Apparatus and method for generating battery information

Abstract

An apparatus for generating battery information according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a profile-obtaining unit configured to obtain a battery profile indicating the correspondence relationship between the capacity and the voltage of a battery; and a control unit configured to set a positive electrode section and a negative electrode section corresponding to the battery, on the basis of preset section information for each degree of degradation, and generate a positive electrode profile and a negative electrode profile of the battery by adjusting a preset reference positive electrode profile and reference negative electrode profile to correspond to the battery profile within the positive electrode section and the negative electrode section.

Description

Battery information generation device and method

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0012534, filed January 26, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery information generating device and method, and more particularly, to a battery information generating device and method that generate battery information that more accurately reflects the state of a battery.

[0003] Recently, as the demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras, and mobile phones has rapidly increased, and the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, and satellites has been in full swing, research into high-performance batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging is actively being conducted.

[0004] Currently commercialized batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium batteries. Among these, lithium batteries are receiving attention for their advantages of being able to charge and discharge freely, having a very low self-discharge rate, and having a high energy density, as they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based batteries.

[0005] While extensive research is being conducted on these batteries to improve capacity and density, improving lifespan and safety is also crucial. To improve battery safety, technology is required to accurately diagnose the current battery condition.

[0006] The present invention provides a battery information generation device and method capable of generating a more accurate profile that can be used for battery condition diagnosis.

[0007] Various aspects of the present invention can be understood through the following description and will be further clarified by the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that various aspects of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0008] A battery information generating device according to one aspect of the present invention may include a profile obtaining unit configured to obtain a battery profile indicating a correspondence between a capacity and a voltage of a battery; and a control unit configured to set a positive section and a negative section corresponding to the battery based on preset degradation-level section information, and adjust a preset reference positive profile and a reference negative profile within the positive section and the negative section to correspond to the battery profile, thereby generating a positive profile and a negative profile of the battery.

[0009] The above-mentioned anode section can be set as a section including the voltage or capacity of the start point and the end point of the above-mentioned anode profile.

[0010] The above negative section can be set as a section including the voltage or capacity of the start point and the end point of the negative profile.

[0011] The above-mentioned section information by degeneration degree may be preset to include section information according to the degeneration degree of the battery.

[0012] The above control unit may be configured to set the positive section and the negative section corresponding to the deterioration degree of the battery based on the section information for each deterioration degree.

[0013] The above-mentioned section information by degeneration degree can be preset to include section information according to the degeneration degree compared to the previous cycle for each of a plurality of cycles.

[0014] The control unit may be configured to set the positive section and the negative section corresponding to the cycle and deterioration degree of the battery based on the section information for each deterioration degree.

[0015] The above-mentioned section information by degeneration degree can be preset to include section information according to the type and degree of degeneration compared to the previous cycle for each of a plurality of cycles.

[0016] The control unit may be configured to set the positive section and the negative section corresponding to the cycle, degradation type, and degradation degree of the battery based on the degradation degree-specific section information.

[0017] The control unit may be configured to estimate the degree of degradation of the battery based on the capacity of the battery and a preset initial capacity.

[0018] The control unit may be configured to provide information about the battery by outputting the positive electrode profile and the negative electrode profile to the outside.

[0019] A battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention may include a battery information generating device according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0020] A vehicle according to another aspect of the present invention may include a battery information generating device according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0021] A battery information generation method according to another aspect of the present invention may include a profile acquisition step of acquiring a battery profile indicating a correspondence between a capacity and a voltage of a battery; a section setting step of setting a positive section and a negative section corresponding to the battery based on preset degradation-level section information; and a profile generation step of generating a positive profile and a negative profile of the battery by adjusting preset reference positive profiles and reference negative profiles within the positive section and the negative section to correspond to the battery profile.

[0022] The above-mentioned section information by degeneration degree is preset to include section information according to the degeneration degree of the battery, and the section setting step may include a step of setting the positive section and the negative section corresponding to the degeneration degree of the battery based on the section information by degeneration degree.

[0023] The above-mentioned section information by degeneration degree is preset to include section information according to the degeneration degree compared to the previous cycle for each of a plurality of cycles, and the section setting step may include a step of setting the positive section and the negative section corresponding to the cycle and degeneration degree of the battery based on the section information by degeneration degree.

[0024] The above-described section information by degradation degree is preset to include section information according to the type and degree of degradation compared to the previous cycle for each of a plurality of cycles, and the section setting step may include a step of setting the positive section and the negative section corresponding to the cycle, type and degree of degradation of the battery based on the section information by degradation degree.

[0025] A battery information generation method according to another aspect of the present invention may further include a degradation degree estimation step of estimating the degradation degree of the battery based on the capacity of the battery and a preset initial capacity.

[0026] A battery information generation method according to another aspect of the present invention may further include a battery information providing step of providing information about the battery by externally outputting the positive electrode profile and the negative electrode profile.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, a non-transitory readable storage medium may store a program for executing a battery information generation method, the method including: a profile acquisition step of acquiring a battery profile indicating a correspondence between a capacity and a voltage of a battery; a section setting step of setting a positive section and a negative section corresponding to the battery based on preset degradation-level section information; and a profile generation step of generating a positive profile and a negative profile of the battery by adjusting preset reference positive profile and reference negative profile to correspond to the battery profile within the positive section and the negative section.

[0028] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery information generation device can accurately estimate a positive electrode profile and a negative electrode profile corresponding to the state of a battery by taking into account the degree of degradation of the battery.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery information generation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a first table showing section information by degeneration level according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a positive electrode profile and a negative electrode profile of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating a second table showing section information by degeneration level according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a third table showing section information by degeneration level according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6 is a graph referenced to explain an example of each of a reference anode profile and a reference cathode profile.

[0037] Figure 7 is a graph referenced to explain an example of a measured full cell profile of a target cell.

[0038] FIGS. 8 to 10 are drawings for reference in explaining an example of a procedure for generating a comparison full-cell profile used for comparison with a measured full-cell profile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIGS. 11 to 13 are drawings for reference in explaining another example of a procedure for generating a comparison full-cell profile used for comparison with a measured full-cell profile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 14 is a schematic drawing of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 15 is a schematic drawing of a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically illustrating a battery information generation method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] 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.

[0044] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely 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.

[0045] In addition, when describing the present invention, if it is determined that the description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049]

[0050] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0051] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery information generation device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery information generation device (100) may include a profile acquisition unit (110), a control unit (120), and a storage unit (130).

[0053] Here, the battery, which is the target of information generation, refers to a physically separable, independent cell having a negative terminal and a positive terminal. For example, a lithium-ion battery or a lithium polymer battery may be considered a battery. Furthermore, the battery may be of a cylindrical, prismatic, or pouch type. Furthermore, the battery may refer to a battery bank, battery module, or battery pack in which multiple cells are connected in series and / or parallel. For convenience of explanation, the battery is described below as referring to a single, independent cell.

[0054] The profile acquisition unit (110) may be configured to acquire a battery profile indicating a correspondence between the capacity and voltage of the battery.

[0055] For example, a battery profile is a profile that represents the relationship between voltage (V) and capacity (Q) when the battery's SOC is charged from a preset start SOC or 0% to a preset end SOC or 100%. As another example, a battery profile may represent the relationship between voltage (V) and capacity (Q) when the battery's SOC is discharged from a preset start SOC or 100% to a preset end SOC or 0%.

[0056] For example, there are no specific restrictions on the C-rate during charge or discharge for generating a battery profile. However, to obtain a more accurate battery profile, the battery should be charged or discharged at a lower rate. For example, a battery profile can be generated during the process of charging or discharging a battery at 0.05C.

[0057] For example, the profile acquisition unit (110) can directly read or receive the battery profile (BP) of the battery from the outside. For example, the profile acquisition unit (110) can acquire the battery profile by reading or receiving the battery profile while being connected to the outside via wire and / or wirelessly.

[0058] As another example, the profile acquisition unit (110) may generate a battery profile based on battery information regarding the voltage and capacity of the battery. For example, the profile acquisition unit (110) may acquire a battery profile by directly generating the battery profile based on the battery information.

[0059] The profile acquisition unit (110) may be connected to the control unit (120) so as to be able to communicate with it. For example, the profile acquisition unit (110) may be connected to the control unit (120) via wired and / or wireless communication. As an example, the profile acquisition unit (110) may transmit the acquired battery profile to the control unit (120). As another example, the control unit (120) may read the battery profile from the profile acquisition unit (110).

[0060] The control unit (120) can be configured to set the positive section and negative section corresponding to the battery based on the section information for each preset degradation level.

[0061] For example, the control unit (120) may be configured to set a positive section and a negative section corresponding to the degradation degree of the battery based on the section information by degradation degree. For example, assuming that the degradation degree of the battery is x (%), the control unit (120) may determine a positive section and a negative section corresponding to the degradation degree (x (%)) of the battery from the section information by degradation degree.

[0062] Here, the section information by degradation level can be preset to include information on the positive section and the negative section according to the degradation level of the battery. Furthermore, the positive section can be set as a section that includes the voltage or capacity of the start and end points of the positive profile. Furthermore, the negative section can be set as a section that includes the voltage or capacity of the start and end points of the negative profile. For convenience of explanation, the positive section is described as limiting the voltage section of the positive profile, and the negative section is described as limiting the voltage section of the negative profile.

[0063] In one embodiment, the degeneration-level interval information may be preset to include interval information according to the degeneration level of the battery.

[0064] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first table (T1) representing section information by deterioration level according to one embodiment of the present invention. The first table (T1) of FIG. 2 is a table representing the correspondence between the deterioration level of a battery and the positive and negative sections. For example, the first table (T1) may include information on the positive and negative sections set for each deterioration level of the battery.

[0065] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, if the degradation degree of the battery is k(%), the positive section may be set to Vik[V] to Vjk[V], and the negative section may be preset to Vnk[V] to Vmk[V].

[0066] In one embodiment, the profile acquisition unit (110) can acquire both the battery profile and the battery degradation information. For example, the battery profile and the battery degradation information may be mapped to each other. For example, the profile acquisition unit (110) can acquire both the battery profile and the degradation information by acquiring a "battery profile of a battery with a degradation level of x (%)." In addition, the control unit (120) can read or receive the battery degradation information from the profile acquisition unit (110).

[0067] In another embodiment, the control unit (120) may estimate the degree of degradation of the battery from the battery profile. For example, the control unit (120) may be configured to estimate the degree of degradation of the battery based on the capacity of the battery and a preset initial capacity.

[0068] For example, the battery profile may include the battery capacity measured from the start of charging (or the start of discharging) to the end of charging (or the end of discharging). Accordingly, the control unit (120) may determine the target capacity of the battery from the battery profile.

[0069] In addition, the control unit (120) can estimate the degree of degradation of the battery by calculating the ratio between the target capacity of the battery and the initial capacity preset for the battery. Here, the initial capacity refers to the initial value of the capacity of the battery, and can be set based on the initial capacity of a battery in the beginning of life (BOL) state, a reference battery designed to correspond to the battery, or a battery theoretically designed to be ideal.

[0070] For example, the control unit (120) can estimate the degradation rate (%) of the battery compared to the initial state by calculating the formula “1-(target capacity÷initial capacity)” or “{1-(target capacity÷initial capacity)}×100.”

[0071] The control unit (120) may be configured to generate a positive profile and a negative profile of the battery by adjusting a preset reference positive profile and a reference negative profile to correspond to the battery profile within the positive section and the negative section.

[0072] The reference positive electrode profile may be a profile indicating a correspondence between the capacity and voltage of a reference positive electrode cell preset to correspond to the positive electrode of a battery. For example, the reference positive electrode cell may be a positive coin half cell or a positive electrode of a three-electrode cell. In addition, the reference negative electrode profile may be a profile indicating a correspondence between the capacity and voltage of a reference negative electrode cell preset to correspond to the negative electrode of a battery. For example, the reference negative electrode cell may be a negative coin half cell or a negative electrode of a three-electrode cell.

[0073] The control unit (120) can adjust the reference positive electrode profile and the reference negative electrode profile to correspond to the battery profile. For example, the control unit (120) can adjust the reference positive electrode profile and the reference negative electrode profile to generate an adjusted positive electrode profile and an adjusted negative electrode profile. In addition, the control unit (120) can generate a comparison profile from the adjusted positive electrode profile and the adjusted negative electrode profile. The control unit (120) can adjust the reference positive electrode profile and the reference negative electrode profile until the comparison profile corresponds to the battery profile.

[0074] For example, the control unit (120) can generate a plurality of comparison profiles by shifting or capacity scaling a reference positive electrode profile and a reference negative electrode profile, and can specify a comparison profile among the plurality of comparison profiles that has a minimum error with the battery profile. Then, the control unit (120) can determine an adjusted positive electrode profile corresponding to the specified comparison profile as the positive electrode profile of the battery. Then, the control unit (120) can determine an adjusted negative electrode profile corresponding to the specified comparison profile as the negative electrode profile of the battery. For example, the adjusted positive electrode profile and the adjusted negative electrode profile corresponding to the specified comparison profile can be estimated as the positive electrode profile and the negative electrode profile of the battery, respectively.

[0075] Here, the voltage range of the adjusted positive profile may be included within the set positive section, and the voltage range of the adjusted negative profile may be included within the set negative section. For example, the control unit (120) may adjust the reference positive profile and the reference negative profile so that the voltage at the positive participation start point and the voltage at the positive participation end point of the adjusted positive profile are included within the positive section, and the voltage at the negative participation start point and the voltage at the negative participation end point of the adjusted negative profile are included within the negative section.

[0076] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a positive electrode profile and a negative electrode profile of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the control unit (120) can generate an adjusted positive profile (Rp') and an adjusted negative profile (Rn') by adjusting the reference positive profile (Rp) and the reference negative profile (Rn). For example, the adjusted positive profile (Rp') and the adjusted negative profile (Rn') are generated according to the organic relationship between the reference positive profile (Rp) and the reference negative profile (Rn). Then, the control unit (120) can determine the adjusted positive profile (Rp') as the positive profile of the battery, and can determine the adjusted negative profile (Rn') as the negative profile of the battery. Then, the voltage of the positive participation start point (pi') and the voltage of the positive participation end point (pf') of the adjusted positive profile (Rp') are included in the positive section (Vin to Vjn). Additionally, the voltage at the cathode engagement start point (ni') and the voltage at the cathode engagement end point (nf') of the adjusted cathode profile (Rn') are included in the cathode section (Vnn to Vmn).

[0078] In relation to this, an embodiment in which the control unit (120) determines an adjusted positive electrode profile and an adjusted negative electrode profile of the battery by adjusting the reference positive electrode profile and the reference negative electrode profile to correspond to the battery profile will be described later with reference to FIGS. 6 to 13.

[0079] The battery information generation device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can set the positive and negative sections corresponding to the degree of battery degradation as adjustment conditions for the reference positive and negative profiles. For example, since the adjustment conditions according to the degree of battery degradation are further set, the positive and negative profiles derived as adjustment results can more accurately reflect the state of the battery. The battery information generation device (100) can accurately estimate the positive and negative profiles corresponding to the state of the battery by taking into account the degree of battery degradation.

[0080]

[0081] Meanwhile, the profile acquisition unit (110) and the control unit (120) provided in the battery information generation device (100) may optionally include a processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), another chipset, a logic circuit, a register, a communication modem, a data processing device, etc. known in the art to execute various control logics performed in the present invention. In addition, when the control logic is implemented in software, the profile acquisition unit (110) and the control unit (120) may be implemented as a set of program modules. At this time, the program modules may be stored in a memory and executed by the profile acquisition unit (110) and the control unit (120). The memory may be located inside or outside the profile acquisition unit (110) and the control unit (120), and may be connected to the profile acquisition unit (110) and the control unit (120) by various well-known means.

[0082] In addition, the battery information generation device (100) may further include a storage unit (130). The storage unit (130) may store data or programs required for each component of the battery information generation device (100) to perform operations and functions, or data generated in the process of performing operations and functions. The storage unit (130) is not particularly limited in type as long as it is a known information storage means known to be capable of recording, erasing, updating, and reading data. As an example, the information storage means may include RAM, flash memory, ROM, EEPROM, registers, etc. In addition, the storage unit (130) may store program codes defining processes executable by the profile acquisition unit (110) and the control unit (120).

[0083]

[0084] In another embodiment, the degradation-level interval information may be preset to include interval information based on the degradation level compared to the previous cycle for each of a plurality of cycles. The control unit (120) may be configured to set positive and negative intervals corresponding to the cycle and degradation level of the battery based on the degradation-level interval information.

[0085] For example, the degradation-by-cycle interval information can be set to further consider the battery's degradation by cycle.

[0086] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second table (T2) representing section information by degradation degree according to one embodiment of the present invention. The second table (T2) of FIG. 4 is a table representing the difference in degradation degree from the previous cycle of the battery and the corresponding relationship between the positive and negative sections. For example, the second table (T2) may include information on the positive and negative sections set for each difference in degradation degree from the previous cycle.

[0087] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, if the difference in degeneration between the n-th cycle and the n+1-th cycle is k (%), the positive section of the n+1-th cycle can be set to Vin_k to Vjn_k, and the negative section can be set to Vnn_k to Vmn_k.

[0088] For example, the positive section (Vin_k to Vjn_k) of the n+1-th cycle can be set by reflecting the difference in degeneration (k) in the positive section (Vin to Vjn) of the n-th cycle. And, the negative section (Vin_k to Vjn_k) of the n+1-th cycle can be set by reflecting the difference in degeneration (k) in the negative section (Vin to Vjn) of the n-th cycle.

[0089] The battery information generation device (100) can adjust the reference positive electrode profile and the reference negative electrode profile under conditions of the positive electrode section and the negative electrode section that take into account the differences in the battery's cycle-by-cycle degradation. Accordingly, the positive electrode profile and negative electrode profile of the battery derived as a result of the adjustment can more accurately reflect the battery's condition.

[0090]

[0091] In another embodiment, the degradation-level interval information may be preset to include interval information based on the degradation type and degradation level compared to the previous cycle for each of a plurality of cycles. Furthermore, the control unit (120) may be configured to set positive and negative intervals corresponding to the battery cycle, degradation type, and degradation level based on the degradation-level interval information.

[0092] The degradation-by-cycle interval information can be set to further consider the battery's degradation by cycle and type of degradation.

[0093] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a third table (T3) indicating section information by degradation level according to one embodiment of the present invention. The third table (T3) of FIG. 5 is a table indicating the type of battery degradation, the difference in degradation level from the previous cycle, and the corresponding relationship between the positive and negative sections. For example, the third table (T3) may include information on the positive and negative sections set based on the difference in degradation level from the previous cycle for each type of battery degradation.

[0094] For example, the degradation types included in the third table (T3) refer to the degradation types of the battery that occurred between the nth cycle and the n+1th cycle. The degradation types may include positive electrode degradation, negative electrode degradation, and available lithium degradation.

[0095] Here, anode degradation refers to a state of battery degradation in which the anode capacity of the battery is lost. For example, a state in which the anode is physically and / or chemically damaged, resulting in the loss of anode capacity capable of participating in charge and discharge, is called anode degradation.

[0096] Similarly to positive electrode degradation, negative electrode degradation refers to a state of battery degradation in which the negative electrode capacity is lost. For example, a state in which the negative electrode is physically and / or chemically damaged, resulting in the loss of negative electrode capacity capable of participating in charge and discharge, can be referred to as negative electrode degradation.

[0097] Finally, available lithium degradation refers to a deterioration state of a battery in which available lithium capable of participating in charge and discharge has been lost. This loss of available lithium can lead to lithium plating, a phenomenon in which lithium is deposited on the surface of the negative electrode. Lithium deposition on the surface of the negative electrode can cause side reactions with the electrolyte and alter the kinetic balance of the battery, leading to battery degradation. Furthermore, the deposition of lithium metal on the surface of the negative electrode can cause internal short circuits in the battery, posing a risk of fire or explosion due to internal short circuits.

[0098] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 5, if the type of degradation of the battery is positive degradation and the difference in the degradation degree between the n-th cycle and the n+1-th cycle is k (%), the positive section of the n+1-th cycle may be set to Vin_Pk to Vjn_Pk, and the negative section may be set to Vnn_Pk to Vmn_Pk.

[0099] For example, the positive section (Vin_Pk to Vjn_Pk) of the n+1-th cycle can be set by reflecting the type of degeneration (P) and the difference in the degree of degeneration (k) in the positive section (Vin to Vjn) of the n-th cycle. And, the negative section (Vin_Pk to Vjn_Pk) of the n+1-th cycle can be set by reflecting the type of degeneration (P) and the difference in the degree of degeneration (k) in the negative section (Vin to Vjn) of the n-th cycle.

[0100] If multiple degenerations occur, positive and negative sections can be set based on the types of multiple degenerations and the difference in the degree of degeneration.

[0101] For example, it is assumed that in the n+1 cycle, the cathode degradation (P) occurred by k% and the available lithium degradation (Li) occurred by k%.

[0102] The starting voltage of the positive section can be Vin_Pk or Vin_Lik, and the ending voltage of the positive section can be Vjn_Pk or Vjn_Lik. Since the positive section should be conservatively set to correspond to the deterioration state of the battery, the starting voltage of the positive section can be the larger value of Vin_Pk or Vin_Lik, and the ending voltage of the positive section can be the smaller value of Vjn_Pk or Vjn_Lik.

[0103] And, the starting voltage of the negative section can be Vnn_Pk or Vnn_Lik, and the ending voltage of the negative section can be Vmn_Pk or Vmn_Lik. Since the negative section should be conservatively set to correspond to the deterioration state of the battery, the starting voltage of the negative section can be a larger value of Vnn_Pk or Vnn_Lik, and the ending voltage of the negative section can be a smaller value of Vmn_Pk or Vmn_Lik.

[0104] For example, the battery information generation device (100) can adjust the reference positive electrode profile and the reference negative electrode profile under conditions of the positive electrode section and the negative electrode section, taking into account the difference in the degree of degradation and the type of degradation of the battery cycle by cycle. Accordingly, the positive electrode profile and negative electrode profile of the battery derived as a result of the adjustment can more accurately reflect the state of the battery.

[0105]

[0106] The control unit (120) can be configured to provide information about the battery by outputting the positive and negative profiles to the outside.

[0107] For example, the control unit (120) may be connected to an external device capable of diagnosing the condition of the battery, such that the control unit (120) can communicate with it via wired and / or wireless communication. The control unit (120) may transmit a positive profile and / or a negative profile to the external device via wired and / or wireless communication. For example, the external device may include a diagnostic device or a server, and any device capable of diagnosing the condition of the battery by analyzing the positive profile and / or the negative profile may be applied without limitation.

[0108] Since the positive and negative profiles are profiles that are strongly assumed to represent the current state of the battery, the state of the battery can be diagnosed based on the positive and negative profiles.

[0109] The battery information generation device (100) can improve the accuracy of battery status diagnosis by generating a positive profile and a negative profile used to diagnose the status of the battery.

[0110]

[0111] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 13, an embodiment in which the control unit (120) adjusts the reference positive electrode profile and the reference negative electrode profile will be described.

[0112] Fig. 6 is a graph for reference in explaining an example of each of a reference anode profile and a reference cathode profile. In the graph of Fig. 6, the horizontal axis (X-axis) represents capacity (Ah) and the vertical axis (Y-axis) represents voltage.

[0113] Referring to Fig. 6, the storage unit (130) can store a reference positive electrode profile (Rp) and a reference negative electrode profile (Rn). The reference cell can be a coin-type cell including a positive electrode half-cell and a negative electrode half-cell, or a three-electrode cell.

[0114] The reference anode profile (Rp) may be a profile representing the correspondence between the anode voltage and capacity of a reference cell. The anode voltage of the reference cell refers to the potential difference between the potential of a reference electrode (not shown) and the potential of the anode of the reference cell.

[0115] The reference cathode profile (Rn) may be a profile representing the correspondence between the cathode voltage and capacity of a reference cell. The cathode voltage of the reference cell refers to the potential difference between the potential of the reference electrode and the potential of the cathode of the reference cell.

[0116] Each of the positive voltage and negative voltage can be a closed circuit voltage or an open circuit voltage (OCV).

[0117] A first charging protocol or a first discharging protocol can be utilized to obtain the closed-loop voltages of the positive and negative electrodes of the reference cell, respectively. The first charging protocol can be a constant current charging method using a first current rate. The first discharging protocol can be a constant current discharging method using a first current rate. For example, while the reference cell is continuously charged by the first charging protocol or while the reference cell is continuously discharged by the first discharging protocol, the closed-loop voltages of the positive and negative electrodes of the reference cell, which are measured periodically or aperiodically, can be recorded as the positive voltage and the negative voltage of the reference cell, respectively.

[0118] A second charging protocol or a second discharging protocol may be utilized to obtain the open circuit voltages of the positive and negative electrodes of the reference cell, respectively. The second charging protocol may be an intermittent charging method in which constant current charging using a second current rate and a rest period are alternately performed. The second discharging protocol may be an intermittent charging method in which constant current discharging using a second current rate and a rest period are alternately performed. In one embodiment, the second current rate (e.g., 3.0 C) may be predetermined to be greater than the first current rate (e.g., 0.05 C).

[0119] For example, when the charging time by constant current charging of the second charging protocol has elapsed by a set amount of time or the charging capacity of the reference cell has increased by a set amount of time, charging of the reference cell may be stopped for a set pause time and then constant current charging may be resumed. The charging capacity may be calculated by periodically or aperiodically accumulating sample values ​​of the charging current by the first or second charging protocol.

[0120] As another example, the discharge of the reference cell may be stopped for a predetermined pause time and then the constant current discharge may be resumed whenever the discharge time due to the constant current discharge of the second discharge protocol has elapsed by a set amount of time or the discharge capacity of the reference cell has decreased by a set amount of time. The discharge capacity may be calculated by periodically or aperiodically accumulating sample values ​​of the discharge current due to the first discharge protocol or the second discharge protocol.

[0121] At this time, the open circuit voltages of the positive and negative electrodes of the reference cell measured at specific timings during each pause can be recorded as the positive and negative voltages of the reference cell.

[0122] For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the horizontal axis represents the charging capacity in FIGS. 6 to 13.

[0123] At least one of the reference positive electrode profile (Rp) and the reference negative electrode profile (Rn) can be aligned along the horizontal axis so that the result of synthesizing a portion of the common capacity range of the two profiles (5 to 50 Ah in FIG. 6) matches the reference full-cell profile (R). FIG. 6 illustrates a case where the reference negative electrode profile (Rn) is aligned by shifting to the right, with the starting point (the point corresponding to capacity 0) of the reference positive electrode profile (Rp) as the reference point. For example, when the reference positive electrode profile (Rp) and the reference negative electrode profile (Rn) are synthesized through such a shift, a profile matching the reference full-cell profile (R) can be obtained.

[0124] It can be seen from Fig. 6 that the ends of the reference positive electrode profile (Rp) and the reference negative electrode profile (Rn) are misaligned. For example, the capacity range of the reference positive electrode profile (Rp) and the capacity range of the reference negative electrode profile (Rn) do not match and only partially overlap. Therefore, the reference full-cell profile (R) represents the full-cell voltage of the reference cell in a portion of the capacity range common to the reference positive electrode profile (Rp) and the reference negative electrode profile (Rn). For example, the reference full-cell profile (R) is an example of a full-cell voltage profile obtained by directly subtracting a portion of the reference negative electrode profile (Rn) from a portion of the reference positive electrode profile (Rp).

[0125] A reference full-cell profile (R) can represent the relationship between the capacity and full-cell voltage of a new, verified good battery cell. For example, the reference cell has the same positive and negative performance levels as a new, verified good battery cell.

[0126] The reference full-cell profile (R) can represent the correspondence between the voltage and capacity of the reference cell over at least a voltage range of interest (e.g., 3.0 to 4.0 V). The lower and upper limits of the voltage range of interest can be a first set voltage (3.0 V in FIG. 6) and a second set voltage (4.0 V in FIG. 6).

[0127] The SOC may be set to 0% when the full-cell voltage of any battery cell, including the reference cell, is equal to the first set voltage. The SOC may be set to 100% when the full-cell voltage of any battery cell, including the reference cell, is equal to the second set voltage. According to Fig. 6, the reference cell can reach a fully charged state (SOC 100%) from a fully discharged state (SOC 0%) with a charge capacity of 45 Ah.

[0128] In this specification, the positive engagement start point on the positive profile of any battery cell represents the positive voltage when the full-cell voltage of the battery cell matches the first set voltage. In addition, the negative engagement start point on the negative profile of the battery cell represents the negative voltage when the full-cell voltage of the battery cell matches the first set voltage. Therefore, the voltage difference between the positive engagement start point and the negative engagement start point is equal to the first set voltage.

[0129] Additionally, the positive engagement endpoint on the positive profile of any battery cell represents the positive voltage when the full-cell voltage of the battery cell matches the second set voltage. Additionally, the negative engagement endpoint on the negative profile of the battery cell represents the negative voltage when the full-cell voltage of the battery cell matches the second set voltage. Therefore, the voltage difference between the positive engagement endpoint and the negative engagement endpoint is equal to the second set voltage.

[0130]

[0131] In the storage unit (130), information indicating the voltages of each of the reference positive electrode participation start point (pi0), the reference positive electrode participation end point (pf0), the reference negative electrode participation start point (ni0), and the reference negative electrode participation end point (nf0) may be pre-recorded. The reference positive electrode participation start point (pi0) and the reference positive electrode participation end point (pf0) are the positive electrode participation start point and the positive electrode participation end point on the reference positive electrode profile (Rp), respectively. The reference negative electrode participation start point (ni0) and the reference negative electrode participation end point (nf0) are the negative electrode participation start point and the negative electrode participation end point on the reference negative electrode profile (Rn), respectively.

[0132] The voltage difference between the reference positive engagement start point (pi0) and the reference negative engagement start point (ni0) may be equal to a first set voltage (e.g., 3.0 V). The voltage difference between the reference positive engagement end point (pf0) and the reference negative engagement end point (nf0) may be equal to a second set voltage (e.g., 4.0 V).

[0133] Fig. 7 is a graph for reference in explaining an example of a measurement full-cell profile of a target cell. In the graph of Fig. 7, the horizontal axis (X-axis) represents capacity (Ah) and the vertical axis (Y-axis) represents voltage.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 7, the control unit (120) can generate a measurement full-cell profile (M) indicating a correspondence between the capacity of a battery cell to be diagnosed (hereinafter, referred to as a “target cell”) and the terminal voltage (also referred to as a “full-cell voltage”). Here, the terminal voltage refers to the voltage across both ends of the target cell (CCV or OCV), and is distinct from the positive and negative voltages described above. For example, the terminal voltage of the target cell can be referred to as the difference between the positive and negative voltages of the target cell.

[0135] The first charge protocol, the first discharge protocol, the second charge protocol, or the second discharge protocol described above may be used to generate the measured full-cell profile (M). Like the reference full-cell profile (R), the measured full-cell profile (M) may represent a correspondence between the voltage and capacity of the target cell at least over the voltage range of interest (e.g., 3.0 to 4.0 V).

[0136] If the reference positive electrode profile (Rp) and the reference negative electrode profile (Rn) are obtained by the first charge protocol (or the first discharge protocol), the measured full-cell profile (M) can also be based on the voltage time series and capacity time series collected through the charge procedure (or discharge procedure) by the first charge protocol (or the first discharge protocol).

[0137] If the reference positive electrode profile (Rp) and the reference negative electrode profile (Rn) are obtained by the second charge protocol (or the second discharge protocol), the measured full-cell profile (M) can also be based on the voltage time series and capacity time series collected through the charge procedure (or discharge procedure) by the second charge protocol (or the second discharge protocol).

[0138] The voltage time series represents the temporal change in the terminal voltage of the target cell. The capacity time series represents the temporal change in the capacity of the target cell while the target cell is being charged or discharged by the first charge protocol, the first discharge protocol, the second charge protocol, or the second discharge protocol.

[0139] When compared with the previously described reference full-cell profile (R) with reference to Fig. 6, the measured full-cell profile (M) can represent an actual correspondence between the capacity of the target cell and the full-cell voltage. The target cell may be a new battery cell that requires verification as to whether it is a good product or a battery cell that has deteriorated after being verified as a good product and is no longer a new product.

[0140] Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 7, there may be some difference between the measured full-cell profile (M) and the reference full-cell profile (R). For example, the voltage of the measured full-cell profile (M) is higher than that of the reference full-cell profile (R) at the same capacity value, which is due to a manufacturing defect of the target cell, anode capacity loss, cathode capacity loss, and / or available lithium loss. In general, as the target cell deteriorates through repeated charge and discharge, the difference between the measured full-cell profile (M) and the reference full-cell profile (R) will gradually increase. According to FIG. 7, unlike the reference cell described with reference to FIG. 6, the target cell requires a charge capacity of 40 Ah to reach 45 Ah, which is a fully charged state (SOC 100%), from 5 Ah, which is a fully discharged state (SOC 0%), which is 5 Ah less than the charge capacity of 45 Ah required to fully charge the reference cell.

[0141]

[0142] Meanwhile, in the embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7, Ah is used as the unit of the horizontal axis, but this unit may be expressed in other forms. For example, instead of Ah, a percentage % indicating SOC (State Of Charge) may be used as the unit of the horizontal axis.

[0143] When a measurement full-cell profile (M) is generated, the control unit (120) may be configured to compare the measurement full-cell profile (M) with at least one comparison full-cell profile. Here, the comparison full-cell profile may be a result of generating an adjusted anode profile and an adjusted cathode profile by adjusting each of the reference anode profile (Rp) and the reference cathode profile (Rn) stored in the storage unit (130), and then synthesizing (combining) the adjusted anode profile and the adjusted cathode profile.

[0144] For example, when the reference full-cell profile (R) is a result of subtracting a portion of the reference cathode profile (Rn) from a portion of the reference anode profile (Rp), the comparison full-cell profile can be a result of subtracting a portion of the adjusted cathode profile from a portion of the adjusted anode profile.

[0145] The control unit (120) can generate at least one comparative full-cell profile by directly adjusting the reference positive electrode profile (Rp) and the reference negative electrode profile (Rn). Alternatively, the at least one comparative full-cell profile can be pre-secured based on the reference positive electrode profile (Rp) and the reference negative electrode profile (Rn) and stored in the storage unit (130). In this case, the control unit (120) can also obtain the comparative full-cell profile by accessing the storage unit (130) and reading it.

[0146]

[0147] The control unit (120) can generate multiple comparison full-cell profiles from the reference anode profile (Rp) and the reference cathode profile (Rn) by repeating the adjustment procedure of adjusting and then synthesizing each of the reference anode profile (Rp) and the reference cathode profile (Rn) to several levels. The comparison full-cell profile may also be referred to as an 'adjusted reference full-cell profile'.

[0148] The control unit (120) can specify a comparison full-cell profile among a plurality of comparison full-cell profiles that has a minimum error with respect to the measured full-cell profile (M). Then, the control unit (120) can determine that the adjusted positive and negative profiles mapped to the specified comparison full-cell profile are the positive and negative profiles of the target cell.

[0149] In this regard, various methods known at the time of filing of the present invention can be employed to determine the error between two profiles, each expressible in a two-dimensional coordinate system. For example, the absolute integral of the area between the two profiles or the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) can be used as the error between the two profiles.

[0150] According to this configuration of the present invention, various state information about the target cell can be obtained based on the finally determined adjusted anode profile and adjusted cathode profile. The finally determined adjusted anode profile and adjusted cathode profile may be mapped to a comparative full-cell profile mapped with a minimum error. For example, the comparative full-cell profile obtained by synthesizing the finally determined adjusted anode profile and adjusted cathode profile from a plurality of comparative full-cell profiles can be said to be almost identical to the measured full-cell profile (M) in terms of shape, etc.

[0151] Therefore, according to the present invention, a positive electrode profile and a negative electrode profile for a target cell can be obtained even without disassembling the target cell or manufacturing it in the form of a three-electrode battery.

[0152] In one embodiment, when the target cell is a new battery cell, the adjusted positive electrode profile and the adjusted negative electrode profile can be analyzed to more easily diagnose whether a defect has occurred in the target cell and, if so, what type of defect it is.

[0153] If the target cell is a battery cell in use after being verified as good, the adjusted positive and negative profiles can be used to determine the extent to which the target cell has degraded for each deterioration item.

[0154] Moreover, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the positive and negative profiles of the target cell can be obtained in a simple manner. The present invention can be implemented even if only one reference positive profile (Rp) and one reference negative profile (Rn) are stored in the storage unit (130). For example, there is no need to store multiple reference positive profiles (Rp) and / or multiple reference negative profiles (Rn) in the storage unit (130). Accordingly, there is no need for the storage capacity of the storage unit (130) to be high, and there is no need to perform numerous preliminary tests required to secure multiple reference positive profiles (Rp) and / or multiple reference negative profiles (Rn).

[0155]

[0156] FIGS. 8 to 10 are drawings for reference in explaining an example of a procedure for generating a comparison full-cell profile used for comparison with a measured full-cell profile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0157] The procedure for generating a comparative full-cell profile to be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10 is performed in the following order: a first routine (see FIG. 8) for setting four points (positive engagement start point, positive engagement end point, negative engagement start point, negative engagement end point) to correspond to a voltage range of interest, a second routine (see FIG. 9) for performing profile shifting, and a third routine (see FIG. 10) for performing capacity scaling. The procedure for generating a comparative full-cell profile according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the first to third routines.

[0158] First, referring to Fig. 8, the reference anode profile (Rp) and the reference cathode profile (Rn) are the same as those shown in Fig. 6.

[0159] The control unit (120) determines the positive engagement start point (pi), the positive engagement end point (pf), the negative engagement start point (ni), and the negative engagement end point (nf) on the reference positive profile (Rp) and the reference negative profile (Rn). Here, the control unit (120) determines the positive engagement start point (pi) and the positive engagement end point (pf) within the positive section (Vin to Vjn), and determines the negative engagement start point (ni) and the negative engagement end point (nf) within the negative section (Vnn to Vmn).

[0160] Either the positive engagement initiation point (pi) or the negative engagement initiation point (ni) depends on the other.

[0161] For example, the control unit (120) may divide the positive voltage range from the starting point to the ending point (or the second set voltage) of the reference positive profile (Rp) into a plurality of micro-voltage sections, and then set the boundary points of two adjacent micro-voltage sections among the plurality of micro-voltage sections as positive engagement start points (pi). Each micro-voltage section may have a predetermined size (e.g., 0.01 V). Then, the control unit (120) may set a point on the reference negative profile (Rn) that is smaller than the positive engagement start point (pi) by the first set voltage (e.g., 3 V) as the negative engagement start point (ni).

[0162] As another example, the control unit (120) may divide the negative voltage range from the start point to the end point of the reference negative profile (Rn) into a plurality of micro-voltage sections of a predetermined size, and then set the boundary point of two adjacent micro-voltage sections among the plurality of micro-voltage sections as a negative participation start point (ni). Then, the control unit (120) may search for a point that is greater than the negative participation start point (ni) by a first set voltage from the reference positive profile (Rp), and set the searched point as the positive participation start point (pi).

[0163] Either the positive engagement end point (pf) or the negative engagement end point (nf) depends on the other.

[0164] For example, the control unit (120) may divide the voltage range from the second set voltage to the end point of the reference positive electrode profile (Rp) into a plurality of micro-voltage sections of a predetermined size, and then set the boundary point of two adjacent micro-voltage sections among the plurality of micro-voltage sections as the positive electrode participation end point (pf). Then, the control unit (120) may set the point on the reference negative electrode profile (Rn) that is smaller by the second set voltage (e.g., 4 V) than the positive electrode participation end point (pf) as the negative electrode participation end point (nf).

[0165] As another example, the control unit (120) may divide the negative voltage range from the start point to the end point of the reference negative profile (Rn) into a plurality of micro-voltage sections of a predetermined size, and then set the boundary point of two adjacent micro-voltage sections among the plurality of micro-voltage sections as a negative participation end point (nf). Then, the control unit (120) may search for a point from the reference positive profile (Rp) that is greater than the negative participation end point (nf) by a second set voltage, and set the searched point as the positive participation end point (pf).

[0166] When the determination of the positive engagement start point (pi), the positive engagement end point (pf), the negative engagement start point (ni), and the negative engagement end point (nf) is completed, the control unit (120) shifts at least one of the reference positive profile (Rp) and the reference negative profile (Rn) to the left or right along the horizontal axis.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 9, the control unit (120) can shift the reference anode profile (Rp) to the left (low capacity side), shift the reference cathode profile (Rn) to the right (high capacity side), or perform both, so that the capacity values ​​of the anode participation start point (pi) and the cathode participation start point (ni) match.

[0168] Alternatively, the control unit (120) may shift the reference anode profile (Rp) to the left, shift the reference cathode profile (Rn) to the right, or both, so that the capacitance values ​​of the anode participation end point (pf) and the cathode participation end point (nf) match.

[0169] Fig. 9 illustrates a case where only the reference anode profile (Rp) is shifted to the left to generate an adjusted reference anode profile (Rp'), and as a result, the capacity of the anode participation start point (pi') matches the capacity of the cathode participation start point (ni). The adjusted reference anode profile (Rp') is the result of applying an adjustment procedure to the reference anode profile (Rp) that shifts to the left by the capacity difference between the anode participation start point (pi) and the cathode participation start point (ni). Therefore, the two anode participation start points (pi, pi') before and after the shift only differ in capacity, and have the same voltage. In addition, the two anode participation start points (pf, pf') before and after the shift only differ in capacity, and have the same voltage.

[0170] When the adjustment result profiles (Rp', Rn) in which at least one of the reference positive profile (Rp) and the reference negative profile (Rn) is shifted are secured, the control unit (120) scales the capacity range of at least one of the adjustment result profiles (Rp', Rn).

[0171] According to the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the control unit (120) performs an additional adjustment procedure to contract or expand at least one of the adjusted reference anode profile (Rp') and the reference cathode profile (Rn) along the horizontal axis.

[0172] Referring to FIG. 10, the control unit (120) can generate an adjusted reference anode profile (Rp') by shrinking or expanding the adjusted reference anode profile (Rp') so that the size of the capacity range between two points (pi', pf') of the adjusted reference anode profile (Rp') matches the size of the capacity range of the measured full-cell profile (M). At this time, one of the two points (pi', pf') can be fixed. Accordingly, the capacity difference between the two points (pi', pf'') of the adjusted reference anode profile (Rp'') can match the capacity range of the measured full-cell profile (M).

[0173] In addition, the control unit (120) can generate an adjusted reference cathode profile (Rn') by shrinking or expanding the reference cathode profile (Rn) so that the size of the capacity range between two points (ni, nf) of the reference cathode profile (Rn) matches the size of the capacity range of the measured full-cell profile (M). At this time, one of the two points (ni, nf) can be fixed. Accordingly, the capacity difference between the two points (ni, nf') of the adjusted reference cathode profile (Rn') can match the capacity range of the measured full-cell profile (M).

[0174] In Fig. 10, the adjusted reference anode profile (Rp'') is a result of shrinking the adjusted reference anode profile (Rp') shown in Fig. 9, and the adjusted reference cathode profile (Rn') is a result of expanding the reference cathode profile (Rn) shown in Fig. 9.

[0175] The positive participation endpoint (pf'') on the adjusted reference positive profile (Rp'') corresponds to the positive participation endpoint (pf) on the adjusted reference positive profile (Rp'). The negative participation endpoint (nf') on the adjusted reference negative profile (Rn') corresponds to the negative participation endpoint (nf) on the reference negative profile (Rn).

[0176] The capacity difference between the positive engagement start point (pi') and the positive engagement end point (pf'') of the adjusted reference positive electrode profile (Rp'') corresponds to the size of the capacity range of the measured full-cell profile (M). Similarly, the capacity difference between the negative engagement start point (ni) and the negative engagement end point (nf') of the adjusted reference negative electrode profile (Rn') corresponds to the size of the capacity range of the measured full-cell profile (M).

[0177] In addition, the capacity range by two points (pi', pf'') of the adjusted reference positive electrode profile (Rp'') matches the capacity range by two points (ni, nf') of the adjusted reference negative electrode profile (Rn'). The control unit (120) can generate a comparison full-cell profile (S) by subtracting the profile between the two points (pi', pf'') of the adjusted reference positive electrode profile (Rp'') from the profile between the two points (ni, nf') of the adjusted reference negative electrode profile (Rn').

[0178] The control unit (120) can calculate the error (profile error) between the comparison full cell profile (S) and the reference full cell profile (R).

[0179] The control unit (120) can mutually map at least two of the adjusted reference positive profile (Rp''), the adjusted reference negative profile (Rn'), the positive engagement start point (pi'), the positive engagement end point (pf''), the negative engagement start point (ni), the negative engagement end point (nf'), the first scale factor, the second scale factor, the comparison full-cell profile (S), and the profile error, and record them in the storage unit (130).

[0180] The first scale factor may represent a ratio of the capacity difference between two points (pi', pf'') to the capacity difference between two points (pi0, pf0). The second scale factor may represent a ratio of the capacity difference between two points (ni, nf') to the capacity difference between two points (ni0, nf0). For example, the first scale factor is a change ratio of the adjusted reference anode profile (Rp'') to the reference anode profile (Rp), which is an anode change ratio. The second scale factor is a change ratio of the adjusted reference cathode profile (Rn') to the reference cathode profile (Rn), which is an cathode change ratio.

[0181] And, in the embodiment of FIG. 10, the voltages of two points (pi', pf'') of the adjusted reference positive profile (Rp'') may be included in the set positive section (Vin to Vjn), and the voltages of two points (ni, nf') of the adjusted reference negative profile (Rn') may be included in the set negative section (Vnn to Vmn).

[0182]

[0183] Meanwhile, as described above, when the anode voltage range of the reference anode profile (Rp) is divided into a plurality of micro-voltage sections, the boundary points of two adjacent micro-voltage sections among the plurality of micro-voltage sections can be set as the anode participation start point (pi).

[0184] For example, if the anode voltage range of the reference anode profile (Rp) is divided into 100 microvoltage ranges, there may be 100 boundary points that can be set as anode participation start points (pi). Furthermore, if the voltage range that is higher than the second set voltage in the reference anode profile (Rp) is divided into 40 microvoltage ranges, there may be 40 boundary points that can be set as anode participation end points (pf). In this case, up to 4,000 different comparison full-cell profiles (S) can be generated.

[0185] Of course, those skilled in the art will easily understand that as the size of the micro-voltage section decreases, the number of comparative full-cell profiles that can be generated at maximum increases, and conversely, as the size of the micro-voltage section increases, the number of comparative full-cell profiles (S) that can be generated at maximum decreases.

[0186] The control unit (120) can identify the minimum value among the profile errors for the reference full-cell profile (R) of the plurality of comparison full-cell profiles (S) generated as described above, and then obtain information mapped to the minimum profile error (e.g., at least one of the positive participation start point, positive participation end point, negative participation start point, negative participation end point, first scale factor, and second scale factor) from the storage unit (130).

[0187]

[0188] FIGS. 11 to 13 are drawings for reference in explaining another example of a procedure for generating a comparison full-cell profile (U) used for comparison with a measured full-cell profile (M) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Note that the embodiments according to FIGS. 11 to 13 are independent from the embodiments according to FIGS. 8 to 10. Therefore, terms or symbols commonly described in describing the embodiments according to FIGS. 8 to 10 and the embodiments according to FIGS. 11 to 13 should be understood as being limited to each embodiment.

[0189] The generation procedure of the comparative full-cell profile (U) to be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13 is performed in the following order: a fourth routine (see FIG. 11) for performing capacity scaling, a fifth routine (see FIG. 12) for setting four points (positive participation start point, positive participation end point, negative participation start point, negative participation end point), and a sixth routine (see FIG. 13) for performing profile shifting. The generation procedure of the comparative full-cell profile (U) according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the fourth to sixth routines.

[0190] Referring to Fig. 11, the reference anode profile (Rp) and the reference cathode profile (Rn) are the same as those shown in Fig. 6.

[0191] The control unit (120) applies a first scale factor and a second scale factor selected from a scaling value range to the reference anode profile (Rp) and the reference cathode profile (Rn), respectively, to generate an adjusted reference anode profile (Rp') and an adjusted reference cathode profile (Rn').

[0192] The scaling value range may be predetermined or may vary depending on the ratio of the size of the capacity range of the measured full-cell profile (M) to the size of the capacity range of the reference full-cell profile (R). For example, when values ​​spaced by 0.1% of the scaling value range (e.g., 90-99%) (e.g., 90%, 90.1%, 90.2%, …, 98.9%, 99%) can be selected as the first scale factor and the second scale factor, 91 values ​​can be selected as the first scale factor and the second scale factor, respectively. In this case, a maximum of 8,281 adjusted profile pairs can be generated according to 8,281 (91×91) adjustment levels (combinations of the first scale factor and the second scale factor). An adjusted profile pair means a combination of an adjusted positive electrode profile and an adjusted negative electrode profile.

[0193] The adjusted reference anode profile (Rp') and the adjusted reference cathode profile (Rn') illustrated in FIG. 11 illustrate the results of applying a first scale factor and a second scale factor, which are less than 100%, to the reference anode profile (Rp) and the reference cathode profile (Rn), respectively.

[0194] Since the first scale factor and the second scale factor are less than 100%, the adjusted reference anode profile (Rp') is the reference anode profile (Rp) shrunk along the horizontal axis, and the adjusted reference cathode profile (Rn') is also the reference cathode profile (Rn) shrunk along the horizontal axis. To facilitate understanding, the starting points of the reference anode profile (Rp) and the reference cathode profile (Rn) are fixed, and only the remaining portion is shrunk to the left along the horizontal axis.

[0195] In the above examples, the scale factor is described as being less than 100%, but the scale factor may be greater than 100%.

[0196]

[0197] Referring to FIG. 12, the control unit (120) determines the positive engagement start point (pi'), the positive engagement end point (pf'), the negative engagement start point (ni'), and the negative engagement end point (nf') on the adjusted reference positive profile (Rp') and the adjusted reference negative profile (Rn').

[0198] Either the positive engagement start point (pi') or the negative engagement start point (ni') may depend on the other. Furthermore, either the positive engagement end point (pf') or the negative engagement end point (nf') may depend on the other. Furthermore, either the positive engagement start point (pi') or the positive engagement end point (pf') may be set based on the other.

[0199] When any one of the positive engagement start point (pi'), positive engagement end point (pf'), negative engagement start point (ni') and negative engagement end point (nf') is set, the remaining three points can be automatically set by the size of the capacity range of the first set voltage, the second set voltage and / or the measured full cell profile (M) (e.g., charge capacity of 0 to 100% of SOC).

[0200] For example, the control unit (120) may divide the positive voltage range from the starting point to the ending point (or the second set voltage) of the adjusted reference positive voltage profile (Rp') into a plurality of micro-voltage sections, and then set the boundary point of two adjacent micro-voltage sections among the plurality of micro-voltage sections as the positive participation start point (pi'). Then, the control unit (120) may set the point on the adjusted reference negative voltage profile (Rn) that is smaller by the first set voltage (e.g., 3 V) than the positive participation start point (pi') as the negative participation start point (ni').

[0201] As another example, the control unit (120) may divide the negative voltage range from the start point to the end point of the adjusted reference negative profile (Rn') into a plurality of micro-voltage sections of a predetermined size, and then set the boundary point of two adjacent micro-voltage sections among the plurality of micro-voltage sections as a negative participation start point (ni'). Then, the control unit (120) may search for a point from the reference positive profile (Rp) that is greater than the negative participation start point (ni') by a first set voltage, and set the searched point as the positive participation start point (pi').

[0202] As another example, the control unit (120) may divide the voltage range from the second set voltage to the end point of the adjusted reference positive electrode profile (Rp') into a plurality of micro-voltage sections of a predetermined size, and then set the boundary point of two adjacent micro-voltage sections among the plurality of micro-voltage sections as the positive electrode participation end point (pf'). Then, the control unit (120) may search for a point in the adjusted reference negative electrode profile (Rn') that is smaller than the positive electrode participation end point (pf') by the second set voltage (e.g., 4 V), and set the searched point as the negative electrode participation end point (nf').

[0203] As another example, the control unit (120) may divide the negative voltage range from the start point to the end point of the adjusted reference negative profile (Rn') into a plurality of micro-voltage sections of a predetermined size, and then set the boundary point of two adjacent micro-voltage sections among the plurality of micro-voltage sections as a negative participation end point (nf'). Then, the control unit (120) may search for a point that is larger than the negative participation end point (nf') by a second set voltage from the adjusted reference positive profile (Rp') and set the searched point as the positive participation end point (pf').

[0204]

[0205] The control unit (120) can additionally determine the remaining three points based on the determined point when one of the positive participation start point (pi'), the positive participation end point (pf'), the negative participation start point (ni'), and the negative participation end point (nf') is determined.

[0206] For example, if the positive participation start point (pi') is first determined, the control unit (120) can set a point on the adjusted reference positive profile (Rp') that has a capacity value that is greater than the capacity value of the positive participation start point (pi') by the size of the capacity range of the measured full-cell profile (M) as the positive participation end point (pf'). In addition, the control unit (120) can search for a point that is lower than the positive participation start point (pi') by a first set voltage from the adjusted reference negative profile (Rn') and set the searched point as the negative participation start point (ni'). In addition, the control unit (120) can set a point on the adjusted reference negative profile (Rn') that has a capacity value that is greater than the capacity value of the negative participation start point (ni') by the size of the capacity range of the measured full-cell profile (M) as the negative participation end point (nf').

[0207] As another example, if the positive participation end point (pf') is determined first, the control unit (120) may set a point on the adjusted reference positive profile (Rp') that has a capacity value smaller by the size of the capacity range of the measured full-cell profile (M) than the capacity value of the positive participation end point (pf') as the positive participation start point (pi'). In addition, the control unit (120) may search for a point lower by a second set voltage than the positive participation end point (pf') from the adjusted reference negative profile (Rn') and set the searched point as the negative participation end point (nf'). In addition, the control unit (120) may set a point on the adjusted reference negative profile (Rn') that has a capacity value smaller by the size of the capacity range of the measured full-cell profile (M) than the capacity value of the negative participation end point (nf') as the negative participation start point (ni').

[0208] As another example, when the negative participation start point (ni') is determined, the control unit (120) can set a point on the adjusted reference negative profile (Rn') that has a capacity value that is greater than the capacity value of the negative participation start point (ni') by the size of the capacity range of the measured full-cell profile (M) as the negative participation end point (nf'). In addition, the control unit (120) can search for a point that is higher than the negative participation start point (ni') by a first set voltage from the adjusted reference positive profile (Rp') and set the searched point as the positive participation start point (pi'). In addition, the control unit (120) can set a point on the adjusted reference positive profile (Rp') that has a capacity value that is greater than the capacity value of the positive participation start point (pi') by the size of the capacity range of the measured full-cell profile (M) as the positive participation end point (pf').

[0209] As another example, when the negative participation end point (nf') is determined, the control unit (120) may set a point on the adjusted reference negative profile (Rn') that has a capacity value smaller by the size of the capacity range of the measured full-cell profile (M) than the capacity value of the negative participation end point (nf') as the negative participation start point (ni'). In addition, the control unit (120) may search for a point higher by a second set voltage than the negative participation end point (nf') from the adjusted reference positive profile (Rp') and set the searched point as the positive participation end point (pf'). In addition, the control unit (120) may set a point on the adjusted reference positive profile (Rp') that has a capacity value smaller by the size of the capacity range of the measured full-cell profile (M) than the capacity value of the positive participation end point (pf') as the positive participation start point (pi').

[0210]

[0211] When the determination of the positive engagement start point (pi'), the positive engagement end point (pf'), the negative engagement start point (ni'), and the negative engagement end point (nf') is completed based on the pair of the first scale factor and the second scale factor, the control unit (120) can shift at least one of the adjusted reference positive profile (Rp') and the adjusted reference negative profile (Rn') to the left or right along the horizontal axis so that the capacity values ​​of the positive engagement start point (pi') and the negative engagement start point (ni') match, or so that the capacity values ​​of the positive engagement end point (pf') and the negative engagement end point (nf') match.

[0212] The adjusted reference cathode profile (Rn'') illustrated in Fig. 13 is only the adjusted reference cathode profile (Rn') illustrated in Fig. 12 shifted to the right. Accordingly, the capacity values ​​of the positive engagement start point (pi') and the negative engagement start point (ni'') are matched with each other. In this regard, since the capacity difference between the positive engagement start point (pi') and the positive engagement end point (pf') is the same as the capacity difference between the negative engagement start point (ni') and the negative engagement end point (nf'), when the capacity values ​​of the positive engagement start point (pi') and the negative engagement start point (ni'') are matched with each other, the capacity values ​​of the positive engagement end point (pf') and the negative engagement end point (nf') also become matched with each other.

[0213] Referring to FIG. 13, the control unit (120) can generate a comparison full-cell profile (U) by subtracting a partial profile between two points (pi', pf') of the adjusted reference positive profile (Rp') from a partial profile between two points (ni'', nf'') of the adjusted reference negative profile (Rn'').

[0214] The control unit (120) can calculate the error (profile error) between the comparison full cell profile (U) and the reference full cell profile (R).

[0215] The control unit (120) can map at least two of the adjusted reference positive profile (Rp'), the adjusted reference negative profile (Rn''), the positive engagement start point (pi'), the positive engagement end point (pf'), the negative engagement start point (ni''), the negative engagement end point (nf''), the first scale factor, the second scale factor, the comparison full-cell profile (U), and the profile error to each other, and record them in the storage unit (130).

[0216] And, in the embodiment of FIG. 13, the voltages of two points (pi', pf') of the adjusted reference positive profile (Rp') may be included in the set positive section (Vin to Vjn), and the voltages of two points (ni'', nf'') of the adjusted reference negative profile (Rn'') may be included in the set negative section (Vnn to Vmn).

[0217]

[0218] As described above, the control unit (120) can generate a comparison full-cell profile corresponding to each pair of the first scale factor and the second scale factor selected from the scaling value range. Since there are multiple pairs of the first scale factor and the second scale factor, it is obvious that a plurality of comparison full-cell profiles will also be generated. The control unit (120) can identify a minimum value among the profile errors of the multiple comparison full-cell profiles, and then obtain information mapped to the minimum profile error from the storage unit (130).

[0219]

[0220] The battery information generation device (100) according to the present invention can be applied to a BMS (Battery Management System). For example, the BMS according to the present invention can include the battery information generation device (100) described above. In this configuration, at least some of the components of the battery information generation device (100) can be implemented by supplementing or adding to the functions of the components included in a conventional BMS. For example, the profile acquisition unit (110), control unit (120), and storage unit (130) of the battery information generation device (100) can be implemented as components of the BMS.

[0221] Additionally, the battery information generation device (100) according to the present invention may be provided in a battery pack. For example, the battery pack according to the present invention may include the battery information generation device (100) described above and one or more battery cells. In addition, the battery pack may further include electrical components (relays, fuses, etc.) and a case.

[0222] FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating an exemplary configuration of a battery pack (10) including a battery information generation device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0223] The positive terminal of the battery (11) can be connected to the positive terminal (P+) of the battery pack (10), and the negative terminal of the battery (11) can be connected to the negative terminal (P-) of the battery pack (10).

[0224] The measuring unit (12) can be connected to a first sensing line (SL1), a second sensing line (SL2), and a third sensing line (SL3). For example, the measuring unit (12) can be connected to a positive terminal of the battery (11) through the first sensing line (SL1), and can be connected to a negative terminal of the battery (11) through the second sensing line (SL2). The measuring unit (12) can measure the voltage of the battery (11) based on the voltage measured at each of the first sensing line (SL1) and the second sensing line (SL2).

[0225] And, the measuring unit (12) can be connected to the current measuring unit (A) through the third sensing line (SL3). For example, the current measuring unit (A) can be an ammeter or a shunt resistor capable of measuring the charging current and discharging current of the battery (11). The measuring unit (12) can measure the charging current of the battery (11) through the third sensing line (SL3) to calculate the charging amount. In addition, the measuring unit (12) can measure the discharging current of the battery (11) through the third sensing line (SL3) to calculate the discharging amount.

[0226] For example, the profile acquisition unit (110) can read or receive battery information regarding the voltage and current of the battery from the measurement unit (12). In addition, the profile acquisition unit (110) can generate a battery profile based on the battery information.

[0227] As another example, the profile acquisition unit (110) can read or receive a battery profile from the measurement unit (12).

[0228] An external device may be connected to the positive terminal (P+) and negative terminal (P-) of the battery pack (10). For example, the external device may be a charging device or a load. In addition, the positive terminal of the battery (11), the positive terminal (P+) of the battery pack (10), the external device, the negative terminal (P-) of the battery pack (10), and the negative terminal of the battery (11) may be electrically connected.

[0229]

[0230] FIG. 15 is a schematic drawing of a vehicle (1500) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0231] Referring to FIG. 15, a battery pack (1510) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be included in a vehicle (1500), such as an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid vehicle (HV). Furthermore, the battery pack (1510) may drive the vehicle (1500) by supplying power to a motor through an inverter provided in the vehicle (1500). Here, the battery pack (1510) may include a battery information generation device (100). For example, the vehicle (1500) may include a battery information generation device (100). In this case, the battery information generation device (100) may be an onboard device included in the vehicle (1500).

[0232]

[0233] FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically illustrating a battery information generation method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0234] Referring to FIG. 16, the battery information generation method may include a profile acquisition step (S100), a section setting step (S200), and a profile generation step (S300).

[0235] Each step of the battery information generation method can be performed by the battery information generation device (100). In the following, for convenience of explanation, any content that overlaps with the previously described content will be omitted or briefly described.

[0236] The profile acquisition step (S100) is a step of acquiring a battery profile indicating a correspondence between the capacity and voltage of the battery, and can be performed by the profile acquisition unit (110).

[0237] For example, the profile acquisition unit (110) can directly read or receive a battery profile from the outside. For example, the profile acquisition unit (110) can acquire a battery profile by being connected to the outside via wire and / or wirelessly to read or receive a battery profile.

[0238] As another example, the profile acquisition unit (110) may generate a battery profile based on battery information regarding the voltage and capacity of the battery. For example, the profile acquisition unit (110) may acquire a battery profile by directly generating the battery profile based on the battery information.

[0239] The section setting step (S200) is a step of setting the positive section and negative section corresponding to the battery based on section information for each preset degradation level, and can be performed by the control unit (120).

[0240] For example, based on the first table (T1) according to the embodiment of FIG. 2, the second table (T2) according to the embodiment of FIG. 4, or the third table (T3) according to the embodiment of FIG. 5, the control unit (120) can set the positive section and the negative section corresponding to the state of the battery.

[0241] The profile generation step (S300) is a step of generating a positive profile and a negative profile of a battery by adjusting the positive section of a preset reference positive profile and the negative section of a preset reference negative profile to correspond to the battery profile, and can be performed by the control unit (120).

[0242] For example, the control unit (120) can generate an adjusted anode profile and an adjusted cathode profile by adjusting the reference anode profile and the reference cathode profile.

[0243] According to one embodiment, the control unit (120) can adjust the reference positive electrode profile and the reference negative electrode profile so that the voltage range (or capacity range) of the adjusted positive electrode profile is included in the positive electrode section set in the section setting step (S200), and the voltage range (or capacity range) of the adjusted negative electrode profile is included in the negative electrode section set in the section setting step (S200).

[0244] In addition, the control unit (120) can generate a comparison profile from the adjusted positive electrode profile and the adjusted negative electrode profile. The control unit (120) can adjust the reference positive electrode profile and the reference negative electrode profile until the comparison profile corresponds to the battery profile.

[0245] The control unit (120) can determine the comparison profile that best matches the battery profile (e.g., the comparison profile with the smallest error). Furthermore, the control unit (120) can set the adjusted positive profile corresponding to the determined comparison profile as the positive profile of the battery. Similarly, the control unit (120) can set the adjusted negative profile corresponding to the determined comparison profile as the negative profile of the battery.

[0246]

[0247] 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.

[0248] 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.

[0249] 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.

[0250] (Explanation of symbols)

[0251] 10: Battery pack

[0252] 11: Battery

[0253] 12: Measurement section

[0254] 100: Battery information provider

[0255] 110: Profile acquisition section

[0256] 120: Control unit

[0257] 130: Storage

[0258] 800: Car

[0259] 810: Battery Pack

Claims

1. A profile acquisition unit configured to acquire a battery profile indicating a correspondence between the capacity and voltage of the battery; and A battery information generation device including a control unit configured to generate a positive electrode profile and a negative electrode profile of the battery by setting a positive electrode section and a negative electrode section corresponding to the battery based on preset degradation-level section information, and adjusting a preset reference positive electrode profile and a reference negative electrode profile within the positive electrode section and the negative electrode section to correspond to the battery profile.

2. In paragraph 1, The above bipolar section is, It is set as an interval that includes the voltage or capacity of the start and end points of the above bipolar profile, The above negative section is, A battery information generation device set to a section including the voltage or capacity of the start and end points of the above negative profile.

3. In paragraph 1, The above degeneration level section information is: It is preset to include section information according to the degeneration degree of the above battery, The above control unit, A battery information generation device configured to set the positive section and the negative section corresponding to the deterioration degree of the battery based on the section information for each deterioration degree.

4. In paragraph 1, The above degeneration level section information is: For each of the multiple cycles, it is preset to include section information according to the degree of degeneration compared to the previous cycle, The above control unit, A battery information generation device configured to set the positive section and the negative section corresponding to the cycle and deterioration degree of the battery based on the section information for each deterioration degree.

5. In paragraph 1, The above degeneration level section information is: For each of the multiple cycles, it is preset to include section information according to the type and degree of degradation compared to the previous cycle, The above control unit, A battery information generation device configured to set the positive section and the negative section corresponding to the cycle, degradation type, and degradation degree of the battery based on the above degradation degree-specific section information.

6. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A battery information generation device configured to estimate the degradation degree of the battery based on the capacity of the battery and a preset initial capacity.

7. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A battery information generation device configured to provide information about the battery by outputting the positive electrode profile and the negative electrode profile to the outside.

8. A battery pack including a battery information generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A vehicle including a battery information generation device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 7.

10. A profile acquisition step for acquiring a battery profile indicating the correspondence between the capacity and voltage of the battery; A section setting step for setting a positive section and a negative section corresponding to the battery based on section information for each preset degradation level; and A battery information generation method comprising a profile generation step of generating a positive electrode profile and a negative electrode profile of the battery by adjusting a preset reference positive electrode profile and a reference negative electrode profile to correspond to the battery profile within the positive electrode section and the negative electrode section.

11. In paragraph 10, The above degeneration level section information is: It is preset to include section information according to the degeneration degree of the above battery, The above section setting step is, A battery information generation method comprising a step of setting the positive section and the negative section corresponding to the deterioration degree of the battery based on the section information for each deterioration degree.

12. In paragraph 10, The above degeneration level section information is: For each of the multiple cycles, it is preset to include section information according to the degree of degeneration compared to the previous cycle, The above section setting step is, A battery information generation method comprising a step of setting the positive section and the negative section corresponding to the cycle and deterioration degree of the battery based on the section information for each deterioration degree.

13. In paragraph 10, The above degeneration level section information is: For each of the multiple cycles, it is preset to include section information according to the type and degree of degradation compared to the previous cycle, The above section setting step is, A battery information generation method comprising a step of setting the positive section and the negative section corresponding to the cycle, degradation type, and degradation degree of the battery based on the section information for each degradation degree.

14. A profile acquisition step for acquiring a battery profile indicating the correspondence between the capacity and voltage of the battery; A section setting step for setting a positive section and a negative section corresponding to the battery based on section information for each preset degradation level; and A non-transitory readable storage medium storing a program for executing a battery information generation method, the method including a profile generation step of generating a positive electrode profile and a negative electrode profile of the battery by adjusting a preset reference positive electrode profile and a reference negative electrode profile to correspond to the battery profile within the positive electrode section and the negative electrode section.

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