Battery management device and its operating method

Abstract

A battery management device according to one embodiment disclosed herein may include at least one capacitor connected to at least one battery, and a controller that applies a current to the at least one capacitor to precharge it, measures the voltage of each of the at least one capacitor, and controls impedance measurement of the at least one battery based on whether the voltage of the at least one capacitor is within a threshold range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0135174 filed on October 19, 2022, and all the contents disclosed in the document of the patent application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The embodiments disclosed in this document relate to a battery management device and an operating method thereof.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, research and development on secondary batteries have been actively conducted. A secondary battery is a rechargeable battery, which includes both conventional Ni / Cd batteries, Ni / MH batteries, etc. and recent lithium-ion batteries. Among secondary batteries, lithium-ion batteries have the advantage of much higher energy density compared to conventional Ni / Cd batteries, Ni / MH batteries, etc. In addition, since lithium-ion batteries can be manufactured in a small and lightweight form, they are used as a power source for mobile devices. In recent years, their usage range has been extended to power sources for electric vehicles and they have attracted attention as next-generation energy storage media.

[0003] Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EMP) can be used to measure the impedance of such lithium-ion batteries. EMP is a method that accurately calculates impedance, which is an element that hinders electrical conduction when chemical reactions occur at the battery electrodes. One method of measuring impedance involves connecting a precise shunt resistor in series with the battery, generating an alternating current, measuring the voltage across the shunt resistor, and then measuring the voltage across the battery to determine the battery's impedance. When measuring the voltage across the battery, the + and - sides can be clamped to a constant DC voltage, and then a pre-charging capacitor can be connected to measure the voltage. However, conventional EMP is a method that does not monitor the voltage value of the pre-charging capacitor connected to the battery, and instead measures the impedance based on whether a certain amount of time has elapsed, which leads to a decrease in the accuracy of the impedance value. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] One objective of the embodiments disclosed in this document is to provide a battery management device and a method for operating the same that can monitor the voltage value of a capacitor connected to a battery and improve the accuracy of the battery's impedance value measured using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

[0005] The technical problems of the embodiments disclosed in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A battery management device according to one embodiment disclosed herein may include at least one capacitor connected to at least one battery, and a controller that precharges the at least one capacitor by applying current, measures the voltage of each of the at least one capacitor, and controls the impedance measurement of the at least one battery based on whether the voltage of the at least one capacitor is within a threshold range.

[0007] In one embodiment, the system further includes at least one measuring unit for measuring the impedance of the battery, the at least one measuring unit measuring the impedance of the battery based on a control signal from the controller, and the controller can generate and transmit a control signal for measuring the impedance of the battery to the at least one measuring unit if the voltage of each of the capacitors is within a threshold range.

[0008] In one embodiment, the controller can determine whether the pre-charge time for pre-charging at least one capacitor is equal to or greater than the threshold time, if the voltage of each capacitor is outside the threshold range.

[0009] In one embodiment, the controller can determine whether the pre-charge time for pre-charging the capacitors is greater than or equal to a threshold time, if the voltage of each capacitor is outside the threshold range.

[0010] In one embodiment, if the precharge time is equal to or greater than the threshold time, the controller can re-determine whether the voltage of each capacitor is within the threshold range.

[0011] In one embodiment, the controller can generate an abnormal signal for the battery if it has re-determined whether the voltage of each capacitor is within a threshold range up to a threshold number of times.

[0012] In one embodiment, the controller can precharge the capacitor if the precharge time is less than the threshold time.

[0013] An operating method for a battery management device according to one embodiment disclosed herein may include the steps of: applying current to a capacitor connected to a battery to pre-charge the capacitor; measuring the voltage of each of the capacitors; and measuring the impedance of the battery based on whether the voltage of each of the capacitors is within a threshold range.

[0014] In one embodiment, the step of measuring the impedance of the battery based on whether the voltage of each capacitor is within a threshold range can be modified to generate a control signal for measuring the impedance of the battery and transmit it to at least one capacitor if the voltage of each capacitor is within a threshold range.

[0015] In one embodiment, the step of measuring the impedance of the battery based on whether the voltage of each capacitor is within a threshold range allows for determining whether the pre-charge time for pre-charging the capacitor is greater than or equal to a threshold time if the voltage of each capacitor is outside the threshold range.

[0016] In one embodiment, the step of determining whether the pre-charge time for pre-charging the capacitor is equal to or greater than a threshold time may be further included.

[0017] In one embodiment, the step of determining whether the pre-charge time for pre-charging the capacitor is greater than or equal to a threshold time allows for a re-determination of whether the voltage of each capacitor is within a threshold range if the pre-charge time is greater than or equal to the threshold time.

[0018] In one embodiment, the step of determining whether the pre-charge time for pre-charging the capacitor is greater than or equal to a threshold time may generate an abnormal signal of the battery when re-determining whether the voltage of each capacitor is within a threshold range up to a threshold number of times.

[0019] In one embodiment, the step of determining whether the pre-charge time for pre-charging the capacitor is greater than or equal to a threshold time may generate a control signal for pre-charging the capacitor and transmit it to the at least one capacitor when the pre-charge time is less than the threshold time.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] The battery management device and its operation method according to one embodiment disclosed in this document can monitor the voltage value of a capacitor connected to a battery and improve the accuracy of the impedance value of the battery measured using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

[0021] Also, the battery management device and its operation method according to one embodiment disclosed in this document can stably manage the life of the battery.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a diagram conceptually showing a battery exchange station according to one embodiment disclosed in this document. [Figure 2] It is a diagram conceptually showing a battery exchange station according to another embodiment disclosed in this document. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing a battery management device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document. [Figure 4] It is a diagram conceptually showing a battery pack according to one embodiment disclosed in this document. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing an operation method of a battery management device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document. [Figure 6]It is a flowchart showing an operation method of a battery management device according to another embodiment disclosed in this document. [Figure 7] It is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a computing system that realizes an operation method of a battery management device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this document will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. It should be noted that when assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are assigned the same numerals as much as possible when they are shown on other drawings. In addition, when explaining the embodiments disclosed in this document, if a specific explanation of a related known configuration or function is determined to hinder the understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this document, the detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

[0024] When explaining the components of the embodiments disclosed in this document, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. Such terms are only for distinguishing the components from other components, and the essence, order, or sequence of the components is not limited by such terms. Also, unless otherwise defined, all terms used here, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the embodiments disclosed in this document belong. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless clearly defined in this application.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a diagram conceptually showing a battery replacement station according to an embodiment disclosed in this document. Referring to Figure 1, the Battery Swapping System (BSS) 1000 can provide comprehensive battery management services, including battery analysis, evaluation, charging, and replacement. This disclosure will focus on describing the functions of the Battery Swapping System 1000, particularly the Battery Swapping Service. Here, the Battery Swapping Service may mean a service that analyzes the status of multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 to be serviced, and replaces batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 with other batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 according to the analysis results. Such replacements can be performed automatically by administrator and / or user settings. For example, the Battery Swapping System 1000 can provide the Battery Swapping Service to a user by collecting batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 returned by the user and providing the user with other batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 that have already been charged.

[0026] Here, batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 are devices attached to a target device (e.g., an electric vehicle (EV), electric scooter, electric bicycle, or other electric means of transportation) and supply power to drive the target device, and can be implemented in the form of a battery pack. The battery pack may include a battery for storing power and a battery management system (BMS) for controlling the operation of the battery. The battery may include at least one battery cell that stores power in accordance with the control of the battery management system. A battery cell is the basic unit of a battery that can be charged and discharged to make electrical energy usable, and may be, but is not limited to, a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, a lithium-ion polymer (Li-ion polymer) battery, a nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery, a nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery, and the like. The battery management system can control the charging and discharging of the battery, and according to one embodiment, can collect and transmit data that forms the basis for battery state analysis to the outside in response to external requests.

[0027] In the following explanation, we will assume that the multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 are implemented in the form of a battery pack. On the other hand, although Figure 1 shows four of the multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40, the battery is not limited to this, and can consist of n batteries (where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2).

[0028] According to one embodiment, the battery replacement station 1000 may be located in a service station where battery replacement services are provided, or it may be located in a separate space from the service station.

[0029] The battery swapping station 1000 performs a condition analysis on the connected batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40, and, depending on the results of the condition analysis, can swap batteries 10, 20, and 30 with other batteries 10, 20, and 30, or reuse them (i.e., not swap them). The battery swapping station 1000 may perform the condition analysis on the multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 and / or determine whether batteries 10, 20, and 30 need to be replaced on its own, but according to other embodiments, at least some operations may be performed in cooperation with a server connected via a network (e.g., a cloud server). For example, the battery swapping station 1000 can transmit information to the cloud server that forms the basis for determining whether batteries need to be replaced, and the cloud server can determine whether batteries need to be replaced based on the received information and transmit information regarding whether batteries need to be replaced to the battery swapping station 1000.

[0030] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a battery exchange station according to another embodiment disclosed in this document. Referring to Figure 2, the battery replacement station 1000 may include a battery slot section 100, a battery management device 200, and a charger 300.

[0031] The battery slot section 100 can accommodate multiple connected batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40. The battery slot section 100 may include multiple battery slots, each accommodating one of the multiple connected batteries. The battery slot section 100 can be connected to a battery management device 200. The multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 housed in the battery slot section 100 can be physically controlled based on control signals from the battery management device 200.

[0032] The battery management device 200 can manage and / or control the state and / or operation of multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40. The battery management device 200 can manage the charging and / or discharging of multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40.

[0033] Furthermore, the battery management device 200 can monitor the voltage, current, temperature, etc., of each of the multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40. Based on the measured values ​​of voltage, current, temperature, etc., the battery management device 200 can calculate parameters indicating the status of the multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40.

[0034] The battery management device 200 can manage the State of Charge (SOC) and / or State of Health (SOH) of multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 used for service provision. The battery management device 200 can receive SOC information from each of the multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40. Here, the SOC information indicates the current SOC of the battery, and SOC may mean the charge state of the batteries contained in the battery, i.e., the remaining capacity percentage.

[0035] The battery management device for the battery can calculate the remaining capacity percentage by dividing the currently usable capacity of the battery by the total capacity of the battery. For example, the remaining capacity percentage can be calculated as a percentage. In another embodiment, the battery management device 200 may not receive SOC information from the battery management device for the battery, but may calculate the remaining capacity percentage of the battery and directly obtain the SOC information.

[0036] The charger 300 can charge each of the multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 according to the control of the battery management device 200. The charger 300 can receive power from an external commercial power source, convert it into a form of power that the multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 can receive, and supply power to the multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40. According to one embodiment, the charger 300 can supply power to the multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 until their State of Charge (SOC) reaches 100%, thereby fully charging the multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40.

[0037] The configuration and operation of the battery management device 200 will be explained in more detail below with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a battery management device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0038] Referring to Figure 3, the battery management device 200 may include multiple capacitors (C), multiple measuring units 210, and a controller 220. The battery management device 200 can measure the AC impedance of multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40. For example, the battery management device 200 can measure the AC impedance of multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Here, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy can detect impedance, which is an element that interferes with electrical transmission when chemical reactions occur at the electrodes of multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40. The battery management device 200 can measure the AC impedance spectra of multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy as a non-destructive testing method.

[0039] The battery management device 200 can connect a capacitor (C) to the batteries to generate a DC voltage (DC) in order to prevent inrush current, which is an overcurrent that may occur at the initial stage of operation of the batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40, when measuring the AC impedance of the batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40. Here, the process by which the battery management device 200 connects a capacitor (C) to the batteries and generates a DC voltage (DC) on the capacitor (C) can be defined as pre-charging, and the voltage charged to the capacitor (C) can be defined as the pre-charge voltage.

[0040] Each of the multiple capacitors (C) can be electrically connected to both ends of at least one of the multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40. Each of the multiple capacitors (C) can be charged by receiving current from the charger 300. The time spent supplying current to the multiple capacitors (C) to generate a DC voltage can be called the pre-charge time.

[0041] Multiple measuring units 210 can measure the impedance of multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40, each of which has multiple capacitors (C) electrically connected.

[0042] For example, if the battery replacement station 1000 is provided with eight battery slots, multiple measuring units 210 can be implemented by a single measuring unit 210, which can measure the impedance of eight batteries, each placed in one of the eight battery slots.

[0043] Furthermore, for example, if the battery replacement station 1000 is provided with eight battery slots, the multiple measuring units 210 can be implemented with two measuring units 210, and each of the two measuring units 210 can measure the impedance of the four batteries inserted into the four battery slots, respectively.

[0044] Each of the multiple measuring units 210 can be electrically connected to one of the multiple capacitors (C). For example, if the battery replacement station 1000 is provided with eight battery slots, multiple measuring units 210 can be implemented by a single measuring unit 210, and the measuring unit 210 can be electrically connected to eight capacitors (C) connected to the eight batteries.

[0045] Furthermore, for example, if the battery replacement station 1000 is provided with eight battery slots, the multiple measuring units 210 can be realized by two measuring units 210, and each of the two measuring units 210 can be electrically connected to four capacitors (C) connected to four batteries.

[0046] Each of the multiple measuring units 210 can measure the impedance of multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 based on the control signal from the controller 220. The multiple measuring units 210 can measure the impedance of multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 using, for example, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).

[0047] Multiple measuring units 210 can calculate the AC impedance spectra of multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 based on changes in the amplitude and phase of signals detected from multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 by changing the frequency of the AC power supply applied to the multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40.

[0048] The controller 220 can precharge multiple capacitors (C) by applying an alternating current. The controller 220 can measure the voltage of each of the multiple capacitors (C).

[0049] For example, the controller 220 can obtain the voltage of each of the multiple capacitors (C) from an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that converts the voltage of each of the multiple capacitors (C) into a digital signal.

[0050] The controller 220 can determine whether the voltages of multiple capacitors (C) are within a threshold range. Based on whether the voltages of multiple capacitors (C) are within a threshold range, the controller 220 can control the impedance measurements of multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 of the multiple measuring units 210. For example, the controller 220 can determine whether the voltage of each of the multiple capacitors (C) is within the threshold range of 1.8V ± 5%.

[0051] The controller 220 can generate control signals to measure the impedance of multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 and transmit them to multiple measuring units 210 when the voltage of each of the multiple capacitors (C) is within a threshold range.

[0052] The controller 220 can determine whether the pre-charge time for pre-charging multiple capacitors (C) is greater than or equal to the threshold time, if the voltage of each of the multiple capacitors (C) is outside the threshold range. For example, if the voltage of each of the multiple capacitors (C) is outside the threshold range of 1.8V ± 5%, the controller 220 can determine whether the pre-charge time for the multiple capacitors (C) is greater than or equal to the threshold time of 4000ms.

[0053] If the precharge time is greater than or equal to a threshold time, the controller 220 can re-determine whether the voltage of each of the multiple capacitors (C) is within the threshold range after a certain period of time has elapsed. The controller 220 can re-determine whether the voltage of each of the multiple capacitors (C) is within the threshold range up to a threshold number of times.

[0054] The controller 220 can generate abnormal signals for multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 if it re-evaluates whether the voltage of each capacitor (C) is within the threshold range up to a threshold number of times. For example, the controller 220 can generate an error signal if it re-evaluates whether the voltage of each capacitor (C) is within the threshold range up to a threshold number of times, which is 3 times.

[0055] The controller 220 can continue precharging multiple capacitors (C) if the precharge time is less than the threshold time. For example, if the precharge time is less than the threshold time, the controller 220 can continue precharging capacitors (C) until the remaining time (T_remain). Here, the remaining time (T_remain) is explained by referring to [Equation 1] below.

[0056] [Formula 1]

number

[0057] Here, 'a' represents an environment variable, i.e., the characteristic value of the capacitor (C). V_max is the maximum charging voltage value of the capacitor (C), which can be, for example, 1.8V. V_adc represents the voltage value of each capacitor (C) obtained from the analog-to-digital converter. Also, here, T_adc represents the pre-charge time during which multiple capacitors (C) are pre-charged. V_init represents the voltage values ​​of multiple capacitors (C) at the start of pre-charging.

[0058] The controller 220 can calculate the remaining time (T_remain) based on [Equation 1] and continue precharging multiple capacitors (C) during the remaining time (T_remain).

[0059] Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a battery pack of a vehicle battery system according to one embodiment disclosed in this document. Referring to Figure 4, the battery pack 2000 of a vehicle battery system according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may include a plurality of battery modules (M1, M2, M3, M4), a battery management device 200, and a relay (R).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the battery management device 200 can be implemented as a battery management device for a vehicle battery system. Multiple battery modules (M1, M2, M3, M4) in a vehicle battery system can contain multiple battery cells. Although Figure 4 shows four multiple battery modules (M1, M2, M3, M4), the system is not limited to this, and multiple battery modules (M1, M2, M3, M4) can be composed of n (n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) battery cells.

[0061] The battery management device 200 of the vehicle battery system can manage and / or control the state and / or operation of multiple battery modules (M1, M2, M3, M4). For example, the battery management device 200 can manage and / or control the state and / or operation of multiple battery cells contained in multiple battery modules (M1, M2, M3, M4). The battery management device 200 can manage the charging and / or discharging of multiple battery modules (M1, M2, M3, M4).

[0062] Furthermore, the battery management device 200 can monitor the voltage, current, temperature, etc., of multiple battery modules (M1, M2, M3, M4) and / or the voltage, current, temperature, etc., of each of the multiple battery cells contained within the multiple battery modules (M1, M2, M3, M4). In addition, for monitoring via the battery management device 200, sensors and various measuring modules (not shown) can be further provided at arbitrary locations on the multiple battery modules (M1, M2, M3, M4), the charge / discharge path, or on the multiple battery modules (M1, M2, M3, M4).

[0063] The battery management device 200 can control the operation of the relay (R). For example, the battery management device 200 can short-circuit the relay (R) to supply power to the target device. The battery management device 200 can also short-circuit the relay (R) when a charging device is connected to the battery pack 1000.

[0064] The AC impedance of multiple battery modules (M1, M2, M3, M4) can be measured. For example, the battery management device 200 can measure the AC impedance of multiple battery modules (M1, M2, M3, M4) using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

[0065] Each of the multiple capacitors (C) can be electrically connected to both ends of at least one of the multiple battery modules (M1, M2, M3, M4). The multiple measuring units 210 can measure the impedance of the multiple battery modules (M1, M2, M3, M4) to which each of the multiple capacitors (C) is electrically connected. Each of the multiple measuring units 210 can be electrically connected to any one of the multiple capacitors (C), and each of the multiple measuring units 210 can measure the impedance of the multiple battery modules (M1, M2, M3, M4) based on the control signal from the controller 220.

[0066] The controller 220 can precharge multiple capacitors (C) by applying alternating current. The controller 220 can measure the voltage of each of the multiple capacitors (C). For example, the controller 220 can obtain the voltage of each of the multiple capacitors (C) from an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that converts the voltage of each of the multiple capacitors (C) into a digital signal.

[0067] The controller 220 can determine whether the voltages of multiple capacitors (C) are within a threshold range. Based on whether the voltages of multiple capacitors (C) are within a threshold range, the controller 220 can control the impedance measurement of multiple battery modules (M1, M2, M3, M4) of multiple measurement units 210.

[0068] According to the embodiment, the battery management device 200 is connected to the outside of the conventional vehicle battery system's battery management device and can measure the impedance of multiple battery modules (M1, M2, M3, M4) via communication with the vehicle battery system's battery management device.

[0069] As described above, the battery management device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document can monitor the voltage value of a capacitor connected to a battery and improve the accuracy of the battery impedance value measured using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

[0070] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation method of a battery management device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document. Referring to Figure 5, the operation method of the battery management device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may include the steps of: applying current to a plurality of capacitors connected to a plurality of batteries to precharge the plurality of capacitors (S101); measuring the voltage of each of the plurality of capacitors (S102); and measuring the impedance of the plurality of batteries based on whether the voltage of each of the plurality of capacitors is within a threshold range (S103).

[0071] The steps S101 to S103 will be explained in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Since the battery management device 200 is substantially the same as the battery management device 200 described with reference to Figures 1 to 4, a brief explanation will be given below to avoid repetition.

[0072] In step S101, each of the multiple capacitors (C) can be electrically connected to both ends of at least one of the multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40. In step S101, the controller 220 can precharge multiple capacitors (C) by applying alternating current.

[0073] In step S102, the controller 220 can measure the voltage of each of the multiple capacitors (C). In step S102, for example, the controller 220 can obtain the voltage of each of the multiple capacitors (C) from an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that converts the voltage of each of the multiple capacitors (C) into a digital signal.

[0074] In step S103, the controller 220 can determine whether the voltages of the multiple capacitors (C) are within a threshold range. In step S103, the controller 220 can control the impedance measurements of the multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 of the multiple measuring units 210 based on whether the voltages of the multiple capacitors (C) are within a threshold range. In step S103, for example, the controller 220 can determine whether the voltage of each of the multiple capacitors (C) is within the threshold range of 1.8V ± 5%.

[0075] In step S103, the controller 220 can generate control signals to measure the impedances of multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 and transmit them to multiple measuring units 210 if the voltage of each of the multiple capacitors (C) is within a threshold range.

[0076] In step S103, each of the multiple measuring units 210 can measure the impedance of the multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 based on the control signal from the controller 220. In step S103, the multiple measuring units 210 can measure the impedance of the multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 using, for example, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).

[0077] In step S103, the multiple measuring units 210 can calculate the AC impedance spectra of the multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 based on the changes in amplitude and phase of the signals detected from the multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 by changing the frequency of the AC power supply applied to the multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40.

[0078] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation method of a battery management device according to another embodiment disclosed in this document. Referring to Figure 6, the operation method of the battery management device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may include the steps of: applying current to a plurality of capacitors connected to a plurality of batteries to precharge the plurality of capacitors (S201); measuring the voltage of each of the plurality of capacitors (S202); determining whether the voltage of each of the plurality of capacitors is within a threshold range (S203); determining whether the precharge time of the plurality of capacitors is greater than or equal to a threshold time (S204); continuing the precharge of the plurality of capacitors until a threshold time (S205); re-determining whether the voltage of each of the plurality of capacitors is within a threshold range up to a threshold number of times (S206); outputting a battery abnormality signal (S207); and measuring the impedance of the battery (S208).

[0079] The steps S201 to S208 will be explained in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Since the battery management device 200 is substantially the same as the battery management device 200 described with reference to Figures 1 to 4, a brief explanation will be given below to avoid repetition.

[0080] In step S201, each of the multiple capacitors (C) can be electrically connected to both ends of at least one of the multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40. In step S201, the controller 220 can precharge multiple capacitors (C) by applying alternating current.

[0081] In step S202, the controller 220 can measure the voltage of each of the multiple capacitors (C). In step S102, for example, the controller 220 can obtain the voltage of each of the multiple capacitors (C) from an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that converts the voltage of each of the multiple capacitors (C) into a digital signal.

[0082] In step S203, the controller 220 can determine whether the voltages of the multiple capacitors (C) are within a threshold range. In step S203, the controller 220 can control the impedance measurements of the multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 of the multiple measuring units 210 based on whether the voltages of the multiple capacitors (C) are within a threshold range. In step S203, for example, the controller 220 can determine whether the voltage of each of the multiple capacitors (C) is within the threshold range of 1.8V ± 5%.

[0083] In step S204, the controller 220 can determine whether the pre-charge time for pre-charging the multiple capacitors (C) is greater than or equal to the threshold time, if the voltage of each of the multiple capacitors (C) is outside the threshold range. For example, in step S204, the controller 220 can determine whether the pre-charge time for the multiple capacitors (C) is greater than or equal to the threshold time of 4000ms, if the voltage of each of the multiple capacitors (C) is outside the threshold range of 1.8V ± 5%.

[0084] In step S205, the controller 220 can continue precharging multiple capacitors (C) if the precharge time is less than the threshold time. In step S205, for example, the controller 220 can continue precharging capacitors (C) for the remaining time (T remain It can continue to precharge until the remaining time (T). remain This will be explained by referring to [Equation 1] below.

[0085] [Formula 1]

number

[0086] Here, 'a' represents an environment variable, i.e., the characteristic value of the capacitor (C). V_max is the maximum charging voltage value of the capacitor (C), which can be, for example, 1.8V. V_adc represents the voltage value of each capacitor (C) obtained from the analog-to-digital converter. Also, here, T_adc represents the pre-charge time during which multiple capacitors (C) are pre-charged. V_init represents the voltage values ​​of multiple capacitors (C) at the start of pre-charging.

[0087] In step S205, the controller 220 can calculate the remaining time (T_remain) based on [Equation 1] and continue precharging the multiple capacitors (C) during the remaining time (T_remain).

[0088] In step S206, if the precharge time is greater than or equal to a threshold time, the controller 220 can re-determine whether the voltage of each of the multiple capacitors (C) is within the threshold range after a certain period of time has elapsed. In step S206, the controller 220 can re-determine whether the voltage of each of the multiple capacitors (C) is within the threshold range up to a threshold number of times.

[0089] In step S207, the controller 220 can generate abnormal signals for multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 if it has re-determined whether the voltage of each capacitor (C) is within the threshold range up to a threshold number of times. In step S207, for example, the controller 220 can generate an error signal if it has re-determined whether the voltage of each capacitor (C) is within the threshold range up to a threshold number of times, which is 3 times.

[0090] In step S208, the controller 220 can generate control signals to measure the impedances of multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 and transmit them to multiple measuring units 210 if the voltage of each of the multiple capacitors (C) is within a threshold range.

[0091] In step S208, each of the multiple measuring units 210 can measure the impedance of the multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 based on the control signal of the controller 220. In step S208, the multiple measuring units 210 can measure the impedance of the multiple batteries 10, 20, 30, and 40 using, for example, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).

[0092] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a computing system that implements the operation method of a battery management device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0093] Referring to Figure 7, the computing system 3000 according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may include an MCU 3100, a memory 3200, an input / output I / F 3300, and a communication I / F 3400.

[0094] The MCU3100 may be a processor that executes various programs (for example, a capacitor voltage calculation program) stored in the memory 3200, processes various data including SOC and SOH of multiple battery cells through such programs, and performs the functions of the battery management device 200 as described above with reference to Figure 1, or a processor that executes the operation method of the battery management device as described with reference to Figure 4.

[0095] Memory 3200 can store various programs related to calculating the impedance of multiple batteries. It can also store various data such as the State of Charge (SOC) and State of Health (SOH) data for each battery.

[0096] Multiple such memory 3200s may be provided as needed. The memory 3200 may be volatile or non-volatile. As volatile memory, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, etc., can be used. As non-volatile memory, ROM, PROM, EAROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, etc., can be used. The examples of memory 3200 listed above are merely illustrative and the system is not limited to these examples.

[0097] The I / O I / F 3300 can provide an interface that connects input devices (not shown), such as keyboards, mice, and touch panels, with output devices (not shown), such as displays, and the MCU 3100, enabling data transmission and reception.

[0098] The communication interface 3400 is configured to send and receive various data with a server, and may be various devices that support wired or wireless communication. For example, via the communication interface 3300, programs for calculating the state of health (SOH) of battery cells and various data for target determination can be sent and received from a separately provided external server.

[0099] Thus, the operation method of the battery management device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document can be recorded in the memory 3200 and executed by the MCU 3100.

[0100] The above description is merely illustrative of the technical concept disclosed in this document, and any person with ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments disclosed in this document belong can make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the embodiments disclosed in this document.

[0101] Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only, not to limit, the technical ideas disclosed herein, and such embodiments do not limit the scope of the technical ideas disclosed herein. The scope of protection for the technical ideas disclosed herein must be interpreted according to the claims described below, and all technical ideas within an equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the scope of rights of this document. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0102] 10, 20, 30, 40: Multiple batteries 1000: Battery replacement station 100: Battery slot section 200:Battery management device C: Capacitor 210: Measuring part 220: Controller 300: Charger 2000: Battery pack R: Relay M1, M2, M3, M4: Battery Modules 3000: Computing Systems 3100:MCU 3200: Memory 3300: Input / Output Interface 3400: Communication I / F

Claims

1. At least one battery and at least one capacitor connected to each battery, A controller that precharges at least one capacitor by applying current, measures the voltage of each of the at least one capacitor, and controls the impedance measurement of the at least one battery based on whether the voltage of the at least one capacitor is within a threshold range, Includes, The controller is a battery management device that determines whether the pre-charge time for pre-charging at least one capacitor is equal to or greater than a threshold time, when the voltage of each of the capacitors is outside a threshold range.

2. Multiple batteries and multiple capacitors connected to each of them, A controller that precharges the plurality of capacitors by applying current, measures the voltage of each of the plurality of capacitors, and controls the impedance measurement of the plurality of batteries based on whether the voltage of the plurality of capacitors is within a threshold range, A battery management device, including a battery management device.

3. The system further includes at least one measuring unit for measuring the impedance of the battery, The at least one measuring unit measures the impedance of the battery based on the control signal of the controller, The battery management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller generates a control signal for measuring the impedance of the battery and transmits it to the at least one measuring unit when the voltage of each of the capacitors is within a threshold range.

4. The battery management device according to claim 1, wherein the controller re-determines whether the voltage of each capacitor is within a threshold range if the pre-charge time is greater than or equal to the threshold time.

5. The battery management device according to claim 4, wherein the controller generates an abnormal battery signal when it has re-determined whether the voltage of each of the capacitors is within a threshold range up to a threshold number of times.

6. The battery management device according to claim 1, wherein the controller precharges the capacitor when the precharge time is less than the threshold time.

7. The steps include applying current to a capacitor connected to a battery to precharge the capacitor, The steps include measuring the voltage of each of the aforementioned capacitors, A step of measuring the impedance of the battery based on whether the voltage of each of the capacitors is within a threshold range, Includes, The step of measuring the impedance of the battery based on whether the voltage of each of the capacitors is within a threshold range is: A method for operating a battery management device, which includes the step of determining whether the pre-charge time for pre-charging the capacitors is greater than or equal to a threshold time, if the voltage of each of the capacitors is outside a threshold range.

8. A step of applying current to a plurality of capacitors connected to a plurality of batteries to precharge the plurality of capacitors, The steps include measuring the voltage of each of the aforementioned multiple capacitors, A step of measuring the impedance of the plurality of batteries based on whether the voltage of each of the plurality of capacitors is within a threshold range, A method for operating a battery management device, including the operation of the battery management device.

9. The step of measuring the impedance of the battery based on whether the voltage of each of the capacitors is within a threshold range is: The method for operating the battery management device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein when the voltage of each of the capacitors is within a threshold range, a control signal for measuring the impedance of the battery is generated and transmitted to at least one measuring unit.

10. The step of determining whether the pre-charge time for pre-charging the capacitor is greater than or equal to a threshold time is: If the pre-charge time is greater than or equal to the threshold time, the method of operating the battery management device according to claim 7, further comprising re-determining whether the voltage of each capacitor is within the threshold range.

11. The step of determining whether the pre-charge time for pre-charging the capacitor is greater than or equal to a threshold time is: A method for operating a battery management device according to claim 10, wherein if the voltage of each of the capacitors is re-determined up to a threshold number of times, an abnormal signal for the battery is generated.

12. The step of determining whether the pre-charge time for pre-charging the capacitor is greater than or equal to a threshold time is: The operation method of the battery management device according to claim 7, wherein if the pre-charge time is less than the threshold time, a control signal for pre-charging the capacitor is generated and transmitted to at least one measuring unit.

Images