Battery system and operating method thereof

Abstract

A battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of battery management systems (BMSs) connected in a daisy chain manner. Here, each of the BMSs may include: a control unit; and a photo relay that transmits a control signal for identifier (ID) allocation, which is input from a signal input terminal, to the control unit in an optical transmission manner. In addition, when the control unit receives the control signal from the photo relay, the control unit may allocate its own ID according to a predefined ID allocation protocol, and transmit the control signal to a signal input terminal of a next BMS through a signal output terminal.

Description

Battery system and method of operation thereof

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing dates of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0118243, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on September 2, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0145610, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on October 23, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery system and a method for operating the same, and more particularly, to a battery system including a plurality of BMS (Battery Management Systems) and a method for 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] For battery system operation, communication between the upper control unit and the rack BMSs is essential. To distinguish each rack BMS, an identifier (ID) must be assigned to each rack BMS.

[0006] Typically, rack BMSs are connected in a daisy chain manner, with the first rack BMS defined as the master BMS, and the remaining rack BMSs defined as slave BMSs. When the ID assignment process is initiated, the master BMS sequentially transmits a control signal for ID assignment to the slave BMSs, and the slave BMSs that receive the control signal can sequentially assign IDs according to a predefined ID assignment rule.

[0007] However, if the slave BMS located in the middle is off or in an abnormal state, the control signal for ID assignment cannot be transmitted to the next slave BMS, and thus, the ID assignment process may not be completed.

[0008] Related prior literature includes KR 10-2023-0134371 A.

[0009] The purpose of the present invention to solve the above problems is to provide a battery system capable of assigning an ID to each of a plurality of BMSs.

[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 located within such a battery system.

[0012] A battery system according to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above purpose may include a plurality of BMS (Battery Management Systems) connected in a daisy chain manner.

[0013] Here, each of the BMSs may include a control unit; and a photo relay that transmits a control signal for assigning an identifier (ID) input from a signal input terminal to the control unit in an optical transmission manner. In addition, when the control unit receives the control signal from the photo relay, the control unit may assign its own ID according to a predefined ID assignment convention and transmit the control signal to a signal input terminal of the next BMS through a signal output terminal.

[0014] The photo relay may include a first input terminal connected to the signal input terminal; a second input terminal connected to a ground line; and an output terminal connected to the control unit.

[0015] The above control unit can control a switch disposed on the ground line to a closed state so that the control signal is transmitted to the control unit through the photo relay.

[0016] Each of the above BMSs may further include a bypass line, one end of which is connected to the ground line and the other end is connected to the signal output terminal.

[0017] Here, the bypass line can be activated when the BMS is in an abnormal state or in an off state, so that the control signal bypasses the control unit and is transmitted to the signal input terminal of the next BMS.

[0018] When the above BMS is in an abnormal state or in an off state, a signal for controlling the switch placed on the ground line to a closed state is not input, so that the bypass line can be activated.

[0019]

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above other object, a method for operating a battery system includes a master BMS; and a plurality of slave BMSs, which are connected in a daisy chain manner, wherein each of the slave BMSs includes a control unit; and a photo relay, and when a control signal for ID assignment output from the master BMS is transmitted to a signal input terminal of a first slave BMS, the first slave BMS may include a step of transmitting the control signal to the control unit in an optical transmission manner using the photo relay; a step of the control unit of the first slave BMS allocating its own ID according to a predefined ID assignment convention; and a step of the control unit of the first slave BMS transmitting the control signal to a signal input terminal of a second slave BMS through a signal output terminal.

[0021] The photo relay may include a first input terminal connected to the signal input terminal; a second input terminal connected to a ground line; and an output terminal connected to the control unit.

[0022] The step of transmitting the control signal to the control unit may include a step of the control unit controlling the switch disposed on the ground line to a closed state so that the control signal is transmitted to the control unit via the photo relay.

[0023] Each of the above slave BMSs may further include a bypass line, one end of which is connected to the ground line and the other end is connected to the signal output terminal.

[0024] The operating method of the above battery system may further include a step of activating the bypass line by not inputting a signal for controlling a switch arranged on a ground line of the Nth slave BMS to a closed state when the Nth slave BMS is in an abnormal state or in an off state; and a step of transmitting a control signal transmitted to the Nth slave BMS bypassing the control unit of the Nth slave BMS and to a signal input terminal of the N+1th slave BMS.

[0025]

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above another object, a battery management device is a battery management device that is connected to other battery management devices in a daisy chain manner, and may include a signal input terminal connected to a signal output terminal of a battery management device of a previous order; a signal output terminal connected to a signal input terminal of a battery management device of a next order; a control unit; and a photo relay that transmits a control signal for ID assignment, input from the signal input terminal, to the control unit in an optical transmission manner.

[0027] Here, when the control unit receives the control signal from the photo relay, it can assign its own ID according to a predefined ID assignment rule and transmit the control signal to the signal input terminal of the next battery management device through the signal output terminal.

[0028] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, even if any one of the plurality of BMSs included in the battery system is in an abnormal state or in an off state, the ID assignment process can be completed stably.

[0029] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a typical energy storage system.

[0030] Figure 2 is a circuit diagram of a typical battery system.

[0031] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 4 is a circuit diagram of a battery management device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 5 is an implementation example of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figures 6 and 7 are reference diagrams for explaining the operation of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 8 is an operational flowchart of a method for operating a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] 100: Battery System

[0037] 110: Battery

[0038] 120: Battery management device

[0039] 121: Control Unit

[0040] 122: Photo Relay

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046]

[0047] Some terms used in this specification are defined as follows:

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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 [%].

[0054]

[0055] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a typical energy storage system.

[0056] 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 modules can form a battery rack. In other words, a battery rack, consisting of a series / parallel combination of battery modules, can serve as the smallest unit of a battery system. Depending on the device or system in which the battery is used, a battery module may also be referred to as a battery pack.

[0057] Referring to Fig. 1, a single battery rack (10) may include multiple battery modules and a single BPU 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 it manages, and based on the monitoring results, calculates the battery's State of Charge (SOC) and controls charging and discharging.

[0058] Meanwhile, the Battery Protection Unit (BPU) is a device that protects batteries from abnormal current and fault current at the rack level. The BPU may include a main contactor (MC), a fuse, a circuit breaker (CB), or a disconnect switch (DS). The main contactor may include a positive main contactor and a negative main contactor. The BPU can control the battery system at the rack level by turning the main contactor on and off under 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 battery system can be controlled through protective devices such as the BPU and switch gear.

[0059] Meanwhile, each battery section, which is composed of a plurality of batteries and peripheral circuits, devices, etc., is equipped with a BSC (Battery System Controller) (20) 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 racks, and is also used as a control device in a battery system having a multiple bank-level structure.

[0060] In addition, the power conversion system (PCS) (40) installed in each battery section is a device that performs actual charging / discharging based on the charging / discharging command from the EMS (30), and may be configured to include a power conversion unit (DC / AC inverter) and a controller. Meanwhile, the output of each BPU may be connected to a power generation device (e.g., a solar power generation device) and the PCS (40) via a DC link (or DC bus), and the PCS (40) may be connected to the grid. In addition, the EMS (Energy Management System) (30) or PMS (Power Management System) manages the ESS system as a whole.

[0061]

[0062] Figure 2 is a circuit diagram of a typical battery system.

[0063] For the operation of an energy storage system, communication between the upper control unit (e.g., BSC or EMS) and the RBMSs is essential. For example, the upper control unit can collect status data, such as current, voltage, and temperature, from each RBMS and control the operation of each rack based on the collected status data.

[0064] To enable the upper control unit to distinguish information from each rack, an ID assignment process for RBMSs may be performed before the battery system starts operating.

[0065] Typically, as illustrated in FIG. 2, RBMSs are connected in a daisy chain manner, with the first RBMS being defined as a master BMS, and the remaining RBMSs being defined as slave BMSs.

[0066] When the ID assignment process is initiated, the master BMS sequentially transmits a control signal for ID assignment to the slave BMSs, and the slave BMSs that receive the control signal can sequentially assign IDs according to a predefined ID assignment rule. For example, when the MCU (Micro Controller Unit) of the master BMS transmits a control signal for ID assignment to the slave BMS #1 through an output terminal, the MCU of the slave BMS #1 can set its ID to [#1]. Thereafter, when the MCU of the slave BMS #1 transmits a control signal for ID assignment to the slave BMS #2 through an output terminal, the MCU of the slave BMS #2 can set its ID to [#2]. In this manner, the IDs of the slave BMSs can be sequentially assigned.

[0067] In a battery system in which RBMSs are connected in a daisy chain manner, if a slave BMS (e.g., slave BMS #1) located in the middle is off or in an abnormal state, the control signal for ID assignment is not transmitted to the next slave BMS (e.g., slave BMS #2). Accordingly, the BMS located in the next order after the BMS that is off or in an abnormal state is not assigned an ID, and the ID assignment process is not completed normally.

[0068] 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.

[0069]

[0070] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 3, the battery system (100) may include a plurality of batteries (110-1 to 110-M) and battery control devices (120-1 to 120-M) provided corresponding to each of the plurality of batteries (110-1 to 110-M).

[0072] In the present invention, the battery (110) may refer to a battery rack, and the battery control device (120) may refer to an RBMS, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the battery (110) may correspond to any one of a battery module, a battery pack, or a battery bank, and the battery control device (120) may correspond to any one of a module BMS, a pack BMS, or a bank BMS.

[0073] The batteries (110) may be electrically connected to each other. For example, the batteries (110) may be individually connected to a DC link and connected in parallel with other batteries.

[0074] The battery system (100) can be linked to an upper control device. Here, the upper control device may be a BSC or EMS that is connected to the battery control devices (120-1 to 120-M) in communication with them to monitor and manage the status of the batteries (110-1 to 110-M).

[0075]

[0076] Figure 4 is a circuit diagram of a battery management device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Specifically, FIG. 4 illustrates the circuit structure of one of a plurality of battery management devices included in a battery system. The battery management device illustrated in FIG. 4 can be daisy-chained with other battery management devices.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 4, the battery management device may include a signal input terminal (Tin), a signal output terminal (Tout), a control unit (121), and a photo relay (122).

[0079] The signal input terminal (Tin) can be connected to the signal output terminal (Tout) of the battery management device of the previous order, and the signal output terminal (Tout) can be connected to the signal input terminal (Tin) of the battery management device of the next order.

[0080] The signal input terminal (Tin) can receive a control signal for ID assignment through the signal output terminal (Tout) of the battery management device of the previous sequence. Here, the control signal for ID assignment can be output from the BMS of the first sequence (e.g., the master BMS) and sequentially transmitted from the BMS of the next sequence to the BMS of the last sequence.

[0081] The photo relay (122) may include a first input terminal (1), a second input terminal (2), a first output terminal (3), and a second output terminal (4).

[0082] A light-emitting element may be arranged between the first input terminal (1) and the second input terminal (2), and a light-receiving element may be arranged between the first output terminal (3) and the second output terminal (4). Accordingly, when a signal is applied to both ends of the first input terminal (1) and the second input terminal (2), the applied signal may be transmitted to both ends of the first output terminal (3) and the second output terminal (4) in an optical transmission manner.

[0083] The first input terminal (1) can be connected to a signal input terminal (Tin), and the second input terminal (2) can be connected to a ground line (Ld). Here, one end of the ground line (Ld) can be connected to the second input terminal (2), and the other end of the ground line (Ld) can be connected to ground.

[0084] The first output terminal (3) is connected to the input terminal of the control unit (121), and the second output terminal (4) can be connected to ground.

[0085] Accordingly, when a control signal for ID assignment is input to the signal input terminal (Tin), the photo relay (122) can transmit the control signal to the control unit (121) in an optical transmission manner.

[0086] When the control unit (121) receives a control signal for ID assignment from the photo relay (121), it can assign its own ID according to a predefined rule. Thereafter, the control unit (121) can transmit the control signal for ID assignment to the signal input terminal (Tin) of the next battery management device through the signal output terminal (Tout).

[0087] Specifically, the control unit (121) may include a first output terminal (1), and the first output terminal (1) may be connected to a signal output terminal (Tout). Here, a MOSFET (Qo) connected to a power supply line (Vcc) may be arranged between the first output terminal (1) and the signal output terminal (Tout), and the control unit (121) may control the MOSFET (Qo) to output a control signal for ID assignment to the signal output terminal (Tout). The control signal output by the control unit (121) may be transmitted to a signal input terminal (Tin) of a next-order battery management device through the signal output terminal (Tout).

[0088] A grounding switch (Qg) may be placed on the grounding line (Ld). Here, the grounding switch (Qg) may be turned on and off by a control unit (121).

[0089] Specifically, the control unit (121) may include a second output terminal (2), and the second output terminal (2) may be connected to a control terminal of a ground switch (Qg). When the battery control device is in a normal state, the control unit (121) may control the ground switch (Qg) to a closed state (ON). Accordingly, when the battery control device is in a normal state, the ground line (Ld) is activated, and when a control signal for ID assignment is input to the signal input terminal (Tin), the photo relay (122) may transmit the control signal to the control unit (121) in an optical transmission manner.

[0090] The battery management device may include a bypass line (Lb) that can bypass a control signal for ID assignment. Here, one end of the bypass line (Lb) may be connected to a ground line (Ld), and the other end of the bypass line (Lb) may be connected to a signal output terminal (Tout). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, one end of the bypass line (Lb) may be connected between a second output terminal (2) of a photo relay (122) and a ground switch (Qg), and the other end of the bypass line (Lb) may be connected between a MOSFET (Qo) and the signal output terminal (Tout).

[0091] If the battery control device is in an abnormal state or in an OFF state, the control unit (121) cannot apply a signal to control the ground switch (Qg) to a closed state (ON), and the ground switch (Qg) is switched to an open state (OFF). Accordingly, the bypass line (Lb) is activated, so that the control signal for ID assignment can bypass the control unit (121) and be transmitted to the signal input terminal (Tin) of the next battery management device through the signal output terminal (Tout).

[0092]

[0093] FIG. 5 illustrates an implementation example of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. While FIG. 5 illustrates a battery system including three BMSs, the number of BMSs included in the battery system may be increased as needed.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 5, BMSs are connected in a daisy chain manner, and the first BMS can be defined as a master BMS, and the remaining BMSs can be defined as slave BMSs.

[0095] Each of the BMSs may include a signal input terminal (Tin), a signal output terminal (Tout), a control unit (121), and a photo relay (122).

[0096] The signal output terminal (Tout) of the master BMS can be connected to the signal input terminal (Tin) of the adjacent BMS, slave BMS #1. In addition, the signal output terminal (Tout) of the slave BMS #1 can be connected to the signal input terminal (Tin) of the next BMS, slave BMS #2.

[0097] Each photo relay (122) of the BMS may include a first input terminal (1), a second input terminal (2), a first output terminal (3), and a second output terminal (4).

[0098] A light-emitting element may be arranged between the first input terminal (1) and the second input terminal (2), and a light-receiving element may be arranged between the first output terminal (3) and the second output terminal (4). Accordingly, when a signal is applied to both ends of the first input terminal (1) and the second input terminal (2), the applied signal may be transmitted to both ends of the first output terminal (3) and the second output terminal (4) in an optical transmission manner.

[0099] The first input terminal (1) can be connected to a signal input terminal (Tin), and the second input terminal (2) can be connected to a ground line (Ld). Here, one end of the ground line (Ld) can be connected to the second input terminal (2), and the other end of the ground line (Ld) can be connected to ground.

[0100] The first output terminal (3) is connected to the input terminal of the control unit (121), and the second output terminal (4) can be connected to ground.

[0101] Each control unit (121) of the BMS may include a first output terminal (1), and the first output terminal (1) may be connected to a signal output terminal (Tout). Here, a MOSFET (Qo) connected to a power supply line (Vcc) may be placed between the first output terminal (1) and the signal output terminal (Tout).

[0102] A ground switch (Qg) may be placed on the ground line (Ld) of each BMS. Here, the ground switch (Qg) may be turned on and off by a control unit (121).

[0103] Specifically, the control unit (121) may include a second output terminal (2), and the second output terminal (2) may be connected to a control terminal of a grounding switch (Qg). When the battery control device is in a normal state, the control unit (121) may control the grounding switch (Qg) to a closed state (ON).

[0104] Each of the BMSs may include a bypass line (Lb) that can bypass a control signal for ID assignment. Here, one end of the bypass line (Lb) may be connected between the second output terminal (2) of the photo relay (122) and the ground switch (Qg), and the other end of the bypass line (Lb) may be connected between the MOSFET (Qo) and the signal output terminal (Tout).

[0105] Figures 6 and 7 are reference diagrams for explaining the operation of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] Figure 6 shows the operation of the battery system when all BMSs are in normal state.

[0107] When the ID assignment process is initiated, the control unit (121) of each BMS can control the ground switch (Qg) to a closed state (ON). Accordingly, the ground line (Ld) of each BMS can be activated.

[0108] The master BMS can output a control signal for ID assignment. Specifically, the control unit (121) of the master BMS can control the MOSFET (Qo) to output a control signal for ID assignment to the signal output terminal (Tout). The control signal output by the control unit (121) can be transmitted to the signal input terminal (Tin) of the slave BMS #1 via the signal output terminal (Tout).

[0109] When a control signal for ID assignment is input to the signal input terminal (Tin) of the slave BMS #1, the photo relay (122) of the slave BMS #1 can transmit the control signal to the control unit (121) in an optical transmission manner. When the control unit (121) of the slave BMS #1 receives the control signal for ID assignment from the photo relay (121), it can assign its own ID according to a predefined rule. Thereafter, the control unit (121) can control the MOSFET (Qo) to output the control signal for ID assignment to the signal output terminal (Tout). The control signal output by the control unit (121) can be transmitted to the signal input terminal (Tin) of the slave BMS #2 via the signal output terminal (Tout).

[0110] When a control signal for ID assignment is input to the signal input terminal (Tin) of the slave BMS #2, the photo relay (122) of the slave BMS #2 can transmit the control signal to the control unit (121) in an optical transmission manner. When the control unit (121) of the slave BMS #2 receives the control signal for ID assignment from the photo relay (121), it can assign its own ID according to a predefined rule. Thereafter, the control unit (121) can control the MOSFET (Qo) to output the control signal for ID assignment to the signal output terminal (Tout). Since the slave BMS #2 is the last BMS included in the battery system, the control signal output by the slave BMS #2 is not transmitted to other slave BMSs, and the ID assignment process can be completed.

[0111]

[0112] Figure 7 illustrates the operation of the battery system when a specific slave BMS (#1) is in an abnormal or off state.

[0113] When the ID assignment process is initiated, the control unit (121) of each BMS can control the ground switch (Qg) to a closed state (ON). Accordingly, the ground line (Ld) of each BMS can be activated.

[0114] However, when the slave BMS #1 is in an abnormal state or in an OFF state, the control unit (121) of the slave BMS #1 cannot apply a signal to control the ground switch (Qg) to a closed state (ON). Accordingly, the signal to control the ground switch (Qg) of the slave BMS #1 to a closed state (ON) is not input, the ground switch (Qg) becomes an open state (OFF), and the bypass line (Lb) of the slave BMS #1 is activated.

[0115] The master BMS can output a control signal for ID assignment. Specifically, the control unit (121) of the master BMS can control the MOSFET (Qo) to output a control signal for ID assignment to the signal output terminal (Tout). The control signal output by the control unit (121) can be transmitted to the signal input terminal (Tin) of the slave BMS #1 via the signal output terminal (Tout).

[0116] When a control signal for ID assignment is input to the signal input terminal (Tin) of slave BMS #1, the control signal can bypass the control unit (121) and be transmitted to the signal input terminal (Tin) of slave BMS #2 through the bypass line (Lb).

[0117] When a control signal for ID assignment is input to the signal input terminal (Tin) of the slave BMS #2, the photo relay (122) of the slave BMS #2 can transmit the control signal to the control unit (121) in an optical transmission manner. When the control unit (121) of the slave BMS #2 receives the control signal for ID assignment from the photo relay (121), it can assign its own ID according to a predefined rule. Thereafter, the control unit (121) can control the MOSFET (Qo) to output the control signal for ID assignment to the signal output terminal (Tout). Since the slave BMS #2 is the last BMS included in the battery system, the control signal output by the slave BMS #2 is not transmitted to other slave BMSs, and the ID assignment process can be completed.

[0118]

[0119] Figure 8 is an operational flowchart of a method for operating a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] The battery system may include a master BMS and M slave BMSs connected in a daisy chain manner.

[0121] When the ID assignment process is initiated, the control unit of each BMS can control the ground switch (Qg) to a closed state (ON) (S810). Accordingly, the ground line (Ld) of each BMS can be activated.

[0122] The master BMS can output a control signal for ID assignment (S820). Specifically, the control unit of the master BMS can control the MOSFET (Qo) to output a control signal for ID assignment to the signal output terminal (Tout).

[0123] The control signal output by the control unit is sequentially transmitted from the first slave BMS to the Mth slave BMS, and the slave BMSs that receive the control signal can sequentially assign IDs according to a predefined ID assignment rule (S830).

[0124] For example, when a control signal for ID assignment is input to the signal input terminal (Tin) of the first slave BMS, the photo relay of the first slave BMS can transmit the control signal to the control unit by optical transmission. When the control unit of the first slave BMS receives the control signal for ID assignment from the photo relay, it can assign its own ID according to a predefined rule. Thereafter, the control unit can control the MOSFET (Qo) to output the control signal for ID assignment to the signal output terminal (Tout). The control signal output by the control unit can be transmitted to the signal input terminal (Tin) of the second slave BMS via the signal output terminal (Tout). In this manner, IDs can be sequentially assigned up to the M-th slave BMS.

[0125] In S810, if the Nth slave BMS is in an abnormal state or in an off state, a signal for controlling a switch placed on the ground line of the Nth slave BMS to a closed state is not input, so that the bypass line of the Nth slave BMS can be activated. In this case, in S830, the control signal transmitted to the Nth slave BMS can bypass the control unit of the Nth slave BMS and be transmitted to the signal input terminal of the N+1th slave BMS.

[0126] For example, when the first slave BMS is in an abnormal state or in an OFF state, the control unit of the first slave BMS cannot apply a signal to control the ground switch (Qg) to a closed state (ON). Accordingly, the ground switch (Qg) of the first slave BMS becomes an open state (OFF), and the bypass line (Lb) of the first slave BMS is activated. When a control signal for ID assignment is input to the signal input terminal (Tin) of the first slave BMS, the control signal can bypass the control unit and be transmitted to the signal input terminal (Tin) of the second slave BMS through the bypass line (Lb).

[0127]

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. A battery system including multiple BMS (Battery Management Systems) connected in a daisy chain manner, Each of the above BMSs, control unit; and Includes a photo relay that transmits a control signal for assigning an identifier (ID) input from a signal input terminal to the control unit in an optical transmission manner, The above control unit, A battery system that, when receiving the control signal from the photo relay, assigns its own ID according to a predefined ID assignment rule and transmits the control signal to the signal input terminal of the next BMS through the signal output terminal.

2. In claim 1, The above photo relay, A battery system comprising a first input terminal connected to the signal input terminal; a second input terminal connected to a ground line; and an output terminal connected to the control unit.

3. In claim 2, The above control unit, A battery system that controls a switch placed on the ground line to a closed state so that the control signal is transmitted to the control unit through the photo relay.

4. In claim 2, Each of the above BMSs, A battery system further comprising a bypass line, one end of which is connected to the ground line and the other end of which is connected to the signal output terminal.

5. In claim 4, The above bypass line is, A battery system that is activated when the BMS is in an abnormal state or in an off state, so that the control signal bypasses the control unit and is transmitted to the signal input terminal of the next BMS.

6. In claim 5, A battery system in which, when the BMS is in an abnormal state or in an off state, a signal for controlling a switch placed on the ground line to a closed state is not input, thereby activating the bypass line.

7. A method for operating a battery system, comprising a master BMS and a plurality of slave BMSs connected in a daisy chain manner, Each of the above slave BMSs includes a control unit; and a photo relay; A step in which, when a control signal for ID assignment output from the master BMS is transmitted to a signal input terminal of the first slave BMS, the first slave BMS transmits the control signal to the control unit in an optical transmission manner using a photo relay; A step in which the control unit of the first slave BMS assigns its own ID according to a predefined ID assignment rule; and A method for operating a battery system, comprising a step of the control unit of the first slave BMS transmitting the control signal to the signal input terminal of the second slave BMS through the signal output terminal.

8. In claim 7, The above photo relay, A method for operating a battery system, comprising: a first input terminal connected to the signal input terminal; a second input terminal connected to a ground line; and an output terminal connected to the control unit.

9. In claim 8, The step of transmitting the above control signal to the control unit is: A method for operating a battery system, comprising a step of the control unit controlling a switch disposed on the ground line to a closed state so that the control signal is transmitted to the control unit through the photo relay.

10. In claim 8, Each of the above slave BMSs, A method of operating a battery system, further comprising a bypass line, one end of which is connected to the ground line and the other end of which is connected to the signal output terminal.

11. In claim 10, When the Nth slave BMS is in an abnormal state or in an off state, a signal for controlling a switch placed on the ground line of the Nth slave BMS to a closed state is not input, thereby activating the bypass line; and A method for operating a battery system, further comprising a step of transmitting a control signal transmitted to the Nth slave BMS to a signal input terminal of the N+1th slave BMS, bypassing the control unit of the Nth slave BMS.

12. A battery management device that is connected in a daisy chain manner with other battery management devices, A signal input terminal connected to the signal output terminal of the battery management device of the previous order; A signal output terminal connected to the signal input terminal of the next battery management device; control unit; and Includes a photo relay that transmits a control signal for ID assignment, input from the signal input terminal, to the control unit in an optical transmission manner, The above control unit, A battery management device that, when receiving the control signal from the photo relay, assigns its own ID according to a predefined ID assignment rule and transmits the control signal to the signal input terminal of the next battery management device through the signal output terminal.

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