Method and device for controlling battery charging

Abstract

A device for controlling battery charging according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: at least one processor; and a memory for storing one or more instructions that are executed by means of the at least one processor. The one or more instructions include: instructions for collecting state information about a battery and state information about a charger when user input information including a charging target is received; instructions for deriving a plurality of optimal charging maps satisfying the charging target on the basis of the state information about the battery and the state information about the charger; instructions for outputting information about each of the derived optimal charging maps via a predefined GUI; and instructions for controlling so that, when a user selection signal for any one of the optimal charging maps is received, the battery is charged through the optimal charging map corresponding to the user selection signal.

Description

Battery charging control device and method

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0081593 filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on June 26, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery charging control device and method, and more particularly, to a battery charging control device and method that controls charging of a battery in an optimal charging manner corresponding to a charging target set by a user.

[0003] Secondary batteries are batteries that can be reused by charging even after discharge, and can be used as an energy source for small devices such as mobile phones, tablet PCs, and vacuum cleaners, and are also used as an energy source for medium and large devices such as automobiles and ESS (Energy Storage Systems) for smart grids.

[0004] Secondary batteries are applied to systems in the form of assemblies, such as battery modules, in which multiple battery cells are connected in series and parallel, or battery packs, in which battery modules are connected in series and parallel, depending on the system requirements. For medium- to large-sized devices such as electric vehicles, high-capacity battery systems, in which multiple battery packs are connected in parallel, can be applied to meet the device's capacity requirements.

[0005] Recently, as the capacity of secondary batteries has increased, rapid charging technology has emerged to enable faster battery charging. Rapid charging typically utilizes a step-wise charging method, which initially starts with a high charge current and then gradually reduces the charge current as the battery's State of Charge (SOC) or voltage increases. To ensure charging safety, the charge current can be adjusted based on the battery's current temperature.

[0006] Typically, the charging current during a battery charging process is determined by a pre-stored charging map or charging profile. This means that battery charging proceeds according to a preset charging method, with limited user choice regarding the charging method.

[0007] Some charging devices offer users a choice of charging time, charging speed, and other options, but the options are often very limited. Furthermore, if the user chooses to charge the battery at a fast rate, this can shorten its lifespan or cause the battery temperature to exceed the optimal range after charging, resulting in reduced output performance.

[0008] Therefore, an appropriate charging control technology is needed to solve these problems.

[0009] An object of the present invention to solve the above problems is to provide a battery charging control device that controls charging of a battery in an optimal charging manner corresponding to a charging target set by a user.

[0010] Another object of the present invention to solve the above problems is to provide a battery charging control method using such a battery charging control device.

[0011] A battery charging control device according to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above purpose may include at least one processor; and a memory storing at least one command executed through the at least one processor.

[0012] The at least one command may include a command for, when user input information including a charging target is received, deriving a plurality of optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target based on battery status information and charger status information; a command for outputting information about each of the derived optimal charging maps through a predefined GUI; and a command for, when a user selection signal for any one of the optimal charging maps is received, controlling the battery to be charged through an optimal charging map corresponding to the user selection signal.

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

[0014] The command for deriving the plurality of optimal charging maps may include a command for deriving optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target among the plurality of pre-stored charging maps.

[0015] The command for deriving the plurality of optimal charging maps may include a command for generating charging prediction information for each of the plurality of pre-stored charging maps using a predefined battery behavior prediction model; and a command for selecting N optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target based on the generated charging prediction information.

[0016] The command for generating the above charging prediction information may include a command for predicting one or more of the charging completion time, the amount of charge at the time of charging completion, the battery temperature at the time of charging completion, and the accumulated amount of polarization value when charging is performed according to the charging map.

[0017] The command for deriving the plurality of optimal charging maps may include a command for selecting at least one of a first charging map capable of charging in a minimum time, a second charging map capable of charging in a maximum amount, a third charging map satisfying a predefined maximum performance condition, and a fourth charging map satisfying a predefined maximum lifespan condition among charging maps satisfying the charging target.

[0018] The command for deriving the plurality of optimal charging maps may include one or more of the following commands: a command for determining one or more of the first charging map, the third charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map when the charging target is the target charging amount or the maximum charging amount; a command for determining one or more of the second charging map, the third charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map when the charging target is the target charging time or the minimum charging time; and a command for determining one or more of the first charging map, the second charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map when the charging target is the target battery temperature or maximum performance at the time of charging completion.

[0019] The command output through the above GUI may include a command outputting identification information and charging prediction information for each of the N optimal charging maps.

[0020] The command output through the above GUI may include a command outputting each of the above optimal charging maps according to a predefined priority.

[0021] The command for controlling the battery to be charged may include a command for controlling the battery to be charged through an optimal charging map defined as a first priority if the user selection signal is not received within a predefined time.

[0022]

[0023] In order to achieve the above-described other objects, a battery charging control method by a battery charging control device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include the steps of: when user input information including a charging target is received, deriving a plurality of optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target based on battery status information and charger status information; outputting information on each of the derived optimal charging maps through a predefined GUI; and when a user selection signal for any one of the optimal charging maps is received, controlling the battery to be charged through an optimal charging map corresponding to the user selection signal.

[0024] Here, the charging target may include a charging target value including one or more of a target charging amount, a target charging time, and a target battery temperature at the time of charging completion; or a charging priority item including one or more of a maximum charging amount, a minimum charging time, and a maximum performance.

[0025] The step of deriving the plurality of optimal charging maps may include a step of deriving optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target among the plurality of pre-stored charging maps.

[0026] The step of deriving the plurality of optimal charging maps may include the step of generating charging prediction information for each of the plurality of pre-stored charging maps using a predefined battery behavior prediction model; and the step of selecting N optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target based on the generated charging prediction information.

[0027] The step of generating the above charging prediction information may include a step of predicting one or more of the charging completion time, the amount of charge at the time of charging completion, the battery temperature at the time of charging completion, and the accumulated amount of polarization value when charging is performed according to the charging map.

[0028] The step of deriving the plurality of optimal charging maps may include a step of selecting at least one of a first charging map capable of charging in a minimum time, a second charging map capable of charging in a maximum amount, a third charging map satisfying a predefined maximum performance condition, and a fourth charging map satisfying a predefined maximum lifespan condition among the charging maps satisfying the charging target.

[0029] The step of deriving the plurality of optimal charging maps may include one or more of the following steps: when the charging target is a target charging amount or a maximum charging amount, determining at least one of the first charging map, the third charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map; when the charging target is a target charging time or a minimum charging time, determining at least one of the second charging map, the third charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map; and when the charging target is a target battery temperature or maximum performance at the time of charging completion, determining at least one of the first charging map, the second charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map.

[0030] The step of outputting through the GUI may include a step of outputting identification information and charging prediction information for each of the N optimal charging maps.

[0031] The step of outputting through the above GUI may include a step of outputting each of the above optimal charging maps according to a predefined priority.

[0032] The step of controlling the battery to be charged may include a step of controlling the battery to be charged through an optimal charging map defined as a first priority if the user selection signal is not received within a predetermined time.

[0033] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, by deriving optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target set by the user and controlling the charging of the battery through the charging map selected by the user among these, the user's freedom of choice regarding the charging method, the charging efficiency, performance, and residual value of the battery can all be improved.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a battery charging system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 is an operation flowchart of a battery charging control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 3 is an example of a charging map according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a reference diagram for explaining a battery behavior prediction model according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram for explaining a voltage prediction model according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram for explaining a temperature prediction model according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 7 is an operation flowchart of a method for deriving an optimal charging map according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figures 8 to 10 are examples of screens of a user interface device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 11 is a block diagram of a battery charging control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] 10: Battery

[0044] 100: Battery assembly

[0045] 200: Battery Charger

[0046] 300: Battery charging control device

[0047] 400: User Interface Device

[0048] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Throughout the description of each drawing, similar reference numerals have been used to designate similar components.

[0049] Terms such as "first," "second," "A," and "B" may be used to describe various components, but these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component could be referred to as the "second component," and similarly, the second component could also be referred to as the "first component." The term "and / or" includes any combination of multiple related items listed or any one of multiple related items listed.

[0050] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0051] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0052] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0053]

[0054] Some terms used in this specification are defined as follows:

[0055] A battery cell is the smallest unit that stores electricity, and a battery module is a collection of multiple battery cells that are electrically connected.

[0056] A battery pack or battery rack refers to a single structure system that electrically connects module units set by a battery manufacturer and can be monitored and controlled through a BMS (Battery Management System), and can be configured to include multiple battery modules and one BPU (Battery Protection Unit) or protection device.

[0057] A battery bank can refer to a large-scale battery rack system comprised of multiple battery racks connected in parallel. A battery bank-level BMS can monitor and control the rack BMS (RBMS) at the battery rack level.

[0058] A battery assembly is a collection of multiple electrically connected battery cells that function as a power source when applied to a specific system or device. Here, the battery assembly may refer to a battery module, battery pack, battery rack, or battery bank, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these entities.

[0059] SOC (State of Charge) is the current charged state of the battery expressed as a percentage [%], and SOH (State of Health) is the current remaining state of the battery expressed as a percentage [%].

[0060] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0061]

[0062] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a battery charging system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 1, the battery charging system may include a battery assembly (100), a battery charger (200), a battery charging control device (300), and a user interface device (400).

[0064] The battery assembly (100) may include a plurality of battery cells (10), and the battery cells (10) may be electrically connected to each other.

[0065] The battery assembly (100) may be included in an electric vehicle or other electric vehicle, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these entities.

[0066] A battery charger (200) is a device that is electrically connected to a battery assembly (100) and performs battery charging. Here, the battery charger (200) may be included inside a device to which the battery assembly (100) is applied, or may be separately provided on the outside of the device.

[0067] The battery charge control device (300) can determine a charge control value and control the battery charger (200) so that the battery is charged according to the charge control value. Here, the charge control value may refer to a charge current value, a charge voltage value, or a charge power value applied to the battery assembly (100) or an individual battery (10).

[0068] The battery charge control device (300) can determine a charge control value by using a pre-stored charge map. Here, the charge map can include data in which charge control values ​​are predefined for each section of the battery status value and each section of the charge status value.

[0069] For example, the battery charging control device (300) can check the current charging state value (SOC value or voltage value) of the battery and the charging current value corresponding to the current temperature value from the charging map stored in the storage device, and control the battery charger (200) so that the battery is charged with the checked charging current value.

[0070] The battery charging control device (300) may include a battery status information collection device that senses the status value of the battery, or may be connected to the battery status information collection device. Here, the battery status value may include the voltage value, current value, temperature value, and SOC of the battery.

[0071] The battery charging control device (300) may be included in a battery system or may be included in a battery charger (200). For example, the battery charging control device (300) may be provided within the battery system and implemented in conjunction with a BMS (Battery Management System), or may be implemented in conjunction with a control system of a rapid charger.

[0072] The user interface device (400) is a device operable by a user and can output specific information to the user or receive specific information from the user through a predefined GUI (Graphical User Interface). For example, the user interface device (400) may correspond to an AVN (Audio Video Navigation) device installed in an electric vehicle or a mobile phone. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these entities.

[0073] The user interface device (400) is connected to the battery charging control device (300) through a network, receives specific information from the battery charging control device (300), displays the information through a GUI, and receives specific information from a user and transmits the information to the battery charging control device (300).

[0074]

[0075] Figure 2 is an operation flowchart of a battery charging control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] The battery charging control device can receive user input information including a charging target (S210).

[0077] Specifically, the user interface device can receive user input information, including a charging target, from the user via the GUI. Thereafter, the battery charging control device can receive the user input information from the user interface device.

[0078] In an embodiment, the charging target may include a charging target value including one or more of a target charge amount (SOC_target), a target charge time (t_target), and a target battery temperature at the end of charging (T_end_target). For example, the user interface device may receive input from the user as a target charge amount [SOC 80%], as a target charge time [20 minutes], or as a target battery temperature [25 °C], and transmit the received charging target value to the battery charging control device.

[0079] In another embodiment, the charging target may include a charging priority item, including one or more of a maximum charge amount, a minimum charge time, and a maximum performance. For example, the user interface device may receive a charging priority item corresponding to [maximum charge amount], [minimum charge time], or [maximum performance] from the user and transmit the received charging priority item to the battery charging control device.

[0080] When user input information is received, the battery charging control device can collect battery status information and charger status information (S220). Here, the battery charging control device can check battery status information from the BMS of the battery system and check charger status information from the battery charger.

[0081] Battery status information may include one or more of the battery's voltage value, temperature value, SOC, and SOH. Additionally, charger status information may include one or more of the battery charger's maximum charging current value, maximum charging voltage value, maximum charging power value, and maximum charging time.

[0082] The battery charging control device can derive a plurality of optimal charging maps that satisfy a charging target input by a user based on battery status information and charger status information (S230). Here, the battery charging control device can derive a predefined number (N) of optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target from among a plurality of charging maps pre-stored in a storage device. For example, if the charging target is [charging time 20 minutes], the battery charging control device can select N charging maps that can complete charging within 20 minutes when charging is performed using battery status information and charger status information as charging conditions from among the plurality of pre-stored charging maps, and determine the selected charging maps as optimal charging maps.

[0083] The charging map may correspond to data in which charging control values ​​are predefined for each section of the battery state value and each section of the charge state value. Fig. 3 is an example of a charging map according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 3, the charging map may be implemented as a table in which charging current values ​​are predefined for each SOC section and each temperature section. Here, the charging current value may be defined as a current value (A) or a charge rate (C-rate). Meanwhile, the charging map may also be implemented as a table in which charging control values ​​are predefined for each voltage section and each temperature section, unlike as illustrated in Fig. 3.

[0084] In an embodiment, a battery charging control device may derive optimal charging maps using a predefined battery behavior prediction model. Here, the battery behavior prediction model may be predefined to receive a charging target, battery status information, and charger status information as input data, and output charging prediction information for each of the charging maps as output data.

[0085] Charging prediction information may include data indicating battery status information or charging-related information at the time of charging completion when charging is performed according to a specific charging map. Here, the charging prediction information may include one or more of the following: charging completion time, battery charge amount at the time of charging completion, battery temperature at the time of charging completion, and accumulated polarization value.

[0086] That is, the battery behavior prediction model can perform a charging simulation for each charging map using the charging target input by the user, the initial state value of the battery, and the limit value of the charger as charging conditions, and predict the charging result value for each charging map.

[0087] Thereafter, the battery charging control device can select N charging maps that satisfy the charging target based on charging prediction information by the battery behavior prediction model to determine an optimal charging map.

[0088] The battery charging control device may select at least one of a first charging map (minimum time charging map) capable of charging in a minimum time, a second charging map (maximum charge amount charging map) capable of charging in a maximum amount, a third charging map (maximum performance charging map) capable of satisfying a predefined maximum performance condition, and a fourth charging map (maximum lifespan charging map) capable of satisfying a predefined maximum lifespan condition among charging maps satisfying a charging target, and determine the selected charging map as an optimal charging map.

[0089] For example, if the charging target is [charging time 20 minutes], the battery charging control device can select, among charging maps that can complete charging within 20 minutes, a charging map that can charge with the maximum charge amount (second charging map), a charging map that indicates a battery temperature value closest to a predefined optimum temperature value after charging is completed (third charging map), and a charging map that indicates a value with the lowest accumulated polarization value (fourth charging map), and determine the three selected charging maps as optimal charging maps.

[0090] The battery charging control device can output information about each of the optimal charging maps derived in S230 through a predefined GUI (S240).

[0091] The battery charge control device transmits identification information and charge prediction information for each of the N optimal charge maps derived to a user interface device, and the user interface device can display the transmitted information through a predefined GUI. For example, the user interface device can output, through the display device, the charge completion time, the SOC at the time of charge completion, the battery temperature (or performance grade) at the time of charge completion, and the accumulated amount of polarization values ​​(or life impact grade) for each of the [maximum charge amount charge map], the [maximum performance charge map], and the [maximum life charge map].

[0092] Thereafter, the battery charging control device can receive a user selection signal for one of the optimal charging maps from the user interface device (S250).

[0093] Specifically, the user interface device can receive a selection signal for one of the optimal charging maps from a user via a GUI. Thereafter, the user interface device can transmit the user selection signal to a battery charging control device.

[0094] The battery charging control device can control the battery to be charged using an optimal charging map corresponding to a received user-selected signal (S260). Here, the battery charging control device can transmit the selected optimal charging map to the battery charger so that the battery is charged according to the optimal charging map. Alternatively, the battery charging control device can check the charging control value corresponding to the current state value of the battery in the selected optimal charging map at unit time intervals and transmit the checked charging control value to the battery charger so that the battery is charged according to the optimal charging map.

[0095]

[0096] FIG. 4 is a reference diagram for explaining a battery behavior prediction model according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] A battery behavior prediction model according to an embodiment of the present invention can receive a charging target, battery status information, and charger status information as input data, and output charging prediction information for each of the charging maps (#1 to #M) as output data.

[0098] The charging target may be a charging target value entered by the user, such as a target charge amount (SOC_target), a target charge time (t_target), or a target battery temperature at the end of charging (T_end_target). Alternatively, the charging target may be a charging priority item entered by the user, such as a maximum charge amount, a minimum charge time, or maximum performance.

[0099] Battery status information may include one or more of a voltage value, a temperature value, a SOC, and a SOH of the battery.

[0100] The charger status information may include one or more of a maximum charging current value, a maximum charging voltage value, a maximum charging power value, and a maximum charging time of the battery charger.

[0101] M charging maps (#1 to #M) can be pre-stored in a storage device. Here, predefined charging maps corresponding to various scenarios can be pre-stored in the storage device. For example, charging maps corresponding to various charger outputs (e.g., 50 kW, 100 kW, 250 kW, 350 kW), charging maps corresponding to various initial charging SOCs (e.g., 0, 20, 40), and charging maps corresponding to various initial charging temperatures (e.g., 0, 15, 25, 40) can be pre-stored in the storage device.

[0102] The battery behavior prediction model can output charging prediction information for each of the stored charging maps (#1 to #M) based on input data (charging target, battery status information, charger status information).

[0103] Specifically, the battery behavior prediction model can calculate the accumulated amount of battery voltage value, SOC, heat generation, and polarization value (difference between voltage value and open circuit voltage value) per unit time by performing a charging simulation according to a charging map (#1) with battery state information as an initial value. During the charging simulation process, if the limit value of the battery charger (maximum charging current value, maximum charging voltage value, or maximum charging power value) is reached, the battery behavior prediction model can change the charging control value to the limit value of the battery charger at that time and perform a charging simulation.

[0104] The battery behavior prediction model may include a predefined voltage prediction model and a temperature prediction model for generating charge prediction information.

[0105] The voltage prediction model may be predefined to output battery voltage, SOC, heat generation (Q), and polarization based on the SOC, SOH, battery temperature (T), and charging current values ​​of a previous point in time. In addition, the temperature prediction model may be predefined to output battery temperature (T) based on the battery temperature (T) and heat generation (Q) of a previous point in time. Here, the voltage prediction model and the temperature prediction model may be linked to each other to share the result values ​​for the heat generation (Q) and battery temperature (T), and may update the output values ​​at each unit time.

[0106] During the charging simulation, if the charging target is reached or the maximum charging time of the battery charger is exceeded, the battery behavior prediction model can terminate the charging simulation at that point and store the accumulated charging time, battery charge amount, battery temperature, and polarization value at the charging termination point. Here, the battery behavior prediction model can output the stored result values ​​as charging prediction information for the corresponding charging map (#1).

[0107] Thereafter, the battery behavior prediction model can sequentially perform charging simulations for the remaining charging maps (#2 to #M) and generate charging prediction information for each of the charging maps (#2 to #M).

[0108]

[0109] FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram for explaining a voltage prediction model according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] The voltage prediction model according to an embodiment of the present invention can be included in a battery behavior prediction model.

[0111] The voltage prediction model can be defined as an RC equivalent circuit including a battery, one or more resistors, and one or more capacitors. For example, the voltage prediction model can be implemented as an equivalent circuit model including a battery, multiple resistors (Rs, Rp1, Rp2), and multiple capacitors (Cp1, Cp2), as illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0112] Here, the battery voltage (Vt), heat generation (Q), and polarization value (Vpol) can be calculated based on the mathematical equations 1 to 3 below, and the SOC can be calculated based on a predefined OCV - SOC correspondence curve.

[0113] [Mathematical Formula 1]

[0114]

[0115]

[0116] [Equation 2]

[0117]

[0118]

[0119] [Equation 3]

[0120]

[0121] Meanwhile, the equivalent circuit model illustrated in FIG. 5 is an example for understanding the present invention, and the voltage prediction model included in the battery behavior prediction model may be implemented differently from the equivalent circuit model of FIG. 5 or may be implemented as an electrochemical model.

[0122]

[0123] FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram for explaining a temperature prediction model according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0124] The temperature prediction model according to an embodiment of the present invention can be included in a battery behavior prediction model.

[0125] The temperature prediction model can be defined as an RC equivalent circuit including a battery, one or more resistors, and one or more capacitors. For example, the temperature prediction model can be implemented as an equivalent circuit model including a battery, multiple resistors (Rconv, Rcool), and multiple capacitors (Cb, Cc), as illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0126] The battery temperature (Tb) can be calculated based on mathematical equations 4 and 5 below.

[0127] [Equation 4]

[0128]

[0129] Here, the battery heat generation (Q) can be provided from the voltage prediction model of Fig. 5.

[0130] [Equation 5]

[0131]

[0132] (T∞ is the outside temperature, Rconv is the thermal resistance between the outside air and the battery, Q is the battery heat generation, Cb is the battery heat capacity, Tb is the battery temperature, Tc is the coolant temperature, Rcool is the thermal resistance between the battery and the coolant, Qh is the coolant heating heat, Qc is the coolant cooling heat, and Cc is the coolant heat capacity.)

[0133] Meanwhile, the equivalent circuit model illustrated in FIG. 6 is an example for understanding the present invention, and the temperature prediction model included in the battery behavior prediction model may be implemented differently from the equivalent circuit model of FIG. 6 or may be implemented as an electrochemical model.

[0134]

[0135] Figure 7 is an operation flowchart of a method for deriving an optimal charging map according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0136] The battery charging control device can receive user input information including a charging target (S510).

[0137] The charge target may include a charge target value including one or more of a target charge amount (SOC_target), a target charge time (t_target), and a target battery temperature at the end of charge (T_end_target), or may include a charge priority item including one or more of a maximum charge amount, a minimum charge time, and a maximum performance.

[0138] When user input information is received, the battery charging control device can collect battery status information and charger status information (S520).

[0139] The battery charging control device can derive N optimal charging maps that satisfy a charging target input by a user based on battery status information and charger status information (S530).

[0140] Here, the battery charging control device may select, using a predefined battery behavior prediction model, at least one of a first charging map (minimum time charging map) capable of charging in a minimum time, a second charging map (maximum charge charging map) capable of charging in a maximum amount of charge, a third charging map (maximum performance charging map) capable of satisfying a predefined maximum performance condition, and a fourth charging map (maximum lifespan charging map) capable of satisfying a predefined maximum lifespan condition among charging maps satisfying a charging target, and determine the selected charging map as an optimal charging map.

[0141] Here, the maximum performance charging map (third charging map) may be determined as a charging map in which the battery temperature after charging is closest to the target battery temperature, or in which the battery temperature after charging is closest to the predefined optimal temperature value. In addition, the maximum life charging map (fourth charging map) may be determined as a charging map in which the accumulated amount of polarization values ​​is the lowest.

[0142] If the charging target input by the user is a target charging amount or a maximum charging amount, the battery charging control device can determine the first charging map (minimum time charging map), the third charging map (maximum performance charging map), and the fourth charging map (maximum lifespan charging map) as the optimal charging map (S541).

[0143] If the charging target input by the user is a target charging time or a minimum charging time, the battery charging control device can determine the second charging map (maximum charging amount charging map), the third charging map (maximum performance charging map), and the fourth charging map (maximum lifespan charging map) as the optimal charging map (S542).

[0144] If the charging target input by the user is the target battery temperature or maximum performance at the time of charging completion, the battery charging control device can determine the first charging map (minimum time charging map), the second charging map (maximum charge amount charging map), and the fourth charging map (maximum lifespan charging map) as the optimal charging map (S543).

[0145] The battery charge control device can prioritize a plurality of selected optimal charge maps.

[0146] When the charging target input by the user is a target charging amount or a maximum charging amount, the battery charging control device can define the priority of the three selected optimal selection maps in the order of a first charging map (minimum time charging map), a third charging map (maximum performance charging map), and a fourth charging map (maximum lifespan charging map).

[0147] When the charging target input by the user is the target battery temperature or maximum performance at the time of charging completion, the battery charging control device can define the priority of the three selected optimal selection maps in the order of the second charging map (maximum charge amount charging map), the third charging map (maximum performance charging map), and the fourth charging map (maximum lifespan charging map).

[0148] When the charging target input by the user is a target charging time or a minimum charging time, the battery charging control device can define the priority of the three selected optimal selection maps in the order of a first charging map (minimum time charging map), a second charging map (maximum charge amount charging map), and a fourth charging map (maximum lifespan charging map).

[0149] The battery charging control device can output information about each of the derived optimal charging maps through a predefined GUI. Here, the battery charging control device can sequentially output the selected optimal charging maps according to a predefined priority.

[0150] Thereafter, the battery charge control device can receive a user selection signal for one of the optimal charge maps from the user interface device.

[0151] The battery charging control device can control the battery to be charged through an optimal charging map corresponding to a received user selection signal.

[0152] If a user selection signal is not received within a predefined time (e.g., within 10 seconds), the battery charging control device can control the battery to be charged through an optimal charging map defined as the first priority.

[0153]

[0154] Figures 8 to 10 are examples of screens of a user interface device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0155] Referring to Fig. 8, when the charging target input by the user is the target charge amount (SOC 80%), the battery charging control device can determine the minimum time charging map, the maximum performance charging map, and the maximum lifespan charging map as the optimal charging maps. Here, the battery charging control device can define the priority of the three selected optimal selection maps in the order of the minimum time charging map, the maximum performance charging map, and the maximum lifespan charging map.

[0156] The battery charge control device transmits information about each of the optimal charge maps to the user interface device, and the user interface device can display identification information and charge prediction information about each of the optimal charge maps in order of priority, as illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0157] Charging prediction information can be output as is for each item, or at least some of it can be output as a grade. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 8, the battery temperature value at the time of charging completion can be classified into one of the following grades: Best, Good, Average, or Bad, depending on the size, and the classification result can be output as [Performance Status]. Additionally, the accumulated amount of polarization values ​​can be classified into one of the following grades: Best, Good, Average, or Bad, depending on the size, and the classification result can be output as [Life Impact].

[0158] Thereafter, the user interface device can receive a selection signal from the user via the GUI for one of the optimal charging maps. The user interface device can then transmit the user selection signal to the battery charging control device. If the user selection signal is not input within a predefined time period (e.g., within 10 seconds), the charging map defined as the first priority can be processed as selected by the user.

[0159] Fig. 9 is an example screen when the charging target input by the user is the target charging time (20 minutes). When the charging target is the target charging time, the battery charging control device can determine the maximum charge amount charging map, the maximum performance charging map, and the maximum lifespan charging map as the optimal charging maps. Here, the battery charging control device can define the priorities of the three selected optimal selection maps in the order of the maximum charge amount charging map, the maximum performance charging map, and the maximum lifespan charging map. Thereafter, the user interface device can display identification information and charging prediction information of each of the optimal charging maps according to the priorities, as illustrated in Fig. 9.

[0160] Fig. 10 is an example screen when the charging target input by the user is maximum performance among the charging priority items. When the charging target is [maximum performance], the battery charging control device can determine the minimum time charging map, the maximum charge amount charging map, and the maximum lifespan charging map as the optimal charging maps. Here, the battery charging control device can define the priorities of the three selected optimal selection maps in the order of the minimum time charging map, the maximum charge amount charging map, and the maximum lifespan charging map. Thereafter, the user interface device can display identification information and charging prediction information of each of the optimal charging maps according to the priorities, as illustrated in Fig. 10.

[0161]

[0162] Figure 11 is a block diagram of a battery charging control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0163] The battery charging control device (300) may include at least one processor (310), a memory (320) that stores at least one command executed through the processor, and a transmission / reception device (330) that is connected to a network and performs communication.

[0164] The at least one command may include: a command for collecting battery status information and charger status information when user input information including a charging target is received; a command for deriving a plurality of optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target based on the battery status information and the charger status information; a command for outputting information about each of the derived optimal charging maps through a predefined GUI; and a command for controlling the battery to be charged through an optimal charging map corresponding to a user selection signal when a user selection signal for any one of the optimal charging maps is received.

[0165] Here, the charging target may include a charging target value including one or more of a target charging amount, a target charging time, and a target battery temperature at the time of charging completion; or a charging priority item including one or more of a maximum charging amount, a minimum charging time, and a maximum performance.

[0166] The command for deriving the plurality of optimal charging maps may include a command for deriving optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target among the plurality of pre-stored charging maps.

[0167] The command for deriving the plurality of optimal charging maps may include a command for generating charging prediction information for each of the plurality of pre-stored charging maps using a predefined battery behavior prediction model; and a command for selecting N optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target based on the generated charging prediction information.

[0168] The command for generating the above charging prediction information may include a command for predicting one or more of the charging completion time, the amount of charge at the time of charging completion, the battery temperature at the time of charging completion, and the accumulated amount of polarization value when charging is performed according to the charging map.

[0169] The command for deriving the plurality of optimal charging maps may include a command for selecting at least one of a first charging map capable of charging in a minimum time, a second charging map capable of charging in a maximum amount, a third charging map satisfying a predefined maximum performance condition, and a fourth charging map satisfying a predefined maximum lifespan condition among charging maps satisfying the charging target.

[0170] The command for deriving the plurality of optimal charging maps may include one or more of the following commands: a command for determining one or more of the first charging map, the third charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map when the charging target is the target charging amount or the maximum charging amount; a command for determining one or more of the second charging map, the third charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map when the charging target is the target charging time or the minimum charging time; and a command for determining one or more of the first charging map, the second charging map, and the fourth charging map as the optimal charging map when the charging target is the target battery temperature or maximum performance at the time of charging completion.

[0171] The command output through the above GUI may include a command outputting identification information and charging prediction information for each of the N optimal charging maps.

[0172] The command output through the above GUI may include a command outputting each of the above optimal charging maps according to a predefined priority.

[0173] The command for controlling the battery to be charged may include a command for controlling the battery to be charged through an optimal charging map defined as a first priority if the user selection signal is not received within a predefined time.

[0174] The battery charging control device (300) may further include an input interface device (340), an output interface device (350), a storage device (360), etc. Each component included in the battery charging control device (300) may be connected by a bus (370) and communicate with each other.

[0175] Here, the processor (310) may refer to a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a dedicated processor on which methods according to embodiments of the present invention are performed. The memory (or storage device) may be composed of at least one of a volatile storage medium and a non-volatile storage medium. For example, the memory may be composed of at least one of a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM).

[0176]

[0177] The operations of the method according to an embodiment of the present invention can be implemented as a computer-readable program or code on a computer-readable recording medium. A computer-readable recording medium includes any type of recording device that stores data readable by a computer system. Furthermore, a computer-readable recording medium can be distributed across network-connected computer systems, allowing the computer-readable program or code to be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

[0178] While some aspects of the present invention have been described in the context of a device, they may also represent a description of a corresponding method, wherein a block or device corresponds to a method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in the context of a method may also be described as a corresponding block or item or a feature of a corresponding device. Some or all of the method steps may be performed by (or using) a hardware device, such as, for example, a microprocessor, a programmable computer, or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, one or more of the most significant method steps may be performed by such a device.

[0179] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. At least one processor; and A memory storing at least one instruction executed through at least one processor; At least one of the above commands, When user input information including a charging target is received, a command for deriving a plurality of optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target based on battery status information and charger status information; A command for outputting information about each of the above-described optimal charging maps through a predefined GUI; and A battery charging control device, comprising a command for controlling the battery to be charged through an optimal charging map corresponding to the user selection signal when a user selection signal for any one of the above optimal charging maps is received.

2. In claim 1, The above charging goal is, A charge target value including one or more of a target charge amount, a target charge time, and a target battery temperature at the time of charge completion; or A battery charge control device comprising a charge priority item, wherein the charge priority item comprises at least one of a maximum charge amount, a minimum charge time, and a maximum performance.

3. In claim 1, The command for deriving the above multiple optimal charging maps is: A battery charging control device comprising a command for deriving optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target among a plurality of pre-stored charging maps.

4. In claim 3, The command for deriving the above multiple optimal charging maps is: A command for generating charge prediction information for each of a plurality of pre-stored charge maps using a pre-defined battery behavior prediction model; and A battery charging control device, comprising a command for selecting N optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target based on the generated charging prediction information.

5. In claim 4, The command to generate the above charging prediction information is: A battery charging control device, comprising a command for predicting at least one of a charging completion time, a charge amount at the time of charging completion, a battery temperature at the time of charging completion, and an accumulated amount of polarization values ​​when charging is performed according to a charging map.

6. In claim 4, The command for deriving the above multiple optimal charging maps is: A battery charging control device comprising a command for selecting at least one of a first charging map capable of charging in a minimum time, a second charging map capable of charging in a maximum amount, a third charging map satisfying a predefined maximum performance condition, and a fourth charging map satisfying a predefined maximum life condition among charging maps satisfying the above charging target.

7. In claim 6, The command for deriving the above multiple optimal charging maps is: A command for determining one or more of the first charging map, the third charging map, and the fourth charging map as an optimal charging map when the charging target is a target charging amount or a maximum charging amount; A command for determining at least one of the second charging map, the third charging map, and the fourth charging map as an optimal charging map when the charging target is a target charging time or a minimum charging time; and A battery charging control device comprising at least one command among the first charging map, the second charging map, and the fourth charging map, when the charging target is a target battery temperature or maximum performance at the time of charging completion; 8. In claim 4, The commands output through the above GUI are: A battery charging control device comprising a command for outputting identification information and charging prediction information for each of the N optimal charging maps.

9. In claim 8, The commands output through the above GUI are: A battery charging control device comprising a command for outputting each of the above optimal charging maps according to a predefined priority.

10. In claim 9, The command to control the above battery to be charged is: A battery charging control device comprising a command for controlling the battery to be charged through an optimal charging map defined as a first priority if the user selection signal is not received within a predetermined time.

11. A battery charging control method using a battery charging control device, When user input information including a charging target is received, a step of deriving a plurality of optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target based on battery status information and charger status information; A step of outputting information about each of the above-described optimal charging maps through a predefined GUI; and A battery charging control method, comprising a step of controlling the battery to be charged through an optimal charging map corresponding to the user selection signal when a user selection signal for any one of the above optimal charging maps is received.

12. In claim 11, The above charging goal is, A charge target value including one or more of a target charge amount, a target charge time, and a target battery temperature at the time of charge completion; or A battery charging control method comprising: a charging priority item including at least one of a maximum charge amount, a minimum charge time, and a maximum performance; 13. In claim 11, The step of deriving the above multiple optimal charging maps is: A battery charging control method, comprising a step of deriving optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target among a plurality of pre-stored charging maps.

14. In claim 13, The step of deriving the above multiple optimal charging maps is: A step of generating charge prediction information for each of a plurality of pre-stored charge maps using a pre-defined battery behavior prediction model; and A battery charging control method, comprising a step of selecting N optimal charging maps that satisfy the charging target based on the generated charging prediction information.

15. In claim 14, The step of generating the above charging prediction information is: A battery charging control method, comprising a step of predicting at least one of a charging completion time, a charge amount at the time of charging completion, a battery temperature at the time of charging completion, and an accumulated amount of polarization values ​​when charging is performed according to a charging map.

16. In claim 14, The step of deriving the above multiple optimal charging maps is: A battery charging control method comprising a step of selecting at least one of a first charging map capable of charging in a minimum time, a second charging map capable of charging in a maximum amount of charge, a third charging map satisfying a predefined maximum performance condition, and a fourth charging map satisfying a predefined maximum life condition among charging maps satisfying the above charging target.

17. In claim 16, The step of deriving the above multiple optimal charging maps is: A step of determining at least one of the first charging map, the third charging map, and the fourth charging map as an optimal charging map when the charging target is a target charging amount or a maximum charging amount; When the charging target is a target charging time or a minimum charging time, a step of determining at least one of the second charging map, the third charging map, and the fourth charging map as an optimal charging map; and A battery charging control method comprising at least one of the steps of: determining at least one of the first charging map, the second charging map, and the fourth charging map as an optimal charging map when the charging target is a target battery temperature or maximum performance at the time of charging completion; 18. In claim 14, The steps to output through the above GUI are: A battery charging control method, comprising the step of outputting identification information and charging prediction information for each of the N optimal charging maps.

19. In claim 18, The steps to output through the above GUI are: A battery charging control method, comprising a step of outputting each of the above optimal charging maps according to a predefined priority.

20. In claim 19, The step of controlling the above battery to be charged is: A battery charging control method, comprising a step of controlling the battery to be charged through an optimal charging map defined as a first priority if the user selection signal is not received within a predetermined time.

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