Battery abnormality diagnosis apparatus and method

Abstract

A battery abnormality diagnosis apparatus for diagnosing whether at least one battery included in a battery assembly is abnormal, according to an embodiment of the present invention, can monitor at least one of a temperature or a temperature change amount of the battery, and determine whether the battery is abnormal on the basis thereof.

Description

Battery abnormality diagnosis device and method

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing dates of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0067662, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on May 24, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0059026, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on May 7, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery abnormality diagnosis device and method, and more particularly, to a battery abnormality diagnosis device and method that detects temperature changes of each of a plurality of batteries in a battery assembly to detect abnormality occurrence at an early stage.

[0003] As fossil fuels deplete and concerns about environmental pollution grow, the importance of environmentally friendly alternative energy sources is growing. Among the various alternative energy sources, demand for rechargeable battery systems is rapidly increasing.

[0004] Battery systems are being applied to various industries, from mobile devices to automobiles, robots, and energy storage devices, as a response to environmental regulations and high oil prices.

[0005] Typically, lithium secondary batteries are used, and any internal or external defects can pose a risk of fire or explosion. Therefore, real-time diagnosis of their condition is crucial.

[0006] Among these, the battery system applied to automobiles has the disadvantage of frequently causing damage to the battery due to abnormal temperature rise during operation or standby.

[0007] Accordingly, a system has been provided that monitors whether the battery system is operating within a specific temperature range, transmits a warning signal to the driver when the temperature of the operating battery system exceeds the temperature range, and disconnects a contactor connected to the battery when the warning signal accumulates.

[0008] However, since this is a post-safety measure, it has the disadvantage of being difficult to prevent damage caused by abnormal temperature rise that has already occurred.

[0009] The purpose of the present invention to solve the above problems is to provide a battery abnormality diagnosis device.

[0010] Another object of the present invention to solve the above problems is to provide a method for diagnosing battery abnormalities.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object, a battery abnormality diagnosis device for diagnosing whether at least one battery included in a battery assembly is abnormal includes a memory and a processor for executing at least one command stored in the memory, wherein the at least one command includes a command for monitoring at least one of a temperature and a temperature change amount of the battery, and a command for determining whether the battery is abnormal based on at least one of a temperature and a temperature change amount of the battery.

[0012] Here, the command to determine whether the battery is abnormal based on at least one of the temperature and the temperature change amount of the battery may include a command to determine that the battery is abnormal if the temperature of the battery is being heated and exceeds a predefined first threshold temperature, and a command to determine that the battery is abnormal if the temperature of the battery is being cooled and is below a predefined second threshold temperature.

[0013] Meanwhile, the at least one command may further include a command to diagnose the cause of the abnormality in the abnormal battery if it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the battery.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the command to diagnose the cause of the abnormal occurrence of the abnormal battery may include a command to measure the temperature of at least one component adjacent to the abnormal battery based on arrangement information of batteries in the battery assembly, and a command to diagnose that the abnormal battery has ignited if the temperature of the at least one component is within a predefined error range compared to the temperature of the abnormal battery when the abnormal battery is being heated.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the command to diagnose the cause of the abnormal occurrence of the abnormal battery may include a command to measure the temperature of at least one component adjacent to the abnormal battery based on arrangement information of batteries in the battery assembly, and a command to diagnose that the abnormal battery is in a low temperature state if the temperature of the at least one component is within a predefined error range compared to the temperature of the abnormal battery when the abnormal battery is being cooled.

[0016] In addition, according to another embodiment, the command to diagnose the cause of the abnormal occurrence of the abnormal battery may include a command to measure the temperature of at least one component adjacent to the abnormal battery based on arrangement information of batteries in the battery assembly, and a command to diagnose that an abnormality has occurred in a temperature measuring device in the battery assembly when a temperature change of the at least one component compared to the abnormal battery is outside a predefined error range.

[0017] Meanwhile, the command to monitor may include a command to measure the rate at which the temperature of the battery changes.

[0018] At this time, the command to determine whether the battery is abnormal based on at least one of the temperature and temperature change amount of the battery may include a command to determine whether the battery is abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the speed with a predefined threshold speed.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the command to determine whether the battery is abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the speed with a predefined threshold speed may include a command to determine that the battery is abnormal when the absolute value of the speed is equal to or greater than the predefined first threshold speed and, based on arrangement information of batteries in the battery assembly, a temperature change occurs in at least one component adjacent to the battery.

[0020] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, the command to determine whether the battery is abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the speed with a predefined threshold speed may include a command to count the number of times when the absolute value of the speed is higher than a second threshold speed that is lower than the first threshold speed and lower than the first threshold speed.

[0021] Here, the command to count may further include a command to provide a warning signal to the user to prevent abnormalities in the battery due to temperature changes in the external environment when the number of times is greater than a predefined threshold number.

[0022] Additionally, according to another embodiment, the command to determine whether the battery is abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the speed with a predefined threshold speed may include a command to determine that the battery is normal if the absolute value of the speed is less than a predefined second threshold speed.

[0023]

[0024] According to another embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object, a battery abnormality diagnosis method for diagnosing whether at least one battery included in a battery assembly is abnormal includes a step of monitoring at least one of the temperature and the temperature change amount of the battery, and a step of determining whether the battery is abnormal based on at least one of the temperature and the temperature change amount of the battery.

[0025] Here, the step of determining whether the battery is abnormal based on at least one of the temperature and the temperature change amount of the battery may include a step of determining that the battery is abnormal if the temperature of the battery is being heated and exceeds a predefined first threshold temperature, and a step of determining that the battery is abnormal if the temperature of the battery is being cooled and is lower than a predefined second threshold temperature.

[0026] Meanwhile, the above battery abnormality diagnosis method may further include a step of diagnosing the cause of the abnormality in the abnormal battery if it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the battery.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the step of diagnosing the cause of the abnormal occurrence of the abnormal battery may include the step of measuring the temperature of at least one component adjacent to the abnormal battery based on arrangement information of batteries in the battery assembly, and the step of diagnosing that the abnormal battery has ignited if the temperature of the at least one component is within a predefined error range compared to the temperature of the abnormal battery when the abnormal battery is being heated.

[0028] According to another embodiment, the step of diagnosing the cause of the abnormal occurrence of the abnormal battery may include the step of measuring the temperature of at least one component adjacent to the abnormal battery based on the arrangement information of batteries in the battery assembly, and the step of diagnosing that the abnormal battery is in a low temperature state if the temperature of the at least one component is within a predefined error range compared to the temperature of the abnormal battery when the abnormal battery is being cooled.

[0029] In addition, according to another embodiment, the step of diagnosing the cause of the abnormal occurrence of the abnormal battery may include the step of measuring the temperature of at least one component adjacent to the abnormal battery based on arrangement information of batteries in the battery assembly, and the step of diagnosing that an abnormality has occurred in a temperature measuring device in the battery assembly when a temperature change of the at least one component compared to the abnormal battery is outside a predefined error range.

[0030] Meanwhile, the monitoring step may include a step of measuring the rate at which the temperature of the battery changes.

[0031] At this time, the step of determining whether the battery is abnormal based on at least one of the temperature and temperature change amount of the battery may include a step of determining whether the battery is abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the speed with a predefined threshold speed.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the step of comparing the absolute value of the speed with a predefined threshold speed to determine whether the battery is abnormal may include instructions to include a step of determining that the battery is abnormal when the absolute value of the speed is equal to or greater than the predefined first threshold speed and, based on arrangement information of batteries in the battery assembly, a temperature change occurs in at least one component adjacent to the battery.

[0033] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, the step of comparing the absolute value of the speed with a predefined threshold speed to determine whether the battery is abnormal may include a step of counting the number of times when the absolute value of the speed is higher than a second threshold speed that is lower than the first threshold speed and lower than the first threshold speed.

[0034] Here, the counting step may include a step of providing a warning signal to the user to prevent abnormalities in the battery due to temperature changes in the external environment when the number of times is greater than a predefined threshold number.

[0035] Additionally, according to another embodiment, the step of comparing the absolute value of the speed with a predefined threshold speed to determine whether the battery is abnormal may include a step of determining that the battery is normal if the absolute value of the speed is less than a predefined second threshold speed.

[0036] The battery abnormality diagnosis device and method according to embodiments of the present invention monitor the temperature and temperature change amount of each of a plurality of batteries in a battery assembly to determine whether an abnormality has occurred in a specific battery, thereby enabling detection of an abnormality in a specific battery even within the normal operating temperature range of the battery.

[0037] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a battery system to which an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

[0038] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a battery abnormality diagnosis device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a battery abnormality diagnosis method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a step of determining whether a specific battery is abnormal among the battery abnormality diagnosis methods according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 5 is a structural diagram of a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 6 is an image showing a specific battery and adjacent batteries in which an abnormality has occurred in a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for diagnosing an abnormality in a specific battery based on temperature information of at least one adjacent battery among battery abnormality diagnosis methods according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a step of determining whether a specific battery is abnormal among battery abnormality diagnosis methods according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining whether a specific battery is abnormal based on the temperature change rate of each battery, among battery abnormality diagnosis methods according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] 100: Memory 200: Processor

[0047] 300: Transmitter / receiver device 400: Input interface device

[0048] 500: Output interface device 600: Storage device

[0049] 700: Bus

[0050] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Throughout the description of each drawing, similar reference numerals have been used to designate similar components.

[0051] Terms such as "first," "second," "A," and "B" may be used to describe various components, but these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component could be referred to as the "second component," and similarly, the second component could also be referred to as the "first component." The term "and / or" includes any combination of multiple related items listed or any one of multiple related items listed.

[0052] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0053] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0054] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0055]

[0056] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a battery system to which an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

[0057] Referring to Figure 1, the smallest unit of a battery that stores power in a battery system is typically a battery cell. A series / parallel combination of battery cells forms a battery module, and multiple battery modules can form a battery pack. In other words, a battery module, consisting of a series / parallel combination of battery cells, can become the smallest unit of a battery system. Depending on the device or system in which the battery is used, a battery module may also be referred to as a battery pack.

[0058] According to an embodiment, a battery pack or battery module within a battery system may be configured to include a plurality of battery cells connected in series.

[0059] Battery cells or modules can be connected to a load through their positive and negative terminals to perform charge and discharge operations. The most commonly used battery is the lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery.

[0060] These battery cells or battery packs may be linked to a battery management system (BMS).

[0061] A battery management system (BMS) monitors the current, voltage, and temperature of each battery cell or pack it manages, and calculates the State of Charge (SOC) based on the monitoring results, and can control charging and discharging. Here, the State of Charge (SOC) expresses the current charged state of the battery as a percentage [%], and the State of Health (SOH) expresses the current deterioration state of the battery as a percentage [%].

[0062] In this way, a battery management system (BMS) can monitor battery cells or battery packs and read their individual voltage values. The BMS can then relay these values ​​to other systems connected to the battery.

[0063] Additionally, the battery management system (BMS) can monitor at least one electrical component that constitutes the battery system and transmit its status data to other devices. To this end, the BMS may include a communication module for communicating with other devices within the battery system. For example, the battery system can be applied to automobiles.

[0064] The communication module of a battery management system (BMS) can communicate with other systems within the device using the Controller Area Network (CAN). In this case, electrical components, modules, or systems within the BMS are interconnected via the CAN bus. Accordingly, the BMS can remotely transmit status data acquired through monitoring of a battery pack or module and at least one electrical component comprising the BMS to other systems using CAN communication.

[0065] Meanwhile, the battery management system (BMS) evenly balances the charge of the battery cells to extend the life of the battery system.

[0066] To perform such operations, a battery management system (BMS) may include various components such as fuses, current sensing elements, thermistors, switches, and balancers, and in most cases, an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) or BMIC (Battery Monitoring Integrated Chip) is additionally included to interface and control these. Here, the BMIC may be an IC-type component located inside the battery management system (BMS) and measure information such as voltage, temperature, and current of the battery cell / module.

[0067] Additionally, a battery management system (BMS) typically monitors battery cells and battery packs, and can control battery protection circuitry in the event of an abnormality in any battery cell or pack. For example, if an abnormality occurs in any battery cell or pack, the BMS can shut off the charge / discharge circuit, thereby limiting the use of the corresponding battery cell or pack.

[0068] A battery abnormality diagnosis device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be implemented by being included in the configuration of a battery management system (BMS).

[0069]

[0070] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a battery abnormality diagnosis device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 2, the battery abnormality diagnosis device can be applied to a battery management device for automobiles. Accordingly, the battery abnormality diagnosis device can monitor temperature changes among batteries within a battery assembly applied to the automobile to determine whether a specific battery is abnormal. Here, the battery assembly may be a battery pack, and the battery may be a battery cell housed within the battery pack.

[0072] Additionally, the battery abnormality diagnosis device can diagnose the cause of the abnormality in a specific battery when an abnormality in a specific battery is determined.

[0073] To explain in more detail by hardware configuration, the battery abnormality diagnosis device may include a memory (100), a processor (200), a transmission / reception device (300), an input interface device (400), an output interface device (500), and a storage device (600).

[0074] According to an embodiment, each of the components (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600) included in the battery abnormality diagnosis device may be connected to each other by a bus (bus, 700) and communicate with each other.

[0075] Among the above configurations (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600), the memory (100) and the storage device (600) may be configured with at least one of a volatile storage medium and a non-volatile storage medium. For example, the memory (100) and the storage device (600) may be configured with at least one of a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM).

[0076] Among these, the memory (100) may include at least one command executed by the processor (200).

[0077] According to an embodiment, the at least one command includes a command to monitor at least one of the temperature and the temperature change amount of the battery, and a command to determine whether the battery is abnormal based on at least one of the temperature and the temperature change amount of the battery.

[0078] Here, the command to determine whether the battery is abnormal based on at least one of the temperature and the temperature change amount of the battery may include a command to determine that the battery is abnormal if the temperature of the battery is being heated and exceeds a predefined first threshold temperature, and a command to determine that the battery is abnormal if the temperature of the battery is being cooled and is below a predefined second threshold temperature.

[0079] Meanwhile, the at least one command may further include a command to diagnose the cause of the abnormality in the abnormal battery if it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the battery.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the command to diagnose the cause of the abnormal occurrence of the abnormal battery may include a command to measure the temperature of at least one component adjacent to the abnormal battery based on arrangement information of batteries in the battery assembly, and a command to diagnose that the abnormal battery has ignited if the temperature of the at least one component is within a predefined error range compared to the temperature of the abnormal battery when the abnormal battery is being heated.

[0081] According to another embodiment, the command to diagnose the cause of the abnormal occurrence of the abnormal battery may include a command to measure the temperature of at least one component adjacent to the abnormal battery based on arrangement information of batteries in the battery assembly, and a command to diagnose that the abnormal battery is in a low temperature state if the temperature of the at least one component is within a predefined error range compared to the temperature of the abnormal battery when the abnormal battery is being cooled.

[0082] In addition, according to another embodiment, the command to diagnose the cause of the abnormal occurrence of the abnormal battery may include a command to measure the temperature of at least one component adjacent to the abnormal battery based on arrangement information of batteries in the battery assembly, and a command to diagnose that an abnormality has occurred in a temperature measuring device in the battery assembly when a temperature change of the at least one component compared to the abnormal battery is outside a predefined error range.

[0083] Meanwhile, the command to monitor may include a command to measure the rate at which the temperature of the battery changes.

[0084] At this time, the command to determine whether the battery is abnormal based on at least one of the temperature and temperature change amount of the battery may include a command to determine whether the battery is abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the speed with a predefined threshold speed.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the command to determine whether the battery is abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the speed with a predefined threshold speed may include a command to determine that the battery is abnormal when the absolute value of the speed is equal to or greater than the predefined first threshold speed and, based on arrangement information of batteries in the battery assembly, a temperature change occurs in at least one component adjacent to the battery.

[0086] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, the command to determine whether the battery is abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the speed with a predefined threshold speed may include a command to count the number of times when the absolute value of the speed is higher than a second threshold speed that is lower than the first threshold speed and lower than the first threshold speed.

[0087] Here, the command to count may further include a command to provide a warning signal to the user to prevent abnormalities in the battery due to temperature changes in the external environment when the number of times is greater than a predefined threshold number.

[0088] Additionally, according to another embodiment, the command to determine whether the battery is abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the speed with a predefined threshold speed may include a command to determine that the battery is normal if the absolute value of the speed is less than a predefined second threshold speed.

[0089] Meanwhile, the processor (200) may mean a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a dedicated processor on which methods according to embodiments of the present invention are performed.

[0090] As described above, the processor (200) can execute at least one program command stored in the memory (100).

[0091] The above describes a battery abnormality diagnosis device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Below, a battery abnormality diagnosis method using the battery abnormality diagnosis device will be described.

[0092]

[0093] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a battery abnormality diagnosis method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 3, a processor (200) within a battery abnormality diagnosis device can monitor at least one of the temperature and temperature change amount of a plurality of batteries within a battery assembly (S310).

[0095] To explain in more detail according to an embodiment, the processor (200) can monitor temperature changes of each battery in real time by measuring the temperature of the plurality of batteries in real time using a temperature measuring device. For example, the temperature measuring device may be a temperature sensor.

[0096] Thereafter, the processor (200) can determine whether each of the batteries is abnormal based on at least one of the temperature and temperature change amount of each of the plurality of batteries (S320).

[0097]

[0098] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a step of determining whether a specific battery is abnormal among the battery abnormality diagnosis methods according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 4, the processor (200) can compare the temperature of each of the plurality of batteries measured in real time with a predefined threshold temperature to determine whether an abnormality has occurred in each of the batteries (S410).

[0100] Here, the defined critical temperature may generally include a first critical temperature at which a battery fire is expected to occur and a second critical temperature at which battery degradation is expected to occur. For example, the first critical temperature may be 100°C, and the second critical temperature may be -50°C.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the processor (200) may determine that an abnormality has occurred in a specific battery if the temperature of the specific battery exceeds a predefined first threshold temperature while the battery is being heated.

[0102] According to another embodiment, the processor (200) may determine that an abnormality has occurred in the specific battery when the temperature of the specific battery falls below a predefined second threshold temperature during the temperature reduction.

[0103] However, without being limited to the disclosed, the processor (200) in the battery abnormality diagnosis device according to the embodiment of the present invention can determine that an abnormality has occurred in the battery when the absolute value of the real-time temperature change amount of a specific battery is greater than or equal to a threshold temperature, in other words, when the temperature of the specific battery increases or decreases greater than or equal to a threshold temperature.

[0104] Thereafter, the processor (200) can diagnose the cause of the abnormality of the specific battery (S420).

[0105] More specifically, according to an embodiment, the processor (200) can individually measure the temperature of at least one adjacently located component based on a specific battery determined to have an abnormality.

[0106] Thereafter, the processor (200) can diagnose the cause of an abnormality in a specific battery based on temperature information measured from at least one of the components. Here, the at least one component may be at least one battery disposed adjacent to the specific battery within the battery assembly.

[0107] Hereinafter, in FIGS. 5 and 6, a method for diagnosing an abnormality in a specific battery based on temperature information of at least one adjacent battery will be described in more detail.

[0108]

[0109] FIG. 5 is a structural diagram of a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is an image showing a specific battery and an adjacent battery in which an abnormality has occurred in a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a method for diagnosing an abnormality in a specific battery based on temperature information of at least one adjacent battery.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the processor (200) can use cell arrangement information to identify the location of a specific battery within a battery assembly (S710). Here, the cell arrangement information is information providing the locations of multiple batteries within the battery assembly, and the communication identification information of the batteries can be utilized as this information.

[0111] Thereafter, the processor (200) can use the cell arrangement information to obtain identification information of at least one battery adjacent to a specific battery (S720). For example, if battery 5 is a specific battery, batteries 4, 6, 8, and 16 located around battery 5 can be identified as adjacent batteries.

[0112] Thereafter, the processor (200) can check the temperature of at least one adjacent battery based on the identification information (S730). For example, the processor (200) can check the temperature of adjacent batteries measured by a temperature measuring device.

[0113] At this time, if the temperature of at least one adjacent battery is within a predetermined error range with respect to the temperature of a specific battery, or has a similar temperature change pattern (S740), the processor (200) can diagnose that an actual abnormal event has occurred in the specific battery (S750).

[0114] In more detail, according to one embodiment, the processor (200) may determine that a fire has occurred in a specific battery if the temperature of at least one adjacent battery exceeds a first threshold temperature, such as the temperature of the specific battery. Accordingly, the processor (200) may notify the driver of the fire status and stop operation of the battery assembly.

[0115] In more detail according to another embodiment, the processor (200) may determine that an environmental change toward a low temperature has occurred when the temperature of at least one adjacent battery is below a second threshold temperature, such as the temperature of a specific battery. Accordingly, the processor (200) may control the output of the battery assembly to be minimized to prevent problems due to deterioration of the batteries occurring in a low temperature environment. However, without being limited to the disclosed embodiment, the processor (200) may control the output of each battery within the battery assembly to be minimized.

[0116] Meanwhile, if there is no change in the temperature of at least one adjacent battery, the processor (200) may determine that an abnormality has occurred in the temperature measurement device (S740). Accordingly, the processor (200) may operate only until the corresponding driving cycle and provide an alarm to the driver to prompt inspection.

[0117]

[0118] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a step of determining whether a specific battery is abnormal among battery abnormality diagnosis methods according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 8, the processor (200) can compare the temperatures of each of the multiple batteries measured in real time with a predefined temperature range (S810). Here, the predefined temperature range may be an optimal operating temperature that prevents battery degradation. For example, the predefined temperature range may be from -40°C to +60°C.

[0120] Thereafter, the processor (200) can measure the temperature change rate of each of the plurality of batteries (S830) if at least one of the temperature and temperature change amount of the plurality of batteries exists within a predefined temperature range (S820).

[0121] More specifically, according to an embodiment, the processor (200) can calculate the temperature change rate for each battery at a predetermined cycle based on the temperature information of each battery measured in real time. For example, the processor (200) can calculate the temperature change amount for each battery at a cycle of 3 seconds.

[0122] Thereafter, the processor (200) can individually compare the absolute value of the temperature change rate of each battery with at least one predefined threshold rate to determine whether an abnormality has occurred in a specific battery (S840).

[0123]

[0124] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining whether a specific battery is abnormal based on the temperature change rate of each battery, among battery abnormality diagnosis methods according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 9, the processor (200) can determine that an abnormality has occurred in the specific battery (S920) if the absolute value of the temperature change rate of any specific battery among the batteries is greater than or equal to a predefined first threshold rate (S910).

[0126] Thereafter, the processor (200) can diagnose the cause of an abnormality in the specific battery by checking the temperature of at least one adjacent component housed inside the battery assembly to which the specific battery belongs. Here, the adjacent component may be at least one of adjacent batteries or electrical components positioned adjacent to the specific battery inside the battery assembly.

[0127] For example, if the adjacent configuration is adjacent batteries, the processor (200) can check the temperatures of the adjacent batteries. Then, if the temperature changes of the adjacent batteries have a temperature pattern similar to that of the specific battery, the processor (200) can diagnose that an actual abnormal event has occurred in the specific battery.

[0128] In more detail, according to one embodiment, the processor (200) may determine that a fire has occurred in a specific battery if the temperature of at least one adjacent battery increases at a first threshold rate, such as a temperature change rate of the specific battery. Accordingly, the processor (200) may notify the driver of the fire status and stop operation of the battery assembly.

[0129] In more detail according to another embodiment, the processor (200) may determine that an environmental change to a low temperature state has occurred when the temperature of at least one adjacent battery decreases at a first threshold rate, such as a temperature change rate of the specific battery. Accordingly, the processor (200) may control the output of the battery assembly to be minimized in order to prevent problems due to deterioration of the batteries occurring in a low temperature environment. However, without being limited to what is disclosed, the processor (200) may control the output of each battery in the battery assembly to be minimized.

[0130] Meanwhile, the processor (200) may count (Counting, N) (S940) if the absolute value of the temperature change rate of the specific battery is lower than the first threshold rate but higher than the second threshold rate (S930). At this time, the counted number of times information (N) may be stored in a storage space. For example, the processor (200) may store the counted number of times information (N) in the storage device (600) of FIG. 2.

[0131] Thereafter, if the counting number of the specific battery exceeds a preset threshold number (S950), the processor (200) may determine that a problem has occurred in the battery (S960). At this time, the processor (200) may determine that an unspecified heat source is located in a location adjacent to the vehicle and transmit a warning signal to the driver. In addition, the processor (200) may reset the measurement cycle of temperature, pressure, etc. to a shorter period than before in order to prevent abnormalities in the batteries due to temperature changes in the external environment.

[0132] Meanwhile, if the absolute value of the temperature change rate of the specific battery is less than the second threshold rate, the processor (200) may consider the rate change to be within the error range due to a natural phenomenon and determine that the specific battery is normal (S970).

[0133]

[0134] Above, we have looked at a battery abnormality diagnosis device and method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] A battery abnormality diagnosis device according to an embodiment of the present invention monitors the temperature and temperature change amount of each of a plurality of batteries in a battery assembly, and determines whether an abnormality has occurred in each of the plurality of batteries based on the temperature and temperature change amount, thereby detecting an abnormality in the batteries even when the batteries are operated within a predetermined normal operating temperature range.

[0136] Furthermore, the battery abnormality diagnosis device according to an embodiment of the present invention monitors the temperature changes of the battery in which the abnormality has occurred and the adjacent battery placed adjacent thereto, thereby diagnosing the cause of the abnormality in a specific battery based on the temperature changes of the adjacent battery. Therefore, the battery abnormality diagnosis device according to an embodiment of the present invention can quickly and efficiently respond when a battery abnormality occurs.

[0137]

[0138] The operations of the methods according to embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as computer-readable programs or codes on a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include all types of recording devices that store data that can be read by a computer system. Furthermore, computer-readable recording media can be distributed across network-connected computer systems, allowing computer-readable programs or codes to be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

[0139] Additionally, the computer-readable recording medium may include hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc. The program instructions may include not only machine language codes such as those produced by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0140] While some aspects of the present invention have been described in the context of a device, they may also represent a description of a corresponding method, wherein a block or device corresponds to a method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in the context of a method may also be described as a corresponding block or item or a feature of a corresponding device. Some or all of the method steps may be performed by (or using) a hardware device, such as, for example, a microprocessor, a programmable computer, or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, one or more of the most significant method steps may be performed by such a device.

[0141] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. A battery abnormality diagnostic device that diagnoses whether at least one battery included in a battery assembly is abnormal, memory; and A processor comprising: a processor for executing at least one instruction stored in the memory; At least one of the above commands, A command to monitor at least one of the temperature and temperature change of the battery, and A battery abnormality diagnosis device, comprising a command to determine whether the battery is abnormal based on at least one of the temperature and temperature change amount of the battery.

2. In claim 1, A command to determine whether the battery is abnormal based on at least one of the temperature and temperature change of the battery, A command to determine that an abnormality has occurred in the battery when the temperature of the battery is rising and exceeds a predefined first threshold temperature, and A battery abnormality diagnosis device, comprising a command to determine that an abnormality has occurred in the battery when the temperature of the battery is lower than a predefined second threshold temperature during temperature reduction.

3. In claim 1, At least one of the above commands, A battery abnormality diagnosis device further comprising a command to diagnose the cause of the abnormality in the abnormal battery when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the above battery.

4. In claim 3, The command to diagnose the cause of the above abnormal battery is: A command to measure the temperature of at least one configuration adjacent to the above-described abnormal battery based on the arrangement information of the batteries within the above-described battery assembly, and A battery abnormality diagnosis device, comprising a command to diagnose that an ignition has occurred in the abnormal battery when the temperature of the at least one component is within a predetermined error range compared to the temperature of the abnormal battery while the abnormal battery is being heated.

5. In claim 3, The command to diagnose the cause of the above abnormal battery is: A command to measure the temperature of at least one configuration adjacent to the above-described abnormal battery based on the arrangement information of the batteries within the above-described battery assembly, and A battery abnormality diagnosis device, comprising a command to diagnose that the abnormal battery is in a low temperature state when the temperature of at least one component is within a predefined error range compared to the temperature of the abnormal battery while the abnormal battery is being cooled.

6. In claim 3, The command to diagnose the cause of the above abnormal battery is: A command to measure the temperature of at least one configuration adjacent to the above-described abnormal battery based on the arrangement information of the batteries within the above-described battery assembly, and A battery abnormality diagnosis device, comprising a command to diagnose that an abnormality has occurred in a temperature measuring device within the battery assembly when a temperature change of at least one component compared to the above-described abnormal battery is outside a predetermined error range.

7. In claim 1, The command to monitor the above is: A battery abnormality diagnosis device comprising a command to measure the rate at which the temperature of the battery changes.

8. In claim 7, A command to determine whether the battery is abnormal based on at least one of the temperature and temperature change of the battery, A battery abnormality diagnosis device, comprising a command to determine whether the battery is abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the above speed with a predetermined threshold speed.

9. In claim 8, A command to determine whether the battery is abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the above speed with a predefined threshold speed, A battery abnormality diagnosis device, comprising a command to determine that an abnormality has occurred in the battery when the absolute value of the speed is greater than or equal to a predefined first threshold speed and a temperature change occurs in at least one configuration adjacent to the battery based on arrangement information of batteries in the battery assembly.

10. In claim 8, A command to determine whether the battery is abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the above speed with a predefined threshold speed, A battery abnormality diagnosis device, comprising a command to count the number of times when the absolute value of the speed is higher than a second threshold speed that is lower than the first threshold speed and lower than the first threshold speed.

11. In claim 10, The command to count above is: A battery abnormality diagnosis device further comprising a command to provide a warning signal to a user to prevent abnormalities in the battery due to temperature changes in the external environment when the above number of times exceeds a predefined threshold number.

12. In claim 8, A command to determine whether the battery is abnormal by comparing the absolute value of the above speed with a predefined threshold speed, A battery abnormality diagnosis device, comprising a command for determining that the battery is normal when the absolute value of the above speed is less than a predefined second threshold speed.

13. A battery abnormality diagnosis method for diagnosing whether at least one battery included in a battery assembly is abnormal, A step of monitoring at least one of the temperature and temperature change of the battery; and A battery abnormality diagnosis method, comprising a step of determining whether the battery is abnormal based on at least one of the temperature and temperature change amount of the battery.

14. In claim 13, The step of determining whether the battery is abnormal based on at least one of the temperature and temperature change of the battery is as follows: When the temperature of the battery is rising, if it exceeds a predefined first threshold temperature, a step of determining that an abnormality has occurred in the battery; and A battery abnormality diagnosis method, comprising a step of determining that an abnormality has occurred in the battery if the temperature of the battery is lower than a predefined second threshold temperature while the temperature of the battery is being cooled.

15. In claim 13, A battery abnormality diagnosis method further comprising a step of diagnosing the cause of the abnormality in the abnormal battery, if it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the above battery.

16. In claim 15, The steps for diagnosing the cause of the above abnormal battery are: A step of measuring the temperature of at least one configuration adjacent to the above-described abnormal battery based on the arrangement information of the batteries within the above-described battery assembly; and A battery abnormality diagnosis method, comprising a step of diagnosing that an ignition has occurred in the abnormal battery when the temperature of the at least one component is within a predetermined error range compared to the temperature of the abnormal battery while the abnormal battery is being heated.

17. In claim 15, The steps for diagnosing the cause of the above abnormal battery are: A step of measuring the temperature of at least one configuration adjacent to the above-described abnormal battery based on the arrangement information of the batteries within the above-described battery assembly; and A battery abnormality diagnosis method, comprising a step of diagnosing that the abnormal battery is in a low temperature state when the temperature of at least one component is within a predetermined error range compared to the temperature of the abnormal battery while the abnormal battery is being cooled.

18. In claim 15, The steps for diagnosing the cause of the above abnormal battery are: A step of measuring the temperature of at least one configuration adjacent to the above-described abnormal battery based on the arrangement information of the batteries within the above-described battery assembly; and A battery abnormality diagnosis method, comprising a step of diagnosing that an abnormality has occurred in a temperature measuring device within the battery assembly when a temperature change of at least one component compared to the above-described abnormal battery is outside a predetermined error range.

19. In claim 13, The above monitoring steps are: A battery abnormality diagnosis method, comprising the step of measuring the rate at which the temperature of the battery changes.

20. In claim 19, The step of determining whether the battery is abnormal based on at least one of the temperature and temperature change of the battery is as follows: A battery abnormality diagnosis method, comprising a step of comparing the absolute value of the above speed with a predetermined threshold speed to determine whether the battery is abnormal.

21. In claim 20, The step of comparing the absolute value of the above speed with a predetermined threshold speed to determine whether the battery is abnormal is as follows: A battery abnormality diagnosis method, comprising a step of determining that an abnormality has occurred in the battery when the absolute value of the speed is greater than or equal to a predefined first threshold speed and a temperature change occurs in at least one configuration adjacent to the battery based on arrangement information of batteries in the battery assembly.

22. In claim 20, The step of comparing the absolute value of the above speed with a predetermined threshold speed to determine whether the battery is abnormal is as follows: A battery abnormality diagnosis method, comprising a step of counting the number of times when the absolute value of the speed is higher than a second threshold speed that is lower than the first threshold speed and lower than the first threshold speed.

23. In claim 22, The above counting step is, A battery abnormality diagnosis method, comprising a step of providing a warning signal to a user to prevent abnormalities in the battery due to temperature changes in an external environment when the above number of times exceeds a predetermined threshold number.

24. In claim 20, The step of comparing the absolute value of the above speed with a predetermined threshold speed to determine whether the battery is abnormal is as follows: A battery abnormality diagnosis method, comprising a step of determining that the battery is normal when the absolute value of the speed is less than a predefined second threshold speed.

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