Signal output device and battery system including same

Abstract

A signal output device according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a contact connected to an external device; a control unit for outputting a signal to be transmitted to the external device; and a signal transmission circuit for transmitting the signal output from the control unit to the contact. Here, the control unit may control the signal transmission circuit to allow the contact to operate as either a dry contact or a wet contact.

Description

Signal output device and battery system including the same

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0128631 filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on September 24, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the document of said Korean patent application are incorporated into this specification.

[0002] The present invention relates to a signal output device and a battery system including the same, and more specifically, to a signal output device that outputs a specific signal to an external device through a contact and a battery system including the same.

[0003] Secondary batteries are batteries that can be reused through 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 Energy Storage Systems (ESS) for smart grids.

[0004] Secondary batteries are applied to the system in the form of an assembly, such as a battery pack in which multiple battery cells are electrically connected, or a battery rack in which battery packs are electrically connected, depending on the system's requirements. In the case of ESS for smart grids, a high-capacity battery system in which multiple battery racks are connected in parallel can be applied to satisfy the system's required capacity.

[0005] During the operation of the battery system, it is necessary to transmit a specific signal to the device (e.g., a signal indicating that the battery system is in a normal state). To transmit such a signal, the battery system and the device are connected through a contact, and the battery system can transmit the corresponding signal to the device through the contact.

[0006] Depending on the design conditions of the device to which the battery system is applied, the signal transmission contacts must be designed as either dry contacts or wet contacts.

[0007] Generally, battery systems are not designed individually to reflect the specific requirements of each device, but are designed to be applicable to various devices to reduce design and manufacturing costs. However, if a battery system is manufactured according to a design that incorporates a specific type of contact, that system cannot be applied to devices requiring different types of contacts.

[0008] A related prior art is CN 214310843 U.

[0009] The objective of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned problems is to provide a signal output device capable of changing the type of contact that outputs a signal to the device side.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is to provide a battery system including such a signal output device.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above objective, a signal output device may include: a contact connected to an external device; a control unit that outputs a signal to be transmitted to the external device; and a signal transmission circuit that transmits the signal output from the control unit to the contact. Herein, the control unit may control the signal transmission circuit to cause the contact to operate as either a dry contact or a wet contact.

[0012] The above signal transmission circuit may include: a first signal transmission circuit that transmits a signal output from the control unit to the contact in an optical transmission manner; and a second signal transmission circuit that transmits power output from a power supply to the contact together with the signal output from the control unit.

[0013] The above control unit can output a signal to be transmitted to the external device to only one of the first signal transmission circuit and the second signal transmission circuit.

[0014] The first signal transmission circuit may include: a first power supply line, one side of which is connected to the power supply device and the other side of which is grounded; a light-emitting element disposed on the first power supply line; a first switch disposed on the first power supply line; a first control terminal for controlling the on / off operation of the first switch; and a light-receiving element connected to the contact.

[0015] The above control unit can output a signal to be transmitted to the external device to the first control terminal, thereby causing the contact to operate as a dry contact.

[0016] When a signal is input from the control device to the first control terminal, the first signal transmission circuit can transmit the signal to the contact through the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element.

[0017] The second signal transmission circuit may include: a second power supply line, one end of which is connected to the power supply device and the other end of which is connected to the first terminal of the contact; a ground line, one end of which is connected to the second terminal of the contact and the other end of which is grounded; a second switch disposed on the second power supply line; a second control terminal for controlling the on / off operation of the second switch; a third switch disposed on the ground line; and a third control terminal for controlling the on / off operation of the third switch.

[0018] The above control unit can output a signal to be transmitted to the external device to the second control terminal and the third control terminal, thereby causing the contact to operate as a wet contact.

[0019] When a signal is input from the control device to the second control terminal and the third control terminal, the second signal transmission circuit can transmit the signal and the power output from the power supply together to the contact.

[0020] The control unit above can make the contact operate as either a dry contact or a wet contact, depending on the contact type required by the external device.

[0021]

[0022] A battery system according to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above other purpose may include: a battery; and a signal output device that outputs a signal associated with the battery to an external device. Herein, the signal output device may include: a contact connected to the external device; a control unit that outputs a signal to be transmitted to the external device; and a signal transmission circuit that transmits the signal output from the control unit to the contact.

[0023] The above control unit can control the signal transmission circuit to cause the contact to operate as either a dry contact or a wet contact.

[0024] The above signal output device may be included in the Battery Management System (BMS) of the battery system.

[0025] According to the embodiment of the present invention as described above, a signal can be output in response to the type of contact required by the device, thereby reducing the design and manufacturing costs of the battery system.

[0026] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a typical energy storage system.

[0027] Figure 2 shows the structure of a typical battery rack.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a signal output device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a signal output device in dry contact mode.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a signal output device in wet contact mode.

[0032] 10: Battery System

[0033] 20; External device

[0034] 100: Battery

[0035] 200: Power supply

[0036] 300: Signal output device

[0037] 310: Control Unit

[0038] 320: Signal transmission circuit

[0039] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and may have various embodiments; specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. Similar reference numerals have been used for similar components in the description of each drawing.

[0040] Terms such as first, second, A, B, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components shall not be limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of a plurality of related described items or any of a plurality of related described items.

[0041] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0042] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0043] 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 present invention pertains. 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.

[0044]

[0045] Some terms used in this specification are defined as follows.

[0046] A battery cell is the smallest unit that performs the role of storing power, and a battery module refers to an assembly of multiple battery cells that are electrically connected.

[0047] A battery rack refers to a single-structure system in which module units configured by the battery manufacturer are connected in series or parallel and can be monitored and controlled through a Battery Management System (BMS). It may be configured to include multiple battery modules and one Battery Purpose Unit (BPU) or protection device. Here, depending on the device or system in which the battery is used, the battery modules may also be referred to as battery packs.

[0048] A battery bank can refer to a group of large-scale battery rack systems configured by connecting multiple racks in parallel. Monitoring and control of a rack BMS (RBMS) at the battery rack level can be performed through a battery bank-level BMS (BBMS).

[0049] A battery assembly refers to a collection comprising a plurality of electrically connected battery cells that is applied to a specific system or device and functions as a power source. Here, a battery assembly may refer to a battery module, a battery pack, a battery rack, or a battery bank, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these entities.

[0050] A 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 controller in a battery system with multiple bank-level structures.

[0051] SOC (State of Charge) is the battery's current charged state expressed as a percentage, and SOH (State of Health) is the battery's current remaining state expressed as a percentage.

[0052]

[0053] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a typical energy storage system.

[0054] In an Energy Storage System (ESS), the smallest unit of a battery responsible for storing electricity is typically a battery cell. Series and parallel combinations of battery cells form a battery module, and multiple battery packs can constitute a battery rack. In other words, a battery rack can serve as the smallest unit of a battery system through the series and parallel combination of battery packs. Here, depending on the device or system in which the battery is used, a battery pack may also be referred to as a battery module.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery rack may include a plurality of battery packs and one BPU (50) or protection device. The battery rack can be monitored and controlled through an RBMS (Rack BMS). The RBMS can monitor the current, voltage, and temperature of each battery rack it manages, calculate the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery based on the monitoring results, and control charging and discharging.

[0056] Meanwhile, the battery protection device (BPU) (50) is a device for protecting the battery from abnormal current and fault current at the battery rack level. 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 at the rack level by controlling the main contactor on / 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 switchgear.

[0057] Meanwhile, a Battery System Controller (BSC) (20) is installed in each battery section configured to include multiple batteries, peripheral circuits, devices, etc., so that it can monitor and control control targets such as voltage, current, temperature, and circuit breakers. The BSC is the top-level control device of a battery system including a bank-unit battery system containing multiple battery packs, and is also used as a control device in a battery system with multiple bank-level structures. Here, each bank-level battery system may include a Bank BMS, and the BBMS can perform monitoring and control for each of the racks by linking with the RBMSs of the battery racks it manages.

[0058] Additionally, 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 the outside and the power supplied from the battery section to the outside, and may include a DC / AC inverter. Meanwhile, if the ESS system is linked with a PV (Photovoltaic; solar power generation system) module farm (70), it may include a PV inverter.

[0059] 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.

[0060]

[0061] Figure 2 shows the structure of a typical battery rack.

[0062] 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.

[0063] The BPU located at the top of the battery rack may include a circuit breaker (CB) and an RBMS.

[0064] The interior of the RBMS may include a main contactor (MC), a fuse, a microcontroller unit (MCU), memory, a power supply unit, and a current sensor.

[0065] Each of the battery packs positioned at the bottom of the BPU may include a plurality of batteries and a PBMS that monitors and manages the batteries.

[0066] The batteries provided inside each of the battery packs are electrically connected in a series and / or parallel structure and connected to power terminals provided in the BPU, and can be connected to a DC link.

[0067]

[0068] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 3, the battery system (10) can be connected to an external device (20) through contacts (Cp, Cn). Here, the battery system (10) can output a specific signal to the external device (20) through contacts (Cp, Cn).

[0070] The battery system (10) may include a battery (100), a power supply (200), and a signal output device (300).

[0071] The battery (100) may mean a battery cell, battery module, battery pack, battery rack, or battery bank.

[0072] The power supply unit (200) is a device that supplies power to the signal output device (300). For example, the power supply unit (200) may be a Switching Mode Power Supply (SMPS) that receives power from the battery (100) and supplies a set voltage to the battery control unit (BMS). Here, the SMPS may be configured to supply power to the signal output device (300) included inside the BMS.

[0073] The signal output device (300) is a device that outputs a signal associated with the battery (100) to an external device (20). Here, the signal output to the external device (20) may be a signal that follows the protocol required by the external device (20). For example, the signal output device (300) may output a signal of a predefined pulse waveform to the external device (20) at set intervals to indicate that the battery is in a normal state.

[0074] The signal output device (300) may include a control unit (310) and a signal transmission circuit (320).

[0075] The control unit (310) can output a signal to be transmitted to an external device (20). The control unit (310) may be a Micro Controller Unit (MCU) included in the Battery System's BMS.

[0076] The signal transmission circuit (320) is a circuit that transmits the signal output from the control unit (310) to the contacts (Cp, Cn).

[0077] The control unit (310) can control the signal transmission circuit (320) to make the contact (Cp, Cn) operate as either a dry contact or a wet contact.

[0078] When the contact (Cp, Cn) operates as a wet contact, power output from the power supply (200) can be transmitted to the external device (20) along with the signal output from the control unit (310). On the other hand, when the contact (Cp, Cn) operates as a dry contact, only the signal output from the control unit (310) can be transmitted to the external device (20).

[0079] The signal transmission circuit (320) may include a first signal transmission circuit (321) and a second signal transmission circuit (322).

[0080] The first signal transmission circuit (321) can transmit the signal output from the control unit (310) to the contacts (Cp, Cn) via an optical transmission method. Additionally, the second signal transmission circuit (322) can transmit power output from the power supply (200) to the contacts (Cp, Cn) together with the signal output from the control unit (310).

[0081] The control unit (310) can output a signal to be transmitted to an external device to only one of the first signal transmission circuit (321) and the second signal transmission circuit (322). If the control unit (310) outputs a signal to the first signal transmission circuit (321), the signal is transmitted to the contacts (Cp, Cn) via an optical transmission method, and the contacts (Cp, Cn) can function as dry contacts. Conversely, if the control unit (310) outputs a signal to the second signal transmission circuit (322), power output from the power supply (200) is transmitted to the contacts (Cp, Cn) along with the signal, and the contacts (Cp, Cn) can function as wet contacts.

[0082] The control unit (310) can make the contact (Cp, Cn) operate as either a dry contact or a wet contact, depending on the contact type required by the external device (20). For example, if the contact type required by the external device (20) is a dry contact, the control unit (310) can transmit a signal to the contact (Cp, Cn) using the first signal transmission circuit (321). As another example, if the contact type required by the external device (20) is a wet contact, the control unit (310) can transmit a signal and power to the contact (Cp, Cn) using the second signal transmission circuit (322).

[0083] The contact type required by the external device (20) can be stored in a storage device or memory included in the battery system before the signal output device (300) is connected to the external device (20).

[0084] The control unit (310) can check the contact type stored in the storage device or memory and, depending on the checked contact type, cause the signal output device (300) to operate in either a dry contact mode or a wet contact mode.

[0085] The signal output device (300) may be included within the BMS included in the battery system. For example, the control unit (310) is an MCU included in the BMS, and the signal output device (300) may be designed on the circuit board of the BMS.

[0086] Meanwhile, the signal output device (300) can be applied to various systems other than the battery system (10), as shown in FIG. 3. That is, if a device is connected to an external device and requires the output of a specific signal to the external device, the signal output device (300) according to the present invention can be applied.

[0087]

[0088] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a signal output device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 4, the signal output device may include a control unit (310) and a signal transmission circuit. Here, the signal transmission circuit may include a first signal transmission circuit and a second signal transmission circuit.

[0090] The first signal transmission circuit may include a first power supply line (L1), a light-emitting element, a light-receiving element, and a first switch (SW1).

[0091] Specifically, one side of the first power supply line (L1) may be connected to a power supply device (Vcc), and the other side of the first power supply line (L1) may be grounded. Additionally, a light-emitting element and a first switch (SW1) may be placed on the first power supply line (L1). One side of the light-receiving element may be connected to a first terminal (Cp) of a contact, and the other side of the light-receiving element may be connected to a second terminal (Cn) of a contact.

[0092] The light-emitting element and the light-receiving element may be included in the photo relay (3211). Here, the photo relay (3211) may include a first input terminal (1), a second input terminal (2), a first output terminal (3), and a second output terminal (4).

[0093] A light-emitting element may be disposed between the first input terminal (1) and the second input terminal (2), and a light-receiving element may be disposed between the first output terminal (3) and the second output terminal (4).

[0094] The first input terminal (1) is connected to a power supply (Vcc), and the second input terminal (2) can be connected to a ground line where the first switch (SW1) is placed. Additionally, the first output terminal (3) is connected to the first terminal (Cp) of the contact, and the second output terminal (4) can be connected to the second terminal (Cn) of the contact.

[0095] The first switch (SW1) includes a first control terminal (Ctrl 1) and can be turned on or off by a signal input to the first control terminal (Ctrl 1). For example, the first switch (SW1) can be implemented as a Field Effect Transistor (FET), and the first control terminal (Ctrl 1) can be a gate terminal or a base terminal.

[0096] The second signal transmission circuit may include a second power supply line (L2), a ground line (Lgd), a second switch (SW2), and a third switch (SW3).

[0097] Specifically, one side of the second power supply line (L2) may be connected to a power supply unit (Vcc), and the other side of the second power supply line (L2) may be connected to a first terminal (Cp) of a contact. Additionally, a second switch (SW2) may be placed on the second power supply line (L2).

[0098] One side of the ground line (Lgd) is connected to the second terminal (Cn) of the contact, and the other side of the ground line (Lgd) can be grounded. Additionally, the third switch (SW3) can be placed on the ground line (Lgd).

[0099] The second switch (SW2) includes a second control terminal (Ctrl 2) and can be turned on or off by a signal input to the second control terminal (Ctrl 2). Additionally, the third switch (SW3) includes a third control terminal (Ctrl 3) and can be turned on or off by a signal input to the third control terminal (Ctrl 3). For example, the second switch (SW2) and the third switch (SW3) can be implemented as FETs, and the second control terminal (Ctrl 2) and the third control terminal (Ctrl 3) can be gate terminals or base terminals.

[0100]

[0101] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a signal output device in dry contact mode.

[0102] If the contact type required by the external device (20) is a dry contact, the control unit (310) can cause the signal output device (300) to operate in a dry contact mode.

[0103] In dry contact mode, the control unit (310) can transmit a signal to the contact (Cp, Cn) using the first signal transmission circuit.

[0104] Specifically, the control unit (310) can output a signal to be transmitted to an external device to the first control terminal (Ctrl 1) so that the contacts (Cp, Cn) operate as dry contacts. Here, when a signal is input from the control device (310) to the first control terminal (Ctrl 1), the first signal transmission circuit can transmit the input signal to the contacts (Cp, Cn) in a light transmission manner through a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element.

[0105] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, when the control unit (310) outputs a signal of a pulse waveform to the first control terminal (Ctrl 1), the first switch (SW1) can be controlled to be on or off according to the signal of the pulse waveform. The light-emitting element can emit light by receiving an operating voltage from the power supply (Vcc) when the first switch (SW1) is in the ON (closed) state. Accordingly, the signal of the pulse waveform output by the control unit (310) can be transmitted to the light-receiving element side, i.e., the contact (Cp, Cn), via a light transmission method.

[0106]

[0107] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a signal output device in wet contact mode.

[0108] If the contact type required by the external device (20) is a wet contact, the control unit (310) can cause the signal output device (300) to operate in a wet contact mode.

[0109] In wet contact mode, the control unit (310) can transmit power and signals to the contacts (Cp, Cn) using a second signal transmission circuit.

[0110] Specifically, the control unit (310) can output a signal to be transmitted to an external device to the second control terminal (Ctrl 2) and the third control terminal (Ctrl 3) so that the contacts (Cp, Cn) operate as wet contacts. Here, when a signal is input from the control device (310) to the second control terminal (Ctrl 2) and the third control terminal (Ctrl 3), the second signal transmission circuit can transmit the input signal and the power output from the power supply (Vcc) together to the contacts (Cp, Cn).

[0111] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, when the control unit (310) outputs a pulse waveform signal to the second control terminal (Ctrl 2) and the third control terminal (Ctrl 3), the second switch (SW2) and the third switch (SW3) can be controlled to be turned on or off according to the pulse waveform signal. In the ON (closed) state of the second switch (SW2) and the third switch (SW3), voltage is applied to the first terminal (Cp) of the contact by power output from the power supply (Vcc), and the second terminal (Cn) of the contact can be grounded. Accordingly, a voltage corresponding to the pulse waveform signal output by the control unit (310) can be applied to both ends of the contacts (Cp, Cn).

[0112] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims.

Claims

1. A contact connected to an external device; A control unit that outputs a signal to be transmitted to the above external device; and It includes a signal transmission circuit that transmits a signal output from the above control unit to the above contact, and The above control unit is, A signal output device that controls the above signal transmission circuit to cause the contact to operate as either a dry contact or a wet contact.

2. In Claim 1, The above signal transmission circuit is, A first signal transmission circuit that transmits a signal output from the above control unit to the above contact in an optical transmission manner; and A signal output device comprising a second signal transmission circuit that transmits power output from a power supply unit to the contact along with a signal output from the control unit.

3. In Claim 2, The above control unit is, A signal output device that outputs a signal to be transmitted to an external device to only one of the first signal transmission circuit and the second signal transmission circuit.

4. In Claim 2, The above-mentioned first signal transmission circuit is, A first power supply line, one side of which is connected to the power supply device and the other side of which is grounded; A light-emitting element disposed on the first power supply line; A first switch disposed on the first power supply line; A first control terminal for controlling the on / off operation of the first switch; and A signal output device comprising a light receiving element connected to the above contact.

5. In Claim 4, The above control unit is, A signal output device that outputs a signal to be transmitted to the above external device to the first control terminal, thereby causing the contact to operate as a dry contact.

6. In Claim 4, The above-mentioned first signal transmission circuit is, A signal output device that, when a signal is input from the control device to the first control terminal, transmits the signal to the contact through the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element.

7. In Claim 2, The above second signal transmission circuit is, A second power supply line, one side of which is connected to the power supply device and the other side of which is connected to the first terminal of the contact; A grounding line, one side of which is connected to the second terminal of the above contact and the other side of which is grounded; A second switch positioned on the second power supply line; A second control terminal for controlling the on / off operation of the second switch; A third switch placed on the ground line above; and A signal output device comprising a third control terminal for controlling the on / off operation of the third switch.

8. In Claim 7, The above control unit is, A signal output device that outputs a signal to be transmitted to the above external device to the second control terminal and the third control terminal, thereby causing the contact to operate as a wet contact.

9. In Claim 7, The above second signal transmission circuit is, A signal output device that, when a signal is input from the control device to the second control terminal and the third control terminal, transmits the signal and power output from the power supply device together to the contact.

10. In Claim 1, The above control unit is, A signal output device that causes the contact to operate as either a dry contact or a wet contact, depending on the contact type required by the external device.

11. Battery; and It includes a signal output device that outputs a signal associated with the above-mentioned battery to an external device, and The above signal output device is, A contact connected to the above external device; A control unit that outputs a signal to be transmitted to the above external device; and It includes a signal transmission circuit that transmits a signal output from the above control unit to the above contact, and The above control unit is, A battery system that controls the above signal transmission circuit to cause the contact to operate as either a dry contact or a wet contact.

12. In Claim 11, The above signal output device is, A battery system included in the Battery Management System (BMS) of the above-mentioned battery system.

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