Battery control device and method

Abstract

The present invention discloses an effective charge / discharge control technique that can improve the lifespan of a battery, comprising: a memory unit for storing a reference voltage of a battery; a measurement unit configured to measure the voltage of the battery during a charging or discharging process of the battery; and a processor configured to compare the measured voltage with the reference voltage during a charging or discharging process of the battery, and change the charge C-rate or discharge C-rate of the battery when the measured voltage corresponds to the reference voltage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0007443 filed on January 18, 2022, and all the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated into this application.

[0002] The present invention relates to battery technology, and more particularly, to a technology for effectively controlling charging and discharging of a battery.

Background Art

[0003] Batteries are widely used in various fields, not only in mobile devices such as mobile phones, laptop computers, smartphones, and smart pads, but also in electrically driven vehicles (EV, HEV, PHEV) and large-capacity power storage devices (ESS).

[0004] A battery includes one or more secondary batteries and can be mounted on devices such as electronic devices, automobiles, and energy storage systems in the form of a battery module or a battery pack. In addition, a battery pack or the like can further include electrical components such as a battery management system (BMS) and a case in addition to the secondary battery. Here, a secondary battery means a battery that can be charged and discharged, unlike a primary battery that cannot be charged.

[0005] To date, various types of batteries have been developed as secondary batteries, but currently, it can be said that lithium secondary batteries are those in which the application fields have been significantly expanded. In particular, lithium secondary batteries have many advantages such as a larger capacity, a higher energy density per unit weight, and a larger output than nickel-cadmium batteries and nickel-metal hydride batteries.

[0006] The secondary battery included in the battery can generate electrical energy through electrochemical oxidation and reduction reactions. Such secondary batteries may generally deteriorate (degrade) due to various causes during the process of repeatedly charging and discharging. Therefore, it can be said that the battery cannot be used permanently and has a limited lifespan.

[0007] So far, attempts have been made in various aspects to extend the lifespan of the battery. However, it cannot yet be said that the lifespan of the battery is sufficiently ensured, and the demand for long-life batteries still continues. The need for more durable batteries is constantly increasing.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an effective charge and discharge control technology capable of improving the lifespan of the battery.

[0009] Other objects and advantages of the present invention can be understood from the following description and will become more apparent from the embodiments of the present invention. Also, the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof shown in the claims.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] The battery control device according to the present invention for achieving the above object includes a memory unit for storing the reference voltage of the battery, a measurement unit configured to measure the voltage of the battery during the charging or discharging process of the battery, and a processor configured to compare the measured voltage with the reference voltage during the charging or discharging process of the battery and change the charging C rate or discharging C rate of the battery when the measured voltage corresponds to the reference voltage.

[0011] The memory unit may store different reference voltages for each of the charging process and the discharging process.

[0012] Further, the processor may be configured to perform high-speed control to charge or discharge the battery at a C-rate higher than the C-rate in a state other than the reference voltage when the measured voltage corresponds to the reference voltage.

[0013] Further, the processor may be configured to perform normal control to charge or discharge the battery at a C-rate lower than the C-rate in the high-speed charge-discharge control state after the high-speed charge-discharge control.

[0014] Further, the processor may be configured to perform pause control to stop charging or discharging for a predetermined time when the measured voltage enters the reference voltage.

[0015] Further, before ending the charging or discharging of the battery, the processor may be configured to increase the magnitude of the C-rate while making the current flow in the same direction, or to make the current flow in the reverse direction.

[0016] Further, the reference voltage may be determined based on the voltage measured at the phase change point of the battery.

[0017] Further, a battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention includes the battery control device according to the present invention.

[0018] Further, an automobile according to still another aspect of the present invention includes the battery control device according to the present invention.

[0019] Further, an energy storage system according to still another aspect of the present invention includes the battery control device according to the present invention.

[0020] Furthermore, the battery control method according to still another aspect of the present invention includes a step of storing a reference voltage of the battery, a step of measuring the voltage of the battery during charging or discharging of the battery, and a step of comparing the measured voltage with the reference voltage during charging or discharging of the battery, and changing the charging C-rate or discharging C-rate of the battery when the measured voltage corresponds to the reference voltage.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] According to one aspect of the present invention, charging or discharging control of a battery can be effectively performed.

[0022] Therefore, according to such an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to perform long-life control of the battery so as to maintain optimal performance over a long period of time.

[0023] In addition, the present invention has various other effects, which will be described in each embodiment, or the description will be omitted for effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art.

[0024] The drawings attached to this specification illustrate desirable embodiments of the present invention and serve to further understand the technical idea of the present invention together with the detailed description of the present invention to be described later. Therefore, the present invention is not to be construed as being limited only to the matters described in the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in this specification and the claims are not to be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, and the inventors, in accordance with the principle that they can appropriately define the concepts of the terms in order to explain the invention in the best way, are to be construed in accordance with the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical idea of the present invention.

[0027] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and thus there can be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0028] The battery control device according to the present invention can be a device that controls the charging and discharging of a battery including a secondary battery, such as a battery pack or a battery module. Here, the battery can include one or two or more secondary batteries.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the functional configuration of a battery control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, the battery control device according to the present invention includes a memory unit 110, a measurement unit 120, and a processor 130.

[0031] The memory unit 110 can store the reference voltage of the battery. Here, the reference voltage can be some specific voltages within the operating voltage range of the battery. In particular, the reference voltage may be in the form of a specific voltage value or in the form of a specific voltage range. In particular, the reference voltage may be in a form that allows a certain error range around a specific voltage value, that is, in the form of a voltage range. When the reference voltage is in a form having a predetermined range in this way, the reference voltage can also be expressed as a reference voltage range.

[0032] For example, when the operating voltage range of the battery is 3.1V to 4.3V, the charging of the battery can be controlled so that it is only carried out up to 4.3V, and the discharging of the battery can be controlled so that it is only carried out up to 3.1V. At this time, the reference voltage can be a voltage corresponding to a part of the operating voltage range (3.1V to 4.3V) of the battery, for example, 3.77 ± 0.02V. Here, the expression A ± 0.02V can represent a range of A - 0.02[V] to A + 0.02[V]. For example, a reference voltage of 3.77 ± 0.02V can mean a voltage range of 3.75V to 3.77V.

[0033] The reference voltage can be set to a plurality of values for one battery and stored in the memory unit 110. For example, the reference voltage can be set to at least two of 3.77 ± 0.02V, 3.5 ± 0.02V, and 3.9 ± 0.02V.

[0034] In particular, the reference voltage can be a preset voltage in a region where the deterioration of the battery is accelerated. For example, at the phase change point (phase change time point) of a battery (secondary battery), a phenomenon may occur in which the deterioration of the battery is accelerated. In this case, the reference voltage can be set based on the phase change point of the battery. Such reference voltages can be set to be different depending on factors such as the type of battery, usage pattern, deterioration state, and production deviation. Therefore, the memory unit 110 can store reference voltages differentiated for various factors such as the type of battery, usage pattern, and deterioration state.

[0035] In addition, the memory unit 110 can store various data and the like necessary for the operation of the battery control device of the present invention. For example, the memory unit 110 can store programs, data, etc. necessary for the measurement unit 120 and the processor 130 to execute their functions. The memory unit 110 can be embodied as at least one type among flash memory type, hard disk type, SSD (Solid State Disk) type, SDD (Solid Disk Drive) type, multimedia card micro type, RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory). However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a specific form of the memory unit 110.

[0036] The measurement unit 120 can be configured to measure the voltage of the battery during the charging or discharging process of the battery. In particular, the measurement unit 120 can measure the voltage of the secondary battery provided in the battery. For this purpose, the measurement unit 120 is connected to both ends of the secondary battery and can measure the voltage across both ends of the secondary battery. Further, when the battery includes a plurality of secondary batteries, the measurement unit 120 can measure the voltage across both ends of the battery, that is, the voltage across both ends of the entire secondary battery assembly. Also, in this case, the measurement unit 120 can also measure the voltage across both ends of some of the secondary batteries, for example, each secondary battery.

[0037] The measurement unit 120 can be electrically connected to other components of the battery control device so as to be able to transmit and receive electrical signals. In particular, the measurement unit 120 can transmit the voltage measurement information of the secondary battery to the processor 130 so that the processor 130 can utilize the information. Also, the measurement unit 120 can transmit the measured voltage information to the memory unit 110 for storage. Such a measurement unit 120 can be implemented as a voltage measurement circuit or a voltage sensor commonly used in the art, and the present invention is not limited to specific embodiments of such a measurement unit 120.

[0038] The processor 130 can be configured to compare the measured voltage with the reference voltage during the charging or discharging process of the battery. For this purpose, the processor 130 can be connected to the memory unit 110 and the measurement unit 120 and configured to receive information from the memory unit 110 and the measurement unit 120. That is, the processor 130 can access the reference voltage information stored in the memory unit 110. Also, the processor 130 can receive the measured voltage information of the battery from the measurement unit 120.

[0039] Also, the processor 130 can be configured to change the C-rate of the battery based on such a comparison result. In particular, the processor 130 can be configured to change the charging C-rate or the discharging C-rate of the battery when the measured voltage corresponds to the reference voltage. Here, the fact that the measured voltage corresponds to the reference voltage can mean that the measured voltage belongs to the interval set as the reference voltage.

[0040] For example, when the reference voltage stored in the memory unit 110 is 3.77V ± 0.02V, that is, between 3.75V and 3.79V, during the charging or discharging process of the battery, the processor 130 can determine whether the measured voltage of the battery belongs to the range of 3.75V to 3.79V. At this time, if the measured voltage of the battery belongs to the range of 3.75V to 3.79V, the processor 130 can change the charging C rate in the charging state and change the discharging C rate in the discharging state.

[0041] According to such an implementation configuration of the present invention, by performing efficient charge and discharge control in a voltage range where battery deterioration such as the phase change point is promoted, a rapid decrease in battery life can be prevented. Therefore, in this case, a long-life battery can be more easily realized.

[0042] The memory unit 110 may be configured to store reference voltages set differently from each other for each of the charging process and the discharging process.

[0043] For example, the memory unit 110 may store information with the reference voltage set to 3.77 ± 0.02V and 3.90 ± 0.02V for the charging process. Also, the memory unit 110 may store information with the reference voltage set to 3.50 ± 0.02V and 3.77 ± 0.02V for the discharging process.

[0044] In such a configuration, the processor 130 may be configured to distinguish between the charging process and the discharging process of the battery and change the C rate in different forms.

[0045] Further, the processor 130 may be configured to perform high-speed control to charge or discharge the battery at a C rate higher than the C rate in a state other than the reference voltage when the measured voltage corresponds to the reference voltage.

[0046] For example, when the reference voltages set for the discharging process are 3.50 ± 0.02 V and 3.77 ± 0.02 V, during the process of discharging the battery, when the voltage of the battery is in a state other than 3.50 ± 0.02 V and 3.77 ± 0.02 V, the processor 130 can control the discharging so that the battery is discharged at a C-rate of C / 3. Also, when the voltage of the battery is 3.50 ± 0.02 V and 3.77 ± 0.02 V, the processor 130 can control the discharging so that the battery is discharged at a C-rate of 3C.

[0047] Furthermore, while continuously measuring the information regarding the voltage of the battery by the measuring unit 120, the processor 130 can control the charge-discharge C-rate based on the change in voltage over time. For example, when the reference voltage is set to 3.77 ± 0.02 V, while the battery is being discharged at a C-rate of C / 3, if the voltage reaches 3.79 V, the processor 130 can change the discharging C-rate to 3C. Thereafter, the processor 130 can continue to discharge at a C-rate of 3C until the battery reaches 3.75 V.

[0048] Also, the processor 130 can be configured to perform normal control to charge or discharge the battery at a C-rate lower than the C-rate in the high-speed charge-discharge control state after the high-speed charge-discharge control.

[0049] For example, as in the above-described embodiment, when the battery is in a state of high-speed discharging at a C-rate of 3C, when the measured voltage of the battery reaches a predetermined voltage, the processor 130 can reduce the discharging C-rate to C / 3 based on the measured voltage of the battery.

[0050] As a more specific example, in the embodiment where the reference voltage is set to 3.77 ± 0.02 V, when the battery continues to discharge and the voltage reaches 3.75 V, the processor 130 can switch the discharging C-rate from 3C to C / 3.

[0051] Further, the processor 130 may be configured to perform switching control to charge or discharge the battery so that the direction of current flow is reversed after high-speed charge and discharge control.

[0052] For example, in the configuration of the above-described embodiment, after the battery performs normal control at a C rate of 3C to C / 3, the processor 130 can charge the battery at a C rate of 1C. That is, the processor 130 can perform charge and discharge control from the discharged state of the battery to the charged state.

[0053] According to such a configuration of the present invention, by compensating for high-speed control for discharging at a high C rate such as 3C, the discharge or charge speed can be controlled to a normal state. For example, in the case of such an implementation configuration, even if there is a high-speed discharge control point of 3C, by performing charging over a predetermined time, the average discharge C rate can be maintained at a normal discharge C rate, for example, a C rate of C / 3.

[0054] Furthermore, the processor 130 may be configured such that the C rate in the switching control state has an absolute value smaller than the C rate in the high-speed control state.

[0055] For example, as in the above-described embodiment, when the discharge C rate is 3C during high-speed control, the processor 130 can make the charge C rate C / 3, which is lower than 3C, when performing switching control after normal control in high-speed control.

[0056] According to such an implementation configuration of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of deterioration causes such as lithium plating during the switching control process.

[0057] In the embodiment in which the switching control is performed, the processor 130 may determine the execution time of the switching control based on the execution time of the high-speed control. For example, when high-speed control is performed to discharge the battery at a C-rate of 3C for 5 seconds, the processor 130 can perform a control operation to charge the battery at a C-rate of 1C for 15 seconds as the switching control for compensating such high-speed control.

[0058] FIG. 2 is a graph schematically showing one form of discharge control by a battery control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] FIG. 2 shows a graph of changes in current and voltage over time. In FIG. 2, the horizontal axis represents time s, and the vertical axis represents current A (left) and voltage V (right).

[0060] Referring to FIG. 2, the portion indicated by A1 in the current graph can be said to be the section in which the aforementioned high-speed control is performed. For example, in this A1 section, it can be said that high-speed discharge is performed at a C-rate of 3C.

[0061] Also, the portion indicated by A2 in the current graph of FIG. 2 can be said to be the section in which the aforementioned normal control is performed. That is, according to an embodiment of the present invention, after high-speed charge and discharge control, normal control for charging and discharging the battery at a relatively low C-rate is performed, and the A2 portion can be said to be the portion where such normal control is performed. For example, in the A2 section, it can be said that normal discharge is performed at a C-rate of C / 3.

[0062] Next, the portion indicated by A3 in the current graph of FIG. 2 can be said to be the section in which the aforementioned switching control is performed. That is, according to an embodiment of the present invention, after high-speed charge and discharge control and after normal control is performed, switching control for switching the direction of current flow in the reverse direction can be performed, and the A3 portion can be said to be the portion where such switching control is performed. For example, in the A3 section, it can be said that charging is performed at a C-rate of 1C. That is, even though the battery as a whole is discharging, it can be said that battery charging is temporarily performed in the A3 section.

[0063] And by such current control, the voltage of the battery may take the form as shown in FIG. 2.

[0064] Also, the processor 130 may be configured to perform pause control to pause charging or discharging for a predetermined time when the measured voltage enters the reference voltage.

[0065] For example, when the reference voltage for charging is set to 3.77V (±0.02V), during the charging process of the battery, the processor 130 can pause the charging for a predetermined time when the measured voltage of the battery reaches 3.77V. As a more specific example, the processor 130 can pause the charging of the battery for 30 minutes when the measured voltage of the battery reaches 3.77V during the charging process of the battery.

[0066] According to such an implementation configuration of the present invention, the charge concentration phenomenon inside the battery, that is, in the secondary battery, can be eliminated or reduced. Therefore, in this case, the deterioration of the battery can be alleviated.

[0067] Also, the processor 130 may be configured to increase the magnitude of the C-rate while making the current flow in the same direction, or to make the current flow in the reverse direction, before ending the charging or discharging of the battery. In particular, such control can be performed when a charge end signal or a discharge end signal is received in a state where the voltage of the battery corresponds to the reference voltage.

[0068] For example, during the charging process of the battery, when the reference voltages are 3.77V (±0.02V) and 3.90V (±0.02V), if the measured voltage of the battery is within the range of 3.77V (±0.02V) or 3.90V (±0.02V), for example, when it is 3.90V, and the processor 130 receives the end signal of the battery, the processor 130 can increase the charging C rate. Then, the processor 130 can perform charging at the increased charging C rate in this way and can end the charging when the battery has a voltage exceeding 3.92V.

[0069] Alternatively, in the above implementation configuration, the processor 130 can apply a reverse current to dissipate the concentrated charges and make the end voltage lower than the reference voltage. For example, in a state where the reference voltages are 3.77V (±0.02V) and 3.90V (±0.02V), when the measured voltage of the battery is 3.90V, by passing a discharge current through the battery, the charging can be ended when the battery has a voltage lower than 3.88V.

[0070] That is, according to the above implementation configuration, when the processor 130 receives the charge and discharge end signal in a state where the battery voltage is within the reference voltage, by performing high-speed control or reverse current control by the processor 130, the charging or discharging can be ended when the battery voltage deviates from the reference voltage.

[0071] When the processor 130 receives the end signal of battery use, it can execute control operations such as increasing the magnitude of the C rate and inducing current in the reverse direction as described above. Alternatively, the processor 130 can predict the end point of battery use and execute control operations such as increasing the magnitude of the C rate and inducing current in the reverse direction before the predicted end point of use.

[0072] Hereinafter, in order to more clearly explain the effects of battery charge and discharge control according to embodiments of the present invention, examples and comparative examples will be given for a more detailed explanation. However, the examples according to the present invention can be deformed into various other forms, and the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the examples described above. The examples of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those with average knowledge in the industry.

[0073] (Example 1) A pouch-type lithium secondary battery was prepared and charged and discharged over a predetermined time, and charging and discharging were repeatedly performed under the following order and conditions. (1) Charging: Constant current (CC) charging at 1C up to 4.14V. (2) Rest: Rest for 30 minutes. (3) Discharging: Discharge at 3C for 5 seconds → Discharge at C / 3 for 5 minutes → Constant current (CC) charge at 1C for 15 seconds → Discharge at C / 3 for 5 minutes and end discharge at 3.35V. (4) Rest: Rest for 30 minutes.

[0074] In particular, it can be said that the discharge control in Example 1 above is based on the state where the reference voltages of discharge are set to 3.50V (±0.02V) and 3.76V (±0.02V).

[0075] And, a graph of the voltage change over time due to charging and discharging in Example 1 was shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, it can be said that the horizontal axis represents time s and the vertical axis represents voltage V.

[0076] (Comparative Example 1) Then, a pouch-type lithium secondary battery of the same type and specifications as in Example 1 described above was prepared and charged and discharged over a predetermined time, and charging and discharging were repeatedly performed under the following order and conditions. (1) Charging: Constant current (CC) charging at 1C up to 4.14V. (2) Rest: Rest for 30 minutes. (3) Discharging: Discharge at C / 3 and end discharge at 3.35V. (4) Rest: Rest for 30 minutes.

[0077] That is, in the case of Comparative Example 1, (1) the charging space, (2) the rest period, and (4) the rest period were carried out under the same conditions as in Example 1 above, but (3) the discharging period was carried out under different conditions.

[0078] A graph of the change over time of the voltage due to charging / discharging and discharging of Comparative Example 1 was shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, it can be said that the horizontal axis represents time s and the vertical axis represents voltage V.

[0079] For each secondary battery charged and discharged under the conditions of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 above, the ratio of the measured value of the discharge capacity in the range of the charge degree (SOC: State Of Charge, state of charge) of the initial battery from 0 to 100 to the measured value of the discharge capacity in the range of the charge degree (SOC) of 0 to 100 of the deteriorated battery was derived to measure the degree of deterioration (SOH: State of Health, state of deterioration, state of health), and the results were shown in FIG. 5. That is, FIG. 5 is a graph comparing the measurement results of the degree of deterioration for each cycle of an embodiment of the present invention and a comparative example.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 5, it can be seen that up to a predetermined point in time, for example, up to about 140 cycles, there is no significant difference in the amount of SOH reduction between Example 1 and Comparative Example 1. However, it can be seen that there is a difference in the amount of SOH reduction between Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 from the point in time exceeding about 150 cycles. In particular, it can be seen that the difference in the SOH amount between Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 gradually increases as the number of charge / discharge cycles increases.

[0081] Therefore, from such comparison results, it can be seen that when charge / discharge control is performed according to the embodiment of the present invention, the degree of deterioration is alleviated. Therefore, when charge / discharge control is performed according to the embodiment of the present invention, long-life control that enables the battery to be used for a longer period is possible.

[0082] The processor 130 may be configured to update the reference voltage stored in the memory unit 110.

[0083] Here, for the capacitance Q-voltage V graph obtained during the charging and / or discharging process of the battery, the processor 130 can derive a reference voltage using the dQ / dV (the first derivative of capacitance with respect to voltage) profile obtained by differentiating the capacitance with respect to voltage once. In particular, the phase change points of the positive and negative electrodes of the battery are expressed in the form of peaks in the dQ / dV profile. Therefore, the processor 130 can search for the peaks in the dQ / dV profile and derive a reference voltage range with a certain error range centered on the searched peaks, for example, within a range of ±20 mV. Then, the processor 130 can update the memory unit 110 with the reference voltage thus derived as a new reference voltage.

[0084] In particular, for each type of battery, or even for the same type of battery, the peaks of the dQ / dV profile may be different depending on usage patterns, conditions, etc. For example, when multiple vehicles are equipped with the same type and specification of battery, the peak shapes may be different for each vehicle. In particular, since various conditions such as the degree of deterioration, the rate of rapid charging, and the driving pattern are different for each vehicle, the shape of the dQ / dV profile of the battery installed in each vehicle, and thus the position of the peak, may be different.

[0085] In the above implementation configuration, even if the initial reference voltage of the battery is stored in the memory unit 110, the reference voltage may be adaptively updated according to the usage conditions and forms of the battery. Therefore, according to such an implementation configuration, a more accurate reference voltage can be presented individually, and more effective charge and discharge control can be achieved based on it.

[0086] The battery pack according to the present invention includes the battery control device according to the present invention described above. In addition, the battery pack according to the present invention may further include components typically included in a battery pack, in addition to such a battery control device. For example, the battery pack according to the present invention may include one or more secondary batteries (battery cells), various electrical components (such as a battery management system (BMS), relays, fuses, etc.), and a pack case together. Furthermore, at least some components of the battery control device according to the present invention may be implemented using components included in a conventional battery. For example, the processor 130 of the battery control device according to the present invention may be implemented by a BMS (Battery Management System) provided in the battery pack.

[0087] In addition, the vehicle according to the present invention includes the battery control device according to the present invention described above. Also, the vehicle according to the present invention may further include components typically included in a vehicle, in addition to such a battery control device. For example, the vehicle according to the present invention may include a contactor, an inverter, a motor, one or more electronic control units (ECUs: Electrical Control Unit), etc., in addition to the battery control device according to the present invention. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to other components of the vehicle other than the battery control device.

[0088] In addition, the energy storage system (ESS) according to the present invention includes the battery control device according to the present invention described above. Also, the energy storage system according to the present invention may further include components typically included in an energy storage system, in addition to such a battery control device.

[0089] FIG. 6 is a flowchart schematically showing a battery control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, it can be said that the execution entity of each step is each component of the battery control device according to the present invention described above.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 6, the battery control method according to the present invention includes a memory step (S110), a measurement step (S120), and a C-rate change step (S130).

[0091] The step S110 is a step of memorizing the reference voltage of the battery. Also, the step S120 is a step of measuring the voltage of the battery during the charging or discharging process of the battery. The step S130 is a step of comparing the measured voltage with the reference voltage during the charging or discharging process of the battery, and when the measured voltage corresponds to the reference voltage, changing the charging C-rate or discharging C-rate of the battery.

[0092] Regarding each operation of such steps S110 to S130, the foregoing descriptions regarding the memory unit 110, the measurement unit 120, and the processor 130 can be applied identically or similarly. Therefore, the detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0093] As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the limited embodiments and drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that various modifications and variations are possible within the equivalent scope of the technical idea and claims of the present invention by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0094] 110 Memory unit 120 Measurement unit 130 Processor

Claims

1. A memory unit that stores the reference voltage of the battery, A measurement unit that measures the voltage of the battery during the charging or discharging process of the battery, A processor configured to compare the measured voltage with the reference voltage during the charging or discharging process of the battery, and change the charging C rate or discharging C rate of the battery when the measured voltage corresponds to the reference voltage, including When the processor receives a charge end signal or a discharge end signal in a state where the measured voltage corresponds to the reference voltage, before ending the charging or discharging of the battery, the battery control device is configured to increase the magnitude of the C rate while allowing the current to flow in the same direction, or to allow the current to flow in the reverse direction.

2. The memory unit Stores the reference voltage set for the charging process, And the reference voltage set for the discharging process The battery control device according to claim 1, which stores each of them.

3. The processor is configured to perform high-speed charge and discharge control to charge or discharge the battery at a C rate higher than the C rate in a state other than the reference voltage when the measured voltage corresponds to the reference voltage. The battery control device according to claim 1.

4. After the high-speed charge and discharge control, the processor is configured to perform normal control to charge or discharge the battery at a C rate lower than the C rate in the state of the high-speed charge and discharge control. The battery control device according to claim 3.

5. When the measured voltage enters the reference voltage, the processor is configured to perform pause control to pause the charging or discharging for a predetermined time. The battery control device according to claim 1.

6. The reference voltage Is determined based on the voltage measured at the phase change point of the electrodes of the battery. The battery control device according to claim 1.

7. The processor Performs high-speed charge and discharge control to charge or discharge the battery at a C rate higher than the C rate in a state other than the reference voltage when the measured voltage corresponds to the reference voltage, After the high-speed charge and discharge control, the battery control device according to claim 1 is configured to perform switching control to charge or discharge the battery so that the direction of the current flowing through the battery is reversed.

8. A battery pack including the battery control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. An automobile including the battery control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. An energy storage system including the battery control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. The step of storing the reference voltage of the battery, The step of measuring the voltage of the battery during the charging or discharging process of the battery, During the charging or discharging process of the battery, comparing the measured voltage with the reference voltage, and when the measured voltage corresponds to the reference voltage, changing the charging C rate or discharging C rate of the battery, In the state where the measured voltage corresponds to the reference voltage, when a charging end signal or a discharging end signal is received, before ending the charging or discharging of the battery, increasing the magnitude of the C rate while making the current flow in the same direction, or making the current flow in the reverse direction, A battery control method comprising:

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