Battery system including power supply unit and operating method thereof

Abstract

A battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a battery; a circuit breaker disposed on a charging / discharging line of the battery; and a battery management device for managing the battery and controlling the operation of the circuit breaker. Here, the battery management device may comprise: a control unit; a power supply unit which receives power from the battery through a first power supply line and supplies power to the control unit; and a power maintenance unit which receives power from the battery through a second power supply line and supplies temporary power to the power supply unit in a state in which the circuit breaker is open.

Description

Battery system including power supply unit and method for operating same

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0118236 filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on September 2, 2024, the entire contents of which are 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 power supply unit that supplies power to a battery control device 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] Typically, a battery rack may include a Battery Protection Unit (BPU) to protect the battery from abnormal currents and fault currents. The BPU may include a circuit breaker (CB) for forcibly disconnecting the electrical connection between the battery rack and the DC link, and a Rack Battery Management System (RBMS) for monitoring and managing the battery packs.

[0006] Inside the RBMS, a power supply unit (e.g., SMPS; Switching Mode Power Supply) may be included that receives power from battery packs and supplies power to an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), communication module, etc.

[0007] If a hazardous situation occurs in the battery rack and the circuit breaker opens, power supplied to the power supply unit from the battery is cut off. Consequently, the RBMS is unable to properly perform the power-off sequence, including checking the status of internal components, storing data, and switching internal components off, and is turned off.

[0008] As a related prior literature, there is JP 2020-072596 A.

[0009] An object of the present invention to solve the above problems is to provide a battery system including a current maintenance unit that supplies temporary power to a power supply unit.

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

[0011] Another object of the present invention to solve the above problems is to provide a battery management device included in such a battery system.

[0012] A battery system according to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object may include: a battery; a circuit breaker disposed on a charge / discharge line of the battery; and a battery management device for managing the battery and controlling the operation of the circuit breaker.

[0013] Here, the battery management device may include a control unit; a power supply unit that receives power from the battery through a first power supply line and supplies power to the control unit; and a power maintenance unit that receives power from the battery through a second power supply line and supplies temporary power to the power supply unit when the circuit breaker is open.

[0014] The control unit can control the power maintenance unit to switch the second power supply line to an activated state when a predefined circuit breaker open event occurs.

[0015] The control unit can switch the circuit breaker to an open state after the second power supply line is activated, and switch the second power supply line to an inactive state after a predefined period of time has elapsed or a predefined power-off sequence has been completed.

[0016] The first power supply line may have one end connected between the circuit breaker and a main contactor disposed on the charge / discharge line, and the other end connected to a first power input terminal of the power supply unit.

[0017] The second power supply line may have one end connected between the output terminal of the battery and the circuit breaker, and the other end connected to the second power input terminal of the power supply unit.

[0018] The power maintenance unit may include a power maintenance switch disposed on the second power supply line. Here, the control unit may switch the power maintenance switch from an open state to a closed state when a predefined circuit breaker open event occurs, thereby switching the second power supply line to an activated state.

[0019] The power maintenance unit may include a MOSFET disposed on the second power supply line; a photocoupler for applying a gate voltage to the MOSFET; and a voltage supply switch disposed on a path for supplying an operating voltage of the photocoupler. Here, the control unit may switch the voltage supply switch from an open state to a closed state when a predefined circuit breaker open event occurs, thereby switching the second power supply line to an activated state.

[0020] The above photocoupler can receive an operating voltage from the power supply unit.

[0021]

[0022] A method of operating a battery system according to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above other objects may be performed by a battery management device including a control unit; a power supply unit that receives power from a battery through a first power supply line and supplies power to the control unit; and a power maintenance unit that receives power from the battery through a second power supply line and supplies temporary power to the power supply unit.

[0023] The method of operating the battery system may include: a step of monitoring whether a predefined circuit breaker open event occurs; a step of controlling the power maintenance unit to switch the second power supply line from a disabled state to an enabled state when the circuit breaker open event occurs; and a step of switching a circuit breaker disposed on a charge / discharge line of the battery to an open state after the second power supply line is activated.

[0024] The method of operating the battery system may further include a step of switching the second power supply line to an inactive state after a predetermined period of time has elapsed or a predetermined power-off sequence has been completed after the circuit breaker has been switched to an open state.

[0025] The step of switching the second power supply line from a deactivated state to an activated state may include a step of switching a power maintenance switch disposed on the second power supply line from an open state to a closed state, thereby switching the second power supply line to an activated state.

[0026] The power maintenance unit may include a MOSFET disposed on the second power supply line; a photocoupler for applying a gate voltage to the MOSFET; and a voltage supply switch disposed on a path for supplying an operating voltage of the photocoupler. Here, the step of switching the second power supply line from an inactive state to an active state may include a step of switching the voltage supply switch from an open state to a closed state, thereby switching the second power supply line to an active state.

[0027]

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above another object, a battery management device is provided, which is located between a circuit breaker disposed on a charge / discharge line of a battery and a DC link, and which may include a control unit; a power supply unit that receives power from the battery through a first power supply line and supplies power to the control unit; and a power maintenance unit that receives power from the battery through a second power supply line and supplies temporary power to the power supply unit in a state where the circuit breaker is open.

[0029] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, even if the circuit breaker is switched to an open state, the battery power supplied to the power supply is maintained, so that the battery system can be stably switched to an off state.

[0030] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a typical energy storage system.

[0031] Figure 2 shows the structure of a typical battery rack.

[0032] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 is a circuit diagram of a battery protection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 5 is a circuit diagram of a power maintenance unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6 is an operational flowchart of a method for operating a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figures 7 and 8 are reference drawings for explaining an operating method of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 9 is a block diagram of a control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] 100: Battery protection device

[0039] 110: Battery management device

[0040] 111: Control Unit

[0041] 112: Power supply unit

[0042] 113: Power Maintenance Unit

[0043] 114: Current sensor

[0044] 120: Circuit breaker

[0045] 200: Battery assembly

[0046] 210: Battery

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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 exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0051] 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 shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0052]

[0053] Some terms used in this specification are defined as follows:

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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 [%].

[0060]

[0061] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a typical energy storage system.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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 State of Charge (SOC) and controls charging and discharging.

[0064] Meanwhile, the battery protection unit (BPU) (50) is a device for protecting the battery from abnormal current and fault current in the battery rack unit. 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 the rack unit 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, the existing battery system can be controlled through protection devices such as the BPU and switch gear.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068]

[0069] Figure 2 shows the structure of a typical battery rack.

[0070] 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.

[0071] The BPU located at the top of the battery rack may include a circuit breaker (CB) and a RBMS.

[0072] The interior of the RBMS may include a main contactor (MC), a fuse, an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), memory, a power supply unit, and a current sensor.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075]

[0076] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 3, the battery system may include a battery protection unit (BPU) (100) and a plurality of battery assemblies (200-1 to 200-n).

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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 BPU (100) and can be electrically connected to a DC link.

[0081] 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) can be connected to a positive charge / discharge terminal (BP) and a negative charge / discharge terminal (BN) of the BPU (100), respectively. Here, the positive charge / discharge terminal (BP) and the negative charge / discharge terminal (BN) can be electrically connected to a positive DC link terminal (DP) and a negative DC link terminal (DN), respectively, inside the BPU (100). Accordingly, a battery assembly (210-1 to 210-n) in which batteries are connected in series with each other can be connected to a DC link.

[0082] Inside the BPU (100), a circuit breaker (CB) and a battery management system (BMS) may be included.

[0083] The battery management system (BMS) may include a main contactor (MC), a fuse, a control unit, a power supply unit, a power maintenance unit, and a current sensor.

[0084] The battery management device 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 included in the BPU may be an RBMS that manages multiple battery packs.

[0085] The battery management device can monitor and manage battery assemblies (200-1 to 200-N) and battery assemblies (200-1 to 200-N).

[0086]

[0087] Figure 4 is a circuit diagram of a battery protection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Referring to Fig. 4, a plurality of terminals may be provided on the outer surface of the battery protection 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), and a negative DC link terminal (DN).

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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).

[0091] The battery protection device (100) may include a circuit breaker (120) and a battery management device (110). Here, the battery management device (110) may manage battery assemblies and control the operation of the circuit breaker (120).

[0092] A circuit breaker (120) may be placed on the charge / discharge lines (Lp, Ln) of the battery. Here, the circuit breaker (120) may include a positive cut-off switch (CBp) placed on the positive line (Lp) and a negative cut-off switch (CBn) placed on the negative line (Ln).

[0093] The control unit (111) of the battery management device (110) monitors whether a predefined circuit breaker open event occurs, and when a circuit breaker open event occurs, the control unit (111) can switch the circuit breaker from a closed state to an open state. For example, when a current or temperature at a specific location within the battery system exceeds a threshold value, the control unit (111) can switch both the positive blocking switch (CBp) and the negative blocking switch (CBn) to an open state, thereby disconnecting the electrical connection between the battery assembly and the DC link.

[0094] The battery management device (110) may include a control unit (111), a power supply unit (112), a power holding unit (113), a current sensor (114), a main contactor (MC), and a pre-charge circuit (PC, Rpc).

[0095] The control unit (111) operates by receiving power from the power supply unit (112), and can control the operation of the circuit breaker (120), power maintenance unit (113), main contactor (MC), and pre-charge switch (PC).

[0096] The 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).

[0097] The control unit (111) 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.

[0098] The current sensor (114) 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).

[0099] The power supply unit (112) can receive power from a battery and supply power to the control unit (111).

[0100] The power maintenance unit (113) can receive power from the battery and supply temporary power to the power supply unit (112) when the circuit breaker (120) is open. Here, the power supply unit (112) can supply the temporary power supplied from the power maintenance unit (113) to the control unit (111).

[0101] The power supply unit (112) can receive power from a battery through a first power supply line (L1) and supply power to the control unit (111). In addition, the power maintenance unit (113) can receive power from a battery through a second power supply line (L2) and supply temporary power to the power supply unit (112).

[0102] For example, referring to FIG. 4, the power supply unit (112) may include a first power input terminal (1), a second power input terminal (2), a ground terminal (3), and a first power output terminal (4).

[0103] One end of the first power supply line (L1) can be connected between a positive pole cut-off switch (CBp) and a main contactor (MC), and the other end of the first power supply line (L1) can be connected to a first power input terminal (1) of a power supply unit (112).

[0104] In addition, one end of the second power supply line (L2) can be connected between the positive charge / discharge terminal (BP), which is the output terminal of the battery, and the positive cut-off switch (CBp), and the other end of the second power supply line (L2) can be connected to the second power input terminal (2) of the power supply unit (112).

[0105] The power maintenance unit (113) is disposed on the second power supply line (L2) and may include a power maintenance switch therein. Here, the control unit (111) may control whether to supply temporary power to the power supply unit (112) by controlling the power maintenance switch to turn on / off.

[0106] One end of the ground line (Lgrd) can be connected to the negative charge / discharge terminal (BN) and the negative cut-off switch (CBn), and the other end of the ground line (Lgrd) can be connected to the ground terminal (3) of the power supply unit (112).

[0107] The first power output terminal (4) of the power supply unit (112) is electrically connected to the control unit (111), and can convert power supplied through the first power supply line (L1) or the second power supply line (L2) into a set voltage and supply it to the control unit (111).

[0108] The control unit (111) can control the power maintenance unit (113) to switch the second power supply line (L2) to an activated state when a predefined circuit breaker open event occurs. For example, when a current or temperature at a specific location within the battery system exceeds a threshold value, the control unit (111) can switch the power maintenance switch included in the power maintenance unit (113) from an open state to a closed state, thereby switching the second power supply line (L2) to an activated state. Accordingly, power output from the battery can be supplied to the power supply unit (112) through the second power supply line (L2).

[0109] When the second power supply line (L2) is activated, the control unit (111) can switch the circuit breaker (120) to an open state.

[0110] Thereafter, the control unit (111) can switch the second power supply line (L2) to an inactive state when a predetermined period of time has elapsed or a predetermined power-off sequence has been completed. For example, when 20 seconds have elapsed since the circuit breaker (120) has been switched to an open state, the control unit (111) can switch the power maintenance switch from a closed state to an open state, thereby temporarily cutting off power supplied to the power supply unit (112). For another example, when the circuit breaker (120) has been switched to an open state, the control unit (111) can perform a power-off sequence, including a status check operation of internal components, a data storage operation, and an off-state switching operation of internal components. When the power-off sequence has been completed, the control unit (111) can switch the power maintenance switch from a closed state to an open state, thereby temporarily cutting off power supplied to the power supply unit (112).

[0111]

[0112] Figure 5 is a circuit diagram of a power maintenance unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 5, the power maintenance unit (113) may include a MOSFET (1131), a photocoupler (1132), and a voltage supply switch (PH).

[0114] The MOSFET (1131) is arranged on the second power supply line (L2) and can be turned on / off under the control of the control unit (111). Here, when the MOSFET (1131) is switched to the on state (closed state), the second power supply line (L2) is activated, and when the MOSFET (1131) is switched to the off state (open state), the second power supply line (L2) can be deactivated. That is, the MOSFET (1131) can correspond to a power maintenance switch.

[0115] The photocoupler (1132) can apply a gate voltage to the MOSFET (1131) under the control of the control unit (111). When the gate voltage is applied to the MOSFET (1131), the MOSFET (1131) can be switched from an off state to an on state.

[0116] The photo coupler (1132) may include a first output terminal (1), a second output terminal (2), a first input terminal (3), and a second input terminal (4).

[0117] A light-receiving element may be arranged between the first output terminal (1) and the second output terminal (2), and a light-emitting element may be arranged between the first input terminal (3) and the second input terminal (4).

[0118] The first output terminal (1) may be connected to the gate terminal of the MOSFET (1131), and the second output terminal (2) may be connected to the source terminal of the MOSFET (1131). In addition, the first input terminal (3) may be connected to the operating voltage supply line (Lv), and the second input terminal (4) may be connected to the ground line (Lgrd) of the power supply unit (112).

[0119] One end of the operating voltage supply line (Lv) may be connected to the first input terminal (3) of the photo coupler (1132), and the other end of the operating voltage supply line (Lv) may be connected to the second power output terminal (5) of the power supply unit (112). That is, the light-emitting element of the photo coupler (1132) may receive an operating voltage from the power supply unit (112) and emit light.

[0120] The voltage supply switch (PH) is placed on the operating voltage supply line (Lv) and can be turned on / off by the control unit (111).

[0121] The control unit (111) can switch the voltage supply switch (PH) from an open state to a closed state when a predefined circuit breaker open event occurs. Accordingly, the photocoupler (1132) applies a gate voltage to the MOSFET (1131), and the MOSFET (1131) is switched from an off state to an on state, thereby switching the second power supply line (L2) to an activated state. Accordingly, temporary power can be supplied to the power supply unit (112).

[0122] When the second power supply line (L2) is activated, the control unit (111) can switch the circuit breaker (120) to an open state.

[0123] Thereafter, the control unit (111) can switch the voltage supply switch (PH) from a closed state to an open state when a predetermined period of time has elapsed or a predetermined power-off sequence is completed, thereby switching the second power supply line (L2) to an inactive state. Accordingly, the temporary power supplied to the power supply unit (112) can be cut off.

[0124]

[0125] 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.

[0126] When the operation mode of the battery system is initiated (S610), the power supply unit (112) can receive power from the battery through the first power supply line (L1) and supply power to the control unit (111), as illustrated in FIG. 7. At this time, the power maintenance switch included in the power maintenance unit (113) is maintained in an off state (open state), and accordingly, the second power supply line (L2) can be maintained in an inactive state.

[0127] The control unit (111) can monitor whether a predefined circuit breaker open event occurs (S620). For example, the control unit (111) can collect battery status values ​​from lower BMSs and determine whether a specific status value exceeds a predefined threshold value. If the specific status value exceeds the predefined threshold value, the control unit (111) can determine that a circuit breaker open event has occurred.

[0128] When a circuit breaker open event occurs (YES of S620), the control unit (111) can control the power maintenance unit (113) to switch the second power supply line (L2) to an activated state (S630).

[0129] Here, the control unit (111) can switch the power maintenance switch disposed on the second power supply line (L2) from an open state to a closed state, thereby switching the second power supply line (L2) to an activated state. For example, the control unit (111) can switch the voltage supply switch (PH) illustrated in FIG. 5 from an open state to a closed state. Accordingly, the photocoupler (1132) can apply a gate voltage to the MOSFET (1131), and the MOSFET (1131) can be switched from an off state to an on state, thereby switching the second power supply line (L2) to an activated state. Accordingly, the power supply unit (112), as illustrated in FIG. 8, can receive power from the battery through the second power supply line (L2) and supply power to the control unit (111).

[0130] The control unit (111) can switch the circuit breaker (120) placed on the charge / discharge line of the battery to an open state after the second power supply line (L2) is activated (S640).

[0131] Thereafter, the control unit (111) can determine whether a predefined power-off condition is satisfied (S650). Here, the power-off condition may include at least one of a first condition in which a predefined period of time elapses after the circuit breaker (120) is switched to open, and a second condition in which a predefined power-off sequence is completed. For example, the control unit (111) can determine whether 20 seconds have elapsed since the circuit breaker (120) was switched to the open state, or whether all predefined power-off sequences have been performed after the circuit breaker (120) was switched to the open state.

[0132] If the power cutoff condition is satisfied (YES in S650), the control unit (111) can control the power maintenance unit (113) to switch the second power supply line (L2) to a disabled state (S660). For example, the control unit (111) can switch the voltage supply switch (PH) illustrated in FIG. 5 from a closed state to an open state, thereby switching the second power supply line (L2) to a disabled state. Accordingly, the temporary power supplied to the power supply unit (112) is cut off, and the power supply to the control unit (111) can also be stopped.

[0133]

[0134] Figure 9 is a block diagram of a control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] A control unit (900) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be included in a battery management device located between a circuit breaker disposed on a charge / discharge line of a battery and a DC link.

[0136] Here, the battery management device may include a power supply unit that receives power from the battery through a first power supply line and supplies power to the control unit (900); and a power maintenance unit that receives power from the battery through a second power supply line and supplies temporary power to the power supply unit.

[0137] 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.

[0138] The at least one command may include a command for monitoring whether a predefined circuit breaker open event occurs; a command for controlling the power maintenance unit to switch the second power supply line from a disabled state to an enabled state when the circuit breaker open event occurs; and a command for switching a circuit breaker disposed on a charge / discharge line of a battery to an open state after the second power supply line is activated.

[0139] The at least one command may further include a command to switch the second power supply line to a disabled state after a predefined period of time has elapsed or a predefined power off sequence has been completed after the circuit breaker has been switched to an open state.

[0140] The command to switch the second power supply line from a disabled state to an enabled state may include a command to switch the second power supply line from an open state to a closed state by switching a power maintenance switch disposed on the second power supply line from an open state to a closed state.

[0141] The power maintenance unit may include a MOSFET disposed on the second power supply line; a photocoupler for applying a gate voltage to the MOSFET; and a voltage supply switch disposed on a path for supplying an operating voltage of the photocoupler. Here, a command for switching the second power supply line from a deactivated state to an activated state may include a command for switching the voltage supply switch from an open state to a closed state, thereby switching the second power supply line to an activated state.

[0142] 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.

[0143] Here, the processor (910) may refer to 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. In addition, the memory may be configured with at least one of a volatile / transitory storage medium and a non-volatile / non-transitory storage medium. For example, the memory may be configured with 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).

[0144]

[0145] 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.

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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.

[0150] 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. Battery; A circuit breaker placed on the charge / discharge line of the above battery; and A battery management device comprising: a battery management device that manages the battery and controls the operation of the circuit breaker; The above battery management device, control unit; A power supply unit that receives power from the battery through a first power supply line and supplies power to the control unit; and A battery system comprising a power maintenance unit that receives power from the battery through a second power supply line and supplies temporary power to the power supply unit while the circuit breaker is open.

2. In claim 1, The above control unit, A battery system that controls the power maintenance unit to switch the second power supply line to an activated state when a predefined circuit breaker open event occurs.

3. In claim 2, The above control unit, After the above second power supply line is activated, the circuit breaker is switched to the open state, A battery system that switches the second power supply line to a disabled state when a predetermined period of time has elapsed or a predetermined power-off sequence has been completed.

4. In claim 1, The above first power supply line, First, it is connected between the circuit breaker and the main contactor placed on the charging / discharging line, A battery system, wherein the other end is connected to the first power input terminal of the power supply unit.

5. In claim 4, The above second power supply line, First, it is connected between the output terminal of the above battery and the circuit breaker, A battery system, wherein the other end is connected to a second power input terminal of the power supply unit.

6. In claim 1, The above power maintenance unit, comprising a power maintenance switch disposed on the second power supply line; The above control unit, A battery system that switches the power maintenance switch from an open state to a closed state when a predefined circuit breaker open event occurs, thereby switching the second power supply line to an activated state.

7. In claim 1, The above power maintenance unit, A MOSFET disposed on the second power supply line; A photocoupler for applying a gate voltage to the above MOSFET; and A voltage supply switch is disposed on a path that supplies the operating voltage of the photocoupler, The above control unit, A battery system that switches the voltage supply switch from an open state to a closed state when a predefined circuit breaker open event occurs, thereby switching the second power supply line to an activated state.

8. In claim 7, The above photo coupler, A battery system that receives an operating voltage from the above power supply unit.

9. A method of operating a battery system by a battery management device, comprising: a control unit; a power supply unit that receives power from a battery through a first power supply line and supplies power to the control unit; and a power maintenance unit that receives power from the battery through a second power supply line and supplies temporary power to the power supply unit. A step of monitoring whether a predefined circuit breaker open event occurs; When the circuit breaker open event occurs, a step of controlling the power maintenance unit to switch the second power supply line from a disabled state to an enabled state; and A method of operating a battery system, comprising the step of switching a circuit breaker disposed on a charge / discharge line of a battery to an open state after the second power supply line is activated.

10. In claim 9, A method of operating a battery system, further comprising the step of switching the second power supply line to a disabled state after a predetermined period of time has elapsed or a predetermined power-off sequence has been completed after the circuit breaker has been switched to an open state.

11. In claim 9, The step of switching the second power supply line from a disabled state to an enabled state is as follows: A method of operating a battery system, comprising the step of switching a power maintenance switch disposed on the second power supply line from an open state to a closed state, thereby switching the second power supply line to an activated state.

12. In claim 9, The above power maintenance unit, A MOSFET disposed on the second power supply line; a photocoupler for applying a gate voltage to the MOSFET; and a voltage supply switch disposed on a path for supplying an operating voltage to the photocoupler. The step of switching the second power supply line from a disabled state to an enabled state is as follows: A method of operating a battery system, comprising the step of switching the voltage supply switch from an open state to a closed state, thereby switching the second power supply line to an activated state.

13. A battery management device located between a circuit breaker placed on the battery charge / discharge line and a DC link, control unit; A power supply unit that receives power from the battery through a first power supply line and supplies power to the control unit; and A battery management device comprising a power maintenance unit that receives power from the battery through a second power supply line and supplies temporary power to the power supply unit while the circuit breaker is open.

14. A computer-readable medium recording a program for executing the method of any one of claims 9 to 12 on a computer.

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