Battery system

Abstract

This battery system includes: a battery subpack including a first and a second battery cell; a cell monitoring circuit; an RF transmitter; an RF receiver; a subpack microprocessor; and a first transceiver. The circuit measures a voltage of a first battery cell. The system includes a master controller including a second transceiver. The RF transmitter transmits a voltage value corresponding to the voltage of the first battery cell to the RF receiver. The subpack microprocessor determines that the first battery cell has an overvoltage condition on the basis of the voltage value, and transmits an overvoltage message to the master controller through the first and second transceivers. The subpack microprocessor causes each of a first and a second subpack contactor to have an open operating state when the master controller transmits an open command to the subpack microprocessor through the first and second transceivers.

Description

battery system

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery system, and more particularly, to a battery system using wireless communication capable of effectively managing and controlling a plurality of battery cells.

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 18 / 530,522, filed December 6, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003]

[0004] Typically, a vehicle battery pack comprises multiple battery subpacks electrically connected in parallel. Each battery subpack comprises monitoring circuitry that monitors the parameters of the batteries within the battery subpack, and a number of cables connected between the monitoring circuitry and the subpack microprocessor. Each battery within the battery subpack has an associated cable that connects between the monitoring circuitry and the subpack controller. Because each battery subpack may contain multiple batteries, the number of cables within the battery pack can be relatively large, which can undesirably increase the size and weight of the battery pack housing.

[0005] Additionally, a vehicle battery pack typically includes a master controller that receives messages from the subpack microprocessors of the battery subpacks. The master controller can electrically isolate the battery subpacks from the vehicle powertrain using battery pack contactors. However, when a degraded operation occurs in each battery subpack, the battery subpacks do not include battery subpack contactors that can isolate the individual battery subpacks from the rest of the battery subpacks.

[0006] The inventors of the present invention recognized the need for an improved battery system in which each battery subpack utilizes an RF transmitter and RF receiver instead of cables between the cell monitoring circuitry and the subpack microprocessor, thereby reducing the weight of the battery pack. In addition, each battery subpack includes subpack contactors capable of isolating the battery subpack from the rest of the battery subpacks.

[0007]

[0008] A battery system according to aspects of the present disclosure is provided. The battery system includes a battery subpack including first and second battery cells electrically connected in series with each other, cell monitoring circuitry, an RF (i.e., radio frequency) transmitter, an RF receiver, a subpack microprocessor, and a first transceiver. The cell monitoring circuitry is operably connected to the first and second battery cells and the RF transmitter. The subpack microprocessor is operably connected to the RF receiver and the first transceiver. The cell monitoring circuitry measures a voltage of the first battery cell. The battery system further includes a master controller including a second transceiver in communication with the first transceiver. The RF transmitter of the battery subpack transmits a voltage value corresponding to the voltage of the first battery cell to the RF receiver. The subpack microprocessor receives the voltage value from the RF receiver and determines that the first battery cell has an overvoltage condition based on the voltage value. The subpack microprocessor transmits an overvoltage message to the master controller via the first and second transceivers. The subpack microprocessor causes each of the first and second subpack contactors to have an open operating state when the master controller sends an open command to the subpack microprocessor via the first and second transceivers.

[0009] A battery system according to another aspect of the present disclosure is provided. The battery system includes a battery subpack including first and second battery cells electrically connected in series with each other, cell monitoring circuitry, a radio frequency (RF) transmitter, an RF receiver, a subpack microprocessor, and a first transceiver. The cell monitoring circuitry is operably connected to the first and second battery cells and the RF transmitter. The subpack microprocessor is operably connected to the RF receiver and the first transceiver. The cell monitoring circuitry measures a voltage of the first battery cell. The battery system includes a master controller including a second transceiver in communication with the first transceiver. The RF transmitter of the battery subpack transmits a voltage value corresponding to the voltage of the first battery cell to the RF receiver. The subpack microprocessor receives the voltage value from the RF receiver and determines that the first battery cell has an overvoltage condition based on the voltage value. The subpack microprocessor transmits an overvoltage message to the master controller via the first and second transceivers. If the subpack microprocessor does not receive an open command from the master controller within a predetermined time after transmitting the overvoltage message, it causes each of the first and second subpack contactors to enter an open operating state.

[0010] A battery system according to another aspect of the present disclosure is provided. The battery system includes a battery subpack including first and second battery cells electrically connected in series with each other, cell monitoring circuitry, an RF transmitter, an RF receiver, a subpack microprocessor, and a first transceiver. The cell monitoring circuitry is operably connected to the first and second battery cells and the RF transmitter. The subpack microprocessor is operably connected to the RF receiver and the first transceiver. The cell monitoring circuitry measures the voltage of the first battery cell. The battery system includes a master controller including a second transceiver in communication with the first transceiver. The RF transmitter of the battery subpack transmits a voltage value corresponding to the voltage of the first battery cell to the RF receiver. The subpack microprocessor receives the voltage value from the RF receiver and determines that the first battery cell has an overvoltage condition based on the voltage value. The subpack microprocessor transmits an overvoltage message to the master controller via the first and second transceivers. The subpack microprocessor causes each of the first and second subpack contactors to have an open operating state when the master controller sends an open command to the subpack microprocessor via the first and second transceivers, or does not receive an open command within a certain period of time after sending an overvoltage message.

[0011]

[0012] A battery system according to one aspect of the present invention may include a battery subpack comprising first and second battery cells electrically connected in series with each other, a cell monitoring circuit, an RF transmitter, an RF receiver, a subpack microprocessor, and a first transceiver; and a master controller comprising a second transceiver communicating with the first transceiver.

[0013] The cell monitoring circuit may be operably connected to the first and second battery cells and the RF transmitter.

[0014] The subpack microprocessor may be operably connected to the RF receiver and the first transceiver.

[0015] The above cell monitoring circuit can measure the voltage of the first battery cell.

[0016] The RF transmitter of the battery subpack can transmit a voltage value corresponding to the voltage of the first battery cell to the RF receiver.

[0017] The subpack microprocessor may receive the voltage value from the RF receiver and determine that the first battery cell has an overvoltage condition based on the voltage value.

[0018] The above subpack microprocessor can transmit an overvoltage message to the master controller via the first and second transceivers.

[0019] The subpack microprocessor can cause each of the first and second subpack contactors to have an open operating state when the master controller transmits an open command to the subpack microprocessor through the first and second transceivers.

[0020] The above first subpack contactor can be connected to the positive terminal of the first battery cell.

[0021] The second subpack contactor may be connected to the negative terminal of the second battery cell.

[0022] The subpack microprocessor may cause each of the first and second subpack contactors to have the open operating state if it does not receive the open command from the master controller within a predetermined time after transmitting the overvoltage message.

[0023] The subpack microprocessor may determine that the first battery cell has the overvoltage condition when the voltage value exceeds a threshold voltage value.

[0024] The master controller can transmit the open command to the subpack microprocessor via the first and second transceivers when the master controller receives the overvoltage message.

[0025] The battery system may further include a first pack contactor electrically connected to the first subpack contactor; and a second pack contactor electrically connected to the second subpack contactor.

[0026] The master controller may include a master microprocessor operably connected to the second transceiver.

[0027] The second transceiver is capable of operably communicating with the first transceiver.

[0028] The above first transceiver may be a first CAN transceiver.

[0029] The above second transceiver may be a second CAN transceiver.

[0030] The master controller can transmit a performance degradation message to the vehicle controller when each of the first and second subpack contactors has the open operating state.

[0031] A battery system according to another aspect of the present invention may include a battery subpack comprising first and second battery cells electrically connected in series with each other, a cell monitoring circuit, an RF transmitter, an RF receiver, a subpack microprocessor, and a first transceiver; and a master controller comprising a second transceiver in communication with the first transceiver.

[0032] The cell monitoring circuit may be operably connected to the first and second battery cells and the RF transmitter.

[0033] The above subpack microprocessor may be operably connected to the RF receiver and the first transceiver.

[0034] The above cell monitoring circuit can measure the voltage of the first battery cell.

[0035] The RF transmitter of the battery subpack can transmit a voltage value corresponding to the voltage of the first battery cell to the RF receiver.

[0036] The subpack microprocessor may receive the voltage value from the RF receiver and determine that the first battery cell has an overvoltage condition based on the voltage value.

[0037] The above subpack microprocessor can transmit an overvoltage message to the master controller via the first and second transceivers.

[0038] The subpack microprocessor may cause each of the first and second subpack contactors to have the open operating state if it does not receive the open command from the master controller within a predetermined time after transmitting the overvoltage message.

[0039] The battery system may further include a first subpack contactor connected to the positive terminal of the first battery cell; and a second subpack contactor connected to the negative terminal of the second battery cell.

[0040] The subpack microprocessor may determine that the first battery cell has the overvoltage condition when the voltage value exceeds a threshold voltage value.

[0041] The master controller can transmit the open command to the subpack microprocessor via the first and second transceivers when the master controller receives the overvoltage message.

[0042] The battery system may further include a first pack contactor electrically connected to the first subpack contactor; and a second pack contactor electrically connected to the second subpack contactor.

[0043] The master controller may include a master microprocessor operably connected to the second transceiver.

[0044] The second transceiver is capable of operably communicating with the first transceiver.

[0045] The above first transceiver may be a first CAN transceiver.

[0046] The above second transceiver may be a second CAN transceiver.

[0047] The master controller can transmit a performance degradation message to the vehicle controller when each of the first and second subpack contactors has the open operating state.

[0048] A battery system according to another aspect of the present invention may include a battery subpack comprising first and second battery cells electrically connected in series with each other, a cell monitoring circuit, an RF transmitter, an RF receiver, a subpack microprocessor, and a first transceiver; and a master controller comprising a second transceiver in communication with the first transceiver.

[0049] The cell monitoring circuit may be operably connected to the first and second battery cells and the RF transmitter.

[0050] The subpack microprocessor may be operably connected to the RF receiver and the first transceiver.

[0051] The above cell monitoring circuit can measure the voltage of the first battery cell.

[0052] The RF transmitter of the battery subpack can transmit a voltage value corresponding to the voltage of the first battery cell to the RF receiver.

[0053] The subpack microprocessor may receive the voltage value from the RF receiver and determine that the first battery cell has an overvoltage condition based on the voltage value.

[0054] The above subpack microprocessor can transmit an overvoltage message to the master controller via the first and second transceivers.

[0055] The subpack microprocessor can cause each of the first and second subpack contactors to have an open operating state if the master controller transmits an open command to the subpack microprocessor via the first and second transceivers, or does not receive an open command from the master controller within a predetermined time after transmitting the overvoltage message.

[0056] The subpack microprocessor may determine that the first battery cell has the overvoltage condition when the voltage value exceeds a threshold voltage value.

[0057] The master controller can transmit the open command to the subpack microprocessor via the first and second transceivers when the master controller receives the overvoltage message.

[0058] The above first transceiver may be a first CAN transceiver.

[0059] The above second transceiver may be a second CAN transceiver.

[0060] The apparatus may further include a first pack contactor electrically connected to the first subpack contactor; and a second pack contactor electrically connected to the second subpack contactor.

[0061] The master controller can transmit a performance degradation message to the vehicle controller when each of the first and second subpack contactors has the open operating state.

[0062]

[0063] According to one aspect of the present invention, the battery system can effectively reduce the weight and volume of the battery pack by eliminating communication cables by using an RF transmitter and receiver for communication between the cell monitoring circuit and the subpack microprocessor.

[0064] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, the battery system can operate each battery subpack independently, so that only the battery subpack in which an overvoltage condition has occurred can be selectively isolated, thereby maintaining normal operation of the remaining battery subpacks, thereby minimizing performance degradation of the entire battery system and maintaining a stable power supply.

[0065] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0066]

[0067] The following drawings attached to this specification serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention described below, and therefore the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the matters described in such drawings.

[0068] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a vehicle including a battery system according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a microprocessor used in the vehicle of Figure 1.

[0070] Figures 3 to 5 are flowcharts showing how the battery system of Figure 1 operates.

[0071] Figure 6 is a flowchart executed by the master controller included in the vehicle of Figure 1.

[0072] FIGS. 7 and 8 are flowcharts executed by the first battery subpack included in the vehicle of FIG. 1.

[0073] Figure 9 is a flowchart executed by the vehicle controller included in the vehicle of Figure 1.

[0074]

[0075] Terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that conform to the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to explain his or her own invention in the best possible manner.

[0076] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., are used to distinguish one of the various components from the rest, and are not used to limit the components by such terms.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081]

[0082] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a vehicle including a battery system according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0083] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a microprocessor used in the vehicle of Figure 1.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a vehicle 20 is provided that includes a battery system 22, a vehicle powertrain 24, a vehicle controller 26, vehicle subsystem controllers 27, and vehicle subsystems 28.

[0085] The term "contactor" refers to an electrically controlled switch used to switch electrical power circuits. Contactors can pass relatively large currents, making them useful in electric vehicle applications.

[0086] The term "RF signal" refers to a radio frequency signal. Specifically, RF signals are transmitted across space without the need for electrical wiring.

[0087] The battery system 22 provides electrical energy to the vehicle powertrain 24 in response to commands from the vehicle controller 26. The battery system 22 includes a first battery subpack 31, a second battery subpack 32, a master controller 40, a first pack contactor 51, a second pack contactor 52, electrical lines 71, 72, 73, 74, a communication bus 80, and a communication bus 81.

[0088] An advantage of battery system 22 is that the first battery subpack 31 can determine whether an overvoltage condition has occurred in the first battery subpack 31 and, if so, electrically isolate itself from the second battery subpack 32 and the vehicle powertrain 24 by opening the first and second subpack contactors 171, 172. Therefore, the vehicle driver can achieve greater driving range using battery system 22 compared to other systems that simply open a pair of pack contactors to isolate the entire battery system from the vehicle powertrain when an overvoltage condition occurs in a single battery subpack, resulting in a loss of power to the electric vehicle. Another advantage of battery system 22 is that each battery subpack uses an RF transmitter and RF receiver instead of communication cables to communicate between the cell monitoring circuitry and the subpack microprocessor, which reduces the weight of the battery pack and the amount of space required for the battery subpacks.

[0089] A first battery subpack 31 is electrically connected in parallel with a second battery subpack 32. The first battery subpack 31 includes a first battery cell 131, a second battery cell 132, a cell monitoring circuit 140, an RF transmitter 144, an RF receiver 148, a subpack microprocessor 160, a first CAN (Controller Area Network) transceiver 164, a first subpack contactor 171, a second subpack contactor 172, communication buses 181, 182, electrical lines 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, and electrical nodes 201, 202, 203.

[0090] First and second battery cells 131, 132 are electrically connected to each other in series to output an operating voltage. Specifically, the first battery cell 131 includes a positive terminal electrically connected to an electrical node 201 and an electrical line 191. In addition, the first battery cell 131 includes a negative terminal electrically connected to an electrical node 202 and an electrical line 193. The second battery cell 132 includes a positive terminal electrically connected to an electrical node 202 and an electrical line 193. In addition, the second battery cell 132 includes a negative terminal electrically connected to an electrical node 203, an electrical line 194, and an electrical line 195. Of course, alternatively, additional battery cells may be electrically connected in series with the first and second battery cells 131, 132.

[0091] A cell monitoring circuit 140 is electrically connected to an RF transmitter via electrical lines 192, 193, 194 and an electrical line 196. The cell monitoring circuit 140 is provided to measure a voltage output from a first battery cell 131 and a voltage output from a second battery cell 132. Specifically, the cell monitoring circuit 140 measures a voltage output from the first battery cell 131 using electrical lines 192 and 193 and transmits a voltage value corresponding to the voltage of the first battery cell 131 to an RF transmitter 144. The RF transmitter 144 transmits an RF signal including the voltage value to an RF receiver 148. In addition, the cell monitoring circuit 140 measures a voltage output from the second battery cell 132 using electrical lines 193 and 194 and transmits a voltage value corresponding to the voltage of the second battery cell 132 to the RF transmitter 144. The RF transmitter 144 transmits an RF signal containing a voltage value to the RF receiver 148.

[0092] An RF receiver 148 is provided to receive an RF signal including a voltage value from an RF transmitter 144 and transmit the voltage value to a subpack microprocessor 160. The RF receiver 148 is in operative communication with the subpack microprocessor 160 via a communication bus 181.

[0093] A subpack microprocessor 160 is provided to monitor voltages of first and second battery cells 131, 132, transmit messages to the master controller 40, and control the operating status of first and second subpack contactors 171, 172, respectively. The subpack microprocessor 160 is operably connected to an RF receiver 148, a first CAN transceiver 164, a first subpack contactor 171, and a second subpack contactor 172. In particular, the subpack microprocessor 160 is operably in communication with the RF receiver 148 via a communication bus 181. Furthermore, the subpack microprocessor 160 is operably in communication with the first CAN transceiver 164 via a communication bus 182.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 2, the subpack microprocessor 160 includes a processing unit 231 for controlling the overall operation of the microprocessor 160 and related components, including a random access memory (RAM) 232, a read-only memory (ROM) 233, an input / output device 234, a communication interface 239, and a memory 235. A data bus may interconnect the processing unit 231, the RAM 232, the ROM 233, the memory 235, the input / output device 234, and the communication interface 239.

[0095] Software may be stored in memory 235 to provide instructions to processing unit 231 to enable microprocessor 160 to perform various operations. Memory 235 may store software used by microprocessor 160, such as an operating system 236, application programs 238, and associated internal databases 237. Various hardware memory portions within memory 235 may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented by any method or technology used to store information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Memory 235 may include one or more physical persistent memory devices and / or one or more non-persistent memory devices. Memory 235 may include, but is not limited to, RAM 232, ROM 233, electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, or any other medium used to store desired information and accessible from processing unit 231.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 1, during operation, the subpack microprocessor 160 generates first and second control signals A and B to induce the first and second subpack contactors 171, 172 to have a closed operating state, respectively.

[0097] Additionally, the subpack microprocessor 160 receives a voltage value associated with the first battery cell 131 from the RF receiver 148. The subpack microprocessor 160 determines that the first battery cell 131 has an overvoltage condition when the voltage value exceeds a threshold voltage value. Additionally, the subpack microprocessor 160 transmits an overvoltage message to the master controller 40 via the first and second CAN transceivers 164, 222. As illustrated, the first and second CAN transceivers 164, 222 are in operative communication with each other via the communication bus 80.

[0098] Additionally, the subpack microprocessor 160 stops generating the first and second control signals to cause the first and second subpack contactors 171, 172, respectively, to have an open operating state if the master controller 40 does not receive an open command from the master controller 40 within a certain period of time after transmitting an open command to the subpack microprocessor 160 via the first and second CAN transceivers 164, 222 or transmitting an overvoltage message.

[0099] The first subpack contactor 171 is electrically connected to the electrical node 201 via the electrical line 191. Furthermore, the first subpack contactor 171 is electrically connected to the first pack contactor 51 via the electrical line 71.

[0100] The second subpack contactor 172 is electrically connected to the electrical node 203 via the electrical line 195. Furthermore, the second subpack contactor 172 is electrically connected to the second pack contactor 52 via the electrical line 73.

[0101] A second battery subpack 32 is electrically connected in parallel with the first battery subpack 31. The second battery subpack 32 has the same circuitry as the first battery subpack 31 and includes battery cells, cell monitoring circuitry, an RF transmitter, a subpack microprocessor, and a CAN transceiver. As illustrated, the second battery subpack 32 is electrically connected to electrical lines 71 and 73. Alternatively, an additional battery subpack may be electrically connected in parallel with the first and second battery subpacks 31 and 32 and have the same circuitry as the subpacks 31 and 32.

[0102] A master controller 40 is provided to communicate with first and second battery subpacks 31, 32 and a vehicle controller 26. The master controller 40 is also provided to control the operating status of first and second pack contactors 51, 52 to control whether an operating voltage is applied to a vehicle powertrain 24. The master controller 40 includes a master microprocessor 220, a second CAN transceiver 222, and a communication bus 224. The master microprocessor 220 is operably connected to the second CAN transceiver 222 using the communication bus 224. The master microprocessor 220 is operably connected to the vehicle controller 26 via the communication bus 81. The master microprocessor 220 is also operably connected to the first and second pack contactors 51, 52. The master microprocessor 220 has the same internal circuitry as the subpack microprocessor 160.

[0103] During operation, the master controller 40 generates third and fourth control signals C and D to induce the first and second pack contactors 51 and 52 to have a closed operating state, respectively.

[0104] Additionally, the master controller 40 receives an overvoltage message from the subpack microprocessor 160 via the first and second CAN transceivers 164, 222. Additionally, when the master controller 40 receives an overvoltage message from the subpack microprocessor 160, the master controller 40 transmits an open command to the subpack microprocessor 160 to open the first and second subpack contactors 171, 172.

[0105] The vehicle powertrain 24 receives an operating voltage from the first battery subpack 31 when the first and second subpack contactors 171, 172 are in a closed operating state and the first and second pack contactors 51, 52 are in a closed operating state. The vehicle powertrain 24 utilizes the operating voltage to power components of the vehicle powertrain 24.

[0106] The vehicle controller 26 operatively communicates with the master controller 40 and provides instructions to the master controller 40 to obtain operational information from the first and second battery subpacks 31, 32. The vehicle controller 26 additionally controls the operation of the vehicle powertrain 24.

[0107] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3 to 5, a flowchart of a method for operating a battery system 22 in a vehicle 20 is now described. For simplicity, only the operation of the first battery subpack 31 is described in the flowchart.

[0108] At step 250, the master controller 40 sends a close command to the subpack microprocessor 160 of the first battery subpack 31 to close the first and second subpack contactors 171, 172. After step 250 is completed, the method proceeds to step 252.

[0109] At step 252, the subpack microprocessor 160 of the first battery subpack 31 generates first and second control signals to close the first and second subpack contactors 171, 172, respectively. After step 252 is completed, the method proceeds to step 254.

[0110] At step 254, the master controller 40 generates third and fourth control signals to close the first and second pack contactors 51 and 52, respectively. After step 254 is completed, the method proceeds to step 256.

[0111] At step 256, the master controller 40 sends a request command to the subpack microprocessor 160 of the first battery subpack 31 to obtain the status of the battery cells of the first battery subpack 31. After step 256 is completed, the method proceeds to step 258.

[0112] At step 258, the cell monitoring circuit 140 measures the voltage of the first battery cell 131 of the first battery subpack 31. After step 258 is completed, the method proceeds to step 260.

[0113] At step 260, the RF transmitter 144 of the first battery subpack 31 transmits a voltage value corresponding to the voltage of the first battery cell 131 to the RF receiver 148. After step 260 is completed, the method proceeds to step 262.

[0114] At step 262, the subpack microprocessor 160 of the first battery subpack 31 receives a voltage value from the RF receiver 148 and determines that the first battery cell 131 has an overvoltage condition when the voltage value exceeds a threshold voltage value. After step 262 is completed, the method proceeds to step 264.

[0115] At step 264, the subpack microprocessor 160 of the first battery subpack 31 transmits an overvoltage message to the master controller 40 via the first and second CAN transceivers 164, 222. After step 264 is completed, the method proceeds to step 270.

[0116] At step 270, the subpack microprocessor 160 determines whether an open command has been received from the master controller 40 via the first and second CAN transceivers 164 and 222. If the value at step 270 is "YES", the method proceeds to step 272. Otherwise, the method proceeds to step 274.

[0117] At step 272, the subpack microprocessor 160 of the first battery subpack 31 stops generating the first and second control signals to open the first and second subpack contactors 171, 172, respectively, in response to receiving the open command. After step 272 is completed, the method proceeds to step 274.

[0118] At step 274, the subpack microprocessor determines whether an open command has not been received from the master controller 40 within a predetermined time after transmitting the overvoltage message. If the value at step 274 is "YES," the method proceeds to step 276. Otherwise, the method proceeds to step 278.

[0119] At step 276, the subpack microprocessor 160 of the first battery subpack 31 stops generating the first and second control signals so that the first and second subpack contactors 171, 172, respectively, open. After step 276 is completed, the method proceeds to step 278.

[0120] At step 278, the master controller 40 transmits a degradation message to the vehicle controller 26 when each of the first and second subpack contactors 171, 172 has an open operating state. The degradation message indicates that the battery system 22 can only supply a reduced amount of power because the first battery subpack 31 is isolated from the other battery packs.

[0121] At step 280, the vehicle controller 26 communicates with the vehicle subsystem controllers 27 to instruct the vehicle subsystem controllers 27 to reduce the amount of power that the vehicle subsystem 28 requires from the battery system 22 in response to the performance degradation message. The vehicle subsystems 28 are controlled by the vehicle subsystem controllers 27.

[0122] With reference to FIG. 6, a flowchart of the method executed by the master controller 40 is now described.

[0123] At step 300, the master controller 40 sends a closing command to the subpack microprocessor 160 of the first battery subpack 31 to close the first and second subpack contactors 171, 172. After step 300 is completed, the method proceeds to step 302.

[0124] In step 302, the master controller 40 generates first and second control signals to close the first and second pack contactors 51 and 52, respectively. After step 302 is completed, the method proceeds to step 304.

[0125] At step 304, the master controller 40 sends a request command to the subpack microprocessor 160 of the first battery subpack 31 to obtain the status of the battery cells of the first battery subpack 31. After step 304 is completed, the method proceeds to step 306.

[0126] At step 306, the master controller 40 determines whether the master controller 40 has received an overvoltage message from the subpack microprocessor 160 of the first battery subpack 31. If the value at step 306 is "YES," the method proceeds to step 308. Otherwise, the method returns to step 306.

[0127] At step 308, the master controller 40 transmits an open command to the subpack microprocessor 160 of the first battery subpack 31 via the first and second CAN transceivers 164, 222. After step 308 is completed, the method proceeds to step 310.

[0128] At step 310, the master controller 40 transmits a performance degradation message to the vehicle controller 26 if each of the first and second subpack contactors 171, 172 has an open operating state.

[0129] With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, a flowchart of the method executed by the first battery subpack 31 is now described.

[0130] At step 350, the subpack microprocessor 160 of the first battery subpack 31 generates first and second control signals A and B to close the first and second subpack contactors 171, 172, respectively, in response to receiving a closing command from the master controller 40. After step 350 is completed, the method proceeds to step 352.

[0131] At step 352, the cell monitoring circuit 140 measures the voltage of the first battery cell 131 of the first battery sub-pad 31. After step 352 is completed, the method proceeds to step 354.

[0132] In step 354, the RF transmitter 144 of the first battery subpack 31 transmits a voltage value corresponding to the voltage of the first battery cell 131 to the RF receiver 148. After step 354 is completed, the method proceeds to step 356.

[0133] At step 356, the subpack microprocessor 160 of the first battery subpack 31 receives a voltage value from the RF receiver 148 and determines that the first battery cell 131 has an overvoltage condition when the voltage value exceeds a threshold voltage value. After step 356 is completed, the method proceeds to step 358.

[0134] At step 358, the subpack microprocessor 160 of the first battery subpack 31 transmits an overvoltage message to the master controller 40 via the first and second CAN transceivers 164, 222. After step 358 is completed, the method proceeds to step 360.

[0135] At step 360, the subpack microprocessor 160 of the first battery subpack 31 determines whether the subpack microprocessor 160 has received an open command from the master controller 40 via the first and second CAN transceivers 164, 222. If the value at step 360 is “YES,” the method proceeds to step 362. Otherwise, the method proceeds to step 364.

[0136] At step 362, the subpack microprocessor 160 of the first battery subpack 31 stops generating the first and second control signals A, B to open the first and second subpack contactors 171, 172, respectively, in response to receiving the open command. After step 362 is completed, the method proceeds to step 364.

[0137] At step 364, the subpack microprocessor 160 of the first battery subpack 31 determines whether an open command has not been received from the master controller 40 within a predetermined time after the subpack microprocessor 160 transmitted the overvoltage message. If the value at step 364 is "YES," the method proceeds to step 366. Otherwise, the method ends.

[0138] At step 366, the subpack microprocessor 160 of the first battery subpack 31 stops generating the first and second control signals A, B so that the first and second subpack contactors 171, 172, respectively, open.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 9, a flowchart of the method executed by the vehicle controller 26 is now described.

[0140] At step 380, the vehicle controller 26 determines whether the vehicle controller 26 has received a performance degradation message from the master controller 40. If the value at step 380 is "YES", the method proceeds to step 382. Otherwise, the method ends.

[0141] At step 382, ​​the vehicle controller 26 communicates with the vehicle subsystem controllers 27 to instruct the vehicle subsystems 28 to reduce the amount of power they require from the battery system 22 in response to the performance degradation message. The vehicle subsystems 28 are controlled by the vehicle subsystem controllers 27.

[0142] Note that while battery system 22 is used in a vehicle here, in an alternative design battery system 22 could be used in a stationary energy storage system (ESS) to power a desired electrical load rather than the vehicle powertrain.

[0143] While the claimed system has been described in detail with respect to a limited number of systems, it should be readily understood that the system is not limited to those disclosed. Rather, the claimed system can be modified to incorporate various modifications, alterations, substitutions, or equivalent arrangements, even if not described herein, consistent with the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, while various aspects of the claimed system have been described, it should be understood that the aspects of the system may include only some of the described aspects. Accordingly, the system should not be limited by the above description.

[0144]

[0145] The embodiments of the present invention described above are not implemented only through devices and methods, but may also be implemented through a program that realizes a function corresponding to the configuration of the embodiments of the present invention or a recording medium on which the program is recorded, and such implementation can be easily implemented by an expert in the technical field to which the present invention belongs based on the description of the embodiments described above.

[0146] 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.

[0147] In addition, the present invention described above is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the attached drawings, and all or part of each embodiment may be selectively combined and configured so that various modifications can be made, as those skilled in the art can make various substitutions, modifications, and changes within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0148]

[0149] [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 20: Vehicle

[0151] 22: Battery system

[0152] 24: Vehicle powertrain

[0153] 26: Vehicle Controller

[0154] 27: Vehicle Subsystem Controllers

[0155] 28: Vehicle subsystems

[0156] 31: 1st battery subpack

[0157] 32: Second battery subpack

[0158] 40: Master Controller

[0159] 51: First pack contactor

[0160] 52: Second pack contactor

[0161] 71 to 74: Electrical lines

[0162] 80 and 81: Communication buses

[0163] 131: First battery cell

[0164] 132: Second battery cell

[0165] 140: Cell monitoring circuit

[0166] 144: RF Transmitter

[0167] 148: RF receiver

[0168] 160: Subpack Microprocessor

[0169] 164: 1st CAN transceiver

[0170] 171: 1st subpack contactor

[0171] 172: Second subpack contactor

[0172] 181 and 182: Communication buses

[0173] 191 to 196: Electric lines

[0174] 201 to 203: Electrical nodes

[0175] 220: Master Microprocessor

[0176] 222: Second CAN transceiver

[0177] 231: Processing Unit

[0178] 232: RAM

[0179] 233: ROM

[0180] 234: Input / output devices

[0181] 235: Memory

[0182] 236: Operating System

[0183] 237: Database

[0184] 238: Applications

[0185] 239: Communication Interface

Claims

1. A battery subpack comprising first and second battery cells electrically connected in series with each other, a cell monitoring circuit, an RF transmitter, an RF receiver, a subpack microprocessor, and a first transceiver; the cell monitoring circuit is operably connected to the first and second battery cells and the RF transmitter, the subpack microprocessor is operably connected to the RF receiver and the first transceiver, the cell monitoring circuit measures a voltage of the first battery cell, and A master controller comprising a second transceiver communicating with the first transceiver, The RF transmitter of the above battery subpack transmits a voltage value corresponding to the voltage of the first battery cell to the RF receiver, The subpack microprocessor receives the voltage value from the RF receiver and determines that the first battery cell has an overvoltage condition based on the voltage value, The above subpack microprocessor transmits an overvoltage message to the master controller through the first and second transceivers, A battery system wherein the subpack microprocessor causes each of the first and second subpack contactors to have an open operating state when the master controller transmits an open command to the subpack microprocessor through the first and second transceivers.

2. In paragraph 1, The above first subpack contactor is connected to the positive terminal of the first battery cell, The second subpack contactor is a battery system connected to the negative terminal of the second battery cell.

3. In paragraph 1, The above subpack microprocessor, A battery system that causes each of the first and second subpack contactors to have the open operating state if the open command is not received from the master controller within a predetermined time after transmitting the overvoltage message.

4. In paragraph 1, The above subpack microprocessor, A battery system wherein the first battery cell is determined to have the overvoltage condition when the voltage value exceeds a threshold voltage value.

5. In paragraph 1, The above master controller, A battery system configured to transmit the open command to the subpack microprocessor via the first and second transceivers when the master controller receives the overvoltage message.

6. In paragraph 1, a first pack contactor electrically connected to the first subpack contactor; and A battery system further comprising a second pack contactor electrically connected to said second subpack contactor.

7. In paragraph 1, The above master controller, comprising a master microprocessor operably connected to said second transceiver; The second transceiver is in operative communication with the first transceiver, The above first transceiver is a first CAN transceiver, The above second transceiver is a battery system which is a second CAN transceiver.

8. In paragraph 1, The above master controller, A battery system that transmits a performance degradation message to a vehicle controller when each of the first and second subpack contactors has the open operating state.

9. A battery subpack comprising first and second battery cells electrically connected in series with each other, a cell monitoring circuit, an RF transmitter, an RF receiver, a subpack microprocessor, and a first transceiver; the cell monitoring circuit is operably connected to the first and second battery cells and the RF transmitter, the subpack microprocessor is operably connected to the RF receiver and the first transceiver, the cell monitoring circuit measures a voltage of the first battery cell, and A master controller comprising a second transceiver communicating with the first transceiver, The RF transmitter of the battery subpack transmits a voltage value corresponding to the voltage of the first battery cell to the RF receiver, The subpack microprocessor receives the voltage value from the RF receiver and determines that the first battery cell has an overvoltage condition based on the voltage value, The above subpack microprocessor transmits an overvoltage message to the master controller through the first and second transceivers, A battery system wherein the subpack microprocessor causes each of the first and second subpack contactors to have an open operating state if it does not receive an open command from the master controller within a predetermined time after transmitting the overvoltage message.

10. In paragraph 9, a first subpack contactor connected to the positive terminal of the first battery cell; and A battery system further comprising a second subpack contactor connected to the negative terminal of the second battery cell.

11. In paragraph 9, The above subpack microprocessor, A battery system wherein the first battery cell is determined to have the overvoltage condition when the voltage value exceeds a threshold voltage value.

12. In paragraph 9, The above master controller, A battery system configured to transmit the open command to the subpack microprocessor via the first and second transceivers when the master controller receives the overvoltage message.

13. In paragraph 9, a first pack contactor electrically connected to the first subpack contactor; and A battery system further comprising a second pack contactor electrically connected to said second subpack contactor.

14. In paragraph 9, The above master controller, comprising a master microprocessor operably connected to said second transceiver; The second transceiver is in operative communication with the first transceiver, The above first transceiver is a first CAN transceiver, The above second transceiver is a battery system which is a second CAN transceiver.

15. In paragraph 9, The above master controller, A battery system that transmits a performance degradation message to a vehicle controller when each of the first and second subpack contactors has the open operating state.

16. A battery subpack comprising first and second battery cells electrically connected in series with each other, a cell monitoring circuit, an RF transmitter, an RF receiver, a subpack microprocessor, and a first transceiver; the cell monitoring circuit is operably connected to the first and second battery cells and the RF transmitter, the subpack microprocessor is operably connected to the RF receiver and the first transceiver, the cell monitoring circuit measures a voltage of the first battery cell, and A master controller comprising a second transceiver communicating with the first transceiver, The RF transmitter of the above battery subpack transmits a voltage value corresponding to the voltage of the first battery cell to the RF receiver, The subpack microprocessor receives the voltage value from the RF receiver and determines that the first battery cell has an overvoltage condition based on the voltage value, The above subpack microprocessor transmits an overvoltage message to the master controller through the first and second transceivers, A battery system wherein the subpack microprocessor causes each of the first and second subpack contactors to have an open operating state if the master controller transmits an open command to the subpack microprocessor via the first and second transceivers, or does not receive an open command from the master controller within a predetermined time after transmitting the overvoltage message.

17. In paragraph 16, The above subpack microprocessor, A battery system wherein the first battery cell is determined to have the overvoltage condition when the voltage value exceeds a threshold voltage value.

18. In paragraph 16, The above master controller, When the master controller receives the overvoltage message, it transmits the open command to the subpack microprocessor through the first and second transceivers, The above first transceiver is a first CAN transceiver, The above second transceiver is a battery system which is a second CAN transceiver.

19. In Article 16, a first pack contactor electrically connected to the first subpack contactor; and A battery system further comprising a second pack contactor electrically connected to said second subpack contactor.

20. In paragraph 16, The above master controller, A battery system that transmits a performance degradation message to a vehicle controller when each of the first and second subpack contactors has the open operating state.

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