Polarity reversal detection system, polarity reversal detection device, polarity reversal detection method, polarity reversal detection program, and storage medium

Abstract

To provide a polarity reversal determination system, a polarity reversal determination device, a polarity reversal determination method, a polarity reversal determination program, and a storage medium that can improve the accuracy of polarity reversal determination for a rechargeable battery.SOLUTION: A polarity reversal determination system 8 includes a controller 14 configured to obtain the amount of change in a resistance value calculated on the basis of a discharge current value and a discharge voltage value of a rechargeable battery 2. The controller 14 is configured to determine that a polarity change has occurred within the rechargeable battery 2 when the amount of change in the resistance value changes from an increasing trend to a decreasing trend.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in the present application relates to a polarity inversion determination system, a polarity inversion determination device, a polarity inversion determination method, a polarity inversion determination program, and a storage medium.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a secondary battery system that predicts and detects the polarity inversion of individual single cells in advance. The secondary battery system described in Patent Document 1 calculates the rate of decrease in voltage drop and determines that a polarity inversion has occurred when the rate of decrease exceeds a threshold value.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes an abnormality detection device that detects polarity inversion based on the internal resistance of a rechargeable battery. The abnormality detection device described in Patent Document 2 determines that a polarity inversion has occurred when the internal resistance (ripple resistance) increases and then turns to decrease. The abnormality detection device measures the change voltage and change current every 1 ms during discharge, for example, obtains the voltage value and current value accumulated over 10 seconds, and calculates the internal resistance from these values. The abnormality detection device determines an increase in internal resistance by comparing the ratio of the internal resistance to the reference internal resistance with a threshold value. The abnormality detection device calculates the internal resistance over a predetermined time and determines that a polarity inversion has occurred when the internal resistance increases and then turns to decrease.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the secondary battery system described in Patent Document 1 uses a threshold value to determine polarity reversal, which may lead to false detection in the event of sudden load fluctuations such as cranking current.

[0006] Furthermore, in the abnormality detection device described in Patent Document 2, polarity reversal is determined by comparing the ratio of internal resistance to reference resistance with a predetermined threshold; therefore, depending on the setting of the threshold, polarity reversal may not be accurately determined.

[0007] The problem that the technology disclosed in this application can solve is to provide a polarity reversal determination system, polarity reversal determination device, polarity reversal determination method, polarity reversal determination program, and storage medium that can improve the accuracy of polarity reversal determination of rechargeable batteries. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to the first feature, the polarity reversal detection system includes a controller configured to acquire the change in resistance value calculated based on the discharge current value and discharge voltage value of the rechargeable battery. The controller is configured to determine that polarity reversal has occurred in the rechargeable battery when the change in resistance value shifts from an increasing trend to a decreasing trend.

[0009] In the first feature of the polarity reversal determination system, the presence or absence of polarity reversal is determined based on the increasing and decreasing trends in the amount of change in resistance. Therefore, the peak in the amount of change in resistance that appears when polarity reversal occurs can be detected relatively accurately, thereby improving the accuracy of polarity reversal determination for rechargeable batteries.

[0010] According to the second feature, in the polarity reversal determination system relating to the first feature, the controller is configured to calculate the amount of change in resistance based on the discharge current value and the discharge voltage value.

[0011] In the polarity reversal determination system related to the second feature, the processing speed of the controller is improved compared to when the change in resistance value is obtained from an external source.

[0012] According to the third feature, in the polarity reversal determination system relating to the first or second feature, the controller is configured to determine that the change in resistance is on an increasing trend if the latest change in resistance is greater than the previous change for at least two consecutive times.

[0013] The third feature of the polarity reversal detection system allows for accurate determination of the increasing trend in the change in resistance value, thereby further improving the accuracy of polarity reversal detection for rechargeable batteries.

[0014] According to the fourth feature, in the polarity reversal determination system relating to the third feature, the controller is configured to determine that the change in resistance is on an increasing trend if, for at least two consecutive times, the latest change in resistance is greater than the previous change, and for at least two consecutive times, the latest value of resistance is greater than the previous value.

[0015] In the fourth feature of the polarity reversal determination system, in addition to the amount of change in resistance, the resistance value itself is also used to determine the increasing trend. This allows for a more accurate determination of the increasing trend in the amount of change in resistance, thereby improving the accuracy of polarity reversal determination for rechargeable batteries.

[0016] According to the fifth feature, in the polarity reversal determination system relating to the fourth feature, the controller is configured to calculate the change in resistance by subtracting the previous value from the latest resistance value.

[0017] The pole reversal determination system related to the fifth feature can calculate the amount of change in resistance value at a predetermined period.

[0018] According to the sixth feature, in a polarity reversal determination system relating to any one of the third to fifth features, the controller is configured to determine that the change in resistance is decreasing if the latest change in resistance is smaller than the previous change for at least two consecutive times.

[0019] The polarity reversal detection system related to the sixth feature can accurately determine the decreasing trend of the change in resistance value, thereby further improving the accuracy of polarity reversal detection for rechargeable batteries.

[0020] According to the seventh feature, in the pole reversal determination system according to any one of the first to sixth features, the controller is configured to calculate the amount of change in the resistance value based on the open-circuit voltage, the discharge current value, and the discharge voltage value of the rechargeable battery.

[0021] In the pole reversal determination system according to the seventh feature, by using the open-circuit voltage, the state of the rechargeable battery can be accurately grasped, and the accuracy of the pole reversal determination of the rechargeable battery can be further improved.

[0022] According to the eighth feature, in the pole reversal determination system according to the seventh feature, the controller is configured to calculate the resistance value by dividing the difference between the open-circuit voltage and the discharge voltage value by the discharge current value.

[0023] In the pole reversal determination system according to the eighth feature, since the resistance value based on the open-circuit voltage can be obtained, the accuracy of the pole reversal determination of the rechargeable battery can be surely improved.

[0024] According to the ninth feature, in the pole reversal determination system according to the seventh or eighth feature, the controller is configured to calculate the resistance value by dividing the difference between the open-circuit voltage and the average voltage value of the discharge voltage value by the average current value of the discharge current value.

[0025] In the pole reversal determination system according to the ninth feature, since the average voltage value and the average current value are used, the influence of the fluctuations of the discharge voltage value and the discharge current value on the resistance value can be reduced, and the decrease in the accuracy of the pole reversal determination caused by the fluctuations of the discharge voltage value and the discharge current value can be suppressed or prevented.

[0026] According to the tenth feature, in the pole reversal determination system according to any one of the first to ninth features, the controller further includes a current sensor configured to be electrically connected to the controller and measure the discharge current value of the rechargeable battery.

[0027] In the polarity reversal determination system related to the tenth feature, the discharge current value measured by the current sensor can be acquired relatively quickly.

[0028] According to the eleventh feature, a polarity determination system relating to any one of the first to tenth features further comprises a voltage sensor that is electrically connected to a controller and configured to measure the discharge voltage value of a rechargeable battery.

[0029] In the polarity reversal determination system related to the 11th feature, the discharge voltage value measured by the voltage sensor can be acquired relatively quickly.

[0030] According to the twelfth feature, the polarity reversal detection device includes a controller configured to acquire the change in resistance value calculated based on the discharge current value and discharge voltage value of the rechargeable battery. The controller is configured to determine that polarity reversal has occurred in the rechargeable battery when the change in resistance value shifts from an increasing trend to a decreasing trend.

[0031] In the polarity reversal detection device relating to the 12th feature, the presence or absence of polarity reversal is determined based on the increasing and decreasing trends of the change in resistance value. Therefore, the peak of the change in resistance value that appears when polarity reversal occurs can be detected relatively accurately, thereby improving the accuracy of polarity reversal detection for rechargeable batteries.

[0032] According to the 13th feature, the polarity reversal determination method includes obtaining the change in resistance value calculated based on the discharge current value and discharge voltage value of the rechargeable battery using a controller, and determining that polarity reversal has occurred in the rechargeable battery when the change in resistance value shifts from an increasing trend to a decreasing trend.

[0033] In the polarity reversal determination method related to the 13th feature, the presence or absence of polarity reversal is determined based on the increasing and decreasing trends in the amount of change in resistance. Therefore, the peak in the amount of change in resistance that appears when polarity reversal occurs can be detected relatively accurately, thereby improving the accuracy of polarity reversal determination for rechargeable batteries.

[0034] According to the 14th feature, the pole reversal determination program causes the computer to execute the pole reversal determination method related to the 13th feature.

[0035] The polarity reversal detection program related to the 14th feature allows the computer to execute the polarity reversal detection method, thereby improving the accuracy of polarity reversal detection for rechargeable batteries.

[0036] According to the 15th feature, a computer-readable storage medium stores a polarity determination program related to the 14th feature.

[0037] In the storage medium relating to the 15th feature, the polarity determination method can be performed by a computer, thereby improving the accuracy of polarity determination for rechargeable batteries. [Effects of the Invention]

[0038] The technology disclosed herein provides a polarity reversal determination system, polarity reversal determination device, polarity reversal determination method, polarity reversal determination program, and a storage medium for storing the polarity reversal determination program, which can improve the accuracy of polarity reversal determination of a rechargeable battery. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0039] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of the polarity determination system for rechargeable batteries. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a graph showing the relationship between voltage, current, resistance, and the change in resistance when polarity reversal occurs in a rechargeable battery. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram showing the information exchange in the pole reversal determination system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the pole reversal determination method performed in the pole reversal determination system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram showing the information exchange in the polarity reversal determination system according to the first modified example. [Figure 6]Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the pole reversal determination method performed in the pole reversal determination system shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram showing the information exchange in the polarity reversal determination system according to the second modified example. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the pole reversal determination method performed in the pole reversal determination system shown in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram showing the information exchange in the polarity reversal determination system according to the third modified example. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the pole reversal determination method performed in the pole reversal determination system shown in Figure 9. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0040] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate corresponding or identical components.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the rechargeable battery 2 is electrically connected to the load 4. The rechargeable battery 2 supplies electricity to the load 4. The rechargeable battery 2 includes, for example, secondary batteries such as lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and nickel-metal hydride batteries. Therefore, the rechargeable battery 2 may also be referred to as the secondary battery 2.

[0042] Load 4 is powered by electricity supplied from rechargeable battery 2. Load 4 includes at least one electrical device. If rechargeable battery 2 is installed in a vehicle, examples of electrical devices include an electronic control unit (ECU), lights, heaters, audio equipment, sensors, and cameras.

[0043] Examples of vehicles include automobiles. Examples of automobiles include automobiles equipped with an engine (internal combustion engine) as a power source, hybrid vehicles equipped with an engine and a vehicle drive motor as power sources, and electric vehicles or fuel cell vehicles equipped with a vehicle drive motor as a power source. Therefore, for example, the rechargeable battery 2 may be used for vehicle propulsion, or a vehicle drive battery other than the rechargeable battery 2 may be installed in the vehicle. The vehicles are not limited to the above-mentioned vehicles. In addition, the rechargeable battery 2 may be used for purposes other than vehicles.

[0044] The rechargeable battery 2 is electrically connected to the charging circuit 6. The charging circuit 6 supplies electricity to the rechargeable battery 2 and charges it. When the rechargeable battery 2 is mounted in a vehicle, for example, the charging circuit 6 includes power generation devices such as an alternator and a vehicle drive motor.

[0045] Incidentally, in rechargeable battery 2, polarity reversal can occur. Polarity reversal refers to the phenomenon where the positive and negative terminals of the voltage output by at least one of the multiple cells are reversed. When polarity reversal occurs in a cell, it generates heat during charging and discharging, which can cause surrounding cells to deteriorate, or the voltage may drop by the amount of the cell that has experienced polarity reversal, making it impossible to supply the necessary power. Also, when polarity reversal occurs in a cell, a voltage drop occurs by the amount of that cell, which may make it impossible to supply the necessary power.

[0046] Therefore, the polarity reversal determination system 8 determines whether or not polarity reversal has occurred in the rechargeable battery 2. The polarity reversal determination system 8 includes, for example, a polarity reversal determination device 10, an external device 30, and an external device 40. The polarity reversal determination device 10 is electrically connected to the rechargeable battery 2. The polarity reversal determination device 10 operates using electricity supplied from the rechargeable battery 2.

[0047] The polarity reversal determination device 10 is configured to determine whether or not polarity reversal has occurred in the rechargeable battery 2. The polarity reversal determination device 10 includes a controller 14. That is, the polarity reversal determination system 8 includes a controller 14. In this embodiment, the controller 14 is electrically connected to the rechargeable battery 2. The controller 14 includes, for example, a processor 14P, a memory 14M, a circuit board 14C, and a bus 14B.

[0048] The processor 14P includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and / or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The memory 14M includes, for example, volatile and / or non-volatile memory. Examples of volatile memory include RAM (Random Access Memory) and / or DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). Examples of non-volatile memory include ROM (Read Only Memory) and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM). The memory 14M may also be referred to as a computer-readable storage medium. The processor 14P and the memory 14M are mounted on a circuit board 14C. The processor 14P and the memory 14M are electrically connected to each other via the circuit board 14C. The processor 14P may also be referred to as a hardware processor 14P. The memory 14M may also be referred to as hardware memory 14M.

[0049] The controller 14 is programmed to implement the control algorithms for the pole reversal determination system 8 and the pole reversal determination device 10. The controller 14's memory 14M stores software, such as programs for implementing the control algorithms for the pole reversal determination system 8 and the pole reversal determination device 10. The processor 14P implements the control algorithms for the pole reversal determination system 8 and the pole reversal determination device 10 by reading and executing programs stored in the memory 14M.

[0050] The configuration of the controller 14 is not limited to a processor 14P, memory 14M, circuit board 14C, and bus 14B. The configuration of the controller 14 can be realized by hardware alone or by a combination of hardware and software. Furthermore, the processor 14P and memory 14M may be configured as a single chip, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). Note that the controller 14 may also be referred to as a controller circuit 14, controller circuitry 14, circuit 14, and / or circuitry 14.

[0051] The controller 14 is electrically connected to the rechargeable battery 2. The controller 14 operates on electricity supplied from the rechargeable battery 2 to the power supply circuit 14S. The controller 14 includes a power supply circuit 14S that is electrically connected to the rechargeable battery 2. The power supply circuit 14S converts, for example, the voltage supplied from the rechargeable battery 2 (e.g., 12V) to a predetermined voltage (e.g., 3.3V or 5V) as needed. The power supply circuit 14S is electrically connected to the processor 14P and the memory 14M via the circuit board 14C and the bus 14B.

[0052] The polarity reversal determination device 10 further comprises a current sensor 16. That is, the polarity reversal determination system 8 further comprises a current sensor 16. The current sensor 16 is electrically connected to the controller 14 and configured to measure the discharge current value of the rechargeable battery 2. The current sensor 16 is configured to measure the current value of the charge and discharge current of the rechargeable battery 2. The current sensor 16 is placed between the rechargeable battery 2 and the load 4, and between the rechargeable battery 2 and the charging circuit 6. The current sensor 16 is configured to measure the current value of the discharge current value flowing from the rechargeable battery 2 to the load 4, and to measure the current value of the charge current flowing from the charging circuit 6 to the rechargeable battery 2. The controller 14 acquires the measured current value of the current sensor 16 at predetermined intervals and stores the acquired measured current value in the memory 14M.

[0053] The polarity reversal determination device 10 further includes a voltage sensor 18. That is, the polarity reversal determination system 8 further includes a voltage sensor 18. The voltage sensor 18 is electrically connected to the controller 14 and configured to measure the discharge voltage value of the rechargeable battery 2. The controller 14 acquires the measured voltage value of the voltage sensor 18 at predetermined intervals when the charging and discharging of the rechargeable battery 2 is stopped, and stores the acquired measured voltage value as an open-circuit voltage in the memory 14M. The controller 14 is configured to determine whether the rechargeable battery 2 is discharging and whether the rechargeable battery 2 is charging, based on the measured current value of the current sensor 16. When the charging and discharging of the rechargeable battery 2 is stopped, the controller 14 stores the measured voltage value of the voltage sensor 18 as an open-circuit voltage in the memory 14M.

[0054] The controller 14 is configured to acquire the change in resistance calculated based on the discharge current and discharge voltage values ​​of the rechargeable battery 2. For example, the controller 14 is configured to acquire the change in resistance per unit time calculated based on the discharge current and discharge voltage values ​​of the rechargeable battery 2. The controller 14 is configured to calculate the change in resistance based on the discharge current and discharge voltage values. The controller 14 is configured to calculate the change in resistance based on the open-circuit voltage, discharge current, and discharge voltage values ​​of the rechargeable battery 2.

[0055] The controller 14 is configured to calculate the resistance value based on the discharge current value and the discharge voltage value. The controller 14 is configured to calculate the resistance value based on the open-circuit voltage, discharge current value and discharge voltage value of the rechargeable battery 2.

[0056] The controller 14 stores the voltage value measured by the voltage sensor 18 as the open-circuit voltage in memory 14M while the rechargeable battery 2 is not charging or discharging. The controller 14 stores the current value output from the current sensor 16 as the discharge current value in memory 14M while the rechargeable battery 2 is discharging. The controller 14 stores the voltage value output from the voltage sensor 18 as the discharge voltage value in memory 14M while the rechargeable battery 2 is discharging.

[0057] The controller 14 is configured to calculate the resistance value by dividing the difference between the open-circuit voltage and the discharge voltage value by the discharge current value. In this embodiment, the controller 14 is configured to calculate the resistance value R by dividing the difference between the open-circuit voltage OCV and the average voltage value VA of the discharge voltage values ​​by the average current value AA of the discharge current values. Specifically, the controller 14 is configured to calculate the resistance value R based on the following equation (1).

[0058] R = (OCV - VA) / AA ... (1) However, the controller 14 may be configured to calculate the resistance value R without using at least one of the average voltage value VA and the average current value AA.

[0059] The controller 14 stores the discharge voltage value output from the voltage sensor 18 in memory 14M at predetermined intervals while the rechargeable battery 2 is discharging. The controller 14 stores a predetermined number of at least two discharge voltage values ​​acquired at predetermined intervals in memory 14M, starting with the most recent discharge voltage value. The controller 14 is configured to calculate the average voltage value as the time average of at least two discharge voltage values ​​stored in memory 14M at predetermined intervals. The controller 14 stores the calculated average voltage value in memory 14M. The controller 14 is configured to calculate the difference between the open-circuit voltage and the average voltage value of the discharge voltage by subtracting the average voltage value of the discharge voltage from the open-circuit voltage. The controller 14 stores the difference between the open-circuit voltage and the average voltage value of the discharge voltage in memory 14M. The controller 14 updates the difference between the open-circuit voltage and the average voltage value of the discharge voltage at predetermined intervals.

[0060] The controller 14 stores the discharge current value output from the current sensor 16 in memory 14M at predetermined intervals while the rechargeable battery 2 is discharging. The controller 14 stores a predetermined number of at least two discharge current values ​​acquired at predetermined intervals in memory 14M, starting with the most recent discharge current value. The controller 14 is configured to calculate the average current value as the time average of at least two discharge current values ​​stored in memory 14M at predetermined intervals. The controller 14 stores the calculated average current value in memory 14M. The controller 14 updates the average current value stored in memory 14M at predetermined intervals.

[0061] The controller 14 is configured to calculate the resistance value at a predetermined period by dividing the difference between the open-circuit voltage and the average voltage value by the average discharge current value. The controller 14 stores the resistance value calculated at the predetermined period in memory 14M. The controller 14 stores the latest and previous resistance values ​​in memory 14M. The controller 14 updates the latest and previous resistance values ​​stored in memory 14M at a predetermined period. For example, before calculating a new resistance value R, the controller 14 stores the latest value R1 as the previous value R2 in memory 14M, and then stores the newly calculated resistance value R as the latest value R1 in memory 14M.

[0062] The controller 14 is configured to calculate the change in resistance R ΔR by subtracting the previous value R2 from the latest value R1 of resistance R. Specifically, the controller 14 is configured to calculate the change in resistance R ΔR based on the following equation (2).

[0063] ΔR = R1 - R2 ... (2) The controller 14 stores the change in resistance R, ΔR, in memory 14M. The controller 14 stores the latest change in resistance R, ΔR1, and the previous change, ΔR2, acquired at predetermined intervals, in memory 14M. The controller 14 updates the latest change, ΔR1, and the previous change, ΔR2, stored in memory 14M at predetermined intervals. For example, before calculating a new change in ΔR, the controller 14 stores the latest change, ΔR1, as the previous change, ΔR2, in memory 14M, and then stores the newly calculated change, ΔR, as the latest change, ΔR1, in memory 14M.

[0064] As shown in Figure 2, when the rechargeable battery 2 begins to discharge, the voltage of the rechargeable battery 2 gradually decreases (e.g., region AR1). However, when a polarity reversal occurs within the rechargeable battery 2, the voltage drops sharply (e.g., region AR2).

[0065] When the voltage of rechargeable battery 2 drops sharply, the resistance R, calculated based on the discharge voltage V and discharge current A of rechargeable battery 2, increases. The rate of change of resistance R per unit time peaks when the resistance R of rechargeable battery 2 increases.

[0066] Therefore, the controller 14 is configured to determine that a polarity reversal has occurred in the rechargeable battery 2 when the rate of change in the resistance value shifts from an increasing trend to a decreasing trend. The controller 14 is configured to determine that the rate of change in the resistance value is increasing when the latest rate of change in the resistance value is greater than the previous rate of change at least two times in a row. The controller 14 is configured to determine that the rate of change in the resistance value is decreasing when the latest rate of change in the resistance value is smaller than the previous rate of change at least two times in a row.

[0067] For example, the controller 14 is configured to determine that the change in resistance is increasing if the latest change in resistance is greater than the previous change for two consecutive times. The controller 14 is configured to determine that the change in resistance is decreasing if the latest change in resistance is smaller than the previous change for two consecutive times. However, the number of times the latest change and the previous change are compared when determining an increasing trend may be three or more. The number of times the latest change and the previous change are compared when determining a decreasing trend may also be three or more. The number of times the latest change and the previous change are compared when determining an increasing trend may be different from the number of times the latest change and the previous change are compared when determining a decreasing trend.

[0068] Furthermore, when the controller 14 determines an increasing trend, it uses the resistance value itself in addition to the change in resistance value. Specifically, the controller 14 is configured to determine that the change in resistance value is increasing if, for at least two consecutive times, the latest change in resistance value is greater than the previous change, and for at least two consecutive times, the latest value of the resistance value is greater than the previous value. For example, the controller 14 is configured to determine that the change in resistance value is increasing if, for two consecutive times, the latest change in resistance value is greater than the previous change, and for two consecutive times, the latest value of the resistance value is greater than the previous value. However, the number of times the latest value and the previous value of the resistance value are compared may be three or more. The number of times the latest value and the previous value of the resistance value are compared may differ from the number of times the latest change and the previous change are compared.

[0069] As shown in Figure 1, the polarity reversal detection device 10 further comprises an interface 20 electrically connected to the controller 14. That is, the polarity reversal detection system 8 further comprises the interface 20. The interface 20 is configured to receive input information and / or transmit polarity reversal detection results to external devices 30 and / or 40. The polarity reversal detection result indicates that polarity reversal has occurred in the rechargeable battery 2. The interface 20 is electrically connected to the processor 14P and memory 14M via the circuit board 14C and bus 14B. The interface 20 is powered by electricity supplied from the controller 14. The interface 20 includes a user interface 22 and a communication unit 24.

[0070] The user interface 22 is electrically connected to the controller 14. The user interface 22 is electrically connected to the processor 14P and memory 14M via the circuit board 14C and bus 14B. The user interface 22 is configured to receive input information from the user. The controller 14 stores the input information received from the user interface 22 in memory 14M. An example of the user interface 22 is an operation panel such as a touch panel.

[0071] The communication unit 24 is electrically connected to the controller 14. The communication unit 24 is electrically connected to the processor 14P and the memory 14M via the circuit board 14C and the bus 14B. The communication unit 24 is configured to receive input information from external devices 30 and / or 40. The controller 14 stores the input information received by the communication unit 24 in the memory 14M. The communication unit 24 is also configured to transmit the polarity reversal determination result to the external devices 30 and / or 40.

[0072] The communication unit 24 includes a wireless communication circuit. The wireless communication circuit is electrically connected to the controller 14 and can connect wirelessly to, for example, the internet. The wireless communication circuit is configured to transmit the polarity determination result to an external device 30 via the internet. When a rechargeable battery 2 is mounted in the vehicle, the communication unit 24 includes, for example, a wireless communication circuit and a gateway ECU.

[0073] A wireless communication circuit includes, for example, an antenna, a wireless transmitting circuit, and a wireless receiving circuit. The antenna is electrically connected to the wireless transmitting circuit and the wireless receiving circuit. The wireless transmitting circuit is configured to transmit a signal wirelessly via the antenna. The wireless receiving circuit is configured to receive a signal wirelessly via the antenna. The wireless transmitting circuit is configured to encrypt the signal using a predetermined protocol. The wireless receiving circuit is configured to decrypt the wireless signal using a predetermined protocol.

[0074] As shown in Figure 1, the external device 30 is a device that performs various information processing and may also be referred to as a server 30. The external device 30 can, for example, constitute part of a data center or cloud and be connected to the internet. The external device 30 comprises a controller 32, an interface 33, and a display 34. The interface 33 and the display 34 are electrically connected to the controller 32. The display 34 is electrically connected to the controller 32 and configured to display information. The controller 32 is configured to control the display 34 to display information.

[0075] The controller 32 includes, for example, a processor 32P, memory 32M, a circuit board 32C, and a bus 32B. The processor 32P includes, for example, a CPU and / or MPU. The memory 32M includes, for example, volatile and / or non-volatile memory. Examples of volatile memory include RAM and / or DRAM. Examples of non-volatile memory include ROM and EEPROM. The memory 32M may also be referred to as a computer-readable storage medium. The processor 32P and the memory 32M are electrically mounted on the circuit board 32C. The processor 32P and the memory 32M are electrically connected to each other via the circuit board 32C. The processor 32P may also be referred to as a hardware processor 32P. The memory 32M may also be referred to as hardware memory 32M.

[0076] The controller 32 is programmed to implement the control algorithm for the external device 30. The controller 32's memory 32M stores software, such as a program for implementing the control algorithm for the external device 30. The processor 32P implements the control algorithm for the external device 30 by reading and executing the program stored in memory 32M.

[0077] The configuration of the controller 32 is not limited to a processor 32P, memory 32M, circuit board 32C, and bus 32B. The configuration of the controller 32 can be realized by hardware alone or by a combination of hardware and software. Furthermore, the processor 32P and memory 32M may be configured as a single chip, such as an ASIC or FPGA. Note that the controller 32 may also be referred to as a controller circuit 32, controller circuitry 32, circuit 32, and / or circuitry 32.

[0078] Interface 33 is electrically connected to the processor 32P and memory 32M via the circuit board 32C and bus 32B. Interface 33 includes a user interface 35 and a communication unit 36.

[0079] The user interface 35 is electrically connected to the controller 32. The user interface 35 is electrically connected to the processor 32P and memory 32M via the circuit board 32C and bus 32B. The user interface 35 is used when the user operates the external device 30. Examples of the user interface 35 include a keyboard, mouse, and touch panel.

[0080] The communication unit 36 ​​is electrically connected to the controller 32. The communication unit 36 ​​is electrically connected to the processor 32P and memory 32M via the circuit board 32C and bus 32B. The communication unit 36 ​​is configured to communicate with the polarity determination device 10 and the external device 40.

[0081] The communication unit 36 ​​includes, for example, a wired communication circuit. The wired communication circuit is electrically connected to the controller 32 and can connect to, for example, the internet via a wired connection. The wired communication circuit is configured to communicate with the polarity determination device 10 and the external device 40 via the internet. The communication unit 36 ​​may also include a wireless communication circuit.

[0082] As shown in Figure 3, the communication unit 36 ​​is configured to receive the polarity reversal determination result PR from the polarity reversal determination device 10. The communication unit 36 ​​is configured to transmit the polarity reversal determination result PR received from the polarity reversal determination device 10 to the external device 40. The communication unit 36 ​​is configured to receive input information from the external device 40. The communication unit 36 ​​is configured to transmit the input information received from the external device 40 to the polarity reversal determination device 10.

[0083] As shown in Figure 1, the external device 40 is configured to communicate with the external device 30 and may also be referred to as the terminal 40. The external device 40 is a device for use by the user of the polarity reversal determination device 10. The external device 40 is configured to display the polarity reversal determination result transmitted from the external device 30. The external device 40 is also configured to receive input of information necessary for polarity reversal determination from the user of the polarity reversal determination device 10 and to transmit the input information to the external device 30. Examples of the external device 40 include smartphones, tablet computers, and personal computers. The external device 40 may also be configured to communicate with the polarity reversal determination device 10.

[0084] The external device 40 comprises a controller 42, an interface 43, and a display 44. The interface 43 and the display 44 are electrically connected to the controller 42. The display 44 is electrically connected to the controller 42 and configured to display information. The controller 42 is configured to control the display 44 to display information.

[0085] The controller 42 includes, for example, a processor 42P, memory 42M, a circuit board 42C, and a bus 42B. The processor 42P includes, for example, a CPU and / or MPU. The memory 42M includes, for example, volatile and / or non-volatile memory. Examples of volatile memory include RAM and / or DRAM. Examples of non-volatile memory include ROM and EEPROM. The memory 42M may also be referred to as a computer-readable storage medium. The processor 42P and the memory 42M are electrically mounted on the circuit board 42C. The processor 42P and the memory 42M are electrically connected to each other via the circuit board 42C. The processor 42P may also be referred to as a hardware processor 42P. The memory 42M may also be referred to as hardware memory 42M.

[0086] The controller 42 is programmed to implement the control algorithm for the external device 40. The controller 42's memory 42M stores software, such as a program for implementing the control algorithm for the external device 40. The processor 42P implements the control algorithm for the external device 40 by reading and executing the program stored in memory 42M.

[0087] The configuration of the controller 42 is not limited to a processor 42P, memory 42M, circuit board 42C, and bus 42B. The configuration of the controller 42 can be realized by hardware alone or by a combination of hardware and software. Furthermore, the processor 42P and memory 42M may be configured on a single chip, such as an ASIC or FPGA. Note that the controller 42 may also be referred to as a controller circuit 42, controller circuitry 42, circuit 42, and / or circuitry 42.

[0088] Interface 43 is electrically connected to the processor 42P and memory 42M via the circuit board 42C and bus 42B. Interface 43 includes a user interface 45 and a communication unit 46.

[0089] The user interface 45 is electrically connected to the controller 42. The user interface 45 is electrically connected to the processor 42P and memory 42M via the circuit board 42C and bus 42B. The user interface 45 is configured to receive input information from the user. The controller 42 stores the input information received from the user interface 45 in memory 42M. Examples of the user interface 45 include a keyboard, mouse, and touch panel.

[0090] The communication unit 46 is electrically connected to the controller 42. The communication unit 46 is electrically connected to the processor 42P and memory 42M via the circuit board 42C and bus 42B. The communication unit 46 is configured to communicate with an external device 30. The communication unit 46 includes a wireless communication circuit. The wireless communication circuit is electrically connected to the controller 42 and is configured to communicate wirelessly with the external device 30 via the internet. The wireless communication circuit may also be configured to communicate wirelessly with the short-circuit detection device 10 via the internet.

[0091] Similar to the communication unit 24, the wireless communication circuit of the communication unit 46 includes, for example, an antenna, a wireless transmitting circuit, and a wireless receiving circuit. The antenna is electrically connected to the wireless transmitting circuit and the wireless receiving circuit. The wireless transmitting circuit is configured to transmit a signal wirelessly via the antenna. The wireless receiving circuit is configured to receive a signal wirelessly via the antenna. The wireless transmitting circuit is configured to encrypt a signal using a predetermined protocol. The wireless receiving circuit is configured to decrypt a wireless signal using a predetermined protocol.

[0092] As shown in Figure 3, the communication unit 46 is configured to transmit input information to the external device 30 via the Internet. The communication unit 46 is configured to receive the polarity reversal determination result PR transmitted from the external device 30 via the Internet.

[0093] As shown in Figure 1, the polarity reversal determination device 10 includes a notification device 26. That is, the polarity reversal determination system 8 includes a notification device 26. The notification device 26 is electrically connected to the controller 14. The notification device 26 is electrically connected to the processor 14P and memory 14M via the circuit board 14C and bus 14B. The controller 14 is configured to control the notification device 26 based on the result of the polarity reversal determination. The notification device 26 operates on electricity supplied from the controller 14.

[0094] The notification device 26 is configured to notify the user that a polarity reversal has occurred in the rechargeable battery 2. The notification device 26 includes, for example, at least one of an indicator, a display, and a speaker. The controller 14 is configured to control the notification device 26 so that it notifies the user that a polarity reversal has occurred in the rechargeable battery 2.

[0095] The operation of the pole reversal determination system 8 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. As shown in Figure 4, the controller 14 of the pole reversal determination system 8 and the pole reversal determination device 10 are configured to execute the pole reversal determination method described below. The controller 14 stores the pole reversal determination program in memory 14M. That is, a storage medium readable by a computer stores the pole reversal determination program. The pole reversal determination program causes the computer to execute the pole reversal determination method. The processor 14P of the controller 14 realizes the pole reversal determination method described below by reading and executing the pole reversal determination program stored in memory 14M.

[0096] As shown in Figure 4, the polarity reversal determination method includes obtaining the change in resistance value calculated based on the discharge current value and discharge voltage value of the rechargeable battery 2 using the controller 14 (for example, steps S1 to S7), and determining that polarity reversal has occurred in the rechargeable battery 2 when the change in resistance value shifts from an increasing trend to a decreasing trend (for example, steps S8 to S10).

[0097] Specifically, the open-circuit voltage of the rechargeable battery 2 is acquired by the controller 14 while charging and discharging of the rechargeable battery 2 is stopped (step S1). Specifically, while charging and discharging of the rechargeable battery 2 is stopped, the measured voltage value of the voltage sensor 18 is stored as the open-circuit voltage in the memory 14M of the controller 14.

[0098] During the discharge of the rechargeable battery 2, the controller 14 acquires the discharge current value of the rechargeable battery 2 (step S2). Specifically, during the discharge of the rechargeable battery 2, the current value measured by the current sensor 16 is stored as the discharge current value in the controller 14's memory 14M.

[0099] During the discharge of the rechargeable battery 2, the discharge voltage value of the rechargeable battery 2 is acquired by the controller 14 (step S3). Specifically, during the discharge of the rechargeable battery 2, the voltage value measured by the voltage sensor 18 is stored as the discharge voltage value in the memory 14M of the controller 14.

[0100] The controller 14 calculates the resistance value of the rechargeable battery 2 based on the discharge current value and discharge voltage value (steps S4 to S6).

[0101] Specifically, the controller 14 calculates the average current value of the discharge current values ​​(step S4). For example, at least two discharge current values ​​acquired at a predetermined period are stored in the controller 14's memory 14M, a predetermined number of values ​​starting from the most recent discharge current value. The controller 14 calculates the time-averaged value of at least two discharge current values ​​stored in memory 14M as the average current value, and stores it in memory 14M.

[0102] The controller 14 calculates the average voltage value of the discharge voltages (step S5). For example, at least two discharge voltage values ​​acquired at a predetermined period are stored in the controller 14's memory 14M, a predetermined number of times from the most recent discharge voltage value. The controller 14 calculates the time-averaged value of at least two discharge voltage values ​​stored in memory 14M as the average voltage value and stores it in memory 14M.

[0103] The controller 14 obtains the resistance value based on the open-circuit voltage, average current value, and average voltage value of the rechargeable battery 2 (step S6). The controller 14 calculates the resistance value by dividing the difference between the open-circuit voltage and the discharge voltage value by the discharge current value. Specifically, using the above-mentioned formula (1), the controller 14 calculates the resistance value R by dividing the difference between the open-circuit voltage OCV and the average voltage value VA of the discharge voltage values ​​by the average current value AA of the discharge current values. The calculated resistance value R is stored as the latest value R1 in the controller 14's memory 14M.

[0104] The change in resistance value, calculated based on the discharge current value and discharge voltage value of the rechargeable battery 2, is acquired by the controller 14 (step S7). For example, the change in resistance value is calculated by the controller 14 based on the discharge current value and discharge voltage value. The change in resistance value is calculated by the controller 14 based on the open-circuit voltage, discharge current value, and discharge voltage value of the rechargeable battery 2. Specifically, using the equation (2) described above, the change in resistance value ΔR is calculated by the controller 14 by subtracting the previous value R2 from the latest value R1 of the resistance value R acquired in step S6. The calculated change ΔR is stored in the controller 14's memory 14M as the latest change ΔR1.

[0105] The controller 14 determines that a polarity reversal has occurred in the rechargeable battery 2 when the rate of change in resistance changes from an increasing trend to a decreasing trend (steps S8 and S9).

[0106] Specifically, the controller 14 determines that the rate of change in resistance is increasing if the latest change in resistance is greater than the previous change for at least two consecutive times (step S8). More specifically, the controller 14 determines that the rate of change in resistance is increasing if the latest change in resistance is greater than the previous change for at least two consecutive times, AND the latest value of resistance is greater than the previous value for at least two consecutive times (steps S8 and S9). For example, the controller 14 determines that the rate of change in resistance is increasing if the latest change in resistance is greater than the previous change for two consecutive times, AND the latest value of resistance is greater than the previous value for two consecutive times. Note that the determination using the resistance value itself may be omitted in step S8. In that case, in step S8, the controller 14 determines that the rate of change in resistance is increasing if the latest change in resistance is greater than the previous change for at least two consecutive times.

[0107] After it is determined that the rate of change in resistance is increasing, the controller 14 determines that the rate of change in resistance is decreasing if the latest rate of change in resistance is smaller than the previous rate of change at least two consecutive times (step S9). For example, the controller 14 determines that the rate of change in resistance is decreasing if the latest rate of change in resistance is smaller than the previous rate of change at least two consecutive times. If the controller 14 determines that the rate of change in resistance is not decreasing, the process returns to step S1.

[0108] If, after being determined in steps S8 and S9, the change in resistance is determined to be increasing, and then subsequently decreasing, the controller 14 determines that a polarity reversal has occurred in the rechargeable battery 2. In this case, the notification device 26 notifies the user that a polarity reversal has occurred in the rechargeable battery 2 (step S10). Furthermore, if the controller 14 determines that a polarity reversal has occurred in the rechargeable battery 2, a polarity reversal determination result PR indicating that a polarity reversal has occurred in the rechargeable battery 2 is transmitted from the polarity reversal determination device 10 to the external device 40 via the internet and the external device 30 (step S11, see Figure 4). The polarity reversal determination result PR is displayed on the display 44 of the external device 40 (step S12). The process returns to step S1, and steps S1 to S13 are repeated.

[0109] As described above, the polarity reversal determination system 8 and the polarity reversal determination device 10 include a controller 14 configured to acquire the amount of change in resistance calculated based on the discharge current value and discharge voltage value of the rechargeable battery 2. The controller 14 is configured to determine that polarity reversal has occurred in the rechargeable battery 2 when the amount of change in resistance changes from an increasing trend to a decreasing trend.

[0110] In the polarity reversal determination system 8 and the polarity reversal determination device 10, the presence or absence of polarity reversal is determined based on the increasing and decreasing trends of the change in resistance value. Therefore, the peak of the change in resistance value that appears when polarity reversal occurs can be detected relatively accurately, thereby improving the accuracy of polarity reversal determination of the rechargeable battery 2.

[0111] Furthermore, the polarity reversal determination method includes acquiring the change in resistance value calculated based on the discharge current value and discharge voltage value of the rechargeable battery 2 using the controller 14 (for example, steps S1 to S7), and determining that polarity reversal has occurred in the rechargeable battery 2 when the change in resistance value shifts from an increasing trend to a decreasing trend (for example, steps S8 to S10). Therefore, since the presence or absence of polarity reversal is determined based on the increasing and decreasing trends of the change in resistance value, the peak of the change in resistance value that appears when polarity reversal occurs can be detected relatively accurately, thereby improving the accuracy of polarity reversal determination of the rechargeable battery 2.

[0112] In the above-described embodiment, steps S1 to S11 are performed in the polarity reversal determination system 8 and the polarity reversal determination device 10, but as will be explained below, at least a portion of steps S1 to S119 may be performed in the external device 30.

[0113] For example, in the polarity reversal determination system 308 according to the first modified example shown in Figure 5, steps S8 and S9 are executed in the determination device 330 corresponding to the external device 30, as shown in Figure 6. As shown in Figure 5, the polarity reversal determination system 308 includes, for example, a polarity reversal determination device 310 and an external device 40. The polarity reversal determination device 310 comprises a battery management device 311 and a determination device 330. The basic configuration of the battery management device 311 is substantially the same as the basic configuration of the polarity reversal determination device 10. The basic configuration of the determination device 330 is substantially the same as the basic configuration of the external device 30. Since the determination device 330 performs polarity reversal determination, the determination device 330 may also be referred to as the polarity reversal determination device 310. A part of the polarity reversal determination program is stored in the memory 32M of the controller 32 of the determination device 330, and is read by the processor 32P of the controller 32, so that steps S8 and S9 are executed by the determination device 330.

[0114] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the battery management device 311 obtains the change in resistance value R ΔR by executing steps S1 to S7 (steps S1 to S7). The battery management device 311 transmits the change in resistance value R ΔR to the determination device 330 (step S313). The determination device 330 determines whether or not a polarity reversal has occurred in the rechargeable battery 2 by executing steps S8 and S9 (steps S8 and S9). If the determination device 330 determines that a polarity reversal has occurred in the rechargeable battery 2, it transmits the polarity reversal determination result PR to the battery management device 311 and the external device 40 (step S314). The notification device 26 of the battery management device 311 notifies the rechargeable battery 2 of the polarity reversal based on the polarity reversal determination result PR (step S9). The external device 40 displays the polarity reversal of the rechargeable battery 2 based on the polarity reversal determination result PR (step S12).

[0115] Furthermore, in the polarity reversal determination system 408 according to the second modified example shown in Figure 7, steps S7 to S9 are executed by a determination device 430 corresponding to the external device 30, as shown in Figure 8. As shown in Figure 7, the polarity reversal determination system 408 includes, for example, a polarity reversal determination device 410 and an external device 40. The polarity reversal determination device 410 comprises a battery management device 411 and a determination device 430. The basic configuration of the battery management device 411 is substantially the same as the basic configuration of the polarity reversal determination device 10. The basic configuration of the determination device 430 is substantially the same as the basic configuration of the external device 30. Since the determination device 430 performs polarity reversal determination, the determination device 430 can also be referred to as the polarity reversal determination device 410. A part of the polarity reversal determination program is stored in the memory 32M of the controller 32 of the determination device 430, and is read by the processor 32P of the controller 32, so that steps S7 to S9 are executed by the determination device 430.

[0116] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the battery management device 411 obtains the resistance value R of the rechargeable battery 2 by executing steps S1 to S6 (steps S1 to S6). The battery management device 411 transmits the resistance value R to the determination device 430 (step S413). The determination device 430 obtains the change amount ΔR using the resistance value R received from the battery management device 411 (step S7). The determination device 430 determines whether or not a polarity reversal has occurred in the rechargeable battery 2 by executing steps S8 and S9 (steps S8 and S9). If the determination device 430 determines that a polarity reversal has occurred in the rechargeable battery 2, it transmits the polarity reversal determination result PR to the battery management device 411 and the external device 40 (step S414). The notification device 26 of the battery management device 411 notifies the rechargeable battery 2 of the polarity reversal based on the polarity reversal determination result PR (step S9). The external device 40 displays the polarity of the rechargeable battery 2 based on the polarity determination result PR (step S12).

[0117] Furthermore, in the polarity reversal determination system 508 according to the third modified example shown in Figure 9, steps S4 to S9 are executed by a determination device 530 corresponding to the external device 30, as shown in Figure 10. As shown in Figure 9, the polarity reversal determination system 508 includes, for example, a polarity reversal determination device 510 and an external device 40. The polarity reversal determination device 510 comprises a battery management device 511 and a determination device 530. The basic configuration of the battery management device 511 is substantially the same as the basic configuration of the polarity reversal determination device 10. The basic configuration of the determination device 530 is substantially the same as the basic configuration of the external device 30. Since the determination device 530 performs polarity reversal determination, the determination device 530 can also be referred to as the polarity reversal determination device 510. A part of the polarity reversal determination program is stored in the memory 32M of the controller 32 of the determination device 530, and is read by the processor 32P of the controller 32, so that steps S4 to S9 are executed by the determination device 530.

[0118] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the battery management device 511 obtains the open-circuit voltage OCV, discharge current value AD, and discharge current value VD of the rechargeable battery 2 by performing steps S1 to S3 (steps S1 to S3). The battery management device 511 transmits the open-circuit voltage OCV, discharge current value AD, and discharge current value VD to the determination device 530 (step S513). The determination device 530 obtains the average current value AA and average voltage value VA using the open-circuit voltage OCV, discharge current value AD, and discharge current value VD received from the battery management device 511 (steps S4 and S5). The determination device 530 obtains the resistance value R and change amount ΔR based on the open-circuit voltage OCV, average current value AA, and average voltage value VA (steps S6 and S7). The determination device 530 determines whether or not a polarity reversal has occurred in the rechargeable battery 2 by performing steps S8 and S9 (steps S8 and S9). If the determination device 530 determines that a polarity reversal has occurred in the rechargeable battery 2, it transmits the polarity reversal determination result PR to the battery management device 511 and the external device 40 (step S514). The notification device 26 of the battery management device 511 notifies the rechargeable battery 2 of the polarity reversal based on the polarity reversal determination result PR (step S9). The external device 40 displays the polarity reversal of the rechargeable battery 2 based on the polarity reversal determination result PR (step S12).

[0119] Alternatively, steps S4 and S5 may be performed by the battery management device 511. In this case, the battery management device 511 transmits the open-circuit voltage OCV, average current value AA, and average voltage value VA to the determination device 530. The determination device 530 calculates the resistance value R based on the open-circuit voltage OCV, average current value AA, and average voltage value VA.

[0120] Furthermore, the polarity determination systems 8, 308, 408, and 508, polarity determination devices 10, 310, 410, and 510, battery management devices 311, 411, and 511, polarity determination method, and polarity determination program described above are applicable, for example, to privately owned vehicles, vehicles used as rental cars, and vehicles used for car sharing. When at least one of the polarity determination systems 8, 308, 408, and 508, polarity determination devices 10, 310, 410, and 510, and battery management devices 311, 411, and 511 is applied to a privately owned vehicle, for example, an external device 40 is used by the vehicle owner or driver to monitor the polarity of the rechargeable battery 2 installed in the vehicle. When a vehicle used as a rental car is equipped with at least one of the polarity detection systems 8, 308, 408, and 508, polarity detection devices 10, 310, 410, and 510, and battery management devices 311, 411, and 511, for example, the external device 40 is used by the rental car company and its staff to monitor the polarity of the rechargeable battery 2 installed in the rented vehicle. Similarly, when a vehicle used for car sharing is equipped with at least one of the polarity detection systems 8, polarity detection devices 10, 310, 410, and 510, and battery management devices 311, 411, and 511, for example, the external device 40 is used by the car sharing company and its staff to monitor the polarity of the rechargeable battery 2 installed in the shared vehicle.

[0121] Furthermore, the polarity determination systems 8, 308, 408, and 508, polarity determination devices 10, 310, 410, and 510, battery management devices 311, 411, and 511, polarity determination method, and polarity determination program described above, as well as the first to third modified examples, are applicable to devices other than vehicles. For example, they can be used to monitor rechargeable batteries that store electricity generated by solar power generation systems.

[0122] The aforementioned polarity reversal determination systems 8, 308, 408, and 508 are merely examples of polarity reversal determination systems, and the configuration of a polarity reversal determination system is not limited to the configurations of polarity reversal determination systems 8, 308, 408, and 508. For example, in the above-described embodiment, polarity reversal determination system 8 includes a polarity reversal determination device 10, an external device 30, and an external device 40, but at least one of the external devices 30 and 40 may be omitted from polarity reversal determination system 8, or polarity reversal determination system 8 may include other configurations. The same applies to polarity reversal determination systems 308, 408, and 508 and their variations. Furthermore, polarity reversal determination system 8 includes a current sensor 16, a voltage sensor 18, an interface 20, a notification device 26, and a power supply circuit 14S, but at least one of the current sensor 16, voltage sensor 18, interface 20, notification device 26, and power supply circuit 14S may be omitted from polarity reversal determination system 8, or polarity reversal determination system 8 may include other configurations. The system includes a current sensor 16, a voltage sensor 18, an interface 20, an alarm device 26, and a power supply circuit 14S. However, if at least one of the current sensor 16, voltage sensor 18, interface 20, alarm device 26, and power supply circuit 14S is omitted from the polarity reversal determination system 8, the polarity reversal determination system 8 may be configured to obtain the necessary information (e.g., current value, voltage value) from outside the system. The same applies to polarity reversal determination systems 308, 408, and 508 and their variations.

[0123] The aforementioned polarity reversal detection devices 10, 310, 410, and 510 are merely examples of polarity reversal detection devices, and the configuration of a polarity reversal detection device is not limited to the configurations of devices 10, 310, 410, and 510. For example, in the above-described embodiment, polarity reversal detection device 10 comprises a current sensor 16, a voltage sensor 18, an interface 20, a notification device 26, and a power supply circuit 14S, but at least one of the current sensor 16, voltage sensor 18, interface 20, notification device 26, and power supply circuit 14S may be omitted from polarity reversal detection device 10, or polarity reversal detection device 10 may include other configurations. If at least one of the current sensor 16, voltage sensor 18, interface 20, notification device 26, and power supply circuit 14S is omitted from polarity reversal detection device 10, the polarity reversal detection device 10 may be configured to obtain the necessary information (e.g., current value, voltage value) from outside the polarity reversal detection device 10. The same applies to the polarity reversal detection devices 310, 410, and 510, and their modified versions.

[0124] In this application, "equipped with" and its derivatives are non-restrictive terms that describe the existence of a component and do not exclude the existence of other components not described. This also applies to "have," "include," and their derivatives.

[0125] In this application, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are merely terms used to identify the components and do not have any other meaning (e.g., a specific order). For example, the existence of a "first element" does not implicitly mean that a "second element" exists, nor does the existence of a "second element" implicitly mean that a "first element" exists.

[0126] Words expressing degree, such as "substantially," "about," and "approximately," may mean a reasonable deviation that does not significantly alter the final result. All numerical values ​​described in this application may be interpreted as including words such as "substantially," "about," and "approximately."

[0127] Furthermore, the expression "at least one of A and B" in this disclosure includes, for example, (1) A only, (2) B only, and (3) both A and B. The expression "at least one of A, B, and C" includes, for example, (1) A only, (2) B only, (3) C only, (4) A and B, (5) B and C, (6) A and C, and (7) all of A, B, and C. In this disclosure, the expression "at least one of A and B" is not construed as "at least one of A and at least one of B".

[0128] Based on the above disclosure, it is clear that various changes and modifications to the present invention are possible. Therefore, the present invention may be implemented in a manner different from the specific disclosures of this application, without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 2: Rechargeable battery 4: Load 6: Charging circuit 8, 308, 408, 508: Pole reversal determination system 10, 310, 410, 510: Pole reversal detection device 14: Controller 16: Current Sensor 18: Voltage sensor

Claims

1. A controller is provided which is configured to acquire the change in resistance value calculated based on the discharge current value and discharge voltage value of a rechargeable battery, The controller is configured to determine that a polarity reversal has occurred in the rechargeable battery when the amount of change in the resistance value shifts from an increasing trend to a decreasing trend. The controller is configured to determine that the change in the resistance value is on an increasing trend if the latest change in the resistance value is greater than the previous change for at least two consecutive times. Pole reversal detection system.

2. The controller is configured to calculate the amount of change in the resistance value based on the discharge current value and the discharge voltage value. The polarity reversal determination system according to claim 1.

3. The controller is configured to determine that the change in the resistance value is showing an increasing trend if, for at least two consecutive times, the latest change in the resistance value is greater than the previous change, and for at least two consecutive times, the latest value of the resistance value is greater than the previous value. A polarity reversal determination system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The controller is configured to calculate the amount of change in the resistance value by subtracting the previous value from the latest value of the resistance value. The polarity reversal determination system according to claim 3.

5. The controller is configured to determine that the change in the resistance value is in a decreasing trend if the latest change in the resistance value is smaller than the previous change for at least two consecutive times. A polarity reversal determination system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A controller configured to acquire the amount of change in resistance calculated based on the discharge current value and discharge voltage value of a rechargeable battery, The controller is configured to determine that a polarity reversal has occurred in the rechargeable battery when the amount of change in the resistance value shifts from an increasing trend to a decreasing trend. The controller is configured to calculate the amount of change in the resistance value based on the open-circuit voltage of the rechargeable battery, the discharge current value, and the discharge voltage value. Pole reversal detection system.

7. The controller is configured to calculate the resistance value by dividing the difference between the open-circuit voltage and the discharge voltage value by the discharge current value. The polarity reversal determination system according to claim 6.

8. The controller is configured to calculate the resistance value by dividing the difference between the open-circuit voltage and the average voltage value of the discharge voltage by the average current value of the discharge current. The polarity reversal determination system according to claim 6 or 7.

9. The controller further comprises a current sensor electrically connected to the controller and configured to measure the discharge current value of the rechargeable battery. A polarity reversal determination system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The controller further comprises a voltage sensor electrically connected to the controller and configured to measure the discharge voltage value of the rechargeable battery. A polarity reversal determination system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A controller is provided which is configured to acquire the change in resistance value calculated based on the discharge current value and discharge voltage value of a rechargeable battery, The controller is configured to determine that a polarity reversal has occurred in the rechargeable battery when the amount of change in the resistance value shifts from an increasing trend to a decreasing trend. The controller is configured to determine that the change in the resistance value is on an increasing trend if the latest change in the resistance value is greater than the previous change for at least two consecutive times. Pole reversal detection device.

12. A controller is provided which is configured to acquire the change in resistance value calculated based on the discharge current value and discharge voltage value of a rechargeable battery, The controller is configured to determine that a polarity reversal has occurred in the rechargeable battery when the amount of change in the resistance value shifts from an increasing trend to a decreasing trend. The controller is configured to calculate the amount of change in the resistance value based on the open-circuit voltage of the rechargeable battery, the discharge current value, and the discharge voltage value. Pole reversal detection device.

13. The change in resistance value, calculated based on the discharge current and discharge voltage values ​​of a rechargeable battery, is acquired by the controller. The controller determines that a polarity reversal has occurred in the rechargeable battery when the amount of change in the resistance value shifts from an increasing trend to a decreasing trend, and The controller determines that the change in the resistance value is on an increasing trend if the latest change in the resistance value is greater than the previous change for at least two consecutive times. A method for determining polarity reversal, comprising the following features.

14. The change in resistance value calculated based on the discharge current value and discharge voltage value of a rechargeable battery is obtained by a controller, and The controller determines that a polarity reversal has occurred in the rechargeable battery when the amount of change in the resistance value shifts from an increasing trend to a decreasing trend. Obtaining the amount of change in the resistance value by the controller includes calculating the amount of change in the resistance value by the controller based on the open-circuit voltage of the rechargeable battery, the discharge current value, and the discharge voltage value. Method for determining polarity reversal.

15. The method for determining the polarity change according to claim 13 or 14 is performed by a computer. Pole reversal detection program.

16. A device that stores the polarity determination program described in Claim 15. A storage medium that can be read by a computer.

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