Method and energy management system for operating an electrical energy store for a battery-operated apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating an electrical energy store for a battery-operated apparatus (1), for example an electrical device, an electric vehicle or the like, wherein the apparatus (1) is supplied with electrical energy by the electrical energy store (3), and to an associated energy management system, wherein the following steps are provided: - providing (S1) a plurality of separate battery modules (4), in particular connected or connectable in parallel, in the electrical energy store (3); supplying (S2) the apparatus with electrical energy from a battery module (Y); checking (S3) the state of charge of the battery module (Y) used for supplying the apparatus; and - switching (S4) to a further battery module, located in the electrical energy store (3), for supplying the apparatus (1) with electrical energy when a predefined supply quantity of the battery module (Y) used for supplying the apparatus is not met.

Description

[0001] Procedure and energy management system for operating a

[0002] Electrical energy storage for a battery-powered device

[0003] The present invention relates to a method for operating an electrical energy storage device for a battery-operated device, for example an electrical appliance, an electric vehicle or the like, wherein the device is powered by the

[0004] The invention further relates to an energy management system for operating an electrical energy storage device for a battery-powered device, for example an electrical appliance, an electric vehicle or the like, for supplying the device with electrical energy from the electrical energy storage device.

[0005] Currently, a single battery, possibly comprising several battery or accumulator modules, is predominantly or almost exclusively used to operate such a battery-powered device, for example, an electrical appliance, an electric vehicle (e.g., e-bikes), or the like. When such a battery is discharged to operate the battery-powered device or a corresponding [device / system],

[0006] Energy output from the battery is electrical energy from all battery modules located in the battery.

[0007] Essentially uniform operation and any existing energy management system of such a battery or such an electrical energy storage device is usually monitored and controlled in such a way that essentially all

[0008] Battery modules must have a consistent energy or charge level.

[0009] The same applies when charging such a device.

[0010] Battery or such an electrical energy storage device, such that during operation of such a battery-operated device or, in the case of use of an electrical energy storage device, essentially all battery modules contained in the electrical energy storage device are discharged uniformly and subsequently all battery modules must be recharged essentially simultaneously and uniformly.

[0011] However, for such electrical energy storage devices, it is generally known that these devices are usually designed for a limited number of charging and discharging cycles, or that the capacity of such an electrical energy storage device decreases after a correspondingly high number of charging and discharging cycles.

[0012] Furthermore, it is disadvantageous that such batteries or electrical energy storage devices typically have a comparatively high weight, which may, for example, make handling the device to be operated with them more difficult or restrictive. It must also be assumed that even if it is known that the battery-operated device is only intended for use for a short period of time, the entire battery must be used, whereas it can be assumed that only a possibly small proportion of the total charging capacity of the electrical energy storage device is to be used.In such cases, where the capacity of the electrical energy storage device is only potentially partially utilized after the operation of the battery-powered device has ended, a decision must be made as to whether a subsequent charging process should be carried out immediately, although such only partial charging processes, as indicated above, can lead to an increasing deterioration of the capacity of the electrical energy storage device if they are carried out frequently.

[0013] Besides such a deterioration of the capacity of the entire electrical energy storage system with frequent, even partial, charging and discharging cycles, there is also no possibility with known designs to use smaller or lighter components.

[0014] to replace the electroenergy storage device for operating such a battery-operated device if it should already be known that only a partial

[0015] The capacity or charge amount available in the electrical energy storage system will be used.

[0016] The present invention therefore aims to provide a method for operating an electrical energy storage device for a battery-operated device as well as an energy-

[0017] The management system of such an electrical energy storage system for a battery-powered pre-life is to be further developed in such a way that, in particular, the above-mentioned

[0018] Disadvantages can be avoided or at least reduced.

[0019] In particular, the aim is to provide such a procedure and energy management system that is especially adaptable to expected

[0020] Requirements for the use of such a battery-operated device include the ability to avoid partial discharge processes of a battery or electrical energy storage device, which may have a correspondingly large volume and weight, and in particular to avoid or reduce partial discharge and charge processes of battery cells in the battery modules of a battery or such electrical energy storage device, in order to extend the service life of such devices.

[0021] To extend the battery modules of an electrical energy storage system.

[0022] To solve these tasks, a procedure of the type mentioned above is essentially characterized by the following steps:

[0023] »ready11 a plurality of separate, especially parallel connected or connectable

[0024] Battery modules in the electrical energy storage system,

[0025] - Supplying the device with electrical energy from a battery module,

[0026] ••• Checking the charge level of the battery module used to power the device and

[0027] - Switching to another one, in electrical energy-

[0028] storage battery module for supplying the

[0029] Device with electrical energy when a predetermined charge level of the battery module used to supply the device is reached.

[0030] Essential to the invention is the provision of a plurality of separate, in particular parallel-connected or connectable, battery modules in the storage device or electrical energy storage system and the supply of electrical energy to the battery-operated device from a single battery module. This differs from currently known methods, such as those mentioned above, particularly in that a potentially present plurality of battery modules in the electrical energy storage system are not discharged uniformly. Furthermore, the invention provides for monitoring the state of charge of the battery module used to supply the device, so that if the charge level is sufficiently low or a predetermined charge level is reached, the system can be adjusted accordingly.

[0031] The battery module of the electroelectric energy storage unit has a switch. This switch is used to select a different battery module. This is necessary for the operation of such a device.

[0032] Battery modules of an electrical energy storage system typically undergo a favorable, or at least extensive, discharge of the respective battery module for the operation of the battery-operated device, so that subsequently the battery module originally used for the operation of the battery-operated device can be fully recharged.

[0033] A battery module is understood to be a unit in which several battery cells are grouped and arranged in a housing that protects these cells from external bins.

[0034] Effects protect... Such a battery consists of an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte, which together enable energy storage and release. Several battery modules form a

[0035] Electrical energy storage device or battery according to the present invention.

[0036] By switching between the majority of separate battery modules in the energy storage system, a system favorable for potentially extending the lifespan of the individual battery modules is thus created.

[0037] Operational behavior is possible through the inventive procedure, especially given multiple, in the given case.

[0038] Essentially, only partial discharge and charging processes of all battery modules in an electrical energy system

[0039] Storage systems, as currently known, can be avoided. This is achieved by the possibility of providing or having a multiple separate battery modules in a

[0040] Furthermore, when using the electrical energy storage system to operate the battery-powered device, it becomes possible, particularly in light of a potentially short operating time or a correspondingly lower expected energy consumption, to include or provide a correspondingly reduced number of separate battery modules in the electrical energy storage system, so that it has a correspondingly lower weight when the battery-powered device is used in such a limited way, and thus the handling or use of the battery-powered device can be facilitated accordingly.

[0041] If, during the operation of the battery-powered device, an increased energy or power requirement should be necessary, particularly for a short period, a preferred embodiment of the inventive method proposes that an additional battery module be connected to supply the device when the energy requirement increases. Such connection of at least one additional battery module can be carried out in a simple manner in the inventive method.

[0042] To check the state of charge of the individual battery modules, a further preferred embodiment proposes that the state of charge of the individual battery modules in the electrical energy storage system be displayed by appropriate indicators, for example displays, LEDs, or digital inputs. As already explained above, according to the invention,

[0043] Falling below a predetermined loading quantity of a

[0044] Supplying the device to the battery module used, a switch is made to another or further battery module in the electrical energy storage system, whereby, according to a structurally simple solution, it is proposed that the switching between individual battery modules and / or switching to supply the device is carried out manually, as this corresponds to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0045] For the greatest possible automation of the use of different separate battery modules in the electrical energy storage system, it is proposed according to a modified embodiment of the method according to the invention that the switching between individual battery modules and / or the connection to supply the device is automatically controlled or carried out.

[0046] By using the method according to the invention, it thus becomes possible to extend the service life or operating time of individual battery modules of the electrical energy storage system by essentially completely discharging each one and then recharging it.

[0047] to increase the load, whereby through such means, each in

[0048] Essentially, the individual battery modules are subjected to a significantly lower number of discharge and charge cycles compared to known embodiments, in which a large number of battery modules present in an electrical energy storage device or battery are discharged and charged largely uniformly and, in particular, only partially. Furthermore, an energy management system of the aforementioned type is required to solve the aforementioned tasks.

[0049] Art essentially ggeekkeennnnzzeeiiochhnneett through the following

[0050] Elements: a plurality of separate, in particular parallel connected or connectable battery modules in the electrical energy storage device for supplying the device with electrical energy from each battery module,

[0051] - a device for checking the charge level of the component used for the V Veerrssoorrgguunngg of the device

[0052] Battery modules and

[0053] - a switching device for switching to another battery module located in the electrical energy storage system to supply the device with electrical energy when the charge level of the battery module used to supply the device falls below a predetermined level.

[0054] As already explained above, the electrical energy storage system contains multiple separate battery modules, allowing each battery-operated device to be powered by a different battery module. The state of charge of each battery module used to operate the battery-operated device is then checked.

[0055] Device and by means of a switching device a switch to another battery module located in the storage or electrical energy storage unit when a predetermined charge level of the battery module used to operate the device is undershot.

[0056] In the event of a potentially short-term increase in energy or...

[0057] The power requirement of the battery-driven device is preferably provided that, in case of increased energy demand, an additional battery module can be switched on to supply the device.

[0058] Furthermore, for simple and reliable monitoring of the charge status of individual battery modules, it is preferred that indicators, e.g. displays,

[0059] LEDs, or similar devices, are provided to indicate the charge level of the individual battery modules in the memory.

[0060] For easy switching between the individual

[0061] Battery modules, especially after a drop below the

[0062] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the charging quantity of a battery module drawn for the operation of the device is proposed to be such that a

[0063] Slider, or similar, for mechanical switching between individual battery modules, and / or connecting them for

[0064] The device is supplied with power.

[0065] For a particularly automatic switching operation between individual battery modules, a modified version is used.

[0066] In one embodiment, it is proposed that an electronic

[0067] Control unit for automatic switching between individual battery modules and / or switching them on for

[0068] The device is supplied with power.

[0069] In particular, when a corresponding electronic control unit is provided, it is also possible to control the charging processes of the individual battery modules via the electronic control unit, as is the case in a further preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0070] Energy management systems. The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to embodiments illustrated in the ZZeeiicchhnnuunngg sscchheemmaattiisscchh.1. In this, we show:

[0071] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a battery-operated device, for example a

[0072] E 1ekt.rogeräts, eines Elektrofahrzeuge oder dsch., wherein an electrical energy storage device according to the inventive method and energy management system is indicated;

[0073] Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a mechanical or manual switching device of the energy management system according to the invention™ for carrying out the method according to the invention; Fig. a modified embodiment of a mechanical or manual switching device similar to the representation according to Fig. 2;

[0074] Fig. 4 a schematic view of another

[0075] Changing device using an automatic or electronic control unit; and

[0076] Fig. 5 shows a schematic process flow of the inventive method using an electrical device.

[0077] Ironic control unit for both carrying out the inventive™ process and for carrying out

[0078] Charging processes of the battery modules.

[0079] In Fig. 1, a battery-operated device is schematically represented by 1.

[0080] Device, for example an electrical appliance, an electrical-

[0081] Vehicle or similar indicated, which is schematically equipped with

[0082] The vehicle is drivable with two indicated wheels. Furthermore, in Fig. 1, a battery or an electro-roene.rgie™ is schematically shown with 3.

[0083] Storage as a component of battery-powered

[0084] "Device 1 (hereinafter also referred to as Device 1™) is indicated, whereby in the additional schematic™ detail view, the electroenergy storage unit 3 (hereinafter also referred to as Storage Unit 3) can be seen that in this a plurality of each designated by 4

[0085] Batter1©modally recognizable, as shown below in

[0086] Details will be discussed.

[0087] Other components of the battery-operated device 1, which are known per se, such as a motor for

[0088] The driving mechanisms for wheels 2, corresponding auxiliary units or the like, are not shown in detail for the sake of simplicity.

[0089] Abgewan.de11e Examples of such a battery-operated device 1 could be, for example, an electrically operated tool, an e-bike or the like.

[0090] It is already evident from the schematic representation of Fig. 1 that by providing separate or individual battery modules 4, for example, in adaptation to work to be carried out with the battery-powered

[0091] Device 1 or an expected use thereof a corresponding number of Ba11eriemodules 4 in the

[0092] Electrical energy storage 3 can be included or arranged. In this way, in the event of an expected use of short

[0093] This allows for a correspondingly smaller number of battery modules 4 to be incorporated into the electric energy storage unit 3, and the resulting reduction in weight of the electric energy storage unit 3 and, consequently, of the entire battery-powered device X, also leads to corresponding simplifications in its design.

[0094] Achievable deployment.

[0095] Each battery module 4 is equipped in a manner known per se with a battery management system for synchronizing the voltages of the individual battery in the module or.

[0096] Battery module 4 is equipped with a system that enables it to deliver optimal energy storage performance. Additionally, this battery management system monitors the charging and discharging of battery module 4 and protects it from over- and undervoltage.

[0097] In the schematic representations of Figs. 2 and 3, a plurality of generally referred to as 4 is shown.

[0098] Battery modules are provided, which are additionally designated A, B, C. From these illustrations, it is evident that a single battery module 4 is sufficient for the operation of the device 1 (not shown in detail). In the embodiment according to Fig. 2, contact or selection of one of the battery modules 4 or A, B, C, ... is effected by a manually or mechanically actuated, schematically indicated slider 5. In Fig. 2, the slider 5 is shown in the zero position.

[0099] In Fig. 2, a display 6 is additionally indicated for one of the battery modules concerning the state of charge of one of these battery modules 4, whereby this display 6 can be assigned to the battery module 4 in use or each of the battery modules can have a separate display 6.

[0100] In the modified embodiment according to Fig. 3, a plurality of battery modules 4 are again provided, which are additionally designated A, β, C. In this embodiment shown in Fig. 3, a slide that can be driven or adjusted to a rotary movement is used, with this slide 7 again being shown in Fig. 3 in its initial or zero position.

[0101] Additionally, with this type of Zvjs guide, another battery module 4 (e.g. EJ manually) can be switched on via the second arm of the rotary valve 7 in case of increased energy requirements.

[0102] In the configuration according to Fig. 4, one of the battery modules 4, which are further designated A, B, C, ..., is selected via an electronic control unit, schematically indicated by 8, the operation of which will be discussed in detail with reference to Fig. 5. Depending on the selection of one of the battery modules 4 by the control unit 8, a

[0103] Supply of the battery-operated device 1, which is not shown in detail. In addition, a further display 9 is indicated in Fig. 4.

[0104] The operation of the battery-operated device 1 under

[0105] The use of a plurality of separate battery modules 4 for selection, from one of these battery modules 4 or A, B, C, ... and a switching of the battery modules 4 upon detection of a correspondingly low state of charge is described under

[0106] Referring to the schematic process diagram of Fig.

[0107] 5 using the electronic control unit 8 according to Fig. 4 will be discussed in detail.

[0108] As indicated in Fig. 5, the control unit 8 essentially has three operating states: ON, OFF and CHARGING.

[0109] When switched on (ON), this occurs in one step,

[0110] S3, an analysis of all battery modules provided in the storage or electrical energy storage 3 <3. Subsequently, in a step S2, the control unit SE selects, in particular randomly, a battery module Y for operation of the device 1.

[0111] In step S3, it is checked whether the selected or currently used battery module Y is empty. If yes, in step S<1 another module is selected.

[0112] Battery module as a new, currently in use

[0113] Battery module Y and a return occurs before the

[0114] Step S3.

[0115] If it is determined in step S3 that the selected

[0116] Bat.teriemodu1 Y is not empty. (NO • <VS S3; erfolgt. in einem Schritt S5 eine Überprüfung, ob die Belastung des im

[0117] The battery mode Y is too high during operation or use. If J / A is determined in step S.5, it will be done in one step.

[0118] S6 allows for the short-term activation of an additional or second battery module to accommodate any short-term energy or power demand of the battery-powered device 1. After this activation of the additional or second module...

[0119] The battery module in step 86 is returned to step 85, so that any increased load present is subsequently checked again.

[0120] If no increased stress is detected in step S3 (NO in step

[0121] S5) involves a return to the point before step S3.

[0122] It can be seen from the flow diagram of Fig. 5 that in the method for operating an electrical energy-

[0123] Memory 3 for a ba t1.seriehetriebene device .1 (state ON of the control unit) and the associated

[0124] Energy management system of the operation of the battery-operated preheating 1 is achieved by using a separate battery module 4 or A, B, C, respectively, whereby, for example, for a short-term increase

[0125] Energy or power requirements necessitate the connection of an additional battery module 4.

[0126] After detecting that the charge level of the battery module Y in use has fallen below a predetermined level, corresponding to step S3, another battery module is selected so that the individual battery modules 4 or A, B, C of the electrical energy storage system 3 are each essentially completely discharged, whereby such essentially complete discharge processes and subsequent essentially complete charging processes typically result in an increased service life of such batteries.

[0127] Battery modules 4 compared to a potentially increased number of only partial discharge and charge cycles.

[0128] After the battery-powered device has finished its operation, in step S8 all elements, or in particular battery modules 4, are switched off.

[0129] Similar to the process flow shown in Fig. 5 using or employing the electronic

[0130] Control unit 8 can also perform such selection and switching of individual Ba11.e2:1emodu1e 4 manually or mechanically, as indicated in the embodiments according to Figs. 2 and 3. With the electronic control unit indicated in Fig. 5

[0131] Furthermore, a charging process (CHARGE in Fig. 5) can also be carried out.

[0132] In step Sil, similar to step S1, the control unit analyzes all battery modules.

[0133] 8. The individual battery modules 4 are then charged in step S12. In step S13, it is checked whether all battery modules 4 are charged. If yes, in step S13, the entire system is switched off.

[0134] Unit, as indicated by 20.

[0135] If NO in step S13, the charging process of individual battery modules will continue.

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Method for operating an electrical energy storage device (3) for a battery-operated device (1), for example an electrical appliance, an electric vehicle or the like, wherein the device (1) is supplied with electrical energy by the electrical energy storage device (3), characterized by the following steps: Providing a plurality of separate, in particular parallel connected or connectable Battery modules (4, A, 0, Y> in the electrical energy storage device (3), Supply the device <1) with electricity Energy from a battery module '4, A, B, C, . Y), - checking the charge level of the battery module (4, A, B, C, 1) used to supply the device. .., Y) and Switching to another one, in electrical energy- Storage (3) located battery module (4, A, B, C, Y) to supply the device (1) with electrical power Energy when a predetermined charge quantity of the device used to supply the device ( (11}) falls below a certain level Battery module (4, A, B, €, .... Y).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the event of increased energy demand, a further battery module {4, A, B, C, ••t Y) is switched on to supply the device {1}.

3. Method according to claim 11 or 2, characterized in that the state of charge of the individual battery modules (4, A, ö, •■ / Y) in the electrical energy storage device (3) by corresponding indicators (6, 9), for example displays, LEDs, or the like, are shown.

4. Method according to claim 1, 2 ooddeerr 3, characterized in that the switching between individual battery™ modals (4, k, B, C, . Y) and / or switching to supply the device (1) is carried out manually.

5. Method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the switching between individual battery modules (4, A, B, C, ..., Y) and / or connection to The supply of the device (1) is automatically controlled or carried out.

6. Energy management system for operating an electrical energy storage device (3) for a battery-operated device (1), for example an electrical appliance, an electric vehicle or the like, for supplying the device (1) with electrical energy from the electrical energy storage device (3), characterized by the following elements: - a plurality of separate, in particular parallel connected or readable battery modules (4, A, B, C, . ••r YY)) in the E1ekt.roenergiespeicher (3) to Supply of the device (1) with electrical energy from one battery module each. (4, kA,, B, C, ..., Y}, a device (1) for checking the charge state of the battery module (4, k, B, C, .... and - a switching device for switching to another one located in the electrical energy storage device (3) Battery module (4, A, B, C, . YY)) for supplying the device (1) with electrical energy when the voltage falls below a certain level. a predetermined load quantity ddeess zzurr supply the Device {1;• inserted battery module (A, A, ä, C, Y>.

7. Energy management system according to claim €, characterized in that, in the event of increased energy demand, a further battery module <4, A, B, r* Y) can be switched on to supply the device (1).

8. Energy management system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that indicators (6, 9), for example displays, LEDs, or the like, are provided for a display of the State of charge of the individual battery module (4, A, B, C, Y) in memory (3; are provided.

9. Energy Management™ system according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that a slide (5, 7) or the like is provided for mechanical switching between individual Battery modules (4, B, C, Y) and / or switching them on to supply the device (1? is provided .

10. Energy management system according to claim 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that an electronic control unit (8, SE> for automatic switching between individual battery modules A, B, C, Y) and / or The switching on of the same to supply the device (1) is specified.

11. Energy management system according to claim 10, characterized in that additional charging processes of the individual battery modals (4, .A, B, C, ..., Y> can be controlled via the electronic control unit (8, SE).

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