Battery management apparatus and method of the same

Abstract

A battery management device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may include an information acquisition unit that acquires a first voltage measured at the output terminal of each of a plurality of battery packs connected in series and a second voltage which is a battery module voltage value of each of the plurality of battery packs, and a controller that generates a control signal to control the operation of a precharge relay and a main relay included in each of the plurality of battery packs based on the first voltage and the second voltage.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this document relate to a battery management device and a method of operating the same. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, active research and development on secondary batteries has been underway. Here, secondary batteries refer to rechargeable batteries, encompassing conventional Ni / Cd and Ni / MH batteries as well as the more recent lithium-ion batteries. Among secondary batteries, lithium-ion batteries have the advantage of significantly higher energy density compared to conventional Ni / Cd and Ni / MH batteries. Furthermore, lithium-ion batteries can be manufactured in a compact and lightweight manner, making them suitable for use as power sources for mobile devices. Recently, their scope of application has expanded to include electric vehicles, drawing attention as a next-generation energy storage medium.

[0003] Previously, multiple battery packs could only be connected in parallel, but through simultaneous cutoff technology and the use of freewheeling diodes, series connection of multiple battery packs is now possible. In series-connected battery packs, the precharge resistors are also connected in series; since the increased resistance value reduces the magnitude of the flowing current, the precharge time increases. The problem to be solved

[0004] One objective of the embodiments disclosed in this document is to provide a battery management device capable of reducing the precharge time of a plurality of battery packs connected in series.

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

[0006] A battery management device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may include an information acquisition unit that acquires a first voltage measured at the output terminal of each of a plurality of battery packs connected in series and a second voltage which is a battery module voltage value of each of the plurality of battery packs, and a controller that generates a control signal to control the operation of a precharge relay and a main relay included in each of the plurality of battery packs based on the first voltage and the second voltage.

[0007] In one embodiment, the controller may generate a control signal to short-circuit a pre-charge relay included in each of the plurality of serially connected battery packs and open a main relay when the operation of the plurality of serially connected battery packs is initiated.

[0008] In one embodiment, the controller may generate a control signal that calculates a first result value by summing the first voltages, compares the first result value with the lowest value among the second voltages, and when the first result value is greater than the lowest value among the second voltages, opens a precharge relay included in a battery pack having a second voltage corresponding to the lowest value and short-circuits a main relay.

[0009] In one embodiment, the controller may calculate a second result value by summing the second voltages of the battery packs in which the main relay is short-circuited among the plurality of battery packs, calculate a third result value by summing the second result value and the lowest value among the second voltages of the battery packs in which the precharge relay is short-circuited among the plurality of battery packs, and compare the first result value and the third result value, and if the first result value is greater, generate a control signal to open the precharge relay included in the battery pack having a second voltage corresponding to the lowest value among the second voltages of the battery packs in which the precharge relay is short-circuited and to short-circuit the main relay.

[0010] In one embodiment, the controller may generate a control signal to open the precharge relays of the plurality of battery packs and short-circuit the main relays when the difference between the fourth result value and the first result value is less than or equal to a reference value.

[0011] In one embodiment, the main relay and the precharge relay may include either a Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) or a MOSFET.

[0012] In one embodiment, the precharge relay may have a precharge resistor connected in series.

[0013] In one embodiment, the battery module may be a plurality of units.

[0014] A method of operation of a battery management device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may include the steps of obtaining a first voltage measured at the output terminal of each of a plurality of battery packs connected in series, obtaining a second voltage which is a battery module voltage value of each of the plurality of battery packs, and generating a control signal that controls the operation of a precharge relay and a main relay included in each of the plurality of battery packs based on the first voltage and the second voltage.

[0015] In one embodiment, the method may further include the step of initiating the operation of a plurality of serially connected battery packs and the step of generating a control signal that short-circuits a pre-charge relay included in each of the plurality of battery packs and opens a main relay.

[0016] In one embodiment, the step of generating a control signal to control the operation of a precharge relay and a main relay included in each of the plurality of battery packs based on the first voltage and the second voltage may include the step of summing the first voltages to calculate a first result value, the step of comparing the lowest value among the second voltages with the first result value, and the step of generating a control signal to open the precharge relay included in the battery pack having the second voltage corresponding to the lowest value and short-circuit the main relay when the first result value is greater than the lowest value among the second voltages.

[0017] In one embodiment, the step of generating a control signal to control the operation of a precharge relay and a main relay included in each of the plurality of battery packs based on the first voltage and the second voltage may further include the step of calculating a second result value by summing the second voltage of a battery pack in which the main relay is short-circuited among the plurality of battery packs; the step of calculating a third result value by summing the second result value and the lowest value among the second voltages of a battery pack in which the precharge relay is short-circuited among the plurality of battery packs; and the step of generating a control signal that, when the first result value is greater, opens the precharge relay included in the battery pack having a second voltage corresponding to the lowest value among the second voltages of the battery pack in which the precharge relay is short-circuited and short-circuits the main relay.

[0018] In one embodiment, the step of generating a control signal to control the operation of a precharge relay and a main relay included in each of the plurality of battery packs based on the first voltage and the second voltage may further include the step of calculating a fourth result value by summing all the second voltages of the plurality of battery packs, and the step of generating a control signal to open the precharge relays of the plurality of battery packs and short-circuit the main relays when the difference between the fourth result value and the first result value is less than or equal to a reference value. Effects of the invention

[0019] A battery management device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document can reduce the precharge time by generating a control signal that controls the main relay and precharge relay of each of a plurality of serially connected battery packs.

[0020] In addition, various effects that can be identified directly or indirectly through this document may be provided. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0021] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a plurality of battery packs and a battery management device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a battery management device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment disclosed in this document. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the precharge time of a plurality of battery packs according to one embodiment disclosed in this document. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation method of a battery management device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing steps further included in the operation method of a battery management device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document. FIGS. 7 to 9 are flowcharts specifically illustrating step S130 in the operation method of a battery management device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0022] The embodiments disclosed in this document are described in detail below with reference to exemplary drawings. It should be noted that in assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this document, detailed descriptions of related known configurations or functions are omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions would hinder understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this document.

[0023] In describing the components of the embodiments disclosed in this document, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used. These terms are intended only to distinguish the components from other components and do not limit the essence, order, or sequence of the components. Furthermore, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments disclosed in this document belong. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a plurality of battery packs and a battery management device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, the battery management device (10) can control a plurality of battery packs (1000). For example, the battery management device (10) can control the charging and discharging of a plurality of battery packs (1000). As another example, it can generate a control signal to control a main relay (not shown) and a precharge relay (not shown) included in a plurality of battery packs (1000).

[0026] In one embodiment, the battery management device (10) may be included in at least one of the battery packs (100, 200, 300). For example, the first battery pack (100) may include the battery management device (10), and the battery management device (10) included in the first battery pack (100) may obtain information regarding a plurality of battery packs (1000) and generate a control signal to control the plurality of battery packs (1000). At this time, the battery management device (10) may communicate (e.g., CAN communication) with a battery management device (not shown) included in another battery pack.

[0027] In one embodiment, the battery management device (10) can check the status of each of the plurality of battery packs (1000). For example, the battery management device (10) can check the voltage value of the battery module and the voltage value of the output terminal of each of the plurality of battery packs (1000). The battery management device (10) may directly measure the status of each of the plurality of battery packs (1000), or it may obtain information regarding the status of each of the plurality of battery packs (1000) from another battery management device (not shown) included in each of the plurality of battery packs (1000).

[0028] A plurality of battery packs (1000) may include a plurality of battery packs (100, 200, 300). For example, the battery packs (100, 200, 300) may be connected in series with each other. In this case, each battery pack (100, 200, 300) may include a freewheeling diode.

[0029] In FIG. 1, a plurality of battery packs (1000) are shown as including three battery packs (100, 200, 300), but are not limited thereto. That is, a plurality of battery packs (1000) may include n battery packs (n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2), and a battery management device (10) may check the status of n battery packs and generate a control signal to control n battery packs.

[0030] A battery management device (10) according to one embodiment disclosed in this document can monitor the status of a plurality of battery packs (1000) and can generate a control signal to control the plurality of battery packs (1000) to efficiently perform charging and discharging.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a battery management device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, a battery management device (10) according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may include an information acquisition unit (11) and a controller (12). The battery management device (10) may be substantially the same as the battery management device (10) of FIG. 1. That is, the battery management device (10) can check the status of a plurality of battery packs (1000) of FIG. 1 and can generate a control signal to control the plurality of battery packs (1000). The battery management device (10) will be described below with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0033] The information acquisition unit (11) can acquire a first voltage measured at the output terminal of each of the plurality of battery packs connected in series. For example, the information acquisition unit (11) can acquire a voltage value measured at the output terminal of each of the plurality of battery packs (1000) from an individual battery management device (not shown) included in each of the plurality of battery packs (1000). As another example, the battery management device (10) can directly measure the voltage value at the output terminal of each of the plurality of battery packs (1000), and the information acquisition unit (11) can acquire the measured voltage value.

[0034] The information acquisition unit (11) can acquire a first voltage measured at the output terminal of each of the plurality of battery packs connected in series. For example, the information acquisition unit (11) can acquire a voltage value measured at the output terminal of each of the plurality of battery packs (1000) from an individual battery management device (not shown) included in each of the plurality of battery packs (1000). As another example, the battery management device (10) can directly measure the voltage value at the output terminal of each of the plurality of battery packs (1000), and the information acquisition unit (11) can acquire the measured voltage value.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 3, a battery pack (100) according to one embodiment disclosed in this document (e.g., the first battery pack (100) of FIG. 1) may include a battery module (110), a precharge resistor (120), a precharge relay (130), and a main relay (140). In one embodiment, the battery pack (100) may be included in a plurality of battery packs (1000) of FIG. 1. That is, the battery packs (100, 200, 300) of FIG. 1 may be substantially identical to the battery pack (100) of FIG. 3.

[0037] The battery management device (10) can obtain a voltage value (V1) measured at the output terminal of the battery pack (100). For example, the battery management device (10) may directly measure the voltage value at the output terminal of the battery pack (100), or it may obtain the voltage value at the output terminal of the battery pack (100) measured by another battery management device (not shown) included inside the battery pack (100).

[0038] The battery management device (10) can obtain the voltage value (V2) of the battery module (110) of the battery pack (100). For example, the battery management device (10) may directly measure the voltage value (V2) of the battery module (110), or it may obtain the voltage value (V2) of the battery module (110) measured by another battery management device (not shown) included inside the battery pack (100).

[0039] In one embodiment, the battery pack (100) may include a plurality of battery modules (110). For example, the battery pack (100) may include a plurality of battery modules (310) connected in series, and the battery management device (10) may obtain a voltage value (V2) of the plurality of battery modules (310) connected in series. According to an embodiment, the battery pack (100) may include n (n is a natural number greater than or equal to 1) battery modules (110).

[0040] The precharge resistor (120) may be a resistor for limiting the speed of charging or discharging to balance the voltage with an external device (at least one of an inverter, a converter, or a capacitor) during charging or discharging of the battery pack (100). For example, the precharge resistor (120) may reduce the current flowing through the battery pack (100) when performing charging or discharging by creating a load inside the battery pack (100). As another example, the precharge resistor (120) may be connected in series with a precharge relay (130).

[0041] The precharge relay (130) and the main relay (140) can form a charging and discharging path for the battery pack (100). For example, the battery pack (100) can short-circuit the precharge relay (130) and open the main relay (140) during the precharge stage, and open the precharge relay (130) and short-circuit the main relay (140) during the main charge stage. As another example, the battery pack (100) can open both the precharge relay (130) and the main relay (140) when the battery pack (100) is not in use. In one embodiment, the operation of the precharge relay (130) and the main relay (140) can be controlled by a control signal transmitted from the battery management device (10) of FIG. 2.

[0042] In one embodiment, the precharge relay (130) and the main relay (140) may include either a Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) or a MOSFET.

[0043] Referring again to FIG. 2, the controller (12) can generate a control signal to control the operation of the precharge relay and main relay included in each of the plurality of battery packs (1000) based on a first voltage measured at the output terminal of each of the plurality of battery packs (1000) obtained from the information acquisition unit (11) and a second voltage which is the battery module voltage value of each of the plurality of battery packs (1000). For example, the controller (12) can generate a control signal to open all the precharge relays and main relays included in each of the plurality of battery packs (1000) when the plurality of battery packs (1000) are not operating.

[0044] When the operation of a plurality of serially connected battery packs (1000) is initiated, the controller (12) can generate a control signal to short-circuit a precharge relay included in each of the plurality of battery packs (1000) and open a main relay. For example, when the charging or discharging operation of the plurality of battery packs (1000) is initiated, the controller (12) can generate a control signal to short-circuit a precharge relay included in each of the plurality of battery packs (1000) and open a main relay, and the plurality of battery packs (1000) can perform a precharge step.

[0045] The controller (12) can calculate a first result value by summing the first voltages of each of the plurality of battery packs (1000). For example, the controller (12) can calculate a voltage value measured at the output terminal of all the series-connected plurality of battery packs (1000) by summing the first voltages of each of the plurality of battery packs (1000). That is, the first result value may be a voltage value measured at the output terminal of all the series-connected plurality of battery packs (1000).

[0046] The controller (12) can compare the lowest value among the second voltages of each of the plurality of battery packs (1000) with the first result value. For example, the controller (12) can find the lowest value by comparing the battery module voltage values ​​of each of the plurality of battery packs (1000), and can compare the found lowest value with the first result value.

[0047] The controller (12) can generate a control signal to open a precharge relay included in a battery pack having a second voltage corresponding to the lowest value and short-circuit a main relay when the first result value is greater than the lowest value among the second voltages. For example, the controller (12) can generate a control signal to open a precharge relay included in a battery pack having a second voltage corresponding to the lowest value among the second voltages of a plurality of battery packs (1000) and short-circuit a main relay, and transmit it to the battery pack having a second voltage corresponding to the lowest value. The battery pack having a second voltage corresponding to the lowest value can perform charging or discharging without passing through a precharge resistor by opening the precharge relay and short-circuiting the main relay. That is, the precharge resistor of the entire plurality of battery packs (1000) can be reduced.

[0048] In one embodiment, when the plurality of battery packs (1000) are first used, the precharge relay of each of the plurality of battery packs (1000) is short-circuited and the main relay is open, so the precharge resistance of each of the plurality of battery packs (1000) is connected in series and the total precharge resistance value is large. Therefore, the controller (12) can reduce the total precharge resistance value by generating a control signal that opens the precharge relay and short-circuits the main relay of one of the plurality of battery packs (1000) through the process described above.

[0049] The controller (12) can calculate a second result value by summing the second voltages of the battery packs in which the main relay is short-circuited among the plurality of battery packs (1000). The controller (12) can find the lowest value among the second voltages of the battery packs in which the pre-charge relay is short-circuited among the plurality of battery packs (1000), and can calculate a third result value by summing the lowest value and the second result value.

[0050] The controller (12) can compare a first result value and a third result value, and if the first result value is greater, generate a control signal to open the precharge relay included in the battery pack having a second voltage corresponding to the lowest value among the second voltages of the battery pack in which the precharge relay is short-circuited, and to short-circuit the main relay. For example, the controller (12) can compare the output terminal voltage value of the entire plurality of battery packs (1000) with the third result value, and if the output terminal voltage value of the entire plurality of battery packs (1000) is greater than the third result value, generate a control signal to open the precharge relay included in the battery pack having a second voltage corresponding to the lowest value among the second voltages of the battery pack in which the precharge relay is short-circuited, and to short-circuit the main relay, thereby reducing the precharge resistance value of the entire plurality of battery packs (1000).

[0051] In one embodiment, the controller (12) can sequentially reduce the precharge resistance value of all the multiple battery packs (1000) by generating a control signal that opens the precharge relay of the battery pack corresponding to the lowest value of the second voltage of the battery pack in which the precharge relay is short-circuited among the multiple battery packs (1000) through the process described above, and short-circuits the main relay.

[0052] The controller (12) can calculate a fourth result value by summing all the second voltages of the plurality of battery packs (1000). When the difference between the calculated fourth result value and the first result value is less than or equal to a reference value, the controller (12) can generate a control signal to open the precharge relays of all the plurality of battery packs (1000) and short-circuit the main relay. For example, the controller (12) can calculate a fourth result value by summing all the battery module voltage values ​​of each of the plurality of battery packs (1000) and calculate a first result value by summing all the output terminal voltage values ​​of each of the plurality of battery packs (1000). When the difference between the fourth result value and the first result value is less than or equal to a reference value (threshold value, set value), the controller can generate a control signal to open the precharge relays of all the serially connected plurality of battery packs (1000) and short-circuit the main relay, thereby ending the precharge stage and moving to the main charge stage.

[0053] In one embodiment, the controller (12) can compare the difference between the voltage value applied to an external device (at least one of a capacitor, an inverter, or a converter) connected to a plurality of battery packs (1000) through the process described above and the voltage value of the battery module of the entire plurality of battery packs (1000). If the difference is less than or equal to a reference value, the plurality of battery packs (1000) may not be damaged even if the main relays of all the plurality of battery packs (1000) are short-circuited. Therefore, the controller can generate a control signal to open the pre-charge relays of all the plurality of battery packs (1000) and short-circuit the main relays.

[0054] A battery management device (10) according to one embodiment disclosed in this document can generate a control signal to control the operation of a precharge relay and a main relay of each of a plurality of battery packs (1000) based on a voltage value measured at the output terminal of each of a plurality of battery packs (1000) and a battery module voltage value of each of a plurality of battery packs (1000). Accordingly, the battery management device (10) can sequentially reduce the precharge resistance of the entire plurality of battery packs (1000) and reduce the precharge time of the plurality of battery packs (1000) by sequentially reducing the number of battery packs in which the precharge relay is short-circuited and the main relay is open.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the precharge time of a plurality of battery packs according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 4, when comparing the first graph (410), which is a graph regarding the precharge time of a plurality of battery packs connected in series, with the second graph (420), which is a graph regarding the precharge time of a plurality of battery packs connected in series controlled by the battery management device (10), it can be seen that the slope of the increase in the voltage values ​​(V1, V3) of the output terminals of the plurality of battery packs is steeper in the second graph (420) for the battery management device (10). In addition, since the voltage (V2) of each output terminal of the multiple battery packs in the first graph (410) is a series-connected multiple battery pack, it can be confirmed that the voltage of each output terminal is the same until the precharge stage is finished. In addition, since the voltages (V3, V4, V5, V6) of each output terminal of the multiple battery packs in the second graph (420) are all different values, it can be confirmed that the battery management device (10) generates a control signal to open the precharge relay and the main relay when the multiple battery packs satisfy a predetermined condition. Therefore, it can be confirmed that the time taken to complete the precharge stage in the second graph (420) is shorter than the time taken to complete the precharge stage in the first graph (410). Furthermore, since the output current (I2) in the second graph (420) is higher than the output current (I1) in the first graph (410), it can be determined that the time taken to complete the precharge stage is shorter in the second graph (420) than in the first graph (410).

[0057] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation method of a battery management device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 5, the method of operation of a battery management device (10) according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may include the step of obtaining a first voltage measured at the output terminal of each of a plurality of battery packs connected in series (S110), the step of obtaining a second voltage which is a battery module voltage value of each of the plurality of battery packs (S120), and the step of generating a control signal that controls the operation of a precharge relay and a main relay included in each of the plurality of battery packs based on the first voltage and the second voltage (S130).

[0059] In the step (S110) of obtaining a first voltage measured at each output terminal of a plurality of series-connected battery packs, the information acquisition unit (11) can obtain the voltage value of each output terminal of a plurality of series-connected battery packs. For example, the information acquisition unit (11) can obtain the first voltage by directly measuring the voltage value of each output terminal of a plurality of battery packs. As another example, the information acquisition unit (11) can obtain the first voltage, which is the voltage value of each output terminal of a plurality of battery packs, from each battery management device included in the plurality of battery packs.

[0060] In the step (S120) of obtaining a second voltage, which is the voltage value of each battery module of a plurality of battery packs, the information acquisition unit (11) can obtain the voltage value of each battery module of a plurality of battery packs. For example, the information acquisition unit (11) can obtain the voltage value of each battery module of a plurality of battery packs from each battery management device included in the plurality of battery packs. As another example, the information acquisition unit (11) can directly measure the voltage value of each battery module of a plurality of battery packs. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of battery packs may include a plurality of battery modules, and thus the voltage value of each battery module of a plurality of battery packs may be the voltage value of a plurality of battery modules connected in series.

[0061] In the step (S130) of generating a control signal to control the operation of a precharge relay and a main relay included in each of a plurality of battery packs based on a first voltage and a second voltage, the controller (12) can generate a control signal to control the operation of a precharge relay and a main relay included in each of a plurality of battery packs based on the first voltage and the second voltage obtained from the information acquisition unit (11). For example, the precharge relay is a relay connected to a precharge resistor, and when the precharge relay is short-circuited and the main relay is open, the internal resistance of the battery pack increases due to the precharge resistor, and conversely, when the precharge relay is open and the main relay is short-circuited, the internal resistance decreases. That is, the controller (12) can adjust the precharge resistance value of the entire plurality of battery packs by generating a control signal to control the precharge relay and the main relay included in each of the plurality of battery packs.

[0062] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing steps further included in the operation method of a battery management device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 6, the method of operation of a battery management device (10) according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may further include the step (S210) of initiating the operation of a plurality of battery packs connected in series and the step (S220) of short-circuiting a precharge relay included in each of the plurality of battery packs and generating a control signal to open a main relay.

[0064] In the step (S210) where the operation of a plurality of serially connected battery packs is initiated, the controller (12) can check the state in which the operation of the plurality of serially connected battery packs is initiated. For example, before the operation of each of the plurality of battery packs is initiated, both the precharge relay and the main relay may be open. As another example, the controller (12) can determine whether the plurality of battery packs are in a charging or discharging state.

[0065] In the step (S220) of generating a control signal to short-circuit the pre-charge relays included in each of the plurality of battery packs and open the main relay, the controller (12) can generate a control signal to short-circuit the pre-charge relays included in each of the plurality of battery packs and open the main relay when the operation of the plurality of battery packs is initiated. For example, if the main relays are all short-circuited from the beginning, external devices connected to the plurality of battery packs (e.g., capacitor, inverter, converter) may be damaged because the voltage difference between the total battery module voltage of the plurality of battery packs and the external device is large and a high current may flow. That is, in order to prevent damage to the plurality of battery packs or external devices, the controller (12) can first short-circuit the pre-charge relays of each of the plurality of battery packs to balance the voltage value applied to the external device and the battery module voltage.

[0066] FIGS. 7 to 9 are flowcharts specifically illustrating step S130 of the operation method of a battery management device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 7, in the method of operation of a battery management device (10) according to one embodiment disclosed in this document, step S130 may include a step of calculating a first result value by summing a first voltage (S310), a step of comparing the first result value with the lowest value among the second voltages (S320), and a step of generating a control signal (S330) to open a precharge relay included in a battery pack having a second voltage corresponding to the lowest value and short-circuit a main relay when the first result value is greater than the lowest value among the second voltages.

[0068] In the step (S310) of calculating a first result value by summing the first voltages, the controller (12) may calculate a first result value by summing the first voltages, which are voltage values ​​of the output terminals of each of the plurality of battery packs. For example, the first result value may be the voltage value of the output terminals of all the plurality of battery packs. As another example, the first result value may be the voltage value applied to an external device connected to the plurality of battery packs.

[0069] In the step (S320) of comparing the lowest value among the second voltages with the first result value, the controller (12) can find the lowest value by comparing the second voltage values, which are the battery module voltage values ​​of each of the plurality of battery packs, with each other, and compare the lowest value with the first result value.

[0070] In the step (S330) of generating a control signal to open a precharge relay included in a battery pack having a second voltage corresponding to the minimum value and short-circuit a main relay when the first result value is greater than the minimum value among the second voltages, the controller (12) can generate a control signal to open a precharge relay included in a battery pack having a second voltage corresponding to the minimum value and short-circuit a main relay when the first result value is greater than the minimum value. For example, by generating a control signal to open a precharge relay included in a battery pack having a second voltage corresponding to the minimum value and short-circuit a main relay, the controller (12) can reduce the precharge resistance of all multiple battery packs and reduce the time for performing the precharge step by reducing the precharge resistance.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 8, in the method of operation of a battery management device (10) according to an embodiment disclosed in this document, step S130 may further include: a step of calculating a second result value by summing the second voltage of a battery pack in which the main relay is short-circuited among a plurality of battery packs (S410); a step of calculating a third result value by summing the second result value and the lowest value among the second voltages of a battery pack in which the pre-charge relay is short-circuited among a plurality of battery packs (S420); and a step of generating a control signal (S430) to open the pre-charge relay included in the battery pack having the second voltage corresponding to the lowest value among the second voltages of the battery pack in which the pre-charge relay is short-circuited and to short-circuit the main relay when the first result value is greater.

[0072] In the step (S410) of calculating a second result value by summing the second voltage of the battery pack in which the main relay is short-circuited among the plurality of battery packs, the controller (12) can calculate a second result value by summing the second voltage, which is the battery module voltage of the battery pack in which the main relay is short-circuited among the plurality of battery packs.

[0073] In the step (S420) of calculating a third result value by summing the second result value and the lowest value among the second voltages of the battery packs in which the precharge relay is short-circuited among the plurality of battery packs, the controller (12) can find the lowest value by comparing the second voltages of the battery packs in which the precharge relay is short-circuited among the plurality of battery packs, and can calculate a third result value by summing the lowest value and the second result value.

[0074] In the step (S430) of comparing the first result value and the third result value, and when the first result value is greater, generating a control signal to open the precharge relay included in the battery pack having the second voltage corresponding to the lowest value among the second voltages of the battery pack where the precharge relay is short-circuited, and to short-circuit the main relay, the controller (12) can compare the first result value and the third result value calculated in step S310, and when the first result value is greater, generate a control signal to open the precharge relay included in the battery pack having the second voltage corresponding to the lowest value among the second voltages of the battery pack where the precharge relay is short-circuited, and to short-circuit the main relay. That is, the controller (12) can periodically compare the first result value and the third result value, and when the first result value becomes greater, generate a control signal to open the precharge relay of one of the battery packs where the precharge relay is short-circuited and to short-circuit the main relay, thereby reducing the precharge resistance of the entire plurality of battery packs.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 9, in the method of operation of the battery management device (10) disclosed in this document, step S130 may further include a step of calculating a fourth result value by summing all second voltages of a plurality of battery packs (S510), and a step of generating a control signal (S520) to open the precharge relays of the plurality of battery packs and short-circuit the main relay when the difference between the fourth result value and the first result value is less than or equal to a reference value.

[0076] In the step (S510) of calculating a fourth result value by summing all the second voltages of multiple battery packs, the controller (12) may calculate a fourth result value by summing all the second voltages, which are the battery module voltage values ​​of each of the multiple battery packs. For example, the fourth result value may be the battery module voltage value of all the multiple battery packs.

[0077] In the step (S520) of generating a control signal to open the precharge relays of multiple battery packs and short-circuit the main relay when the difference between the fourth result value and the first result value is less than or equal to a reference value, the controller (12) can calculate the difference between the fourth result value and the first result value calculated in step S310, and can generate a control signal to open the precharge relays of all multiple battery packs and short-circuit the main relay when the difference is less than or equal to the reference value. For example, when the difference between the fourth result value and the first result value is less than or equal to the reference value, damage to the battery packs or external devices may not occur even if the precharge relays of all multiple battery packs are opened and the main relay is short-circuited. Therefore, the controller (12) can generate a control signal to open the precharge relays of all multiple battery packs and short-circuit the main relay when the difference between the fourth result value and the first result value is less than or equal to the reference value (threshold value, set value).

[0078] The method of operation of the battery management device (10) disclosed in this document can sequentially reduce the number of battery packs in which the precharge relay is short-circuited and the main relay is open among the plurality of battery packs by performing the operation of FIGS. 7 to 9, and finally, the precharge step can be terminated by generating a control signal that opens the precharge relays of all the plurality of battery packs and short-circuits the main relays by performing step S520. That is, the method of operation of the battery management device (10) can reduce the precharge time of the plurality of battery packs connected in series by sequentially increasing the number of battery packs in which the main relay is short-circuited.

[0079] The above description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical concept disclosed in this document, and a person skilled in the art to which the embodiments disclosed in this document belong may make various modifications and variations within the scope of the essential characteristics of the embodiments disclosed in this document.

[0080] Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in this document are intended to illustrate, not limit, the technical concept disclosed in this document, and the scope of the technical concept disclosed in this document is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the technical concept disclosed in this document shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of this document. Explanation of the symbols

[0081] 10: Battery Management Unit 11: Information Acquisition Department 12: Controller 100: Battery pack, 1st battery pack 110: Battery module 120: Precharge resistor 130: Precharge Relay 140: Main Relay 200: Second battery pack 300: n battery pack 1000: Multiple battery packs

Claims

Claim 1 A battery management device comprising: a controller that generates a first control signal for short-circuiting a precharge relay included in each of the plurality of battery packs and opening a main relay when the operation of a plurality of battery packs connected in series is initiated; and an information acquisition unit that acquires a first voltage measured at the output terminal of each of the plurality of battery packs connected in series and a second voltage which is a battery module voltage value of each of the plurality of battery packs, wherein the controller generates a second control signal for controlling the operation of the precharge relay and the main relay included in each of the plurality of battery packs based on the result of comparing the first voltage and the second voltage. Claim 2 A battery management device according to claim 1, wherein the controller calculates a first result value by summing the first voltages and generates a second control signal based on the result of comparing the first result value and the second voltage. Claim 3 A battery management device according to claim 2, wherein the controller compares the lowest value among the second voltages with the first result value, and when the first result value is greater than the lowest value among the second voltages, generates the second control signal to open a precharge relay included in a battery pack having a second voltage corresponding to the lowest value and short-circuit a main relay. Claim 4 A battery management device according to claim 3, wherein the controller calculates a second result value by summing the second voltage of a battery pack in which the main relay is short-circuited among the plurality of battery packs, calculates a third result value by summing the second result value and the lowest value among the second voltages of a battery pack in which the precharge relay is short-circuited among the plurality of battery packs, and compares the first result value and the third result value, and when the first result value is greater, generates a second control signal to open the precharge relay included in the battery pack having a second voltage corresponding to the lowest value among the second voltages of the battery pack in which the precharge relay is short-circuited and to short-circuit the main relay. Claim 5 A battery management device according to claim 4, wherein the controller calculates a fourth result value by summing all second voltages of the plurality of battery packs, and generates a second control signal that opens the precharge relays of the plurality of battery packs and short-circuits the main relays when the difference between the fourth result value and the first result value is less than or equal to a reference value. Claim 6 A battery management device according to claim 1, wherein the main relay and the precharge relay comprise either a BJT (Bipolar Junction Transistor) or a MOSFET. Claim 7 A battery management device according to claim 1, wherein the precharge relay is characterized by having a precharge resistor connected in series. Claim 8 A battery management device according to claim 1, characterized in that the battery module is a plurality of units. Claim 9 A method of operation of a battery management device comprising: a step of initiating the operation of a plurality of battery packs connected in series; a step of generating a first control signal for short-circuiting a precharge relay included in each of the plurality of battery packs and opening a main relay; a step of obtaining a first voltage measured at the output terminal of each of the plurality of battery packs connected in series; a step of obtaining a second voltage which is a battery module voltage value of each of the plurality of battery packs; and a step of generating a second control signal for controlling the operation of the precharge relay and the main relay included in each of the plurality of battery packs based on the result of comparing the first voltage and the second voltage. Claim 10 A method of operation of a battery management device according to claim 9, wherein the step of generating the second control signal comprises: a step of calculating a first result value by summing the first voltages; and a step of generating the second control signal based on the result of comparing the first result value and the second voltage. Claim 11 A method of operation of a battery management device according to claim 10, wherein the step of generating the second control signal based on the result of comparing the first result value and the second voltage comprises: a step of comparing the lowest value among the second voltages with the first result value; and a step of generating the second control signal that, when the first result value is greater than the lowest value among the second voltages, opens a precharge relay included in a battery pack having a second voltage corresponding to the lowest value and short-circuits a main relay. Claim 12 A method of operation of a battery management device according to claim 11, wherein the step of generating the second control signal based on the result of comparing the first result value and the second voltage further comprises: a step of calculating the second result value by summing the second voltages of the battery packs in which the main relay is short-circuited among the plurality of battery packs; a step of calculating the third result value by summing the second result value and the lowest value among the second voltages of the battery packs in which the precharge relay is short-circuited among the plurality of battery packs; and a step of generating the second control signal by comparing the first result value and the third result value, and when the first result value is greater, opening the precharge relay included in the battery pack having the second voltage corresponding to the lowest value among the second voltages of the battery packs in which the precharge relay is short-circuited, and short-circuiting the main relay. Claim 13 A method of operation of a battery management device according to claim 12, wherein the step of generating the second control signal based on the result of comparing the first result value and the second voltage further comprises: a step of calculating a fourth result value by summing all the second voltages of the plurality of battery packs; and a step of generating the second control signal to open the precharge relays of the plurality of battery packs and short-circuit the main relays when the difference between the fourth result value and the first result value is less than or equal to a reference value.

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