Battery management apparatus and method thereof

Abstract

A battery management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present document may comprise: a memory in which one or more instructions are stored; and a processor. The processor can obtain a reference voltage for determining initially driven batteries among a plurality of batteries on the basis of factors obtained from a plurality of cells included in each of the plurality of batteries, and manage the connection state of each of the plurality of batteries on the basis of the reference voltage.

Description

Battery management device and method

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0130707 filed on September 26, 2024, and includes all contents disclosed in the document of said patent application as part of this specification.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The embodiments disclosed in this document relate to a battery management device and a method thereof.

[0005] Recently, active research and development on secondary batteries has been underway. Here, secondary batteries are rechargeable batteries that can be interpreted to encompass conventional Ni / Cd and Ni / MH batteries, as well as recent lithium-ion batteries. With their scope of application expanding to include power sources for electric vehicles, they are garnering attention as a next-generation energy storage medium.

[0006] In particular, various methods for determining the initial drive battery among multiple batteries are being studied in devices containing multiple batteries. Since the utilization efficiency of a battery system decreases when the voltage difference between batteries is large, various studies are being conducted to address this issue.

[0007] According to the embodiments disclosed in this document, the invention relates to a battery management device and a method for determining an initial driving battery among a plurality of batteries.

[0008] According to the embodiments disclosed in this document, the invention relates to a battery management device and a method for determining an initial driving battery by comparing the voltage of a reference battery among a plurality of batteries with the voltage difference between the remaining batteries.

[0009] According to the embodiments disclosed in this document, the invention relates to a battery management device and a method for determining a reference voltage using factors obtained from battery cells and determining an initial driving battery using the voltage of each of a plurality of batteries and the reference voltage.

[0010] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0011] A battery management device according to one embodiment of the present document includes a memory in which one or more instructions are stored, and a processor for executing said one or more instructions. The processor obtains a reference voltage for determining initial operating batteries among said plurality of batteries based on factors obtained from a plurality of cells included in each of said plurality of batteries, and can manage the connection status of each of said plurality of batteries based on said reference voltage.

[0012] In one embodiment, the factors may include the nominal resistor of the plurality of cells, the allowable operating current of the plurality of cells, the first number of the plurality of cells connected in parallel, and the allowable voltage of the plurality of batteries.

[0013] In one embodiment, the processor can obtain the allowable voltage based on the nominal resistance, the operating current, and the first number.

[0014] In one embodiment, the processor can obtain the reference voltage based on the operating current, the first number, the second number in which the plurality of cells are connected in series, and the allowable voltage.

[0015] In one embodiment, the processor may determine whether to connect the at least one battery to the reference battery based on whether the difference between the first voltage of the reference battery and the second voltage of at least one battery different from the reference battery among the plurality of batteries is less than the reference voltage.

[0016] In one embodiment, the processor may connect the at least one battery to the reference battery based on the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage being less than the reference voltage.

[0017] In one embodiment, the processor can disconnect the connection between the at least one battery and the reference battery based on the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage being greater than or equal to the reference voltage.

[0018] In one embodiment, the plurality of batteries may include at least one of a plurality of battery packs, a plurality of battery racks, or any combination thereof.

[0019] A battery management method according to one embodiment of the present document may include, by a processor, an operation of obtaining a reference voltage for determining initial operating batteries among a plurality of batteries based on factors obtained from a plurality of cells included in each of the plurality of batteries, and by the processor, an operation of managing the connection status of each of the plurality of batteries based on the reference voltage.

[0020] In one embodiment, the factors may include the nominal resistor of the plurality of cells, the allowable operating current of the plurality of cells, the first number of the plurality of cells connected in parallel, and the allowable voltage of the plurality of batteries.

[0021] The battery management method according to one embodiment may include an operation of obtaining the allowable voltage based on the nominal resistance, the operating current, and the first number by the processor.

[0022] The battery management method according to one embodiment may include an operation of obtaining the reference voltage based on the operating current, the first number, the second number in which the plurality of cells are connected in series, and the allowable voltage by the processor.

[0023] The battery management method according to one embodiment may include an operation by which the processor determines whether to connect the at least one battery to the reference battery based on whether the difference between the first voltage of the reference battery and the second voltage of at least one battery different from the reference battery among the plurality of batteries is less than the reference voltage.

[0024] The battery management method according to one embodiment may include the operation of connecting the at least one battery to the reference battery based on the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage being less than the reference voltage by the processor.

[0025] The battery management method according to one embodiment may include an operation by the processor to disconnect the connection between the at least one battery and the reference battery based on the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage being greater than or equal to the reference voltage.

[0026] This technology can determine the initial driving battery among multiple batteries.

[0027] In addition, the present technology can determine the initial driving battery by comparing the voltage of a reference battery among multiple batteries with the voltage difference between the remaining batteries.

[0028] In addition, the present technology can determine a reference voltage using factors obtained from battery cells and determine an initial driving battery using the voltage of each of the multiple batteries and the reference voltage.

[0029] In addition, various effects identified directly or indirectly through this document may be provided.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a battery pack in a battery management device and battery management method according to one embodiment of the present document.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a block diagram showing the configuration of a battery management device according to one embodiment of the present document.

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a plurality of batteries in one embodiment of the present document.

[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a flowchart related to a battery management method according to one embodiment of the present document.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a computing system for performing a battery management method in a battery management device and a battery management method according to one embodiment of the present document.

[0035] Some embodiments disclosed in this document are described below with reference to the various embodiments of this document attached to the drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the technology to specific embodiments and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives to embodiments of the technology.

[0036] It should be noted that when assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are assigned the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the various embodiments disclosed in this document, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known configurations or functions would hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0037] In describing the components of the embodiments of this document, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used. These terms are intended merely to distinguish the components from other components and do not limit the essence, order, or sequence of the components. Furthermore, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments disclosed in this document pertain. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0038] Additionally, in this disclosure, expressions of "greater than" or "less than" may be used to determine whether a specific condition is satisfied or fulfilled; however, this is merely for the purpose of expressing an example and does not exclude descriptions of "greater than" or "less than." Conditions described as "greater than" may be replaced with "greater than," conditions described as "less than" may be replaced with "less than," and conditions described as "greater than and less than" may be replaced with "greater than and less than." Furthermore, "A" to "B" below refer to at least one of the elements from A (including A) to B (including B).

[0039] In this document, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0040] In this document, where any component (e.g., 1) is referred to as being “connected,” “coupled,” or “joined” to another component (e.g., 2), with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicationally,” or where it is referred to as “coupled” or “connected,” it means that the component may be connected to the other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store or directly between two user devices. In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0042] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) of the described components may include a singular or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the aforementioned components or operations may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as they were performed by the corresponding component among the multiple components prior to integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically; one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order; may be omitted; or one or more other operations may be added.

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present document will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0044] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a battery pack in a battery management device and battery management method according to one embodiment of the present document.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 1, the battery pack (1) may include a battery unit (12), a sensor unit (14), a switching unit (16), and a battery management system (BMS) (20). At this time, the battery pack (1) may be equipped with a plurality of battery units (12), sensor units (14), switching units (16), and battery management systems (20).

[0046] According to one embodiment, the battery unit (12) can supply power to a target device (not shown). To this end, the battery unit (12) may be electrically connected to the target device. Here, the target device may include an electrical, electronic, or mechanical device that operates by receiving power from the battery pack (1). For example, the target device may be an electric vehicle (EV), but is not limited thereto.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the battery unit (12) may include at least one rechargeable battery cell (10). Here, the battery cell (10) may be a basic unit of a battery cell capable of charging and discharging electrical energy. For example, the battery cell (10) may be a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, a lithium-ion polymer (Li-ion polymer) battery, a nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery, a nickel-hydrogen (Ni-MH) battery, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0048] According to one embodiment, a plurality of battery units (12) may be connected in series or in parallel. For example, a battery unit (12) may be a battery module, a battery bank, or a set of battery cells (cell-to-pack structure).

[0049] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (14) can obtain information related to the battery unit (12). According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (14) can obtain values ​​(or information) related to the state of each of the battery unit (12) or battery cells (10). In one embodiment, the values ​​related to the state may include one or more values ​​for the voltage, current, resistance, state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), or temperature of the battery cell, or a combination thereof.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (14) can provide information of each of the plurality of battery units (12) to the battery management system (20).

[0051] According to one embodiment, the switching unit (16) may include an element for controlling the current flow for charging or discharging the battery unit (12). For example, the switching unit (16) may include at least one relay and / or magnetic contactor, etc., depending on the specifications of the battery pack (1).

[0052] According to one embodiment, a battery management system (BMS) (20) can monitor the voltage, current, temperature, etc. of a battery pack (1) and control or manage the battery pack (1) to prevent overcharging and over-discharging. For example, the battery management system (20) may include a plurality of terminals as an interface for receiving values ​​of the various parameters described above, and a circuit connected to these terminals to perform processing of the received values. Additionally, the battery management system (20) may control a sensor unit (14) and / or a switching unit (16). For example, the battery management system (20) may be connected to a plurality of battery units (12) to monitor the status of each of the plurality of battery units (12) and control the ON / OFF of relays or contactors.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the operation of the battery management system (20) can be performed by a battery management system (BMS) in the vehicle, as well as by various devices such as a server, cloud, charger, or charger / discharger.

[0054] The upper controller (2) can transmit control signals for a plurality of battery units (12) to the battery management system (20). Accordingly, the operation of the battery management system (20) can be controlled based on the signals applied from the upper controller (2).

[0055] According to one embodiment, the battery management system (20) may include the battery management device (200) of FIG. 2. According to another embodiment, the battery management system (20) may be a different system from the battery management device (200) of FIG. 2. That is, the battery management device (200) of FIG. 2 may be included in the battery pack (1) or may be composed of another device outside the battery pack (1). For convenience of explanation, the following description assumes that the battery management device (200) is composed of another device outside the battery pack (1). Furthermore, the operation of the battery management device (200) below may be performed by a battery management system (BMS) within the vehicle, as well as by various devices such as a server, cloud, charger, or charger / discharger.

[0056] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a block diagram showing the configuration of a battery management device according to one embodiment of the present document.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 2, a battery management device (200) according to one embodiment may include a processor (210) and a memory (220). The processor (210) and the memory (220) may be electrically and / or operably coupled with each other by an electronic device including a communication bus.

[0058] In the following, the hardware being operatively coupled may include direct and / or indirect connections between the hardware being established via wired and / or wireless connections so that the second hardware is controlled by the first hardware among the hardware.

[0059] Although the hardware is illustrated in different blocks, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, some of the hardware of FIG. 2 may be included in a single integrated circuit including a system-on-a-chip (SoC). The type and / or number of hardware included in the battery management device (200) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 2. For example, the battery management device (200) may include only some of the hardware illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0060] A battery management device (200) according to one embodiment may include hardware for processing data based on one or more instructions. The hardware for processing data may include a processor (210).

[0061] For example, hardware for processing data may include an arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), a floating point unit (FPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a central processing unit (CPU), and / or an application processor (AP). The processor (210) may have the structure of a single-core processor or the structure of a multi-core processor including a dual core, a quad core, a hexa core, or an octa core.

[0062] A memory (220) of a battery management device (200) according to one embodiment may include a hardware component for storing data and / or instructions that are input and / or output to a processor (210) of the battery management device (200).

[0063] For example, the memory (220) may include volatile memory including random-access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory including read-only memory (ROM).

[0064] For example, volatile memory may include at least one of DRAM (dynamic RAM), SRAM (static RAM), Cache RAM, PSRAM (pseudo SRAM), or any combination thereof.

[0065] For example, non-volatile memory may include at least one of PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable PROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact disk, SSD (solid state drive), eMMC (embedded multi-media card), or any combination thereof.

[0066] For example, within the memory (220) of the battery management device (200), one or more instructions (or commands) representing operations and / or actions to be performed on data by the processor (210) of the battery management device (200) may be stored. A set of one or more instructions may be referred to as a program, firmware, operating system, process, routine, sub-routine, and / or application. Hereinafter, the statement that an application is installed within the battery management device (200) may mean that one or more instructions provided in the form of an application are stored within the memory (220), and that one or more applications are stored in an executable format (e.g., a file having an extension specified by the operating system of the battery management device (200)) by the processor (210) of the battery management device (200).

[0067] A processor (210) of a battery management device (200) according to one embodiment may obtain factors from a plurality of cells included in each of a plurality of batteries. For example, the factors may include at least one of the nominal resistor of the plurality of cells, the allowable operating current of the plurality of cells, the number of cells connected in parallel, the allowable voltage of the plurality of batteries, or any combination thereof. For example, the plurality of batteries may include at least one of a plurality of battery packs, a plurality of battery racks, or any combination thereof.

[0068] For example, the processor (210) can obtain a reference voltage for determining an initial driving battery among the plurality of batteries based on factors obtained from a plurality of cells included in each of the plurality of batteries.

[0069] For example, the initial drive battery may include the first batteries that supply voltage and / or current to the device when the device is driven using the battery.

[0070] For example, the processor (210) can manage the connection status of each of the plurality of batteries based on a reference voltage for determining the initial operating batteries among the plurality of batteries.

[0071] For example, the processor (210) can connect the determined initial driving batteries based on the determination of the initial driving batteries among the plurality of batteries.

[0072] In one embodiment, the processor (210) can obtain an allowable voltage based on at least one of a nominal resistance, an operating current, the number of cells connected in parallel, or any combination thereof. For example, the processor (210) can obtain an allowable voltage based on a nominal resistance, an operating current, and the number of cells connected in parallel.

[0073] For example, the processor (210) can obtain an allowable voltage by referring to the following mathematical formula 1.

[0074]

[0075] In mathematical formula 1, can mean the allowable voltage. In Equation 1, can mean the operating current. In Equation 1, can mean the number of multiple cells connected in parallel. In Equation 1, ... may mean nominal resistance. As described above, the processor (210) of the battery management device (200) according to one embodiment can obtain an allowable voltage based on Equation 1.

[0076] In one embodiment, the processor (210) can obtain a reference voltage based on at least one of an operating current, the number of cells connected in parallel, an allowable voltage, or any combination thereof. For example, the processor (210) can obtain a reference voltage based on an operating current, the number of cells connected in parallel, and an allowable voltage. For example, the processor (210) can obtain a reference voltage based on the following Equation 2.

[0077]

[0078] For example, in mathematical formula 2, can mean the reference voltage. For example, in Equation 2, can mean the allowable voltage. For example, in Equation 2, may refer to the ratio of the allowable current of a plurality of parallel-connected cells included within the battery to the allowable current of the device including the battery. For example, in Equation 2, can mean the number of multiple cells connected in series.

[0079] For example, in mathematical formula 2, This can be obtained by the mathematical formula 3 described below.

[0080]

[0081] For example, in mathematical formula 3, may refer to the ratio of the allowable current of a plurality of parallel-connected cells included within the battery to the allowable current of the device including the battery. For example, in Equation 3, can mean the operating current. For example, in Equation 3, can mean the number of multiple cells connected in parallel.

[0082] As described above, the processor (210) of the battery management device (200) according to one embodiment can obtain a reference voltage based on at least one of an allowable voltage, the ratio of the allowable current of a plurality of cells connected in parallel included in the battery to the allowable current of a device including the battery, the number of cells connected in series, an operating current, the number of cells connected in parallel, or any combination thereof. Specifically, the processor (210) can obtain a reference voltage based on an allowable voltage, the ratio of the allowable current of a plurality of cells connected in parallel included in the battery to the allowable current of a device including the battery, the number of cells connected in series, an operating current, and the number of cells connected in parallel.

[0083] In one embodiment, the processor (210) can identify whether the difference between a first voltage of a reference battery and a second voltage of at least one battery different from the reference battery among a plurality of batteries is less than the reference voltage. For example, the processor (210) can determine whether to connect at least one battery to the reference battery based on whether the difference between the first voltage of the reference battery and the second voltage of at least one battery among a plurality of batteries is less than the reference voltage.

[0084] In one embodiment, the processor (210) can identify that the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is less than the reference voltage. For example, the processor (210) can connect at least one battery to the reference battery based on the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage being less than the reference voltage.

[0085] For example, a reference battery and at least one battery connected to the reference battery may be included in the initial drive battery.

[0086] In one embodiment, the processor (210) can identify that the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is greater than or equal to the reference voltage. For example, the processor (210) can disconnect the connection between at least one battery and the reference battery based on the fact that the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is greater than or equal to the reference voltage.

[0087] In one embodiment, the processor (210) determines a reference battery among a plurality of batteries, and when the difference between a first voltage of the reference battery and a second voltage of at least one battery different from the reference battery is less than the reference voltage, the processor (210) can obtain an average voltage of the first voltage and the second voltage. The processor (210) can identify the case where the average voltage is highest and determine the plurality of batteries in that case as the initial driving batteries.

[0088] In one embodiment, the processor (210) can identify the number of reference batteries and at least one battery when the difference between the first voltage of a reference battery and the second voltage of at least one battery is less than the reference voltage. For example, the processor (210) can change the reference battery among a plurality of batteries, identify the number of reference batteries and at least one battery, and determine the initial driving battery based on the identified number. For example, the processor (210) can determine the reference battery and at least one battery that have the largest number as the initial driving battery. If the above-mentioned number is the same, the processor (210) can determine the combination with the highest average voltage of the first voltage and the second voltage as the initial driving battery.

[0089] As described above, a battery management device (200) according to one embodiment can determine an initial driving battery based on the voltage difference between a plurality of batteries and supply power to the device using the determined initial driving battery. By performing the above processes, the case in which the battery usage efficiency is best when using the battery can be selected.

[0090] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a plurality of batteries in one embodiment of the present document.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 3, a processor (210) of a battery management device (200) according to one embodiment can identify the voltage of each of a plurality of batteries (301, 302, 303, 304, 305). For example, the processor (210) can manage the connection status of each of the plurality of batteries (301, 302, 303, 304, 305) by using the plurality of batteries (301, 302, 303, 304, 305) to obtain a reference voltage and determining the initial driving batteries using the obtained reference voltage.

[0092] In FIG. 3, it is assumed that the voltage of the first battery (301) is approximately 800V. In FIG. 3, it is assumed that the voltage of the second battery (302) is approximately 785V. In FIG. 3, it is assumed that the voltage of the third battery (303) is approximately 790V. In FIG. 3, it is assumed that the voltage of the fourth battery (304) is approximately 795V. In FIG. 3, it is assumed that the voltage of the fifth battery (305) is approximately 775V. Additionally, it is assumed that the reference voltage obtained by the plurality of batteries (301, 302, 303, 304, 305) shown in FIG. 3 is approximately 7.056V.

[0093] Referring to the above assumption, when the first battery (301) is determined as the reference battery, it can be confirmed that the battery having a voltage difference less than the reference voltage from the first battery (301) is the fourth battery (304). When the first battery (301) and the fourth battery (304) are connected, it can be confirmed that the average voltage is approximately 797.5V.

[0094] When the second battery (302) is determined as the reference battery, it can be confirmed that the battery having a voltage difference less than the reference voltage from the second battery (302) is the third battery (303). When the second battery (302) and the third battery (303) are connected, it can be confirmed that the average voltage is approximately 787.5V.

[0095] When the third battery (303) is determined as the reference battery, it can be confirmed that the batteries having a voltage difference less than the reference voltage from the third battery (303) are the second battery (302) and the fourth battery (304). When the second battery (302), the third battery (303), and the fourth battery (304) are connected, it can be confirmed that the average voltage is approximately 790V.

[0096] When the fourth battery (304) is determined as the reference battery, it can be confirmed that the batteries having a voltage difference less than the reference voltage from the fourth battery (304) are the first battery (301) and the third battery (303). When the first battery (301), the third battery (303), and the fourth battery (304) are connected, it can be confirmed that the average voltage is approximately 795V.

[0097] When the fifth battery (305) is determined as the reference battery, it can be confirmed that there is no battery having a voltage difference less than the reference voltage of the fifth battery (305). Therefore, when the fifth battery (305) is used as the reference battery, only the fifth battery (305) can be determined as the initial driving battery.

[0098] Referring to the above, the processor (210) of the battery management device (200) can determine a reference battery among a plurality of batteries (301, 302, 303, 304, 305) and obtain an average voltage when determining initial driving batteries using the said battery. The processor (210) can select the case where the average voltage is highest and connect the batteries. In the above example, when the fourth battery (304) is determined as the reference battery and the batteries are connected, it has the highest average voltage, so the processor (210) of the battery management device (200) can connect the first battery (301), the third battery (303), and the fourth battery (304) to use as initial driving batteries.

[0099] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a flowchart related to a battery management method according to one embodiment of the present document.

[0100] In the following, it is assumed that the battery management device (200) of FIG. 2 performs the process of FIG. 4. Also, in the description of FIG. 4, the operation described as being performed by the device can be understood as being controlled by the processor (210) of the battery management device (200).

[0101] At least one of the operations of FIG. 4 may be performed by the battery management device (200) of FIG. 2. At least one of the operations of FIG. 4 may be controlled by the processor (210) of FIG. 2. Each of the operations of FIG. 4 may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 4, a battery management method according to one embodiment may include, in operation S401, an operation of obtaining a reference voltage for determining initial driving batteries among a plurality of batteries based on factors obtained from a plurality of cells included in a plurality of batteries.

[0103] For example, a plurality of batteries may include at least one of a plurality of battery packs, a plurality of battery racks, or any combination thereof.

[0104] For example, factors may include the nominal resistance of a plurality of cells, the permissible operating current of a plurality of cells, a first number of a plurality of cells connected in parallel, and the permissible voltage of a plurality of batteries.

[0105] For example, the battery management method may include an operation to obtain an allowable voltage based on a nominal resistance, an operating current, and a first number.

[0106] For example, a battery management method may include an operation of obtaining a reference voltage based on an operating current, a first number, a second number in which a plurality of cells are connected in series, and an allowable voltage.

[0107] In operation S403, the battery management method according to one embodiment may include an operation of managing the connection status of each of a plurality of batteries based on a reference voltage.

[0108] For example, a battery management method may include an operation of comparing the difference between a first voltage of a reference battery and a second voltage of at least one battery that is different from the reference battery among a plurality of batteries.

[0109] For example, the battery management method may include an operation of identifying whether the difference between a first voltage of a reference battery and a second voltage of at least one battery different from the reference battery among a plurality of batteries is less than the reference voltage.

[0110] For example, the battery management method may include an operation to determine whether to connect at least one battery to a reference battery based on whether the difference between a first voltage of a reference battery and a second voltage of at least one battery different from the reference battery among a plurality of batteries is less than a reference voltage.

[0111] For example, the battery management method may include an operation to identify that the difference between a first voltage and a second voltage is less than a reference voltage.

[0112] For example, the battery management method may include the operation of connecting at least one battery to a reference battery based on the difference between a first voltage and a second voltage being less than a reference voltage.

[0113] For example, a battery management method may include determining batteries with a difference of less than the reference voltage as initial driving batteries based on the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage being less than the reference voltage, and connecting the two.

[0114] For example, the battery management method may include an operation to identify that the difference between a first voltage and a second voltage is greater than or equal to a reference voltage.

[0115] For example, the battery management method may include an operation to disconnect the connection between at least one battery and a reference battery based on the difference between a first voltage and a second voltage being greater than or equal to a reference voltage.

[0116] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a computing system for performing a battery management method in a battery management device and a battery management method according to one embodiment of the present document.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 5, a computing system (1100) according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may include an MCU (1110), memory (1120), an input / output I / F (1130), and a communication I / F (1140).

[0118] The MCU (1110) may be a processor that executes various programs stored in memory (1120) (e.g., battery cell data collection program, graph calculation program, data analysis program, data decomposition algorithm, normalization program, battery cell diagnosis program, etc.), processes various information including characteristic data and potential variables of the battery cell through these programs, and performs the functions of the battery management device (200) shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0119] The memory (1120) can store various programs such as a battery cell data collection program, a graph generation program, a data analysis program, a data decomposition algorithm, a normalization program, and a battery cell diagnosis program.

[0120] These memories (1120) may be provided in multiple quantities as needed. The memories (1120) may be volatile memories or non-volatile memories. As volatile memories, the memory (1120) may use RAM, DRAM, SRAM, etc. As non-volatile memories, the memory (1120) may use ROM, PROM, EAROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, etc. The examples of the listed memories (1120) are merely examples and are not limited to these examples.

[0121] The input / output I / F (1130) can provide an interface that enables data transmission and reception between an input device (not shown), such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel, an output device (not shown), and an MCU (1110).

[0122] The communication I / F (1140) is configured to transmit and receive various data with a server and may be various devices capable of supporting wired or wireless communication. For example, the battery management device (200) can transmit and receive various information, including the shape model of a battery cell, from a separately provided external server via the communication I / F (1140).

[0123] In this way, a computer program according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may be implemented as a module that performs, for example, the functions illustrated in FIG. 2, by being recorded in memory (1120) and processed by an MCU (1110).

[0124] As described above, even though all components constituting the embodiments disclosed in this document have been described as being combined or operating in combination, the embodiments disclosed in this document are not necessarily limited to such embodiments. That is, within the scope of the purposes of the embodiments disclosed in this document, all components may be selectively combined in one or more ways to operate.

[0125] Furthermore, terms such as "include," "compose," or "have" as described above, unless specifically stated otherwise, mean that the relevant component may be inherent; thus, they should be interpreted as allowing for the inclusion of additional components rather than excluding them. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments disclosed in this document pertain, unless otherwise defined. Commonly used terms, such as those defined in advance, should be interpreted in accordance with their contextual meanings in the relevant technology and, unless explicitly defined in this document, should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense.

[0126] The foregoing disclosure outlines the features of several embodiments to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure can be readily used as a basis for designing or modifying other structures to perform the same purpose or achieve the same advantages as the embodiments introduced herein. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that such equivalent configurations do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure and that various changes, substitutions, and modifications may be made in the present specification without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. Memory in which one or more instructions are stored; and It includes a processor that executes one or more of the above instructions, The above processor is, Based on factors obtained from multiple cells included in each of the multiple batteries, a reference voltage is obtained to determine the initial driving batteries among the multiple batteries, and A battery management device configured to manage the connection status of each of the plurality of batteries based on the above reference voltage.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above factors are, A battery management device comprising the nominal resistor of the plurality of cells, the allowable operating current of the plurality of cells, the first number of the plurality of cells connected in parallel, and the allowable voltage of the plurality of batteries.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above processor is, A battery management device configured to obtain the allowable voltage based on the above nominal resistance, the above operating current, and the above first number.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above processor is, A battery management device configured to obtain a reference voltage based on the above operating current, the above first number, the above second number in which the plurality of cells are connected in series, and the above allowable voltage.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above processor is, A battery management device configured to determine whether to connect the at least one battery to the reference battery based on whether the difference between the first voltage of the reference battery and the second voltage of at least one battery different from the reference battery among the plurality of batteries is less than the reference voltage.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above processor is, A battery management device configured to connect at least one battery to the reference battery based on the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage being less than the reference voltage.

7. In Paragraph 5, The above processor is, A battery management device configured to disconnect the connection between at least one battery and the reference battery based on the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage being greater than or equal to the reference voltage.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above plurality of batteries are, A battery management device comprising at least one of a plurality of battery packs, a plurality of battery racks, or any combination thereof.

9. An operation of obtaining a reference voltage for determining initial driving batteries among the plurality of batteries based on factors obtained from a plurality of cells included in each of the plurality of batteries by a processor; and A battery management method comprising an operation to manage the connection status of each of the plurality of batteries based on the reference voltage by the above processor.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above factors are, A battery management method comprising the nominal resistor of the plurality of cells, the allowable operating current of the plurality of cells, the first number of the plurality of cells connected in parallel, and the allowable voltage of the plurality of batteries.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above battery management method is, A battery management method comprising the operation of obtaining the allowable voltage based on the nominal resistance, the operating current, and the first number by the above processor.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above battery management method is, A battery management method comprising the operation of obtaining the reference voltage based on the operating current, the first number, the second number in which the plurality of cells are connected in series, and the allowable voltage by the above processor.

13. In Paragraph 9, The above battery management method is, A battery management method comprising, by the above processor, determining whether to connect the at least one battery to the reference battery based on whether the difference between the first voltage of the reference battery and the second voltage of at least one battery different from the reference battery among the plurality of batteries is less than the reference voltage.

14. In Paragraph 13, The above battery management method is, A battery management method comprising the operation of connecting at least one battery to the reference battery based on the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage being less than the reference voltage by the processor.

15. In Paragraph 13, The above battery management method is, A battery management method comprising, by the above processor, an operation to disconnect the connection between the at least one battery and the reference battery based on the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage being greater than or equal to the reference voltage.

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