Power supply control apparatus and power supply control method

Abstract

Provided are a power supply control apparatus and a power supply control method. The power supply control apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a monitoring unit that monitors first to nth driving times of first to nth power modules connected in parallel with each other for supplying direct current power to an electric load device; and a main control unit that controls each of the first to nth power modules to a driving state or a non-driving state on the basis of the first to nth driving times.

Description

Power supply control device and power supply control method

[0001] The present invention relates to a control technology for suppressing lifespan deviation between multiple power modules.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0162565, filed November 21, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0160296, filed November 12, 2024, the entire contents of which are disclosed in the specification and drawings of the aforementioned applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] A power supply unit that supplies power to an electrical load (e.g., at least one battery charger / discharger) is often configured in a form of an assembly in which multiple power modules are connected in parallel to resolve issues such as heat generation and difficulty in organic response to fault diagnosis, as well as to supply power to the electrical load more stably.

[0004] Electric vehicles, ships, and large-capacity energy storage systems (ESS) have relatively high safety accident prevention and stable power supply issues, so this type of power module is mainly used.

[0005] In the case of a power supply unit that includes multiple power modules, it has excellent expandability to accommodate increasing loads, has high space utilization compared to a single large-capacity power module, is robust against failures and errors, and can have various advantages, such as not having to cut off power supply to the electrical load during replacement of individual power modules.

[0006] Typically, power modules constituting a power supply are electrically connected in parallel to an electrical load and configured to supply power to the electrical load through relay control, etc.

[0007] In the case of power supply devices of this type, it is common to operate them in a control method that sequentially increases the number of power modules that supply power as the load increases, that is, by adjusting the number of individual power modules that are driven according to the scale or size of the power to be supplied.

[0008] That is, in the case of conventional power supplies, the operating time (driving time) of individual power modules is accurately monitored, and based on this, it is not operated in a precise control manner to prevent deviations in the operating time between power modules.

[0009] Therefore, in the case of conventional power supplies to which this method is applied, there may not be a major problem in short-term use, but as the period of use becomes longer, the difference in operating time (driving time) between power modules where driving is concentrated or biased and power modules where driving is not concentrated may gradually increase.

[0010] If this deviation phenomenon worsens, it will have a significant impact on the driving performance or lifespan of individual power modules, and as the characteristics and performance of power modules connected in parallel differ significantly, it may cause a deterioration in the performance of the power supply itself, such as a decrease in available output.

[0011] The present invention was created to solve the above-described problems in the above background, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide a power supply control device and method that can minimize the operating time deviation between power modules by continuously and cyclically monitoring the operating time of each power module constituting the power supply device and incorporating the results into the operating control, thereby improving the operating performance of the power supply device and extending its lifespan.

[0012] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0013] A power supply control device according to one aspect of the present invention is for first to nth power modules connected in parallel to each other for supplying direct current power to an electric load device. n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2. The power supply control device includes a monitoring unit that monitors first to nth driving times of the first to nth power modules; and a main control unit that controls each of the first to nth power modules to a driving state or a non-driving state based on the first to nth driving times.

[0014] The main control unit may be configured to perform statistical processing on the first to nth driving times to calculate the first to nth time deviations. The main control unit may be configured to select any one of the first to nth power modules that is in a non-driven state when the time deviation of any one of the first to nth power modules that is in a driven state is greater than or equal to a reference deviation. The main control unit may be configured to switch the selected power module from the non-driven state to the driven state.

[0015] The main control unit may be configured to output a first command signal for switching the selected power module from the non-driven state to the driven state. The main control unit may be configured to output a second command signal for switching the power module having a time deviation greater than or equal to the reference deviation from the driven state to the non-driven state when a deadband time has elapsed from the time at which the first command signal is output.

[0016] The above main control unit may be configured to update the first to nth time deviations periodically or aperiodically.

[0017] The above main control unit may be configured to select one of the two or more power modules in the non-operating state based on the operating time, idle time, or identification number of each of the two or more power modules in the non-operating state when two or more power modules among the first to nth power modules are in the non-operating state.

[0018] The above main control unit may be configured to select one of the first to nth power modules that is in a non-driven state when the load rate of each power module in a driven state among the first to nth power modules exceeds the upper limit of the allowable load rate, and to switch the selected power module from the non-driven state to the driven state.

[0019] The power supply control device may further include an information sharing unit that generates risk alarm information when all of the first to nth power modules are in an operating state and the load rate of each of the first to nth power modules exceeds the upper limit of the allowable load rate.

[0020] The above main control unit may be configured to switch one of the two or more power modules in the driving state from the driving state to the non-driving state when the load ratio of two or more power modules in the driving state among the first to nth power modules is lower than the lower limit of the allowable load ratio.

[0021] A direct current power supply system according to another aspect of the present invention includes the power supply control device.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, a power supply control method is provided for first to n-th power modules connected in parallel with each other for supplying direct current power to an electric load device. n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2. The power supply control method includes a step of monitoring first to n-th driving times of the first to n-th power modules; and a step of controlling each of the first to n-th power modules to a driving state or a non-driving state based on the first to n-th driving times.

[0023] The step of controlling each of the first to nth power modules to a driving state or a non-driving state includes the step of performing statistical processing on the first to nth driving times to calculate the first to nth time deviations; the step of selecting any one of the first to nth power modules that is in a non-driving state when the time deviation of any one of the first to nth power modules that is in a driving state is greater than or equal to a time deviation reference deviation; and the step of switching the selected power module from the non-driving state to the driving state and calculating a time deviation.

[0024] The step of selecting one of the first to nth power modules that is in a non-operating state may include, when two or more of the first to nth power modules are in the non-operating state, selecting one of the two or more power modules that is in the non-operating state based on the operating time, idle time, or identification number of each of the two or more power modules that is in the non-operating state.

[0025] The above power supply control method may further include a step of selecting one of the first to nth power modules in a non-driven state when the load ratio of each power module in a driven state among the first to nth power modules exceeds the upper limit of the allowable load ratio; and a step of switching the selected power module from the non-driven state to the driven state.

[0026] The above power supply control method may further include a step of switching one of the two or more power modules in the driving state from the driving state to the non-driving state when the load ratio of two or more power modules in the driving state among the first to nth power modules is lower than the lower limit of the allowable load ratio.

[0027] According to the present invention, by applying balancing of the operating times (driving times) of individual power modules in a time series manner based on the results of cyclically or recursively performing statistical processing on the operating times of power modules included in a power supply device, lifespan deviations between multiple power modules can be effectively suppressed.

[0028] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, by selecting a power module to be input or output to supply power to an electrical load using a priority criterion based on a minimum operating time, it is possible to minimize the operating time deviation between individual power modules even when the load required for the power supply target increases.

[0029] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, by driving or stopping individual power modules so that the load ratio of the power module being driven falls within the allowable load ratio range, unnecessary power loss can be minimized even when power consumption in the electrical load fluctuates, thereby enabling high-efficiency operation. This is because, while driving at a load ratio within the allowable load ratio range, the input / output efficiency (power conversion efficiency) of the power module is maintained at a certain level or higher.

[0030] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, by setting a band time interval between a signal system for stopping operation of one power module and a signal system for starting operation of another power module, the operational clarity of the state switching process between two power modules can be more reliably secured.

[0031] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, by selecting a power module to be input or output to supply power to an electrical load among the power modules based not only on the operating time of each power module but also on the idle time of each power module, the deviation in performance and lifespan between the power modules can be more effectively reduced.

[0032] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to more effectively understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the matters described in these drawings.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a direct current power supply system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary wiring relationship between a power supply control device, a power supply device, and an electrical device.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a power supply control device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the main control unit illustrated in Figure 3.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process according to one embodiment of the present invention for minimizing deviation in driving time.

[0038] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process for selecting a power module of interest using the relative relationship of idle times.

[0039] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process for a subroutine that cyclically calculates the time deviation of the driving time.

[0040] FIGS. 8 and 9 are flowcharts exemplarily illustrating a process for ensuring that the load ratio of individual power modules in an operating state is maintained within an allowable load ratio range.

[0041] FIG. 10 is a drawing for reference in explaining an example of a process for suppressing variation in driving time between multiple power modules.

[0042] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that conforms to the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0043] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0044] In addition, when describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0045] Throughout the specification, whenever a part is said to "include" a component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components, unless otherwise stated.

[0046] Additionally, terms such as processor described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0047] Additionally, throughout the specification, when we say that a part is "connected" to another part, this includes not only cases where it is "directly connected" but also cases where it is "indirectly connected" with other elements in between.

[0048] FIG. 1 is a drawing schematically illustrating the configuration of a direct current power supply system (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a drawing schematically illustrating an exemplary wiring relationship between a power supply control device (100), a power supply device (200), and an electric load device (50).

[0049] Referring to FIG. 1, a direct current power supply system (10) includes an electric load device (50), a power supply control device (100), and a power supply device (200).

[0050] The power supply control device (100) is a device that monitors and manages / controls the operating status of a power supply device (200) that supplies direct current power to an electric load device (50).

[0051] The electrical load device (50) is a load that uses electricity as a driving source and receives power from a power supply device (200). The electrical load device (50) may be, for example, at least one battery charger / discharger installed in a battery manufacturing plant. Of course, the electrical load device (50) may be a general term for various electrical devices, electrical equipment, electrical facilities, etc.

[0052] The power supply unit (200) may include first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n). Here, n represents a natural number greater than or equal to 2. When i is a natural number less than or equal to n, the symbol 210-i designates the ith power module among the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n). In the following description common to the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n), it is to be noted in advance that the power module may simply be assigned the symbol 210.

[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 2, each of the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n) is electrically connected in parallel with the power supply unit (200), and the first switching means (S1) installed on the plus line and the second switching means (S2) installed on the minus line are selectively turned on and off by the power supply control device (100), thereby supplying power to the power supply unit (200).

[0054] The configuration diagram illustrated in FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a wiring relationship between the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n) and the electric load device (50) for supplying direct current power to the electric load device (50). Therefore, if the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n) connected in parallel with each other can supply direct current power to the electric load device (50), various designs and configurations different from those in FIG. 2 are of course possible.

[0055] The power module (210) is generally configured as a direct current power source. However, it is not limited thereto, and the power source may be converted through various methods such as adding a direct current converter (DC converter), a transformer, a smoothing circuit (step smoothing circuit), etc. and the circuit configuration according to the method. Therefore, the power module (210) may also be configured as an alternating current power source.

[0056] In addition, the power module (210) may be composed of a secondary battery-based battery, and may be composed of various types and forms of power storage devices, power supply devices, etc. depending on the embodiment.

[0057] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, etc., the detailed configuration of the power supply control device (100) and the processes executed by the power supply control device (100) will be described in detail.

[0058] FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a power supply control device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a main control unit (130) illustrated in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart explaining a process according to one embodiment of the present invention for minimizing deviation in driving time.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 3, the power supply control device (100) may be configured to include a measuring unit (110), a monitoring unit (120), a main control unit (130), a switching unit (140), an information sharing unit (150), and a history information storage unit (160).

[0060] The power supply control device (100) can be implemented through various combinational applications of electronic devices, parts, etc. (ASIC, chipset, logic circuit, register, communication modem, MCU, etc.) such as storage means, operation processing means, input / output means, etc.

[0061] It should be understood that each component of the power supply control device (100) illustrated in FIG. 3 may be a physically distinct component, or alternatively, a functionally or logically distinct component. The same applies to each component of the main control unit (130) illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0062] That is, since each component illustrated in the above drawing corresponds to a logical configuration for effectively explaining the technical idea of ​​the present invention, even if each component is configured integrated or separated, if the function performed by the logical configuration of the present invention can be realized, it should be interpreted as being within the scope of the present invention, and of course, if it is a component that performs the same or similar function, it should be interpreted as being within the scope of the present invention regardless of whether or not the name is consistent.

[0063] In addition, the power supply control method according to the present invention can be implemented as a set or algorithm of processes for data processing, handling, control, operation, input / output, etc., and thus, it can be implemented by a combination of configurations shown in FIG. 3, etc., as well as in the form of software that is installed and operated in a system, device, computer (or a device equivalent thereto), BMS (Battery Management System), module, or sub-component thereof.

[0064] The monitoring unit (120) can monitor the operating time of each of the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n) constituting the power supply device (200) (step S510, see FIG. 5) and output data on the operating time of each power module (210) to the main control unit (130).

[0065] In this specification, the operating time of the power module (210) may refer to the total (cumulative) time that the power module (210) has been operating in the operating state during a period from a specific point in time in the past to the present. The specific point in time in the past may be, for example, the first time that the power module (210) was mounted in a DC power supply system (10) and used to supply DC power to an electric load device (50).

[0066] According to the embodiment, the monitoring unit (120) may be electrically connected to each of the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n), and may be configured to generate time information related to whether each power module (210) is driven and the driving status, etc., by using the measurement results of the measurement unit (110) that measures electrical characteristic values ​​such as current output from each power module (210).

[0067] When data representing the first to nth driving times individually associated with the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n) are input to the main control unit (130) through the monitoring unit (120), the main control unit (130) individually controls the driving of each of the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n) so that the deviation between the first to nth driving times is minimized (steps S550 and S560). The i-th driving time among the first to n-th driving times is the driving time of the i-th power module (210-i) among the first to n-th power modules (210-1 to 210-n).

[0068] The main control unit (130) may include a reference information storage unit (131), a deviation calculation unit (133), a selection unit (135), and a driving control unit (137), as specifically illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0069] The reference information storage unit (131) stores information indicating a reference deviation (step S500). The reference deviation may indicate the maximum limit of the time deviation of the driving time allowed for the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n).

[0070] The reference deviation may be a predetermined fixed value. Alternatively, the reference deviation may be variably set by considering attribute information such as power consumption of an electrical load device (50) connected to a power supply device (200), specification information such as discharge rate and discharge capacity of a power module (210), etc.

[0071] The deviation calculation unit (133) can perform statistical processing on the first to nth driving times input from the monitoring unit (120) to calculate the time deviation of each of the first to nth driving times (see step S520 of FIG. 5). The term "time deviation" used herein may also be referred to as "individual deviation."

[0072] The process for calculating the above time deviation is a separate subroutine (step subroutine) that is performed independently from the main process of the present invention, and can be configured to continuously update the time deviation according to established generation criteria, such as periodic or non-periodical. A specific embodiment of this will be described later.

[0073] The deviation calculation unit (133) can perform statistical processing on data for the first to nth driving times from the monitoring unit (120) to determine an average value (e.g., an arithmetic mean, a weighted mean, a harmonic mean, etc.) for the first to nth driving times. The following equation 1 can be used to obtain the arithmetic mean value for the first to nth driving times.

[0074] <Formula 1>

[0075]

[0076] The deviation calculation unit (133) can determine the first to nth time deviations of the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n) (step S520).

[0077] The following equation 2 can be used to obtain the time deviation of each of the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n).

[0078] <Formula 2>

[0079]

[0080] In Equations 1 and 2, T kis the operating time of the kth power module (210-k), n is the total number of power modules (210), A is the average value of the first to nth operating times, σ k is T k The difference between A and A is the time deviation of the k power module (210-k).

[0081] The selection unit (135) can classify each of the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n) into a 'driving module' or a 'non-driving module'. The 'driving module' refers to a power module (210) in a driving state, and the 'non-driving module' refers to a power module (210) in a non-driving state.

[0082] In addition, when data on the time deviations of each of the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n) is input from the deviation calculation unit (133), the selection unit (135) performs a process of comparing each of these time deviations with a reference deviation (see step S530 of FIG. 5).

[0083] The selection unit (135) can select any one of the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n) that is currently in a non-operating state if the output value of step S530 is "YES" (see step S540 of FIG. 5). If two or more power modules are in a non-operating state, the selection unit (135) can select any one of the two or more power modules.

[0084] Hereinafter, for the convenience of explanation and understanding, a power module having a time deviation greater than the reference deviation may be referred to as a 'target power module'. In addition, a power module that is in a non-operating state and has a minimum operating time (or maximum downtime, or highest priority identification number) may be referred to as a 'power module of interest'. For reference, the first to nth identification numbers may be individually assigned in advance to the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n). The priority between the first to nth identification numbers may be determined in advance.

[0085] The drive control unit (137) can switch the power module of interest (210) from a non-driven state to a driven state by controlling the switching unit (140) and the like (see step S550 of FIG. 5). In addition, the drive control unit (137) can switch the target power module (210) from a driven state to a non-driven state (see step S560 of FIG. 5).

[0086] In contrast, if there is not a single power module (210) whose time deviation is greater than the reference deviation, then the operating time bias does not occur among the power modules (210-1 to 210-n) based on the current point in time, i.e., the operating time deviation among the power modules (210-1 to 210-n) can be considered to be in a balanced state in which the operating time bias is appropriately suppressed.

[0087] Even in this case, the driving time monitoring process (step S510) and the deviation calculation process (step S520) described above can be configured to be performed continuously and cyclically through the process of a subroutine as described below with reference to FIG. 7.

[0088] It goes without saying that the processes according to FIG. 5 can be applied cyclically if a preset termination condition, such as a forced termination, a system-down, or an emergency event, is not met (the value of step S570 is “NO”).

[0089] Since the operating time of the individual power module (210) changes over time, the average and time deviation for the first to nth operating times also change dynamically.

[0090] The present invention detects such time-series changes based on the current point in time, and reflects them to repeatedly and cyclically control the start of operation of a power module of interest and the stop of operation of a target power module. Accordingly, even if the overall use of the power supply device (200) increases over time, it is possible to ensure that the deviation in the operation time of each of the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n) included in the power supply device (200) continuously remains within a reference deviation.

[0091] The drive control unit (137) can output a first command signal for switching the power module of interest from a non-driven state to a driven state. The drive control unit (137) can be configured to output a second command signal for switching the target power module (210) from a driven state to a non-driven state when a deadband time has elapsed from the time at which the first command signal is output.

[0092] This may not be the case when using sophisticated and precise hardware devices, but when generating and outputting a digital signal system using an analog signal, the signal value can have a value between 0 and 1 during the dead band section where the signal changes, albeit for a short time.

[0093] That is, in the deadband section, as a drive stop signal with a size decreasing from 1 to 0 and a drive start signal with a size increasing from 0 to 1 are received based on the side receiving the signal, the distinction of the threshold becomes ambiguous, and the distinction operation may not be clearly performed.

[0094] As described above, when the drive stop signal is configured to be output after the deadband time has elapsed based on the time at which the drive start signal is output, the ambiguity of the signal system is effectively eliminated, so that the clarity of the operation switching can be more clearly achieved.

[0095] Various history information including information on the operating time of each of the power modules (210-1 to 210-n) described above, information on the transition time between the operating state and the non-operating state, information on which state it is in between the operating state and the non-operating state, etc., is stored in the history information storage unit (160) and can be utilized in subsequent processes or application processes.

[0096] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process for selecting a power module of interest (210) using the relative relationship of idle times.

[0097] As described above, the selection unit (135) selects one of the power modules (e.g., 210-2) that is in a non-operating state (step S540) if there is a power module (e.g., 210-1) whose time deviation is greater than or equal to the reference deviation (the output value of step S530 is "YES"). If two or more power modules are in a non-operating state, the power module (e.g., 210-2) selected in step S540 may be the power module that has the minimum operating time.

[0098] Specifically, when there are multiple power modules in a non-operating state, the selection unit (135) performs a process (see step S600 of FIG. 6) of comparing the operating times of each of these power modules (e.g., 210-2, 210-3, 210-4) with each other, thereby selecting a candidate power module having the minimum operating time among the multiple power modules (step S610).

[0099] The selection unit (135) determines whether there is a single candidate power module among two or more power modules (e.g., 210-2, 210-3, 210-4) that are in a non-operating state.

[0100] If, among multiple non-driven modules (e.g., 210-2, 210-3, 210-4), there is only one candidate power module corresponding to the minimum driving time, the selection unit (135) can select that single candidate power module as the power module of interest (step S630).

[0101] In contrast, if there are multiple candidate power modules having minimum operating times, the selection unit (135) may compare the idle times of the multiple candidate power modules based on the current time (step S640) and select one candidate power module having the maximum idle time as the power module of interest (step S650). In step S650, one candidate power module having the highest priority identification number, rather than the maximum idle time, may be selected as the power module of interest (step S650).

[0102] The idle time of a power module (210) in a non-operating state may refer to the elapsed time from the most recent point in time when the power module (210) transitioned from an operating state to a non-operating state. The power module of interest refers to a power module that will be responsible for supplying direct current power to an electrical load device (50) by replacing a target power module that is about to be shut down.

[0103] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the phenomenon of continuous accumulation and concentration of operating time can be reduced within a possible range through appropriate control and arrangement of operating time and idle time. As a result, the operating performance of each power module (210) can be more stably optimized.

[0104] Depending on the embodiment, preset prioritization information (e.g., manufacturing date, age, deterioration level, etc.) may be utilized in the process of selecting one of the multiple candidate power modules as the power module of interest.

[0105] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process for a subroutine that cyclically calculates the time deviation of the driving time.

[0106] As described above, the first to nth driving times of the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n), the average of the first to nth driving times, and the deviation of the first to nth driving times dynamically change over time.

[0107] Therefore, by cyclically reflecting these changes in the process of the present invention described above so that the relevant data is updated, it is possible to prevent the operating time deviation for each power module (210) from becoming excessive throughout the entire period of use.

[0108] To this end, the monitoring unit (120) can monitor the first to nth driving times of the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n) (step S700). The monitoring unit (120) can output information or data indicating the first to nth driving times to the deviation calculation unit (133).

[0109] The monitoring process (step S700) can be executed based on a predetermined cycle using clock settings, etc., and of course, it can also be executed based on an aperiodic cycle in which an event such as the start or stop of operation of the power module (210) occurs.

[0110] The deviation calculation unit (133) can store data for the first to nth driving times (step S710). Accordingly, the first to nth driving times are updated periodically or aperiodically.

[0111] Depending on the embodiment, data for the first to nth driving times entered at the current point in time may be stored in a manner that replaces data for previously stored first to nth driving times. Of course, data for the first to nth driving times may also be stored in the form of history data that interlinks previous and current data to enhance the efficiency of statistical operations or application processes.

[0112] Next, the deviation calculation unit (133) performs statistical processing on the first to nth driving times to determine an average value (step S720), and determines a first to nth time deviation representing the individual difference of the first to nth driving times with respect to the average value (step S730). The deviation calculation unit (133) stores the first to nth time deviations determined in step S730 (step S740). Here, the statistical processing may be an arithmetic mean calculation, a weighted mean calculation, etc., as described above.

[0113] After the first to nth time deviations are stored, when an information request signal is input from the selection unit (135) (the value of step S740 is "YES"), the deviation calculation unit (133) outputs data representing the most recently stored first to nth time deviations based on the current point in time to the selection unit (135) (step S760).

[0114] If the preset termination conditions, etc. are not met (the output value of step S770 is "NO"), it is preferable that the above-described process of calculating and outputting the time deviation be configured to be performed cyclically and continuously in conjunction with the periodic or non-periodic monitoring results of the monitoring unit (120).

[0115] Hereinafter, processes for ensuring that the load ratio of the power modules in the operating state among the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n) are maintained within the allowable load ratio range will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0116] The reference information storage unit (131) can store the allowable load ratio of the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n) (step S800).

[0117] In the present invention, the allowable load ratio can represent the upper and lower limits of the load ratio at which the input / output efficiency of the power module (210) is at a certain level or higher.

[0118] The upper limit of the allowable load ratio may be a criterion for limiting the maximum load (power) handled by the power module (210). The upper limit of the allowable load ratio refers to the ratio of the allowable maximum output to the available maximum output. The lower limit of the allowable load ratio refers to the ratio of the allowable minimum output to the available maximum output. At least one of the upper limit and the lower limit of the allowable load ratio may be preset, in which case step S800 may be omitted from the method of FIG. 8.

[0119] If the load rate of the power module (210) falls below the lower limit or exceeds the upper limit of the allowable load rate, the input / output efficiency of the power module (210) may not reach a certain level. Therefore, a process for adjusting the load rate of the operating power module (210) to a range between the upper and lower limits of the allowable load rate is required. The range between the lower and upper limits of the allowable load rate may be referred to as the "allowable load rate range."

[0120] The current load factor of the power module (210) may represent the ratio of the current output of the power module (210) to the maximum available output. The allowable load factor may be common to the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n).

[0121] For example, if the upper limit of the allowable load factor of a power module (210) with a maximum available power of 20 kW is set to 70%, the supply power of each power module (210) in an operating state needs to be controlled so as not to exceed 14 kW.

[0122] To increase the efficiency of explanation and understanding, it is assumed that the maximum available output of the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n) are all the same.

[0123] The monitoring unit (120) described above can monitor the load ratio of the power modules in the operating state among the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n) through linkage with the measuring unit (110) (step S810). Since the current load ratio of the non-operating power module can only be 0, there is no need to monitor the load ratio of each non-operating power module. That is, in this specification, a process related to the load ratio of a certain power module may be based on the premise that the power module is in the operating state.

[0124] The selection unit (135) classifies each of the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n) into a power module in a driven state or a power module in a non-driven state.

[0125] Additionally, the selection unit (135) can determine whether the load rate of the power module in the driving state exceeds the upper limit of the allowable load rate (step S820). If the value of step S820 is "Yes", the process can proceed to step S830.

[0126] The selection unit (135) determines whether at least one of the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n) is in a non-operating state (step S830). If the determination result in step S830 indicates that at least one power module is in a non-operating state (i.e., in a resting state), the selection unit (135) may select a power module with the minimum operating time among the non-operating modules (step S840). The power module selected in step S840 may be the same power module as the power module of interest described above.

[0127] The drive control unit (137) can switch the power module (210) selected in step S840 from a non-driven state to a driven state (step S860).

[0128] For example, if the allowable load ratio is 70%, the maximum available output of the power module (210) is 20 kW, and four power modules are currently in operation (i.e., in a driving state), and the power consumption of the electric load device (50) is 50 kW, the power modules (210) will each supply 50 kW / 4 = 12.5 kW of power. Based on this example, since the current load ratio of each power module (210) is 62.5% (12.5 kW / 20 kW), which does not exceed the allowable load ratio (70%), it can be said that there is no need to additionally add power modules (210).

[0129] In this case, the process of the present invention described above, which monitors the operating time of each of the four power modules and, if there is a bias in the operating time, implements stopping the operation of the target power module (210) and starting the operation of the power module of interest (210), etc., can be applied.

[0130] On the other hand, if the power consumption of the electric load device (50) increases to 72 kW while four power modules (210) are operating, each of the four power modules (210) will supply 18 kW of power equally. Therefore, the current load ratio (90%) of the power module (210) exceeds the allowable load ratio (70%) (output value of step S820 is "YES").

[0131] In this case, the selection unit (135) can select a power module that has a minimum driving time while in a non-driven state (step S840). Subsequently, the driving control unit (137) can switch the power module selected in step S840 from a non-driven state to a driven state (step S860).

[0132] If the power modules selected from among the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n) are additionally switched to the operating state through the above-described process, the number of power modules in the operating state increases from 4 to 5. As a result, each of the five power modules supplies 72 kW / 5 = 14.4 kW of power to the electric load device (50). In this case, the load factor of each of the five power modules is reduced from 90% to 14.4 kW / 20 kW*100% = 72%, but still exceeds the allowable load factor of 70% (the output value of step S820 is "YES"). Therefore, the process of additionally selecting a power module having the minimum operating time from among the remaining non-operating power module(s), such as step S840 illustrated in FIG. 8, can be performed again.

[0133] Through this process, when the number of power modules operating in the driving state increases from 5 to 6, each of the 6 power modules supplies 12.0 kW (72 kW / 6), and each of the 6 power modules switches to a stable load state in which the load rate is lower than the upper limit of the allowable load rate of 70%.

[0134] Meanwhile, if the lower limit of the allowable load factor of the power module (210) with the maximum available power of 20 kW is set to 40%, the supply power of the power module (210) needs to be controlled to exceed 8 kW.

[0135] If the value of step S820 is “No”, the method of FIG. 9 can be executed.

[0136] Referring to FIG. 9, the selection unit (135) can determine whether two or more power modules are in an operating state (step S900). If the value of step S900 is "Yes," the process can proceed to step S910. A value of step S900 being "No" may indicate that only one power module is in an operating state.

[0137] The selection unit (135) can determine whether the load rate of the power module in the operating state is less than the lower limit of the allowable load rate (step S910). If the value of step S900 or step S910 is "No", the process can proceed to step S870 of FIG. 8.

[0138] If the value of step S910 is "Yes", the selection unit (135) can select one of two or more power modules in an operating state (step S920). In step S920, a power module with a possible long operating time can be selected.

[0139] The drive control unit (137) can switch the power module selected in step S920 from a driven state to a non-driven state (step S930).

[0140] For example, let's say that the lower limit of the allowable load factor is 40%, the maximum available output of the power module (210) is 20 kW, four power modules are currently operating (i.e., in a driving state), and the power consumption of the electric load device (50) is 50 kW. Then, the four power modules (210) that are being operated will be supplying 12.5 kW of power evenly to the electric load device (50). Since the current load factor of each power module (210) is 12.5 kW / 20 kW*100% = 62.5%, which exceeds the lower limit of the allowable load factor (40%), it can be said that there is no need to select a power module to be stopped among the four power modules (210) that are being operated. In this case, the above-described processes for monitoring the operating time of each of the four power modules in the operating state and, if there is a bias in the operating time, stopping the operation of the target power module and starting the operation of the power module of interest, etc. can be executed.

[0141] On the other hand, when the power consumption of the electric load device (50) drops from 50 kW to 30 kW while four power modules (210) are in operation, each of the four power modules (210) supplies 7.5 kW of power evenly, and the load factor of the four power modules (210) drops from 62.5% to 37.5%.

[0142] Accordingly, in step S910, it is determined that the current load ratio of 37.5% of the power module(s) in the driving state is lower than the lower limit of the allowable load ratio of 40%. In this case, the selection unit (135) can select one of the four power modules with the maximum driving time (step S920). Subsequently, the driving control unit (137) can switch the power module with the maximum driving time from the driving state to the non-driving state (step S930).

[0143] When step S930 is executed, the number of power modules in the operating state is reduced from four to three. Consequently, each of the three power modules evenly supplies 30 kW / 3 = 10 kW of power to the electrical load device (50). In this case, the load factor of each of the three power modules increases from 37.5% to 50%, and is adjusted to fall between the lower limit of 40% and the upper limit of 70% of the allowable load factor.

[0144] If the number of power modules in operation is reduced from 4 to 3, but the load rate of the power module (210) in operation is less than the lower limit of the allowable load rate, steps S920 and S930 illustrated in FIG. 9 may be performed again.

[0145] As described above, based on at least one of the operating time, the idle time and the load factor of each of the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n), a target power module and / or a power module of interest are selected from among the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n), and through cyclic application of a process in which each of the selected power modules is controlled to be switched between an operating state and a non-operating state, the operating time (operating time) and / or the load factor of an individual power module is not excessively high or low compared to other power modules, thereby enabling the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n) to be operated more stably.

[0146] In relation to the above implementation configuration, if there is no power module among the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n) that is currently not in operation, that is, if all of the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n) are in operation, it means that power is being supplied in a state where the load rate of the individual power module (210) exceeds the allowable load rate.

[0147] In this way, when the load ratio exceeds the upper limit of the allowable load ratio even though all of the first to nth power modules (210-1 to 210-n) are in the driving state (the output value of step S820 is "NO"), the information sharing unit (150) can generate alarm information and transmit the generated alarm information to the user terminal, the vehicle's info system, the control server, etc. (step S850). The alarm information may be for notifying the user, etc. that an overload risk has occurred. By executing step S850, follow-up measures for a dangerous situation in which the output value of step S830 is "NO" can be effectively induced.

[0148] The process illustrated in Fig. 8 may also be applied cyclically if a preset termination condition, such as a forced termination, system down, or occurrence of an emergency event, is not met (the value of step S870 is "NO").

[0149] FIG. 10 is a drawing for reference in explaining an example of a process for suppressing variation in driving time between multiple power modules.

[0150] In Fig. 10, it is assumed that the power supply unit (200) includes six power modules (210-1 to 210-6). An exemplary transition of each of the six power modules (210-1 to 210-6) between the driving state and the non-driving state over time during operation of the DC power supply system (10) is schematically illustrated in Fig. 10. For reference, in Fig. 10, the symbol A denotes the driving state, and the symbol R denotes the resting state (non-driving state).

[0151] In addition, the six time intervals (P1 to P6) may be distinguished based on the time point at which a transition event between the driving state and the non-driving state occurs in at least one of the first to sixth power modules (210-1 to 210-6). In describing Fig. 10, at the start point of the first time interval (P1), the driving time of all power modules (210-1 to 210-6) is t ac Let us assume that it is the same as .

[0152] In the first time interval (P1), it is illustrated that among the first to sixth power modules (210-1 to 210-6), only the first power module (210-1) is in an operating state, and the remaining five power modules (210-2 to 210-6) are in a non-operating state.

[0153] If the load rate of the first power module (210-1) becomes greater than the allowable load rate in the first time interval (P1), the power module of interest is selected from the remaining five power modules (210-2 to 210-6). Accordingly, the second power module (210-2), which was in a non-operating state in the first time interval (P1), is switched to an operating state, thereby ending the first time interval (P1) and starting the second time interval (P2).

[0154] In the second time period (P2), the first power module (210-1) and the second power module (210-2) supply direct current power to the electric load device (50). That is, during the second time period (P2), the two power modules (210-1, 210-2) operate in a driven state, while the remaining power modules (210-3, 210-4, 210-5, 210-6) remain in a non-driven state.

[0155] In the second time interval (P2), the time deviation of the operating times of each of the two power modules (210-1, 210-2) may reach the reference deviation, and furthermore, the load ratios of the two power modules (210-1, 210-2) may exceed the upper limit of the allowable load ratio. Therefore, among the remaining power modules (210-3, 210-4, 210-5, 210-6), at least one power module (power module of interest) that will operate in an operating state in place of at least one of the two power modules (210-1, 210-2) needs to be selected from the remaining power modules (210-3, 210-4, 210-5, 210-6). In Fig. 10, it is illustrated that each of the third to fifth power modules (210-3, 210-4, 210-5) is selected as the power module of interest. Accordingly, the first and second power modules (210-1, 210-2) are switched to a non-driven state, and the third to fifth power modules (210-3, 210-4, 210-5) are switched to a driven state, so that the second time period (P2) ends and the third time period (P3) begins.

[0156] In the third time period (P3), the sixth power module (210-6) remains in a non-driven state.

[0157] In the third time interval (P3), if the load rate of each of the third to sixth power modules (210-3, 210-4, 210-5) becomes greater than the allowable load rate, at least one of the remaining three power modules (210-1, 210-2, 210-6) is selected as the power module of interest. Since the operating time of the sixth power module (210-6), which has been in a non-operating state throughout the first to third time intervals (P1 to P3), is the shortest and conversely, the idle time is the longest, the sixth power module (210-6) is switched to an operating state. Accordingly, the third time interval (P3) ends, and the subsequent fourth time interval (P4) begins.

[0158] During the fourth time interval (P4), the third to sixth power modules (210-3 to 210-6) operate in a driven state, while the first and second power modules (210-1, 210-2) remain in a non-driven state.

[0159] In the fourth time interval (P4), if the load rate of each of the four power modules (210-3 to 210-6) exceeds the upper limit of the allowable load rate, at least one of the first and second power modules (210-1, 210-2) that are in a non-operating state is switched to an operating state. In Fig. 10, the second power module (210-2) is exemplified as being selected as the power module of interest. Accordingly, the fourth time interval (P4) ends and the fifth time interval (P5) begins.

[0160] In the fifth time period (P5), the second to sixth power modules (210-2 to 210-6) are each operated in a driven state, and only the first power module (210-1) is in a non-driven state.

[0161] In the fifth time period (P5), when the load rate of each of the five power modules (210-2 to 210-6) exceeds the upper limit of the allowable load rate, even the first power module (210-1), which is not in operation, is switched to an operation state. Accordingly, the fifth time period (P5) ends and the sixth time period (P6) begins.

[0162] The change in the operating time and time deviation of the first to sixth power modules (210-1 to 210-6) during the period from the start point of the first time section (P1) to the end point of the sixth time section (P6) is summarized in Table 1 below. Table 1 is summarized assuming that the time length of each of the first to sixth time sections (P1 to P6) is equal to Δt.

[0163] Table 1

[0164]

[0165] Table 1 summarizes, for each of the time intervals (P1-P6), the maximum operating time, the power module with the maximum operating time, the minimum operating time, the power module with the minimum operating time, and the maximum time deviation (i.e., the difference between the maximum operating time and the minimum operating time).

[0166] As confirmed in Table 1, when the control method according to the present invention described above is applied, even if the power consumption of the electric load device (50) changes over time, the maximum time deviation of the driving time between the power modules (210-1 to 210-n) can be continuously maintained below the reference deviation (e.g., 2Δt).

[0167] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0168] The drawings attached for the purpose of explaining the present invention and illustrating embodiments thereof may be illustrated in a somewhat exaggerated form to emphasize or highlight the technical contents of the present invention. However, it should be interpreted that it is obvious that various modified application examples may be possible at the level of a person skilled in the art in consideration of the contents described above and matters illustrated in the drawings.

[0169] In addition, it is self-evident that expressions such as first, second, upper, lower, or top and bottom in the description of the present invention are merely instrumental conceptual terms used to relatively distinguish each component (element) from each other, and are not terms used to indicate a specific order, priority, etc., or terms used to physically distinguish each component (element) on an absolute basis.

Claims

1. In a power supply control device for first to nth power modules connected in parallel with each other for supplying direct current power to an electric load device, A monitoring unit for monitoring the first to nth driving times of the first to nth power modules; and A main control unit that controls each of the first to nth power modules to a driven state or a non-driven state based on the first to nth driving times; A power supply control device, wherein n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2.

2. In paragraph 1, The above main control unit, By performing statistical processing on the first to nth driving times, the first to nth time deviations are calculated, If the time deviation of any one of the power modules in the driving state among the first to nth power modules is greater than the reference deviation, any one of the power modules in the non-driving state among the first to nth power modules is selected, A power supply control device that switches the above-mentioned selected power module from the non-driven state to the driven state.

3. In paragraph 2, The above main control unit, Outputting a first command signal to switch the above-mentioned selected power module from the non-driven state to the driven state, A power supply control device that outputs a second command signal to switch the power module having a time deviation greater than the reference deviation from the driving state to the non-driving state when the deadband time has elapsed from the time at which the first command signal is output.

4. In paragraph 2, The above main control unit, A power supply control device that updates the first to nth time deviations periodically or aperiodically.

5. In paragraph 2, The above main control unit, A power supply control device that selects one of the two or more power modules in the non-driven state based on the driving time, idle time, or identification number of each of the two or more power modules in the non-driven state when two or more power modules among the first to nth power modules are in the non-driven state.

6. In paragraph 1, The above main control unit, If the load ratio of each power module in the driving state among the first to nth power modules exceeds the upper limit of the allowable load ratio, one power module in the non-driving state among the first to nth power modules is selected, A power supply control device that switches the above-mentioned selected power module from the non-driven state to the driven state.

7. In paragraph 1, An information sharing unit that generates risk alarm information when all of the first to nth power modules are in an operating state and the load rate of each of the first to nth power modules exceeds the upper limit of the allowable load rate; A power supply control device further comprising:

8. In paragraph 1, The above main control unit, A power supply control device that switches one of the two or more power modules in the driven state from the driven state to the non-driven state when the load ratio of two or more power modules in the driven state among the first to nth power modules falls below the lower limit of the allowable load ratio.

9. A direct current power supply system including a power supply control device according to any one of clauses 1 to 8.

10. A power supply control method for first to nth power modules connected in parallel with each other for supplying direct current power to an electric load device, A step of monitoring the first to nth driving times of the first to nth power modules; and A step of controlling each of the first to nth power modules to a driven state or a non-driven state based on the first to nth driving times; A power supply control method, wherein n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2.

11. In paragraph 10, The step of controlling each of the first to nth power modules to a driven state or a non-driven state is as follows: A step of calculating a first to nth time deviation by performing statistical processing on the first to nth driving times; When the time deviation of any one of the power modules in the driving state among the first to nth power modules is greater than the time deviation standard deviation, a step of selecting any one of the power modules in the non-driving state among the first to nth power modules; and A step of switching the above-mentioned selected power module from the non-driven state to the driven state and time-shifting it; A power supply control method comprising:

12. In paragraph 11, The step of selecting one of the first to nth power modules in a non-operating state is as follows: A power supply control method, wherein when two or more of the first to nth power modules are in the non-operating state, one of the two or more power modules in the non-operating state is selected based on the operating time, idle time, or identification number of each of the two or more power modules in the non-operating state.

13. In paragraph 10, When the load ratio of each power module in the driving state among the first to nth power modules exceeds the upper limit of the allowable load ratio, a step of selecting one power module in the non-driving state among the first to nth power modules; and A step of switching the selected power module from the non-driven state to the driven state; A power supply control method further comprising:

14. In paragraph 10, A step of switching one of the two or more power modules in the driven state from the driven state to the non-driven state when the load ratio of two or more power modules in the driven state among the first to nth power modules falls below the lower limit of the allowable load ratio; A power supply control method further comprising:

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