Method for setting information relating to a battery pack and battery system using the same

Abstract

A method for setting information related to a battery pack includes a step of: an MCU (Main Control Unit) deriving information related to a number of battery cells based on a set resistance value connected to an input terminal of the MCU; if the derived number of battery cells is not equal to a set maximum number of cells N, the MCU changes a cell parameter indicating the number of battery cells from the maximum number of cells to the derived number of battery cells; the MCU transmitting a cell information request signal to a Battery Monitoring Integrated Circuit (BMIC) connected to the battery cells, requesting cell voltages of a number of cells corresponding to the cell parameter; and the MCU receiving a number of battery cell voltage signals from the BMIC.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [Cross-reference to related applications] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0140157 dated October 20, 2021, and all contents disclosed in the documents of that Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for setting information relating to a battery pack and a battery system to which the same is applied. [Background technology]

[0003] When designing software for a battery management system that monitors multiple battery cells, the number of battery cells is taken into consideration. If the number of battery cells included in a monitored battery pack is changed, it is necessary to modify parameters and codes related to the number of battery cells according to the number of cells and distribute the software. In addition, it is necessary to distribute the same number of software as the number of changed cells.

[0004] Such work can pose problems requiring investment of development time and manpower.

[0005] There is also a need for a technology that can comprehensively accommodate changes in the number of temperature sensors included in the battery pack being monitored. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In order to monitor a plurality of battery cells included in a battery pack, a method for setting information related to the battery pack according to the number of battery cells included in the battery pack is provided.

[0007] Also, a method for setting information related to the battery pack according to the number of temperature sensors included in the battery pack is provided. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for setting information related to a battery pack includes a step of: an MCU (Main Control Unit) deriving information related to a number of battery cells based on a set resistance value connected to an input terminal of the MCU; if the derived number of battery cells is not equal to a set maximum number of cells N, the MCU changes a cell parameter indicating the number of battery cells from the maximum number of cells to the derived number of battery cells; the MCU transmitting a cell information request signal to a Battery Monitoring Integrated Circuit (BMIC) connected to the plurality of battery cells, requesting cell voltages of a number of cells corresponding to the cell parameter; and the MCU receiving a plurality of battery cell voltage signals from the BMIC.

[0009] If the cell data array has a structure that allows dynamic allocation, the method further includes the step of dynamically allocating the cell data array based on the derived number of the battery cells by the MCU.

[0010] If the cell data array has a structure that does not allow dynamic allocation, the MCU may further process, as an exception, information stored in a dummy array cell that does not match the derived number of battery cells among a plurality of array cells.

[0011] The exception handling step includes a step of the MCU deriving a plurality of cell voltages based on the received plurality of battery cell voltage signals, setting one of a maximum value, a minimum value, and an average value of the plurality of cell voltages as a representative cell voltage, and a step of the MCU storing the representative cell voltage in the dummy array cell.

[0012] The step of handling the exception includes the step of the MCU performing invalid indexing on the dummy array cells and performing valid indexing on array cells among the plurality of array cells that match the derived number of the battery cells.

[0013] The method further includes the step of the MCU diagnosing a state of the battery pack based on the received battery cell voltage signals.

[0014] The method further includes the steps of: the MCU deriving information regarding a number of temperature sensors located in a battery pack including the plurality of battery cells based on the set resistance value; if the derived number of temperature sensors is not equal to a set maximum number of temperature sensors M, the MCU changing a temperature sensor parameter indicating the number of temperature sensors from the maximum number of temperature sensors to the derived number of temperature sensors; and the MCU receiving a plurality of temperature sensor signals from the BMIC, wherein the cell information request signal includes a request for a number of temperature sensor signals corresponding to the temperature sensor parameter.

[0015] When the cell data array has a structure that allows dynamic allocation, the method further includes the step of the MCU dynamically allocating the cell data array based on the number of the plurality of battery cells and the number of the plurality of temperature sensors.

[0016] If the cell data array has a structure that does not allow dynamic allocation, the MCU may further process information stored in a dummy array cell that does not match the number of battery cells and the number of temperature sensors among the plurality of array cells as an exception.

[0017] The exception handling step includes a step of the MCU deriving a plurality of cell voltages based on the received plurality of battery cell voltage signals and setting one of a maximum value, a minimum value, and an average value of the plurality of cell voltages as a representative cell voltage, a step of the MCU deriving a plurality of cell temperatures based on the received temperature sensor signal and setting one of a maximum value, a minimum value, and an average value of the plurality of cell temperatures as a representative cell temperature, and a step of the MCU storing the representative cell voltages and the representative cell temperature in the dummy array cell.

[0018] The step of handling the exception includes the step of the MCU performing invalid indexing on the dummy array cell and performing valid indexing on array cells among the plurality of array cells that match a number of the plurality of battery cells and a number of temperature sensors.

[0019] The method further includes the step of the MCU diagnosing a state of the battery pack based on the received battery cell voltage signals and temperature sensor signals.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, a battery system includes a Battery Monitoring Integrated Circuit (BMIC) connected to a plurality of battery cells to obtain a plurality of voltage measurement signals and derive a plurality of battery cell voltage signals based on the plurality of voltage measurement signals, and a Main Control Unit (MCU) connected to an input terminal to derive information related to a number of battery cells based on a set resistance value, and if the number of the plurality of battery cells is not equal to a set maximum number of cells N, to change a cell parameter indicating the number of battery cells from the maximum number of cells to the derived number of battery cells, to transmit a cell information request signal to the BMIC to request cell voltages of a number corresponding to the cell parameter, and to receive the plurality of battery cell voltage signals from the BMIC.

[0021] The MCU includes a cell data array allocated for storing the plurality of battery cell voltage signals received from the BMIC.

[0022] When the cell data array has a structure that allows dynamic allocation, the MCU dynamically allocates the cell data array based on the number of the plurality of battery cells.

[0023] When the cell data array has a structure that does not allow dynamic allocation, the MCU processes, as an exception, information stored in a dummy array cell that does not match the derived number of battery cells among a plurality of array cells.

[0024] The information stored in the dummy array cell includes a representative cell voltage set by the MCU, which is set as one of a maximum value, a minimum value, and an average value of a plurality of cell voltages derived by the MCU based on the plurality of battery cell voltage signals received.

[0025] The MCU performs invalid indexing on the dummy array cells and performs valid indexing on array cells among the plurality of array cells, the number of which corresponds to the number of the battery cells.

[0026] The MCU diagnoses a state of the battery pack based on the received battery cell voltage signals.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, a battery system includes a Battery Monitoring Integrated Circuit (BMIC) connected to a plurality of battery cells to acquire a plurality of voltage measurement signals, deriving a plurality of battery cell voltage signals based on the plurality of voltage measurement signals, and acquiring a plurality of temperature sensor signals from a plurality of temperature sensors located in a battery pack including the plurality of battery cells; and a Main Control Unit (MCU) deriving information on a number of battery cells and information on a number of temperature sensors based on a set resistance value connected to an input terminal, changing a cell parameter indicating the number of battery cells from the maximum number of cells to the derived number of battery cells if the derived number of battery cells is not equal to a set maximum number of cells N, and changing a temperature sensor parameter indicating the number of temperature sensors from the maximum number of temperature sensors to the derived number of temperature sensors if the derived number of temperature sensors is not equal to a set maximum number of temperature sensors M, transmitting a cell information request signal to the BMIC to request a number of cell voltages corresponding to the cell parameters and a number of temperature sensor signals corresponding to the temperature sensor parameters, and receiving the battery cell voltage signals and the temperature sensor signals from the BMIC.

[0028] The MCU includes a cell data array allocated for storing the plurality of battery cell voltage signals and the plurality of temperature sensor signals received from the BMIC.

[0029] When the cell data array has a structure that allows dynamic allocation, the MCU dynamically allocates the cell data array based on the number of the plurality of battery cells and the number of the plurality of temperature sensors.

[0030] If the cell data array has a structure that does not allow dynamic allocation, the MCU processes, as an exception, information stored in a dummy array cell among the array cells that does not match the derived number of battery cells and the derived number of temperature sensors.

[0031] The information stored in the dummy array cell includes a representative cell voltage and a representative cell temperature set by the MCU, the representative cell voltage being set as one of the maximum, minimum and average values ​​of a plurality of cell voltages derived by the MCU based on the plurality of battery cell voltage signals received, and the representative cell temperature being set as one of the maximum, minimum and average values ​​of a plurality of cell temperatures derived by the MCU based on the plurality of temperature sensor signals received.

[0032] The MCU performs invalid indexing on the dummy array cells, and performs valid indexing on array cells of the plurality of array cells, the number of which corresponds to the number of the plurality of battery cells and the number of which corresponds to the number of the plurality of temperature sensors.

[0033] The MCU diagnoses a state of the battery pack based on the received battery cell voltage signals and the received temperature sensor signals. Effect of the Invention

[0034] In order to monitor a plurality of battery cells included in the battery pack, software of the battery management system is capable of setting information related to the battery pack according to the number of battery cells included in the battery pack.

[0035] Also, the software of the battery management system is capable of setting information related to the battery pack according to the number of temperature sensors included in the battery pack. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a battery system according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for an MCU to set information related to a battery pack according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3]FIG. 1 illustrates a battery system according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a cell data array when dynamic allocation is not enabled in the battery system of FIG. 3; [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 illustrates a battery system according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for an MCU to set information related to a battery pack according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 7 is a detailed flowchart specifically illustrating a method in which an MCU sets information related to a battery pack according to an embodiment of FIG. 6; [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates a battery system according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a cell data array when dynamic allocation is not enabled in the battery system of FIG. 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or similar components will be given the same or similar drawing reference numerals, and the duplicated description thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and / or "part" for components used in the following description are given or mixed for the sake of ease of specification writing only, and do not have any meaning or role of distinguishing each other. In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, if a specific description of related known technology is deemed to obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are provided to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in the present specification are not limited by the accompanying drawings, and should be understood as including all modifications, equivalents, or alternatives included in the idea and technical scope of the present invention.

[0038] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0039] In this application, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0040] In one embodiment, a configuration that controls another configuration under a specific control condition is provided with a program that is realized as a set of instructions that embody a control algorithm required to control the other configuration. The control configuration can process input data and stored data according to the provided program to generate output data. The control configuration can include a non-volatile memory that stores the program and a memory that stores the data.

[0041] Hereinafter, a method for setting information related to a battery pack according to the number of battery cells included in the battery pack and a battery system to which the same is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 according to an embodiment. The method for setting information related to the battery pack may be implemented as a program including software or a combination of software provided in the battery management system. The program may be stored in a storage medium of the battery management system. The storage medium may be implemented as various types of memory, such as non-volatile memory, such as high-speed random access memory, flash memory device, or other non-volatile solid-state memory device.

[0042] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a battery system according to one embodiment.

[0043] In the battery system 1 of FIG. 1, a load (not shown) such as a vehicle motor is connected to output terminals (+, -) through wiring 400 to supply power to the load. In addition, the output terminals (+, -) of the battery system 1 are connected to a charger (not shown) and are charged by receiving power from the charger. A wiring 400 is connected between the positive electrode of the battery pack 10 and the output terminal P+, and a wiring 401 is connected between the negative electrode of the battery pack 10 and the output terminal P-. A relay 40 is located on the wiring 400 and electrically controls a current path during charging and discharging of the battery pack 10. The closing and opening of the relay 40 is controlled according to a relay control signal RSC supplied from the MCU 30. A relay is also located on the wiring 401 and can control the current path during charging and discharging together with the relay 40.

[0044] The battery system 1 includes a battery pack 10, a battery monitoring integrated circuit 20, a main control unit 30, and a relay 40. Hereinafter, the battery monitoring integrated circuit is referred to as a BMIC (Battery Monitoring Integrated Circuit). Hereinafter, the main control unit is referred to as an MCU (Main Control Unit). The BMIC 20 and the MCU 30 are mounted on a board 50. Although shown separately in FIG. 1, the relay 40, the wiring 400, and the wiring 401 may be formed on the board 50.

[0045] The battery pack 10 includes a plurality of battery cells 11-18 and a plurality of temperature sensors 101-104. Although the number of the plurality of battery cells 11-18 is eight in FIG. 1, the invention is not limited thereto, and the battery pack 10 may be realized as two or more battery cells connected in series, a plurality of battery cells in which two or more battery cells are connected in parallel, or two or more battery cells connected in parallel. Although the number of the plurality of temperature sensors 101-104 is four in FIG. 1, the invention is not limited thereto, and the number of temperature sensors may be one or more.

[0046] The BMIC 20 is connected to each of the battery cells 11-18, and acquires a plurality of voltage measurement signals VS1-VS9 measured from both ends of the battery cells 11-18 via a plurality of input terminals P1-P9. The positive terminal of each of the battery cells 11-18 (e.g., 11) is connected to a corresponding input terminal (e.g., P1) among the plurality of input terminals P1-P8 via wiring, and the negative terminal of each of the battery cells 11-18 (e.g., 11) is connected to a corresponding input terminal (e.g., P2) among the plurality of input terminals P2-P9 via wiring. For example, the measurement signal VS1 is the positive electrode voltage of the battery cell 11 and is input to the BMIC 20 via the input terminal P1, and the measurement signal VS2 is the negative electrode voltage of the battery cell 11 or the positive electrode voltage of the battery cell 12 and is input to the BMIC 20 via the input terminal P2.

[0047] Also, the BMIC 20 derives signals indicating a plurality of cell voltages for the plurality of battery cells 11-18 based on the plurality of voltage measurement signals VS1-VS9. For example, the BMIC 20 can derive a cell voltage signal VC1 for the battery cell 11 based on a voltage difference between the voltage measurement signals VS1 and VS2. The BMIC 20 can derive as many cell voltages as the number of battery cells 11-18 included in the battery pack 10. In FIG. 1, the BMIC 20 can derive eight battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC8.

[0048] In addition, the BMIC 20 can receive a plurality of temperature sensor signals TS1-TS4 determined according to the temperatures sensed by the plurality of temperature sensors 101-104 via a plurality of input terminals P10-P13.

[0049] The BMIC 20 includes a register unit 200 capable of storing a plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC8 derived from a plurality of voltage measurement signals VS1-VS9.

[0050] The register unit 200 may include a voltage register allocated by the BMIC 20 to store a plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC8. The voltage register may include a plurality of register cells 2001-2008.

[0051] The BMIC 20 can store a plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC8 of a plurality of battery cells 11-18 in correspondence with a plurality of register cells 2001-2008.

[0052] The MCU 30 measures the current flowing through the setting resistor 301 or the voltage across the setting resistor 301 via the terminal 31. The setting resistor 301 is connected to the terminal 31 of the MCU 30. The MCU 30 can derive the number of battery cells included in the battery pack 10 based on the measured current or voltage value. The current or voltage value flowing through the setting resistor 301 varies depending on the size of the setting resistor 301, and the MCU 30 can convert the measured current or voltage value into data with a predetermined number of bits. A portion of the total bits may be information indicating the number of battery cells. The MCU 30 can store a table relating to the number of battery cells according to the bit value.

[0053] The MCU 30 can perform charge / discharge control, cell balancing control, abnormality diagnosis, etc. of the battery pack 10 based on the cell voltage signals VC1-VC8 and temperature measurement signals TS1-TS4 of the plurality of battery cells 11-18 received from the BMIC 20 as well as the current flowing through the battery pack 10. The MCU 30 can include a cell data array 300 that accesses and stores data stored in the register unit 200.

[0054] The number of battery cells included in the battery packs 10 and 60 may vary depending on the battery pack. For example, the battery pack 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes eight battery cells 11-18, while the battery pack 60 shown in FIG. 3 below includes six battery cells 11-16. It is necessary to set information related to the battery pack depending on the number of battery cells, which varies depending on the battery pack. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2, a method in which the MCU 30 sets information related to the battery pack depending on the number of battery cells included in the battery pack and a battery system to which the same is applied will be described.

[0055] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method for an MCU to set information related to a battery pack according to an embodiment.

[0056] In the MCU 30, a parameter indicating the number of battery cells is preset to a maximum cell number N (S101). The maximum cell number N means the maximum number of cells included in the battery pack that can be controlled by the MCU 30. The maximum cell number N may be 8.

[0057] 1, the number of input ports for measuring cell voltages in BMIC 20 is 9 in accordance with the maximum number of cells being 8, and BMIC 20 includes 9 input ports P1-P9. The number of input ports for measuring cell voltages in BMIC 20 changes as the maximum number of cells is changed.

[0058] 1, the number of input terminals for measuring the temperature of the battery pack 10 in the BMIC 20 is 4 according to the maximum number of temperature sensors being 4, and the BMIC 20 includes four input terminals P10-P13 for measuring the temperature. The number of input terminals for measuring the temperature of the battery pack 10 in the BMIC 20 changes as the maximum number of temperature sensors is changed.

[0059] The cell data array 300 includes a voltage data array 3000 that stores a plurality of cell voltages for cell voltage monitoring of the battery pack 10 .

[0060] The MCU 30 sets the number of array cells included in the voltage data array 3000 according to the maximum number N of cells.

[0061] The numbers of the voltage registers assigned to store the plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC8 in the register unit 200 are set in the MCU 30. That is, eight register cells 2001-2008 of the register unit 200 are set in the MCU 30 as registers for storing the plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC8.

[0062] The MCU 30 initializes the BMIC 20 and an application for performing diagnosis on the cell voltages (S102).

[0063] The MCU 30 derives information on the number of cells based on a measured value of the current flowing through the setting resistor 301 or the voltage across the setting resistor 301 (S103). The MCU 30 can convert the measured value into data of a predetermined number of bits. Some of the total bits can be information indicating the number of battery cells. The MCU 30 can store a table related to the number of battery cells according to bit values.

[0064] The MCU 30 determines whether the number of battery cells derived in step S103 is equal to the maximum number of cells N (S104).

[0065] 1, the subsequent steps (S105-S107) will be described when the number of battery cells is equal to N. In the embodiment of FIG.

[0066] When the number of battery cells derived in step S103 is equal to the maximum number of cells N as a result of the determination in step S104, the MCU 30 may transmit a cell information request signal to the BMIC 20 based on preset information (S105). The preset information may include the number of voltage registers assigned to store a plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC8. In FIG. 1, the cell information request signal is transmitted from the MCU 30 to the BMIC 20 via a line 311, but the manner of transmitting and receiving signals between the two components is not limited. The cell information request signal may include a request for a number of cell voltage signals corresponding to a cell parameter.

[0067] The MCU 30 receives the plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC8 in response to the cell information request signal from the BMIC 20 (S106).

[0068] When the BMIC 20 receives a cell information request signal from the MCU 30, it transmits the plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC8 stored in the voltage register to the MCU 30. In FIG. 1, the plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC8 are transmitted from the BMIC 20 to the MCU 30 through the wiring 312, but the method of transmitting and receiving signals between the two components is not limited.

[0069] The MCU 30 stores cell voltage data corresponding to the plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC8 received from the BMIC 20 in the plurality of array cells 3001-3008.

[0070] The MCU 30 performs diagnosis based on the voltages of each of the plurality of battery cells 11-18 (S107). The MCU 30 can diagnose the state of the battery pack 10 based on the plurality of battery cell voltage signals received from the BMIC 20. For example, the MCU 30 can diagnose whether the cells are in an overvoltage state or an undervoltage state by comparing the plurality of battery cell voltages with a predetermined reference voltage.

[0071] If it is determined in step S104 that the number of battery cells derived in step S103 is different from the maximum number of cells N, the MCU 30 changes the cell parameter to the number of battery cells derived in step S103 (S108).

[0072] Hereinafter, the subsequent steps (S108-S111) in the case where the number of battery cells is not equal to N and the cell data array 300 has a structure capable of dynamic allocation will be described with reference to FIG.

[0073] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a battery system according to one embodiment.

[0074] Description of the configuration of the battery system 2 in FIG. 3 that overlaps with that of the battery system 1 in FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0075] The MCU 30 may generate the cell information request signal to include information on the register number in which the cell voltage is stored according to the number of the battery cells, and the BMIC 20 may transmit information stored in the corresponding register to the MCU 30 based on the register number included in the cell information request signal.

[0076] The battery pack 60 includes a plurality of battery cells 11-16 and a plurality of temperature sensors 101-103. Although Fig. 3 shows a case where the number of the plurality of battery cells 11-16 is six, the invention is not limited thereto. Although Fig. 3 shows a case where the number of the plurality of temperature sensors 101-103 is three, the invention is not limited thereto.

[0077] The BMIC 20 is connected to each of the battery cells 11-16, and acquires a plurality of voltage measurement signals VS1-VS7 measured across the battery cells 11-16 via a plurality of input terminals P1-P7. The positive electrode of each of the battery cells 11-16 (e.g., 11) is connected to a corresponding input terminal (e.g., P1) of the input terminals P1-P6 through wiring, and the negative electrode of each of the battery cells 11-16 (e.g., 11) is connected to a corresponding input terminal (e.g., P2) of the input terminals P2-P7 through wiring.

[0078] Also, the BMIC 20 can derive signals indicative of a plurality of cell voltages for the plurality of battery cells 11-16 based on the plurality of voltage measurement signals VS1-VS7. In FIG 3, the BMIC 20 can derive six battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC6.

[0079] Furthermore, the BMIC 20 can receive a plurality of temperature sensor signals TS1-TS3 related to the battery pack 60 from the plurality of temperature sensors 101-103, respectively, via a plurality of input terminals P10-P12.

[0080] The register unit 200 may include a voltage register allocated by the BMIC 20 to store a plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC6. The voltage register may include a plurality of register cells 2001-2008.

[0081] The BMIC 20 can store a plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC6 of a plurality of battery cells 11-16 corresponding to a plurality of register cells 2001-2006. In FIG. 3, since the number of register cells 2001-2008 is greater than the number of battery cells, the cell voltages are not stored in the two register cells 2007 and 2008. The BMIC 20 does not need to transmit the voltages stored in the two register cells 2007 and 2008 to the MCU 30. The register cell 2007 stores a voltage corresponding to the difference between the input terminal P7 voltage and the input terminal P8 voltage, which is not related to the cell voltage, and the register cell 2008 also stores a voltage corresponding to the difference between the input terminal P8 voltage and the input terminal P9 voltage, which is not related to the cell voltage. The voltages stored in the two register cells 2007 and 2008 are not transmitted to the MCU 30, and are therefore voltages not related to cell voltage monitoring and diagnosis.

[0082] The number of the battery cells derived by the MCU 30 is 6. In the example of FIG.

[0083] The MCU 30 can initialize an application for performing diagnosis on the BMIC 20 and the cell voltages (S109).

[0084] If the cell data array 300 is capable of dynamic allocation, the MCU 30 can change the number of array cells for storing cell voltages in the cell data array 300 according to cell parameters. Dynamic allocation refers to changing the number of array cells according to cell parameters.

[0085] The MCU 30 may dynamically allocate the number of array cells included in the voltage data array 3000 according to the number of battery cells. For example, as shown in FIG 3, the MCU 30 may allocate the number of array cells 3001-3006 for storing cell voltages in the voltage data array 3000 to six.

[0086] The MCU 30 may transmit a cell information request signal to the BMIC 20 based on preset information (S110). The preset information may include the number of a voltage register assigned to store a plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC6. In FIG. 3, the cell information request signal is transmitted from the MCU 30 to the BMIC 20 via a line 311, but the manner of transmitting and receiving signals between the two components is not limited. The cell information request signal may include a request for a number of cell voltage signals corresponding to a cell parameter.

[0087] The MCU 30 receives a plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC6 in response to the cell information request signal from the BMIC 20 (S111).

[0088] When the BMIC 20 receives a cell information request signal from the MCU 30, it transmits the plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC6 stored in the voltage register to the MCU 30. In FIG. 3, the plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC6 are transmitted from the BMIC 20 to the MCU 30 through a line 312, but the method of transmitting and receiving signals between the two components is not limited.

[0089] The MCU 30 stores cell voltage data corresponding to the plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC6 received from the BMIC 20 in the plurality of array cells 3001-3006.

[0090] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, the steps of transmitting a cell information request signal and receiving a voltage signal (S110-S111) will be described in the case where the number of battery cells is not equal to N and the cell data array 300 has a structure that does not allow dynamic allocation.

[0091] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a cell data array in the battery system of FIG. 3 when dynamic allocation is not possible.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 4, the MCU 30 stores the multiple battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC6 received from the BMIC 20 in the corresponding array cells.

[0093] The MCU 30 may process, as an exception, information stored in an array cell (hereinafter, a dummy array cell) that does not match the number of battery cells among the plurality of array cells. The exception processing refers to the MCU 30 not using information stored in an array cell for diagnosis.

[0094] For example, the MCU 30 can process the information stored in the dummy array cells 3007 and 3008 of the voltage data array 3000 as an exception.

[0095] The MCU 30 may transmit a cell information request signal to the BMIC 20 based on preset information (S110). The preset information may include the number of a voltage register assigned to store a plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC6. The cell information request signal may include a request for a number of cell voltage signals corresponding to the cell parameters.

[0096] The MCU 30 receives a plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC6 in response to the cell information request signal from the BMIC 20 (S111).

[0097] Also, if dynamic allocation is not possible for the cell data array 300 of the battery cells 11-16, the representative cell values ​​can be stored in the dummy array cells 3007 and 3008 instead of processing as an exception.

[0098] The MCU 30 can derive a representative cell voltage based on each cell voltage of the plurality of battery cells 11-16 and store the representative cell voltage in the dummy array cells 3007, 3008. The representative cell voltage can be derived by a method of deriving a maximum value, a minimum value, an average value, or the like. For example, when the battery pack 60 is charged, the maximum value of the cell voltages of the plurality of battery cells 11-16 can be the representative cell voltage.

[0099] The MCU 30 performs a diagnosis based on the voltages of each of the plurality of battery cells 11-16 (S112).

[0100] The MCU 30 can diagnose the state of the battery pack 60 based on the plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC6 received from the BMIC 20. For example, the MCU 30 can diagnose whether the cells are in an overvoltage state or an undervoltage state by comparing the plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC6 with a predetermined reference voltage.

[0101] If dynamic allocation is not possible, the MCU 30 indexes the array cells as valid or invalid so that the information stored in the array cells is not reflected in the diagnosis, and does not use the information of the array cells that are invalidly indexed during diagnosis. For example, the MCU 30 may index the array cells 3001-3006 as valid and index the dummy array cells 3007 and 3008 as invalid depending on the number of cells.

[0102] The number of temperature sensors provided in the battery packs 10 and 60 may also vary depending on the battery pack. For example, the battery pack 10 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with four temperature sensors 101-104, while the battery pack 60 shown in FIG. 3 is provided with three temperature sensors 101-103. In FIG. 1, a plurality of voltage measurement signals VS1-VS9 are input to the BMIC 20 via a plurality of input terminals P1-P9, and in FIG. 3, a plurality of voltage measurement signals VS1-VS7 are input to the BMIC 20 via a plurality of input terminals P1-P7. As described above, not only the number of cells but also the number of temperature sensors varies depending on the battery pack, so it is necessary to set information related to the battery pack depending on the number of temperature sensors.

[0103] Hereinafter, a method for setting information related to a battery pack according to the number of battery cells and the number of temperature sensors included in a battery pack according to an embodiment and a battery system to which the same is applied will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 9. In Figures 5 and 8, descriptions of contents that are the same as those shown in Figures 1 and 3 will be omitted.

[0104] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a battery system according to one embodiment.

[0105] The BMIC 20 can receive a plurality of temperature sensor signals TS1-TS4 relating to the battery pack 10 from the plurality of temperature sensors 101-104, respectively, via a plurality of input terminals P10-P13.

[0106] The BMIC 20 includes a register section 200 capable of storing a plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC8 and a plurality of temperature sensor signals TS1-TS4 derived from a plurality of voltage measurement signals VS1-VS9.

[0107] The register unit 200 may include a voltage register allocated by the BMIC 20 to store a plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC8 and a temperature register allocated by the BMIC 20 to store a plurality of temperature sensor signals TS1-TS4. The voltage register may include a plurality of register cells 2001-2008, and the temperature register may include a plurality of register cells 2009-2012.

[0108] The BMIC 20 can store a plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC8 of the plurality of battery cells 11-18 in correspondence with a plurality of register cells 2001-2008, and can store a plurality of temperature sensor signals TS1-TS4 in correspondence with a plurality of register cells 2009-2012.

[0109] The MCU 30 can measure the current flowing through the setting resistor 301 or the voltage across the setting resistor 301 via the terminal 31. The setting resistor 301 is connected to the terminal 31 of the MCU 30. The MCU 30 can derive the number of battery cells and the number of temperature sensors included in the battery pack 10 based on the measured current or voltage value. The current or voltage value flowing through the setting resistor 301 varies depending on the size of the setting resistor 301, and the MCU 30 can convert the measured value into data of a predetermined number of bits. A portion of all the bits may be information indicating the number of battery cells, and another portion of all the bits may be information indicating the number of temperature sensors. The MCU 30 can store a table relating to the number of battery cells according to bit values ​​and a table relating to the number of temperature sensors according to bit values.

[0110] The MCU 30 can perform charge / discharge control, cell balancing control, abnormality diagnosis, etc. of the battery pack 10 based on the cell voltage signals VC1-VC8 and temperature measurement signals TS1-TS4 of the plurality of battery cells 11-18 received from the BMIC 20 as well as the current flowing through the battery pack 10. The MCU 30 can include a cell data array 300 that accesses and stores data stored in the register unit 200.

[0111] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6, a method in which the MCU 30 sets information related to the battery pack according to the number of battery cells included in the battery pack 10 and the number of temperature sensors provided in the battery pack 10, and a battery system to which the same is applied will be described.

[0112] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method for an MCU to set information related to a battery pack according to an embodiment.

[0113] In the MCU 30, a parameter indicating the number of battery cells is preset to a maximum number of cells N, and a parameter indicating the number of temperature sensors is preset to a maximum number of temperature sensors M (S201). The maximum number of cells N means the maximum number of cells included in a battery pack that can be controlled by the MCU 30. The maximum number of cells N may be 8. The maximum number of temperature sensors M means the maximum number of temperature sensors included in a battery pack that can be controlled by the MCU 30. The maximum number of temperature sensors M may be 4.

[0114] 5, the number of input ports for measuring cell voltages in BMIC 20 is 9 in accordance with the maximum number of cells being 8, and BMIC 20 includes 9 input ports P1-P9. The number of input ports for measuring cell voltages in BMIC 20 changes as the maximum number of cells is changed.

[0115] 5, the number of input terminals for measuring the temperature of the battery pack 10 in the BMIC 20 is 4 in accordance with the maximum number of temperature sensors being 4, and the BMIC 20 includes four input terminals P10-P13 for measuring the temperature. The number of input terminals for measuring the temperature of the battery pack 10 in the BMIC 20 changes as the maximum number of temperature sensors is changed.

[0116] The cell data array 300 includes a voltage data array 3000 that stores a plurality of cell voltages for cell voltage monitoring of the battery pack 10 and a temperature data array 3010 that stores a plurality of temperature sensor signals for cell temperature monitoring of the battery pack 10 .

[0117] The MCU 30 can set the number of array cells included in the voltage data array 3000 according to the maximum number of cells, N. The MCU 30 can set the number of array cells included in the temperature data array 3010 according to the maximum number of temperature sensors, M.

[0118] The numbers of the voltage registers assigned to store the plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC8 in the register unit 200 and the numbers of the temperature registers assigned to store the plurality of temperature sensor signals TS1-TS4 are set in the MCU 30. That is, eight register cells 2001-2008 of the register unit 200 are set in the MCU 30 as registers for storing the plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC8, and four register cells 2009-2012 of the register unit 200 are set in the MCU 30 as registers for storing the plurality of temperature sensor signals TS1-TS4.

[0119] The MCU 30 can initialize the BMIC 20 and an application for performing diagnosis on the cell voltage and temperature (S202).

[0120] The MCU 30 derives information on the number of cells and the number of temperature sensors based on a measured value of the current flowing through the setting resistor 301 or the voltage across the setting resistor 301 (S203). The MCU 30 can convert the measured value into data of a predetermined number of bits. A portion of all the bits can be information indicating the number of battery cells, and another portion of all the bits can be information indicating the number of temperature sensors. The MCU 30 can store a table relating to the number of battery cells according to bit values ​​and a table relating to the number of temperature sensors according to bit values.

[0121] The MCU 30 determines whether the number of battery cells derived in step S203 is equal to the maximum number of cells N and whether the number of temperature sensors derived in step S203 is equal to the maximum number of temperature sensors M (S204).

[0122] Hereinafter, the subsequent steps (S205-S206) will be described with reference to Fig. 5 when the number of battery cells derived in step S203 is equal to N and the number of temperature sensors derived in step S203 is equal to M. In the embodiment of Fig. 5, the number of battery cells 11-18 is eight and the number of temperature sensors 101-104 is four.

[0123] When it is determined in step S204 that the number of battery cells derived in step S203 is equal to the maximum number of cells N and the number of temperature sensors derived in step S203 is equal to the maximum number of temperature sensors M, the MCU 30 may transmit a cell information request signal to the BMIC 20 based on preset information (S205). The preset information may include the number of voltage registers assigned to store a plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC8 and the number of temperature registers assigned to store a plurality of temperature sensor signals TS1-TS4. In FIG. 5, the cell information request signal is transmitted from the MCU 30 to the BMIC 20 through the wiring 311, but a method of transmitting and receiving signals between the two configurations is not limited. The cell information request signal may include a request for a number of cell voltage signals corresponding to the cell parameters. The cell information request signal may include a request for a number of temperature sensor signals corresponding to the temperature sensor parameters.

[0124] The MCU 30 receives the plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC8 and the plurality of temperature sensor signals TS1-TS4 in response to the cell information request signal from the BMIC 20 (S206).

[0125] When the BMIC 20 receives a cell information request signal from the MCU 30, it transmits the plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC8 stored in the voltage register and the plurality of temperature sensor signals TS1-TS4 stored in the temperature register to the MCU 30. In Fig. 5, the plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC8 are transmitted from the BMIC 20 to the MCU 30 via a line 312, and the plurality of temperature sensor signals TS1-TS4 are transmitted from the BMIC 20 to the MCU 30 via a line 313, but the method of transmitting and receiving signals between the two components is not limited.

[0126] The MCU 30 stores cell voltage data corresponding to the plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC8 and temperature data corresponding to the plurality of temperature sensor signals TS1-TS4 received from the BMIC 20 in the plurality of array cells 3001-3008, 3011-3014. For example, the MCU 30 can store the plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC8 in the plurality of array cells 3001-3008, and the MCU 30 can store the plurality of temperature sensor signals TS1-TS4 in the plurality of array cells 3011-3014.

[0127] The MCU 30 performs diagnosis based on the voltages and temperatures of each of the battery cells 11-18 (S207). The MCU 30 can diagnose the state of the battery pack 10 based on the battery cell voltage signals and temperature sensor signals received from the BMIC 20. For example, the MCU 30 can diagnose whether the cells are in an overvoltage state or an undervoltage state by comparing the battery cell voltages with a predetermined reference voltage, and can estimate the temperature of the battery pack 10 based on the temperature sensor signals TS1-TS4, or estimate the temperature of each of the battery cells 11-18 and diagnose whether the estimated temperature is in a high temperature state higher than a predetermined reference temperature.

[0128] The MCU 30 compares the number of battery cells derived in step S203 with the maximum number of cells N, and compares the number of temperature sensors derived in step S203 with the maximum number of temperature sensors M (S204). If at least one of these is different, the subsequent steps (S208-S212) shown in FIG. 7 are performed.

[0129] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7, the number of battery cells derived in step S203 is compared with the maximum number of cells N, and the number of temperature sensors derived in step S203 is compared with the maximum number of temperature sensors M (S204). The subsequent steps (S208-S211) will be described for the case where at least one of these is different.

[0130] FIG. 7 is a detailed flowchart specifically illustrating a method in which the MCU sets information related to the battery pack according to the embodiment of FIG.

[0131] If the number of battery cells derived in step S203 is different from the maximum number of cells N, or the number of temperature sensors derived in step S203 is different from the maximum number of temperature sensors M, or both are different, the MCU 30 changes the corresponding parameters among the cell parameters and the temperature sensor parameters to the numbers derived in step S203 (S208). Step S208 may include steps S2081 and / or S2082.

[0132] If the number of battery cells derived in step S203 is different from the maximum number of cells N, the MCU 30 changes the cell parameter to the number of battery cells derived in step S203 (S2081). Furthermore, if the number of temperature sensors derived in step S203 is different from the maximum number of temperature sensors M, the MCU 30 changes the temperature sensor parameter to the number of temperature sensors derived in step S203 (S2082). When both steps S2081 and S2082 are performed, the two steps may be performed sequentially, in reverse order, or simultaneously.

[0133] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 8, the subsequent steps (S208-S211) will be described in the case where at least one of the cell parameters and the temperature sensor parameters is changed to the number derived in step S203 and the cell data array 300 has a structure capable of dynamic allocation.

[0134] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a battery system according to one embodiment.

[0135] Description of the configuration of the battery system 2 in FIG. 8 that overlaps with that of the battery system 1 in FIG. 5 will be omitted.

[0136] The MCU 30 may generate the cell information request signal to include information on the number of a register in which a cell voltage is stored and the number of a register in which a cell temperature measurement signal is stored according to the number of the battery cells and the number of the temperature sensors. The BMIC 20 may transmit information stored in a corresponding register to the MCU 30 based on the register number included in the cell information request signal.

[0137] The battery pack 60 includes a plurality of battery cells 11-16 and a plurality of temperature sensors 101-103. Although Fig. 8 shows a case where the number of the plurality of battery cells 11-16 is six, the invention is not limited thereto. Although Fig. 8 shows a case where the number of the plurality of temperature sensors 101-103 is three, the invention is not limited thereto.

[0138] The BMIC 20 is connected to each of the battery cells 11-16, and acquires a plurality of voltage measurement signals VS1-VS7 measured across the battery cells 11-16 via a plurality of input terminals P1-P7. The positive electrode of each of the battery cells 11-16 (e.g., 11) is connected to a corresponding input terminal (e.g., P1) of the input terminals P1-P6 through wiring, and the negative electrode of each of the battery cells 11-16 (e.g., 11) is connected to a corresponding input terminal (e.g., P2) of the input terminals P2-P7 through wiring.

[0139] In addition, the BMIC 20 can derive signals indicative of a plurality of cell voltages for the plurality of battery cells 11-16 based on differences between the voltages of the respective input terminals P1-P7 derived from the plurality of voltage measurement signals VS1-VS7. In FIG. 3, the BMIC 20 can derive six battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC6.

[0140] Furthermore, the BMIC 20 can receive a plurality of temperature sensor signals TS1-TS3 related to the battery pack 10 from the plurality of temperature sensors 101-103, respectively, via a plurality of input terminals P10-P12.

[0141] The register unit 200 may include a voltage register allocated by the BMIC 20 to store a plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC6 and a temperature register allocated to store a plurality of temperature sensor signals TS1-TS3. The voltage register may include a plurality of register cells 2001-2008, and the temperature register may include a plurality of register cells 2009-2012.

[0142] The BMIC 20 can store a plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC6 of a plurality of battery cells 11-16 corresponding to a plurality of register cells 2001-2006. In FIG. 8, since the number of register cells 2001-2008 is greater than the number of battery cells, the cell voltages are not stored in the two register cells 2007 and 2008. The BMIC 20 does not need to transmit the voltages stored in the two register cells 2007 and 2008 to the MCU 30. The register cell 2007 stores a voltage corresponding to the difference between the input terminal P7 voltage and the input terminal P8 voltage, which is not related to the cell voltage, and the register cell 2008 also stores a voltage corresponding to the difference between the input terminal P8 voltage and the input terminal P9 voltage, which is not related to the cell voltage. The voltages stored in the two register cells 2007 and 2008 are not transmitted to the MCU 30, and are therefore voltages not related to cell voltage monitoring and diagnosis.

[0143] Also, BMIC 20 can store a plurality of temperature sensor signals TS1-TS3 corresponding to a plurality of register cells (2009-2011). In FIG. 8, since the number of register cells 2009-2012 is greater than the number of temperature sensors, no temperature sensor signal is stored in register cell 2012. BMIC 20 does not transmit the voltage stored in register cell 2012 to MCU 30. The signal stored in register cell 2012 may be a signal supplied via input terminal P13. Since the signal stored in register cell 2012 is not transmitted to MCU 30, it is a signal that is not related to cell temperature monitoring and diagnosis.

[0144] The numbers of the plurality of battery cells and the plurality of temperature sensors derived by the MCU 30 are 6 and 3, respectively. In the example of FIG.

[0145] The MCU 30 can initialize the BMIC 20 and an application for performing diagnosis on the cell voltage and temperature (S209).

[0146] When the cell data array 300 is capable of dynamic allocation, the MCU 30 can change the number of array cells for storing cell voltages and the number of array cells for storing temperature sensor signals in the cell data array 300 according to cell parameters and temperature sensor parameters. Dynamic allocation means changing the number of array cells according to cell parameters and temperature sensor parameters.

[0147] The MCU 30 may dynamically allocate the number of array cells included in the voltage data array 3000 according to the number of battery cells. For example, as shown in FIG 8, the MCU 30 may allocate six array cells 3001-3006 for storing cell voltages in the voltage data array 3000.

[0148] In addition, the MCU 30 can dynamically allocate the number of array cells included in the temperature data array 3010 according to the number of temperature sensors. For example, as shown in FIG 8, the MCU 30 can allocate three array cells 3011-3013 for storing temperature sensor signals in the temperature data array 3010.

[0149] The MCU 30 may transmit a cell information request signal to the BMIC 20 based on preset information (S210). The preset information may include the number of a voltage register assigned to store a plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC6 and the number of a temperature register assigned to store a plurality of temperature sensor signals TS1-TS3. In FIG. 8, the cell information request signal is transmitted from the MCU 30 to the BMIC 20 via a line 311, but the manner of transmitting and receiving signals between the two components is not limited. The cell information request signal may include a request for a number of cell voltage signals corresponding to a cell parameter and a request for a number of temperature sensor signals corresponding to a temperature sensor parameter.

[0150] The MCU 30 receives the plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC6 and the plurality of temperature sensor signals TS1-TS3 in response to the cell information request signal from the BMIC 20 (S211).

[0151] When the BMIC 20 receives a cell information request signal from the MCU 30, it transmits the plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC6 stored in the voltage register and the plurality of temperature sensor signals TS1-TS3 stored in the temperature register to the MCU 30. In Fig. 8, the plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC6 are transmitted from the BMIC 20 to the MCU 30 via a line 312, and the plurality of temperature sensor signals TS1-TS3 are transmitted from the BMIC 20 to the MCU 30 via a line 313, but the method of transmitting and receiving signals between the two components is not limited.

[0152] The MCU 30 stores cell voltage data corresponding to the plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC6 and temperature data corresponding to the plurality of temperature sensor signals TS1-TS3 received from the BMIC 20 in the plurality of array cells 3001-3006, 3011-3013. For example, the MCU 30 can store the plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC6 in the plurality of array cells 3001-3006, and the MCU 30 can store the plurality of temperature sensor signals TS1-TS3 in the plurality of array cells 3011-3013.

[0153] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 9, the steps of transmitting a cell information request signal and receiving a voltage signal (S210-S211) will be described in the case where the number of battery cells is not equal to N and the cell data array 300 has a structure that does not allow dynamic allocation.

[0154] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a cell data array in the battery system of FIG. 8 when dynamic allocation is not possible.

[0155] As shown in FIG. 9, the MCU 30 stores the plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC6 and the plurality of temperature sensor signals TS1-TS3 received from the BMIC 20 in the corresponding array cells.

[0156] The MCU 30 can process, as an exception, information stored in an array cell (hereinafter, a dummy array cell) that does not match the number of battery cells and the number of temperature sensors among the plurality of array cells. The exception processing refers to the MCU 30 not using the information stored in the array cell for diagnosis.

[0157] For example, the MCU 30 can process, as an exception, the information stored in the dummy array cells 3007 and 3008 of the voltage data array 3000. The MCU 30 can process, as an exception, the information stored in the dummy array cell 3014 of the temperature data array 3010.

[0158] The MCU 30 may transmit a cell information request signal to the BMIC 20 based on preset information (S210). The preset information may include the number of a voltage register assigned to store a plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC6 and the number of a temperature register assigned to store a plurality of temperature sensor signals TS1-TS3. The cell information request signal may include a request for a number of cell voltage signals corresponding to the cell parameters. The cell information request signal may include a request for a number of temperature sensor signals corresponding to the temperature sensor parameters.

[0159] The MCU 30 receives the plurality of battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC6 and the plurality of temperature sensor signals TS1-TS3 in response to the cell information request signal from the BMIC 20 (S211).

[0160] Also, if the cell data array 300 of the battery cells 11-16 does not allow dynamic allocation, the representative cell values ​​can be stored in the dummy array cells 3007, 3008, and 3014 instead of performing exception processing.

[0161] The MCU 30 can derive a representative cell voltage based on each cell voltage of the plurality of battery cells 11-16 and store the representative cell voltage in the dummy array cells 3007, 3008. The representative cell voltage can be derived by a method of deriving a maximum value, a minimum value, an average value, or the like. For example, when the battery pack 60 is charged, the maximum value of the cell voltages of the plurality of battery cells 11-16 can be the representative cell voltage.

[0162] The MCU 30 can derive a representative cell temperature based on the temperature sensor signals TS1-TS3 of the plurality of battery cells 11-16 and store the representative cell temperature in the dummy array cell 3014. The representative cell temperature can be derived by a method of deriving a maximum value, a minimum value, an average value, or the like. For example, when the battery pack 10 is being charged, the average value of the cell temperatures of the plurality of battery cells 11-16 can be the representative cell temperature.

[0163] The MCU 30 performs diagnosis based on the voltage and temperature of each of the plurality of battery cells 11-16 (S212).

[0164] The MCU 30 can diagnose the state of the battery pack 60 based on the multiple battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC6 and the multiple temperature sensor signals TS1-TS3 received from the BMIC 20. For example, the MCU 30 can diagnose whether the cells are in an overvoltage state or an undervoltage state by comparing the multiple battery cell voltage signals VC1-VC6 with a predetermined reference voltage, and the MCU 30 can estimate the temperature of the battery pack 60 based on the multiple temperature sensor signals TS1-TS3, or estimate the temperature of each of the multiple battery cells 11-16, and diagnose whether the estimated temperature is in a high temperature state higher than a predetermined reference temperature.

[0165] If dynamic allocation is not possible, the MCU 30 indexes the array cells as valid or invalid so that the information stored in the array cells is not reflected in the diagnosis, and does not use the information of the array cells that are invalidly indexed during the diagnosis. For example, the MCU 30 may index the array cells 3001-3006 and 3011-3013 as valid and index the dummy array cells 3007, 3008, and 3014 as invalid depending on the number of cells and the number of temperature sensors.

[0166] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those having ordinary skill in the field to which the present invention pertains also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0167] 1,2 Battery system 10,60 Battery pack 11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18 Battery cells 20 Battery Monitoring Integrated Circuit 30 Main Control Unit 31 Terminal 40 Relay 50 Board 101,102,103,104 Temperature Sensors 200 Register section 300 Cell Data Array 301 Setting Resistor 311,312,313,400,401 Wiring 2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012 Register Cell 3000 Voltage Data Array 3001,3002,3003,3004,3005,3006,3007,3008 Array Cells 3010 Temperature Data Array 3011, 3012, 3013, 3014 Array Cells

Claims

1. A method for determining a number of battery cells based on a set resistance value connected to an input terminal of a main control unit (MCU); When the derived number of the battery cells is not equal to a maximum number of cells N preset as a cell parameter for indicating the number of battery cells to the MCU, the MCU changes the cell parameter from the maximum number of cells N to the derived number of the battery cells; The MCU transmits a cell information request signal to a battery monitoring integrated circuit (BMIC) connected to a plurality of battery cells, the cell information request signal requesting cell voltages corresponding to the cell parameters; the MCU receiving from the BMIC a number of battery cell voltage signals indicating cell voltages corresponding to the cell parameters requested in the cell information request signal; When the cell data array allocated by the MCU for storing the battery cell voltage signals received from the BMIC has a structure in which the number of array cells included in the cell data array cannot be changed according to the cell parameters, the MCU may further include a step of treating information stored in dummy array cells of the number of array cells included in the cell data array that exceeds the number of the derived battery cells as an exception so as not to be used in diagnosing a battery pack, The step of processing as an exception comprises: The MCU derives a plurality of cell voltages based on the received plurality of battery cell voltage signals, and sets one of a maximum value, a minimum value, and an average value of the plurality of cell voltages as a representative cell voltage; and The method for setting information related to a battery pack includes the step of the MCU storing the representative cell voltage in the dummy array cell.

2. A step in which a main control unit (MCU) derives information regarding the number of a plurality of battery cells based on a set resistance value connected to an input terminal of the MCU; When the derived number of the battery cells is not equal to a maximum number of cells N preset as a cell parameter for indicating the number of battery cells to the MCU, the MCU changes the cell parameter from the maximum number of cells N to the derived number of the battery cells; The MCU transmits a cell information request signal to a battery monitoring integrated circuit (BMIC) connected to a plurality of battery cells, the cell information request signal requesting cell voltages corresponding to the cell parameters; the MCU receiving from the BMIC a number of battery cell voltage signals indicating cell voltages corresponding to the cell parameters requested in the cell information request signal; When the cell data array allocated by the MCU for storing the battery cell voltage signals received from the BMIC has a structure in which the number of array cells included in the cell data array cannot be changed according to the cell parameters, the MCU may further include a step of treating information stored in dummy array cells of the number of array cells included in the cell data array that exceeds the number of the derived battery cells as an exception so as not to be used in diagnosing a battery pack, The step of processing as an exception comprises: The method for setting information related to a battery pack includes the step of the MCU performing invalid indexing on the dummy array cells and performing valid indexing on a number of array cells among the plurality of array cells that is equal to the derived number of battery cells.

3. A method for setting information related to a battery pack as described in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a step of the MCU changing the number of array cells included in the cell data array based on the derived number of battery cells, when the cell data array assigned by the MCU to store the plurality of battery cell voltage signals received from the BMIC has a structure in which the number of array cells included in the cell data array can be changed according to the cell parameters.

4. The method for setting information related to a battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step of: the MCU diagnosing a state of the battery pack based on the received plurality of battery cell voltage signals.

5. The MCU derives information regarding the number of temperature sensors located in a battery pack including the battery cells based on the set resistance value; changing the temperature sensor parameter from the maximum number of temperature sensors M to the derived number of temperature sensors when the derived number of temperature sensors is not equal to a maximum number of temperature sensors M preset as a temperature sensor parameter for instructing the MCU of the number of temperature sensors; The method further includes the step of: receiving a plurality of temperature sensor signals from the BMIC; 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the cell information request signal includes requests for temperature sensor signals whose number corresponds to the temperature sensor parameters.

6. 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: when a cell data array allocated by the MCU for storing the plurality of battery cell voltage signals and the plurality of temperature sensor signals received from the BMIC has a structure in which a number of array cells included in the cell data array can be changed according to the cell parameter and the temperature sensor parameter, the MCU changes the number of array cells included in the cell data array based on the number of the plurality of battery cells and the number of the plurality of temperature sensors.

7. 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: when the cell data array allocated by the MCU to store the plurality of battery cell voltage signals and the plurality of temperature sensor signals received from the BMIC has a structure in which the number of array cells included in the cell data array cannot be changed according to the cell parameter and the temperature sensor parameter, the MCU processes information stored in dummy array cells, among the plurality of array cells included in the cell data array, that exceeds the number of battery cells and the number of temperature sensors, as an exception so as not to be used in diagnosing the battery pack.

8. The step of processing as an exception comprises: The MCU derives a plurality of cell voltages based on the received plurality of battery cell voltage signals, and sets one of a maximum value, a minimum value, and an average value of the plurality of cell voltages as a representative cell voltage; the MCU deriving a plurality of cell temperatures based on the received temperature sensor signal, and setting one of a maximum value, a minimum value, and an average value of the plurality of cell temperatures as a representative cell temperature; 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of: the MCU storing the representative cell voltage and the representative cell temperature in the dummy array cell.

9. The step of processing as an exception comprises:

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: the MCU performing invalid indexing on the dummy array cells and performing valid indexing on array cells among the plurality of array cells, the number of array cells being equal to the number of the plurality of battery cells and the number of temperature sensors.

10. The method for setting information related to a battery pack according to claim 5 , further comprising the step of: the MCU diagnosing a state of the battery pack based on the received plurality of battery cell voltage signals and plurality of temperature sensor signals.

11. A BMIC coupled to a plurality of battery cells to obtain a plurality of voltage measurement signals and deriving a plurality of battery cell voltage signals based on the plurality of voltage measurement signals; the MCU derives information on a number of battery cells based on a set resistance value connected to an input terminal, and if the number of battery cells is not equal to a maximum cell number N preset as a cell parameter indicating the number of battery cells, changes the cell parameter from the maximum cell number N to the derived number of battery cells, transmits a cell information request signal to the BMIC requesting cell voltages of a number of cells corresponding to the cell parameter, and receives the battery cell voltage signals indicating cell voltages of a number of cells corresponding to the cell parameter requested by the cell information request signal from the BMIC, The MCU, a cell data array allocated for storing the plurality of battery cell voltage signals received from the BMIC; The MCU, When the cell data array has a structure in which the number of array cells included in the cell data array cannot be changed according to the cell parameters, information stored in dummy array cells that exceeds the number of the derived battery cells among the plurality of array cells included in the cell data array is treated as an exception so as not to be used in diagnosing the battery pack; The information stored in the dummy array cell is The MCU includes a set representative cell voltage, The representative cell voltage is set to one of a maximum value, a minimum value, and an average value of a plurality of cell voltages derived by the MCU based on the plurality of battery cell voltage signals received.

12. A BMIC coupled to a plurality of battery cells to obtain a plurality of voltage measurement signals and deriving a plurality of battery cell voltage signals based on the plurality of voltage measurement signals; the MCU derives information on a number of battery cells based on a set resistance value connected to an input terminal, and if the number of battery cells is not equal to a maximum cell number N preset as a cell parameter indicating the number of battery cells, changes the cell parameter from the maximum cell number N to the derived number of battery cells, transmits a cell information request signal to the BMIC requesting cell voltages of a number of cells corresponding to the cell parameter, and receives the battery cell voltage signals indicating cell voltages of a number of cells corresponding to the cell parameter requested by the cell information request signal from the BMIC, The MCU, a cell data array allocated for storing the plurality of battery cell voltage signals received from the BMIC; The MCU, When the cell data array has a structure in which the number of array cells included in the cell data array cannot be changed according to the cell parameters, information stored in dummy array cells that exceeds the number of the derived battery cells among the plurality of array cells included in the cell data array is treated as an exception so as not to be used in diagnosing the battery pack; The MCU, The dummy array cells are subjected to invalid indexing, and a number of the array cells among the plurality of array cells equal to the number of the plurality of battery cells are subjected to valid indexing.

13. The MCU, 13. The battery system according to claim 11, wherein when the cell data array has a structure in which the number of array cells included in the cell data array can be changed according to the cell parameters, the number of the array cells included in the cell data array is changed based on the number of the plurality of battery cells.

14. The MCU, The battery system according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising: a diagnosis unit for diagnosing a state of a battery pack based on the received plurality of battery cell voltage signals.

15. a BMIC coupled to a plurality of battery cells to obtain a plurality of voltage measurement signals, deriving a plurality of battery cell voltage signals based on the plurality of voltage measurement signals, and obtaining a plurality of temperature sensor signals from a plurality of temperature sensors located in a battery pack including the plurality of battery cells; a battery information request signal for requesting a number of cell voltages corresponding to the cell parameters and a number of temperature sensor signals corresponding to the temperature sensor parameters, the battery system including an MCU that derives information on a number of battery cells and information on a number of temperature sensors based on a set resistance value connected to an input terminal, changes the cell parameter from the maximum number of cells N to the derived number of battery cells when the derived number of battery cells is not equal to a maximum number of cells N preset as a cell parameter indicating a number of battery cells, changes the temperature sensor parameter from the maximum number of temperature sensors M to the derived number of temperature sensors when the derived number of temperature sensors is not equal to a maximum number of temperature sensors M preset as a temperature sensor parameter indicating a number of temperature sensors, transmits a cell information request signal to the BMIC, the MCU requesting a number of cell voltages corresponding to the cell parameters and a number of temperature sensor signals corresponding to the temperature sensor parameters, and receives the battery cell voltage signals and the temperature sensor signals from the BMIC.

16. The MCU, 16. The battery system of claim 15, further comprising a cell data array allocated for storing said plurality of battery cell voltage signals and said plurality of temperature sensor signals received from said BMIC.

17. The MCU, 17. The battery system of claim 16, wherein when the cell data array has a structure in which the number of array cells included in the cell data array can be changed according to the cell parameter and the temperature sensor parameter, the number of array cells included in the cell data array is changed based on the number of the plurality of battery cells and the number of the plurality of temperature sensors.

18. The MCU, 17. The battery system of claim 16, wherein, when the cell data array has a structure in which the number of array cells included in the cell data array cannot be changed according to the cell parameters and the temperature sensor parameters, information stored in dummy array cells that exceed the derived number of battery cells and the derived number of temperature sensors among the array cells included in the cell data array is treated as an exception so as not to be used in diagnosing the battery pack.

19. The information stored in the dummy array cell is The MCU includes a set representative cell voltage and a set representative cell temperature, The representative cell voltage is set to one of a maximum value, a minimum value, and an average value of a plurality of cell voltages derived by the MCU based on the plurality of battery cell voltage signals received, 20. The battery system of claim 18, wherein the representative cell temperature is set to one of a maximum value, a minimum value, and an average value of a plurality of cell temperatures derived by the MCU based on the plurality of temperature sensor signals received by the MCU.

20. The MCU, 20. The battery system of claim 18, wherein the dummy array cells are invalidly indexed, and a number of the array cells of the plurality of array cells equal to a number of the plurality of battery cells and a number of the array cells equal to a number of the plurality of temperature sensors are validly indexed.

21. The MCU, The battery system according to claim 15 , further comprising: a battery pack status diagnosis unit configured to diagnose a state of a battery pack based on the received battery cell voltage signals and the received temperature sensor signals.

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