Battery system comprising heater and operating method thereof

Abstract

A battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a plurality of battery assemblies; a plurality of heaters that correspond to respective battery assemblies and are arranged to be connected in series on a heater driving path; and a battery management device for monitoring and managing the battery assemblies and the heaters. The battery management device may control a heater driving switch disposed on the heater driving path so as to turn the heaters on or off simultaneously.

Description

Battery system including heater and method of operating same

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0116354 filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on August 29, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery system and a method of operating the same, and more particularly, to a battery system including a plurality of heaters provided corresponding to each of the battery assemblies, and a method of operating the same.

[0003] Secondary batteries are batteries that can be reused by charging even after discharge, and can be used as an energy source for small devices such as mobile phones, tablet PCs, and vacuum cleaners, and are also used as an energy source for medium and large devices such as automobiles and ESS (Energy Storage Systems) for smart grids.

[0004] Secondary batteries are applied to systems in the form of assemblies, such as battery packs, where multiple battery cells are electrically connected, or battery racks, where multiple battery packs are electrically connected, depending on the system requirements. For ESS for smart grids, high-capacity battery systems, where multiple battery racks are connected in parallel, can be applied to meet the system's capacity requirements.

[0005] Carbon materials are mainly used as negative active materials for lithium secondary batteries, and lithium-containing cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) is mainly used as positive active materials. In addition, the use of lithium-containing manganese oxide (LiMnO2, LiMn2O4, etc.) and lithium-containing nickel oxide (LiNiO2) is also being considered.

[0006] Recently, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) compounds have been used as cathode active materials in lithium secondary batteries. Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which use LiFePO4 as the cathode active material, offer superior thermal stability and cost-effectiveness compared to other batteries. However, they suffer from significant reductions in battery capacity and output in low-temperature environments.

[0007] Accordingly, a battery system using an LFP battery may be equipped with a heater such as a heat pad to heat the battery cell under low-temperature conditions.

[0008] Typically, heaters are installed within a battery pack and can be controlled by a Pack Battery Management System (PBMS). In a battery system comprising multiple battery packs, each heater is individually controlled by its own corresponding PBMS, which increases system manufacturing costs and makes integrated management and control of the heaters difficult.

[0009] As a related prior literature, there is KR 10-2022-0054485 A.

[0010] An object of the present invention to solve the above problems is to provide a battery system including a plurality of heaters provided corresponding to each of the battery assemblies.

[0011] Another object of the present invention to solve the above problems is to provide a method for operating such a battery system.

[0012] Another object of the present invention to solve the above problems is to provide a control unit included in such a battery system.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object, a battery system may include: a plurality of battery assemblies; a plurality of heaters arranged in series along a heater driving path, each of which is provided to correspond to each of the battery assemblies; and a battery management device that monitors and manages the battery assemblies and the heaters. Here, the battery management device may control a heater driving switch arranged along the heater driving path to turn the heaters on or off simultaneously.

[0014] The battery management device can measure a current value flowing on the heater driving path when the heater driving switch is switched to a closed state, and determine whether there is an abnormality in the heater or the heater driving path based on the measured current value.

[0015] The battery management device can determine whether there is an abnormality in the heater or the heater driving path based on whether the measured current value is outside a predefined threshold range based on the voltage applied to the heaters and the resistance value of the heaters.

[0016] The battery management device may determine that an open fault has occurred in the heater or the heater driving path if the measured current value is less than a predefined first threshold current value.

[0017] The battery management device may determine that a resistance change of the heater or a short circuit failure of the heater driving path has occurred when the measured current value exceeds a predefined second threshold current value.

[0018] One end of the heater driving path may be connected to the positive line of the battery system, and the other end of the heater driving path may be connected to the negative line of the battery system. Here, the heaters may be driven by voltage output from batteries included in each of the battery assemblies.

[0019] The battery management device may include a current sensor that calculates a current value flowing through a first shunt resistor and a second shunt resistor arranged on the positive line or the negative line. Here, one end or the other end of the heater driving path may be connected between the first and second shunt resistors.

[0020] The battery management device can calculate a current value flowing on the heater driving path based on a difference value between a first current value flowing in the first shunt resistor and a second current value flowing in the second shunt resistor.

[0021] The battery management device may, when the battery system is in charge mode, calculate a current value flowing along the heater driving path by subtracting the first current value from the second current value. Furthermore, when the battery system is in discharge mode, the battery management device may calculate a current value flowing along the heater driving path by subtracting the second current value from the first current value.

[0022]

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described other object, a method for operating a battery system may be performed by a battery management device that is provided corresponding to each of the battery assemblies and is connected in series and arranged on a heater driving path. Here, the method for operating the battery system may include a step of controlling a heater driving switch arranged on the heater driving path to turn on the heaters simultaneously; a step of measuring a current value flowing on the heater driving path; and a step of determining whether there is an abnormality in the heater or the heater driving path based on the measured current value.

[0024] The step of determining whether the above abnormality exists may include a step of determining whether the heater or the heater driving path is abnormal based on whether the measured current value is outside a predefined threshold range based on the voltage applied to the heaters and the resistance value of the heaters.

[0025] The step of determining whether the above is abnormal may include a step of determining that an open fault has occurred in the heater or the heater driving path if the measured current value is less than a predefined first threshold current value.

[0026] The step of determining whether the above abnormality exists may include a step of determining that a resistance change of the heater or a short circuit failure of the heater driving path has occurred if the measured current value exceeds a predefined second threshold current value.

[0027] One end of the heater driving path may be connected to the positive line of the battery system, and the other end of the heater driving path may be connected to the negative line of the battery system. Here, the heaters may be driven by voltage output from batteries included in each of the battery assemblies.

[0028] The battery management device may include a current sensor that calculates a current value flowing through a first shunt resistor and a second shunt resistor arranged on the positive line or the negative line. Here, one end or the other end of the heater driving path may be connected between the first and second shunt resistors.

[0029] The step of measuring the current value flowing on the heater driving path may include a step of calculating the current value flowing on the heater driving path based on a difference value between a first current value flowing in the first shunt resistor and a second current value flowing in the second shunt resistor.

[0030] The step of measuring the current value flowing on the heater driving path may include the step of calculating the current value flowing on the heater driving path by subtracting the first current value from the second current value when the battery system is in charge mode; and the step of calculating the current value flowing on the heater driving path by subtracting the second current value from the first current value when the battery system is in discharge mode.

[0031]

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described further object, a control unit may be positioned within a battery management device, which is provided corresponding to each of the battery assemblies and is connected in series to a plurality of heaters arranged on a heater driving path.

[0033] The control unit may include at least one processor; and a memory storing at least one command executed through the at least one processor. Here, the at least one command may include a command for controlling a heater drive switch disposed on the heater drive path to turn on the heaters simultaneously; a command for measuring a current value flowing on the heater drive path; and a command for determining whether there is an abnormality in the heater or the heater drive path based on the measured current value.

[0034] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the upper battery management device of the battery assemblies can comprehensively manage and control the heaters provided in each of the battery assemblies.

[0035] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a typical energy storage system.

[0036] Figure 2 shows the structure of a typical battery rack.

[0037] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 4 is a circuit diagram of a battery management device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 5 is a circuit diagram of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 6 is an operational flowchart of a method for operating a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figures 7 and 8 are reference drawings for explaining an operating method of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 9 is a block diagram of a control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] 100: Battery management device

[0044] 110: Control unit

[0045] 120: Heater drive switch

[0046] 130: Current sensor

[0047] 200: Battery assembly

[0048] 210: Battery

[0049] 220: Heater

[0050] 900: Control Unit

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056]

[0057] Some terms used in this specification are defined as follows:

[0058] A battery cell is the smallest unit that stores electricity, and a battery module is a collection of multiple battery cells that are electrically connected.

[0059] A battery rack is a single-structure system that connects module units specified by the battery manufacturer in series or parallel, enabling monitoring and control via a Battery Management System (BMS). It can be configured to include multiple battery modules and a single BPU or protection device. Depending on the device or system in which the battery is used, the battery module may also be referred to as a battery pack.

[0060] A battery bank can refer to a large-scale battery rack system composed of multiple racks connected in parallel. A battery bank-level BMS (BBMS) can monitor and control the rack BMS (RBMS) at the battery rack level.

[0061] A battery assembly is a collection of multiple electrically connected battery cells that function as a power source when applied to a specific system or device. Here, the battery assembly may refer to a battery module, battery pack, battery rack, or battery bank, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these entities.

[0062] BSC (Battery System Controller) is a device that performs top-level control of a battery system, including a battery bank unit battery system, and is also used as a control device in a battery system with multiple bank level structures.

[0063] SOC (State of Charge) is the current charged state of the battery expressed as a percentage [%], and SOH (State of Health) is the current remaining state of the battery expressed as a percentage [%].

[0064]

[0065] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a typical energy storage system.

[0066] In an energy storage system (ESS), the smallest unit of a battery that stores power is typically a battery cell. A series / parallel combination of battery cells forms a battery module, and multiple battery packs can form a battery rack. In other words, a battery rack, consisting of a series / parallel combination of battery packs, can become the smallest unit of a battery system. Depending on the device or system in which the battery is used, a battery pack may also be referred to as a battery module.

[0067] Referring to Fig. 1, a single battery rack may include multiple battery packs and a single BPU (50) or protection device. The battery rack can be monitored and controlled through a Rack Battery Management System (RBMS). The RBMS monitors the current, voltage, and temperature of each battery rack under its control, and based on the monitoring results, calculates the battery's SOC (States of Charge) and controls charging and discharging.

[0068] Meanwhile, the BPU (Battery Protection Unit) (50) is a device for protecting batteries from abnormal current and fault current in battery rack units. The BPU may include a main contactor (MC), a fuse, a circuit breaker (CB), or a disconnect switch (DS). The BPU can control the battery system in rack units by turning the main contactor on and off according to the control of the RBMS. The BPU can also protect the battery from short-circuit current using a fuse in the event of a short-circuit. In this way, existing battery systems can be controlled through protection devices such as the BPU and switch gear.

[0069] Meanwhile, a battery system controller (BSC) (20) is installed in each battery section including a plurality of batteries and peripheral circuits, devices, etc. to monitor and control control targets such as voltage, current, temperature, circuit breakers, etc. The BSC is the top-level control device of a battery system including a bank-level battery system including a plurality of battery packs, and is also used as a control device in a battery system having a multiple bank-level structure. Here, the battery system having a bank-level structure may each include a BBMS (Bank BMS), and the BBMS may monitor and control each rack by interworking with the RBMSs of the battery racks it manages.

[0070] In addition, a power conversion system (PCS) (40) installed in each battery section controls the charging and discharging of the battery by controlling the power supplied from an external rotor and the power supplied externally from the battery section, and may include a DC / AC inverter. Meanwhile, if the ESS system is linked to a PV (Photovoltaic; solar power generation system) module farm (70), a PV inverter may be included.

[0071] Meanwhile, the output of each BPU can be connected to the PCS (40) via a DC bus, and the PCS (40) can be connected to the grid (60). In addition, the EMS (Energy Management System) / PMS (Power Management System) (30) manages the ESS system as a whole.

[0072]

[0073] Figure 2 shows the structure of a typical battery rack.

[0074] The battery rack may include a BPU and a plurality of battery packs. Here, the BPU and the plurality of battery packs may be combined in a vertically stacked structure.

[0075] The BPU located at the top of the battery rack may include a RBMS, and inside the RBMS, an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), memory, SMPS (Switching Mode Power Supply), and a current sensor may be included.

[0076] Each of the battery packs arranged at the bottom of the BPU may include a plurality of batteries and a PBMS that monitors and manages the batteries.

[0077] The batteries provided inside each of the battery packs are electrically connected in a series and / or parallel configuration and can be connected to a power terminal provided in the BPU and connected to a DC link.

[0078] Each battery pack may be equipped with a heater to increase battery temperature. For example, in the case of a battery pack using LFP batteries, a heat pad may be installed near the battery to address the issue of significantly reduced battery capacity and output in low-temperature environments. The PBMS may control the on / off operation of the heat pad.

[0079] In the case of a battery rack including a plurality of battery packs as illustrated in FIG. 2, the heat pads applied to each of the battery packs are individually controlled by their corresponding PBMS, which increases the manufacturing cost of the battery rack and makes it difficult to comprehensively manage and control the heat pads.

[0080] The present invention is a technology devised to solve such problems, and various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0081]

[0082] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 3, the battery system may include a battery management device (100) and a plurality of battery assemblies (200-1 to 200-n).

[0084] In the present invention, the battery assembly may refer to a battery pack, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these entities. For example, the battery assembly may refer to a battery module, a battery rack, or a battery bank.

[0085] Each of the battery assemblies (200-1 to 200-n) may include a plurality of batteries (210-1 to 210-n) and a BMS that manages and controls the batteries. For example, a battery assembly may correspond to a battery pack and include a plurality of battery cells and a PBMS.

[0086] A plurality of batteries (210-1 to 210-n) are connected in a series and / or parallel structure to form a battery assembly, and the battery assembly is connected to a charge / discharge terminal provided in the battery management device (100) and can be electrically connected to a DC link.

[0087] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a plurality of batteries (210-1 to 210-n) are connected in series with each other, and a battery positive terminal and a battery negative terminal of the uppermost battery assembly (200-1) may be connected to a positive charge / discharge terminal (BP) and a negative charge / discharge terminal (BN), respectively, of a battery management device (100). Here, the positive charge / discharge terminal (BP) and the negative charge / discharge terminal (BN) may be electrically connected to a positive DC link terminal (DP) and a negative DC link terminal (DN), respectively, within the battery management device (100). Accordingly, a battery assembly (210-1 to 210-n) in which batteries are connected in series with each other may be connected to a DC link.

[0088] Each of the battery assemblies (200-1 to 200-N) may include heaters (220-1 to 220-n) for heating the batteries.

[0089] Heaters (220-1 to 220-n) can be connected in series with each other on a heater driving path (Lh). Here, the series-connected heaters (220-1 to 220-n) are electrically connected to the battery assembly (210-1 to 210-n) and can be driven by a voltage output from the battery assembly (210-1 to 210-n). That is, the heater driving path (Lh) includes heaters (220-1 to 220-n) connected in series, one end of the heater driving path (Lh) is connected to the positive electrode of the battery assembly (210-1 to 210-n), and the other end of the heater driving path (Lh) is connected to the negative electrode of the battery assembly (210-1 to 210-n), so that the heaters (220-1 to 220-n) can operate by receiving power from the battery assembly (210-1 to 210-n).

[0090] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, heaters (220-1 to 220-n) are connected in series with each other on a heater driving path (Lh), and a heater positive terminal and a heater negative terminal of the uppermost battery assembly (200-1) may be connected to a positive power supply terminal (HP) and a negative power supply terminal (HN) of the battery management device (100), respectively. Here, the positive power supply terminal (HP) and the negative input / output terminal (HN) may be electrically connected to a positive line (Lp) and a negative line (Ln), respectively, formed inside the battery management device (100). Accordingly, the heaters (220-1 to 220-n) may be driven by a voltage output from the battery assemblies (210-1 to 210-n).

[0091] The battery management device (100) may be located inside the BPU.

[0092] The battery management device (100) may be an upper control device of a BMS included in each of the battery assemblies (200-1 to 200-N). For example, the battery management device (100) may be an RBMS that manages a plurality of battery packs.

[0093] The battery management device (100) can monitor and manage the battery assemblies (200-1 to 200-N) and the heaters included in each of the battery assemblies (200-1 to 200-N).

[0094]

[0095] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a battery management device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 4, a plurality of terminals may be provided on the outer surface of the battery management device (100). Here, the terminals may include a positive charge / discharge terminal (BP), a negative charge / discharge terminal (BN), a positive DC link terminal (DP), a negative DC link terminal (DN), a positive power supply terminal (HP), and a negative power supply terminal (HN).

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the positive charge / discharge terminal (BP) and the negative charge / discharge terminal (BN) can be connected to the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the battery assembly (210), respectively.

[0098] The positive charge / discharge terminal (BP) can be connected to the positive DC link terminal (DP) via the positive line (Lp), and the negative charge / discharge terminal (BN) can be connected to the negative DC link terminal (DN) via the negative line (Ln).

[0099] A main contactor (MC) is placed on the positive line (Lp), and a precharge switch (PC) and a precharge resistor (Rpc) can be connected in parallel with the main contactor (MC).

[0100] The control unit (110) can control whether there is an electrical connection between the battery assembly and the DC link by controlling the main contactor (MC) and the pre-charge switch (PC) to turn on / off.

[0101] The current sensor (130) may be configured to measure a current flowing on the positive line (Lp) or the negative line (Ln). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a first shunt resistor (R1) and a second shunt resistor (R2) are arranged on the negative line (Ln), and the current sensor (130) may measure a voltage across the first shunt resistor (R1) and a voltage across the second shunt resistor (R2), thereby calculating a current value flowing through the first shunt resistor (R1) and the second shunt resistor (R2).

[0102] Referring to FIG. 5, the positive power supply terminal (HP) may be connected to one end of the series-connected heaters (220), and the negative power supply terminal (HN) may be connected to the other end of the series-connected heaters (220). Here, the negative power supply terminal (HN) may be connected to a node between the first shunt resistor (R1) and the second shunt resistor (R2).

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a positive power supply terminal (HP) can be connected to a positive charge / discharge terminal (BP). Here, a heater drive switch (HC, 120) can be placed between the path through which the positive power supply terminal (HP) and the positive charge / discharge terminal (BP) are connected.

[0104] That is, a heater driving path (Lh) can be formed by electrically connecting a positive charge / discharge terminal (BP), a positive power supply terminal (HP), serially connected heaters (220), and a negative power supply terminal (HN), and a heater driving switch (HC, 120) can be placed on the heater driving path (Lh).

[0105] The control unit (110) can control the heater drive switch (HC, 120) to turn on or off the serially connected heaters simultaneously. Specifically, the control unit (110) can turn on the heaters simultaneously by switching the heater drive switch (HC, 120) to a closed state while the main contactor (MC) is turned on. In addition, the control unit (110) can turn off the heaters simultaneously by switching the heater drive switch (HC, 120) to an open state.

[0106] The control unit (110) can measure the current value flowing on the heater driving path (Lh) in the closed state of the heater driving switch (120) and, based on the measured current value, determine whether there is an abnormality in one or more of the heaters (220) and the heater driving path (Lh). Here, the control unit (110) can determine whether there is an abnormality in the heaters (220) or the heater driving path (Lh) based on whether the current value flowing on the heater driving path (Lh) is outside a predefined threshold range.

[0107]

[0108] FIG. 6 is an operational flowchart of an operating method of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 7 and 8 are reference diagrams for explaining an operating method of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] The battery management device can control the heater drive switch (HC) positioned on the heater drive path (Lh) to turn on the heaters simultaneously (S610).

[0110] The battery management device can measure the current value flowing on the heater driving path (Lh) (S620).

[0111] The battery management device can calculate a current value flowing on the heater driving path (Lh) based on a difference value between a first current value flowing in the first shunt resistor (R1) and a second current value flowing in the second shunt resistor (R2). More specifically, the control unit (110) of the battery management device can receive the first current value flowing in the first shunt resistor (R1) and the second current value flowing in the second shunt resistor (R2) from the current sensor (130). Thereafter, the control unit (110) can calculate a difference value between the first current value and the second current value, thereby calculating a current value flowing on the heater driving path (Lh).

[0112] When the battery system is in charging mode, the battery management device can calculate a current value flowing along the heater driving path (Lh) by subtracting the first current value from the second current value.

[0113] Specifically, referring to FIG. 7, when the battery system is in charging mode, the current (Id) input from the DC link can be branched into a battery assembly side path and a heater driving path (Lh). Accordingly, the second current value (Id) flowing in the second shunt resistor (R2) is equal to the sum of the current (Ih) flowing on the heater driving path (Lh) and the first current value (Ib) flowing on the first shunt resistor (R1). The control unit (110) can receive the first current value (Ib) and the second current value (Id) from the current sensor (130), and subtract the first current value (Ib) from the second current value (Id) to calculate the current value (Ih) flowing on the heater driving path (Lh) (Ih = Id - Ib).

[0114] When the battery system is in discharge mode, the battery management device can calculate a current value flowing along the heater driving path (Lh) by subtracting the second current value from the first current value.

[0115] Specifically, referring to FIG. 8, when the battery system is in discharge mode, the current (Ib) output from the battery assembly can be branched into a path output to the DC link and a heater driving path (Lh). Accordingly, the first current value (Ib) flowing in the first shunt resistor (R1) is equal to the sum of the current (Ih) flowing on the heater driving path (Lh) and the second current value (Id) flowing on the second shunt resistor (R2). The control unit (110) can receive the first current value (Ib) and the second current value (Id) from the current sensor (130), and subtract the second current value (Id) from the first current value (Ib) to calculate the current value (Ih) flowing on the heater driving path (Lh) (Ih = Ib - Id).

[0116] Referring again to FIG. 6, the battery management device can determine whether there is an abnormality in the heater or the heater driving path (Lh) based on the current value (Ih) flowing on the heater driving path (Lh) (S630).

[0117] The battery management device can determine whether there is an abnormality in the heater or the heater driving path (Lh) based on whether the current value (Ih) flowing on the heater driving path (Lh) is outside a predefined threshold range.

[0118] The critical range can be defined as a value greater than or equal to a first critical current value and less than or equal to a second critical current value. Here, the battery management device can determine that an abnormality has occurred in the heater or the heater driving path (Lh) if the current value (Ih) flowing on the heater driving path (Lh) deviates from the predefined critical range.

[0119] The critical range can be predefined based on the voltage (Vbat) applied to the heaters and the resistance value (Rh) of the heaters. For example, the first critical current value can be defined as a value obtained by subtracting a first diagnostic margin value from a reference current value (Vbat / Rh) obtained by dividing the voltage (Vbat) applied to the heaters by the resistance value (Rh) of the heaters, and the second critical current value can be defined as a value obtained by adding a second diagnostic margin value to the reference current value (Vbat / Rh). Meanwhile, the first and second diagnostic margin values ​​can be derived through a preliminary test.

[0120] If the current value (Ih) flowing on the heater driving path (Lh) is less than the first threshold current value, the battery management device may determine that an open fault has occurred in the heater or the heater driving path. For example, if the current value (Ih) flowing on the heater driving path (Lh) is measured as 0.05 A, which is less than the first threshold current value of 0.1 A, the battery management device may determine that an open fault has occurred in the heater or the heater driving path.

[0121] If the current value (Ih) flowing on the heater driving path (Lh) exceeds the second threshold current value, the battery management device can determine that a resistance change of the heater or a short circuit failure of the heater driving path has occurred. For example, if the current value (Ih) flowing on the heater driving path (Lh) is measured as 2A, which exceeds the second threshold current value of 1.2A, the battery management device can determine that the resistance value of any one of the heaters has changed (decreased) or a short circuit failure of the heater driving path has occurred.

[0122] The battery management device checks whether the heater drive switch has been switched to an open state (turned off) (S640), and if so (YES of S640), terminates monitoring. If the heater drive switch is maintained in a closed state (N0 of S640), the process returns to S620, and based on the current value (Ih) flowing on the heater drive path (Lh), it is possible to determine whether there is an abnormality in the heater or the heater drive path (Lh).

[0123]

[0124] Figure 9 is a block diagram of a control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] A control unit (900) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be located within a battery management device, which is provided corresponding to each of the battery assemblies and is connected in series to a plurality of heaters arranged on a heater driving path.

[0126] The control unit (900) may include at least one processor (910), a memory (920) storing at least one command executed through the processor, and a transmission / reception device (930) connected to a network to perform communication.

[0127] The at least one command may include a command to control a heater drive switch disposed on the heater drive path to turn on the heaters simultaneously; a command to measure a current value flowing on the heater drive path; and a command to determine whether there is an abnormality in the heater or the heater drive path based on the measured current value.

[0128] The command for determining whether the above abnormality exists may include a command for determining whether the heater or the heater driving path is abnormal based on whether the measured current value is outside a predefined threshold range based on the voltage applied to the heaters and the resistance value of the heaters.

[0129] The command for determining whether the above is abnormal may include a command for determining that an open fault has occurred in the heater or the heater driving path if the measured current value is less than a predefined first threshold current value.

[0130] The command for determining whether the above abnormality exists may include a command for determining that a resistance change of the heater or a short circuit failure of the heater driving path has occurred if the measured current value exceeds a predefined second threshold current value.

[0131] One end of the heater driving path may be connected to the positive line of the battery system, and the other end of the heater driving path may be connected to the negative line of the battery system. Here, the heaters may be driven by voltage output from batteries included in each of the battery assemblies.

[0132] The battery management device may include a current sensor that calculates a current value flowing through a first shunt resistor and a second shunt resistor arranged on the positive line or the negative line. Here, one end or the other end of the heater driving path may be connected between the first and second shunt resistors.

[0133] The command for measuring the current value flowing on the heater driving path may include a command for calculating the current value flowing on the heater driving path based on a difference value between a first current value flowing in the first shunt resistor and a second current value flowing in the second shunt resistor.

[0134] The command for measuring the current value flowing on the heater driving path may include a command for calculating the current value flowing on the heater driving path by subtracting the first current value from the second current value when the battery system is in charge mode; and a command for calculating the current value flowing on the heater driving path by subtracting the second current value from the first current value when the battery system is in discharge mode.

[0135] The control unit (900) may further include an input interface device (940), an output interface device (950), a storage device (960), etc. Each component included in the control unit (900) may be connected by a bus (970) to communicate with each other.

[0136] Here, the processor (910) 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.

[0137] Additionally, the memory may be comprised of at least one of a volatile / transitory storage medium and a non-volatile / non-transitory storage medium. For example, the memory may be comprised of at least one of a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM), and may include an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-only Memory (EEPROM).

[0138]

[0139] The operations of the method according to an embodiment of the present invention can be implemented as a computer-readable program or code on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium may include any type of recording device that stores data readable by a computer system. The computer-readable recording medium may also be distributed across network-connected computer systems, allowing the computer-readable program or code to be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

[0140] The operation of the method according to an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented in various forms related to a program, such as a computer program or code itself or a computer program product.

[0141] Additionally, the computer-readable recording medium may include one or more of a volatile / transitory recording medium and a non-volatile / non-transitory recording medium.

[0142] A computer-readable recording medium may include hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory, and may include, for example, various types of servers located on a network. Program instructions may include not only machine language codes, such as those generated by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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. Multiple battery assemblies; A plurality of heaters are arranged in series along the heater driving path and are provided corresponding to each of the above battery assemblies; and A battery management device comprising: a battery management device that monitors and manages the battery assemblies and the heaters; The above battery management device, A battery system that controls a heater drive switch positioned on the heater drive path to turn the heaters on or off simultaneously.

2. In claim 1, The above battery management device, A battery system that measures the current value flowing on the heater driving path when the heater driving switch is switched to a closed state, and determines whether there is an abnormality in the heater or the heater driving path based on the measured current value.

3. In claim 2, The above battery management device, A battery system that determines whether there is an abnormality in the heater or the heater driving path based on whether the measured current value is outside a predefined threshold range based on the voltage applied to the heaters and the resistance value of the heaters.

4. In claim 2, The above battery management device, A battery system, wherein if the measured current value is less than a predefined first threshold current value, it is determined that an open fault has occurred in the heater or the heater driving path.

5. In claim 2, The above battery management device, A battery system, wherein if the measured current value exceeds a predefined second threshold current value, it is determined that a resistance change of the heater or a short circuit failure of the heater driving path has occurred.

6. In claim 1, One end of the above heater driving path is connected to the positive line of the battery system, The other end of the above heater driving path is connected to the negative line of the battery system, A battery system wherein the above heaters are driven by voltage output from batteries included in each of the above battery assemblies.

7. In claim 6, The above battery management device, A current sensor is included that calculates the current value flowing through the first shunt resistor and the second shunt resistor arranged on the positive line or the negative line, A battery system, wherein one or the other end of the heater driving path is connected between the first and second shunt resistors.

8. In claim 7, The above battery management device, A battery system that calculates a current value flowing on the heater driving path based on a difference value between a first current value flowing in the first shunt resistor and a second current value flowing in the second shunt resistor.

9. In claim 8, The above battery management device, When the above battery system is in charging mode, the current value flowing on the heater driving path is calculated by subtracting the first current value from the second current value, A battery system, wherein when the battery system is in discharge mode, the current value flowing along the heater driving path is calculated by subtracting the second current value from the first current value.

10. A method for operating a battery system by a battery management device that is connected to a plurality of heaters arranged in series on a heater driving path and corresponding to each of the battery assemblies, A step of controlling a heater drive switch positioned on the heater drive path to turn on the heaters simultaneously; A step of measuring the current value flowing on the above heater driving path; and A method for operating a battery system, comprising a step of determining whether there is an abnormality in the heater or the heater driving path based on the measured current value.

11. In claim 10, The steps to determine whether the above is true or not are as follows: A method of operating a battery system, comprising a step of determining whether there is an abnormality in the heater or the heater driving path based on whether the measured current value is outside a predefined threshold range based on the voltage applied to the heaters and the resistance value of the heaters.

12. In claim 11, The steps to determine whether the above is true or not are as follows: A method of operating a battery system, comprising a step of determining that an open fault of the heater or the heater drive path has occurred if the measured current value is less than a predefined first threshold current value.

13. In claim 11, The steps to determine whether the above is true or not are as follows: A method for operating a battery system, comprising a step of determining that a resistance change of the heater or a short circuit failure of the heater driving path has occurred when the measured current value exceeds a predefined second threshold current value.

14. In claim 10, One end of the above heater driving path is connected to the positive line of the battery system, The other end of the above heater driving path is connected to the negative line of the battery system, A method of operating a battery system, wherein the heaters are driven by voltage output from batteries included in each of the battery assemblies.

15. In claim 14, The above battery management device, A current sensor is included that calculates the current value flowing through the first shunt resistor and the second shunt resistor arranged on the positive line or the negative line, A method of operating a battery system, wherein one or the other end of the heater driving path is connected between the first and second shunt resistors.

16. In claim 15, The step of measuring the current value flowing on the above heater driving path is: A method for operating a battery system, comprising the step of calculating a current value flowing on the heater driving path based on a difference value between a first current value flowing in the first shunt resistor and a second current value flowing in the second shunt resistor.

17. In claim 16, The step of measuring the current value flowing on the above heater driving path is: When the battery system is in charging mode, a step of calculating a current value flowing on the heater driving path by subtracting the first current value from the second current value; and A method for operating a battery system, comprising the step of calculating a current value flowing along the heater driving path by subtracting the second current value from the first current value when the battery system is in discharge mode.

18. A control unit located within a battery management device, which is connected to a plurality of heaters arranged in series along a heater driving path and corresponding to each of the battery assemblies, at least one processor; and A memory that stores at least one instruction to be executed through at least one processor, At least one of the above commands, A command to control the heater drive switches arranged on the heater drive path to turn on the heaters simultaneously; A command for measuring the current value flowing on the above heater driving path; and A control unit including a command for determining whether there is an abnormality in the heater or the heater driving path based on the measured current value.

19. A computer-readable medium recording a program for executing the method of any one of claims 10 to 17 on a computer.

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