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 storing at least one instruction executed through the at least one processor. The at least one instruction may include: an instruction to collect battery state information and charger state information if user input information including a charging target is received; an instruction to derive a plurality of optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target based on the battery state information and the charger state information; an instruction to output information regarding each of the derived optimal charging maps via a predefined GUI; and an instruction to control the battery to be charged through the optimal charging map corresponding to the user selection signal if a user selection signal for any one of the optimal charging maps is received.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0081593, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on June 26, 2023, and all of the content disclosed in the document 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 of a battery in an optimal charging method corresponding to a charging target set by a user.

Background Art

[0003] A secondary battery is a battery that can be reused through charging even after discharge, 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).

[0004] Secondary batteries are 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, in order to satisfy the required capacity of the corresponding device, a high-capacity battery system in which a number of battery packs are connected in parallel can be applied.

[0005] In recent years, as the capacity of secondary batteries increases, rapid charging technologies that can charge the battery more quickly have emerged. When charging is performed in a rapid charging method, a stepwise charging method is mainly used in which charging is performed with a high charging current at the initial stage of charging, and the charging current is gradually attenuated as the SOC (State Of Charge) or voltage value of the battery increases. Here, considering charging safety, the charging current can be adjusted based on the current temperature of the battery.

[0006] Generally, the charging current value during the battery charging process is determined by a pre-stored charging map or charging profile. In other words, battery charging proceeds according to a pre-configured charging method, and the user's choice regarding the charging method is limited.

[0007] Some charging devices grant users choices regarding charging time and speed, but the available options are very limited. Furthermore, if the battery is charged quickly due to the user's selection, the battery life may be shortened, or the battery temperature may exceed the optimal range after charging is complete, potentially leading to reduced output performance.

[0008] Therefore, appropriate charging control 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, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, is to provide a battery charging control device that controls the charging of a battery using the optimal charging method corresponding to the charging target set by the user.

[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] At least one of the above instructions may include: an instruction that, upon receiving user input information including a charging target, derives a plurality of optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target based on battery status information and charger status information; an instruction that outputs information regarding each of the derived optimal charging maps via a predefined GUI; and an instruction that, upon receiving a user selection signal for any one of the optimal charging maps, controls the battery to be charged through the optimal charging map corresponding to the user selection signal.

[0013] Here, the charging target may include a charging target value that includes one or more of the following: target charge amount, target charging time, and target battery temperature at the time of charging completion; or it may include a charging priority item that includes one or more of the following: maximum charge amount, minimum charging time, and maximum performance.

[0014] The instruction for deriving the above multiple optimal charging maps may include an instruction for deriving the optimal charging map that satisfies the above charging target from among the multiple charging maps already stored.

[0015] The instructions for deriving the above-mentioned multiple optimal charging maps may include instructions for generating charging prediction information for each of the multiple charging maps already stored using a predefined battery behavior prediction model, and instructions for selecting N optimal charging maps that satisfy the above-mentioned charging target based on the generated charging prediction information.

[0016] The command that generates the above-mentioned charging prediction information may include commands that predict one or more of the following when charging proceeds according to the charging map: the time to complete charging, the amount of charge at the time of completion, the battery temperature at the time of completion, and the cumulative amount of polarization value.

[0017] The instructions for deriving the above-mentioned multiple optimal charging maps may include instructions for selecting one or more of the following charging maps that satisfy the above-mentioned charging target: a first charging map that can charge in the minimum time, a second charging map that can charge with the maximum charge amount, a third charging map that satisfies a predefined maximum performance condition, and a fourth charging map that satisfies a predefined maximum life condition.

[0018] The instructions for deriving the above-mentioned multiple optimal charging maps may include: an instruction to determine one or more of the first, third, and fourth charging maps as the optimal charging map when the charging target is a target charge amount or a maximum charge amount; an instruction to determine one or more of the second, third, and fourth charging maps as the optimal charging map when the charging target is a target charging time or a minimum charging time; and one or more of the instructions to determine one or more of the first, second, and fourth charging maps as the optimal charging map when the charging target is a target battery temperature or maximum performance at the time of charging completion.

[0019] The commands output via the GUI described above may include commands that output identification information and charging prediction information for each of the N optimal charging maps.

[0020] The commands output via the GUI described above may include commands that output each of the above-mentioned optimal charging maps according to a predefined priority order.

[0021] The command that controls the charging of the above-mentioned battery may include a command that controls the charging of the battery through the optimal charging map defined as first priority if the above-mentioned user selection signal is not received within a predefined time.

[0022] A battery charging control method by a battery charging control device according to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned objective may include the steps of: deriving a plurality of optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging objective based on battery status information and charger status information when user input information including a charging objective is received; outputting information regarding each of the derived optimal charging maps via a predefined GUI; and, when a user selection signal for any one of the optimal charging maps is received, controlling the battery to be charged through the optimal charging map corresponding to the user selection signal.

[0023] Here, the charging target may include a charging target value including one or more of a target charge amount, a target charging time, and a target battery temperature at the time of charging completion; or may include a charging priority item including one or more of a maximum charge amount, a minimum charging time, and a maximum performance.

[0024] The step of deriving the plurality of optimal charging maps may include a step of deriving an optimal charging map that satisfies the charging target among the plurality of pre-stored charging maps.

[0025] The step of deriving the plurality of optimal charging maps may include a step of generating charging prediction information regarding each of the plurality of pre-stored charging maps using a predefined battery behavior prediction model; and a step of selecting N optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target based on the generated charging prediction information.

[0026] The step of generating the charging prediction information may include a step of predicting one or more of a charging completion time, a charge amount at the time of charging completion, a battery temperature at the time of charging completion, and an accumulated amount of polarization values when charging proceeds according to the charging map.

[0027] The step of deriving the plurality of optimal charging maps may include a step of selecting one or more of a first charging map that can charge in the minimum time, a second charging map that can charge with the maximum charge amount, a third charging map that satisfies a predefined maximum performance condition, and a fourth charging map that satisfies a predefined maximum life condition among the charging maps that satisfy the charging target.

[0028] The step of deriving the plurality of optimal charging maps includes, when the charging target is the target charge amount or the maximum charge amount, determining one or more of the first charging map, the third charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map; when the charging target is the target charging time or the minimum charging time, determining one or more of the second charging map, the third charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map; and when the charging target is the target battery temperature or the maximum performance at the time of charging completion, determining one or more of the first charging map, the second charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map, and can include one or more of these steps.

[0029] The step of outputting via the GUI can include the step of outputting identification information and charge prediction information regarding each of the N optimal charging maps.

[0030] The step of outputting via the GUI can include the step of outputting each of the optimal charging maps according to a predefined priority order.

[0031] The step of controlling the battery to be charged can include, if the user selection signal is not received within a predefined time, controlling the battery to be charged through the optimal charging map defined as the first priority.

Advantages of the Invention

[0032] According to the embodiments of the present invention as described above, by deriving an optimal charging map that satisfies the charging target set by the user and controlling the charging of the battery through the charging map selected by the user among these, it is possible to improve both the user's degree of freedom in selecting the charging method, the charging efficiency, performance, and residual value of the battery.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033] [Figure 1]This is a block diagram illustrating a battery charging system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an operation flowchart of a battery charging control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is an example of a charging map according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a reference diagram illustrating a battery behavior prediction model according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a circuit diagram illustrating a voltage prediction model according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a circuit diagram illustrating a temperature prediction model according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is an operational flowchart of the optimal charging map derivation method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is an example screen of a user interface device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is an example screen of a user interface device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is an example screen of a user interface device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 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]

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] Some terms used in this specification are defined as follows:

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] SOC (State of Charge) represents the current charge level of the battery as a percentage [%], while SOH (State of Health) represents the current remaining charge level of the battery as a percentage [%].

[0045] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a battery charging system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Referring to Figure 1, the battery charging system may include a battery assembly 100, a battery charger 200, a battery charging control device 300, and a user interface device 400.

[0048] The battery assembly 100 may include a plurality of battery cells 10, and the battery cells 10 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0049] The battery assembly 100 may be included in electric vehicles or other electrically powered means of transportation, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these individuals.

[0050] The battery charger 200 is a device that is electrically connected to the battery assembly 100 to charge the battery. Here, the battery charger 200 can be included inside the device to which the battery assembly 100 is applied, or it can be provided separately outside the device.

[0051] The battery charge control device 300 can determine a charge control value and control the battery charger 200 so that the battery is charged according to the charge control value. Here, the charge control value may mean a charging current value, a charging voltage value, or a charging power value applied to the battery assembly 100 or individual batteries 10.

[0052] The battery charge control device 300 can determine the charge control value using a pre-stored charge map. Here, the charge map may include data in which charge control values ​​are predefined for each interval of the battery state value and for each interval of the charge state value.

[0053] For example, the battery charge control device 300 can check the current charge state value (SOC value or voltage value) and current temperature value of the battery from the charge map stored in the memory device, and control the battery charger 200 so that the battery is charged with the checked charge current value.

[0054] The battery charge control device 300 may include a battery status information acquisition device that senses the state of the battery, or may be connected to a battery status information acquisition device. Here, the state of the battery may include the battery's voltage, current, temperature, and state of charge (SOC).

[0055] The battery charge control device 300 may be included in the battery system or in the battery charger 200. For example, the battery charge control device 300 may be installed inside the battery system and implemented in conjunction with a BMS (Battery Management System), or it may be implemented as part of the control system of a rapid charger.

[0056] The user interface device 400 is a device that can be operated by a user and can output specific information to the user or receive specific information from the user via a predefined GUI (Graphical User Interface). For example, the user interface device 400 may be an AVN (Audio Video Navigation) device installed in an electric vehicle or a mobile phone. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these specific devices.

[0057] The user interface device 400 is connected to the battery charging control device 300 via a network, and can receive specific information from the battery charging control device 300 and display it via a GUI, and can also receive specific information from the user and transmit it to the battery charging control device 300.

[0058] Figure 2 is an operation flowchart of a battery charging control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] The battery charging control device can receive user input information, including the charging target (S210).

[0060] Specifically, the user interface device can receive user input information, including charging targets, from the user via a GUI. Subsequently, the battery charging control device can receive the user input information from the user interface device.

[0061] In the embodiment, the charging target may include a charging target value that includes one or more of the following: target charge amount (SOC_target), target charging time (t_target), and target battery temperature at the time of completion of charging (T_end_target). For example, the user interface device can receive input from the user such as [SOC 80%] as the target charge amount, [charging time 20 minutes] as the target charging time, or [25℃] as the target battery temperature, and transmit the input charging target value to the battery charging control device.

[0062] In other embodiments, the charging target may include one or more charging priority items, such as maximum charge amount, minimum charging time, and maximum performance. For example, a user interface device can receive input from a user for charging priority items corresponding to [maximum charge amount], [minimum charging time], or [maximum performance], and transmit the input charging priority items to a battery charging control device.

[0063] Once user input information is received, the battery charging control device can collect battery status information and charger status information (S220). Here, the battery charging control device can check the battery status information from the battery system's BMS and the charger status information from the battery charger.

[0064] Battery status information may include one or more of the following: battery voltage, temperature, state of charge (SOC), and state of health (SOH). Charger status information may include one or more of the following: maximum charging current, maximum charging voltage, maximum charging power, and maximum charging time.

[0065] The battery charging control device can derive multiple optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target entered by the user, based on the battery status information and the charger status information (S230). Here, the battery charging control device can derive a predefined number (N) of optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target from among multiple charging maps already stored in the memory device. For example, if the charging target is [charging time 20 minutes], the battery charging control device can select N charging maps from among the multiple charging maps already stored that can complete charging within 20 minutes when charging is performed using the battery status information and the charger status information as charging conditions, and can determine the selected charging maps as the optimal charging maps.

[0066] The charge map can correspond to data in which charge control values ​​are predefined for each interval of battery state value and each interval of charge state value. Figure 3 is an example of a charge map according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 3, the charge map can be realized in a table in which charge current values ​​are predefined for each SOC interval and temperature interval. Here, the charge current value can be defined as the current value (A) or the charge rate (C-rate). On the other hand, unlike in Figure 3, the charge map can also be realized in a table in which charge control values ​​are predefined for each voltage interval and temperature interval.

[0067] In this embodiment, the battery charging control device can derive an optimal charging map using a predefined battery behavior prediction model. Here, the battery behavior prediction model can be predefined to receive charging target, battery state information, and charger state information as input data, and to output charging prediction information for each part of the charging map as output data.

[0068] The charging prediction information may include data indicating the battery state or charging-related information at the time of charging completion, assuming charging proceeds according to a specific charging map. Here, the charging prediction information may include one or more of the following: charging completion time, battery charge amount at charging completion, battery temperature at charging completion, and cumulative polarization value.

[0069] In other words, the battery behavior prediction model uses the charging target, initial battery state values, and charger limit values ​​input by the user as charging conditions, performs a charging simulation for each part of the charging map, and can predict the charging result value for each part of the charging map.

[0070] Subsequently, the battery charging control device can determine the optimal charging map by selecting N charging maps that satisfy the charging target based on charging prediction information from the battery behavior prediction model.

[0071] The battery charging control device can select one or more charging maps that meet the charging target from among a first charging map that can charge in the minimum time (minimum time charging map), a second charging map that can charge with the maximum charge amount (maximum charge amount charging map), a third charging map that meets a predefined maximum performance condition (maximum performance charging map), and a fourth charging map that meets a predefined maximum life condition (maximum life charging map), and determine the selected charging map as the optimal charging map.

[0072] For example, if the charging target is [charging time 20 minutes], the battery charging control device can select from among the charging maps that can complete charging within 20 minutes a charging map that can charge with the maximum charge amount (second charging map), a charging map in which the battery temperature after charging is closest to a predefined optimal temperature value (third charging map), and a charging map in which the cumulative amount of polarization value is the lowest (fourth charging map), and determine the three selected charging maps as the optimal charging maps.

[0073] The battery charging control device can output information about each of the optimal charging maps derived in S230 via a predefined GUI (S240).

[0074] The battery charging control device transmits identification information and charging prediction information for each of the N derived optimal charging maps to the user interface device, which can display the transmitted information via a predefined GUI. For example, the user interface device can output the charging completion time, SOC at the time of charging completion, battery temperature (or performance grade) at the time of charging completion, and cumulative polarization value (or life impact grade) for each of the [maximum charge amount charging map], [maximum performance charging map], and [maximum life charging map] via the display device.

[0075] Subsequently, the battery charging control device can receive a user selection signal from the user interface device for one of the optimal charging maps (S250).

[0076] Specifically, the user interface device can receive a selection signal from the user via a GUI for one of the optimal charging maps. The user interface device can then transmit the user selection signal to the battery charging control device.

[0077] The battery charging control device can control the battery to be charged through an optimal charging map corresponding to the received user selection signal (S260). Here, the battery charging control device can transmit the selected optimal charging map to the battery charger so that the battery is charged according to the optimal charging map. Alternatively, the battery charging control device can check the current state value of the battery and the corresponding charging control value in the selected optimal charging map at each unit time, and transmit the checked charging control value to the battery charger so that the battery is charged according to the optimal charging map.

[0078] Figure 4 is a reference diagram illustrating a battery behavior prediction model according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] The battery behavior prediction model according to an embodiment of the present invention can take charging target, battery status information, and charger status information as input data, and output charging prediction information for each of the charging maps (#1 to #M) as output data.

[0080] The charging target is a charging target value entered by the user and can correspond to the target charge amount (SOC_target), target charging time (t_target), or target battery temperature at the time of charging completion (T_end_target). Alternatively, the charging target is a charging priority item entered by the user and can correspond to the maximum charge amount, minimum charging time, or maximum performance.

[0081] Battery status information may include one or more of the following: battery voltage, temperature, state of charge (SOC), and state of health (SOH).

[0082] The charger status information may include one or more of the following: the maximum charging current value, the maximum charging voltage value, the maximum charging power value, and the maximum charging time of the battery charger.

[0083] M charge maps (#1 to #M) can be pre-stored in the memory. Here, predefined charge maps corresponding to various scenarios can be pre-stored in the memory. For example, charge maps corresponding to various charger outputs (50kW, 100kW, 250kW, 350kW, etc.), charge maps corresponding to various initial charge states of charge (0, 20, 40, etc.), and charge maps corresponding to various initial charge temperatures (0, 15, 25, 40, etc.) can be pre-stored in the memory.

[0084] The battery behavior prediction model can output prediction information for each of the stored charging maps (#1 to #M) based on the input data (charging target, battery status information, and charger status information).

[0085] Specifically, the battery behavior prediction model uses battery state information as initial values ​​to perform a charging simulation using a charging map (#1), and can calculate the cumulative amounts of battery voltage, state of charge (SOC), heat generation, and polarization (difference between voltage and open-circuit voltage) per unit time. If the battery charger reaches its limit (maximum charging current, maximum charging voltage, or maximum charging power) during the charging simulation, the battery behavior prediction model can change the charging control value to the battery charger's limit at that point and proceed with the charging simulation.

[0086] The battery behavior prediction model may include predefined voltage prediction models and temperature prediction models for calculating charge prediction information.

[0087] The voltage prediction model can be predefined to output the battery voltage, SOC, heat generation (Q), and polarization value based on the previous SOC, SOH, battery temperature (T), and charging current value. Similarly, the temperature prediction model can be predefined to output the battery temperature (T) based on the previous battery temperature (T) and heat generation (Q). Here, the voltage prediction model and the temperature prediction model can work together, sharing the resulting values ​​for heat generation (Q) and battery temperature (T), and updating their output values ​​per unit time.

[0088] During the charging simulation, if the charging target is reached or the maximum charging time of the battery charger is exceeded, the battery behavior prediction model can terminate the charging simulation at that point and store the cumulative charging time, battery charge amount, battery temperature, and cumulative polarization value at the end of the charging process. The battery behavior prediction model can then output the stored result values ​​as charging prediction information for the corresponding charging map (#1).

[0089] Subsequently, the battery behavior prediction model sequentially performs charging simulations for the remaining charging maps (#2 to #M) and can generate charging prediction information for each of the charging maps (#2 to #M).

[0090] Figure 5 is a circuit diagram illustrating a voltage prediction model according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] The voltage prediction model according to an embodiment of the present invention can be included in a battery behavior prediction model.

[0092] A voltage prediction model can be defined as an RC equivalent circuit including a battery, one or more resistors, and one or more capacitors. For example, a voltage prediction model can be embodied in an equivalent circuit model including a battery, multiple resistors (Rs, Rp1, Rp2), and multiple capacitors (Cp1, Cp2), as shown in Figure 5.

[0093] Here, the battery voltage (Vt), heat generation (Q), and polarization value (Vpol) can be calculated based on the following equations 1 to 3, and the state of charge (SOC) can be calculated based on the predefined OCV-SOC correspondence curve. [Formula 1]

number

number

number

[0094] On the other hand, the equivalent circuit model shown in Figure 5 is an example for understanding the present invention, and the voltage prediction model included in the battery behavior prediction model can be implemented differently from the equivalent circuit model in Figure 5, or it can be implemented in an electrochemical model.

[0095] Figure 6 is a circuit diagram illustrating a temperature prediction model according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] The temperature prediction model according to an embodiment of the present invention can be included in a battery behavior prediction model.

[0097] A temperature prediction model can be defined as an RC equivalent circuit including a battery, one or more resistors, and one or more capacitors. For example, a temperature prediction model can be embodied in an equivalent circuit model including a battery, multiple resistors (Rconv, Rcool), and multiple capacitors (Cb, Cc), as shown in Figure 6.

[0098] The battery temperature (Tb) can be calculated based on the following equations 4 and 5. [Equation 4]

number

number

[0099] (T ∞ (where Rconv is the ambient temperature, Q is the thermal resistance between the ambient air and the battery, Q is the heat generated by the battery, Cb is the heat capacity of the battery, Tb is the battery temperature, Tc is the cooling water temperature, Rcool is the thermal resistance between the battery and the cooling water, Qh is the heat generated by the cooling water, Qc is the heat generated by the cooling water, and Cc is the heat capacity of the cooling water.)

[0100] On the other hand, the equivalent circuit model shown in Figure 6 is an example for understanding the present invention, and the temperature prediction model included in the battery behavior prediction model can be implemented differently from the equivalent circuit model in Figure 6, or it can be implemented in an electrochemical model.

[0101] Figure 7 is an operational flowchart of the optimal charging map derivation method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] The battery charging control device can receive user input information, including the charging target (S510).

[0103] The charging target may include a charging target value that includes one or more of the following: target charge amount (SOC_target), target charging time (t_target), and target battery temperature at the time of charging completion (T_end_target); or it may include a charging priority item that includes one or more of the following: maximum charge amount, minimum charging time, and maximum performance.

[0104] Once user input information is received, the battery charging control device can collect battery status information and charger status information (S520).

[0105] The battery charging control device can derive N optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target entered by the user, based on the battery status information and the charger status information (S530).

[0106] Here, the battery charging control device can use a predefined battery behavior prediction model to select one or more charging maps that satisfy the charging target from among the first charging map that can charge in the minimum time (minimum time charging map), the second charging map that can charge with the maximum charge amount (maximum charge amount charging map), the third charging map that satisfies the predefined maximum performance conditions (maximum performance charging map), and the fourth charging map that satisfies the predefined maximum life conditions (maximum life charging map), and determine the selected charging map as the optimal charging map.

[0107] Here, the maximum performance charging map (third charging map) can be determined as the charging map in which the battery temperature after charging is closest to the target battery temperature, or the charging map in which the battery temperature after charging is closest to a predefined optimal temperature value. In addition, the maximum life charging map (fourth charging map) can be determined as the charging map in which the cumulative amount of polarization value is lowest.

[0108] If the charging target entered by the user is either a target charge amount or a maximum charge amount, the battery charging control device can determine the first charging map (minimum time charging map), the third charging map (maximum performance charging map), and the fourth charging map (maximum life charging map) as the optimal charging maps (S541).

[0109] If the charging target entered by the user is the target charging time or minimum charging time, the battery charging control device can determine the second charging map (maximum charge amount charging map), the third charging map (maximum performance charging map), and the fourth charging map (maximum life charging map) as the optimal charging maps (S542).

[0110] If the charging target entered by the user is the target battery temperature or maximum performance at the time of charging completion, the battery charging control device can determine the first charging map (minimum time charging map), the second charging map (maximum charge amount charging map), and the fourth charging map (maximum life charging map) as the optimal charging maps (S543).

[0111] The battery charging control device can assign priorities to a selection of optimal charging maps.

[0112] If the charging target entered by the user is either a target charge amount or a maximum charge amount, the battery charging control device can define the priority order of the three selected optimal selection maps as follows: first charging map (minimum time charging map), third charging map (maximum performance charging map), and fourth charging map (maximum life charging map).

[0113] If the charging target entered by the user is the target battery temperature or maximum performance at the time of charging completion, the battery charging control device can define the priority order of the three selected optimal selection maps as follows: second charging map (maximum charge amount charging map), third charging map (maximum performance charging map), and fourth charging map (maximum life charging map).

[0114] If the charging target entered by the user is a target charging time or minimum charging time, the battery charging control device can define the priority order of the three selected optimal selection maps as follows: first charging map (minimum time charging map), second charging map (maximum charge amount charging map), and fourth charging map (maximum life charging map).

[0115] The battery charging control device can output information about each of the derived optimal charging maps via a predefined GUI. Here, the battery charging control device can output the selected optimal charging maps in order according to a predefined priority.

[0116] Subsequently, the battery charging control device can receive a user selection signal from the user interface device for one of the optimal charging maps.

[0117] The battery charging control device can control the charging of the battery through an optimal charging map corresponding to the received user selection signal.

[0118] If a user selection signal is not received within a predefined time (for example, within 10 seconds), the battery charging control device can control the battery to be charged through the optimal charging map defined as the first priority.

[0119] Figures 8 to 10 are examples of screens of a user interface device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] Referring to Figure 8, if the charging target entered by the user is the target charge amount (80% SOC), the battery charging control device can determine the minimum time charging map, the maximum performance charging map, and the maximum lifespan charging map as the optimal charging maps. Here, the battery charging control device can define the priority order of the three selected optimal maps as minimum time charging map, maximum performance charging map, and maximum lifespan charging map.

[0121] The battery charging control device transmits information about each of the optimal charging maps to the user interface device, which can then display the identification information and charging prediction information for each of the optimal charging maps in order of priority, as shown in Figure 8.

[0122] The charge prediction information can be output as is for each item, or at least some of it can be output as a grade. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the battery temperature value at the time of charge completion can be classified into one of four grades—best, good, normal, or poor—depending on its magnitude, and the classification result can be output as [Performance Status]. In addition, the cumulative amount of polarization value can be classified into one of four grades—best, good, normal, or poor—depending on its magnitude, and the classification result can be output as [Life Impact].

[0123] Subsequently, the user interface device can receive a selection signal from the user via the GUI for one of the optimal charging maps. The user interface device can then transmit the user selection signal to the battery charging control device. If a user selection signal is not received within a predefined time (e.g., within 10 seconds), the minimum charging map defined as the first priority can be treated as having been selected by the user.

[0124] Figure 9 shows an example screen when the user inputs a target charging time (20 minutes). When the charging target is the target charging time, the battery charging control device can determine the maximum charge amount charging map, the maximum performance charging map, and the maximum lifespan charging map as the optimal charging maps. Here, the battery charging control device can define the priority order of the three selected optimal maps as the maximum charge amount charging map, the maximum performance charging map, and the maximum lifespan charging map. Subsequently, the user interface device can display the identification information and charging prediction information for each of the optimal charging maps according to the priority order, as shown in Figure 9.

[0125] Figure 10 shows an example screen when the charging target entered by the user is the maximum performance among the charging priority items. When the charging target is [maximum performance], the battery charging control device can determine the minimum time charging map, the maximum charge amount charging map, and the maximum lifespan charging map as the optimal charging maps. Here, the battery charging control device can define the priority order of the three selected optimal selection maps as minimum time charging map, maximum charge amount charging map, and maximum lifespan charging map. Subsequently, the user interface device can display the identification information and charging prediction information for each of the optimal charging maps in order of priority, as shown in Figure 10.

[0126] Figure 11 is a block diagram of a battery charging control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0127] The battery charging control device 300 may include at least one processor 310, a memory 320 for storing at least one instruction executed through the processor, and a transceiver 330 connected to a network for communication.

[0128] The above at least one instruction may include: an instruction to collect battery status information and charger status information when user input information including a charging target is received; an instruction to derive a plurality of optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target based on the battery status information and the charger status information; an instruction to output information about each of the derived optimal charging maps via a predefined GUI; and an instruction to control the battery so that it is charged through the optimal charging map corresponding to the user selection signal when a user selection signal for any one of the optimal charging maps is received.

[0129] Here, the charging target may include a charging target value that includes one or more of the following: target charge amount, target charging time, and target battery temperature at the time of charging completion; or it may include a charging priority item that includes one or more of the following: maximum charge amount, minimum charging time, and maximum performance.

[0130] The instruction for deriving the above multiple optimal charging maps may include an instruction for deriving the optimal charging map that satisfies the above charging target from among the multiple charging maps already stored.

[0131] The instructions for deriving the above-mentioned multiple optimal charging maps may include instructions for generating charging prediction information for each of the multiple charging maps already stored using a predefined battery behavior prediction model, and instructions for selecting N optimal charging maps that satisfy the above-mentioned charging target based on the generated charging prediction information.

[0132] The command that generates the above-mentioned charging prediction information may include commands that predict one or more of the following when charging proceeds according to the charging map: the time to complete charging, the amount of charge at the time of completion, the battery temperature at the time of completion, and the cumulative amount of polarization value.

[0133] The instructions for deriving the above-mentioned multiple optimal charging maps may include instructions for selecting one or more of the following charging maps that satisfy the above-mentioned charging target: a first charging map that can charge in the minimum time, a second charging map that can charge with the maximum charge amount, a third charging map that satisfies a predefined maximum performance condition, and a fourth charging map that satisfies a predefined maximum life condition.

[0134] The instructions for deriving the above-mentioned multiple optimal charging maps may include: an instruction to determine one or more of the first, third, and fourth charging maps as the optimal charging map when the charging target is a target charge amount or a maximum charge amount; an instruction to determine one or more of the second, third, and fourth charging maps as the optimal charging map when the charging target is a target charging time or a minimum charging time; and one or more of the instructions to determine one or more of the first, second, and fourth charging maps as the optimal charging map when the charging target is a target battery temperature or maximum performance at the time of charging completion.

[0135] The commands output via the GUI described above may include commands that output identification information and charging prediction information for each of the N optimal charging maps.

[0136] The commands output via the GUI described above may include commands that output each of the above-mentioned optimal charging maps according to a predefined priority order.

[0137] The command that controls the charging of the above-mentioned battery may include a command that controls the charging of the battery through the optimal charging map defined as first priority if the above-mentioned user selection signal is not received within a predefined time.

[0138] The battery charging control device 300 may further include an input interface device 340, an output interface device 350, a storage device 360, and the like. Each component included in the battery charging control device 300 can communicate with one another via a bus 370.

[0139] Here, processor 310 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 volatile storage media and non-volatile storage media. For example, memory can consist of at least one of read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM).

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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.

[0142] 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]

[0143] 10:Battery 100: Battery Assembly 200:Battery charger 300: Battery charging control device 400: User Interface Device

Claims

1. At least one processor; and Includes: memory for storing at least one instruction executed through the at least one processor; The aforementioned at least one instruction, A command is issued to derive multiple optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target, based on the battery status information and the charger status information, once user input information including a charging target has been received; A command to output information regarding each of the derived optimal charging maps via a predefined GUI; and When a user selection signal is received for any one of the aforementioned optimal charging maps, the command includes a control command to ensure that the battery is charged through the optimal charging map corresponding to the user selection signal. The aforementioned charging target is, A target charge value that includes one or more of the following: target charge amount, target charging time, and target battery temperature at the time of completion of charging; or Includes charging priority items, including one or more of the following: maximum charge capacity, minimum charging time, and maximum performance. The instruction for deriving the aforementioned multiple optimal charging maps is: The command includes a command to derive the optimal charging map that satisfies the charging target from among multiple charging maps already stored, The instruction for deriving the aforementioned multiple optimal charging maps is: Instructions to generate charge prediction information for each of the multiple charge maps already stored using a predefined battery behavior prediction model; and A battery charging control device that includes a command to select N optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target based on the generated charging prediction information.

2. At least one processor; and Includes: memory for storing at least one instruction executed through the at least one processor; The aforementioned at least one instruction, A command is issued to derive multiple optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target, based on the battery status information and the charger status information, once user input information including a charging target has been received; A command to output information regarding each of the derived optimal charging maps via a predefined GUI; and When a user selection signal is received for any one of the aforementioned optimal charging maps, the command includes a control command to ensure that the battery is charged through the optimal charging map corresponding to the user selection signal. The instruction for deriving the aforementioned multiple optimal charging maps is: The command includes a command to derive the optimal charging map that satisfies the charging target from among multiple charging maps already stored, The instruction for deriving the aforementioned multiple optimal charging maps is: Instructions to generate charge prediction information for each of the multiple charge maps already stored using a predefined battery behavior prediction model; and A battery charging control device that includes a command to select N optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target based on the generated charging prediction information.

3. The instruction for generating the aforementioned charge prediction information is: A battery charging control device according to claim 1 or 2, which includes a command to predict one or more of the following when charging proceeds according to a charging map: the time to complete charging, the amount of charge at the time of completion, the battery temperature at the time of completion, and the cumulative amount of polarization value.

4. The instruction for deriving the aforementioned multiple optimal charging maps is: A battery charging control device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising an instruction to select one or more of the following charging maps that satisfy the aforementioned charging target: a first charging map that can charge in the minimum time, a second charging map that can charge with the maximum charge amount, a third charging map that satisfies a predefined maximum performance condition, and a fourth charging map that satisfies a predefined maximum life condition.

5. The instruction for deriving the aforementioned multiple optimal charging maps is: If the charging target is a target charge amount or a maximum charge amount, an instruction to determine one or more of the first charging map, the third charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map; If the charging target is a target charging time or a minimum charging time, an instruction to determine one or more of the second charging map, the third charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map; and The battery charging control device according to claim 4, wherein, if the charging target is a target battery temperature or maximum performance at the time of charging completion, the device includes one or more commands for determining one or more of the first charging map, the second charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map.

6. The instructions output via the GUI are: The battery charging control device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a command to output identification information and charging prediction information for each of the N optimal charging maps.

7. The instructions output via the GUI are: The battery charging control device according to claim 6, comprising an instruction to output each of the aforementioned optimal charging maps according to a predefined priority order.

8. The command to control the charging of the aforementioned battery is: The battery charging control device according to claim 7, which includes an instruction to control the battery to be charged through an optimal charging map defined as first priority if the user selection signal is not received within a predefined time.

9. A battery charging control method using a battery charging control device, If user input information including a charging target is received, the process involves deriving multiple optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target based on the battery status information and the charger status information; The steps include: outputting information regarding each of the derived optimal charging maps via a predefined GUI; and The step of controlling the battery to charge through the optimal charging map corresponding to the user selection signal when a user selection signal for any one of the aforementioned optimal charging maps is received, is included. The aforementioned charging target is, A target charge value that includes one or more of the following: target charge amount, target charging time, and target battery temperature at the time of completion of charging; or Includes charging priority items, including one or more of the following: maximum charge capacity, minimum charging time, and maximum performance. The step of deriving the aforementioned multiple optimal charging maps is: The step includes deriving the optimal charging map that satisfies the charging target from among multiple charging maps already stored, The step of deriving the aforementioned multiple optimal charging maps is: A step of generating charge prediction information for each of the multiple charge maps already stored using a predefined battery behavior prediction model; and A battery charging control method comprising the step of selecting N optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target based on the generated charging prediction information.

10. A battery charging control method using a battery charging control device, If user input information including a charging target is received, the process involves deriving multiple optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target based on the battery status information and the charger status information; The steps include: outputting information regarding each of the derived optimal charging maps via a predefined GUI; and The step of controlling the battery to charge through the optimal charging map corresponding to the user selection signal when a user selection signal for any one of the aforementioned optimal charging maps is received, is included. The step of deriving the aforementioned multiple optimal charging maps is: The step includes deriving the optimal charging map that satisfies the charging target from among multiple charging maps already stored, The step of deriving the aforementioned multiple optimal charging maps is: A step of generating charge prediction information for each of the multiple charge maps already stored using a predefined battery behavior prediction model; and A battery charging control method comprising the step of selecting N optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target based on the generated charging prediction information.

11. The step of generating the aforementioned charging prediction information is: A battery charging control method according to claim 9 or 10, comprising the step of predicting one or more of the following when charging proceeds according to a charging map: the time to complete charging, the amount of charge at the time of completion, the battery temperature at the time of completion, and the cumulative amount of polarization value.

12. The step of deriving the aforementioned multiple optimal charging maps is: A battery charging control method according to claim 9 or 10, comprising the step of selecting one or more of the charging maps that satisfy the charging target, from among a first charging map that can charge in the minimum time, a second charging map that can charge with the maximum charge amount, a third charging map that satisfies a predefined maximum performance condition, and a fourth charging map that satisfies a predefined maximum life condition.

13. The step of deriving the aforementioned multiple optimal charging maps is: If the charging target is a target charge amount or a maximum charge amount, the step is to determine one or more of the first charging map, the third charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map; If the charging target is a target charging time or a minimum charging time, the step of determining one or more of the second charging map, the third charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map; and The battery charging control method according to claim 12, further comprising one or more steps of determining one or more of the first charging map, the second charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map, if the charging target is a target battery temperature or maximum performance at the time of completion of charging.

14. The step of outputting via the GUI is: The battery charging control method according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising the step of outputting identification information and charging prediction information for each of the N optimal charging maps.

15. The step of outputting via the GUI is: The battery charging control method according to claim 14, further comprising the step of outputting each of the aforementioned optimal charging maps according to a predefined priority order.

16. The step of controlling the charging of the battery is: The battery charging control method according to claim 15, further comprising the step of controlling the battery to be charged through an optimal charging map defined as first priority if the user selection signal is not received within a predefined time.

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