal temperature to limit the charge allowable power.

[0070] During discharging, the voltage and SOC drop, creating the risk of overdischarge. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the voltage and SOC and limit the voltage if it falls below the overdischarge voltage or the lower limit SOC set by the system. As with the charge limit rate, it is also necessary to monitor the current and limit the power if an excessive current that could damage the system or battery is continuously passed. In addition, it is also necessary to monitor the battery temperature and limit the power if the temperature becomes too high or too low beyond the allowable limit, making the battery dangerous.

[0071] The change amount limiting unit 520 is composed of a charge change amount limiting unit 521 and a discharge change amount limiting unit 522, and limits the maximum change amount per unit time in order to suppress sudden value changes in the charge allowable power and the discharge allowable power, which are the outputs of the multiplication units 511, 512 limited by the limiting rate.

[0072] Therefore, the process of calculating the allowable power by the allowable power calculation unit 152 is as follows. First, the allowable power calculation unit 153 calculates the allowable power (the allowable power after the calculation unit) using a circuit model. Based on this, the allowable power limiting unit 154 sets various restrictions and generates the final allowable power.

[0073] <Regarding the method of calculating the limit rate in Example 1> Next, a method for calculating the limiting rate in the allowable power limiting section 500 will be described.

[0074] The charging limit rate Dchg, which is the output of the charging allowable power limiting unit 501, can be expressed by equation (10). Here, Dmax_chg is the maximum limit rate of the limit rate Dchg. Dvol_chg is the limit rate limited by the voltage at the overcharge voltage. Dsoc_chg is the limit rate limited by the SOC at the upper limit SOC. Dcur is the limit rate limited by the current at an abnormal current. Dtemp is the limit rate limited by the temperature at an abnormal temperature.

[0075] After calculating each limit rate, the charging allowed power limiting unit 501 sets each limit rate to a value between 0 and 100%, and for safety, determines the charging limit rate Dchg according to the minimum value of these. That is, the charging allowed power limiting unit 501 limits the allowed power when an abnormality occurs in any one of the indicators representing the battery state such as voltage, current, temperature, SOC, etc. At this time, the charging limit rate Dchg is determined according to the strictest limit rate.

[0076] The charging limit rate Dchg in the first embodiment is set to a value between 0% and Dmax_chg (%). If Dmax_chg is set to 100%, the charging limit rate Dchg can be calculated based on the limit rates Dvol_chg, Dsoc_chg, Dcur, and Dtemp.

[0077] Also, if Dmax_chg is set to a value less than 100%, the upper limit of the limit rate can be specified by factors other than voltage, SOC, current, and temperature. That is, Dmax_chg can be used to set the upper limit of the limit rate for the allowable power after the calculation unit based on factors other than the battery state. Alternatively, it can be used to set the limit rate for the allowable power after the calculation unit so that it is not always 100% but has some margin.

[0078]

number

[0079] Similarly, the discharge limit rate Ddis, which is the output of the discharge allowable power limit unit 502, can be expressed by equation (11). Here, Dmax_dis is the maximum limit rate of the limit rate Ddis. Dvol_dis is the limit rate limited by voltage at an overdischarge voltage. Dsoc_dis is the limit rate limited by SOC at the lower SOC limit. Dcur is the limit rate limited by current at an abnormal current. Dtemp is the limit rate limited by temperature at an abnormal temperature. Each limit rate is set to 0-100%, and for safety, after each limit rate is calculated, the discharge limit rate Ddis is determined according to the minimum value of those.

[0080] In the first embodiment, the discharge limit rate Ddis is limited to a value between 0% and Dmax_dis (%). If Dmax_dis is set to 100%, the charge limit rate Ddis can be calculated based on the limit rates Dvol_dis, Dsoc_dis, Dcur, and Dtemp.

[0081] Also, if Dmax_chg is set to a value less than 100%, the upper limit of the limit rate can be specified by factors other than voltage, SOC, current, and temperature. That is, Dmax_chg can be used to set the upper limit of the limit rate for the allowable power after the calculation unit based on factors other than the battery state. Alternatively, it can be used to set the limit rate for the allowable power after the calculation unit so that it is not always 100% but has some margin.

[0082]

number

[0083] <Explanation of voltage limit rate> Next, a method for calculating the charge limit rate Dvol_chg and the discharge limit rate Dvol_dis based on the voltage in the first embodiment will be described. To facilitate the description, a method for limiting the allowable power (a method for calculating the limit rate based on the voltage) according to a comparative example will be described first, along with problems. In comparison with the method, a method for limiting the allowable power in the first embodiment will be described along with its effects.

[0084] <Calculation method of charging allowable power limit rate according to comparative example> The allowable power limiting method according to the comparative example also includes a charge limiting method (corresponding to a charge limiting rate Dvol_chg) and a discharge limiting method (corresponding to a discharge limiting rate Dvol_dis).

[0085] Fig. 6 is a graph showing a charge limiting method according to a comparative example (hereinafter also referred to as "comparative charge limiting method"), which corresponds to a charge limit rate Dvol_chg. The horizontal axis of Fig. 6 indicates voltage, and the vertical axis indicates the limit rate. The right side of the horizontal axis is regarded as the direction of increasing voltage. In the voltage on the horizontal axis, a second voltage threshold Vth2 is a voltage threshold for limit start and limit release.

[0086] The third voltage threshold Vth3 is the voltage threshold for limiting (the voltage threshold for limiting rate 0%). The voltage value Vth_cell indicates the voltage threshold that the battery voltage must not exceed. In the first embodiment, it is the battery overcharge voltage threshold. First, the relationship between the voltage and the limiting state will be described.

[0087] The normal voltage is below Vth2, at which point the allowable charging power is unrestricted (limit rate 100%). When charging begins from this voltage state, the voltage rises. If the voltage exceeds Vth2, the allowable charging power is limited by the limit rate on the limit rate slope (100% - 0%). If the voltage exceeds Vth3, the limit rate becomes 0%.

[0088] When the voltage is equal to or higher than Vth2, the limit rate is uniquely determined according to the limit rate slope. That is, when the voltage is equal to or higher than Vth2, the limit rate is generated, and the limit rate according to the voltage is calculated so as to be constantly updated based on the limit rate slope.

[0089] After the limitation is applied, when the voltage becomes equal to or lower than Vth2, the limitation is released and the limitation rate returns to 100%. In other words, there is no limitation. In such a charge limitation method according to the comparative example, the following voltage hunting behavior occurs, the allowable power fluctuates significantly, and there is a possibility that this causes the operation of the vehicle system to become unstable.

[0090] FIG. 7 is a graph showing the hunting phenomenon that occurs in the charge limiting method of the comparative example shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 7, there are three graphs showing the allowable charge power, the limiting rate, and the voltage, and the horizontal axis shows time. The further to the right the graph shows the passage of time. First, before time t0, the voltage is below Vth2 and can be considered to be within the normal voltage range. The limiting rate is 100%, and the allowable charge power is equal to the allowable charge power after the calculation section.

[0091] From this state, it is assumed that abrupt or large charging occurs. At time t0, charging occurs and the voltage rises sharply, reaching Vth2 at time t1. When the voltage reaches Vth2, a limit on the allowable charging power occurs, a limit rate according to the voltage is calculated, and the allowable charging power is limited. The voltage continues to rise after time t1 due to the sudden jump in battery voltage caused by charging. Since the vehicle system limits the maximum charging power by the allowable charging power, charging to the battery is limited as the allowable charging power decreases.

[0092] Just before time t2, the allowable charging power is sufficiently limited and the battery voltage will not increase any further. As a result of the limit on the allowable charging power, the battery voltage drops to Vth2 or less at time t2 and then recovers to normal voltage. The limit is temporarily lifted from time t2. At this time, the lifting of the limit instantly causes the limit rate to become 100% (no limit state), and the allowable charging power also recovers to the allowable charging power after the calculation unit.

[0093] This returns the vehicle to the permissible power state where charging is possible again. However, it is assumed that immediately after this restriction is released, the battery voltage is still sufficiently close to the second voltage threshold Vth2 at which the restriction starts to occur. If the vehicle immediately starts charging again, the voltage will rise and the permissible charging power restriction will occur again at time t3.

[0094] At time t4, the voltage again becomes equal to or lower than Vth2, and the restriction is released. However, even after time t4, the restriction is repeatedly applied and released in a similar manner (hunting behavior) in a short period of time. In this way, a vehicle system that controls charging according to the allowable charging power experiences large fluctuations in the allowable charging power in a short period of time, causing the operation to become unstable. Next, a discharge restriction method according to a comparative example will be described.

[0095] Fig. 8 is a graph showing a discharge limiting method according to a comparative example (a discharge limiting method of the comparative example), which corresponds to a charge limiting rate Dvol_dis. In Fig. 8, the horizontal axis indicates voltage, and the vertical axis indicates limiting rate. The voltage decreases toward the left of the horizontal axis, indicating a decreasing direction. The second voltage threshold Vth2 is a voltage threshold for starting and removing the limiting.

[0096] The third voltage threshold Vth3 is the voltage threshold at which the limit is ended (the voltage threshold at which the limit rate is 0%). The voltage value Vth_cell is the lower limit voltage threshold defined in the specifications. If the battery voltage is used in a manner that causes it to drop below this threshold, it is believed to have a negative effect on the battery's lifespan. In the first embodiment, this is the battery's overdischarge voltage threshold.

[0097] First, the relationship between voltage and the limit state will be explained. The normal voltage is greater than Vth2, and at this time the allowable charging power is unrestricted (limit rate 100%). When discharging occurs from this voltage state, the voltage drops. When the voltage falls below Vth2, the allowable discharging power is limited by the limit rate on the slope (100% - 0%).

[0098] When the voltage becomes Vth3 or less, the limiting rate becomes 0%. When the voltage is Vth2 or less, the limiting rate is uniquely determined according to the voltage and the limiting rate slope. That is, when the voltage becomes Vth2 or less, a limiting state occurs, and the limiting rate according to the voltage is constantly updated and calculated based on the limiting rate slope.

[0099] After the limitation is applied, when the voltage becomes equal to or higher than Vth2, the limitation is released and the limitation rate returns to 100%. In other words, no limitation is applied. In the discharge limitation method according to the comparative example, similar to the charging allowable power limit, voltage hunting behavior occurs, the allowable power fluctuates significantly, and there is a possibility that this causes the operation of the vehicle system to become unstable.

[0100] FIG. 9 is a graph showing the hunting phenomenon that occurs in the discharge limiting method of the comparative example shown in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 9, there are three graphs showing discharge allowable power, limit rate, and voltage, and the horizontal axis shows time. The further to the right the graph shows the passage of time. First, before time t0, the voltage is equal to or higher than Vth2 and can be considered to be within the normal voltage range. The limit rate is 100%, and the discharge allowable power is equal to the discharge allowable power after the calculation section.

[0101] Assume that a sudden large-power discharge continues after time t0 in Fig. 9. From time t0, the voltage suddenly drops due to the discharge, and reaches Vth2 at time t1. When the voltage reaches Vth2, discharge allowable power limiting unit 502 calculates a limiting rate according to the voltage and limits the discharge allowable power. Discharge continues after time t1, causing the battery voltage to drop.

[0102] Since the vehicle system limits the maximum discharge power based on the discharge allowable power, discharge from the battery is limited as the discharge allowable power decreases. Just before time t2, the discharge allowable power is sufficiently limited and the battery voltage does not decrease any further. As the limit on the discharge allowable power occurs, the battery voltage increases to or exceeds Vth2 at time t2 and then recovers to normal voltage. The limit is temporarily lifted from time t2.

[0103] At this time, the release of the restriction instantly returns the restriction rate to 100% (no restriction state), and the discharge allowable power also recovers to the discharge allowable power after the calculation unit. This returns the battery to the allowable power state in which discharge is possible again. However, it is assumed that immediately after this restriction release, the battery voltage is still sufficiently close to the second voltage threshold Vth2 at which the restriction begins to occur. If the vehicle then immediately starts discharging again, the voltage will drop and the discharge allowable power limit will occur again at time t3.

[0104] At time t4, the voltage becomes equal to or higher than Vth2, and the restriction is released. However, after time t4, a hunting phenomenon occurs in which the restriction is repeated in a short cycle, and the restriction is released again in a short cycle. In this way, a vehicle system that controls discharge according to the discharge allowable power experiences large fluctuations in the discharge allowable power in a short period of time, and is prone to unstable operation.

[0105] <Method of calculating the restriction rate in Example 1> Hereinafter, the charge limiting method and the discharge limiting method in the embodiment 1 will be described in order. Fig. 10 is a graph showing the charge limiting method in the present system 100 in Fig. 1 (hereinafter, also referred to as "the present charge limiting method"). The present charge limiting method is different from the charge limiting method of the comparative example shown in Fig. 6 in the way of calculating the limiting rate and the voltage threshold value related to the imposition and removal of the limit.

[0106] Unlike Fig. 6, in the voltage on the horizontal axis, the second voltage threshold Vth2 is only the voltage threshold for limiting, the first voltage threshold Vth1 is an independent voltage threshold for lifting limiting, and the third voltage threshold Vth3 is the voltage threshold for ending limiting (the voltage threshold for which the limiting rate is 0%).

[0107] First, the relationship between voltage and the limit state will be explained. The normal voltage is below Vth2, at which point the allowable charging power is unrestricted (limit rate 100%). When charging begins from this voltage state, the voltage rises. If the voltage exceeds Vth2, the allowable charging power is limited by a limit rate on a slope (100% - 0%). If the voltage exceeds Vth3, the limit rate becomes 0%.

[0108] 6, the charge limiting method according to the comparative example is different in that the limiting rate that has decreased once during a voltage rise is maintained even if the voltage falls from when the limiting is applied to when the limiting is released (until the voltage becomes equal to or lower than the first voltage threshold Vth1 for releasing the limiting). That is, when the limiting rate is calculated separately for when the voltage rises and falls, it is calculated as follows:

[0109] The explanation will be given in the direction of voltage increase. If there is no limiting history and the voltage is below Vth2, the limiting rate is 100%. If the voltage becomes equal to or higher than Vth2, the limiting rate according to the voltage is calculated and updated based on the limiting rate slope (100% - 0%). However, it is assumed that the voltage continues to rise without ever decreasing. The voltage when the voltage stops rising is taken as V1, and the limiting rate at this time is taken as limit1.

[0110] Here, if V1 is a voltage between Vth2 and Vth3, limit1 is a limit rate on a limit rate slope of 100%-0%, and if V1 is greater than or equal to Vth3, limit1 is a limit rate of 0%. V1 in FIG. 10 is an example between Vth2 and Vth3.

[0111] From here, after the voltage reaches V1, it drops toward the first voltage threshold Vth1 for limit release. In this case, the limit rate limit1 experienced at V1 is maintained until the voltage becomes equal to or lower than the first voltage threshold Vth1 for limit release. When the voltage becomes equal to or lower than Vth1, the limit is released. The limit rate instantly becomes 100% (no limit state), and the allowable charging power also recovers to the allowable charging power after the calculation unit.

[0112] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the process from restriction occurrence to restriction release in the present charging restriction method of Fig. 10. In the flowchart of Fig. 11, the current voltage is V, and at the start of the flow, the restriction has not occurred and the voltage V is less than Vth2. Here, the processing method from restriction occurrence to restriction release will be described assuming that the voltage is periodically monitored and the current voltage is constantly updated. Dvol_chg indicates the charge allowable power limit rate (limit rate by voltage) in the first embodiment. Dvol_chg_z is the previous value of Dvol_chg.

[0113] Dvol_chg_now is the limiting rate obtained when the current voltage V is applied onto the limiting rate slope in Fig. 10. That is, when Vth2 < V < Vth3, it is the limiting rate on the limiting rate slope, and when V > Vth3, the limiting rate is 0%.

[0114] At the start, the voltage is normal. Decision 601 (equation (12)) always returns "NO", and process 602 (equation (13)) is performed, maintaining (Dvol_chg=100%).

[0115] When the voltage V increases and becomes equal to or greater than Vth2, the determination 601 (equation (12)) is judged as "YES", and steps 603, 604, and 605 are executed successively.

[0116] Process 603 (equation (14)) is an initialization process for substituting a value of 100% into Dvol_chg_z.

[0117] Process 604 (equation (15)) is the limiting rate obtained when applying the current voltage V to the limiting rate slope for Dvol_chg_now as described above. The limiting rate of Dvol_chg_now varies depending on the current voltage.

[0118] Process 605 (equation (16)) is a process for updating the current limit rate Dvol_chg. The minimum value of the limit rate Dvol_chg_now obtained by applying the current voltage to the limit rate slope and the previous limit rate Dvol_chg_z is taken and substituted for the limit rate Dvol_chg. If the current voltage continues to rise, the limit rate Dvol_chg continues to be updated towards a limit rate of 0%.

[0119] Furthermore, if "the current voltage drops" or "the current voltage does not fluctuate at all", the limit rate Dvol_chg does not change. This is because in process 605 (equation (16)), the limit rate Dvol_chg_now outputs a value approaching a limit rate of 100% in response to a drop in voltage, and the previous limit rate Dvol_chg_z is always selected as the minimum value.

[0120] In process 606 (equation (17)), Dvol_chg_z is a process for updating the previous value Dvol_chg_z of Dvol_chg with the current Dvol_chg.

[0121] Decision 607 (equation (18)) is a process for determining whether the current voltage V has become equal to or lower than the release voltage Vth1. If the current voltage V has become equal to or lower than the release voltage Vth1, process 608 (equation (13)) is performed to return the limit rate Dvol_chg to 100%.

[0122] When it is determined that the current voltage V is greater than the release voltage Vth1, the restriction is continued, so that a loop process of again executing steps 604, 605, and 606 is performed. By the above process flow, a series of processes from restriction occurrence to restriction release can be performed in the charge restriction method in the first embodiment.

[0123]

number

[0124] FIG. 12 is a graph showing the effect of applying the present charging limiting method of FIG. 10 and FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 12, it consists of three graphs of the charging allowable power, the limiting rate, and the voltage, and the horizontal axis is time. The further to the right, the more time has passed. First, before time t0, the voltage is less than Vth2 and can be considered to be in the normal voltage range. The limiting rate is 100%, and the charging allowable power is equivalent to the charging allowable power after the calculation unit.

[0125] From this state, it is assumed that a sudden or large charge occurs. At time t0, charging occurs and the voltage rises sharply, reaching Vth2 at time t1. When the voltage reaches Vth2, a limit on the allowable charging power occurs, a limit rate according to the voltage is calculated, and the allowable charging power is limited. The voltage continues to rise after time t1 due to the sudden jump in battery voltage caused by charging.

[0126] Since the vehicle system limits the maximum charging power by the allowable charging power, charging to the battery is limited as the allowable charging power decreases. Just before time t2, the allowable charging power is sufficiently limited and the battery voltage does not increase any further. From time t2 to t3, the limit rate "limit" obtained at time t2 continues to be applied. As a result, the battery voltage begins to decrease after time t2 due to the limit on the allowable charging power and the continuation of the limit rate "limit1".

[0127] Unlike the charge limiting method according to the comparative example shown in Fig. 7, in the first embodiment, the limit is not lifted even if the voltage becomes equal to or lower than Vth2 between times t2 and t3. At time t3, the voltage becomes equal to or lower than the first voltage threshold Vth1 for lifting the limit, and the limit is lifted. As a result of the lifting of the limit, the limit rate instantly becomes 100% (no limit state), and the allowable charging power also recovers to the allowable charging power after the calculation unit.

[0128] As in the charge limiting method according to the comparative example shown in FIG. 7, in the first embodiment, when charging is started immediately after the limit is released, voltage fluctuations accompanied by an increase may occur even after the limit is released (after time t3).

[0129] However, by setting the first voltage threshold Vth1 for limit release lower than the second voltage threshold Vth2 for limit activation, even with a steep voltage rise, the voltage will not reach the second voltage threshold Vth2 for limit activation, and limit activation will not occur again immediately after limit release. In other words, by using the charge limiting method of the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent unstable behavior of the charge allowable power caused by repeated limit activation and release in a short period of time.

[0130] Fig. 13 is a graph showing a discharge limiting method (present discharge limiting method) in the present system 100 of Fig. 1. The present discharge limiting method of Fig. 13 differs from the discharge limiting method of the comparative example shown in Fig. 8 in the way of calculating the limiting rate and in the voltage thresholds related to the occurrence and release of the limiting. That is, in the present discharge limiting method, unlike the method of Fig. 8, in the voltage on the horizontal axis, the second voltage threshold Vth2 is only the voltage threshold for the start of the limiting, and the first voltage threshold Vth1 is an independent voltage threshold for the release of the limiting. The third voltage threshold Vth3 is the voltage threshold for the end of the limiting (the voltage threshold at which the limiting rate becomes 0%).

[0131] First, the relationship between voltage and the limit state will be explained. The normal voltage is greater than Vth2, at which point the allowable discharge power is unrestricted (limit rate 100%). When discharging occurs from this voltage state, the voltage drops. When the voltage exceeds Vth2, the allowable discharge power is limited by a limit rate on the slope (100% - 0%). When the voltage falls below Vth3, the limit rate becomes 0%.

[0132] 8, the limiting rate that has decreased once during the voltage drop is maintained even if the voltage rises from when the limit is applied to when the limit is released (until the voltage becomes equal to or greater than the first voltage threshold Vth1 for releasing the limit). In other words, the limiting rate is calculated as follows when the voltage is decreased and when the voltage is increased.

[0133] The explanation will be given in the downward direction of voltage. When no limit has been experienced and the voltage is greater than Vth2, the limit rate is 100%. When the voltage falls below Vth2, the limit rate according to the voltage is calculated and updated based on the limit rate slope (100% - 0%). However, it is assumed that the voltage continues to rise without ever rising. The voltage when the voltage stops falling is taken as V1, and the limit rate at this time is taken as limit1.

[0134] Here, if V1 is a voltage between Vth2 and Vth3, limit1 is a limit rate on a limit rate slope of 100%-0%, and if V1 is equal to or lower than Vth3, limit1 is a limit rate of 0%. V1 in FIG. 13 is an example between Vth2 and Vth3.

[0135] From here, after the voltage reaches V1, it rises toward the first voltage threshold Vth1 for limit release. In this case, the limit rate limit1 experienced at V1 is maintained until the voltage reaches or exceeds the first voltage threshold Vth1 for limit release. When the voltage reaches or exceeds Vth1, the limit is released. The limit rate instantly becomes 100% (no limit state), and the discharge allowable power also recovers to the discharge allowable power after the calculation unit.

[0136] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the process from when the restriction is applied to when the restriction is removed in the discharge limiting method of Fig. 13. In the flowchart of Fig. 14, the current voltage is V, and at the start of the flow, the voltage V is greater than Vth2 before the restriction is applied.

[0137] Here, the method of processing from when the limit is imposed to when the limit is removed will be described assuming that the voltage is periodically monitored and the current voltage is constantly updated. Dvol_dis indicates the discharge allowable power limit rate (limit rate by voltage) in the first embodiment. Dvol_dis_z is the previous value of Dvol_dis.

[0138] Dvol_dis_now is the limiting rate obtained when the current voltage V is applied onto the limiting rate slope in Fig. 13. That is, when Vth3 < V < Vth2, it is the limiting rate on the limiting rate slope, and when V < Vth3, the limiting rate is 0%.

[0139] At the start, the voltage is normal. Decision 701 (equation (19)) always judges "NO", process 702 (equation (20)) is executed, and (Dvol_dis=100%) is maintained. When the voltage V drops and becomes equal to or lower than Vth2, decision 701 (equation (19)) judges "YES", and processes 703, 704, and 705 are executed successively.

[0140] Process 703 (equation (21)) is an initialization process for substituting a value of 100% into Dvol_dis_z.

[0141] The process 704 (equation (22)) is the limiting rate obtained when the current voltage V is applied to the limiting rate slope for Dvol_dis_now as described above. The limiting rate of Dvol_dis_now varies depending on the current voltage.

[0142] Process 705 (equation (23)) is a process for updating the current limit rate Dvol_dis. The minimum value of the limit rate Dvol_dis_now obtained by applying the current voltage to the limit rate slope and the previous limit rate Dvol_dis_z is taken and substituted for the limit rate Dvol_dis. If the current voltage continues to rise, the limit rate Dvol_dis continues to be updated towards a limit rate of 0%.

[0143] Furthermore, the limit rate Dvol_dis does not change if "the current voltage increases" or "the current voltage does not fluctuate at all." This is because in process 705 (equation (23)), the limit rate Dvol_dis_now produces a value approaching a limit rate of 100% in response to an increase in voltage, and the previous limit rate Dvol_dis_z is always selected as the minimum value.

[0144] In process 706 (equation (24)), the previous value Dvol_dis_z of Dvol_dis is updated with the current Dvol_dis.

[0145] Decision 707 (equation (25)) is a process for determining whether the current voltage V has become equal to or greater than the release voltage Vth1. If the current voltage V has become equal to or greater than the release voltage Vth1, process 708 (equation (13)) is performed to return the limit rate Dvol_dis to 100%.

[0146] If it is determined that the current voltage V is smaller than the release voltage Vth1, the restriction is continued, so a loop process of again executing steps 604, 605, and 606 is performed. With the above process flow, a series of processes from restriction activation to restriction release can be performed in the discharge restriction method in the first embodiment.

[0147]

number

[0148] Fig. 15 is a graph showing the effect of applying the discharge limiting method of Fig. 13 and Fig. 14. As shown in Fig. 15, it consists of three graphs of discharge allowable power, limit rate, and voltage, and the horizontal axis is time. The further to the right, the more time has passed. First, before time t0, the voltage is a value greater than Vth2 and can be considered to be within the normal voltage range. The limit rate is 100%, and the discharge allowable power is equivalent to the discharge allowable power after the calculation section.

[0149] From this state, it is assumed that a steep or large discharge occurs. At time t0, discharge occurs and the voltage drops sharply, reaching Vth2 at time t1. When the voltage reaches Vth2, a limit on the allowable charging power occurs, a limit rate according to the voltage is calculated, and the allowable discharging power is limited. The voltage continues to drop after time t1 due to the sudden drop in battery voltage caused by the sudden discharge.

[0150] Since the vehicle system limits the maximum discharge power by the discharge allowable power, discharge from the battery is limited as the discharge allowable power decreases. Just before time t2, the discharge allowable power is sufficiently limited and the battery voltage does not decrease any further. From time t2 to t3, the limit rate "limit" obtained at time t2 continues to be applied. As a result, the battery voltage begins to increase after time t2 due to the limit on the discharge allowable power and the continuation of the limit rate "limit1".

[0151] Unlike the discharge power limiting method of the comparative example shown in Fig. 9, in the first embodiment, the limit is not lifted even if the voltage exceeds Vth2 between times t2 and t3. At time t3, the voltage exceeds the first voltage threshold Vth1 for limit lifting, and the limit is lifted. As a result of the limit being lifted, the limit rate instantly becomes 100% (no limit state), and the discharge allowable power also recovers to the discharge allowable power after the calculation unit.

[0152] 9, in the first embodiment, when discharging occurs immediately after the restriction is released, a voltage fluctuation accompanied by a drop may occur even after the restriction is released (after time t3). However, by setting the first voltage threshold Vth1 for limit release higher than the second voltage threshold Vth2 for limit occurrence, even with a steep voltage drop, the voltage does not reach the second voltage threshold Vth2 for limit occurrence, and restriction does not occur again immediately after the restriction is released.

[0153] That is, by using the discharge limiting method of the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent unstable behavior of the discharge allowable power caused by repeated limiting and releasing in a short period of time. In summary, by adopting the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent unstable behavior of the discharge allowable power caused by repeated limiting and releasing in a short period of time on the charge / discharge allowable power.

[0154] As a method for realizing the first embodiment, the realization methods shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 have been described. However, the realization methods are merely examples, and do not limit the implementation method of the allowable power limiting method of the first embodiment. In other words, there are no limitations on the order of processing in software, the arithmetic elements used, or the addition, deletion, or functionalization of processing. Also, the method may be realized by alternative means in electronic circuits or other hardware mechanisms. EXAMPLES

[0155] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, in addition to the first embodiment, a means for further improving safety will be described. In the first embodiment, the charge limiting method of the first embodiment has been described with reference to FIG. 10, and the discharge limiting method of the first embodiment has been described with reference to FIG. 13. In the first embodiment, in the limited state, the limit rate of the allowable power is immediately returned to 100% when the voltage reaches the first voltage threshold Vth1 for releasing the limit.

[0156] In the second embodiment, the limit rate of the allowable power is not immediately returned to 100% at the first voltage threshold Vth1 for removing the limit, but a fourth voltage threshold Vth4 is newly provided, and a limit rate slope is provided between the first voltage threshold Vth1 and the fourth voltage threshold Vth4 to gradually return the limit rate. Hereinafter, the charge limiting method and the discharge limiting method in the second embodiment will be described in order.

[0157] FIG. 16 is a graph showing a charge limiting method (battery control method) according to Example 2. The charge limiting method according to Example 2 shown in FIG. 16 has a voltage threshold Vth4 that is smaller than Vth1. A second limiting rate slope is provided between the first voltage threshold Vth1 and Vth4. When the voltage is equal to the first voltage threshold Vth1, the limiting rate becomes limit1, and when the voltage is Vth4≦V≦Vth1, the limiting rate on the limiting rate slope according to the voltage is set. When the voltage drops and reaches Vth4 or less, the limiting rate returns to 100%.

[0158] The behavior of the limit rate for the voltage at which the limit is released after the limit is generated will be described below. The explanation begins with the state in which the voltage becomes equal to or exceeds Vth2, reaches the maximum voltage value V1 experienced after the limit is generated, and the voltage is decreasing. In this case, as in the first embodiment, the limit rate maintains the limit1 obtained when the voltage reaches V1.

[0159] The limit rate limit1 remains applied until the voltage reaches the first voltage threshold Vth1 for limit release. As the voltage drops further, from the first voltage threshold Vth1 to Vth4, the limit rate becomes the limit rate on the second limit rate slope according to the voltage (Vth1: limit rate limit1-Vth4: limit rate 100%). When the voltage drops below the fourth voltage threshold Vth4, the limit rate returns to 100%.

[0160] The above is an explanation of the charge limiting method in the embodiment 2. In comparison with the charge limiting method in the embodiment 1 shown in Fig. 10, the difference is that the behavior of the restriction release for the voltage in the limit rate calculation is different. When the charge limiting method in the embodiment 2 is used, the behavior is that the restriction rate gradually returns to 100% at the first voltage thresholds Vth1 to Vth4 for limit release in the process of the voltage decreasing after the restriction occurs.

[0161] That is, the limit is gradually released according to the voltage drop, and the charge allowable power is gradually restored to the charge allowable power after the calculation unit. In this way, the fluctuation of the charge allowable power caused by the sudden power recovery when the limit is released is suppressed, and the unstable behavior of the charge allowable power can be prevented. Next, the discharge limiting method in the second embodiment will be described.

[0162] FIG. 17 is a graph showing a discharge limiting method (battery control method) according to Example 2. As shown in the graph of FIG. 17, the discharge limiting method of Example 2 has a voltage threshold Vth4 that is greater than Vth1. In addition, a second limiting rate slope is provided between the first voltage thresholds Vth1 and Vth4. When the voltage is equal to the first voltage threshold Vth1, the limiting rate becomes limit1, and when the voltage is Vth1≦V≦Vth4, the limiting rate on the limiting rate slope according to the voltage is set. When the voltage rises and reaches Vth4 or more, the limiting rate returns to 100%.

[0163] The behavior of the limit rate for the voltage at which the limit is released after the limit occurs will be described below. The explanation begins with the state in which the voltage becomes equal to or lower than Vth2, reaches the minimum voltage value V1 experienced after the limit occurs, and the voltage is decreasing. In this case, as in the first embodiment, the limit rate maintains the limit1 obtained when the voltage reaches V1.

[0164] The limit rate limit1 remains applied until the voltage reaches the first voltage threshold Vth1 for limit release. As the voltage rises further, from the first voltage threshold Vth1 to Vth4, the limit rate becomes the limit rate on the second limit rate slope according to the voltage (Vth1: limit rate limit1-Vth4: limit rate 100%). When the voltage becomes equal to or higher than the fourth voltage threshold Vth4, the limit rate returns to 100%.

[0165] The above is an explanation of the discharge limiting method in the embodiment 2. In comparison with the discharge limiting method in the embodiment 1 in Fig. 13, the difference is that the behavior of the limit release with respect to the voltage in the limit rate calculation is different. When the discharge limiting method in the embodiment 2 is used, the behavior is that the limit rate gradually returns to 100% at the first voltage thresholds Vth1 to Vth4 for limit release as the voltage increases after the limit is generated.

[0166] In other words, the limit is gradually lifted in accordance with the voltage rise, and the discharge allowable power gradually recovers to the discharge allowable power after the calculation unit. In this way, fluctuations in the discharge allowable power caused by a sudden power recovery when the limit is lifted can be suppressed, and unstable behavior of the discharge allowable power can be prevented.

[0167] In summary, by adopting the second embodiment, the fluctuation of the charge / discharge allowable power caused by the sudden power recovery when the limit is released can be suppressed, and the unstable behavior of the charge / discharge allowable power can be prevented. That is, in addition to the first embodiment, the reliability of the battery control can be further improved.

[0168] The second limit slope in the present embodiment described in Fig. 16 and Fig. 17 is a linear graph between the first voltage threshold Vth1 and the fourth voltage threshold Vth4. However, the graph of the second limit slope is only an example, and does not limit the shape of the second limit slope used in the allowable power limiting method of the second embodiment. Any graph in which the limit rate increases from the first voltage threshold Vth1 to Vth4 may be used, and may be a curved or stepped shape. EXAMPLES

[0169] Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a block diagram showing an allowable power limiting unit according to the third embodiment, which corresponds to the allowable power limiting unit 154 in Fig. 3. The allowable power limiting unit 500 of the third embodiment shown in Fig. 18 has a different configuration from the allowable power limiting unit 154 of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 3. In the allowable power limiting unit 500, a moving average voltage calculation unit 530 is newly provided. The moving average voltage calculation unit 530 calculates a moving average value of the voltage over a predetermined time period.

[0170] Equation (26) is a calculation formula for the moving average voltage in the third embodiment. Vave is the moving average voltage. Vave_z is the previous value of the moving average voltage Vave. Ts is a sampling period indicating an update time interval for the moving average voltage calculation. τ is a time constant.

[0171]

number

[0172] The moving average formula in equation (26) is obtained as a modified form of the exponential moving average formula. When this exponential moving average formula is used, only the moving average voltage Vave needs to be stored in memory for the next calculation. The moving average formula in equation (26) is designed so that the larger the time constant τ, the more the influence of voltage from the past is reflected in the calculation. In other words, the extent to which past voltage data is reflected in the moving average depends on the time constant τ.

[0173] In other words, if the time constant τ is increased, the moving average calculation reflects even older voltage data, and if the time constant τ is decreased, the moving average calculation reflects only the most recent voltage data. In other words, the moving average voltage is calculated as a value that reflects not only the current voltage but also the state of the past voltage history.

[0174] The moving average voltage calculated by the moving average voltage calculation unit 530 is input to the charging allowable power limiting unit 501 and the discharging allowable power limiting unit 502. The moving average voltage is used to change the value of the first voltage threshold Vth1 for removing the limit of the allowable power limiting method described next. Hereinafter, the charging limiting method and the discharging limiting method in the third embodiment will be described in order.

[0175] FIG. 19 is a graph showing a charge limiting method using the allowable power limiting unit of FIG. 18 (also referred to as "the present charge limiting method of Example 3" or "battery control method"). The present charge limiting method of Example 3 shown in FIG. 19 is different from the present charge limiting method of Example 1 shown in FIG. 10 in that the first voltage threshold Vth1 for limit release is a variable value according to the moving average voltage. In Example 1, the first voltage threshold Vth1 for limit release was fixed. However, in Example 3, the moving average voltage is monitored, and the first voltage threshold Vth1 is increased or decreased according to the moving average voltage.

[0176] When the moving average voltage is high, the first voltage threshold Vth1 is lowered. In the example of Fig. 19, the first voltage threshold Vth1 is moved to a voltage Vth1a. When the moving average voltage is high, there is a high possibility that charging has continued for a long time, and after the limit on the charging allowable power is released, the voltage will likely rise again, leading to the occurrence of the limit.

[0177] Therefore, the first voltage threshold Vth1 for limit release is lowered to delay limit release until the voltage drops sufficiently. In this way, it is possible to further prevent hunting, which is the repeated occurrence of limit activation and limit release in a short period of time. In addition, when the moving average voltage is low, the first voltage threshold Vth1 is increased. In the example of FIG. 19, the first voltage threshold Vth1 is moved to voltage Vth1b.

[0178] When the moving average voltage is low, it is highly likely that the charging is sufficiently weak, that the charging is not yet completed, or that the charging is already completed, and therefore the possibility of the voltage increasing further is low. Therefore, after the limit on the charging allowable power is released, the possibility of the voltage increasing again and causing the limit to occur is low. As a result, even if the first voltage threshold Vth1 for releasing the limit is increased, safety can be ensured.

[0179] In this way, the range of normal calculation of the allowable charging power can be expanded by removing the restriction earlier. In the vehicle, the range of power usage of the battery can be expanded by narrowing the limit range of the allowable charging power.

[0180] FIG. 20 is a graph showing a charge limiting method using the allowable power limiting unit of FIG. 18 ("the main discharge limiting method of Example 3" or "battery control method"). This method is different from the main discharge limiting method of Example 1 shown in FIG. 13 in that the first voltage threshold Vth1 for limit release is a variable value that depends on the moving average voltage. In Example 1, the first voltage threshold Vth1 for limit release was a fixed value. However, in Example 3, the moving average voltage is monitored, and the first voltage threshold Vth1 is increased or decreased depending on the moving average voltage.

[0181] When the moving average voltage is low, the first voltage threshold Vth1 is increased. That is, as shown in FIG. 20, the first voltage threshold Vth1 is moved to a voltage Vth1a. When the moving average voltage is low, there is a high possibility that the discharge continues for a long time, and after the limit on the discharge allowable power is released, the voltage drops again and the limit is likely to be generated. Therefore, by increasing the first voltage threshold Vth1 for releasing the limit, the release of the limit is delayed until the voltage has risen sufficiently. In this way, it is possible to improve the effect of preventing hunting, which is the repeated generation and release of the limit in a short cycle.

[0182] Also, when the moving average voltage is high, the first voltage threshold Vth1 is lowered. In the example of FIG. 19, the first voltage threshold Vth1 is moved to voltage Vth1b. When the moving average voltage is high, the discharge is likely to be sufficiently weakened, or discharge has not yet been completed, or charging has already occurred, so the possibility of the voltage dropping further is low. Therefore, after the limit on the charging allowable power is released, the voltage is unlikely to drop again and the limit is unlikely to occur.

[0183] As a result, safety can be ensured even if the first voltage threshold Vth1 for limit release is lowered. In this way, limit release can be performed early, and the range in which the discharge allowable power can be normally calculated can be expanded. In a vehicle, the range of power usage of the battery can be expanded by narrowing the limit range of the discharge allowable power.

[0184] As described above, the battery control method of the third embodiment increases or decreases the voltage threshold for lifting the limit on the charge / discharge allowable power according to the moving average voltage. This enhances the effect of preventing hunting in the charge / discharge allowable power and widens the range of power usage in the vehicle.

[0185] In the calculation of the moving average voltage in the third embodiment, the moving average is calculated using a modified exponential moving average formula shown in formula (26). However, the method of calculating the moving average is not limited to this. In other words, a different moving average calculation method may be used in which multiple points of past voltage data are stored in memory and the average is calculated.

[0186] [supplement] SOC (state of charge) is the state of charge / charging rate, and is the percentage of the battery remaining after subtracting the amount of discharged electricity from the fully charged state of the secondary battery. This SOC is expressed as "remaining capacity (Ah) / fully charged capacity (Ah) x 100".

[0187] SOH (state of health) refers to the health (deterioration state) of a secondary battery measured using a battery tester. This SOH is expressed as "fully charged capacity (Ah) at the time of deterioration / initial fully charged capacity (Ah) x 100".

[0188] In a battery system equipped with a computer or a controller with equivalent functionality, the controller monitors battery information such as the battery voltage, current, temperature, SOC, SOH, etc., and calculates the allowable power so as to increase the degree of output restriction as the battery approaches the area where cell protection is required.

[0189] In a vehicle system equipped with a battery system, a battery control method calculates and applies the allowable power that can be used within a predetermined battery usage range. For a secondary battery being charged, the allowable charge power decreases and the allowable discharge power increases. For a secondary battery being discharged, the allowable discharge power decreases and the allowable charge power increases. In this way, the allowable power is calculated separately for charging and discharging.

[0190] In addition to the SOC, the controller also monitors battery information that indicates battery instability. An example of battery instability in a battery system is voltage hunting that occurs during charging and discharging. Meanwhile, in a vehicle system, a maximum operating voltage and a minimum operating voltage are set as a predetermined battery operating range. Note that the minimum operating voltage is often higher than the overdischarge voltage. Even within this battery operating range, hunting is a situation that should be avoided, and this is the subject of the present invention.

[0191] The battery control method according to the embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, also referred to as "the method") can be summarized as follows: Note that the voltage values, limit rates, times, and the like described in parentheses are merely examples. [1] This method is a battery control method for appropriately limiting the allowable power during charging (allowable charging power) in a battery system (this system) 100 having a control unit 121 that controls the battery, a memory unit 180 in which data related to the allowable power for charging the battery is stored, and a measurement unit 120 that measures the voltage value between a pair of electrode terminals of the battery.

[0192] The allowable power is defined as the maximum chargeable power calculated from a predetermined upper limit voltage value (a voltage threshold value that sets the allowable power to 0 W when the upper limit voltage=OCV true value) and the current charging state. The data includes the following first to third voltage values ​​Vth1 to Vth3.

[0193] The first voltage value Vth1 is a limit release voltage value (4.2V) and is the upper limit value at which no limit (limit rate 0%) of the allowable power is required. The second voltage value Vth2 is a limit start voltage value (4.3V) that is higher than the first voltage value and requires partial limiting of the allowable power (limiting rate 1% to 99%). The third voltage value Vth3 is a limit end voltage value (4.35V) that is higher than the second voltage value and is required to completely limit the allowable power (limit rate 100%).

[0194] The control unit 121 acquires the voltage value from the measurement unit 120 at predetermined time intervals, and limits the allowable charging power as follows. When the voltage value of the allowable power becomes equal to or higher than the third voltage value Vth3, the allowable power is completely limited (limit rate 100%). The allowable power is partially limited (limit rate 1% to 99%) or completely limited (limit rate 100%) until the voltage value of the allowable power decreases through the second voltage value Vth2 to the first voltage value Vth1.

[0195] This method operates in the charge allowable power limiting unit 501, and limits the charge allowable power according to the voltage. The charge allowable power limit is continued from when the voltage value acquired by the measuring unit 120 exceeds the second voltage threshold Vth2 at which the limit is started, until the voltage value becomes equal to or lower than the first voltage threshold Vth1 at which the limit is released. In this way, the limited state is maintained until the voltage reaches a value at which hunting due to voltage fluctuation does not occur, thereby preventing unstable behavior of the battery pack 110.

[0196] According to this method, the limit is started at a voltage higher than the central threshold, and the limit is released at a voltage lower than the limit voltage and then lower than the central threshold. That is, a predetermined range is set around the threshold, and in order to change the state across the threshold, the limit state and the release state are switched when the state changes beyond the predetermined range. This eliminates the hunting of limiting and releasing the allowable power, improving reliability.

[0197] [2] In the above [1], the control unit 121 performs control under the following conditions. When the allowable power is completely restricted (limit rate 100%) while the voltage value of the allowable power decreases from the specified voltage value V1 (4.3V to 4.35V) that is equal to or greater than the second voltage value Vth2 (4.3V) and equal to or less than the third voltage value Vth3 (4.35V), down to the first voltage value Vth1 (4.2V), the following conditions are added for control.

[0198] The condition is that while the voltage value of the allowable power decreases from the first voltage value Vth1 (4.2 V) to a fourth voltage value Vth4 (4.1 V) that is lower than the first voltage value Vth1 (4.2 V), the allowable power is partially restricted (limitation rate 1% to 99%) based on a predetermined voltage gradient represented by the voltage fluctuation per unit time.

[0199] According to this method, a predetermined voltage gradient is set for control, which eliminates shocks due to state changes, thereby improving safety and reliability of battery control.

[0200] [3] In the above [1] or [2], the control unit 121 uses the voltage value acquired from the measuring unit 120 or a calculated value (moving average value) obtained by calculating the voltage value based on predetermined conditions, and controls under the following conditions.

[0201] Within a predetermined first period (several tens of seconds), A voltage value higher than the first voltage value (4.2V) and lower than the third voltage value (4.35V) is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage value (4.3V, which is the same as the second voltage); And if the voltage is below the third voltage value (4.35V) (the moving average voltage is high), The control unit 121 relatively lowers the first voltage value (4.2V) (from 4.2V to 4.15V) and updates the first voltage value (4.15V).

[0202] According to this method, it is possible to effectively prevent hunting of the allowable charging power and to widen the range of power usage in the vehicle.

[0203] [4] In any of the above [1] to [3], the control unit 121 uses the voltage value acquired from the measuring unit 120 or a calculated value (moving average value) obtained by calculating the voltage value based on predetermined conditions, and controls under the following conditions.

[0204] Within a predetermined first period (several tens of seconds), A voltage value higher than the first voltage value (4.2V) and lower than the third voltage value (4.35V), which is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage value (4.3V, which is the same as the second voltage); And if it is not below the third voltage value (4.35V) (the moving average voltage is low), The control unit 121 relatively increases the first voltage value (4.2V) (from 4.2V to 4.25V) and updates the first voltage value (4.25V).

[0205] According to this method, it is possible to further improve the effect of preventing hunting of the permissible charging power and to widen the range of power usage in the vehicle.

[0206] [5] This method is a battery control method for appropriately limiting the allowable power when discharging in a battery system (this system) 100 having a control unit 121 that controls the battery, a memory unit 180 that stores data related to the allowable power of the battery's discharge, and a measurement unit 120 that measures the voltage value between a pair of electrode terminals of the battery.

[0207] The allowable power is determined as the maximum dischargeable power calculated from a predetermined lower limit voltage value (a voltage threshold value that sets the allowable power to 0 W when the lower limit voltage=OCV true value) and the current discharge state. The data includes the following first to third voltage values ​​Vth1 to Vth3.

[0208] The first voltage value Vth1 is a limit release voltage value (3V) and is the lower limit value at which no limit (limit rate 0%) of the allowable power is required. The second voltage value Vth2 is a limit start voltage value (2.5V) that is lower than the first voltage value and requires partial limiting of the allowable power (limiting rate 1% to 99%). The third voltage value Vth3 is a limit end voltage value (2.2V), which is higher than the second voltage value and requires complete limiting of the allowable power (limiting rate 100%).

[0209] The control unit 121 acquires the voltage value from the measurement unit 120 at predetermined time intervals, and limits the allowable charging power as follows. When the voltage value of the allowable power becomes equal to or higher than the third voltage value Vth3, the allowable power is completely limited (limit rate 100%). The allowable power is partially limited (limit rate 1% to 99%) or completely limited (limit rate 100%) until the voltage value of the allowable power decreases through the second voltage value Vth2 to the first voltage value Vth1.

[0210] This method operates in discharge allowable power limiting unit 502, and limits the discharge allowable power according to the voltage. After the voltage value acquired by measurement unit 120 falls below second voltage threshold Vth2 at which limiting occurs, the discharge allowable power limit is continued until it exceeds first voltage threshold Vth1. In this way, by maintaining the limited state until the voltage reaches a level at which hunting due to voltage fluctuation does not occur, unstable behavior of battery pack 110 can be prevented.

[0211] According to this method, discharge limitation is started when the voltage falls below a central second voltage threshold Vth2, and the limitation is released when the returned voltage exceeds a first voltage value that is higher than when the limitation started and is higher than the central threshold. In other words, a predetermined range is set around the threshold, and in order to change the state across the threshold, the limited state and the released state are switched according to the change beyond the predetermined range. This eliminates the hunting of limiting and releasing the limit on the allowable power, improving reliability.

[0212] [6] In the above [1], the control unit 121 controls under the following conditions: When the allowable power is completely restricted (limit rate 100%) while the voltage value of the allowable power increases from the specified voltage value V1 (2.2V to 2.5V) that is equal to or less than the second voltage value Vth2 (2.5V) and equal to or greater than the third voltage value Vth3 (2.2V), to the first voltage value Vth1 (3V), the following conditions are added for control.

[0213] As a condition for this, while the voltage value of the allowable power increases from the first voltage value Vth1 (3 V) to a fourth voltage value Vth4 (3.1 V) that is higher than the first voltage value Vth1 (3 V), the allowable power is partially restricted (limitation rate 1% to 99%) based on a predetermined voltage gradient represented by the voltage fluctuation per unit time.

[0214] According to this method, a predetermined voltage gradient is set and controlled to eliminate shocks due to state changes, thereby improving safety and reliability of battery control.

[0215] [7] In the above [5] or [6], the control unit 121 uses the voltage value acquired from the measuring unit 120 or a calculated value (moving average value) obtained by calculating the voltage value based on predetermined conditions, and controls under the following conditions.

[0216] Within a predetermined second period (tens of seconds), A voltage lower than the first voltage value (3V) and higher than the third voltage value (2.2V), and equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage value (2.5V, the same as the second voltage); And if the voltage is equal to or higher than the third voltage value (2.2V) (if the moving average voltage is low), The control unit 121 relatively increases the first voltage value (3V) (from 3V to 3.1V) and updates the first voltage value (3.1V).

[0217] 18 calculates a moving average voltage that reflects not only the current voltage but also the state of the past voltage history. This method enhances the effect of preventing hunting of the discharge allowable power and widens the range of power usage in the vehicle.

[0218] [8] In any one of the above [5] to [7], the control unit 121 determines whether the voltage value acquired from the measurement unit 120 or a calculated value (moving average value) obtained by calculating the voltage value based on a predetermined condition is: Within a predetermined second period (tens of seconds), A voltage lower than the first voltage value (3V) and higher than the third voltage value (2.2V), and equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage value (2.5V, the same as the second voltage); And if the voltage is not equal to or higher than the third voltage value (2.2V) (if the moving average voltage is high), The control unit 121 relatively lowers the first voltage value (3V) (from 3V to 2.9V) and updates the first voltage value (2.9V).

[0219] According to this method, it is possible to further improve the effect of preventing hunting of the discharge allowable power and to widen the range of power usage in the vehicle.

[0220] [Note] The claims also include the "battery control device" described in the following [9] to

[12] as sub-claims of the "battery control method" described in claims 1 to 8. [9] and

[10] are "battery control devices" corresponding to the requirements of claims 1 and 2, respectively.

[11] and

[12] are "battery control devices" corresponding to the requirements of claims 5 and 6, respectively.

[0221] [9] A battery control device having a control unit that controls a battery, a memory unit that stores data related to the allowable power of charging the battery, and a measurement unit that measures the voltage value between a pair of electrode terminals of the battery, wherein the allowable power is defined as the maximum chargeable power calculated from a predetermined upper limit voltage value and a current charging state, and the data includes a first voltage value that is an upper limit value at which no restriction of the allowable power is required, a second voltage value that is higher than the first voltage value and requires partial restriction of the allowable power, and a third voltage value that is higher than the second voltage value and requires complete restriction of the allowable power, the control unit acquires the voltage values ​​from the measurement unit at predetermined time intervals, and when the voltage value of the allowable power becomes equal to or higher than the third voltage value, completely restricts the allowable power, and partially or completely restricts the allowable power until the voltage value of the allowable power decreases to the first voltage value via the second voltage value.

[0222]

[10] The battery control device described in [9] above, wherein when the control unit completely restricts the allowable power while the voltage value of the allowable power decreases from a predetermined voltage value that is greater than or equal to the second voltage value and less than the third voltage value to the first voltage value, the control unit partially restricts the allowable power based on a predetermined voltage gradient represented by a voltage fluctuation per unit time while the voltage value of the allowable power decreases from the first voltage value to a fourth voltage value lower than the first voltage value.

[0223]

[11] A battery control device having a control unit that controls a battery, a memory unit that stores data related to the allowable power of the battery's discharge, and a measurement unit that measures the voltage value between a pair of electrode terminals of the battery, wherein the allowable power is defined as the maximum dischargeable power calculated from a predetermined lower limit voltage value and a current discharge state, and the data includes a first voltage value that is a lower limit value below which limiting the allowable power is not necessary, a second voltage value that is lower than the first voltage value and requires partial limiting of the allowable power, and a third voltage value that is lower than the second voltage value and requires complete limiting of the allowable power, the control unit acquires the voltage values ​​from the measurement unit at predetermined time intervals, and when the voltage value of the allowable power becomes equal to or lower than the third voltage value, completely limits the allowable power, and partially or completely limits the allowable power until the voltage value of the allowable power increases to the first voltage value via the second voltage value.

[0224]

[12] The battery control device described in

[11] above, wherein when the control unit completely restricts the allowable power while the voltage value of the allowable power increases from a predetermined voltage value that is less than the second voltage value and greater than the third voltage value to the first voltage value, the control unit partially restricts the allowable power based on a predetermined voltage gradient represented by a voltage fluctuation per unit time while the voltage value of the allowable power increases from the first voltage value to a fourth voltage value higher than the first voltage value. [Explanation of symbols]

[0225] 100... battery system (this system), 110... battery pack, 111... battery cell, 112, 112a, 112b... battery group, 120... measurement unit, 121, 121a, 121b... battery control unit, 130... current detection unit, 140... voltage detection unit, 150... battery state estimation unit, 160... signal communication unit, 170... insulating element, 180... memory unit, 151... battery state detection unit, 152... allowable power calculation unit, 153... allowable power calculation unit , 154...allowable power limiting section, 200...vehicle control section, 300, 310...relay, 400...inverter, 410...motor generator, 420...motor / inverter control section, 500...allowable power limiting section, 501...charge allowable power limiting section, 502...discharge allowable power limiting section, 520...variation limiting section, 521...charge variation limiting section, 522...discharge variation limiting section, 511, 512...multiplication section, 530...moving average voltage calculation section

Claims

1. A control unit that controls the battery; a storage unit in which data relating to the allowable power for charging the battery is stored; A measurement unit that measures a voltage value between a pair of electrode terminals of the battery; Using the permissible power is determined as a maximum chargeable power calculated based on a predetermined upper limit voltage value and a current charging state, The data includes: a first voltage value that is an upper limit value at which the allowable power does not need to be limited; a second voltage value that is higher than the first voltage value and at which a partial restriction of the allowable power is required; a third voltage value that is higher than the second voltage value and at which complete restriction of the allowable power is required; Includes: The control unit is acquiring the voltage value from the measurement unit at predetermined time intervals; When the voltage value of the allowable power becomes equal to or higher than the third voltage value, the allowable power is completely restricted, The allowable power is partially or completely limited until the voltage value of the allowable power decreases through the second voltage value to the first voltage value. Battery control method.

2. The control unit is when the allowable power is completely restricted while the voltage value of the allowable power decreases from a predetermined voltage value that is equal to or greater than the second voltage value and equal to or less than the third voltage value to the first voltage value, the allowable power is partially restricted based on a predetermined voltage gradient represented by a voltage fluctuation per unit time while the voltage value of the allowable power decreases from the first voltage value to a fourth voltage value that is lower than the first voltage value. The battery control method according to claim 1 .

3. The voltage value acquired from the measurement unit or a calculated value obtained by calculating the voltage value based on a predetermined condition, within a predetermined first time period, When the voltage is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage that is higher than the first voltage value and lower than the third voltage value, and is equal to or lower than the third voltage value, The control unit relatively decreases the first voltage value to update the first voltage value. The battery control method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The voltage value acquired from the measurement unit or a calculated value obtained by calculating the voltage value based on a predetermined condition, within a predetermined first time period, If the voltage is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage that is higher than the first voltage value and lower than the third voltage value, and is not equal to or lower than the third voltage value, The control unit relatively increases the first voltage value to update the first voltage value. A battery control method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A control unit that controls the battery; A storage unit in which data relating to the allowable power of discharge of the battery is stored; A measurement unit that measures a voltage value between a pair of electrode terminals of the battery; Using the permissible power is determined as a maximum dischargeable power calculated based on a predetermined lower limit voltage value and a current discharge state, The data includes: a first voltage value that is a lower limit value at which the limit on the allowable power is not required; and a second voltage value that is lower than the first voltage value and at which a partial restriction of the allowable power is required; a third voltage value that is lower than the second voltage value and at which complete restriction of the allowable power is required; Includes: The control unit is acquiring the voltage value from the measurement unit at predetermined time intervals; When the voltage value of the allowable power becomes equal to or lower than the third voltage value, the allowable power is completely restricted, a partial or complete restriction of the allowable power is performed until the voltage value of the allowable power increases through the second voltage value to the first voltage value; Battery control method.

6. The control unit is When the voltage value of the allowable power is completely limited while the voltage value of the allowable power increases from a predetermined voltage value that is equal to or less than the second voltage value and equal to or greater than the third voltage value to the first voltage value, a partial restriction of the allowable power is performed based on a predetermined voltage gradient expressed by a voltage fluctuation per unit time while the voltage value of the allowable power increases from the first voltage value to a fourth voltage value higher than the first voltage value. The battery control method according to claim 5.

7. The voltage value acquired from the measurement unit or a calculated value obtained by calculating the voltage value based on a predetermined condition, Within a second predetermined time period, When the voltage is equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage that is lower than the first voltage value and higher than the third voltage value, and is equal to or higher than the third voltage value, The control unit relatively increases the first voltage value to update the first voltage value. The battery control method according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The voltage value acquired from the measurement unit or a calculated value obtained by calculating the voltage value based on a predetermined condition, Within a second predetermined time period, If the voltage is equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage that is lower than the first voltage value and higher than the third voltage value, and is not equal to or higher than the third voltage value, The control unit relatively decreases the first voltage value to update the first voltage value. A battery control method according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

Images