Battery system

Abstract

A battery system according to the present invention may comprise: a plurality of battery packs including a plurality of battery cells; a plurality of battery management systems connected to the plurality of battery packs; and a rack battery management system for transmitting control commands to the plurality of battery management systems, and receiving a plurality of pieces of monitoring information from the plurality of battery management systems in response to the control commands. Each of the plurality of battery management systems may include: two battery management ICs (BMICs) that are connected to a corresponding battery pack among the plurality of battery packs and generate monitoring information on the corresponding battery pack in response to the control commands; and a dual transformer including a first winding connected to a first BMIC among the two BMICs and a second winding connected to a second BMIC among the two BMICs. The ground of the first winding and the ground of the second winding may be separated from each other.

Description

battery system

[0001] Cross-citation with related application(s)

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0174491, filed December 5, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a battery system.

[0004] A Battery Management System (BMS) is connected to the multiple battery cells that make up a battery pack, monitors them, and controls the charging and discharging of the battery pack. Depending on the number of battery cells, the number of Battery Management ICs (BMICs) monitoring the multiple battery cells may be two or more.

[0005] Transformers can be used to allow two or more BMICs to transmit and receive information with the BMS. This requires ensuring an adequate insulation distance between the high-voltage and low-voltage sides of the transformer, and a corresponding transformer is required for each of the two or more BMICs. This increases the size of the PCB on which the BMS is mounted, and increases the cost of BMS manufacturing.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide a battery system capable of minimizing an increase in PCB size and manufacturing cost when manufacturing a BMS including two or more BMICs.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, a battery system may include a plurality of battery packs including a plurality of battery cells, a plurality of battery management systems connected to the plurality of battery packs, and a rack battery management system transmitting a control command to the plurality of battery management systems and receiving a plurality of monitoring information in response to the control command from the plurality of battery management systems. Each of the plurality of battery management systems may include two Battery Management ICs (BMICs) connected to a corresponding battery pack among the plurality of battery packs and generating monitoring information for the corresponding battery pack according to the control command, and a dual transformer including a first winding connected to a first BMIC among the two BMICs and a second winding connected to a second BMIC among the two BMICs. A ground of the first winding and a ground of the second winding may be separated from each other.

[0008] Among the plurality of battery management systems, a first dual transformer of a first battery management system may further include a third winding insulated and linked to the first winding and connected to the rack battery management system, and a fourth winding insulated and linked to the second winding and connected to a second battery management system among the plurality of battery management systems. The second battery management system may include a second dual transformer including a fifth winding connected to the fourth winding and a sixth winding insulated and linked to the fifth winding, and a third BMIC connected to the sixth winding. The second battery management system may further include a fourth BMIC connected to a corresponding battery pack among the plurality of battery packs. The second dual transformer may further include a seventh winding connected to the fourth BMIC and an eighth winding insulated and linked to the seventh winding. The ground of the sixth winding and the ground of the seventh winding may be separated from each other. Each of the third BMIC and the fourth BMIC may be connected to half of the plurality of battery cells of the corresponding battery pack.

[0009] The first battery management system may further include a ninth winding and a tenth winding insulated and linked between the first BMIC and the second BMIC. A signal transmitted to the third winding may be provided to the first BMIC via the first winding, the first BMIC may transmit the signal to the second BMIC via the ninth winding and the tenth winding, and the second BMIC may transmit the signal to the second battery management system via the second winding and the fourth winding. The signal transmitted to the third winding may indicate the control command. A first signal transmitted from the second battery management system to the fourth winding may be provided to the second BMIC via the second winding, the second BMIC may transmit a second signal, which adds monitoring information generated by the second BMIC to the first signal, to the first BMIC via the ninth winding and the tenth winding, and the first BMIC may transmit a third signal, which adds monitoring information generated by the first BMIC to the second signal, to the rack battery management system via the first winding and the third winding. The first signal may include monitoring information of the second battery management system.

[0010] The second battery management system may include a second dual transformer including a third BMIC and a fourth BMIC connected to corresponding battery packs, a fifth winding connected to the fourth winding and a sixth winding insulatedly linked to the fifth winding and connected to the third BMIC, a seventh winding connected to the fourth BMIC and an eighth winding insulatedly linked to the seventh winding, and an eleventh winding and a twelfth winding insulatedly linked between the third BMIC and the fourth BMIC. A ground of the sixth winding and a ground of the seventh winding may be separated from each other. A signal transmitted to the fifth winding may be provided to the third BMIC via the sixth winding, the third BMIC may transmit the signal to the fourth BMIC via the eleventh winding and the twelfth winding, and the fourth BMIC may transmit the signal to a third battery management system among the plurality of battery management systems via the seventh winding and the eighth winding. Among the plurality of battery management systems, a first signal transmitted from a third battery management system to the eighth winding is provided to the fourth BMIC via the seventh winding, the fourth BMIC transmits a second signal, which adds monitoring information generated by the fourth BMIC to the first signal, to the third BMIC via the eleventh winding and the twelfth winding, and the third BMIC transmits a third signal, which adds monitoring information generated by the third BMIC to the second signal, to the first battery management system via the fifth winding and the sixth winding. The first signal may include monitoring information of the third battery management system.

[0011] Each of the dual transformers of the plurality of battery management systems may further include a third winding insulated and linked to the first winding and connected to the rack battery management system, and a fourth winding insulated and linked to the second winding and connected to the rack battery management system.

[0012] The present disclosure provides a battery system capable of minimizing an increase in PCB size and manufacturing cost when manufacturing a BMS including two or more BMICs.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a battery system according to some embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of a battery system according to some embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates configurations for communication between multiple BMICs according to certain embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 4 shows a control command transmission sequence from an MCU to multiple BMICs according to some embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 5 shows a sequence of transmitting monitoring information from multiple BMICs to an MCU according to an embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a battery system according to some embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a battery system according to some embodiments.

[0020] In describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, detailed descriptions of related known technologies will be omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification. In addition, the attached drawings are provided solely to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concepts disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0021] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0022] 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.

[0023] In this application, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a battery system according to some embodiments.

[0025] The battery system (1) may include a plurality of battery packs (10_1 to 10_3), a plurality of BMSs (20_1 to 20_3), a rack battery management system (RBMS) (30), a switching device (40), and a current sensor (50). In FIG. 1, the battery system (1) is illustrated as including three battery packs (10_1 to 10_3), but the invention is not limited thereto. The present invention may be applied to a battery system including two or more battery packs.

[0026] A plurality of battery packs (10_1 to 10_3) are connected in series between two output terminals (P+, P-) of the battery system (1). Each of the plurality of battery packs (10_1 to 10_3) may include a plurality of battery cells (e.g., CE1 to CEn) connected in series (n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2).

[0027] Each of the plurality of BMSs (20_1, 20_2, 20_3) is connected to each of the plurality of battery packs (10_1 to 10_3), measures the cell voltage of each of the plurality of battery cells (CE1 to CEn) of the corresponding battery pack, and transmits the plurality of cell voltages of the plurality of battery cells (CE1 to CEn) of each of the plurality of battery packs (10_1 to 10_3) to the rack BMS (30). Although not shown in FIG. 1, the battery system (1) may further include a plurality of temperature sensors for measuring the temperature of each of the plurality of battery packs (10_1 to 10_3), a plurality of current sensors for measuring the current flowing through each of the plurality of battery packs (10_1 to 10_3), etc. The plurality of temperature sensors may provide a signal indicating the measured temperature to the plurality of BMSs (20_1, 20_2, 20_3) or the rack BMS (30). A plurality of current sensors can provide signals indicating measured currents to the rack BMS (30) or the plurality of BMSs (20_1, 20_2, 20_3). When the plurality of BMSs (20_1, 20_2, 20_3) receive signals from the plurality of temperature sensors and the plurality of current sensors, the rack BMS (30) can request information on temperature and current from the plurality of BMSs (20_1, 20_2, 20_3) according to a daisy chain method, and the plurality of BMSs (20_1, 20_2, 20_3) can transmit values ​​according to the received signals to the rack BMS (30). In the following description, the information provided from the BMS to the rack BMS may be monitoring information including at least one of cell voltage, pack temperature, pack current, etc.

[0028] The rack BMS (30) can transmit control commands to multiple BMSs (20_1, 20_2, 20_3). The multiple BMSs (20_1, 20_2, 20_3) can perform operations according to the received control commands and transmit information obtained by the performed operations, for example, monitoring information, to the rack BMS (30). In Fig. 1, the rack BMS (30) is illustrated as transmitting control commands to multiple BMSs (20_1, 20_2, 20_3) according to a daisy chain method and receiving responses to the control commands from multiple BMSs (20_1, 20_2, 20_3). The daisy chain method is an example of a communication method applicable to the present invention, and the invention is not limited thereto. Rack BMS (30) generates a control command, for example, a command to measure a plurality of battery cell voltages, and the control command is transmitted sequentially to BMS (20_1), BMS (20_2), and BMS (20_3) in a daisy chain manner. BMS (20_3), which is the last in the transmission order, recognizes that there is no BMS to transmit the control command next, and performs an operation according to the received control command, for example, measures a plurality of battery cell voltages to generate a plurality of cell voltage values ​​of the battery pack (10_3), and transmits the plurality of cell voltage values ​​of the battery pack (10_3) to BMS (20_2) in response to the control command. BMS (20_2) also generates a plurality of cell voltage values ​​of the battery pack (10_2) according to the control command, and transmits the plurality of cell voltage values ​​of the battery pack (10_2) to BMS (10_1) together with the plurality of cell voltage values ​​of the battery pack (10_3) received from BMS (20_3). The BMS (20_1) also generates multiple cell voltage values ​​of the battery pack (10_1) according to the control command, and transmits the multiple cell voltage values ​​of the battery pack (10_1) together with the multiple cell voltage values ​​of the two battery packs (10_2, 10_3) received from the BMS (20_2) to the rack BMS (30).

[0029] The rack BMS (30) can control the switching operation of the switch device (40) based on information received from a plurality of BMSs (20_1, 20_2, 20_3) and information provided from the outside. The rack BMS (30) can close the switch device (40) for a discharging operation that supplies power to the outside from a plurality of battery packs (10_1 to 10_3) and a charging operation that supplies power to the plurality of battery packs (10_1 to 10_3) from the outside, and can open the switch device (40) when there is a problem with the plurality of battery packs (10_1 to 10_3) or in a rest state where there is no power operation. The rack BMS (30) can provide a switching signal (SWS) that controls the switching operation of the switch device (40) to the switch device (40).

[0030] The current sensor (50) can measure the current flowing through the plurality of battery packs (10_1 to 10_3) and provide the measured current to the rack BMS (30). The current sensor (50) can transmit a detection signal (IS) indicating the measured current to the rack BMS (30) at each predetermined monitoring cycle.

[0031] The configurations illustrated in FIG. 1 are only those necessary to explain an embodiment of the present invention. The battery system (1) may include various configurations in addition to the configurations illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of a battery system according to some embodiments.

[0033] In Fig. 2, some configurations of a plurality of BMSs (20_1, 20_2, 20_3) and a rack BMS (30) are illustrated.

[0034] Each of the plurality of BMSs (20_1, 20_2, 20_3) may include two BMICs (211, 212, 221, 222, 231, 232) and a dual transformer (213, 223, 233). In FIG. 2, an embodiment is illustrated in which a daisy chain is implemented so that control commands are transmitted in the order of rack BMS (30) -> BMS (20_1) -> BMS (20_2) -> BMS (20_3), and monitoring information generated in response to the control commands is transmitted in the order of BMS (20_3) -> BMS (20_2) -> BMS (20_1) -> rack BMS (30). This is an example for explaining the invention, and the invention is not limited thereto. For example, a control command may be transmitted in the order of rack BMS (30) -> BMS (20_1) -> BMS (20_2) -> BMS (20_3), and monitoring information generated in response to the control command may be transmitted together with the control command. BMS (20_3) may transmit the monitoring information generated by BMS (20_3) following the control command and the monitoring information of BMS (20_1) and BMS (20_2) received, to rack BMS (30).

[0035] The rack BMS (30) can control charging and discharging of the battery system (1), cell balancing, and protective operations against abnormal events of the battery system (1). The abnormal events may include abnormal events such as overvoltage, overcurrent, and overheating occurring in a plurality of battery packs (10_1 to 10_3). The rack BMS (30) includes a transformer (31) and an MCU (32). A control command can be transmitted from the MCU (32) to the BMS (20_1) through the transformer (31), and monitoring information can be received from the BMS (20_1) to the MCU (32) through the transformer (31). The MCU (32) can generate and transmit a control command to collect monitoring information necessary for controlling the battery system (1), control charging and discharging of a plurality of battery packs (10_1 to 10_3) using the received monitoring information, determine battery cells requiring cell balancing and control cell balancing, and detect an abnormal event to control a protective operation, for example, an operation to open a switch device (40).

[0036] The BMS (20_1) may include two BMIC1_1~2 (211, 212) and a dual transformer (213). BMIC1_1 (211) is connected to half of the plurality of battery cells of the battery pack (10_1) and can measure cell voltages of the plurality of connected battery cells. BMIC1_2 (212) is connected to the other half of the plurality of battery cells of the battery pack (10_1) and can measure cell voltages of the plurality of connected battery cells. Each of BMIC1_1 (211) and BMIC1_2 (212) includes four pins (P1, M1, P2, M2). Two pins (P1, M1) of BMIC1_1 (211) are connected to both ends of the first winding (301) of the dual transformer (213), and two pins (P1, M1) of BMIC1_2 (212) are connected to both ends of the third winding (311) of the dual transformer (213). Both ends of the second winding (302) of the dual transformer (213) are connected to both ends of the first winding (361) of the transformer (31). Both ends of the second winding (362) of the transformer (31) are connected to the MCU (32). Both ends of the fourth winding (312) of the dual transformer (213) are connected to both ends of the second winding (322) of the dual transformer (223) of the BMS (20_2).

[0037] The first winding (301) and the second winding (302) of the dual transformer (213) are insulated and linked to each other, and the third winding (311) and the fourth winding (312) of the dual transformer (213) are insulated and linked to each other. In the present disclosure, the insulated link may mean that the two windings constituting the transformer are insulated from each other and coupled so that a signal can be transmitted between the two windings. The ground (GND1) of the first winding (301) and the ground (GND2) of the third winding (311) are separated from each other. For example, the ground (GND1) of the first winding (301) may be the negative voltage level of the battery cell with the lowest potential among the plurality of battery cells connected to BMIC1_1 (211). The ground (GND2) of the third winding (311) may be the negative voltage level of the battery cell with the lowest potential among the plurality of battery cells connected to BMIC1_2 (212).

[0038] The BMS (20_2) may include two BMIC2_1~2 (221, 222) and a dual transformer (223). BMIC2_1 (221) is connected to half of the plurality of battery cells of the battery pack (10_2) and can measure cell voltages of the plurality of connected battery cells. BMIC2_2 (222) is connected to the other half of the plurality of battery cells of the battery pack (10_2) and can measure cell voltages of the plurality of connected battery cells. Each of BMIC2_1 (221) and BMIC2_2 (222) includes four pins (P1, M1, P2, M2). Two pins (P1, M1) of BMIC2_1 (221) are connected to both ends of the first winding (321) of the dual transformer (223), and two pins (P1, M1) of BMIC2_2 (222) are connected to both ends of the third winding (331) of the dual transformer (223). Both ends of the second winding (322) of the dual transformer (223) are connected to both ends of the second winding (312) of the dual transformer (213) of BMIC1_1 (211).

[0039] The first winding (321) and the second winding (322) of the dual transformer (223) are insulated and linked to each other, and the third winding (331) and the fourth winding (332) of the dual transformer (223) are insulated and linked to each other. The ground (GND3) of the first winding (321) and the ground (GND4) of the third winding (331) are separated from each other. For example, the ground (GND3) of the first winding (321) may be a negative voltage level of a battery cell having the lowest potential among a plurality of battery cells connected to BMIC2_1 (221). The ground (GND4) of the third winding (331) may be a negative voltage level of a battery cell having the lowest potential among a plurality of battery cells connected to BMIC2_2 (222).

[0040] The BMS (20_3) may include two BMIC3_1~2 (231, 232) and a dual transformer (233). BMIC3_1 (231) is connected to half of the plurality of battery cells of the battery pack (10_3) and can measure cell voltages of the plurality of connected battery cells. BMIC3_2 (232) is connected to the other half of the plurality of battery cells of the battery pack (10_3) and can measure cell voltages of the plurality of connected battery cells. Each of BMIC3_1 (231) and BMIC3_2 (232) includes four pins (P1, M1, P2, M2). Two pins (P1, M1) of BMIC3_1 (231) are connected to both ends of the first winding (341) of the dual transformer (233), and a resistor (234) is connected between the two pins (P1, M1) of BMIC3_2 (232). BMIC3_2 (232) is located at the end of the daisy chain, and can recognize that it is the end of the daisy chain by detecting the voltage difference generated by the resistor (234) between the two pins (P1, M1). Each of the two ends of the first winding (351) and the second winding (352) of the dual transformer (223) may be floated as illustrated in FIG. 2. The first winding (341) and the second winding (342) of the dual transformer (233) are insulated and linked to each other, and the ground (GND5) of the first winding (341) may be the negative voltage level of the battery cell with the lowest potential among the plurality of battery cells connected to BMIC3_1 (231). The BMS (20_3) may include a single transformer instead of the dual transformer (233).

[0041] Two pins (P2, M2) of BMIC1_1(211) and two pins (P2, M2) of BMIC1_2(212) are insulated and linked to each other, two pins (P2, M2) of BMIC2_1(221) and two pins (P2, M2) of BMIC2_2(222) are insulated and linked to each other, and two pins (P2, M2) of BMIC3_1(231) and two pins (P2, M2) of BMIC3_2(232) may be insulated and linked to each other.

[0042] FIG. 3 illustrates configurations for communication between multiple BMICs according to certain embodiments.

[0043] In FIG. 3, a plurality of transformers (370, 380, 390) are shown providing an insulation link between BMIC1_1 (211) and BMIC1_2 (212), an insulation link between BMIC2_1 (221) and BMIC2_2 (222), and an insulation link between BMIC3_1 (231) and BMIC3_2 (232).

[0044] Both ends of the first winding (371) of the transformer (370) are connected to two pins (P2, M2) of BMIC1_1 (211), and both ends of the second winding (372) of the transformer (370) are connected to two pins (P2, M2) of BMIC1_2 (212). Both ends of the first winding (381) of the transformer (380) are connected to two pins (P2, M2) of BMIC2_1 (221), and both ends of the second winding (382) of the transformer (380) are connected to two pins (P2, M2) of BMIC2_2 (222). Both ends of the first winding (391) of the transformer (390) are connected to two pins (P2, M2) of BMIC3_1 (231), and both ends of the second winding (392) of the transformer (390) are connected to two pins (P2, M2) of BMIC3_2 (232).

[0045] FIG. 4 shows a control command transmission sequence from an MCU to multiple BMICs according to some embodiments.

[0046] As indicated by two arrows (41, 42) in Fig. 4, control commands can be transmitted from the MCU (32) in the following order: BMIC1_1 (211), BMIC1_2 (212), BMIC2_1 (221), BMIC2_2 (222), BMIC3_1 (231), and BMIC3_2 (232).

[0047] FIG. 5 shows a sequence of transmitting monitoring information from multiple BMICs to an MCU according to some embodiments.

[0048] As indicated by two arrows (51, 52) in Fig. 5, monitoring information can be transmitted to the MCU (32) in the order of BMIC3_2 (232), BMIC3_1 (231), BMIC2_2 (222), BMIC2_1 (221), BMIC1_2 (212), and BMIC1_1 (211) in response to the control command.

[0049] The MCU (32) generates a control command and supplies a signal indicating the generated control command to the second winding (362) through two pins (P0, M0). The signal supplied to the second winding (362) is transmitted to the first winding (361) through an insulated link, and the signal transmitted to the first winding (361) is transmitted to the second winding (302). The signal transmitted to the second winding (302) is transmitted to the first winding (301) that is insulated-linked to the second winding (302), and a signal according to the voltage at both ends of the first winding (301) can be provided to BMIC1_1 (211) through two pins (P1, M1).

[0050] BMIC1_1(211) supplies a signal received through two pins (P1, M1) to the first winding (371) through two pins (P2, M2). The signal supplied to the first winding (371) is transmitted to the second winding (372) through an insulated link, and a signal according to the voltage at both ends of the second winding (372) can be provided to BMIC1_2(212) through the two pins (P2, M2). BMIC1_2(212) supplies a signal received through the two pins (P2, M2) to the first winding (311) through the two pins (P1, M1). A signal supplied to the first winding (311) is transmitted to the second winding (312) through an insulated link, and the signal transmitted to the second winding (312) is transmitted to the second winding (322) of the dual transformer (223) of the BMS (20_2). The signal transmitted to the second winding (322) is transmitted to the first winding (321) of the dual transformer (223) that is insulated-linked to the second winding (322), and a signal according to the voltage at both ends of the first winding (321) can be provided to the BMIC2_1 (221) through two pins (P1, M1) of the BMIC2_1 (221).

[0051] BMIC2_1(221) supplies a signal received through two pins (P1, M1) to the first winding (381) through two pins (P2, M2). The signal supplied to the first winding (381) is transmitted to the second winding (382) through an insulated link, and a signal according to the voltage at both ends of the second winding (382) can be provided to BMIC2_2(222) through the two pins (P2, M2). BMIC2_2(222) supplies a signal received through the two pins (P2, M2) to the first winding (331) through the two pins (P1, M1). A signal supplied to the first winding (331) is transmitted to the second winding (332) through an insulated link, and the signal transmitted to the second winding (332) is transmitted to the second winding (342) of the dual transformer (233) of the BMS (20_3). The signal transmitted to the second winding (342) is transmitted to the first winding (341) of the dual transformer (233) that is insulated-linked to the second winding (342), and a signal according to the voltage at both ends of the first winding (341) can be provided to the BMIC3_1 (231) through two pins (P1, M1) of the BMIC3_1 (231).

[0052] BMIC3_1(231) supplies a signal received through two pins (P1, M1) to the first winding (391) through two pins (P2, M2). The signal supplied to the first winding (391) is transmitted to the second winding (392) through an insulated link, and a signal according to the voltage at both ends of the second winding (392) can be provided to BMIC3_2(232) through two pins (P2, M2). All BMIC1_1(211), BMIC1_2(212), BMIC2_1(221), BMIC2_2(222), BMIC3_1(231), and BMIC3_2(232) that have received a signal indicating a control command can perform a monitoring operation according to the control command and generate monitoring information. Monitoring information can be transmitted to the MCU (32) along the daisy chain in the order of BMIC3_2 (232) to BMIC1_1 (211).

[0053] BMIC3_2(232) supplies a signal indicating monitoring information to the second winding (392) through two pins (P2, M2) of BMIC3_2(232). The signal supplied to the second winding (392) is transmitted to the first winding (391) through an insulated link, and a signal according to the voltage at both ends of the first winding (391) can be provided to BMIC3_1(231) through two pins (P2, M2) of BMIC3_1(231). BMIC3_1(231) updates the monitoring information by adding the monitoring information generated by BMIC3_1(231) to the signal received from BMIC3_2(232), and supplies a signal indicating the updated monitoring information to the first winding (341) through two pins (P1, M1) of BMIC3_1(231). A signal supplied to the first winding (341) is transmitted to the second winding (342) through an insulated link, and the signal transmitted to the second winding (342) is transmitted to the second winding (332). The signal transmitted to the second winding (332) is transmitted to the first winding (331) that is insulated-linked to the second winding (332), and a signal according to the voltage at both ends of the first winding (331) can be provided to the BMIC2_2 (222) through two pins (P1, M1) of the BMIC2_2 (222).

[0054] BMIC2_2(222) updates the monitoring information by adding the monitoring information generated by BMIC2_2(222) to the signal received from BMIC3_1(231), and supplies a signal indicating the updated monitoring information to the second winding (382) through two pins (P2, M2) of BMIC2_2(222). The signal supplied to the second winding (382) is transmitted to the first winding (381) through an insulated link, and a signal according to the voltage at both ends of the first winding (381) can be provided to BMIC2_1(221) through two pins (P2, M2) of BMIC2_1(221). BMIC2_1(221) supplies a signal, which is a signal added with monitoring information generated by BMIC2_1(221) to a signal received from BMIC2_2(222), to the first winding (321) through two pins (P1, M1) of BMIC2_1(221). The signal supplied to the first winding (321) is transmitted to the second winding (322) through an insulated link, and the signal transmitted to the second winding (322) is transmitted to the second winding (312). The signal transmitted to the second winding (312) is transmitted to the first winding (311) that is insulated-linked to the second winding (312), and a signal according to the voltage at both ends of the first winding (311) can be provided to BMIC1_2(212) through two pins (P1, M1) of BMIC1_2(212).

[0055] BMIC1_2(212) supplies a signal, which is a signal added with monitoring information generated by BMIC1_2(212) to the signal received from BMIC2_1(221), to the second winding (372) through two pins (P2, M2) of BMIC1_2(212). The signal supplied to the second winding (372) is transmitted to the first winding (371) through an insulated link, and a signal according to the voltage at both ends of the first winding (371) can be provided to BMIC1_1(211) through two pins (P2, M2) of BMIC1_1(211). BMIC1_1(211) supplies a signal added with monitoring information generated by BMIC1_1(211) to the signal received from BMIC1_2(212) to the first winding (301) through two pins (P1, M1) of BMIC1_1(211). A signal supplied to the first winding (301) is transmitted to the second winding (302) through an insulated link, and the signal transmitted to the second winding (302) is transmitted to the first winding (361). The signal transmitted to the first winding (361) is transmitted to the second winding (362) that is insulated and linked to the first winding (361), and a signal according to the voltage at both ends of the second winding (362) can be provided to the MCU (32) through two pins (P0, M0).

[0056] In this way, some embodiments may transmit and receive signals between the rack BMS (30) and multiple BMSs (20_1, 20_2, 20_3) in a daisy chain manner through a dual transformer. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and some embodiments may transmit and receive signals between the rack BMS (30) and multiple BMSs (20_1, 20_2, 20_3) in a multi-channel manner through a dual transformer.

[0057] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a battery system according to some embodiments.

[0058] The battery system (2) may include a plurality of battery packs (10_1 to 10_3), a plurality of BMSs (60_1 to 60_3), a rack BMS (70), a switching device (40), and a current sensor (50). Among the configurations of the battery system (2) according to this embodiment, the same configurations as those of the embodiment of FIG. 1 are indicated in FIG. 6 with the same drawing reference numerals.

[0059] Each of the plurality of BMSs (60_1, 60_2, 60_3) is connected to each of the plurality of battery packs (10_1 to 10_3), measures the cell voltage of each of the plurality of battery cells (CE1 to CEn) of the corresponding battery pack, and transmits the cell voltages of the plurality of battery cells (CE1 to CEn) of each of the plurality of battery packs (10_1 to 10_3) to the rack BMS (70) through multiple channels.

[0060] The rack BMS (70) can transmit corresponding control commands through multiple channels corresponding to each of the multiple BMSs (60_1, 60_2, 60_3). Each of the multiple BMSs (60_1, 60_2, 60_3) can perform operations according to the received control commands and transmit monitoring information obtained by the performed operations to the rack BMS (70).

[0061] In Fig. 6, two channels are shown to be formed between each of the plurality of BMSs (60_1, 60_2, 60_3) and the RBMS (70). This is because each of the plurality of BMSs (60_1, 60_2, 60_3) includes two BMICs. The number of channels can be determined depending on the number of BMICs included in each of the plurality of BMSs (60_1, 60_2, 60_3).

[0062] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a battery system according to some embodiments.

[0063] In Fig. 7, some configurations of a plurality of BMSs (60_1, 60_2, 60_3) and a rack BMS (70) are illustrated.

[0064] Each of the multiple BMSs (60_1, 60_2, 60_3) may include two BMICs (611, 612, 621, 622, 631, 632) and a dual transformer (213, 223, 233).

[0065] The BMS (60_1) may include two BMIC1_1~2 (611, 612) and a dual transformer (213). BMIC1_1 (611) is connected to half of the plurality of battery cells of the battery pack (10_1) and can measure cell voltages of the plurality of connected battery cells. BMIC1_2 (612) is connected to the other half of the plurality of battery cells of the battery pack (10_1) and can measure cell voltages of the plurality of connected battery cells. Each of BMIC1_1 (611) and BMIC1_2 (612) includes two pins (P1, M1). Two pins (P1, M1) of BMIC1_1 (611) are connected to both ends of the first winding (301) of the dual transformer (213), and two pins (P1, M1) of BMIC1_2 (612) are connected to both ends of the third winding (311) of the dual transformer (213). The grounds (GND1, GND2) of the first winding (301) and the third winding (311) are separated from each other. Both ends of the second winding (302) of the dual transformer (213) are connected to the first winding (711) of the transformer (71), and both ends of the second winding (712) of the transformer (71) are connected to the MCU (77) via two pins (P11, M11). Both ends of the fourth winding (312) of the dual transformer (213) are connected to the first winding (721) of the transformer (72), and both ends of the second winding (722) of the transformer (72) are connected to the MCU (77) through two pins (P12, M12).

[0066] The BMS (60_2) may include two BMIC2_1~2 (621, 622) and a dual transformer (223). BMIC2_1 (621) is connected to half of the plurality of battery cells of the battery pack (10_2) and can measure cell voltages of the plurality of connected battery cells. BMIC2_2 (622) is connected to the other half of the plurality of battery cells of the battery pack (10_2) and can measure cell voltages of the plurality of connected battery cells. Each of BMIC2_1 (621) and BMIC2_2 (622) includes two pins (P1, M1). Two pins (P1, M1) of BMIC2_1 (621) are connected to both ends of the first winding (321) of the dual transformer (223), and two pins (P1, M1) of BMIC2_2 (622) are connected to both ends of the third winding (331) of the dual transformer (223). The grounds (GND3, GND4) of the first winding (321) and the third winding (331) are separated from each other. Both ends of the second winding (322) of the dual transformer (223) are connected to the first winding (731) of the transformer (73), and both ends of the second winding (732) of the transformer (73) are connected to the MCU (77) via two pins (P13, M13). Both ends of the fourth winding (332) of the dual transformer (223) are connected to the first winding (741) of the transformer (74), and both ends of the second winding (742) of the transformer (74) are connected to the MCU (77) through two pins (P14, M14).

[0067] The BMS (60_3) may include two BMIC3_1~2 (631, 632) and a dual transformer (233). BMIC3_1 (631) is connected to half of the plurality of battery cells of the battery pack (10_3) and can measure cell voltages of the plurality of connected battery cells. BMIC3_2 (632) is connected to the other half of the plurality of battery cells of the battery pack (10_3) and can measure cell voltages of the plurality of connected battery cells. Each of BMIC3_1 (631) and BMIC3_2 (632) includes two pins (P1, M1). Two pins (P1, M1) of BMIC3_1 (631) are connected to both ends of the first winding (341) of the dual transformer (233), and two pins (P1, M1) of BMIC3_2 (632) are connected to both ends of the third winding (351) of the dual transformer (233). The grounds (GND5, GND6) of the first winding (341) and the third winding (351) are separated from each other. Both ends of the second winding (342) of the dual transformer (233) are connected to the first winding (751) of the transformer (75), and both ends of the second winding (752) of the transformer (75) are connected to the MCU (77) via two pins (P15, M15). Both ends of the fourth winding (352) of the dual transformer (233) are connected to the first winding (761) of the transformer (76), and both ends of the second winding (762) of the transformer (76) are connected to the MCU (77) through two pins (P16, M16).

[0068] The MCU (77) transmits a control command to each of the plurality of BMICs (611, 612, 621, 622, 631, 632), and each of the plurality of BMICs (611, 612, 621, 622, 631, 632) performs a monitoring operation according to the control command to generate monitoring information, and each of the plurality of BMICs (611, 612, 621, 622, 631, 632) can transmit a signal indicating the monitoring information generated in response to the control command to the MCU (77). The signal transmission and reception method between the MCU (77) and each of the plurality of BMICs (611, 612, 621, 622, 631, 632) may be the same.

[0069] For example, the MCU (77) can transmit a control command to the BMIC2_1 (621) and receive monitoring information in response to the control command from the BMIC2_1 (621). The MCU (77) generates a control command and supplies a signal indicating the generated control command to the second winding (732) through two pins (P13, M13). The signal supplied to the second winding (732) is transmitted to the first winding (731) through an insulated link, and the signal transmitted to the first winding (731) is transmitted to the second winding (322). A signal transmitted to the second winding (322) is transmitted to the first winding (321) which is insulated and linked to the second winding (322), and a signal according to the voltage at both ends of the first winding (321) can be provided to BMIC2_1 (621) through two pins (P1, M1) of BMIC2_1 (621).

[0070] BMIC2_1 (621) performs monitoring operations according to control commands, generates monitoring information, and supplies a signal indicating the generated monitoring information to the first winding (321) through two pins (P1, M1) of BMIC2_1 (621). The signal supplied to the first winding (321) is transmitted to the second winding (322) through an insulated link, and the signal transmitted to the second winding (322) is transmitted to the first winding (731). The signal transmitted to the first winding (731) is transmitted to the second winding (732) that is insulated-linked to the first winding (731), and a signal according to the voltage at both ends of the second winding (732) can be provided to the MCU (77) through two pins (P13, M14).

[0071] In the same manner, signal transmission and reception can be performed between the MCU (77) and each of the plurality of BMICs (611, 612, 621, 622, 631, 632).

[0072] Embodiments of the present disclosure enable bidirectional communication using a dual transformer with an integrated ground separation instead of two single transformers. This allows for free space on the PCB during BMS manufacturing and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0073] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A plurality of battery packs comprising a plurality of battery cells; a plurality of battery management systems connected to the plurality of battery packs; and A rack battery management system comprising: a plurality of battery management systems; and a plurality of monitoring information pieces in response to the control commands; Each of the above plurality of battery management systems, Two BMICs connected to corresponding battery packs among the plurality of battery packs and generating monitoring information for the corresponding battery packs according to the control command, and A dual transformer including a first winding connected to a first BMIC (Battery Management IC) among the two BMICs and a second winding connected to a second BMIC among the two BMICs, The ground of the first winding and the ground of the second winding are separated from each other. Battery system.

2. In paragraph 1, The first dual transformer of the first battery management system among the above plurality of battery management systems comprises: a third winding insulated and linked to said first winding and connected to said rack battery management system; and Further comprising a fourth winding insulated and linked to the second winding and connected to a second battery management system among the plurality of battery management systems. Battery system.

3. In paragraph 2, The above second battery management system, A second dual transformer comprising a fifth winding connected to the fourth winding and a sixth winding insulated and linked to the fifth winding; and Including a third BMIC connected to the sixth coil, Battery system.

4. In paragraph 3, The above second battery management system, Further comprising a fourth BMIC connected to a corresponding battery pack among the plurality of battery packs, The above second double transformer, Further comprising a seventh winding connected to the fourth BMIC and an eighth winding insulated and linked to the seventh winding, The ground of the above 6th winding and the ground of the above 7th winding are separated from each other, Each of the third BMIC and the fourth BMIC is connected to half of the plurality of battery cells of the corresponding battery pack. Battery system.

5. In paragraph 2, The above first battery management system, Further comprising a ninth winding and a tenth winding insulated and linked between the first BMIC and the second BMIC; Battery system.

6. In paragraph 5, A signal transmitted to the third winding is provided to the first BMIC through the first winding, the first BMIC transmits the signal to the second BMIC through the ninth winding and the tenth winding, and the second BMIC transmits the signal to the second battery management system through the second winding and the fourth winding. Battery system.

7. In paragraph 6, The signal transmitted to the third coil indicates the control command. Battery system.

8. In paragraph 5, A first signal transmitted from the second battery management system to the fourth winding is provided to the second BMIC through the second winding, the second BMIC transmits a second signal, which adds monitoring information generated by the second BMIC to the first signal, to the first BMIC through the ninth winding and the tenth winding, and the first BMIC transmits a third signal, which adds monitoring information generated by the first BMIC to the second signal, to the rack battery management system through the first winding and the third winding. Battery system.

9. In paragraph 8, The first signal includes monitoring information of the second battery management system. Battery system.

10. In paragraph 5, The above second battery management system, Third BMIC and fourth BMIC connected to corresponding battery packs; A second dual transformer comprising a fifth winding connected to the fourth winding, a sixth winding insulated and linked to the fifth winding and connected to the third BMIC, and a seventh winding connected to the fourth BMIC and an eighth winding insulated and linked to the seventh winding; and Including an 11th winding and a 12th winding insulated and linked between the 3rd BMIC and the 4th BMIC, The ground of the above 6th winding and the ground of the above 7th winding are separated from each other. Battery system.

11. In paragraph 10, A signal transmitted to the fifth winding is provided to the third BMIC through the sixth winding, the third BMIC transmits the signal to the fourth BMIC through the eleventh winding and the twelfth winding, and the fourth BMIC transmits the signal to the third battery management system among the plurality of battery management systems through the seventh winding and the eighth winding. Battery system.

12. In paragraph 10, A first signal transmitted from a third battery management system among the plurality of battery management systems to the eighth winding is provided to the fourth BMIC through the seventh winding, the fourth BMIC transmits a second signal, which adds monitoring information generated by the fourth BMIC to the first signal, to the third BMIC through the eleventh winding and the twelfth winding, and the third BMIC transmits a third signal, which adds monitoring information generated by the third BMIC to the second signal, to the first battery management system through the fifth winding and the sixth winding. Battery system.

13. In paragraph 12, The first signal includes monitoring information of the third battery management system. Battery system.

14. In paragraph 1, Each of the above multiple battery management systems has a dual transformer, a third winding insulated and linked to said first winding and connected to said rack battery management system; and Further comprising a fourth winding insulated and linked to the second winding and connected to the rack battery management system; Battery system.

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