Battery charging control device and method

Abstract

A battery charging control device according to an embodiment of the present invention can include at least one processor; and a memory that stores at least one instruction executed through the at least one processor. The at least one instruction can include an instruction to check a current temperature value, a current charge state value, and an initial charge state value at the start of charging of the battery; an instruction to check a temperature correction value stored corresponding to the current charge state value and the initial charge state value; an instruction to correct the current temperature value based on the checked temperature correction value; and an instruction to determine a charging current value for charging the battery based on the corrected current temperature value and the current charge state value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0074109, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on June 9, 2023, and all of the content disclosed in the documents of the Korean patent application is incorporated herein.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery charging control device and method, and more particularly, to a battery charging control device and method for controlling the charging current of a battery.

Background Art

[0003] A secondary battery is a battery that can be reused through charging after discharging, and can be used as an energy source for small devices such as mobile phones, tablet PCs, and vacuum cleaners, and can also be used as an energy source for medium and large devices such as automobiles and smart grid ESSs (Energy Storage Systems). [Prior art document] [Patent] [Patent Document 1] Korean Published Patent Gazette No. 10-2021-0039186 [Patent Document 2] Korean Published Patent Gazette No. 10-2023-0068421 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2021-034320 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-149300 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-084559

[0004] A secondary battery is applied to a system in the form of an assembly such as a battery module in which a number of battery cells are connected in series or parallel according to the requirements of the system, or a battery pack in which battery modules are connected in series or parallel. In the case of medium and large devices such as electric vehicles, a high-capacity battery system in which a number of battery packs are connected in parallel can be applied to satisfy the required capacity of the corresponding device.

[0005] In recent years, as the capacity of secondary batteries has increased, rapid charging technologies have emerged that allow batteries to be charged more quickly. When charging using rapid charging methods, a stepped charging method is mainly used, in which a high charging current is used at the beginning of charging, and the charging current is gradually reduced as the battery's SOC (State of Charge) or voltage increases. Here, considering charging safety, the charging current can be adjusted based on the current temperature of the battery.

[0006] In the case of rapid charging, charging proceeds with a relatively higher current compared to general charging methods, which can cause temperature variations between battery cells. In this case, considering the battery's characteristic that the lithium deposition limit point changes with temperature, the limiting current must be applied based on the lowest temperature.

[0007] On the other hand, due to the structure of battery systems, it is often difficult to place multiple temperature sensors. Therefore, methods are used to estimate the minimum temperature of the battery cell using a temperature estimation algorithm and adjust the charging current, or to correct the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor using pre-measured temperature variation values ​​and adjust the charging current. However, in the case of the temperature estimation method, the efficiency of data processing is reduced, and in the case of the method that utilizes pre-measured temperature variation values, it is difficult to adjust to the optimal charging current value, which may result in unnecessarily low charging performance.

[0008] Therefore, appropriate rapid charging technology is needed to solve these problems. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The objective of the present invention, which aims to solve the above-mentioned problems, is to provide a battery charging control device that can improve charging performance and charging safety.

[0010] Another object of the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, is to provide a battery charging control method using such a battery charging control device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A battery charging control device according to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above objective may include at least one processor; and a memory for storing at least one instruction executed through the at least one processor.

[0012] The above at least one instruction may include: an instruction to check the current temperature value, current charge state value, and initial charge state value of the battery at the start of charging; an instruction to check a temperature correction value stored in correspondence with the current charge state value and the initial charge state value; an instruction to correct the current temperature value based on the confirmed temperature correction value; and an instruction to determine the charging current value for charging the battery based on the corrected current temperature value and current charge state value.

[0013] The command to check the above temperature correction value may include a command to check the above temperature correction value using a temperature correction map in which the temperature correction value is predefined for each interval for the initial charge state value and for each interval for the current charge state value.

[0014] The above temperature compensation value can be defined based on the temperature difference between the first and second positions of the battery.

[0015] The first position described above is the position where a temperature sensor for measuring the battery temperature is located, and the second position described above can be a position that is relatively closer to the cooling unit than the first position described above.

[0016] The above temperature compensation map can be predefined based on the temperature difference between the first and second positions measured for each interval representing the initial charge state and the current charge state.

[0017] The at least one instruction may further include an instruction to check the cooling performance value of the cooling unit that cools the battery. Here, the instruction to check the temperature correction value may include an instruction to check the temperature correction value stored corresponding to the current state of charge value, the initial state of charge value, and the cooling performance value.

[0018] The instruction to check the temperature correction value may include an instruction to check the temperature correction value using a temperature correction map in which temperature correction values are predefined for each section for the initial state of charge value, each section for the current state of charge value, and each section for the cooling performance value.

[0019] The instruction to correct the current temperature value may include an instruction to subtract the confirmed temperature correction value from the current temperature value to correct the current temperature value.

[0020] The instruction to determine the charging current value may include an instruction to check the charging current value corresponding to the corrected current temperature value and the current state of charge value in a charging map in which charging current values are predefined for each section for the temperature value and each section for the state of charge value.

[0021] A battery charging control method by a battery charging control device according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving another object includes steps of checking a current temperature value, a current state of charge value, and an initial state of charge value at the start of charging of a battery; checking a temperature correction value stored corresponding to the current state of charge value and the initial state of charge value; an instruction to correct the current temperature value based on the confirmed temperature correction value; and a step of determining a charging current value for charging the battery based on the corrected current temperature value and the current state of charge value.

[0022] The step of checking the temperature correction value may include a step of checking the temperature correction value using a temperature correction map in which temperature correction values are predefined for each section for the initial state of charge value and each section for the current state of charge value.

[0023] The above temperature correction value can be defined based on the temperature difference value between the first position and the second position of the above battery.

[0024] The above first position is the position where the temperature sensor for measuring the temperature value of the battery is arranged, and the above second position can correspond to a position where the distance from the cooling unit is relatively closer than the above first position.

[0025] The above temperature correction map can be predefined based on the temperature difference value between the above first position and the second position measured for each section of the initial state of charge and the current state of charge.

[0026] The above battery charge control method can further include a step of checking the cooling performance value of the cooling unit for cooling the above battery. Here, the step of checking the above temperature correction value can include the step of checking the temperature correction value stored corresponding to the above current state of charge value, the above initial state of charge value, and the above cooling performance value.

[0027] The step of checking the above temperature correction value can include the step of checking the above temperature correction value using a temperature correction map in which the temperature correction value is predefined for each section of the initial state of charge value, the current state of charge value, and the cooling performance value.

[0028] The step of correcting the above current temperature value can include the step of subtracting the above confirmed temperature correction value from the above current temperature value to correct the above current temperature value.

[0029] The step of determining the above charge current value can include the step of checking the charge current value corresponding to the above corrected current temperature value and the current state of charge value in a charge map in which the charge current value is predefined for each section of the temperature value and the state of charge value.

Advantages of the Invention

[0030] According to the embodiments of the present invention described above, by determining the charging current value using the charging state value at the start of charging and the corresponding optimal temperature correction value, charging performance and charging safety can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] [Figure 1] This is a reference table explaining common fast charging methods. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram illustrating a battery charging system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is an operation flowchart of a battery charging control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is an example of a temperature correction map according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an example of a charging map according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a reference diagram illustrating a method for constructing a temperature correction map according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a reference diagram illustrating a battery charging control method according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is an example of a temperature correction map according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is an operation flowchart of a battery charging control method according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram of a battery charging control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] The present invention can be modified in various ways and has many embodiments; therefore, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this should be understood not as limiting the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather as including all modifications, equivalents, or substitutions that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Similar reference numerals are used for similar components in the description of each drawing.

[0033] Terms such as First, Second, A, B, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by such terms. The terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the First component may be named the Second component, and similarly, the Second component may be named the First component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related items or one of multiple related items.

[0034] When it is stated that one component is "linked" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that this may mean that it is directly linked or connected to that other component, but that there may also be another component in between. Conversely, when it is stated that one component is "directly linked" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there is no other component in between.

[0035] The terms used in this application are used solely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless they are clearly different in context. In this application, terms such as “includes” or “having” are intended to specify the presence of features, figures, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof as described in the specification, and should not be understood to preemptively exclude the presence or possibility of adding one or more other features, figures, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as those generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and not as ideal or overly formal unless explicitly defined herein.

[0037] Some terms used in this specification are defined as follows:

[0038] A battery cell is the smallest unit that stores electricity, while a battery module refers to an assembly of multiple battery cells that are electrically connected.

[0039] A battery pack or battery rack refers to a single-structure system in which module units, as defined by the battery manufacturer, are electrically connected and can be monitored and controlled through a Battery Management System (BMS). It can consist of multiple battery modules and one Battery Protection Unit (BPU) or protective device.

[0040] A battery bank can refer to a collection of large-scale battery rack systems, each consisting of multiple battery racks connected in parallel. Monitoring and control of the rack-based battery management systems (RBMS) at the battery rack level can be performed through a battery bank-level BMS.

[0041] A battery assembly refers to a collection comprising multiple electrically connected battery cells that is applied to a specific system or device to function as a power source. Here, a battery assembly can mean a battery module, battery pack, battery rack, or battery bank, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these individuals.

[0042] SOC (State of Charge) represents the current charge level of a battery as a percentage [%], while SOH (State of Health) represents the current remaining charge level of a battery as a percentage [%].

[0043] Figure 1 is a reference table illustrating common fast charging methods.

[0044] The battery charging current value can be determined by a pre-stored charging map. Here, the charging map can be embodied in a table where the charging current values ​​for each SOC interval and temperature interval are predefined, or in a table where the charging current values ​​for each voltage interval and temperature interval are predefined. In general, the charging current value can be defined as a value that decreases in stages as the battery's charge state value (e.g., SOC value or voltage value) increases.

[0045] When the battery system is switched to charging mode, the battery charging control device can check the current charge state value (SOC value or voltage value) and current temperature value of the battery in the charging map stored in the memory device, and control the charging device so that the battery is charged with the confirmed charging current value.

[0046] In the case of rapid charging, charging proceeds with a relatively higher current compared to general charging methods, which can cause temperature variations between battery cells. For example, in the case of a battery module containing multiple battery cells, a large temperature variation can occur between the top of a battery cell located in the center and the bottom of a battery cell located on the outer surface. Such temperature variations can be caused by differences in the cooling efficiency of the cooling unit located on the bottom surface of the battery module.

[0047] In this case, considering the battery characteristic that the lithium deposition limit point changes with temperature, it is preferable to determine the charging current value based on the lowest temperature of the battery cells. However, in the case of battery assemblies where it is difficult to arrange multiple temperature sensors due to the design structure, it may be difficult to determine the charging current value by checking the temperature variation value in real time. To solve this problem, a temperature estimation method or a temperature correction method can be used.

[0048] First, according to the temperature estimation method, the battery charge control device estimates the minimum temperature of the battery cell using a predefined temperature estimation algorithm, and proceeds with charging after confirming the estimated temperature value and the corresponding charging current value on the charging map. However, because such a temperature estimation method requires the use of a complex temperature estimation algorithm, it suffers from reduced efficiency in terms of data processing, which creates limitations in rapidly controlling charging.

[0049] Next, according to the temperature compensation method, the battery charge control device uses a pre-stored temperature compensation map to compensate for the temperature measurement at a specific point to the lowest temperature value, and then proceeds with charging after confirming the corrected temperature value and the corresponding charging current value on the charging map. Here, as shown in Figure 1, the temperature compensation map can be realized in a table where temperature compensation values ​​are predefined for each SOC interval. In other words, the battery charge control device can compensate for the current temperature value using the temperature compensation value corresponding to the current SOC on the temperature compensation map, and then proceed with charging after confirming the current SOC and the corrected temperature value and the corresponding charging current value on the charging map.

[0050] Generally, the temperature correction value can be defined as the temperature difference between a temperature sensing point and the lowest temperature point, as measured through preliminary experiments. Here, the preliminary experiments for constructing the temperature correction map are carried out by measuring the temperature difference value for each SOC interval from the start of charging when the battery has the lowest SOC value until charging is complete. When rapid charging is carried out using the temperature correction value calculated in this manner, charging safety is excellent, but there may be limitations in charging performance. Specifically, such a temperature correction map is derived assuming a worst-case scenario where charging proceeds from the lowest SOC interval, taking charging safety into consideration, and the temperature correction value may be defined as an unnecessarily large value. As a result, even when there is no need to reduce the charging current, the charging speed may be unnecessarily limited, and the charging time may be delayed.

[0051] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a battery charging system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Referring to Figure 2, the battery charging system can be configured to include a battery assembly 100 comprising a plurality of batteries 10, and a battery charging control device 200.

[0053] In the present invention, the battery assembly 100 may be included in an electric vehicle or other electrically powered means of transport, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these specific devices.

[0054] Multiple batteries 10 can be electrically connected to each other to form a battery assembly.

[0055] The battery charging control device 200 can be configured in conjunction with the battery assembly 100 and the battery charging device. Here, the battery charging control device 200 can determine the charging current for charging the battery and control the battery charging device so that the battery is charged by the determined charging current.

[0056] Here, the charging current determined by the battery charging control device 200 can mean either the charging current applied to the battery assembly 100 or the charging current applied to the individual batteries 10.

[0057] The battery charging control device 200 may include a battery status information acquisition device that senses the state values ​​of the battery, or may be configured to be connected to a battery status information acquisition device. Here, the battery status values ​​may include the battery voltage, current, temperature, and state of charge (SOC) value.

[0058] The battery charge control device 200 may be included in the battery system or included in a battery charging device. For example, the battery charge control device 200 may be implemented in a BMS located inside the battery system or in a control system for a battery fast charger.

[0059] Figure 3 is an operation flowchart of a battery charging control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. On the other hand, the battery charging control method according to an embodiment of the present invention can be performed in rapid charging mode, but can also be performed in general charging mode if necessary.

[0060] In charging mode, the battery charging control device can check the current temperature value of the battery, the current charge state value, and the initial charge state value at the start of charging (S310). Here, the charge state value is a value indicating the degree of charge of the battery and may include one or more of the SOC value and voltage value.

[0061] Specifically, the battery charging control device can receive the current temperature value of the battery from a temperature sensor located at a specific point on the battery. It can also receive the current voltage value of the battery from a voltage sensor, or estimate the current state of charge (SOC) value of the battery based on the current voltage value using a predefined SOC estimation algorithm. Furthermore, the battery charging control device can check the initial charge state values ​​of the battery (e.g., SOC value or voltage value at the start of charging) pre-stored in a memory device.

[0062] Subsequently, the battery charging control device can check the temperature correction value stored in correspondence with the current charge state value and initial charge state value confirmed in S310 (S320). Here, the battery charging control device can check the temperature correction value using the previously stored temperature correction map.

[0063] In the embodiment, the temperature compensation map may include data in which temperature compensation values ​​are predefined for each interval relative to the initial charge state value and for each interval relative to the current charge state value.

[0064] Figure 4 shows an example of a temperature correction map according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 4, the temperature correction map can be realized in a table in which temperature correction values ​​are defined for each interval for the SOC value at the start of charging (SOC_init) and for each interval for the current SOC value (SOC_p). Here, each of the temperature correction values ​​can correspond to the temperature difference value between the temperature sensing point and the lowest temperature point, measured for each interval for the initial SOC and for each interval for the current SOC through prior experiments.

[0065] Referring again to Figure 3, the battery charging control device can correct the current temperature value based on the temperature correction value confirmed in S320 (S330). Here, the battery charging control device can correct the current temperature value by subtracting the temperature correction value from the current temperature value.

[0066] For example, if the battery's State of Charge (SOC) at the start of charging is 15 and the current SOC value is 40, the temperature correction value can be determined to be 5. If the current temperature value of the battery is 25, the battery charging control device can correct the current temperature value of the battery from 25 to 20 (=25-5).

[0067] As another example, if the battery's SOC at the start of charging is 25 and the current SOC value is 40, the temperature correction value can be determined to be 2. Here, if the current temperature value of the battery is 25, the battery charging control device can correct the current temperature value of the battery from 25 to 23 (=25-2).

[0068] Next, the battery charging control device can determine the charging current value for charging the battery based on the current temperature value and current charge state value corrected in S330 (S340). Here, the battery charging control device can check the charging current value corresponding to the current temperature value and current charge state value corrected in the already stored charging map.

[0069] In the embodiment, the charge map may include data in which the charge current value is predefined for each interval corresponding to the temperature value and the charge state value.

[0070] Figure 5 is an example of a charging map according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 5, the charging map can be embodied in a table in which the charging current value is predefined for each SOC interval and temperature interval. Here, the charging current value can be defined as the current value (A) or the charge rate (C-rate). On the other hand, the charging map can also be embodied in a table in which the charging current value is predefined for each voltage interval and temperature interval, unlike in Figure 5.

[0071] Referring again to Figure 3, the battery charging control device can control the battery charging device so that the battery is charged by the charging current value determined in S340 (S350).

[0072] Temperature variations between battery cells can vary depending on the level of charge at the start of charging. For example, even if batteries have the same State of Charge (SOC) value, if charging is started when the SOC is high, the temperature variation between battery cells may be lower than if charging is started when the SOC is relatively low. The battery charging control device according to the present invention can correct the current temperature value based on an optimal temperature correction value corresponding to the initial charge state value at the start of charging, and determine the charging current value based on the corrected temperature value. According to the present invention, complex data processing processes are unnecessary, improving data processing efficiency, and charging safety and charging performance can be improved by determining the charging current based on a more accurate temperature variation value.

[0073] Figure 6 is a reference diagram illustrating the method for constructing a temperature correction map according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] A temperature correction map according to an embodiment of the present invention can be constructed through a preliminary measurement experiment of the temperature difference between a first position and a second position of the battery. Here, the first position is the position where a temperature sensor for measuring the battery's temperature is located, and the second position may be a position that is relatively closer to the cooling unit than the first position.

[0075] For example, referring to Figure 6, the upper part of the battery cell located in the center of the battery module 610 (point A) is the point that shows the highest temperature during the charging process, and a temperature sensor can be placed at point A. On the other hand, the lower part of the battery cell located on the outer surface of the battery module 610 (point B) is the point that shows the lowest temperature during the charging process due to the cooling effect of the cooling unit 620. However, due to the problem of battery cell expansion, a temperature sensor cannot be placed at point B.

[0076] To construct the temperature correction map according to the present invention, a preliminary measurement experiment can be conducted on the temperature difference between point A and point B. Specifically, temperature sensors can be placed at point A (first location) and point B (second location), and the initial SOC value, the SOC value confirmed during the charging process, and the temperature difference value between points A and B measured during the charging process can be collected. Subsequently, based on the collected data, a temperature correction map can be constructed in which temperature correction values ​​are defined for each interval relative to the initial SOC value and for each interval relative to the current SOC value.

[0077] The temperature correction map constructed through such preliminary experiments can be stored in the memory of the battery charging control device. Subsequently, during the battery charging process, the battery charging control device can correct the current temperature value collected through the temperature sensor located at the first position using the previously stored temperature correction map, and determine the charging current value based on the corrected temperature value.

[0078] Figure 7 is a reference diagram illustrating a battery charging control method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] In charging mode, the battery charging control device can check the current temperature of the battery, the current charge status, the initial charge status at the start of charging, and the cooling performance value of the cooling unit (S710). Here, the cooling performance value is a value indicating the degree of cooling by the cooling unit, and can correspond to, for example, the power value (W) supplied to the cooling unit. On the other hand, the battery charging control device can be configured to check the cooling performance value of the cooling unit in conjunction with the control device of the cooling unit.

[0080] Subsequently, the battery charging control device can check the temperature correction value stored in correspondence with the current charge state value, initial charge state value, and cooling performance value confirmed in S710 (S720). Here, the battery charging control device can check the temperature correction value using the previously stored temperature correction map.

[0081] In the embodiment, the temperature compensation map may include data in which temperature compensation values ​​are predefined for each interval: for the initial charge state value, for the current charge state value, and for the cooling performance value.

[0082] Figure 8 is an example of a temperature correction map according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 8, the temperature correction map can be realized in a table in which temperature correction values ​​are defined for each interval for the initial SOC value (SOC_init), for each interval for the current SOC value (SOC_p), and for each cooling performance value (W). Here, each of the temperature correction values ​​can correspond to the temperature difference value between the temperature sensing point and the lowest temperature point, measured through preliminary experiments for each interval for the initial SOC, for each interval for the current SOC, and for each cooling performance value (W).

[0083] Referring again to Figure 7, the battery charging control device can correct the current temperature value based on the temperature correction value confirmed in S720 (S730). Here, the battery charging control device can correct the current temperature value by subtracting the temperature correction value from the current temperature value.

[0084] For example, if the battery's SOC at the start of charging is 15, the current SOC value of the battery is 40, and the cooling performance value is 250, the temperature correction value can be determined to be 6. In this case, if the current temperature value of the battery is 25, the battery charging control device can correct the current temperature value of the battery from 25 to 19 (=25-6).

[0085] As another example, if the battery's SOC at the start of charging is 25, the current SOC value of the battery is 40, and the cooling performance value is 350, the temperature correction value can be determined to be 4. Here, if the current temperature value of the battery is 25, the battery charging control device can correct the current temperature value of the battery from 25 to 21 (=25-4).

[0086] Next, the battery charging control device can determine the charging current value for charging the battery based on the current temperature value and current charge state value corrected in S730 (S740). Here, the battery charging control device can check the charging current value corresponding to the current temperature value and current charge state value corrected in the already stored charging map.

[0087] Subsequently, the battery charging control device can control the battery charging device so that the battery is charged according to the charging current value determined in S740 (S750).

[0088] Temperature variations between battery cells can vary depending on the charge level at the start of charging and the performance of the cooling unit. For example, even if batteries have the same State of Charge (SOC) value, if the cooling unit output is high, the temperature variation between battery cells may be larger than when the cooling unit output is relatively low. The battery charging control device according to the present invention can more precisely correct the current temperature value based not only on the initial charge state value at the start of charging but also on the performance of the cooling unit, and can determine the charging current value based on the corrected temperature value.

[0089] Figure 9 is an operation flowchart of a battery charging control method according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] When the rapid charging mode for the battery is started, the battery charging control device can check the current temperature value of the battery, the current charge state value, and the initial charge state value at the start of charging (S910). Here, since the current charge state value corresponds to the initial charge state value, the battery charging control device can store the current charge state value in the memory device as the initial charge state value.

[0091] The battery charging control device can check the temperature correction value stored in correspondence with the current charge state value and initial charge state value confirmed in S910 (S920). Here, the battery charging control device can check the temperature correction value using the previously stored temperature correction map.

[0092] The battery charging control device can determine the charging current value for charging the battery based on the current temperature value and current charge state value corrected in S930 (S940). Here, the battery charging control device can check the charging current value corresponding to the current temperature value and current charge state value corrected in the already stored charging map.

[0093] The battery charging control device can control the battery charging device so that the battery is charged according to the charging current value determined in S940 (S950).

[0094] The battery charging control device can check whether the battery meets the predefined conditions for completion of charging (S960). For example, the battery charging control device can determine whether charging is complete based on whether the battery has reached a predefined full charge voltage.

[0095] If charging is not complete, the battery charging control device can return to S910 to check the current battery temperature, current charge state, and stored initial charge state. Subsequently, the battery charging control device can control charging by progressively updating the charging current value using the temperature compensation map and charging map until charging is complete.

[0096] Figure 10 is a block diagram of a battery charging control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] The battery charge control device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be included in a battery system or included in a battery charging device. For example, the battery charge control device 1000 may be implemented in a BMS located inside a battery system or in a control system for a battery rapid charger.

[0098] The battery charging control device 1000 may include at least one processor 1010, a memory 1020 for storing at least one instruction executed through the processor, and a transceiver 1030 connected to a network for communication.

[0099] The above at least one instruction may include: an instruction to check the current temperature value, current charge state value, and initial charge state value of the battery at the start of charging; an instruction to check a temperature correction value stored in correspondence with the current charge state value and the initial charge state value; an instruction to correct the current temperature value based on the confirmed temperature correction value; and an instruction to determine the charging current value for charging the battery based on the corrected current temperature value and current charge state value.

[0100] The command to check the above temperature correction value may include a command to check the above temperature correction value using a temperature correction map in which the temperature correction value is predefined for each interval for the initial charge state value and for each interval for the current charge state value.

[0101] The above temperature compensation value can be defined based on the temperature difference between the first and second positions of the battery.

[0102] The first position described above is the position where a temperature sensor for measuring the battery temperature is located, and the second position described above can be a position that is relatively closer to the cooling unit than the first position described above.

[0103] The above temperature compensation map can be predefined based on the temperature difference between the first and second positions measured for each interval representing the initial charge state and the current charge state.

[0104] The above at least one instruction may further include an instruction to check the cooling performance value of the cooling unit that cools the battery. Here, the instruction to check the temperature correction value may include an instruction to check the temperature correction value stored in correspondence with the current charge state value, the initial charge state value, and the cooling performance value.

[0105] The command to check the above temperature correction value may include a command to check the above temperature correction value using a temperature correction map in which the temperature correction value is predefined for each interval for the initial charge state value, the current charge state value, and the cooling performance value.

[0106] The command to correct the current temperature value may include a command to correct the current temperature value by subtracting the confirmed temperature correction value from the current temperature value.

[0107] The command for determining the above charging current value may include a command to check the charging current value corresponding to the corrected current temperature value and current charging state value in a charging map where the charging current value is predefined for each interval for temperature values ​​and for each interval for charging state values.

[0108] The battery charging control device 1000 may further include an input interface device 1040, an output interface device 1050, a storage device 1060, and the like. Each component included in the battery charging control device 1000 can communicate with one another via a bus 1070.

[0109] Here, processor 1010 can mean a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a dedicated processor on which the method according to the embodiment of the present invention is performed. Memory (or storage device) can consist of at least one of a volatile storage medium and a non-volatile storage medium. For example, memory can consist of at least one of a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM).

[0110] The operation of the method according to an embodiment of the present invention can be embodied as a computer-readable program or code on a computer-readable recording medium. A computer-readable recording medium includes all types of recording devices that store data that can be read by a computer system. Furthermore, computer-readable recording media can be distributed across networked computer systems, allowing computer-readable programs or code to be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

[0111] Some aspects of the present invention have been described in the context of apparatus, but they can also be described by corresponding methods, where a block or apparatus corresponds to a method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in the context of a method can be described by corresponding blocks or items or features of corresponding apparatus. Some or all of the method steps can be carried out by (or using) hardware devices such as, for example, a microprocessor, a programmable computer, or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, one or more of the most important method steps can be carried out by such devices.

[0112] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the present invention, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be modified and altered in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0113] 10:Battery 100: Battery Assembly 200, 1000: Battery charging control device 610: Battery module 620: Cooling Unit

Claims

1. At least one processor; and Includes a memory for storing at least one instruction executed through the at least one processor; The aforementioned at least one instruction, A command to check the current temperature, current charge level, and initial charge level at the start of charging of the battery; A command to check the temperature correction value stored in correspondence with the current charge state value and the initial charge state value; An instruction to correct the current temperature value based on the confirmed temperature correction value; and Includes a command to determine the charging current value for charging the battery based on the corrected current temperature value and current charge state value, Battery charging control device.

2. The command to confirm the aforementioned temperature correction value is: The command includes checking the temperature correction value using a temperature correction map in which temperature correction values ​​are predefined for each interval for the initial charge state value and for each interval for the current charge state value. The battery charging control device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned temperature correction value is, Defined based on the temperature difference between the first and second positions of the battery, The battery charging control device according to claim 2.

4. The first position is the position where a temperature sensor for measuring the battery temperature is located. The second position is a position that is relatively closer to the cooling unit than the first position. The battery charging control device according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned temperature compensation map is Based on the temperature difference between the first and second positions measured for each interval corresponding to the initial charge state and the current charge state, The battery charging control device according to claim 3.

6. The at least one instruction is, The command further includes a command to check the cooling performance value of the cooling unit that cools the aforementioned battery, The command to confirm the aforementioned temperature correction value is: The command includes checking the temperature correction value stored in correspondence with the current charge state value, the initial charge state value, and the cooling performance value. The battery charging control device according to claim 1.

7. The command to confirm the aforementioned temperature correction value is: The command includes checking the temperature correction value using a temperature correction map in which temperature correction values ​​are predefined for each interval corresponding to the initial charge state value, the current charge state value, and the cooling performance value. The battery charging control device according to claim 6.

8. The command to correct the current temperature value is: The command includes a command to correct the current temperature value by subtracting the confirmed temperature correction value from the current temperature value, The battery charging control device according to claim 1.

9. The command for determining the charging current value is: A charge map in which charge current values ​​are predefined for each interval for temperature values ​​and for each interval for charge state values ​​includes a command to check the corrected current temperature value and the current charge state value and the corresponding charge current value. The battery charging control device according to claim 1.

10. A battery charging control method using a battery charging control device, Steps to check the current battery temperature, current charge level, and initial charge level at the start of charging; A step of checking the temperature correction value stored in correspondence with the current charge state value and the initial charge state value; An instruction to correct the current temperature value based on the confirmed temperature correction value; and The step includes determining a charging current value for charging the battery based on a corrected current temperature value and a current charge state value, Battery charging control method.

11. The step of confirming the aforementioned temperature correction value is: The step includes checking the temperature correction value using a temperature correction map in which temperature correction values ​​are predefined for each interval for the initial charge state value and for each interval for the current charge state value, The battery charging control method according to claim 10.

12. The aforementioned temperature correction value is, Defined based on the temperature difference between the first and second positions of the battery, The battery charging control method according to claim 11.

13. The first position is the position where a temperature sensor for measuring the battery temperature is located. The second position is a position that is relatively closer to the cooling unit than the first position. The battery charging control method according to claim 12.

14. The aforementioned temperature compensation map is Based on the temperature difference between the first and second positions measured for each interval corresponding to the initial charge state and the current charge state, The battery charging control method according to claim 12.

15. The process further includes a step of confirming the cooling performance value of the cooling unit that cools the battery, The step of confirming the aforementioned temperature correction value is: The step includes checking the temperature correction value stored in correspondence with the current charge state value, the initial charge state value, and the cooling performance value. The battery charging control method according to claim 10.

16. The step of confirming the aforementioned temperature correction value is: The step includes confirming the temperature correction value using a temperature correction map in which temperature correction values ​​are predefined for each interval corresponding to the initial charge state value, the current charge state value, and the cooling performance value. The battery charging control method according to claim 15.

17. The step of correcting the current temperature value is: The process includes a step of correcting the current temperature value by subtracting the confirmed temperature correction value from the current temperature value. The battery charging control method according to claim 10.

18. The step of determining the charging current value is: The step includes checking the corrected current temperature value and the current charge state value and the corresponding charge current value in a charge map where the charge current value is predefined for each interval for temperature values ​​and for each interval for charge state values. The battery charging control method according to claim 10.

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