Battery module including battery management system

Abstract

The battery module includes a plurality of battery cells including a first battery cell and a second battery cell, a master battery management system (BMS) for managing the plurality of battery cells, a bus bar connecting the plurality of battery cells and connected to the master BMS, and a switch configured to electrically connect or disconnect the first battery cell and the second battery cell. The first battery cell includes a first cell controller. The first cell controller is configured to acquire first data related to deterioration of the first battery cell, and, when it is determined that the first battery cell has deteriorated based on the first data, to control the switch to electrically disconnect the first battery cell from the second battery cell.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery module including a battery management system. [Background technology]

[0002] A battery module may consist of multiple electrically connected battery cells. These battery cells may be connected in series and / or parallel to one another. Each of the battery cells may age at a different rate.

[0003] A battery module may include a battery management system (BMS) for monitoring the status of multiple battery cells. The battery management system can monitor the multiple battery cells that make up the battery module and can send and receive data signals to and from multiple battery cells in order to control the operation of the battery cells. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] For a Battery Management System (BMS) to monitor and control each of the battery cells, the BMS and the battery cells must be electrically connected to each other. For example, a battery module may include a wire harness that electrically connects the BMS to each of the battery cells. As the number of battery cells constituting the battery module increases, the number and length of the wire harness may also increase. Therefore, the design of the battery module may become more complex and heavier.

[0005] A Battery Management System (BMS) can manage the State of Health (SOH) of multiple battery cells. If some of the battery cells are degraded, the overall performance of the battery module may decrease. The BMS can identify degraded battery cells and isolate them from the others. However, identifying degraded battery cells is difficult, and separate experiments, such as performing separate charge and discharge cycles, may be required to measure the SOH of each of the multiple battery cells. Furthermore, if the BMS identifies a degraded battery cell, it may be necessary to interrupt the operation of the entire system and directly isolate the degraded battery cell.

[0006] The technical problems to be addressed herein are not limited to those described herein, and other technical problems not described herein can be clearly understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A battery module according to one embodiment may include a plurality of battery cells, a master battery management system (BMS), a busbar, and a switch. The plurality of battery cells may include a first battery cell and a second battery cell. The master BMS may be configured to manage the plurality of battery cells. The busbar may connect the plurality of battery cells to each other. The busbar may be electrically connected to the master BMS. The switch may be configured to electrically connect or electrically disconnect the first battery cell and the second battery cell. The first battery cell may include a first cell controller configured to communicate with the master BMS via the busbar. The first cell controller may be configured to acquire first data related to the degradation of the first battery cell. The first cell controller may be configured to control the switch to electrically isolate the first battery cell from a second battery cell that is distinct from the first battery cell by determining the degradation of the first battery cell based on the first data.

[0008] A battery module according to one embodiment may include a plurality of battery cells, a master battery management system, a busbar, a plurality of cell controllers, and a switch. The plurality of battery cells may include a first battery cell and a second battery cell. The master BMS may be configured to manage the plurality of battery cells. The busbar may connect the plurality of battery cells to each other. The busbar may be electrically connected to the master BMS. The plurality of cell controllers may be located in each of the plurality of battery cells and may be configured to communicate with the master BMS via the busbar. The switch may be configured to electrically connect or isolate the first battery cell and the second battery cell. The master BMS may be configured to set a reference range based on data related to the degradation of each of the plurality of battery cells. The master BMS may be configured to identify a degraded battery cell among the plurality of battery cells based on the reference range. The master BMS may be configured to control the switch via one of the plurality of cell controllers to electrically isolate the degraded battery cell from the other battery cells based on the identification of the degraded battery cell. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] In one embodiment, the battery module allows the master BMS and each of the multiple battery cells to communicate via a busbar, thus eliminating the need for a separate wire harness. According to this embodiment, omitting the wire harness simplifies the design and reduces weight.

[0010] The effects obtained by this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned above can be clearly understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic block diagram of a battery module according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic block diagram of a cell controller according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] An example of a first battery cell constituting a battery module according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 4] An example of a data packet of signals transmitted and received via a cell controller of a battery module according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 5] This shows an example of the transmission and reception operation of data signals from multiple battery cells in a battery module according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] An example of a battery module according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 7] An example of a battery module switch according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation by which a master BMS of a battery module, according to one embodiment, isolates a degraded battery cell. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation by a cell controller of a battery module according to one embodiment for separating a degraded battery cell. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation by which a master BMS of a battery module, according to one embodiment, isolates degraded battery cells based on data written to the cell controller's memory. [Figure 11] [Figure 11a] An example of a switch in a battery module according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 11b] An example of a switch in a battery module according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation by which a master BMS of a battery module, according to one embodiment, isolates a degraded battery cell. [Figure 13]This is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of a master BMS setting a reference range. [Figure 14] This is a flow chart showing an example of an operation for isolating a deteriorated battery cell by a cell controller of a battery module according to an embodiment. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a battery module according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a cell controller according to an embodiment.

[0013] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery module 100 according to an embodiment may include a plurality of battery cells 120 connected in series with each other, and a master battery management system (BMS, battery management system) 110 operatively coupled to the plurality of battery cells 120. The plurality of battery cells 120 may be connected in series with each other to constitute the battery module 100. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of battery cells 120 are connected to a load via an inverter or a pulse generator, and thus can operate as a driving source for the load. The circuits described below may sometimes mean a circuit including interconnected circuit elements to provide a specific function.

[0014] According to one embodiment, multiple battery cells 120 may be connected in series with each other. Referring to Figure 1, the first battery cell 120-1 may be connected to the master BMS 110. The second battery cell 120-2 may be connected to the first battery cell 120-2. The third battery cell 120-3 may be connected to the second battery cell 120-2. According to one embodiment, the first battery cell 120-1 to the nth battery cell 120-n can be connected in series sequentially in a first direction D1. For example, the negative terminal of the first battery cell 120-1 can be electrically connected to the positive terminal of the second battery cell 120-2. The negative terminal of the second battery cell 120-2 can be electrically connected to the positive terminal of the third battery cell 120-3. When multiple battery cells 120 are connected in series with each other, the voltage of the entire system can be set as the sum of the voltages of each of the battery cells 120 that make up the multiple battery cells 120. In Figure 1, multiple battery cells 120 are shown aligned in a first direction D1, but this is for illustrative purposes only and is not limited to illustrating the electrical connections between the multiple battery cells 120. For example, a battery module 100 can be formed by stacking and assembling multiple battery cells 120 together.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 can be configured to control the overall operation of multiple battery cells 120. According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 can be configured to communicate with multiple cell controllers 200 of multiple battery cells 120 via a busbar (e.g., busbar 500 in Figure 6) for connecting the multiple battery cells 120, without a separate wire harness. The master BMS 110 may be configured to acquire information about the state of health (SOH) of each of the multiple battery cells 120 via the busbar. For example, the master BMS 110 may be configured to acquire information about the voltage and / or current of each of the multiple battery cells 120 via the busbar. For example, the master BMS 110 can be configured to acquire information about the state of health (SOH), such as the remaining capacity (state of charge, SOC), SOH, and temperature of each of the multiple battery cells 120 via the busbar. For example, the master BMS 110 can be configured to send signals via busbars to multiple cell controllers 200 located within the multiple battery cells 120 to request charging and / or discharging for each of the multiple battery cells 120.

[0016] A master BMS 110 according to one embodiment may include a plurality of cell controllers 200 located in each battery cell 120 to collect information regarding the state of a plurality of battery cells 120. For example, a first battery cell 120-1 may include a first cell controller 200-1 located within the first battery cell 120-1. A second battery cell 120-2 may include a second cell controller 200-2 located within the second battery cell 120-2. For example, the plurality of cell controllers 200 may be located on the power lines within the plurality of battery cells 120. The plurality of cell controllers 200 may be configured to transmit and / or receive data using the power lines as a transmission medium. According to one embodiment, the plurality of battery cells 120 can transmit signals containing information about each state to the master BMS 110 using the plurality of cell controllers 200. The master BMS 110 can transmit signals to each of the multiple battery cells 120 to request the operation of each of the multiple battery cells 120 and / or signals to request information regarding the State of Health (SOH) of each of the multiple battery cells 120, using multiple cell controllers 200.

[0017] Referring to Figure 2, the master BMS 110 can include a communication circuit 210, a charge / discharge control circuit 220, a monitoring circuit 230, a notification circuit 240, and a memory 119.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the communication circuit 210 can transmit and / or receive signals via busbars to the cell communication modules 125 of a plurality of battery cells 120. The communication circuit 210 may be connected to a power line for data signal transmission and power supply to the battery cells 120.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the charge / discharge control circuit 220 can control the charging and / or discharging of a plurality of battery cells 120. For example, the charge / discharge control circuit 220 can perform functions to monitor the voltage and remaining capacity (state of charge, SOC) of the secondary batteries (e.g., secondary battery 121 in Figure 3) within the plurality of battery cells 120, functions to control the charging and discharging of the plurality of battery cells 120, and functions to prevent overcharging and over-discharging.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the monitoring circuit 230 may be configured to monitor the status of multiple battery cells 120. When an abnormal condition occurs, the monitoring circuit 230 can notify the system of the abnormality of the battery cells 120 via the notification circuit 240. For example, the notification circuit 240 can be connected to a display or LED (Light Emitting Diode) that emits a visual signal. For example, the notification circuit 240 can be connected to a speaker that emits an auditory signal. However, it is not limited to these.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the memory 119 may be configured to store various information relating to a plurality of battery cells 120. For example, the memory 119 can store a unique ID and status for each of the plurality of battery cells 120. For example, the memory 119 can store an ID table of the battery cells 120, which will be described later. For example, the memory 119 can store information regarding the charge / discharge record, charge capacity, and remaining lifespan of the battery cells 120.

[0022] According to one embodiment, an ID can be assigned to each of the multiple battery cells 120. Signals transmitted from the master BMS 110 and signals transmitted from the battery cells 120 can include information about the ID assigned to each of the multiple battery cells 120. According to one embodiment, when a signal is received by multiple cell controllers 200 from the master BMS 110, the multiple cell controllers 200 may be configured to identify the information about the ID contained in the signal. Based on the identified information about the ID, the multiple cell controllers 200 may be configured to identify the battery cell to which the signal received from the master BMS 110 is to be received.

[0023] For example, when the master BMS 110 sends a signal to the third battery cell 120-3 to request a specified operation, the master BMS 110 may send a signal to the first battery cell 120-1 that includes information about the ID assigned to the third battery cell 120-3. A first cell controller 200-1 located within the first battery cell 120-1 may be configured to receive the signal and identify the information about the ID contained in the signal. The first cell controller 200-1 may identify that the information about the ID contained in the signal does not match the information about the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1, and based on that identification, may send the signal to the second battery cell 120-2. A second cell controller 200-2 located within the second battery cell 120-2 may be configured to receive the signal and identify the information about the ID contained in the signal. The second cell controller 200-2 may identify that the ID information contained in the signal does not match the ID information assigned to the second battery cell 120-2, and based on that identification, transmit the signal to the third battery cell 120-3. The third cell controller 200-3, located within the third battery cell 120-3, may be configured to receive the signal and identify the ID information contained in the signal. The third cell controller 200-3 may identify that the ID information contained in the signal matches the ID information assigned to the third battery cell 120-3, and based on that identification, can identify the specified operation contained in the signal. The third cell controller 200-3 may be configured to perform at least one operation corresponding to the specified operation in order to perform the specified operation.

[0024] For example, if a signal containing information about the state of the first battery cell 120-1 is transmitted to the master BMS 110, the master BMS 110 can identify that the signal relates to the first battery cell 120-1 through the information about the ID contained in the signal. For example, if multiple battery cells 120 receive a signal containing information about the charging and / or discharging signals of the first battery cell 120-1, the multiple battery cells 120 can identify that the signal relates to the first battery cell 120-1 through the information about the ID contained in the signal.

[0025] In one embodiment, the battery module 100 can communicate via a busbar connecting multiple battery cells 120, so the design for transmitting and / or receiving communication between the master BMS 110 and the multiple battery cells 120 can be simplified.

[0026] According to one embodiment, when the master BMS 110 transmits a signal to a specific battery cell (e.g., a second battery cell 120-2), the signal can be transmitted through other battery cells (e.g., a first battery cell 120-1) other than the battery cell that is receiving the signal (e.g., a second battery cell 120-2). Furthermore, when a specific battery cell (e.g., a second battery cell 120-2) transmits a signal to the master BMS 110, the signal can be transmitted to the master BMS 110 through at least one other battery cell (e.g., a first battery cell 120-1).

[0027] For example, if the master BMS 110 sends a signal to the third battery cell 120-3 requesting information about the status of the third battery cell 120-3, the master BMS 110 will send a signal S to the first battery cell 120-1 connected to the master BMS 110. 01 The signal S can be transmitted. 01 The signal S may be transmitted in the first direction D1. 01is transmitted to the first battery cell 120-1 connected to the master BMS 110, and then can be changed to a signal S transmitted from the first battery cell 120-1 to the second battery cell 120-2 12 . The signal S transmitted from the first battery cell 120-1 to the second battery cell 120-2 12 is transmitted to the second battery cell 120-2, and then can be changed to a signal S transmitted from the second battery cell 120-2 to the third battery cell 120-3 23 .

[0028] For example, when the third battery cell 120-3 transmits a signal including information about the state of the third battery cell 120-3 to the master BMS 110, the signal can be transmitted in the second direction D2. A signal S transmitted from the third battery cell 120-3 to the second battery cell 120-2 32 may be transmitted to the second battery cell 120-2. The signal S transmitted from the third battery cell 120-3 to the second battery cell 120-2 32 is transmitted to the second battery cell 120-2, and then can be changed to a signal S transmitted from the second battery cell 120-2 to the first battery cell 120-1 21 . The signal S transmitted from the second battery cell 120-2 to the first battery cell 120-1 21 is transmitted to the first battery cell 120-1, and then can be changed to a signal S transmitted from the first battery cell 120-1 to the master BMS 110 10 . The master BMS 110 receives said signal S 10 and can acquire information about the state of the third battery cell included in the signal S 10 .

[0029] As a signal passes through the battery cells 120 sequentially, the internal impedance of each battery cell (e.g., the internal resistance of the battery cell) can reduce the signal strength. Since the signal strength decreases each time the signal passes through a battery cell 120, it is necessary to maintain signal strength when transmitting a signal through multiple battery cells 120. Also, since signal collisions can occur if signals are transmitted in different directions, it is necessary to set the direction of signal transmission.

[0030] Figure 3 shows an example of a first battery cell constituting a battery module according to one embodiment. The components described below for the first battery cell 120-1 can be similarly applied to other battery cells.

[0031] Referring to Figure 3, the first battery cell 120-1 may include a secondary battery 121, a protection circuit 123, and a first cell controller 200-1.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the secondary battery 121 can store electrical energy. The secondary battery 121 can be charged with electrical energy and discharge the charged electrical energy and may include a negative electrode material, a positive electrode material, a separator membrane, and an electrolyte. According to one embodiment, the first battery cell 120-1 may include at least one secondary battery 121.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the protection circuit module (PCM) 123 is a protection circuit for the secondary battery 121 that can prevent over-discharge, over-charge, and overcurrent of the secondary battery 121. Overcharging of the secondary battery 121 can cause internal overheating and swelling, potentially damaging the secondary battery 121. Over-discharging of the secondary battery 121 can damage the electrodes, potentially causing failure of the secondary battery 121. To prevent damage and / or failure of the secondary battery 121, the protection circuit 123 can shut off the charging circuit based on its detection of the voltage of the secondary battery 121 reaching the charging limit voltage, and can shut off the discharge circuit based on its detection of the voltage of the secondary battery 121 reaching the discharge limit voltage. According to one embodiment, the protection circuit 123 can acquire information regarding the state of the secondary battery 121 and provide the acquired information to the first cell controller 200-1.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 is connected between the protection circuit 123 and the secondary battery 121 and can be configured to receive signals from or transmit signals from the master BMS 110. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may, but is not limited to, be connected to the power lines in the first battery cell 120-1.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 can obtain information regarding the state of the secondary battery 121 from the protection circuit 123. For example, the information regarding the state of the secondary battery 121 may include, but is not limited to, information regarding the voltage, current, and temperature of the secondary battery 121. The first cell controller 200-1 is electrically coupled to the protection circuit 123 and can receive information regarding the state of the secondary battery 121 from the protection circuit 123. The first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to transmit the received information regarding the state of the secondary battery 121 to the master BMS 110.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 can receive a signal from the master BMS 110 via a busbar (e.g., busbar 500 in Figure 6). When the first cell controller 200-1 receives a signal from the master BMS 110, the signal is transmitted through a plurality of interconnected battery cells (e.g., a plurality of first battery cells 120-1 in Figure 1), so that the signal strength can be reduced. For example, when a signal is transmitted from the master BMS 110 to a third battery cell 120-3, the signal can be transmitted to the third battery cell 120-3 by passing through the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2. When the signal is transmitted, the internal impedance of the first battery cell 120-1 and the internal impedance of the second battery cell 120-2 can reduce the signal strength.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 can identify whether the target of a signal received from the master BMS 110 is the first battery cell 120-1. The signal may include information about a target ID, which is information about the ID of the first battery cell 120-1 that is the target of the signal reception. The first cell controller 200-1 can compare the target ID included in the signal received from the master BMS 110 with an ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. Based on identifying that the target ID corresponds to an ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1, the first cell controller 200-1 can perform an operation corresponding to the signal. Based on identifying that the target ID does not correspond to an ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to amplify the signal and then transmit it to a second battery cell connected to the first battery cell 120-1 (for example, the second battery cell 120-2 in Figure 1).

[0038] For example, if the master BMS 110 sends a signal to the first battery cell 120-1 requesting information about the state of the first battery cell 120-1, the first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1, which is connected in series with the master BMS 110, can receive the signal. The signal may include information about a target ID set to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1 can identify the target ID included in the received signal and determine whether the identified target ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. If it determines that the identified target ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1, the first cell controller 200-1 can generate a signal containing information about the state of the first battery cell 120-1 and be configured to send the generated signal to the master BMS 110.

[0039] For example, if the master BMS 110 sends a signal to the second battery cell 120-2 requesting information about the status of the second battery cell 120-2, the first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1 connected in series with the master BMS 110 can receive the signal. The first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1 can identify the target ID included in the received signal and determine whether the identified target ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. If it determines that the identified target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to amplify the signal and then transmit it to the second battery cell 120-2 connected in series with the first battery cell 120-1. A second cell controller of the second battery cell 120-2 (for example, the second cell controller 200-2 in Figure 1) can generate a signal containing information about the state of the second battery cell 120-2, based on the identification that the target ID included in the signal corresponds to the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2. The second cell controller 200-2 may be configured to transmit the generated signal to the master BMS 110.

[0040] Referring to Figure 3, the first cell controller 200-1 may include a microprocessor 201 for controlling the transmission and / or reception of signals, an amplification circuit 202 for amplifying the signals transmitted and / or received by the microprocessor 201, and a switch SW for controlling the signal transmission path.

[0041] According to one embodiment, a signal transmitted to and / or received by the first cell controller 200-1 can be transmitted and / or received after being amplified via the amplification circuit 202. When a signal is received from outside the first cell controller 200-1, a switch SW can be closed to allow the signal to be received by the microprocessor 201, thereby providing a signal receiving path. When a signal is transmitted from the first cell controller 200-1, a switch SW can be closed to allow the signal to be transmitted from the microprocessor 201, thereby providing a signal transmission path.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 can be connected between the protection circuit 123 and the secondary battery 121. Referring to Figure 3, the first cell controller 200-1 may include a first stage 125a connected to the positive electrode tab 121a of the secondary battery 121 and the first stage 123a of the protection circuit 123, and a second stage 125b connected to the negative electrode tab 121b of the secondary battery 121 and the second stage 123b of the protection circuit 123. Signals to be transmitted to the first battery cell 120-1 can be transmitted to the first cell controller 200-1 via the first stage 125a of the first cell controller 200-1. The first cell controller 200-1 can identify signals received from the master BMS 110 based on the potential difference V2-V1 between the second stage 125b of the first cell controller 200-1 and the first stage 125a of the first cell controller 200-1. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 can detect the potential V2 of the second stage 125b of the first cell controller 200-1 and the potential V1 of the first stage 125a of the first cell controller 200-1, identify a signal by the potential difference V2-V1, and receive and / or transmit the signal.

[0043] According to one embodiment, if the target ID included in the received signal does not correspond to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1, the first cell controller 200-1 may apply an amplified signal to the first stage 125a of the first cell controller 200-1 in order to transmit the signal to the second battery cell 120-2. The amplified signal applied to the first stage 125a of the first cell controller 200-1 can be transmitted to the second battery cell 120-2 via the secondary battery 121. Therefore, even if the signal passes through the first battery cell 120-1, it is amplified by the first stage 125a of the first cell controller 200-1, so the signal can maintain a constant strength while passing through a plurality of interconnected battery cells 120.

[0044] In one embodiment, the battery module 100, with its multiple interconnected battery cells 120, simplifies the transmission and / or reception structure of communication signals between battery cells, ensuring power supply stability while maintaining signal strength using multiple cell controllers 200.

[0045] Figure 4 shows an example of a data packet of signals transmitted and received via a cell controller of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0046] Signals transmitted and received via multiple cell controllers 200 of a battery module according to one embodiment (for example, the battery module 100 in Figure 1) may include information for setting the direction. Referring to Figure 4, the data packet 300 of the signal may include information regarding the start of header (SOH) 301, the direction of signal transmission (DIR) 302, the target ID (TAR_ID) 303, the transmit ID (TX_ID) 304, the string length (LEN) 305, the command (CMD) 306 indicating the instruction for the actual operation, the payload 307 which is the data to be transmitted, and the cyclic redundancy check (CRC) 308 for checking for errors. For example, if DIR 302 is 0, the direction of signal transmission may be the first direction in Figure 1 (for example, the first direction D1 in Figure 1), and if DIR 302 is 1, the direction of signal transmission may be the second direction in Figure 1 (for example, the second direction D2 in Figure 1). However, it is not limited thereto. TX_ID304 indicates the ID assigned to the battery management system that transmitted the signal (e.g., the master BMS110 in Figure 1) or to the multiple battery cells (e.g., the multiple battery cells 120 in Figure 1). TAR_ID303 may indicate the ID assigned to the master BMS110 or the multiple battery cells 120 that received the signal.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the CMD306 included in the data packet 300 may include information related to a specific operation. Referring to Figure 4, the CMD306 may include packet 306a containing information for requesting the assignment of an ID to each of the multiple battery cells 120, and packet 306b containing information for requesting the reset of preassigned IDs to the multiple battery cells 120. For example, the multiple battery cells 120 may send a data signal to the master BMS 110 in which packet 306a is input as 1 in order to request the assignment of an ID. In addition to packets 306a and 306b, the CMD306 may include packet 306c containing various information. For example, the master BMS 110 may send a data signal to the first battery cell (e.g., the first battery cell 120-1 in Figure 1) containing information requesting information about the state of the first battery cell 120-1. Based on receiving the data signal, the first battery cell 120-1 can transmit information regarding its status to the master BMS 110.

[0048] According to one embodiment, when a signal is transmitted to any of the multiple battery cells 120, a cell controller located in one of the multiple cell controllers (for example, the multiple cell controllers 200 in Figure 1) can compare the DIR 302 with the ID assigned to any of the battery cells.

[0049] For example, if DIR302 is 0, and the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2 does not match TAR_ID303, and the battery cell having the ID corresponding to TAR_ID303 is located in the first direction D1 more than the battery cell having the ID corresponding to TX_ID304, the second cell controller 200-2 may ignore the received signal. In the above example, the signal is mistakenly transmitted in the opposite direction to the transmission direction of the signal, so the second cell controller 200-2 may ignore the received signal.

[0050] For example, if DIR302 is 1, and the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2 does not match TAR_ID303, and the battery cell having the ID corresponding to TAR_ID303 is located in the second direction D2 more than the battery cell having the ID corresponding to TX_ID304, the second cell controller 200-2 can transmit the signal in the second direction D2. As mentioned above, the second cell controller 200-2 can transmit the signal after amplifying it. In the above example, since the signal is transmitted in the transmission direction of the signal, the second cell controller 200-2 can amplify the received signal and then transmit it in the second direction D2 so that it can be transmitted to the battery cell having the ID matching TAR_ID303. The signals are transmitted sequentially until the battery cell whose ID matches TAR_ID303 is reached, and the corresponding operation can be performed in the corresponding battery cell.

[0051] For example, if the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2 matches TAR_ID303, the second cell controller 200-2 can perform the specified operation based on the CMD306 included in the data packet 300 of the signal.

[0052] According to one embodiment, in a battery module 100 including a plurality of battery cells 120 connected to each other, signals can be smoothly transmitted and received between the master BMS 110 and the plurality of battery cells 120. Through signals including information on the direction of signal transmission and target ID, the battery module 100 according to one embodiment can prevent signal collisions due to series connection.

[0053] Figure 5 shows an example of the data signal transmission and reception operation of multiple battery cells in a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0054] The operation shown in Figure 5 assumes that IDs are assigned sequentially to multiple battery cells 120 connected in series to the master BMS 110. In the operation shown in Figure 5, it is assumed that the ID assigned to the master BMS 110 is 0 (ID=0), the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1 is 1 (ID=1), the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2 is 2 (ID=2), and the ID assigned to the third battery cell 120-3 is 3 (ID=3).

[0055] Referring to Figure 5, the master BMS 110 can generate a data signal 401a to transmit a data signal to the third battery cell 120-3, and transmit the generated data signal 401a to the first battery cell 120-1. The data signal 401a may include information about the target ID, information about the transmission ID, and information about the transmission direction. Referring to Figure 5, the data signal 401a may include information that the target ID is 3, the transmission ID is 0, and the transmission direction is the first direction D1.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the first battery cell 120-1 can receive a data signal 401b from the master BMS 110. The first cell controller of the first battery cell 120-1 (for example, the first cell controller 200-1 in Figure 1) can identify the information regarding the target ID contained in the data signal 401b and compare it with the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. Since the information regarding the target ID contained in the data signal 401b is 3, the first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1 can identify that the target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1 and can transmit a data signal 402a to the second battery cell 120-2. The data signal 402a may include information that the target ID is 3, the transmission ID is 1, and the transmission direction is the first direction D1.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the second battery cell 120-2 can receive a data signal 402b from the first battery cell 120-1. The second cell controller of the second battery cell 120-2 (for example, the second cell controller 200-2 in Figure 1) can identify information regarding the target ID contained in the data signal 402b and compare it with the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2. Since the information regarding the target ID contained in the data signal 402b is 3, the second cell controller 200-2 of the second battery cell 120-2 can identify that the target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2 and can transmit a data signal 403a to the third battery cell 120-3. The data signal 403a may include information that the target ID is 3, the transmission ID is 2, and the transmission direction is the first direction D1.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the third battery cell 120-3 can receive a data signal 403b from the second battery cell 120-2. The third cell controller of the third battery cell 120-3 (for example, the third cell controller 200-3 in Figure 1) can identify information regarding the target ID contained in the data signal 403b and compare it with the ID assigned to the third battery cell 120-3. Since the information regarding the target ID contained in the data signal 403b is 3, the third cell controller 200-3 of the third battery cell 120-3 can identify that the target ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the third battery cell 120-3 and can perform an operation corresponding to the data signal 403b.

[0059] According to one embodiment, when the first battery cell 120-1 receives a data signal 403b from the second battery cell 120-2, the first cell controller 200-1 can check the information contained in the data signal 403b. Since the transmission ID contained in the data signal 403b is 2 and the transmission direction is the first direction D1, the first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1 may ignore the data signal 403b.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the third battery cell 120-3 can perform an operation corresponding to the information contained in the data signal 403b. If the information contained in the data signal 403b includes a request for information regarding the state of the third battery cell 120-3, the third battery cell 120-3 can transmit a data signal 404a containing information regarding the state of the third battery cell 120-3 to the second battery cell 120-2. The data signal 404a may include information regarding the target ID, information regarding the transmission ID, and information regarding the transmission direction. Referring to Figure 5, the data signal 404a may include information that the target ID is 0, the transmission ID is 3, and the transmission direction is the second direction D2.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the second battery cell 120-2 can receive a data signal 404b from the third battery cell 120-3. The second cell controller 200-2 of the second battery cell 120-2 can identify information regarding the target ID contained in the data signal 404b and compare it with the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2. Since the information regarding the target ID contained in the data signal 404b is 0, the second cell controller 200-2 of the second battery cell 120-2 can identify that the target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2 and can transmit a data signal 405a to the first battery cell 120-1. The data signal 405a may include information that the target ID is 0, the transmission ID is 2, and the transmission direction is the second direction D2.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the first battery cell 120-1 can receive a data signal 405b from the second battery cell 120-2. The first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1 can identify information regarding the target ID contained in the data signal 405b and compare it with the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1. Since the information regarding the target ID contained in the data signal 405b is 0, the first cell controller 200-1 of the first battery cell 120-1 can identify that the target ID does not correspond to the ID assigned to the first battery cell 120-1 and can transmit a data signal 406a to the master BMS 110. The data signal 406a may include information that the target ID is 0, the transmission ID is 1, and the transmission direction is the second direction D2.

[0063] According to one embodiment, when the third battery cell 120-3 receives a data signal 405b from the second battery cell 120-2, the third cell controller 200-3 of the third battery cell 120-3 can check the information contained in the data signal 405b. Since the transmission ID contained in the data signal 405b is 2 and the transmission direction is the second direction D2, the third cell controller 200-3 of the third battery cell 120-3 may ignore the data signal 405b.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 can receive a data signal 406b from the first battery cell 120-1. The master BMS 110 can identify information regarding the target ID contained in the data signal 406b and compare it with the ID assigned to the master BMS 110. Since the information regarding the target ID contained in the data signal 406b is 0, the master BMS 110 can identify that the target ID corresponds to the ID assigned to the master BMS 110. The master BMS 110 can receive the data signal 406b.

[0065] According to one embodiment, when the second battery cell 120-2 receives a data signal 406b from the first battery cell 120-1, the second cell controller 200-2 of the second battery cell 120-2 can check the information contained in the data signal 406b. Since the transmission ID contained in the data signal 406b is 1 and the transmission direction is the second direction D2, the second cell controller 200-2 of the second battery cell 120-2 may ignore the data signal 406b.

[0066] As described above, the signal transmission structure between the master BMS 110 and multiple battery cells 120 connected to each other can be easily implemented via multiple cell controllers (for example, multiple cell controllers 200 in Figure 1). According to one embodiment, the information contained in the transmitted and received signals can prevent errors in signal transmission and improve accuracy.

[0067] Figure 6 shows an example of a battery module according to one embodiment. Figure 7 shows an example of a switch in a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0068] Referring to Figure 6, a battery module 100 according to one embodiment may include a plurality of battery cells 120, a master battery management system 110, a busbar 500, and a switch 600.

[0069] A battery module 100 according to one embodiment may include a master BMS 110 for managing a plurality of battery cells 120. The plurality of battery cells 120 and the master BMS 110 can refer to the plurality of battery cells 120 and the master BMS 110 described above. The contents described with reference to Figures 1 to 5 can be similarly applied to the battery module 100 described below, so redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the busbar 500 can connect multiple battery cells 120. For example, when multiple battery cells 120 are connected in series, the busbar 500 can connect the positive terminal of one battery cell to the negative terminal of the other battery cell. The busbar 500 shown in Figure 6 is shown as part of the connection line between multiple battery cells 120, but it may be placed over the entire connection line between multiple battery cells 120. The busbar 500 can be electrically connected to a master BMS 110. For example, the master BMS 110 and at least some of the multiple battery cells 120 may be connected to each other via the busbar 500. However, it is not limited to this.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 may be configured to communicate with a plurality of battery cells 120 via the bus bar 500. The master BMS 110 can transmit signals to a plurality of cell controllers 200 via the bus bar 500, and the plurality of cell controllers 200 can transmit signals to the master BMS 110 via the bus bar 500. For example, when the master BMS 110 transmits a signal to a second battery cell 120-2, the signal can be transmitted to the second battery cell 120-2 via the bus bar 500.

[0072] As shown in Figure 1, when the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 are connected in series, the signal can pass through the first battery cell 120-1 and be transmitted to the second battery cell 120-2. The signal may include information about the ID assigned to the second battery cell 120-2 that receives the signal (for example, TAR_ID303 in Figure 3). The first cell controller 200-1 can identify the information, amplify the received signal, and then transmit it to the second battery cell 120-2.

[0073] As shown in Figure 6, when the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 are connected in parallel, the signal can be transmitted directly from the master BMS 110 to the second battery cell 120-2. However, it is not limited to this. The transmission and / or reception operations of the signal can be described by referring to the operations described with reference to Figures 1 to 5, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the switch 600 may be configured to electrically connect or disconnect any of the plurality of battery cells 120 from the remaining battery cells. According to one embodiment, the switch 600 can electrically connect or disconnect the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2.

[0075] Referring to Figure 7, the switch 600 may include a first switch 600-1 connected to both ends of the first battery cell 120-1, a second switch 600-2, a third switch 600-3 connected to both ends of the second battery cell 120-2, a fourth switch 600-4, a fifth switch 600-5 connected to both ends of the third battery cell 120-3, and a sixth switch 600-6. For example, when the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 are open, the first battery cell 120-1 can be electrically isolated from the second battery cell 120-2 and the third battery cell 120-3. For example, when the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 are closed, the first battery cell 120-1 can be electrically connected to the second battery cell 120-2 and the third battery cell 120-3. Even when the first battery cell 120-1 is electrically isolated from the second battery cell 120-2 and the third battery cell 120-3, the second battery cell 120-2 and the third battery cell 120-3 can be configured to supply power to a load. However, the form and location of the switch 600 are not limited to those shown in the drawings. The switch 600 may be located outside the battery cell or inside the battery cell.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the switch 600 can be controlled by a master BMS 110 and / or a plurality of cell controllers 200. For example, a first cell controller 200-1 located in a first battery cell 120-1 can be configured to control a first switch 600-1 and a second switch 600-2 located at both ends of the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 can be controlled to open or close the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 can directly and / or indirectly control the switch 600. For example, the master BMS 110 can directly transmit a signal to the switch 600 to control its operation. For example, the master BMS 110 can transmit a signal to control the operation of the switch 600 to a first cell controller 200-1 among a plurality of cell controllers 200. The first cell controller 200-1, upon receiving the signal, can be configured to control the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 based on the signal.

[0078] According to one embodiment, each of the multiple cell controllers 200 may be configured to acquire data related to the degradation of the multiple battery cells 120. The data related to the degradation of the multiple battery cells 120 can mean various data that quantitatively represent the degree of the battery's SOH (state of health). According to one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire data relating to at least one of the voltage, current, temperature, and changes in SOC (state of charge) due to charging and / or discharging of the first battery cell 120-1. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 can identify changes in the SOC (state of charge) of the first battery cell 120-1 when the first battery cell 120-1 is being charged. The first cell controller 200-1 can acquire data that includes information relating to changes in the SOC of the battery cell over time. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 can identify changes in the SOC of the first battery cell 120-1 when the first battery cell 120-1 is being discharged. The first cell controller 200-1 can acquire data including information regarding the change in the state of charge (SOC) of the battery cell over time. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 can identify the temperature of the first battery cell 120-1 when it is in operation. The first cell controller 200-1 can acquire data including information regarding the temperature change of the first battery cell 120-1 according to the operating time.

[0079] According to one embodiment, if it is determined that the first battery cell 120-1 has deteriorated, the first battery cell 120-1 may be electrically isolated from the other battery cells. The deterioration of the first battery cell 120-1 can be determined by the master BMS 110 and / or the first cell controller 200-1, but is not limited to this.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 can be configured to control the switch 600 to electrically isolate the first battery cell 120-1 from the second battery cell 120-2 when it is determined that the first battery cell 120-1 has deteriorated. When the first battery cell 120-1 deteriorates, the battery module 100 including the first battery cell 120-1 may degrade the performance of the battery module 100 when it is in operation. For example, when the battery module 100 is being charged, if the voltage of the deteriorated first battery cell 120-1 falls below the steady-state voltage, the voltage of the second battery cell 120-2 may decrease to match the voltage of the first battery cell 120-1 due to cell balancing. In the above case, the steady-state voltage of the second battery cell 120-2 is consumed, which may reduce energy efficiency. For example, when the battery module 100 is operating, if the temperature of a degraded first battery cell 120-1 is higher than the steady-state temperature, the first battery cell 120-1 may cause the temperature of the battery module 100 to rise. As the temperature of the battery module 100 rises, a fire may occur, or the safety system of the device using the battery module 100 (e.g., an electric vehicle) may shut down the device.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 and / or the first cell controller 200-1 can determine the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 based on data related to the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1. If it is determined that the first battery cell 120-1 has degraded, the first cell controller 200-1 can electrically isolate the first battery cell 120-1 from other battery cells by controlling the switch 600. By isolating the degraded first battery cell 120-1, a decrease in the performance of the battery module 100 can be prevented.

[0082] Figure 8 is a flowchart of an example of the operation of a master BMS of a battery module according to one embodiment for isolating a degraded battery cell. The operation of the first cell controller (for example, the first cell controller 200-1 in Figure 6) described with reference to Figure 8 can be similarly applied to the cell controllers of the remaining battery cells (for example, the second cell controller 200-2).

[0083] In operation 801, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire data related to the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire data relating to at least one of the voltage, current, temperature, and state of charge (SOC) changes due to charging and / or discharging of the first battery cell 120-1. Degradation-related data may mean data indicating the degree of SOH of the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire such data regardless of whether the first battery cell 120-1 is activated or not. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to measure the temperature, operating voltage, and / or operating current of the first battery cell 120-1 while the first battery cell 120-1 is activated, and to acquire data relating to the measured temperature, operating voltage, and / or operating current. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to measure the open-circuit voltage of the first battery cell 120-1 while the first battery cell 120-1 is in an inactive state (e.g., sleep state, turn-off state) and to acquire data related to the measured open-circuit voltage. The aforementioned data is illustrative and not limited to.

[0084] In operation 802, the master BMS 110 may be configured to request the first cell controller 200-1 to transmit the acquired data. For example, in operation 802, the master BMS 110 may transmit a second signal to the first cell controller 200-1 requesting the transmission of the acquired data. The second signal may be transmitted from the master BMS 110 to the first cell controller 200-1 via a busbar (e.g., busbar 500 in Figure 6). For example, the master BMS 110 may transmit the second signal to the first cell controller 200-1 at intervals specified by the user. For example, the master BMS 110 may transmit the second signal to the first cell controller 200-1 when a specified event occurs.

[0085] According to one embodiment, operation 802 may be omitted. If operation 802 is omitted, the first cell controller 200-1 can perform operation 803 without any separate request from the master BMS 110. According to one embodiment, operation 802 can be performed based on the state of the first battery cell 120-1. According to one embodiment, within a first state in which the first battery cell 120-1 is operating, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to transmit acquired data to the master BMS 110 via the busbar 500 without receiving a separate request signal from the master BMS 110. The first state may mean a state in which the first battery cell 120-1 is supplying power to a load. Within the first state, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to transmit acquired data to the master BMS 110. According to one embodiment, operation 802 can be performed within a second state distinct from the first state. The second state can mean a turn-off state, a low-power operation state, or a sleep state in which the first battery cell 120-1 is not supplying power to the load. Within the second state of the first battery cell 120-1, the master BMS 110 may be configured to send a second signal to the first cell controller 200-1 to request the transmission of the data. Since it is necessary to minimize the power consumption of the first battery cell 120-1 in the second state, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to send the data to the master BMS 110 upon receiving the second signal. For example, if the first cell controller 200-1 continues to send data to the master BMS 110 when there is insufficient power to drive the load, a situation may arise where the load cannot be driven due to insufficient power. The first cell controller 200-1 can minimize the power consumption of the first battery cell 120-1 due to the data transmission.

[0086] In operation 803, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to transmit acquired data related to the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 to the master BMS 110. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may transmit acquired data to the master BMS 110 based on receiving a signal from the master BMS 110 requesting the transmission of said data. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may transmit acquired data to the master BMS 110 at intervals specified by the user. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may transmit acquired data to the master BMS 110 when a specified event occurs.

[0087] In operation 804, the master BMS 110 can be configured to compare the data acquired from the first cell controller 200-1 with a predetermined reference value. The predetermined reference value may be a value that indicates a steady state in which the first battery cell 120-1 is not degraded. The predetermined reference value can be determined as a range in which degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 can be determined based on the type of data. For example, if the first cell controller 200-1 transmits data that includes information about the temperature of the first battery cell 120-1, the predetermined reference value can be determined as the temperature range of the first battery cell 120-1 in a steady state. The temperature range of the first battery cell 120-1 in a steady state can mean the temperature range in which the first battery cell 120-1 can operate normally. For example, if the first cell controller 200-1 transmits data related to the State of Charge (SOC) when charging the first battery cell 120-1, the predetermined reference value can be determined as the rate of change in the SOC of the first battery cell 120-1 over time in a steady state.

[0088] In operation 805, the master BMS 110 may be configured to send a first signal to the first cell controller 200-1 for separating the first battery cell 120-1 from the second battery cell 120-2, based on the results of the comparison in operation 804, which identify that the data received from the first cell controller 200-1 is outside the reference range. For example, if the master BMS 110 identifies that the data received from the first cell controller 200-1, including information regarding the temperature of the first battery cell 120-1, is not within the reference range, it may send a first signal to the first cell controller 200-1. The first signal may be sent from the master BMS 110 to the first cell controller 200-1 via the busbar 500.

[0089] In operation 806, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to control switch 600 to electrically isolate the first battery cell 120-1 from the second battery cell 120-2 based on receiving a first signal from the master BMS 110. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may control the first switch 600-1 (e.g., the first switch 600-1 in Figure 7) and the second switch 600-2 (e.g., the second switch 600-2 in Figure 7) to open based on receiving a first signal. Electrical isolation of the first battery cell 120-1 from the second battery cell 120-2 may mean that the first battery cell 120-1 is electrically isolated from the remaining battery cells in the battery module 100, excluding the first battery cell 120-1. Even when electrically isolated from the remaining battery cells, the first battery cell 120-1 can maintain an electrical connection with the master BMS 110. The master BMS 110 can continuously manage the State of Health (SOH) of the isolated first battery cell 120-1. In operations 805 and 806, the switch 600 was described as being controlled by the first cell controller 200-1, but is not limited thereto. For example, the master BMS 110 can electrically isolate the first battery cell 120-1 from the second battery cell 120-2 by directly controlling the switch 600 based on its identification that the data received from the first cell controller 200-1 has deviated from a reference value.

[0090] In operation 807, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to send a signal to the master BMS 110 to indicate that the first battery cell 120-1 has been electrically isolated from the second battery cell 120-2. The first cell controller 200-1 may send the signal to the master BMS 110 after controlling the switch 600. The signal may be sent from the first cell controller 200-1 to the master BMS 110 via the busbar 500.

[0091] In operation 808, the master BMS 110 may be configured to indicate that the first battery cell 120-1 has been electrically isolated from the second battery cell 120-2. For example, the master BMS 110 is a component of a device including a battery module 100 and can transmit a signal indicating that the first battery cell 120-1 has been isolated. For example, in an electric vehicle including a battery module 100, the master BMS 110 can transmit a visual or auditory signal to the user via a display or speaker to indicate that the first battery cell 120-1 has been isolated. The user can then recognize that the first battery cell 120-1 has deteriorated through the notification.

[0092] In one embodiment, the battery module 100 can identify whether each of the multiple battery cells 120 is degraded via multiple cell controllers 200 located within each of the multiple battery cells 120 that are electrically connected to each other. Generally, identifying battery cell degradation requires separate processing, such as charging and discharging the battery cells via a degradation detection device. In one embodiment, the battery module 100 can easily acquire degradation-related data through the multiple cell controllers 200 included in each of the multiple battery cells 120. The acquired data can be transmitted to the master BMS 110 via the busbar 500, eliminating the need for a separate wire harness for communication. Therefore, the overall weight of the system is reduced, and the design is simplified. Based on the received data, the master BMS 110 can determine whether each of the multiple battery cells 120 is degraded. The master BMS 110 can prevent performance degradation of the battery module 100 due to degraded battery cells by electrically isolating the degraded battery cells from the remaining battery cells.

[0093] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a cell controller in a battery module according to one embodiment for isolating a degraded battery cell. The operation of the first cell controller 200-1 described with reference to Figure 9 can be similarly applied to the cell controllers of the remaining battery cells (for example, the second cell controller 200-2).

[0094] Referring to Figure 9, in operation 901, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire data related to the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire data relating to at least one of the voltage, current, temperature, and state of charge (SOC) changes due to charging and / or discharging of the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire the data regardless of whether the first battery cell 120-1 is activated or not. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to measure the temperature, operating voltage, and / or operating current of the first battery cell 120-1 while the first battery cell 120-1 is activated, and to acquire data relating to the measured temperature, operating voltage, and / or operating current. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to measure the open-circuit voltage of the first battery cell 120-1 while the first battery cell 120-1 is in an inactive state (e.g., sleep state, turn-off state) and to acquire data related to the measured open-circuit voltage. The aforementioned data is illustrative and not limited to.

[0095] In operation 902, the first cell controller 200-1 can be configured to compare the acquired data with a predetermined reference value. The predetermined reference value can be determined as a range in which the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 can be determined based on the type of data. For example, if the first cell controller 200-1 acquires data including information about the temperature of the first battery cell 120-1, the predetermined reference value can be determined as the steady-state temperature range of the first battery cell 120-1. The steady-state temperature range of the first battery cell 120-1 can mean the temperature range in which the first battery cell 120-1 can operate normally. For example, if the first cell controller 200-1 acquires data regarding the State of Charge (SOC) when charging the first battery cell 120-1, the predetermined reference value can be determined as the rate of change of the SOC over time for the steady-state first battery cell 120-1.

[0096] In operation 903, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to control the switch 600 based on the comparison results in operation 902. According to one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to control the switch 600 to electrically isolate the first battery cell 120-1 from the second battery cell 120-2 based on the identification that the acquired data falls outside a reference value. The first controller may be configured to control the switch 600 to electrically connect the first battery cell 120-1 to the second battery cell 120-2 based on the identification that the acquired data falls within a reference value.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 can be configured to determine the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 based on data related to the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1. Since the first cell controller 200-1 can determine the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 on its own, it can determine whether or not the first battery cell 120-1 is isolated without having to transmit and / or receive signals to and from the master BMS 110.

[0098] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of how a master BMS of a battery module, according to one embodiment, isolates a degraded battery cell based on data written to the cell controller's memory. The operation of the first cell controller 200-1 described with reference to Figure 10 can be similarly applied to the cell controllers of the remaining battery cells (for example, the second cell controller 200-2).

[0099] Referring to Figure 10, in operation 1001, the first cell controller 200-1 can be configured to acquire data related to the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1. Operation 1001 is sometimes referred to as operation 801 in Figure 8.

[0100] In operation 1002, the first cell controller 200-1 can be configured to store the acquired data in a memory (for example, memory 250 in Figure 2). Memory 250 can be configured to store data related to the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1.

[0101] In operation 1003, the master BMS 110 may be configured to send a third signal to the first cell controller 200-1 requesting the transmission of data written to the memory 250. The master BMS 110 may request the first cell controller 200-1 to transmit data stored in the memory 250 in order to determine whether the first battery cell 120-1 has deteriorated. The third signal may be transmitted from the master BMS 110 to the first cell controller 200-1 via the busbar 500.

[0102] In operation 1004, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to transmit at least a portion of the data stored in the memory 250 to the master BMS 110 based on the reception of the third signal. The first cell controller 200-1 may transmit all of the data stored in the memory 250 to the master BMS 110, or it may transmit a portion of the data stored in the memory 250 to the master BMS 110. For example, the master BMS 110 may transmit a third signal to the first cell controller 200-1 containing information requesting the transmission of all or part of the data, depending on the time elapsed and / or the number of times the first battery cell 120-1 has supplied power to the load since determining whether the first battery cell 120-1 has deteriorated. Based on the third signal, the first cell controller 200-1 may transmit all or part of the data to the master BMS 110. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 can transmit to the master BMS 110 data that has never been transmitted to the master BMS 110 before, except for data transmitted to the master BMS 110 before receiving the third signal, and which has just been stored in the memory 250. However, it is not limited to this.

[0103] In operation 1005, the master BMS 110 can be configured to compare the data acquired from the first cell controller 200-1 with a predetermined reference value. Operation 1005 is sometimes referred to as operation 804 in Figure 8.

[0104] In operation 1006, the master BMS 110 may be configured to send a first signal to the first cell controller 200-1 to separate the first battery cell 120-1 from the second battery cell 120-2, based on the results of the comparison in operation 1005, which identified that the data received from the first cell controller 200-1 has deviated from a reference value. Operation 1006 is sometimes referred to as operation 805 in Figure 8.

[0105] In operation 1007, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to control switch 600 to electrically isolate the first battery cell 120-1 from the second battery cell 120-2 based on receiving a first signal from the master BMS 110. Operation 1007 is sometimes referred to as operation 806 in Figure 8.

[0106] In operation 1008, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to send a signal to the master BMS 110 indicating that the first battery cell 120-1 has been electrically isolated from the second battery cell 120-2. Operation 1008 can be seen by referring to operation 807 in Figure 8.

[0107] In operation 1009, the master BMS 110 can be configured to indicate that the first battery cell 120-1 has been electrically isolated from the second battery cell 120-2. Operation 1009 can be described by referring to operation 808 in Figure 8.

[0108] In one embodiment, the battery module 100 can continuously store degradation-related data in a plurality of cell controllers 200, each of which is located in a plurality of battery cells 120. The data stored in the memory 250 may be transmitted to the master BMS 110 upon request from the master BMS 110. The master BMS 110 can determine whether each of the plurality of battery cells 120 is degraded or not through the data stored in the memory 250. Since each of the plurality of cell controllers 200 is located within the plurality of battery cells 120, it is easy to acquire data related to the degradation of the battery cells. Each of the plurality of cell controllers 200 can acquire data from operating or inoperable battery cells and write the acquired data to the memory 250. Through the data recorded in the memory 250, the master BMS 110 can easily determine whether each of the plurality of battery cells 120 is degraded or not. For example, when charging the battery cells, the master BMS 110 can check the change in the time required to charge the battery to 100% through the data stored in the memory 250. The master BMS 110 may be configured to accurately determine the degradation of each of the multiple battery cells 120 based on data stored over a certain period of time.

[0109] Figures 11a and 11b show an example in which the second battery cell 120-2 is electrically isolated from the other battery cells. Referring to Figures 11a and 11b, the switch 600 may include a first switch 600-1 and a second switch 600-2 connected to both ends of the second battery cell 120-2. Multiple battery cells 120 may be connected in series with each other.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the battery module 100 may include a first line L1 in which all of the battery cells 120 are electrically connected, and a second line L2 in which at least one of the battery cells 120 is electrically isolated. The switch 600 can connect the battery cells 120 to either the first line L1 or the second line L2.

[0111] Referring to Figure 11a, when the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 are connected to the first line L1, the second battery cell 120-2 can be electrically connected to the first battery cell 120-1 and the third battery cell 120-3. The first battery cell 120-1, the second battery cell 120-2, and the third battery cell 120-3, which are electrically connected to each other, may be configured to supply power to drive a load. When the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 are connected to the first line L1, a path P1 can be formed for the current flowing through the first battery cell 120-1, the second battery cell 120-2, and the third battery cell 120-3.

[0112] Referring to Figure 11b, when the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 are connected to the second line L2, the second battery cell 120-2 can be electrically isolated from the first battery cell 120-1 and the third battery cell 120-3. The first battery cell 120-1 and the third battery cell 120-3 may be electrically connected. When the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 are connected to the second line L2, a bypass path P2 can be formed that bypasses the second battery cell 120-2. When the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 are connected to the second line L2, a path P2 can be formed for the current flowing through the first battery cell 120-1 and the third battery cell 120-3. Even when the second battery cell 120-2 is electrically isolated from the first battery cell 120-1 and the third battery cell 120-3, the first battery cell 120-1 and the third battery cell 120-3 can be configured to supply power to the load via the path P2. However, the form and placement of the switch 600 are not limited to those shown in the drawings. The switch 600 may be located outside the battery cell or inside the battery cell.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the switch 600 may be controlled by a master BMS (e.g., the master BMS 110 in Figure 6) and / or a plurality of cell controllers 200. For example, a first cell controller 200-1 located in a first battery cell 120-1 may be configured to control a first switch 600-1 and a second switch 600-2 located at both ends of the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 can control whether the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 are opened or closed.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 can directly and / or indirectly control the switch 600. For example, the master BMS 110 can directly transmit a signal to the switch 600 to control its operation. For example, the master BMS 110 can transmit a signal to control the operation of the switch 600 to a second cell controller 200-2 among a plurality of cell controllers 200. The second cell controller 200-2, upon receiving the signal, can be configured to control the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 based on the signal.

[0115] According to one embodiment, each of the multiple cell controllers 200 may be configured to acquire data related to the degradation of the multiple battery cells 120. The data related to the degradation of the multiple battery cells 120 can mean various data that quantitatively represent the degree of the battery's SOH (state of health). Based on the data, the multiple cell controllers 200 can identify the degree of degradation of each of the multiple battery cells 120. The degree of degradation may be a numerical value indicating how much the battery cell has degraded. The degree of degradation can be identified based on the data.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 and / or the first cell controller 200-1 can determine the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 based on data related to the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1. If it is determined that the first battery cell 120-1 has degraded, the first cell controller 200-1 can electrically isolate the first battery cell 120-1 from other battery cells by controlling the switch 600. By isolating the degraded first battery cell 120-1, a decrease in the performance of the battery module 100 can be prevented.

[0117] Figure 12 is a flowchart of an example of the operation of a master BMS in a battery module according to one embodiment for isolating a degraded battery cell. The operation of the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 described with reference to Figure 12 can be similarly applied to the cell controllers of the remaining battery cells.

[0118] In operation 1201, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire first data relating to the degradation of the first battery cell (e.g., the first battery cell 120-1 in Figure 6). For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire first data relating to at least one of the voltage, current, temperature, and state of charge (SOC) changes due to charging and / or discharging of the first battery cell 120-1. According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 may be configured to pre-specify the type of data. For example, the master BMS 110 may specify that the first cell controller 200-1 acquire data including information relating to the temperature of the first battery cell 120-1. The first data may indicate the degree of degradation of the first battery cell 120-1.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire the first data regardless of whether the first battery cell 120-1 is activated or not. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to measure the temperature, operating voltage, and / or operating current of the first battery cell 120-1 while the first battery cell 120-1 is activated, and to acquire the first data relating to the measured temperature, operating voltage, and / or operating current. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to measure the open-circuit voltage of the first battery cell 120-1 while the first battery cell 120-1 is deactivated (e.g., sleep state, turn-off state), and to acquire the first data relating to the measured open-circuit voltage. The aforementioned first data are illustrative and not limited thereto.

[0120] In operation 1202, the second cell controller 200-2 may be configured to acquire second data related to the degradation of the second battery cell (for example, the second battery cell 120-2 in Figure 6). Operation 1202 may refer to operation 1201.

[0121] In operation 1203, the master BMS 110 may be configured to request the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 to transmit the acquired data. For example, in operation 1203, the master BMS 110 may send a signal to the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 requesting the transmission of the acquired data. The signal may be transmitted from the master BMS 110 to the first cell controller 200-1 via a busbar (e.g., busbar 500 in Figure 6). If multiple cells 120 are connected in series, the signal may be transmitted from the master BMS 110 through the busbar 500, passing through the first battery cell 120-1, to the second cell controller 200-2. The first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to amplify the signal as it passes through the first battery cell 120-1 before transmitting it to the second battery cell 120-2. For example, the master BMS 110 can send signals to the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 at intervals specified by the user. For example, when a specified event occurs, the master BMS 110 can send the signals to the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2.

[0122] According to one embodiment, operation 1203 may be omitted. If operation 1203 is omitted, the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 can perform operation 1204 without any separate request from the master BMS 110. According to one embodiment, operation 1203 can be performed based on the state of the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2. According to one embodiment, within a first state in which the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 are operating, the first cell controller 200-1 can be configured to transmit acquired data to the master BMS 110 via the busbar 500 without receiving a separate request signal from the master BMS 110. The first state may mean a state in which the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 are supplying power to a load. Within the first state, the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 may be configured to transmit the acquired data to the master BMS 110. According to one embodiment, operation 1203 can be performed within a second state distinct from the first state. The second state may mean a turn-off state, a low-power operation state, or a sleep state in which the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 are not supplying power to the load. Within the second state of the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2, the master BMS 110 may be configured to send a signal to the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 requesting the transmission of the data. In the second state, since it is necessary to minimize the power consumption of the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2, the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 may be configured to transmit the data to the master BMS 110 when they receive the signal. For example, if the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 continue to transmit data to the master BMS 110 in a situation where the power to drive the load is insufficient, a situation may arise where the load cannot be driven due to insufficient power.The first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2 can minimize the power consumption of the first battery cell 120-1 and the second battery cell 120-2 due to the data transmission.

[0123] In operation 1204, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to send first data related to the degradation of the acquired first battery cell 120-1 to the master BMS 110. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may send first data to the master BMS 110 based on receiving a signal from the master BMS 110 requesting the transmission of first data. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may send acquired first data to the master BMS 110 at intervals specified by the user. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may send first data to the master BMS 110 when a specified event occurs.

[0124] In operation 1205, the second cell controller 200-2 may be configured to transmit second data related to the degradation of the acquired second battery cell 120-2 to the master BMS 110. If multiple cells 120 are connected in series, the second data may also be transmitted to the master BMS 110 via the first battery cell 120-1. Operation 1205 may refer to operation 1204.

[0125] In operation 1206, the master BMS 110 may be configured to set a reference range based on first and second data obtained from the first cell controller 200-1 and the second cell controller 200-2. The reference range may represent a range related to the degree of degradation of each of the plurality of battery cells 120. The reference range may be set as a range indicating the degree of degradation of the battery cells based on the type of data. For example, if the first and second data include information about the temperature of the battery cells, the reference range may represent the temperature range of the battery cells in a steady state. For example, if the first and second data include information about the state of charge (SOC) when the battery cells are being charged, the reference range may represent the rate of change of the SOC over time for the battery cells in a steady state. A steady state may mean the state of a battery cell that has not degraded.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 can be configured to determine a reference range that is determined relatively according to the State of Health (SOH) of the multiple battery cells 120, rather than a predetermined reference range, in order to determine the degradation of each of the multiple battery cells 120. The determination of the degradation of the multiple battery cells 120 may differ depending on the device, environment, frequency, etc., in which the battery module 100 is used. The master BMS 110 may be configured to set a relative reference range through data related to the degradation of the multiple battery cells 120. According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 can make appropriate judgments depending on the situation, compared to when the degradation of the battery cells is determined by a fixed reference range.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 can be configured to receive data related to the degradation of each of the multiple battery cells 120 from multiple battery cells 120. The master BMS 110 can identify the data with the smallest degree of degradation from the received data. The master BMS 110 can be configured to set a reference range based on the data with the smallest degree of degradation.

[0128] For example, if the degree of degradation of the second battery cell 120-2 is the smallest among multiple battery cells 120, the master BMS 110 can set a reference range based on the second data. The reference range can be set so that the difference between the value of the second data and the value of the first data is less than or equal to a certain value. For example, if the difference between the value of the second data and the value of the first data is less than or equal to a certain value, it can be determined that the first battery cell 120-1 is not degraded. For example, if the difference between the value of the second data and the value of the first data exceeds a certain value, it can be determined that the first battery cell 120-1 is degraded.

[0129] In operation 1207, the master BMS 110 can be configured to identify whether each of the multiple battery cells 120 is degraded based on a reference range. The master BMS 110 may also be configured to identify a degraded battery cell among the multiple battery cells 120. According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 can identify data that does not fall within a reference range determined based on the data with the smallest degree of degradation. For example, if a reference range is set based on second data, the master BMS 110 can identify the degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 by identifying that the difference between the value of the second data and the value of the first data falls outside the reference range.

[0130] In operation 1208, the master BMS 110 may send an isolation request signal to the cell controller contained within the degraded battery cell, requesting the isolation of the degraded battery cell from other battery cells in order to electrically isolate the degraded battery cell from other battery cells. For example, the master BMS 110 may be configured to send a signal to the first cell controller 200-1 to isolate the first battery cell 120-1 from the second battery cell 120-2 based on the identification that first data is outside a reference range. For example, if the master BMS 110 identifies that data received from the first cell controller 200-1, including information regarding the temperature of the first battery cell 120-1, is not within a reference range, it may send a first signal to the first cell controller 200-1. The first signal may be sent from the master BMS 110 to the first cell controller 200-1 via the busbar 500.

[0131] In operation 1209, a cell controller located within a degraded battery cell may be configured to control switch 600 to electrically isolate the degraded battery cell from the other battery cells. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to control switch 600 to electrically isolate the first battery cell 120-1 from the second battery cell 120-2 based on receiving an isolation request signal from the master BMS 110. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may control the first switch (e.g., the first switch 600-1 in Figure 7) and the second switch (e.g., the second switch 600-2 in Figure 7) to be connected to the second line based on receiving an isolation request signal. Electrical isolation of the first battery cell 120-1 from the second battery cell 120-2 may mean that the first battery cell 120-1 is electrically isolated from the remaining battery cells in the battery module 100, excluding the first battery cell 120-1. The first battery cell 120-1 can maintain an electrical connection with the master BMS 110 even when electrically isolated from the remaining battery cells. The master BMS 110 can continuously manage the SOH of the isolated first battery cell 120-1. In operations 1208 and 1209, the switch 600 was described as being controlled by the first cell controller 200-1, but is not limited thereto. For example, the master BMS 110 can electrically isolate the first battery cell 120-1 from the second battery cell 120-2 by directly controlling the switch 600 based on the identification that the first data has fallen outside a reference range.

[0132] In operation 1210, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to send a signal to the master BMS 110 to indicate that the first battery cell 120-1 has been electrically isolated from the second battery cell 120-2. The first cell controller 200-1 may send the signal to the master BMS 110 after controlling the switch 600. The signal may be sent from the first cell controller 200-1 to the master BMS 110 via the busbar 500.

[0133] In operation 1211, the master BMS 110 can be configured to estimate the performance of a battery module 100 composed of multiple battery cells 120 based on data received from the multiple battery cells 120 and / or the connection status of the multiple battery cells 120. The master BMS 110 can estimate the State of Health (SOH) of each of the multiple battery cells 120 and estimate the performance of the battery module 100 composed of the multiple battery cells 120. The master BMS 110 can estimate the performance of the battery module 100 based on the connection status of the multiple battery cells 120. For example, in a state where the first battery cell 120-1 is electrically isolated from the other battery cells, the master BMS 110 can estimate the performance of the battery module 100 with respect to the remaining battery cells excluding the first battery cell 120-1. The master BMS 110 can inform the user of the estimated performance of the battery module 100.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 may be configured to indicate that the first battery cell 120-1 has been electrically isolated from the second battery cell 120-2. For example, the master BMS 110 is a component of a device including a battery module 100 and can transmit a signal indicating that the first battery cell 120-1 has been isolated. For example, in an electric vehicle including a battery module 100, the master BMS 110 can transmit a visual or auditory signal to the user via a display or speaker to indicate that the first battery cell 120-1 has been isolated. The user can then recognize that the first battery cell 120-1 has deteriorated through the notification.

[0135] In one embodiment, the battery module 100 can identify whether each of the multiple battery cells 120 is degraded via multiple cell controllers 200 located within each of the multiple battery cells 120 that are electrically connected to each other. Generally, identifying battery cell degradation requires separate experiments, such as charging and discharging the battery cells. In one embodiment, the battery module 100 can easily acquire degradation data through the multiple cell controllers 200 included in each of the multiple battery cells 120. The acquired data can be transmitted to the master BMS 110 via the busbar 500, eliminating the need for a separate wire harness for communication. Therefore, the overall weight of the system is reduced, and the design is simplified. Based on the received data, the master BMS 110 can determine whether each of the multiple battery cells 120 is degraded. By isolating the degraded battery cells, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the performance of the battery module 100 due to the degraded battery cells.

[0136] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of how the master BMS sets the reference range. The operations of the first to third cell controllers 200-1, 200-2, and 200-3, as described with reference to Figure 13, can be similarly applied to the cell controllers of the remaining battery cells.

[0137] Referring to Figure 13, in operation 1301, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire first data related to the degradation of the first battery cell (e.g., the first battery cell 120-1 in Figure 6). The first data may indicate the degree of degradation of the first battery cell 120-1. For example, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to acquire first data relating to at least one of the voltage, current, temperature, and state of charge (SOC) changes due to charging and / or discharging of the first battery cell 120-1. According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 may be configured to pre-specify the types of data. For example, the master BMS 110 may specify that the first cell controller 200-1 acquire data including information relating to the temperature of the first battery cell 120-1.

[0138] In operation 1302, the second cell controller 200-2 may be configured to acquire second data related to the degradation of the second battery cell (e.g., the second battery cell 120-2 in Figure 6). In operation 1303, the third cell controller 200-3 may be configured to acquire third data related to the degradation of the third battery cell (e.g., the third battery cell 120-3 in Figure 6). Operations 1302 and 1303 can refer to operation 1301.

[0139] In operation 1304, the first cell controller 200-1 can be configured to transmit the first data to the second battery cell 120-2 connected to the first battery cell 120-1. The first cell controller 200-1 can transmit the first data to the second battery cell 120-2 via the bus bar 500.

[0140] In operation 1305, the second cell controller 200-2 can be configured to compare the first data and the second data received from the first cell controller 200-1 and transmit the data of the battery cell with the less degraded degree to the third battery cell 120-3. For example, if the degree of degradation identified based on the first data is less than the degree of degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 identified based on the first data and the degree of degradation of the second battery cell 120-2 identified based on the second data, the second cell controller 200-2 can transmit the first data to the third battery cell 120-3.

[0141] In operation 1306, the third cell controller 200-3 may be configured to compare the data received from the second cell controller 200-2 (e.g., the first data) with the third data and transmit the data of the battery cell with the less degraded degree to the master BMS 110. The third battery cell 120-3 may transmit the data to the master BMS 110 via the busbar 500. The data may also be transmitted to the master BMS 110 via the second battery cell 120-2 and the first battery cell 120-1. For example, if the degree of degradation of the third battery cell 120-3 identified based on the third data is less than the degree of degradation of the first battery cell 120-1 identified based on the first data, the third cell controller 200-3 may transmit the third data to the master BMS 110.

[0142] In operation 1307, the master BMS 110 can be configured to set a reference range based on data received from the third cell controller 200-3. Operation 1307 can refer to operation 1206 in Figure 12. For example, if the master BMS 110 receives third data from the third cell controller 200-3, it can set a reference range based on the third data. The master BMS 110 can determine that a battery cell has deteriorated based on the data received from that battery cell falling outside the reference range.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 can set a reference range that is determined relatively according to the State of Health (SOH) of the plurality of battery cells 120. Based on the reference range, the master BMS 110 can determine whether each of the plurality of battery cells 120 is degraded or not. According to one embodiment, the battery module 100 can control the plurality of battery cells 120 to a state suitable for the operation of the load.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the master BMS 110 can set a reference range based on the degree of degradation of the battery cell with the least degree of degradation. For example, if the third battery cell 120-3 has the least degree of degradation, and the difference between the degree of degradation of the second battery cell 120-2 and the degree of degradation of the third battery cell 120-3 falls outside the reference range, the master BMS 110 can determine that the first battery cell 120-1 has degraded. The master BMS 110 can directly and / or indirectly control the switch 600 to electrically isolate the second battery cell 120-2 from the other battery cells. For example, the master BMS 110 can directly control the first switch (e.g., the first switch 600-1 in Figure 7b) and the second switch (e.g., the second switch 600-2 in Figure 7b) located at both ends of the second battery cell 120-2 to form a current path (e.g., current path P2 in Figure 7b) that bypasses the second battery cell 120-2. For example, the master BMS 110 can transmit control signals for the switches 600 to the second cell controller 200-2. Based on receiving the signals, the second cell controller 200-2 can control the first switch 600-1 and the second switch 600-2 to form a current path P2 that bypasses the second battery cell 120-2.

[0145] Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a battery module cell controller according to one embodiment for isolating a degraded battery cell. The operation of the first cell controller (e.g., the first cell controller 200-1 in Figure 6) described with reference to Figure 14 can be similarly applied to the cell controllers of the remaining battery cells (e.g., the second cell controller 200-2).

[0146] Referring to Figure 14, in operation 1401, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to receive reference range information from a master BMS (e.g., master BMS 110 in Figure 6). The reference range can be set based on data related to the degradation of each of the multiple battery cells (e.g., multiple battery cells 120 in Figure 6).

[0147] In operation 1402, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to determine whether the first battery cell 120-1 is degraded based on whether first data related to the degradation of the first battery cell (for example, the first battery cell 120-1 in Figure 6) falls within the reference range. The first cell controller 200-1 may determine that the first battery cell 120-1 is not degraded based on identifying that the first data falls within the reference range. The first cell controller 200-1 may determine that the first battery cell 120-1 is degraded based on identifying that the first data does not fall within the reference range.

[0148] In operation 1403, the first cell controller 200-1 may be configured to control a switch (for example, switch 600 in Figure 6) based on the determination result. For example, if the first cell controller 200-1 determines that the first battery cell 120-1 is not degraded, it may connect switch 600 to a first line (for example, the first line L1 in Figure 7a). For example, if the first cell controller 200-1 determines that the first battery cell 120-1 is degraded, it may connect switch 600 to a second line (for example, the second line L2 in Figure 7b). The first cell controller 200-1 can determine whether or not the first battery cell 120-1 is degraded based on a reference range received from the master BMS 110. Based on the determination result, the first cell controller 200-1 can control the connection state of the first battery cell 120-1 by controlling switch 600.

[0149] The operations described above may be performed by multiple cell controllers (for example, multiple cell controllers 200 in Figure 6). As explained with reference to Figures 12 and 13, the master BMS 110 can determine whether or not multiple battery cells 120 are degraded, and as explained with reference to Figure 14, multiple cell controllers 200 can also determine whether or not multiple battery cells 120 are degraded.

[0150] A battery module according to one embodiment (for example, battery module 100 in Figure 6) may include a plurality of battery cells (for example, a plurality of battery cells 200 in Figure 6), a master battery management system (BMS) (for example, master BMS 110 in Figure 6), a busbar (for example, busbar 500 in Figure 6), and a switch (for example, switch 600 in Figure 6). The plurality of battery cells may include a first battery cell (for example, a first battery cell 120-1 in Figure 6) and a second battery cell (for example, a second battery cell 120-2 in Figure 6). The master BMS may be configured to manage the plurality of battery cells. The busbar can connect the plurality of battery cells. The busbar can be electrically connected to the master BMS. The switch may be configured to electrically connect or electrically disconnect the first battery cell and the second battery cell. The first battery cell may include a first cell controller (e.g., first cell controller 200-1 in Figure 6) configured to communicate with the master BMS via the busbar. The first cell controller may be configured to acquire first data related to the degradation of the first battery cell. If the first cell controller determines, based on the first data, that the first battery cell has degraded, it may be configured to control the switch so that the first battery cell is electrically isolated from a second battery cell that is distinct from the first battery cell.

[0151] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller may be configured to transmit the first data to the master BMS via a busbar. The master BMS may be configured to compare the first data received from the first cell controller with a pre-determined reference value. Based on its identification that the first data deviates from the reference value, the master BMS may be configured to transmit a first signal to the first cell controller for electrically isolating the first battery cell from the second battery cell. Based on its receipt of the first signal from the master BMS, the first cell controller may be configured to control the switch so that the first battery cell is electrically isolated from the second battery cell.

[0152] According to one embodiment, within a first state in which the first battery cell is operating, the first cell controller may be configured to transmit the first data to the master BMS via the busbar. Within a second state distinct from the first state of the first battery cell, the master BMS may be configured to transmit a second signal via the busbar to the first cell controller requesting the transmission of the first data. Based on receiving the second signal from the master BMS, the first cell controller may be configured to transmit the first data to the master BMS via the busbar.

[0153] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller may be configured to compare the first data with a predetermined reference value. The first cell controller may be configured to control the switch so that the first battery cell is electrically isolated from the second battery cell based on the identification that the first data has deviated from the reference value.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the first cell controller may include a memory (for example, memory 250 in Figure 2) configured to store the first data. The first cell controller may be configured to transmit at least a portion of the first data stored in the memory to the master BMS based on receiving a third signal from the master BMS requesting the transmission of the first data stored in the memory. The master BMS may be configured to determine the degradation of the first battery cell based on the first data written to the memory received from the first cell controller.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the master BMS may be configured to set a reference range based on data related to the degradation of each of the plurality of battery cells. The master BMS may be configured to identify whether the first battery cell has degraded based on the reference range. Based on the identification that the first battery cell has degraded, the master BMS may be configured to control the switch via the first cell controller so that the first battery cell is electrically isolated from the second battery cell.

[0156] According to one embodiment, the master BMS may be configured to transmit a first signal to the first cell controller for electrically isolating the first battery cell from the second battery cell, based on its detection that the first battery cell has deteriorated. The first cell controller may be configured to control the switch so that the first battery cell is electrically isolated from the second battery cell, based on its reception of the first signal from the master BMS.

[0157] According to one embodiment, the second battery cell may include a second cell controller (e.g., the second cell controller 200-2 in Figure 6) configured to communicate with the master BMS via the busbar. The first cell controller may be configured to acquire first data relating to the degradation of the first battery cell. The first cell controller may be configured to transmit the first data to the second battery cell connected to the first battery cell. The second cell controller may be configured to acquire second data relating to the degradation of the second battery cell. The second cell controller may be configured to transmit the data relating to the lesser degree of degradation among the first data and the second data to the master BMS. The master BMS may be configured to set the reference range based on the data relating to the lesser degree of degradation among the first data and the second data received from the second cell controller.

[0158] According to one embodiment, the master BMS may be configured to transmit to the first battery cell the reference range set based on the first data and the data with the lesser degree of degradation among the second data. The first cell controller may be configured to control the switch to electrically isolate the first battery cell from the second battery cell based on identifying that the first data is not included in the reference range.

[0159] According to one embodiment, the master BMS may be configured to estimate the performance of a battery module composed of the plurality of battery cells based on the data and the connection status of the plurality of battery cells.

[0160] A battery module according to one embodiment (for example, battery module 100 in Figure 6) may include a plurality of battery cells (for example, a plurality of battery cells 200 in Figure 6), a master battery management system (for example, master BMS 110 in Figure 6), a busbar (for example, busbar 500 in Figure 6), a plurality of cell controllers (for example, a plurality of cell controllers 200 in Figure 6), and a switch (for example, switch 600 in Figure 6). The plurality of battery cells may include a first battery cell (for example, a first battery cell 120-1 in Figure 6) and a second battery cell (for example, a second battery cell 120-2 in Figure 6). The master BMS may be configured to manage the plurality of battery cells. The busbar can connect the plurality of battery cells. The busbar can be electrically connected to the master BMS. The plurality of cell controllers may be located in each of the plurality of battery cells and may be configured to communicate with the master BMS via the busbar. The switch may be configured to electrically connect or disconnect the first battery cell and the second battery cell. The master BMS may be configured to set a reference range based on data related to the degradation of each of the plurality of battery cells. The master BMS may be configured to identify a degraded battery cell among the plurality of battery cells based on the reference range. Based on the identification of the degraded battery cell, the master BMS may be configured to control the switch via one of the plurality of cell controllers so that the degraded battery cell is electrically isolated from the other battery cells.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the master BMS may be configured to transmit a signal to a cell controller located within the degraded battery cell for electrically isolating the degraded battery cell from other battery cells. The cell controller located within the degraded battery cell may be configured to control a switch so that the degraded battery cell is electrically isolated from the other battery cells.

[0162] According to one embodiment, a first cell controller (for example, the first cell controller 200-1 in Figure 6) located in a first battery cell among the plurality of battery cells may be configured to acquire first data related to the degradation of the first battery cell. The first cell controller may be configured to transmit the first data to a second battery cell connected to the first battery cell. A second cell controller located in the second battery cell may be configured to acquire second data related to the degradation of the second battery cell. The second cell controller may be configured to transmit the first data and the data of the battery cell with a lesser degree of degradation from the second data to the master BMS. The master BMS may be configured to set the reference range based on the first data and the data of the battery cell with a lesser degree of degradation received from the second cell controller.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the master BMS may be configured to transmit to the first battery cell the reference range set based on the first data and the data with the lesser degree of degradation among the second data. The first cell controller may be configured to control the switch so that the first battery cell is electrically isolated from other battery cells based on the identification that the first data is not included in the reference range.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the master BMS can be configured to estimate the performance of the battery module, which is composed of the plurality of battery cells, based on the data and the connection status of the plurality of battery cells.

[0165] The various embodiments and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to any particular embodiment, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of those embodiments. In the description of the drawings, similar or related components may be given similar reference numbers. A singular noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items unless otherwise clearly indicated in the context. In this specification, each of the phrases such as “A or B,” “A and B at least one,” “A or B at least one,” “A, B or C,” “A, B and C at least one,” and “A, B or C at least one” may include any of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or any possible combination thereof. Terms such as “first,” “second,” or “first,” or “second” may be used merely to distinguish a component from other corresponding components and not to limit that component to other aspects (e.g., importance or order). When one component (for example, the first) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (for example, the second), either in combination with or without such terms, it means that one component may be connected to another component directly (for example, by wire), wirelessly, or via the third component.

[0166] Various embodiments of this specification can be implemented as software (e.g., a program) containing one or more instructions stored in a machine-readable storage medium (internal or external memory). For example, the machine's processor can call and execute at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium. This allows the machine to operate to perform at least one function in accordance with the one or more instructions called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the methods according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or from an application store (Play Store). TM The computer program product may be distributed online (e.g., by download or upload) via a server or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated on a storage medium readable by equipment such as the memory 130 of the manufacturer's server, the application store server, or an intermediary server.

[0168] According to various embodiments, each component of the aforementioned components (e.g., a module or program) may include one or more individuals, and some of the individuals may be separated and arranged in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the aforementioned components or operations may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., a module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as they were performed by the respective components before integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or empirically, or one or more of the operations may be performed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. It is a battery module, Multiple battery cells, including a first battery cell and a second battery cell; A master battery management system (BMS) for managing the aforementioned multiple battery cells; A busbar connecting the plurality of battery cells to each other and electrically connected to the master BMS; and The system includes a switch configured to electrically connect or disconnect the first battery cell and the second battery cell, The first battery cell is, Includes a first cell controller configured to communicate with the master BMS via the busbar, The first cell controller is First data related to the degradation of the first battery cell is obtained, The switch is configured to control the first battery cell to electrically isolate it from the second battery cell by determining the degradation of the first battery cell based on the first data. The aforementioned master BMS is Based on the data related to the degradation of each of the aforementioned multiple battery cells, a reference range is set. Based on the aforementioned reference range, it is determined whether the first battery cell has deteriorated. Based on identifying the degradation of the first battery cell, the switch is configured to be controlled via the first cell controller to electrically isolate the first battery cell from the second battery cell. The second battery cell is Includes a second cell controller configured to communicate with the master BMS via the busbar, The first cell controller is First data related to the degradation of the first battery cell is obtained, The first data is configured to be transmitted to the second battery cell connected to the first battery cell. The second cell controller is, Second data related to the degradation of the second battery cell is obtained, The system is configured to transmit the data with the less degraded degree among the first data and the second data to the master BMS. The aforementioned master BMS is A battery module configured to set the reference range based on the data with a smaller degree of degradation among the first data and the second data received from the second cell controller.

2. The first cell controller is The first data is configured to be transmitted to the master BMS via the busbar. The aforementioned master BMS is The first data received from the first cell controller is compared with a predetermined reference value. Based on the identification that the first data deviates from the reference value, the first cell controller is configured to transmit a first signal for electrically isolating the first battery cell from the second battery cell. The first cell controller is The battery module according to claim 1, configured to control the switch such that the first battery cell is electrically isolated from the second battery cell based on receiving the first signal from the master BMS.

3. The first cell controller is In the first state in which the first battery cell is operating, the first data is configured to be transmitted to the master BMS via the busbar. The aforementioned master BMS is In a second state distinct from the first state of the first battery cell, the busbar is configured to transmit a second signal to the first cell controller requesting the transmission of the first data. The first cell controller is The battery module according to claim 2, configured to transmit the first data to the master BMS via the busbar based on receiving the second signal from the master BMS.

4. The first cell controller is The first data mentioned above is compared with a predetermined reference value. The battery module according to claim 1, configured to control the switch to electrically isolate the first battery cell from the second battery cell based on the identification that the first data deviates from the reference value.

5. The first cell controller is Includes a memory configured to store the first data, The system is configured to transmit at least a portion of the first data stored in the memory to the master BMS based on receiving a third signal from the master BMS requesting the transmission of the first data stored in the memory. The aforementioned master BMS is The battery module according to claim 1, configured to determine the degradation of the first battery cell based on first data stored in the memory and received from the first cell controller.

6. The aforementioned master BMS is Based on identifying the degradation of the first battery cell, the first cell controller is configured to transmit a first signal for electrically isolating the first battery cell from the second battery cell. The first cell controller is The battery module according to claim 1, configured to control the switch so as to electrically isolate the first battery cell from the second battery cell based on receiving the first signal from the master BMS.

7. The aforementioned master BMS is The system is configured to transmit the reference range, which is set based on the data with the smaller degree of degradation among the first data and the second data, to the first battery cell. The first cell controller is The battery module according to claim 1, configured to control the switch such that the first battery cell is electrically isolated from the second battery cell based on identifying the first data which is not included in the reference range.

8. The aforementioned master BMS is The battery module according to claim 1, configured to estimate the performance of the battery module including the plurality of battery cells based on the aforementioned data and the connection status of the plurality of battery cells.

9. It is a battery module, Multiple battery cells, including a first battery cell and a second battery cell; A master battery management system (BMS) for managing the aforementioned multiple battery cells; A busbar connecting the aforementioned plurality of battery cells to each other and electrically connected to the master BMS; A plurality of cell controllers, each of the plurality of battery cells, is disposed inside the plurality of battery cells and configured to communicate with the master BMS via the busbar; and The system includes a switch configured to electrically connect or disconnect the first battery cell and the second battery cell, The aforementioned master BMS is Based on the data related to the degradation of each of the aforementioned multiple battery cells, a reference range is set. Based on the aforementioned reference range, a degraded battery cell is identified among the plurality of battery cells. Based on identifying the degraded battery cell, the switch is configured to be controlled via one of the plurality of cell controllers to electrically isolate the degraded battery cell from the other battery cells. Of the plurality of battery cells, the first cell controller located within the first battery cell is: First data related to the degradation of the first battery cell is obtained, The first data is configured to be transmitted to a second battery cell connected to the first battery cell. The second cell controller located within the second battery cell is: Second data related to the degradation of the second battery cell is obtained, The system is configured to transmit the data of the battery cell with the less degraded degree among the first data and the second data to the master BMS. The aforementioned master BMS is A battery module configured to set the reference range based on the data with the lesser degree of degradation among the first data and the second data received from the second cell controller.

10. The aforementioned master BMS is The system is configured to transmit a signal to a cell controller located within the degraded battery cell to electrically isolate the degraded battery cell from other battery cells. The cell controller located within the aforementioned degraded battery cell is The battery module according to claim 9, configured to control the switch so that the degraded battery cell is electrically isolated from the other battery cells.

11. The aforementioned master BMS is The system is configured to transmit the reference range, which is set based on the data with the smaller degree of degradation among the first data and the second data, to the first battery cell. The first cell controller is The battery module according to claim 9, wherein the switch is controlled to electrically isolate the first battery cell from other battery cells based on the identification that the first data is not included within the reference range.

12. The aforementioned master BMS is The battery module according to claim 9, configured to estimate the performance of the battery module including the plurality of battery cells based on the aforementioned data and the connection status of the plurality of battery cells.

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