Inspection Method and Inspection System for Electric Vehicle Batteries Using a Chassis Dynamometer for Inspection

Abstract

The present invention is a method for testing the performance of an electric vehicle without removing the battery, comprising: a first step of inputting vehicle specifications and load values ​​of the electric vehicle; a second step of testing the load of the electric vehicle after passing through the first step; a third step of reaching the speed of the electric vehicle to a set speed after passing through the second step; a fourth step of reaching the load of the electric vehicle to a set value after passing through the third step; a fifth step of stabilizing the speed and load of the electric vehicle according to a preset standard after passing through the fourth step; and a sixth step of testing the load of the electric vehicle after passing through the fifth step.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric vehicle battery inspection method and inspection system utilizing an inspection chassis dynamometer for inspecting the lifespan and performance of a battery without removing the battery from an electric vehicle. Background Technology

[0003] Recently, the trading of used battery energy-based electric vehicles, including hybrid vehicles, has become very active. For internal combustion engine vehicles, performance inspections are mandatory for used car transactions, and a used car trading system and method have been disclosed that calculates vehicle condition grades and prices by analyzing performance and condition information of vehicles that have completed inspections.

[0004] Since existing used car trading systems and methods calculate the purchase price based on the performance and condition of internal combustion engine vehicles, consumers purchasing electric vehicles as used cars—which have high-voltage electrical component structures (drive batteries, power converters, drive motors, charging ports, etc.) completely different from internal combustion engine vehicles—cannot verify any information regarding the vehicle's performance and condition.

[0005] In the case of electric vehicles, battery performance varies depending on the driver's driving habits, even for the same model and year.

[0006] The more frequently fast charging facilities are used, or the more high-speed driving and rapid acceleration are performed, the shorter the driving range of an electric vehicle on a single charge becomes, and the battery performance deteriorates significantly. As such, in the trading of used electric vehicles, it is essential to provide information on the battery residual value assessment (the current residual value compared to a new vehicle) and to inspect the performance of specialized components (drive batteries, power converters, drive motors, charging ports, etc.).

[0007] In addition, if performance inspection guarantee insurance is provided that guarantees payment for the cost of used electric vehicle performance inspections based on the residual value assessment of the battery, buyers of used electric vehicles can reduce damages caused by poor battery performance.

[0008] Meanwhile, as the global electric vehicle (EV) market expands rapidly, the market for EV charging infrastructure is also growing. For example, various infrastructure markets are expanding, including infrastructure for developing high-performance rechargeable batteries, infrastructure for increasing the number of EV charging stations, and infrastructure for recycling waste batteries.

[0009] In line with this, electric vehicle owners are demanding a way to monitor the status of their electric vehicle batteries and test their performance.

[0010] However, to inspect an electric vehicle battery, one generally must remove the battery from the electric vehicle and connect directly to the (+) and (-) terminals of the battery. Alternatively, one must locate and connect to the battery terminals inside the electric vehicle, but the battery terminals are controlled so that only charging terminals matching the pre-configured communication protocol are connected. In other words, the battery terminals are configured to connect only to chargers that match the pre-configured communication information, so if a terminal that does not match the pre-configured communication protocol is connected, the connection is blocked through a cutoff relay.

[0011] Therefore, according to conventional electric vehicle technology, even if a test device is connected to the battery terminal, there is a problem in that access to the battery is impossible through a cutoff relay.

[0012] In addition, currently, for testing the performance and safety of electric vehicle batteries, there are methods such as using a vehicle diagnostic tool to read the State of Health (SOH) and State of Balance (SOB) values ​​calculated by the manufacturer, and calculating the SOH and SOB values ​​by performing a full charge and discharge after removing the battery.

[0013] These two methods have the disadvantage of requiring one to unilaterally trust the manufacturer's algorithm, as well as the significant financial and time costs involved in removing the battery.

[0014] In addition, there is a disadvantage in that one must rely entirely on the manufacturer's SOH calculation algorithm, and it may take more than 8 hours to remove and test the battery from the electric vehicle to evaluate battery performance and safety. Prior art literature

[0016] Republic of Korea Published Patent No. 10-2021-0055931 (May 18, 2021) Republic of Korea Published Patent No. 10-2024-0007821 (January 17, 2024) The problem to be solved

[0017] Accordingly, the present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the objective of the present invention is to provide an electric vehicle battery inspection method and inspection system utilizing an inspection chassis dynamometer capable of inspecting battery performance and safety by driving the electric vehicle in a predetermined mode on the chassis dynamometer while the electric vehicle is equipped with a battery, and using sensor data measured during driving.

[0019] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0021] The present invention was created to improve upon the problems of the prior art described above, and as a method for testing the performance of an electric vehicle without removing the battery, it may comprise: a first step of inputting the vehicle specifications and load values ​​of the electric vehicle; a second step of testing the load of the electric vehicle after passing through the first step; a third step of reaching the speed of the electric vehicle to a set speed after passing through the second step; a fourth step of reaching the load of the electric vehicle to a set value after passing through the third step; a fifth step of stabilizing the speed and load of the electric vehicle according to a preset standard after passing through the fourth step; and a sixth step of testing the load of the electric vehicle after passing through the fifth step.

[0023] In addition, in one embodiment, in the third step, the speed of the electric vehicle can be maintained at a set speed for a set time.

[0025] In addition, in one embodiment, in the fifth step, the load applied to the electric vehicle can be maintained at a set value for a set period of time.

[0027] In addition, in one embodiment, the load of the electric vehicle can be inspected and data regarding it can be collected in the sixth step.

[0029] A system for inspecting performance without removing a battery in an electric vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention may include: an inspection unit for inspecting the weight value and battery capacity of the electric vehicle; a speed maintenance unit for maintaining the speed of the electric vehicle at a set speed; a load maintenance unit for stably maintaining the load of the electric vehicle, whose speed is maintained by the speed maintenance unit, according to a set standard; a data measurement unit for inspecting the load of the electric vehicle from the load maintenance unit and measuring data; and a control unit each connected to the inspection unit, the speed maintenance unit, the load maintenance unit, and the data measurement unit to control the operation of the inspection unit, the speed maintenance unit, the load maintenance unit, and the data measurement unit. Effects of the invention

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, battery performance and safety inspections can be performed without removing the battery from the vehicle while the electric vehicle is in motion.

[0032] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, since battery performance and safety can be evaluated before removing the battery from an electric vehicle, time and financial costs can be reduced.

[0034] However, the effects obtainable from the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0036] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall flowchart of an electric vehicle battery inspection method using a chassis dynamometer for inspection according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a drawing showing a table of vehicle specifications and battery specifications to be entered before inspection. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an electric vehicle load test graph. Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram of an electric vehicle battery inspection system utilizing a chassis dynamometer for inspection. Figure 5 is a block diagram of an electric vehicle battery inspection system. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0037] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. However, since the description of the present invention is merely an example for structural or functional explanation, the scope of the rights of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by the embodiments described in the text. That is, since the embodiments are subject to various modifications and may take various forms, the scope of the rights of the present invention should be understood to include equivalents capable of realizing the technical concept. Furthermore, the objectives or effects presented in the present invention do not imply that a specific embodiment must include all of them or only such effects; therefore, the scope of the rights of the present invention should not be understood as being limited by them.

[0038] The meaning of the terms described in this invention should be understood as follows.

[0039] Terms such as "first" and "second" are intended to distinguish one component from another, and the scope of rights shall not be limited by these terms. For example, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. When a component is referred to as being "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to that other component, or that there may be other components in between. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between. Meanwhile, other expressions describing the relationship between components, such as "between" and "exactly between," or "adjacent to" and "directly adjacent to," shall be interpreted in the same manner.

[0040] A singular expression should be understood to include a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, and terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the set-up features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof, and should be understood not to preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with the context of the relevant technology and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless explicitly defined in this invention.

[0043] FIG. 1 is an overall flowchart of an electric vehicle battery inspection method using a chassis dynamometer for inspection according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a table of vehicle specifications and battery specifications to be input before inspection, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an electric vehicle load inspection graph.

[0044] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the present invention may comprise a first step (S100), a second step (S200), a third step (S300), a fourth step (S400), a fifth step (S500), and a sixth step (S600) as a method for testing performance without removing the battery in an electric vehicle.

[0045] Step 1 (S100) is a step of inputting vehicle specifications and load values ​​of the electric vehicle (30). Specifically, in Step 1 (S100), the weight and battery capacity of the electric vehicle (30) equipped with a battery can be inspected using the inspection system (10) described later without removing the battery.

[0046] The second stage (S200) is a stage of inspecting the load of the electric vehicle (30) after the first stage (S100).

[0047] The third stage (S300) is a stage in which the speed of the electric vehicle (30) reaches a set speed after going through the second stage (S200).

[0048] In the third stage (S300), the speed of the electric vehicle (30) can be stabilized at a set speed for a set period of time. Specifically, the third stage (S300) can increase the speed of the electric vehicle (30) to 80 km / h for 10 seconds. At this time, no separate data is collected.

[0050] Step 4 (S400) is a step of reaching the load of the electric vehicle to a set value after going through Step 3 (S300). Specifically, Step 4 (S400) can reach the load of the electric vehicle (30) to a set standard (C-rate) over 10 seconds. At this time, no separate data is collected.

[0051] Step 5 (S500) is a step of stabilizing the speed and load of the electric vehicle (30) according to preset standards after going through Step 4 (S400).

[0052] In the fifth step (S500), the load applied to the electric vehicle (30) can be stabilized at a set value for a set period of time. Specifically, the fifth step (S500) can stabilize the speed and load of the electric vehicle (30) according to a preset standard for 10 seconds. At this time, no separate data is collected.

[0053] Step 6 (S600) is a step of inspecting the load of the electric vehicle (30) after going through Step 5 (S500).

[0054] In the sixth step (S600), the load of the electric vehicle (30) can be inspected and data regarding it can be collected.

[0056] With reference to FIG. 3, the aforementioned series of processes can be explained by installing an electric vehicle (30) on a chassis dynamometer installed at a vehicle inspection station and collecting battery data (real-time required current, voltage, power, maximum / minimum cell voltage, temperature, etc.) through an OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) terminal while driving in a designated driving mode, thereby monitoring the battery's SOH (State of Health) and SOB (State of Balance) through battery performance and safety inspection.

[0058] Specifically, the best method to obtain internal battery information using CAN communication from the BMS (Battery Management System) for checking the safety and performance status of the electric vehicle (30) battery during the regular inspection of the electric vehicle (30) may be to obtain internal battery information.

[0059] More specifically, the inspection method for removing an electric vehicle battery using a chassis dynamometer involves turning off the battery power of the electric vehicle (30) and grounding the chassis of the electric vehicle (30) before operating the chassis dynamometer. This can be achieved by connecting a grounding cable to the chassis of the electric vehicle (30) to ground the chassis, thereby minimizing electrical risks and enabling a safe inspection.

[0060] And, the chassis dynamometer is connected to the battery terminals, and the connection is made to the battery terminals of the electric vehicle (30) using a clamp or the like, and through this, the voltage difference between the chassis and the battery can be measured.

[0061] The voltage is measured using a chassis dynamometer, and at this stage, the battery voltage is checked to verify the safety level; if the battery voltage is within a preset standard range, the battery can be determined to be in a safe state.

[0062] After the inspection is completed, it must be verified that the electrical system is functioning properly, which allows for reconfirming the battery's condition and the stability of the electrical system.

[0063] Through these steps, an inspection of the electric vehicle battery before removal can be performed using a chassis dynamometer. Through the above series of processes, the safety of the electric vehicle (30) can be ensured and potential risks can be prevented.

[0065] In addition, a series of processing steps of the inspection method of the present invention may be performed through an inspection system (10) to be described later. The inspection system (10) may include an inspection unit (100), a speed maintenance unit (200), a load maintenance unit (300), a data measurement unit (400), and a control unit (500).

[0066] Specifically, the inspection unit (100) can inspect the weight value and battery capacity of the electric vehicle (30). The speed maintenance unit (300) can maintain the speed of the electric vehicle (30) at a set speed. The load maintenance unit (300) can stably maintain the load of the electric vehicle (30), whose speed is maintained by the speed maintenance unit (300), according to a set standard.

[0067] The data measurement unit (500) can inspect the load of the electric vehicle (30) from the load maintenance unit (300) and measure data. The control unit (600) is connected to the inspection unit (100), the speed maintenance unit (200), the load maintenance unit (300), and the data measurement unit (400), respectively, and can control the operation of the inspection unit (100), the speed maintenance unit (200), the load maintenance unit (300), and the data measurement unit (400).

[0068] More specific details of the inspection system (10) will be described below.

[0070] Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram of an electric vehicle battery inspection system utilizing a chassis dynamometer for inspection, and Figure 5 is a block diagram of an electric vehicle battery inspection system.

[0071] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the present invention may include an inspection unit (100), a speed maintenance unit (200), a load maintenance unit (300), a data measurement unit (400), and a control unit (500) as a system for inspecting performance without removing the battery in an electric vehicle.

[0072] The inspection unit (100) can inspect the weight value and battery capacity of the electric vehicle (30).

[0073] The speed maintenance unit (300) can maintain the speed of the electric vehicle (30) at a set speed. Specifically, the speed maintenance unit (300) can maintain the speed of the electric vehicle (30) at 0 km / h or 80 km / h as needed through the control of the control unit (600) by placing the electric vehicle (30) on a rail such as a treadmill and driving it by rotating the wheels with an external force. In addition, the speed can be controlled through the speed maintenance unit (300) while monitoring the speed by measuring the speed, torque, power, etc. of the electric vehicle (30) motor by the control unit (600) using a dynamometer, etc.

[0074] The load maintaining unit (300) can stably maintain the load of the electric vehicle (30), whose speed is maintained from the speed maintaining unit (300), according to a set standard.

[0075] The data measurement unit (500) can inspect the load of the electric vehicle (30) from the load maintenance unit (300) and measure the data.

[0076] The control unit (600) is connected to the inspection unit (100), the speed maintenance unit (200), the load maintenance unit (300), and the data measurement unit (400), respectively, and can control the operation of the inspection unit (100), the speed maintenance unit (200), the load maintenance unit (300), and the data measurement unit (400).

[0078] Specifically, the system configuration of the load inspection equipment of the electric vehicle (30) may be a configuration that integrates equipment such as KADIS (Korea Automobile Diagnosis Integrated System), which can collect BMS data through an OBD terminal based on a chassis dynamometer currently used at automobile inspection stations.

[0079] In order to verify the integration of general dynamometer specifications and KADIS equipment, an OBD data acquisition device, an initial system integrating a chassis dynamometer for internal combustion engine vehicles with KADIS equipment can be developed, and a real-world environment can be established to test the capability to respond to electric vehicle load testing.

[0080] The operating program is improved to prioritize the collection of BMS data items such as SOC, SOH, voltage, current, maximum / minimum temperature, maximum / minimum cell voltage, cumulative discharge current, and motor speed, and commissioning can be conducted by applying the mode being considered by joint research institutions as the dynamometer inspection load mode.

[0082] The following description of specific components is as described above in the invention of the electric vehicle battery inspection method.

[0084] As described above, the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention disclosed is provided to enable those skilled in the art to implement and practice the present invention. Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, those skilled in the art may utilize each configuration described in the embodiments described above in combination with one another. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but to be given the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0085] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit and essential features of the invention. Accordingly, the above detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in all respects but should be considered exemplary. The scope of the invention shall be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention. The invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but to be given the broadest possible scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. Furthermore, embodiments may be constructed by combining claims that are not explicitly related in the claims, or by including them as new claims through amendments made after filing. Explanation of the symbols

[0087] 10 : Inspection System 30 : Electric Vehicle 100 : Inspection Department 200 : Speed ​​maintaining unit 300 : Load maintenance unit 400 : Data measurement section 500 : Control unit

Claims

Claim 1 A method for inspecting an electric vehicle battery using a test chassis dynamometer, comprising: a first step of inputting vehicle specifications and load values ​​of the electric vehicle; a second step of inspecting the load of the electric vehicle after passing through the first step; a third step of reaching the speed of the electric vehicle to a set speed after passing through the second step; a fourth step of reaching the load of the electric vehicle to a set value after passing through the third step; a fifth step of stabilizing the speed and load of the electric vehicle to a preset standard after passing through the fourth step; and a sixth step of inspecting the load of the electric vehicle after passing through the fifth step. Claim 2 A method for inspecting an electric vehicle battery using an inspection chassis dynamometer according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the third step, the speed of the electric vehicle is stabilized at a set speed for a set time. Claim 3 A method for inspecting an electric vehicle battery using an inspection chassis dynamometer according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the fifth step, the load applied to the electric vehicle is stabilized at a set value for a set time. Claim 4 A method for inspecting an electric vehicle battery using an inspection chassis dynamometer according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the sixth step, the load of the electric vehicle is inspected and data regarding it is collected. Claim 5 An electric vehicle battery inspection system utilizing a chassis dynamometer for inspection, characterized by comprising: an inspection unit for inspecting the weight value and battery capacity of an electric vehicle without removing the battery, wherein the inspection unit; a speed maintenance unit for maintaining the speed of the electric vehicle at a set speed; a load maintenance unit for stably maintaining the load of the electric vehicle, which has its speed maintained by the speed maintenance unit, according to a set standard; a data measurement unit for inspecting the load of the electric vehicle from the load maintenance unit and measuring data; and a control unit each connected to the inspection unit, the speed maintenance unit, the load maintenance unit, and the data measurement unit to control the operation of the inspection unit, the speed maintenance unit, the load maintenance unit, and the data measurement unit.

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