Charging station, battery protection apparatus, and battery protection method

Abstract

A charging station, a battery protection apparatus, and a battery protection method are provided. The charging station according to the present invention comprises: a charger; a discharger connected to the charger through a station power line; and a station controller for prohibiting a charging operation of the charger and performing a discharging operation of the discharger if at least one battery block among a plurality of battery blocks included in a battery pack of an electric vehicle is at risk of thermal runaway.

Description

Charging station, battery protection device, and battery protection method

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for protecting a battery pack from fire hazards.

[0002] The present application is a priority application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0144988 filed on October 22, 2024, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0049720 filed on April 16, 2025, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0138088 filed on September 24, 2025, and all contents disclosed in the specifications and drawings of said applications are incorporated into the present application by reference.

[0003] Recently, as the demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras, and mobile phones has increased rapidly, and the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, and satellites has accelerated, research on high-performance batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging is actively underway.

[0004] Currently commercialized batteries include nickel-cadmium, nickel-hydrogen, nickel-zinc, and lithium batteries. Among these, lithium batteries are gaining attention for their advantages, such as the ability to freely charge and discharge with almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based batteries, a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0005] Battery packs for battery systems requiring high capacity and high voltage (e.g., electric vehicles or energy storage systems) may include several to hundreds of battery blocks connected in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel.

[0006] A structure in which battery blocks are closely arranged within a limited space in a battery pack is advantageous for achieving high energy density, but it has the disadvantage that the abnormal condition of some battery blocks can easily have an adverse effect on the remaining battery blocks. For example, if thermal runaway occurs in a specific battery block due to overheating or an internal short circuit, so-called 'thermal propagation' can occur, causing thermal runaway to spread sequentially to other adjacent battery blocks.

[0007] In particular, if an electric vehicle is connected to a charging station for a long time, the possibility of overcharging the battery pack equipped in the electric vehicle may gradually increase, and overcharging is widely known as one of the main causes of battery fire.

[0008] The present invention is devised to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide an apparatus and method for protecting a battery pack from fire by implementing a battery protection function that prohibits the charging operation of the charging station and activates the discharging operation when there is a risk of thermal runaway in at least one of a plurality of battery blocks included in a battery pack of an electric vehicle that is rechargeably coupled to a charging station.

[0009] Other objects and advantages of the present invention may be understood from the following description and will become more clearly apparent from the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0010] A charging station according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a charger, a discharger connected to the charger through a pair of station power lines, and a station controller that prohibits the charging operation of the charger when at least one of a plurality of battery blocks included in a battery pack of an electric vehicle has a risk of thermal runaway. The station controller may execute the discharging operation of the discharger when the charging operation of the charger is prohibited.

[0011] The station controller may be configured to select each battery block having a thermal runaway risk among the plurality of battery blocks as a discharge target, and to transmit identification information of each battery block selected as a discharge target to the electric vehicle.

[0012] The station controller may be configured to output a discharge command to the discharger instructing the execution of the discharge operation when a discharge readiness completion signal is received from the electric vehicle. The discharge readiness completion signal may indicate that the formation of a discharge path corresponding to the discharge readiness signal has been completed.

[0013] The station controller may be configured to determine the target discharge current of the discharge operation based on the discharge performance information of the discharger and the line voltage of the pair of station power lines.

[0014] The station controller may be configured to determine the target discharge current by comparing the dischargeable power indicated by the discharge performance information and the reference current based on the line voltage with the dischargeable current indicated by the discharge performance information.

[0015] The above station controller may be configured to stop the discharge operation if a sudden drop in the line voltage of the station power line is detected during the execution of the discharge operation.

[0016] The above discharge preparation signal may be a signal that induces the formation of a discharge path for each battery block selected as the discharge target between the two pack terminals of the battery pack.

[0017] The station controller may be configured to execute the discharge operation when a discharge request signal is received from the electric vehicle. The discharge request signal may indicate that the formation of a discharge path for each battery block having a risk of thermal runaway among the plurality of battery blocks has been completed.

[0018] The above discharge request signal may indicate the target discharge current of the above discharge operation.

[0019] The station controller may be configured to determine a target discharge current for the discharge operation equal to the reference current if the reference current is less than or equal to the dischargeable current of the charging station. The battery controller may be configured to determine a target discharge current for the discharge operation equal to the dischargeable current if the reference current is greater than the dischargeable current. The reference current may be a value obtained by dividing the dischargeable power of the charging station by the line voltage between the pack terminals.

[0020] The station controller may be configured to stop the discharge operation when a discharge stop request signal is received from the electric vehicle during the execution of the discharge operation.

[0021] A battery charging system according to another aspect of the present invention includes the charging station.

[0022] A battery protection method executable by a charging station according to another aspect of the present invention comprises: a step of prohibiting the charging operation of a charger of the charging station when at least one of a plurality of battery blocks included in a battery pack of an electric vehicle has a risk of thermal runaway; and a step of executing a discharge operation of a discharger connected to the charger through a pair of station power lines when the charging operation of the charger is prohibited.

[0023] The battery protection method comprises the steps of: selecting each battery block having a thermal runaway risk among the plurality of battery blocks as a discharge target; and transmitting a discharge preparation signal to the electric vehicle indicating identification information of each battery block selected as a discharge target.

[0024] The step of executing a discharge operation of the discharger may include the step of outputting a discharge command to the discharger instructing the execution of the discharge operation when a discharge preparation completion signal is received from the electric vehicle. The discharge preparation completion signal may indicate that the formation of a discharge path corresponding to the discharge preparation signal has been completed.

[0025] A computer-readable medium according to another aspect of the present invention can record a program for executing the battery protection method on a computer.

[0026] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, when there is a risk of thermal runaway in at least one of a plurality of battery blocks included in a battery pack of an electric vehicle chargedly coupled to a charging station, the charging operation of the charging station is prohibited (deactivated) and the discharging operation is activated, thereby enabling the battery pack to quickly and effectively prevent the possibility of fire.

[0027] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, by using relationship data between the discharge power, discharge current, and discharge voltage of a discharger, the target discharge current for the discharge operation can be adjusted to suit the number and voltage of the battery blocks selected as the discharge target.

[0028] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the discharger as a means for discharging a battery pack is provided at a charging station rather than an electric vehicle, so the temperature rise of the battery pack due to the temperature rise caused by heat generation of the discharger during the discharge operation can be minimized.

[0029] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims.

[0030] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an electric vehicle including a battery protection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 is a drawing referenced to explain an example of the coupling relationship between the battery block and the sensing unit shown in Figure 1.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a drawing referenced to explain an example of the coupling relationship between the battery block and the switching unit shown in FIG. 1.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a drawing referenced to explain an exemplary configuration of the switching circuit illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0035] FIGS. 5 to 8 are drawings referenced to explain examples of changes in the discharge path according to changes in the discharge target.

[0036] Figure 9 is a diagram referenced to explain the relationship between the discharge power, discharge voltage, and discharge current of the discharger of the charging station.

[0037] FIG. 10 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a battery protection method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 11 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a battery protection method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 12 is a diagram referenced to explain a current adjustment map available for the procedure to determine the target discharge current.

[0040] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0041] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0042] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., are used for the purpose of distinguishing one of the various components from the rest, and are not used to limit the components by such terms.

[0043] Throughout the specification, when a part is described as "comprising" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components. Furthermore, terms such as "<unit>" as used in the specification refer to a unit that performs at least one function or operation and may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0044] Additionally, throughout the specification, when it is said that a part is "connected" to another part, this includes not only cases where they are "directly connected," but also cases where they are "indirectly connected" with other components in between.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a battery charging system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 1, the battery charging system (1) includes a charging station (CS) and may further include a battery protection device (100) to be described later.

[0047] A charging station (CS) can be installed in a location where an electric vehicle (EV) can enter and exit. The charging station (CS) includes a station port (CP), a charger (210), and a station controller (230). The charging station (CS) may further include a discharger (220).

[0048] The station port (CP) is configured to be detachably attached to the vehicle port (EP) of the electric vehicle (EV). For example, the station port (CP) may be provided in the form of a conventional charging gun or charging connector.

[0049] The station port (CP) can be connected to two ends of a pair of station power lines (CL1, CL2) and one end of a station communication cable (CC). The other end of the station communication cable (CC) can be connected to a station controller (230).

[0050] When the station port (CP) is connected to the vehicle port (CC), the station controller (230) and the electric vehicle (EV) can transmit and receive commands, requests, and / or information related to charging and discharging operations to each other through the station communication cable (CC) and the vehicle communication cable (EC).

[0051] The charger (210) is provided to supply charging power to the battery pack (10) of the electric vehicle (EV) during a charging operation according to a charging command from the station controller (230).

[0052] The discharger (220) is provided to receive discharge power from the battery pack (10) of the electric vehicle (EV) during a discharge operation according to a discharge command of the station controller (230).

[0053] The charging terminal of the charger (210) and the discharging terminal of the discharger (220) can be electrically connected in parallel to each other through a pair of station power lines (CL1, CL2).

[0054] The station controller (230) can be implemented in hardware using at least one of ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), DSPDs (digital signal processing devices), PLDs (programmable logic devices), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), microprocessors, and other electrical units for performing functions.

[0055] The station controller (230) can individually control the charging operation of the charger (210) and the discharging operation of the discharger (220). The station controller (230) can block the simultaneous execution of the charging operation of the charger (210) and the discharging operation of the discharger (220). That is, the station controller (230) can prohibit the discharging operation of the discharger (220) while the charging operation of the charger (210) is in progress, and prohibit the charging operation of the charger (210) while the discharging operation of the discharger (220) is in progress. Of course, depending on the situation, the station controller (230) may stop both the charging operation of the charger (210) and the discharging operation of the discharger.

[0056] The station controller (230) may have a memory device. The memory device may include at least one type of storage medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, SSD type (Solid State Disk type), SSD type (Silicon Disk Drive type), multimedia card micro type, RAM (random access memory; RAM), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory; ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), and PROM (programmable read-only memory). The memory device may store instructions, data, and / or programs required for an operation by the station controller (230) (e.g., execution of one or more steps of the battery protection method according to FIG. 10 and / or FIG. 11). The memory device may store data representing the result of an operation by the station controller (230). The station controller (230) may include one or more memory devices and one or more processors. The station controller (230) may be an independent device that can be manufactured, used, and / or sold separately from other components of the charging station (CS).

[0057] Discharge performance information of the discharger (220) may be stored in advance in a memory device of the station controller (230). The discharge performance information may indicate the dischargeable power, dischargeable current, and / or dischargeable voltage of the discharger (220). The dischargeable power may indicate the maximum discharge power allowed for the discharger (220). The dischargeable current may indicate the maximum discharge current allowed for the discharger (220). The dischargeable voltage may indicate the maximum discharge voltage allowed for the discharger (220). One or more of the dischargeable power, dischargeable current, and dischargeable voltage may be predetermined.

[0058] The station controller (230) can determine the target discharge current of the discharger (220) based on discharge performance information, according to the relationship between power (P), voltage (V), and current (I), P = VI. The station controller (230) can control the discharger (220) to perform a discharge operation using the target discharge current.

[0059] An electric vehicle (EV) includes a vehicle port (EP) and a battery pack (10). The electric vehicle (EV) may further include at least one of a relay (20), a vehicle controller (2), a power converter (30), an electric load (40), and a battery protection device (100). The electric vehicle (EV) may further include a peripheral device (50).

[0060] The vehicle port (EP) can be connected to two ends of a pair of vehicle power lines (EL1, EL2) and one end of a vehicle communication cable (EC). The other end of the vehicle communication cable (EC) can be connected to a vehicle controller (2).

[0061] When the vehicle port (EP) is connected to the station port (CP), the battery protection device (100) can transmit information related to charging and discharging operations to the charging station (CS) or receive information related to charging and discharging operations from the charging station (CS) via the vehicle communication cable (EC) through the vehicle controller (2).

[0062] The battery pack (10) comprises a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N , N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2), includes a first pack terminal (PT1) and a second pack terminal (PT2).

[0063] In this specification, a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N In explaining the contents common to each, the symbol 'BB' or 'BB' for the battery block k It is decided to assign '. k can be a natural number less than or equal to N.

[0064] Multiple battery blocks (BB1~BB N Each of the above may be configured to be connectable between the first pack terminal (PT1) and the second pack terminal (PT2) provided in the battery pack (10), either alone or in series with at least one other battery block.

[0065] A battery block (BB) may include a single battery module (BM) or two or more battery modules (BM). If the battery block (BB) includes multiple battery modules (BM), the multiple battery modules (BM) may be connected in series, in parallel, or in a combination of series and parallel.

[0066] A battery module (BM) may be a collection of one battery cell or two or more battery cells ('BC' in FIG. 2) and may be referred to by other terms such as 'cell unit', 'cell group', 'cell array', 'cell assembly', etc. If the battery module (BM) includes multiple battery cells, the multiple battery cells may be connected in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel.

[0067] In one embodiment, the battery module (BM) may have a separate module case in which the battery cells included therein are housed. In this case, the battery module (BM) may be physically separated from other battery modules (BM) by its module case and may be housed or separated individually in the pack case of the battery pack (10).

[0068] In another embodiment, the battery module (BM) can be directly housed in the pack case of the battery pack (10) without a separate pack case. That is, the battery module (BM) is configured for the layout of the battery pack (10), circuit connection with the battery protection device (100), and a plurality of sensing circuits (SB1~SB2). N Considering the monitoring range of each battery, etc., the battery cells (BC) directly housed in the battery pack (10) may be grouped one or more at a time or according to specific criteria. In this case, the battery pack (10) may have a Cell To Pack (CTP) structure in that the battery cells (BC) are directly housed in the pack case without the module case.

[0069] In this specification, a battery cell (BC) refers to a basic unit of a storage element capable of independent charging and discharging, and is not particularly limited as long as it is rechargeable, such as a lithium-ion cell, for example.

[0070] A relay (20) is installed in at least one of the power lines (EL1, EL2) connecting the pack terminals (PT1, PT2) of the battery pack (10) and the vehicle charge / discharge terminals (ET1, ET2) of the electric vehicle (EV). In FIG. 1, the relay (20) is illustrated as being connected between the positive terminal of the battery pack (10) and the pack terminal (PT1), but additional relays (20) connected between the negative terminal of the battery pack (10) and the pack terminal (PT2) may be further included in the electric vehicle (EV). The relay (20) is turned on / off in response to a switching signal from the battery protection device (100) or the vehicle controller (2). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the relay (20) may be a mechanical contactor that is turned on / off by the magnetic force of a coil, or a semiconductor switch such as a MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor).

[0071] During charging or discharging of the battery pack (10), the relay (20) can be controlled to turn on by the battery controller (130) or the vehicle controller (2).

[0072] The battery protection device (100) includes a battery controller (130). The battery protection device (100) may further include at least one of a sensing unit (110), a switching unit (120), and a communication unit (140). At least one of the sensing unit (110), the switching unit (120), and the communication unit (140) may be provided as a sub-component of the battery pack (10) instead of being provided as a sub-component of the battery protection device (100).

[0073] The sensing unit (110) is a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB) of the battery pack (10). N ) Generates state data representing each individual state.

[0074] The sensing unit (110) comprises a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB NEach of at least one state parameter can be measured periodically or non-periodically, and state data representing each measured state parameter can be provided to the battery controller (130).

[0075] Battery Block (BB) k The state parameters of ) are the battery block (BB k It may represent the temperature of the battery block (BB) (which may be referred to as 'block temperature'), the cell voltage of each battery cell (BC) included in the battery block (BB), and / or secondary parameters (e.g., amount of change, rate of change) derivable through the application of a mathematical function therefrom. Of course, in addition to this, the battery block (BB k If it can directly or indirectly indicate the degree of thermal abnormality of ), the type of state parameter is not particularly limited.

[0076] A current sensor (A) is installed on at least one of a pair of vehicle power lines (EL1, EL2) to measure the current flowing through the battery pack (10). The current sensor (A) may be included in the sensing unit (110).

[0077] The switching unit (120) comprises a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N It is provided to change the electrical connection path between ). The switching unit (120) will be described later with reference to FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4.

[0078] The battery controller (130) can be implemented in hardware using at least one of ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), DSPDs (digital signal processing devices), PLDs (programmable logic devices), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), microprocessors, and other electrical units for performing functions.

[0079] The battery controller (130) is operably coupled to the switching unit (120), the sensing unit (110), and the communication unit (140). Being operably coupled to the two components means that the two components are connected so that signals can be transmitted and received in either a unidirectional or bidirectional manner.

[0080] The battery controller (130) may have a memory device. The memory device may include at least one type of storage medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, SSD type (Solid State Disk type), SSD type (Silicon Disk Drive type), multimedia card micro type, RAM (random access memory; RAM), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory; ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), and PROM (programmable read-only memory). The memory device may store instructions, data, and / or programs required for an operation by the battery controller (130) (e.g., execution of one or more steps of the battery protection method according to FIG. 10 and / or FIG. 11). The memory device may store data representing the result of an operation by the battery controller (130). The battery controller (130) may include one or more memory devices and one or more processors. The battery controller (130) may be an independent device that can be manufactured, used, and / or sold separately from other components of the battery protection device (100).

[0081] The battery controller (130) receives a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB) from the sensing unit (110). N Monitoring information can be generated by aggregating the status data of each. The monitoring information is for multiple battery blocks (BB1~BB N ) It can be a set of each state data.

[0082] The battery controller (130), based on monitoring information, has a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N ) It can determine whether each one is abnormal. The battery controller (130) can determine whether there is an abnormality in a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N If at least one of ) is diagnosed as abnormal, it is configured to perform at least one safety operation for the battery pack (10).

[0083] For example, the safety operation is a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N The operation may include electrically disconnecting at least one of the ) from the remaining battery blocks. As another example, the safety operation includes a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N It may include an operation of forcibly discharging at least one of the energy (which may also be referred to as an 'energy drain').

[0084] The power converter (30) may include at least one of a DC-AC inverter and a DC-DC converter. The power converter (30) may convert direct current power (discharge power) supplied from the battery pack (10) into alternating current power and supply it to an electric load (40) during the discharge of the battery pack (10). The electric load (40) may include a three-phase alternating current motor that generates kinetic energy for driving an electric vehicle (EV).

[0085] The battery controller (130), based on monitoring information, has a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB NEach state of charge (SOC) can be determined, and the state of health (SOH) can be further determined.

[0086] The SOC of a battery block (BB) is the ratio of the remaining capacity to the maximum capacity (FCC: Full Charge Capacity) of the battery block (BB), and is typically expressed in the range of 0 to 100% or 0 to 1. The remaining capacity represents the amount of charge currently stored in the battery block (BB).

[0087] The State of Health (SOH) of a battery block (BB) is the ratio of the maximum capacity to the design capacity of the battery block (BB), and is typically expressed in the range of 0 to 100% or 0 to 1. The design capacity represents the maximum amount of charge that can be stored in the battery block (BB) when the battery block (BB) is in a new condition. As the battery block (BB) deteriorates, the maximum capacity gradually decreases from the design capacity. Since the SOC and SOH can each be estimated from one or a combination of two or more of various known methods, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0088] The communication unit (140) includes at least one communication circuit that supports wired or wireless communication between the battery controller (130) and the vehicle controller (2) and / or peripheral device (50). Wired communication may be, for example, CAN (controller area network) communication, and wireless communication may be, for example, Zeegbee or Bluetooth communication. Of course, as long as wired or wireless communication is supported, the type of communication protocol is not specifically limited to the examples listed above.

[0089] The peripheral device (50) may include vehicle sensor(s) that measure at least one parameter (e.g., vehicle speed) related to the state of the electric vehicle (EV). The peripheral device (50) may include an output device (e.g., display, speaker) that provides information received from the battery controller (130) and / or the vehicle controller (2) in a form recognizable by the user. The peripheral device (50) may be driven using direct current power or alternating current power supplied from the power converter (30).

[0090] Although the battery pack (10) and the battery protection device (100) are shown as physically independent in FIG. 1, the battery protection device (100) may be included as a sub-component of the battery pack (10).

[0091] FIG. 2 is a drawing referenced to explain an example of the coupling relationship between the battery block and the sensing unit illustrated in FIG. 1. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 2 shows a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB) included in a battery pack (10). N Among ), the battery block (BB k Only ) was depicted.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 2, the sensing unit (110) is a battery block (BB k The sensing circuit (SB) provided to ) k ...includes ). Accordingly, the sensing unit (110) includes a plurality of sensing circuits (SB1~SB N Those skilled in the art will easily understand that it may include ).

[0093] Sensing circuit (SB) k ) includes a temperature sensor (TS) and may further include a voltage detection circuit (VS).

[0094] The temperature sensor (TS) is the battery block (BB k Attached to the outer surface of ) or battery block (BB k It is installed at a predetermined point spaced apart from ), and the battery block (BB kMeasures the temperature of the battery block (i.e., block temperature). The temperature sensor (TS) measures the temperature of the battery block (BB k A temperature signal indicating the temperature of ) can be generated, and the battery controller (130) can collect the temperature signal of the temperature sensor (TS).

[0095] The voltage detection circuit (VS) includes at least one voltage sensor. The voltage detection circuit (VS) includes a battery block (BB k The block voltage of the battery block (BB) can be measured. The block voltage is... k It is the voltage between the two ends of ). The voltage detection circuit (VS) also includes the battery block (BB k The cell voltage of each battery cell (BC) included in ) can be further measured. The cell voltage is the voltage across the terminals of the battery cell (BC). The voltage detection circuit (VS) is the battery block (BB k A voltage signal is generated representing the block voltage of ) and the cell voltage of each battery cell (BC), and the battery controller (130) can collect the voltage signal of the voltage detection circuit (VS).

[0096] FIG. 3 is a drawing referenced to explain an example of the coupling relationship between the battery block and the switching unit shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a drawing referenced to explain an exemplary configuration of the switching circuit shown in FIG. 3.

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the switching unit (120) comprises a plurality of switching circuits (SC1~SC N ) and multiple bypass lines (BL1~BL N It may include ).

[0098] Switching circuit (SC k ) is, battery block (BB k ) electrically connects between a pair of pack terminals (PT1, PT2) or battery block (BB k It is provided to electrically isolate ) from the pack terminals (PT1, PT2).

[0099] Switching circuit (SC k ) is, switch (SWA k ) and switch (SWB k It may include ).

[0100] Switch (SWA) k ) is, battery block (BB k-1 The second terminal (e.g., negative terminal) of ) and the battery block (BB k It can be installed in a power path connecting the first terminals (e.g., positive terminals) of the battery block (BB). k The first terminal of ) is the battery block (BB k It is either the positive terminal or the negative terminal of ), and the battery block (BB k The second terminal of ) is the battery block (BB k It can be the other one of the positive and negative terminals of ). Switch (SWA k ) may also be referred to as a 'battery switch' or 'serial switch'.

[0101] Switch (SWB) k ) is, battery block (BB k-1 The second terminal of ) and the battery block (BB k A bypass line (BL) connecting the second terminals of ) k It can be installed in a switch (SWB k ) is a bypass line (BL k Through ), switch (SWA k ) and battery block (BB k It can be connected in parallel to a series circuit of ). Switch (SWB k ) may also be referred to as a 'bypass switch', etc.

[0102] Switch (SWA) k ) and switch (SWB k While either of the switching circuits is turned on, the turning on of the other may be prohibited. Switching circuit (SC k ) can be controlled to a first state or a second state.

[0103] A switch (SWA1) may be installed in a power path connecting the pack terminal (PT1) and the first terminal of the battery block (BB1). A switch (SWB1) may be installed in a bypass line (BL1) connecting the pack terminal (PT1) and the second terminal of the battery block (BB1).

[0104] Switch (SWA) N ) is, battery block (BB N-1 The second terminal of ) and the battery block (BB N It can be installed in a power path connecting the first terminals of the switch (SWB). N ) is, battery block (BB N-1 A bypass line (BL) connecting the second terminal of ) and the pack terminal (PT2). N It can be installed in ).

[0105] Battery Block (BB) k When ) is the discharge target, the battery controller (130) switches the switching circuit (SC k ) can be controlled to the first state.

[0106] Battery Block (BB) k When ) is a non-discharge target, the battery controller (130) is a switching circuit (SC k ) can be controlled to a second state. In this specification, a battery block being a non-discharge target may mean that the battery block has not been selected as a discharge target.

[0107] Switching circuit (SC k The fact that ) is in the first state means that the switch (SWA k ) is turned off, and the switch (SWB k ) can mean that it is turned on. Switching circuit (SC k The fact that ) is in the second state means that the switch (SWA k ) is turned on, and the switch (SWB k ) can mean that it is turned off. For reference, the switching circuit (SC k The fact that ) is in the third state means that the switch (SWAk ) and switch (SWB k ) This could mean that both are turned off.

[0108] Switch (SWA) k When ) is turned on, the battery block (BB k ) can be electrically connected to the pack terminals (PT1, PT2). Switch (SWA k When ) is turned off, the battery block (BB k ) is electrically isolated from the pack terminals (PT1, PT2).

[0109] Switch (SWB) k When ) is turned on, the charging and discharging current of the battery pack (10) is the battery block (BB k Instead of ) bypass track (BL k It can flow through ).

[0110] Each battery block selected as a discharge target comprises a plurality of switching circuits (SC1~SC N Each switching circuit in the first state of ) can be electrically connected to the pack terminals (PT1, PT2).

[0111] Each battery block not selected as a discharge target is a plurality of switching circuits (SC1~SC N Each switching circuit in the second state of ) can be electrically disconnected from the pack terminals (PT1, PT2) as well as electrically disconnected from one or more other battery modules that are to be discharged.

[0112] Each switch included in the switching unit (120) can be connected to the battery controller (130) via a signal line. As a switch, a known switching device such as a field effect transistor (FET) can be used.

[0113] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the switching unit (120) described above is such that the switching unit (120) comprises a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB NThis relates to an example of implementation in which a series circuit of one or more battery blocks or two or more battery blocks is electrically connected between pack terminals (PT1, PT2).

[0114] FIGS. 5 to 8 are reference drawings used to explain examples of changes in the discharge path according to changes in the discharge target. For convenience of explanation, FIGS. 5 to 8 show a plurality of switching circuits (SC1~SC N The direct city of ) has been omitted. For reference, in FIGS. 5 to 8, each shaded battery module may indicate that the battery module has been selected as a discharge target.

[0115] FIG. 5 shows a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N Multiple battery blocks (BB1~BB) under a situation where all are selected as discharge targets N This exemplifies the connection relationship between the ) and the pack terminals (PT1, PT2).

[0116] Referring to FIG. 5, the battery controller (130) comprises a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N ) as a path in which all are sequentially and electrically connected in series, comprising multiple battery blocks (BB1~BB N The switching unit (120) can be controlled so that a series circuit of ) is formed between the pack terminals (PT1, PT2). That is, a plurality of switching circuits (SC1~SC N Multiple switches (SWA1~SWA) of ) N ) is controlled to a turn-on state, and a plurality of switching circuits (SC1~SC N Multiple switches (SWB1~SWB) of ) N ) can be controlled to a turned-off state.

[0117] Consequently, multiple bypass lines (BL1~BL N While the current conduction of all ) is cut off, multiple battery blocks (BB1~BB N ) is a plurality of switches (SWA1~SWA NThey are electrically connected in series through ). Accordingly, multiple battery blocks (BB1~BB N The battery block located electrically furthest downstream among ) (BB N A discharge current flow through a discharge path (500) to the battery block (BB1) located electrically upstream from ) can be made possible.

[0118] FIG. 6 shows a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N Multiple battery blocks (BB1~BB) under a situation where only a single battery block among them is selected as the discharge target N The connection relationship between the pack terminals (PT1, PT2) is illustrated. For better understanding, in FIG. 6, it is assumed that only the battery block (BB2) is the target for discharge.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 6, the battery controller (130) comprises a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N The switching unit (120) can be controlled so that only the battery block (BB2) among them is electrically connected between the pack terminals (PT1, PT2). That is, a plurality of switching circuits (SC1~SC N Multiple switches (SWA1~SWA) of ) N Of the switches, only switch (SWA2) is controlled to the turned-on state, and the remaining switches (SWA1, SWA3~SWA N ) can be controlled to a turn-off state. In addition, a plurality of switching circuits (SC1~SC N Multiple switches (SWB1~SWB) of ) N Among them, only switch (SWB2) is controlled to the turned-off state, and the remaining switches (SWB1, SWB3~SWB N ) can be controlled to a turned-on state.

[0120] Consequently, multiple bypass lines (BL1~BL N The remaining bypass tracks (BL1, BL3~BL2) excluding the bypass track (BL2) among ) NCurrent conduction of ) becomes possible. That is, a discharge path (600) is formed between the pack terminals (PT1, PT2). The discharge path (600) is formed by a bypass line (BL1), a discharge target (BB2), and bypass lines (BL3~BL N It may include a series circuit of ).

[0121] FIG. 7 shows a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N Multiple battery blocks (BB1~BB) under a situation where two or more of the battery blocks are selected as discharge targets N The connection relationship between the battery block and the pack terminals (PT1, PT2) is illustrated. For better understanding, FIG. 7 assumes that two adjacent battery blocks (BB1, BB2) are the targets for discharge. For example, battery block (BB1) may be determined to be the target for discharge due to a risk of thermal runaway, and battery block (BB2) may be determined to be the target for discharge because it is adjacent to battery block (BB1) but has no risk of thermal runaway.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 7, the battery controller (130) comprises a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N The switching unit (120) can be controlled so that a series circuit including two battery blocks (BB1, BB2) among ) is electrically connected between the pack terminals (PT1, PT2). That is, a plurality of switching circuits (SC1~SC N Multiple switches (SWA1~SWA) of ) N Of the switches, only two (SWA1, SWA2) are controlled to the turned-on state, and the remaining switches (SWA3~SWA N ) can be controlled to a turn-off state. In addition, a plurality of switching circuits (SC1~SC N Multiple switches (SWB1~SWB) of ) N Of the switches, only two (SWB1, SWB2) are controlled to the turned-off state, and the remaining switches (SWB3~SWB N ) can be controlled to a turned-on state.

[0123] Consequently, multiple bypass lines (BL1~BL N The remaining bypass tracks (BL3~BL2) excluding the two bypass tracks (BL1, BL2) among ) N Current conduction of ) becomes possible. That is, a discharge path (700) is formed between the pack terminals (PT1, PT2). The discharge path (700) consists of a discharge target (BB1), a discharge target (BB2), and a bypass line (BL3~BL N It may include a series circuit of ).

[0124] FIG. 8 shows a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N Multiple battery blocks (BB1~BB) under a situation where two or more of the battery blocks are selected as discharge targets N The connection relationship between the ) and the pack terminals (PT1, PT2) is illustrated. For better understanding, FIG. 8 shows two non-adjacent battery blocks (BB1, BB N It is assumed that ) is the discharge target.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 8, the battery controller (130) comprises a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N Among ), two battery blocks (BB1, BB N The switching unit (120) can be controlled so that a series circuit including ) is electrically connected between the pack terminals (PT1, PT2). That is, a plurality of switching circuits (SC1~SC N Multiple switches (SWA1~SWA) of ) N ) Two switches (SWA1, SWA N Only ) is controlled to the turned-on state, and the remaining switches (SWA2~SWA N-1 ) can be controlled to a turn-off state. In addition, a plurality of switching circuits (SC1~SC N Multiple switches (SWB1~SWB) of ) N Among ) two switches (SWB1, SWB N Only ) is controlled to the turned-off state, and the remaining switches (SWB2~SWB N-1 ) can be controlled to a turned-on state.

[0126] Consequently, multiple bypass lines (BL1~BL N Among ) two bypass tracks (BL1, BL N The remaining bypass tracks excluding ) (BL2~BL N-1 Current conduction of ) becomes possible. That is, a discharge path (800) is formed between the pack terminals (PT1, PT2). The discharge path (800) includes a discharge target (BB1), a bypass line (BL2~BL N-1 ) and discharge target (BB N It may include a series circuit of ).

[0127] With reference to FIGS. 5 to 8, the control function of the battery controller (130) applicable to the aforementioned situations is as follows.

[0128] The first control function is turn-on control for the switch (SWA) of the switching circuit (SC) provided to the battery block (BB) to be discharged, and turn-off control for the switch (SWB).

[0129] The second control function is turn-off control for the switch (SWA) of the switching circuit (SC) provided to the battery block (BB) that is not to be discharged, and turn-on control for the switch (SWB).

[0130] Multiple switching circuits (SC1~SC N By executing the first control function or the second control function for each of ), multiple battery blocks (BB1~BB N Depending on which of the pack terminals (PT1, PT2) is selected as the discharge target, the discharge path between the pack terminals (PT1, PT2) can be reconfigured.

[0131] Figure 9 is a diagram referenced to explain the relationship between the discharge power, discharge voltage, and discharge current of the discharger of the charging station.

[0132] Referring to Fig. 9, V max is the dischargeable voltage of the discharger (220), I maxThis exemplifies the dischargeable current of the discharger (220).

[0133] The curve (900) is an example of a current-voltage relationship curve for dischargeable power according to the law P = VI. That is, the product of the discharge current and the discharge voltage at any point on the curve (900) may be equal to the dischargeable power of the discharger (220). Also, since the dischargeable power is constant, it can be seen that the discharge voltage and the discharge current are inversely proportional. Data representing the curve (900) may be stored in the station controller (230) and / or battery controller (130) in the form of a lookup table or a mathematical function.

[0134] V shown in Fig. 9 tg_A and V tg_B These are two examples of reference voltages. In this specification, the reference voltage may refer to the total voltage of the discharge target(s), the line voltage between station power lines (CL1, CL2), the terminal voltage between pack terminals (PT1, PT2), or the line voltage between vehicle power lines (EL1, EL2).

[0135] The total voltage of the discharge target(s) is a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N It may be the sum of the voltages of the battery block(s) selected as the discharge target. If only a single battery block is selected as the discharge target, the block voltage of that single battery block may be used as the total voltage of the discharge target.

[0136] The voltage between a pair of station power lines (CL1, CL2) can be measured by a discharger (220). For example, the discharger (220) may be equipped with a separate voltage sensor (not shown) for measuring the voltage between a pair of discharge terminals provided in the discharger (220), and the voltage measured by the discharger (220) may represent the voltage between the station power lines (CL1, CL2).

[0137] The line voltage between a pair of vehicle power lines (EL1, EL2) and / or the terminal voltage between pack terminals (PT1, PT2) can be measured by the sensing unit (110). For example, the sensing unit (110) may be equipped with a separate voltage sensor (not shown) for measuring the voltage between the vehicle power lines (EL1, EL2).

[0138] The line voltage between the station power lines (CL1, CL2), the line voltage between the vehicle power lines (EL1, EL2), and the terminal voltage between the pack terminals (PT1, PT2) can be substantially the same as each other.

[0139] The station controller (230) and / or battery controller (130) can determine a reference current, which is a discharge current corresponding to a reference voltage, using data defining a curve (900), and determine a target discharge current based on a comparison of the reference current and the dischargeable current. The reference current can be determined by dividing the dischargeable power by the reference voltage.

[0140] If the reference current is excessively large, and the target discharge current is set to be equal to the reference current, the switching unit (120) as well as each battery block to be discharged may be severely damaged. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the target discharge current to be equal to or smaller than the dischargeable current of the discharger (220).

[0141] The station controller (230) and / or battery controller (130) may determine a target discharge current equal to the reference current if the reference current is less than or equal to the dischargeable current of the discharger (220). In this case, the discharge power of the discharger (220) during the execution of the discharge operation may be equal to the dischargeable power. In FIG. 9, the discharge current (I) at point (901) tg_A ) is the dischargeable current (I max Since it is less than ), the discharge current (I tg_A) can be determined as the target discharge current. In this case, the discharge power of the discharger (220) is V tg_A Wow I tg_A Since it is a product of, it can be equal to the dischargeable power.

[0142] The station controller (230) and / or battery controller (130) may determine a target discharge current equal to the dischargeable current when the reference current exceeds the dischargeable current of the discharger (220). In FIG. 9, the discharge current (I) at point (902) tg_B ) is the dischargeable current (I max Since it exceeds ), the reference current (I tg_B Instead of ), dischargeable current (I max ) can be determined as the target discharge current (I in Fig. 9 tg_B From I max (Refer to the arrow for the left). In this case, the discharge power of the discharger (220) is V tg_B Wow I max Since it is a product of, the dischargeable power may be less than

[0143] The dischargeable power of the discharger (220) is 160 [kW (kilo-Watt)], and the dischargeable current (I max Let's assume that ) is 1500 [A]. For example, if the reference voltage is 400 [V], the reference current is 400 [A], and therefore the target discharge current can be determined to be 400 [A], which is the same as the reference current. As another example, if the reference voltage is 100 [V], the reference current is 1600 [A], and therefore the target discharge current is a dischargeable current (I) smaller than the reference current. max It can be determined to be 1500 [A], which is the same as )

[0144] In other words, the fewer the battery blocks selected for discharge, the higher the target discharge current can be. Conversely, as the number of battery blocks selected for discharge increases, the target discharge current can gradually decrease.

[0145] In this regard, a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N If a discharge operation is executed with a high target discharge current during the early stages of fire indications when the number of battery blocks at risk of thermal runaway is less than a predetermined number, the energy stored in each discharge target may rapidly degrade. Consequently, multiple battery blocks (BB1~BB N A dangerous situation in which the number of battery blocks at risk of thermal runaway increases can be effectively prevented.

[0146] FIG. 10 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a battery protection method according to another embodiment of the present invention. The method of FIG. 10 may be executed periodically or non-periodically while the vehicle port (EP) of an electric vehicle (EV) is connected to the station port (CP) of a charging station (CS).

[0147] Referring to FIG. 10, in step S1010, the battery controller (130) of the battery protection device (100) equipped in the electric vehicle (EV) comprises a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB) included in the battery pack (10). N Generates monitoring information indicating the individual status of ).

[0148] In step S1012, the battery controller (130) controls the communication unit (140) to transmit monitoring information to the charging station (CS). Accordingly, the charging station (CS) receives the monitoring information.

[0149] In step S1020, the station controller (230) of the charging station (CS), based on monitoring information, has a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N ) determines whether at least one of them has a risk of thermal runaway. Specifically, the station controller (230) determines whether the battery block (BB) has a risk of thermal runaway. In detail, the station controller (230) determines whether the battery block (BB) kA measurement of at least one state parameter of ) can be compared with a reference range (or reference value). For example, if the state parameter is 'temperature (block temperature)', the reference range for it may represent a predetermined normal temperature range. If, battery block (BB k If the state parameters of ) fall outside the reference range, the battery block (BB k ) may be diagnosed as having a risk of thermal runaway, otherwise the battery block (BB k It can be diagnosed that there is no risk of thermal runaway in ). If the value of step S1020 is "Yes", it can proceed to step S1030. If the value of step S1020 is "No", the method according to FIG. 10 can be terminated.

[0150] In step S1030, the station controller (230) prohibits the charging operation of the charger (210). If the charging operation of the charger (210) is in progress when the value of step S1020 is "Yes", the station controller (230) may immediately stop the charging operation.

[0151] In step S1040, the station controller (230), based on monitoring information, has a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N A discharge target is selected from among ). The station controller (230) can distinguish between the identification information of each battery block selected as a discharge target and the identification information of each of the remaining battery blocks and record them in a memory device. A plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N Each of the battery blocks is fixedly placed in different physical regions within the battery pack (10), and the identification information of a battery block may correspond to a physical region (a type of address) within the battery pack (10) where the battery block is placed. Multiple battery blocks (BB1~BB N Each identification information may be predetermined.

[0152] In step S1040, each battery block having a risk of thermal runaway may be selected as a discharge target. Another battery block adjacent to each battery block having a risk of thermal runaway may additionally be selected as a discharge target. Multiple battery blocks (BB1~BB N For each, the identification number of another battery block adjacent thereto may be pre-written in the memory device of the station controller (230). In FIG. 10, step S1040 is shown as following step S1030, but this should be understood as an example. Step S1040 may be executed before step S1030, or simultaneously with step S1030.

[0153] In step S1050, the station controller (230) transmits a discharge preparation signal to the electric vehicle (EV). Accordingly, the battery controller (130) receives the discharge preparation signal. The discharge preparation signal may be a signal that induces the formation of a discharge path between the two pack terminals (PT1, PT2) of the battery pack (10), including each battery block selected as a discharge target. The discharge preparation signal may include a discharge target list. The discharge target list may represent identification information of each battery block selected as a discharge target.

[0154] In step S1060, the battery controller (130) controls the switching unit (120) to form a discharge path (e.g., symbol '500' in FIG. 5, symbol '600' in FIG. 6, symbol '700' in FIG. 7, symbol '800' in FIG. 8) in response to a discharge preparation signal. The discharge path may be a path in which each battery block to be discharged is connected in series between pack terminals (PT1, PT2) through each bypass line provided to each battery block not to be discharged. At this time, naturally, the relay (20) may be controlled to a turned-on state.

[0155] In step S1070, the battery controller (130) controls the communication unit (140) to transmit a discharge readiness signal to the charging station (CS). Accordingly, the charging station (CS) receives the discharge readiness signal from the electric vehicle (EV). The discharge readiness signal may be a message notifying the charging station (CS) that the formation of a discharge path corresponding to the discharge readiness signal has been completed.

[0156] In step S1080, the station controller (230) controls the discharger (220) to execute a discharge operation using a target discharge current in response to a discharge readiness signal.

[0157] The station controller (230) can determine a reference current by dividing the dischargeable power of the discharger (220) by the line voltage between a pair of station power lines (CL1, CL2). If the reference current is less than or equal to the dischargeable current of the discharger (220), the station controller (230) can determine a target discharge current equal to the reference current. On the other hand, if the current is greater than the dischargeable current of the discharger (220), the station controller (230) can determine a target discharge current equal to the dischargeable current.

[0158] In step S1090, the station controller (230) determines whether the reference voltage is rapidly dropping. The reference voltage may be the line voltage between the station power lines (CL1, CL2). For example, if the reference voltage decreases by more than a predetermined rate within a certain period of time, or if the rate of decrease of the reference voltage becomes greater than a predetermined value, the value of step S1090 may be output as "Yes". If the value of step S1090 is "Yes", the process may proceed to step S1092. If the value of step S1090 is "No", the method according to FIG. 10 may be terminated.

[0159] In step S1092, the station controller (230) may stop the discharge operation of the discharger (220). A sudden drop in reference voltage may strongly indicate the possibility of critical safety issues, such as a short circuit in a part of the discharge path or an open failure of the discharge path, caused by ignition of the discharge target and / or high heat. Therefore, when a sudden drop in reference voltage is detected, safety measures are automatically taken to immediately stop the discharge operation of the discharger (220), thereby reducing the possibility of electric shock accidents or the intensification of the fire.

[0160] In the method of FIG. 10, steps S1090 and S1092 may be omitted as needed.

[0161] FIG. 11 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a battery protection method according to another embodiment of the present invention. The method of FIG. 11 may be executed periodically or non-periodically while the vehicle port (EP) of an electric vehicle (EV) is connected to the station port (CP) of a charging station (CS).

[0162] Referring to FIG. 11, in step S1110, the battery controller (130) of the battery protection device (100) equipped in the electric vehicle (EV) comprises a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB) included in the battery pack (10). N Generates monitoring information indicating the individual status of ).

[0163] In step S1120, the battery controller (130), based on monitoring information, has a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N ) determines whether at least one of ) has a risk of thermal runaway. The battery controller (130) determines whether the battery block (BB k If the measurement of at least one state parameter of ) falls outside the reference range, the battery block (BB k ) can be diagnosed as having a risk of thermal runaway, and otherwise the battery block (BB kIt can be diagnosed that there is no risk of thermal runaway in ). If the value of step S1120 is "yes", the process may proceed to at least one of step S1130 and step S1150. If the value of step S1120 is "no", the method according to FIG. 11 may be terminated.

[0164] In step S1130, the battery controller (130) controls the communication unit (140) to transmit a charging prohibition request signal to the charging station (CS). Accordingly, the charging station (CS) receives the charging prohibition request signal.

[0165] In step S1140, the station controller (230) prohibits the charging operation of the charger (210) in response to a charging prohibition request signal. If the charging operation of the charger (210) is in progress, the station controller (230) may immediately stop the charging operation. Then, the station controller (230) may transmit a signal to the battery protection device (100) indicating that the charging operation has been stopped.

[0166] In step S1150, the battery controller (130), based on monitoring information, has a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N A discharge target is selected from among the batteries. The battery controller (130) can distinguish between the identification information of each battery block selected as a discharge target and the identification information of each of the remaining battery blocks and record them in a memory device.

[0167] In step S1150, each battery block having a risk of thermal runaway may be selected as a discharge target. Another battery block adjacent to each battery block having a risk of thermal runaway may additionally be selected as a discharge target. Multiple battery blocks (BB1~BB N For each, the identification number of another battery block adjacent thereto may be pre-recorded in the memory device of the battery controller (130).

[0168] In step S1160, the battery controller (130) controls the switching unit (120) to form a discharge path (e.g., symbol '500' in FIG. 5, symbol '600' in FIG. 6, symbol '700' in FIG. 7, symbol '800' in FIG. 8).

[0169] In step S1170, the battery controller (130) controls the communication unit (140) to transmit a discharge request signal to the charging station (CS). Accordingly, the charging station (CS) receives the discharge request signal from the electric vehicle (EV). The discharge request signal may be a signal indicating that the formation of a discharge path is complete. The discharge request signal may include data indicating a target discharge current.

[0170] The battery controller (130) can determine a reference current by dividing the dischargeable power of the discharger (220) by the terminal voltage of the pack terminals (PT1, PT2). If the reference current is less than or equal to the dischargeable current of the discharger (220), the battery controller (130) can determine a target discharge current equal to the reference current. On the other hand, if the current is greater than the dischargeable current of the discharger (220), the battery controller (130) can determine a target discharge current equal to the dischargeable current.

[0171] In step S1180, the station controller (230) controls the discharger (220) to execute a discharge operation using a target discharge current in response to a discharge request signal.

[0172] In step S1190, the battery controller (130) determines whether the reference voltage is rapidly dropping. The reference voltage may be, for example, the terminal voltage of the pack terminals (PT1, PT2). For example, if the reference voltage decreases by more than a predetermined rate within a certain period of time, or if the rate of decrease of the reference voltage becomes greater than a predetermined value, the value of step S1190 may be output as "Yes". If the value of step S1190 is "Yes", the process may proceed to step S1192. If the value of step S1190 is "No", the method according to FIG. 11 may be terminated.

[0173] In step S1192, the battery controller (130) controls the communication unit (140) to transmit a discharge stop request signal to the charging station (CS). Accordingly, the charging station (CS) receives the discharge stop request signal.

[0174] In step S1194, the station controller (230) can stop the discharge operation of the discharger (220) in response to a discharge stop request signal.

[0175] In the method of FIG. 11, steps S1190, S1192, and S1194 may be omitted as needed.

[0176] The station controller (230) and / or battery controller (130) can determine the risk level (which may be referred to as the 'risk score') of the risk of thermal runaway of the battery block (BB) set as a discharge target. For example, the battery block (BB k When the block temperature of ) exceeds the upper limit temperature of a predetermined normal temperature range, the station controller (230) and / or battery controller (130) [instructs] the battery block (BB k By applying a predetermined amount of corresponding relationship to the temperature difference between the block temperature and the upper limit temperature of the battery block (BB k The risk level of ) can be determined.

[0177] Figure 12 is a diagram referenced to explain a current adjustment map available for the procedure to determine the target discharge current.

[0178] The two-dimensional graph of FIG. 12 is an exemplary visualization of a predetermined correspondence relationship between a risk level and a current weighting defined in a current adjustment map (1200). The current adjustment map (1200) may be recorded in a memory device of the station controller (230) and / or battery controller (130) in the form of a lookup table or a mathematical function.

[0179] In this regard, a high discharge current can be advantageous for rapidly discharging energy from a battery block (BB) at risk of thermal runaway. However, due to the inevitable temperature rise during discharge regardless of the presence or absence of a risk of thermal runaway, a side effect may occur where the risk of thermal runaway in the discharge target(s) actually becomes more severe. Therefore, it is necessary to appropriately adjust the target discharge current by considering the risk level of thermal runaway.

[0180] Referring to FIG. 12, if the risk level is greater than or equal to the first threshold value (A), it can be determined that there is a risk of thermal runaway.

[0181] As the risk level increases from the first threshold (A) toward the second threshold (B), the current weight may gradually decrease from 1. The pattern of decreasing the current weight in the range from the first threshold (A) to the second threshold (B) may be intended to suppress the intensification of the risk of thermal runaway due to the temperature rise during the discharge operation.

[0182] As the risk level increases from the second threshold (B) toward the third threshold (C), the current weight may increase toward 1. The pattern of increasing the current weight in the range from the second threshold (B) to the third threshold (C) may be intended to induce rapid energy consumption in cases where the risk of thermal runaway has already intensified and it is difficult to lower the risk level by reducing the discharge current. Each threshold may be predetermined.

[0183] The station controller (230) and / or battery controller (130) may determine a current weight from the current adjustment map (1200) based on the risk level of the discharge target(s), and then determine a target discharge current based on the reference current and / or dischargeable current and the current weight. If there is a single discharge target, the current weight may be determined from the current adjustment map (1200) based on the risk level of that discharge target. If there are two or more battery blocks set as discharge targets, the current weight may be determined from the current adjustment map (1200) based on the average risk level or the highest risk level of these two or more battery blocks.

[0184] For example, the station controller (230) and / or battery controller (130) can determine the target discharge current by multiplying the reference current by a current weighting factor when the reference current is less than or equal to the dischargeable current.

[0185] As another example, the station controller (230) and / or battery controller (130) can determine the target discharge current by multiplying the dischargeable current by a current weighting factor when the reference current is greater than the dischargeable current.

[0186] Another embodiment of the present invention may provide a computer-readable medium having a program recorded thereon for executing the various embodiments described above on a computer.

[0187] A program may be implemented as hardware components, software components, and / or a combination of hardware and software components. A program may be executed by any system capable of executing computer-readable instructions.

[0188] Software may include computer programs, code, instructions, or a combination thereof, and may configure a processing unit to operate as desired or command the processing unit independently or collectively.

[0189] Software can be implemented as a computer program containing instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium. Examples of computer-readable storage media include magnetic storage media (e.g., ROM (read-only memory), RAM (random-access memory), floppy disks, hard disks, etc.) and optical reading media (e.g., CD-ROMs, DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs)). Computer-readable storage media can be distributed across networked computer systems, allowing computer-readable code to be stored and executed in a distributed manner. The storage medium is readable by a computer, stored in memory, and can be executed by a processor.

[0190] Computer-readable media may be provided in the form of non-transitory recording media. Here, 'non-transitory storage media' simply means that it is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily. For example, 'non-transitory storage media' may include a buffer in which data is stored temporarily.

[0191] In addition, the program may be provided by being included in a computer program product. A computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product.

[0192] A computer program product may include a software program or a computer-readable recording medium on which the software program is stored. For example, a computer program product may include a product in the form of a software program that is distributed electronically through a manufacturer of an electronic device or an electronic market (e.g., a downloadable application). For electronic distribution, at least a portion of the software program may be stored on a recording medium or temporarily created. In this case, the recording medium may be a server of the manufacturer of the electronic device, a server of the electronic market, or a recording medium of a relay server that temporarily stores the software program.

[0193] The embodiments of the present invention described above are not limited to implementation through devices and methods, but may also be implemented through a program that realizes a function corresponding to the configuration of the embodiments of the present invention or a recording medium on which such a program is recorded. Such implementation can be easily achieved by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, based on the description of the embodiments described above.

[0194] Although the present invention has been described above by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0195] Furthermore, since the present invention described above allows for various substitutions, modifications, and changes within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention, it is not limited by the aforementioned embodiments and attached drawings, but rather all or part of each embodiment may be selectively combined to allow for various modifications.

Claims

1. Charger; A discharger connected to the charger via a pair of station power lines; and A station controller that prohibits the charging operation of the charger when at least one of the plurality of battery blocks included in the battery pack of an electric vehicle has a risk of thermal runaway; Includes, The above station controller is, A charging station that performs a discharge operation of the discharger when the charging operation of the above charger is prohibited.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above station controller is, Among the plurality of battery blocks above, each battery block having the risk of thermal runaway is selected as a discharge target, and A charging station that transmits a discharge preparation signal to the electric vehicle, indicating identification information for each battery block selected as the discharge target.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above station controller is, When a signal indicating that discharge preparation is complete is received from the electric vehicle, a discharge command instructing the execution of the discharge operation is output to the discharger, The above discharge preparation complete signal indicates that the formation of a discharge path corresponding to the above discharge preparation signal is complete, a charging station.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above station controller is, A charging station that determines the target discharge current of the discharge operation based on the discharge performance information of the discharger and the line voltage of the pair of station power lines.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above station controller is, A charging station that determines the target discharge current by comparing the dischargeable power indicated by the discharge performance information and the reference current based on the line voltage with the dischargeable current indicated by the discharge performance information.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above station controller is, A charging station that stops the discharge operation when a sudden drop in line voltage of the station power line is detected during the execution of the discharge operation.

7. In Paragraph 2, The above discharge preparation signal is, A charging station, which is a signal that induces the formation of a discharge path between the two pack terminals of the battery pack for each battery block selected as the discharge target.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above station controller is, When a discharge request signal is received from the electric vehicle, the discharge operation is executed, A charging station in which the above discharge request signal indicates that the formation of a discharge path for each battery block having a thermal runaway risk among the plurality of battery blocks is completed.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above discharge request signal is, A charging station indicating the target discharge current of the above discharge operation.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above station controller is, A charging station that stops the discharge operation when a discharge stop request signal is received from the electric vehicle during the execution of the discharge operation.

11. A battery charging system comprising a charging station according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A battery protection method executable by a charging station, A step of prohibiting the charging operation of a charger at a charging station when at least one of a plurality of battery blocks included in a battery pack of an electric vehicle has a risk of thermal runaway; and If the charging operation of the above charger is prohibited, a step of executing a discharge operation of a discharger connected to the charger through a pair of station power lines; A battery protection method including 13. In Paragraph 12, A step of selecting each battery block having the risk of thermal runaway among the plurality of battery blocks as a discharge target; and A step of transmitting a discharge preparation signal to the electric vehicle indicating identification information of each battery block selected as the discharge target; A battery protection method further comprising 14. In Paragraph 13, The step of executing the discharge operation of the above discharge device is, The method includes the step of outputting a discharge command to the discharger instructing the execution of the discharge operation when a discharge preparation completion signal is received from the electric vehicle, wherein A battery protection method in which the above discharge preparation completion signal indicates that the formation of a discharge path corresponding to the above discharge preparation signal has been completed.

15. A computer-readable medium storing a program for executing a battery protection method according to any one of paragraphs 12 through 14 on a computer.

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