Battery monitoring system and method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery monitoring system and a method thereof and, more specifically, to a system for determining the rack arrangement of a module by using a battery monitoring result and a method thereof. The battery monitoring system according to the present invention comprises: a charging and discharging amount query unit which queries charging amount and discharging amount information of a module; a module replacement time prediction unit which applies the charging amount and discharging amount information in an SOH calculation and predicts the replacement time of the module; and a rack determination unit which determines a rack on which the module is to be arranged in consideration of the replacement time of the module.

Description

Battery monitoring system and method

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery monitoring system and a method thereof, and more specifically, to a system and a method thereof for determining the rack placement of modules using battery monitoring results.

[0002] According to conventional technology, when charging and discharging an ESS, the module BMS senses the voltage and temperature of the cell and transmits them to the rack. Based on the received information, the rack performs SOC, SOH, current sensing and integration, implements various alarm and protection operations, collects cell information during charging and discharging, and transmits various information to the system via CAN communication.

[0003] According to conventional technology, a rack BMS calculates charge and discharge amounts based on information (cell information) transmitted from a module to an upper rack and stores this information in the rack BMS; however, there is a limitation in that it does not consider efficiency in terms of usage when applying an existing module to a different rack.

[0004] The objective of the present invention is to provide a battery monitoring system and method capable of storing charge and discharge amount information in the BMS memory within the module, increasing efficiency in terms of usage when applying an existing module to a different rack by considering the actual SOH of the battery, and supporting easy determination of the replacement time by identifying the amount of cell degradation using accurate SOH information.

[0005] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0006] A battery monitoring system according to the present invention includes a charge and discharge amount inquiry unit that queries charge and discharge amount information of a module, a module replacement time prediction unit that uses the charge and discharge amount information to calculate SOH and predict the replacement time of the module, and a rack determination unit that determines the rack on which the module will be placed by considering the replacement time of the module.

[0007] The above-mentioned charge and discharge amount lookup unit looks up charge and discharge amount information stored in the BMS memory within the module.

[0008] The above module replacement timing prediction unit uses charge and discharge amount information stored in the module's BMS memory to reflect it in the actual SOH calculation of the battery.

[0009] The above module replacement timing prediction unit stores and manages information regarding the usage history of the module.

[0010] The above rack determination unit determines whether there are replaceable modules in use by considering the prediction results regarding the module replacement timing.

[0011] The above rack determination unit determines the rack to which the module will be applied among a plurality of candidate racks by considering the SOH information of the above replaceable existing module.

[0012] The above rack determination unit collects and monitors information on candidate racks and monitors the specifications of modules currently in use included in each rack.

[0013] The above rack determination unit compares the specifications of modules currently in use, including SOH information, and generates proposal information regarding the trade of modules between multiple racks.

[0014] A battery monitoring method according to the present invention comprises: (a) a step of querying SOH information of a battery module in use; (b) a step of querying and analyzing rack information; and (c) a step of determining a rack to which a battery module in use will be applied by comprehensively considering the SOH information of the battery module in use and the rack information.

[0015] Step (a) above calculates the SOH information using the charge and discharge amount information of the battery module in use stored in the BMS memory within the module.

[0016] Step (b) above collects and monitors information on candidate racks to which the above-mentioned battery module will be applied.

[0017] Step (c) above determines the cell degradation amount and the cell replacement time by considering the result reflected in the actual SOH calculation of the battery using the charge and discharge amount information stored in the BMS memory within the module.

[0018] Step (c) above determines whether there are any replaceable modules in use by considering the prediction results regarding the timing of module replacement.

[0019] Step (c) above determines the rack to which the module will be applied among a plurality of candidate racks by considering the SOH information of the battery module used above.

[0020] Step (c) above generates proposal information regarding the trade of modules between multiple racks.

[0021] A battery monitoring device according to the present invention includes an input interface device that receives charge and discharge amount information stored in a memory within a module BMS, a memory that stores a program for determining the module replacement time by reflecting the charge and discharge amount information in a real-time SOH calculation, and a processor that executes the program, wherein the processor determines the rack to which the module is to be applied using the result of determining the module replacement time.

[0022] The above processor recognizes the degree of cell degradation through the charge and discharge amounts per module and predicts the replacement time of the module.

[0023] The above processor determines whether there are any replaceable modules in use by considering the results of the module replacement timing prediction, and determines the rack to which the module will be applied among a plurality of candidate racks by considering the SOH information of the module.

[0024] The above processor collects and monitors information on candidate racks and monitors the specifications of the modules currently in use included in each rack.

[0025] The above processor compares the specifications of modules currently in use, including SOH information, generates proposal information regarding the trade of modules between multiple racks, and transmits the proposal information to the manager.

[0026] According to the present invention, by storing charge and discharge amount information in the BMS memory within the module, it is possible to increase efficiency in terms of usage when applying an existing module to a different rack by taking into account the actual SOH of the battery.

[0027] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide accurate SOH information and identify the amount of cell degradation to support the prior determination of the replacement time.

[0028] 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 below.

[0029] 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.

[0030] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a secondary battery electrode assembly.

[0031] Figure 2 schematically shows the configuration of a pouch-type secondary battery.

[0032] Figure 3 shows the schematic external configuration of a prismatic secondary battery.

[0033] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical secondary battery.

[0034] Figure 5 illustrates the calculation and storage of charge and discharge amounts of a rack BMS.

[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates a battery monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 7 illustrates a battery monitoring method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a computer system for implementing a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram of a secondary battery module with a secondary battery arranged according to the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 10 is an example of a secondary battery pack including the secondary battery module of FIG. 9.

[0040] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram of a vehicle including the secondary battery pack of FIG. 10.

[0041] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below 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. Instead, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best describe their invention, they should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely some of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical spirit of the present invention. It should be understood that various equivalents and modifications capable of replacing them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0042] Additionally, as used herein, “comprise, include” and / or “comprising, including” specify the presence of the mentioned features, numbers, steps, actions, parts, elements, and / or groups thereof, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, actions, parts, elements, and / or groups.

[0043] Additionally, to aid in understanding the invention, the attached drawings are not drawn to actual scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. Furthermore, the same reference numerals may be assigned to identical components in different embodiments.

[0044] The statement that two subjects of comparison are 'identical' means that they are 'substantially identical.' Therefore, substantial identity may include deviations considered low in the industry, for example, deviations within 5%. Additionally, the statement that a parameter is uniform in a given area may mean that it is uniform from an average perspective.

[0045] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless specifically stated otherwise, the first component may also be the second component.

[0046] Throughout the specification, unless specifically stated otherwise, each component may be singular or plural.

[0047] The fact that any configuration is placed on the "upper (or lower)" of a component or on the "upper (or lower)" of a component may mean not only that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of said component, but also that another configuration may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0048] Furthermore, where one component is described as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another component, it should be understood that while the components may be directly connected or coupled to each other, another component may be "interposed" between each component, or each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "coupled" through another component.

[0049] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Additionally, the use of “may” when describing embodiments of the present disclosure relates to “one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.” Expressions such as “one or more” and “one or more” preceding a list of elements modify the entire list of elements and do not modify individual elements of the list.

[0050] Throughout the specification, "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B unless specifically stated otherwise, and "C to D" means C or more and D or less, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0051] When syntax such as "at least one of A, B, and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "at least one selected from the group of A, B, and C", or "at least one selected from A, B, and C" is used to specify a list of elements A, B, and C, the syntax can refer to any suitable combination.

[0052] The term "use" may be considered synonymous with the term "utilize." As used herein, "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variation of measured or calculated values ​​that a person skilled in the art would recognize.

[0053] In this specification, terms such as first, second, third, etc. may be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, but these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Accordingly, the first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be named the second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0054] Spatial relative terms such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," and "upper" may be used herein for ease of explanation to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the drawings. Spatially relative positions are to be understood as encompassing different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the drawing is inverted, an element described as "below" or "below" is understood as "above" or "upper" of another element. Thus, the term "below" may encompass both the up and down directions.

[0055] The terms used in this specification are intended to describe embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0056]

[0057] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an electrode assembly embedded in a secondary battery casing.

[0058] The electrode assembly (10) may be formed by winding or stacking a laminate of a first electrode plate (11), a separator (12), and a second electrode plate (13) formed in a plate or film shape. If the electrode assembly (10) is a wound laminate, the winding axis may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the case (not shown). Additionally, the electrode assembly (10) may be a stack type rather than a wound type, but the present invention does not limit the shape of the electrode assembly (10). Furthermore, the electrode assembly (10) may be a Z-stack electrode assembly in which the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate are inserted on both sides of a separator bent into a Z shape. Additionally, one or more electrode assemblies (10) may be stacked so that their long sides are adjacent to each other and housed inside the case, but the present invention does not limit the number of electrode assemblies. The first electrode plate (11) of the electrode assembly (10) can act as a negative electrode and the second electrode plate (13) can act as a positive electrode, and the opposite is also possible.

[0059] The first electrode plate (11) is formed by applying a first electrode active material, such as graphite or carbon, to a first substrate formed of a metal foil such as copper, a copper alloy, nickel, or a nickel alloy, and may include a first electrode tab (or first uncoated portion) (14), which is an area where the first electrode active material is not applied. The first electrode tab (14) may be connected to an external first terminal (not shown). In some examples, the first electrode tab (14) may be formed by cutting it to protrude to one side in advance when manufacturing the first electrode plate (11), and may protrude further to one side than the separator (12) without separate cutting.

[0060] The second electrode plate (13) is formed by applying a second electrode active material, such as a transition metal oxide, to a substrate formed of a metal foil such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and may include a second electrode tab (or second uncoated portion) (15), which is an area where the second electrode active material is not applied. The second electrode tab (15) may be connected to an external second terminal (not shown). In some examples, the second electrode tab (15) may be formed by cutting it to protrude to the other side in advance when manufacturing the second electrode plate (13), and may protrude further to the other side than the separator (12) without separate cutting.

[0061] In some embodiments, the first electrode tab (14) may be located on the right end side of the electrode assembly (10), and the second electrode tab (15) may be located on the left end side of the electrode assembly (10), or on one side in the same direction. Also, in some embodiments, the first electrode tab (14) and the second electrode tab (15) may be located on the top of the electrode assembly (10).

[0062] Here, the left, right, and top are for convenience of explanation based on the electrode assembly (10) shown in FIG. 1, and their positions may change when the secondary battery rotates left and right or up and down.

[0063] The separator (12) functions to prevent short circuits between the first electrode plate (11) and the second electrode plate (13) while allowing the movement of lithium ions. The separator (12) may be composed of, for example, a polyethylene film, a polypropylene film, a polyethylene-polypropylene film, etc.

[0064] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly (10) may be housed in an outer material (not shown) and filled with an electrolyte. In the case of a pouch-type secondary battery, the electrode assembly (10) may be housed in a pouch of a flexible material in the form shown in FIG. 1, and in the case of a prismatic secondary battery, the electrode assembly (10) may be housed in a prismatic metal case in the form shown in FIG. 1.

[0065]

[0066] Figure 2 schematically shows a pouch-type secondary battery.

[0067] A pouch-type secondary battery consists of an electrode assembly (10) and a pouch (20) that accommodates the electrode assembly (10).

[0068] The electrode assembly (10) is as shown in FIG. 1, and the first electrode tab (14) and the second electrode tab (15) of the electrode assembly (10) can be electrically connected by welding to the external first terminal lead (16) and the second terminal lead (17), respectively. A tab film (18) for insulation from the pouch (20) can be attached to the first terminal lead (16) and the second terminal lead (17).

[0069] The pouch (20) can be sealed by the sealing portions (21) at the edges coming into contact with each other while the pouch (20) accommodates the electrode assembly (10), and sealing can be performed with a tab film (18) interposed between the sealing portions (21). The sealing portions (21) of the pouch (20) are made of a heat-fusion material, and since heat-fusion materials generally have weak adhesion to metal, a thin film-shaped tab film (18) can be interposed to fuse with the pouch (20).

[0070]

[0071] Figure 3 shows the schematic external configuration of a prismatic secondary battery.

[0072] A rectangular case (51) forms the overall exterior of the rectangular secondary battery and may be formed of a conductive metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. Additionally, the case (51) may provide a space for accommodating the electrode assembly (10).

[0073] The cap assembly (60) may include a cap plate (61) covering the opening of the case (51), and the case (60) and the cap plate (61) may be made of a conductive material. Here, the first terminal (63) and the second terminal (62) may be electrically connected to the first electrode tab (14) and the second electrode tab (15) of the electrode assembly (10) inside, and installed to protrude outward by penetrating the cap plate (61).

[0074] The cap plate (61) may have an electrolyte injection port (64) into which a sealing plug can be installed, and a vent (66) with a notch (65) formed therein may be installed. The vent (66) is intended to degas gas generated inside the battery.

[0075]

[0076] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical secondary battery.

[0077] A cylindrical secondary battery comprises an electrode assembly (30), a case containing the electrode assembly (30) and an electrolyte, a cap assembly (50) coupled to an opening of the case to seal the case, and an insulating plate (37) located between the electrode assembly (30) and the cap assembly (50) inside the case.

[0078] The electrode assembly (30) may include a separator (32), a first electrode (33) and a second electrode (31) positioned between the separator (32), and may be wound in the form of a jelly-roll.

[0079] The first electrode (33) includes a first substrate and a first active material layer located on the first substrate. A first lead tab (35) may extend outwardly from a first non-active portion of the first substrate where the first active material layer is not located, and the first lead tab (35) may be electrically connected to a cap assembly (50).

[0080] The second electrode (31) includes a second substrate and a second active material layer located on the second substrate. A second lead tab (34) may extend outwardly from a second non-active portion of the second substrate where the second active material layer is not located, and the second lead tab (34) may be electrically connected to the case (10). The first lead tab (35) and the second lead tab (34) may extend in opposite directions.

[0081] The first electrode (33) can function as a positive electrode. In this case, the first substrate may be composed of, for example, aluminum foil, and the first active material layer may include, for example, a transition metal oxide. The second electrode (31) can function as a negative electrode. In this case, the second substrate may be composed of, for example, copper foil or nickel foil, and the second active material layer may include, for example, graphite.

[0082] The separator (32) functions to prevent short circuits between the first electrode (33) and the second electrode (31) while allowing the movement of lithium ions. The separator (32) may be composed of, for example, a polyethylene film, a polypropylene film, a polyethylene-polypropylene film, etc.

[0083] The case accommodates the electrode assembly (30) and the electrolyte, and together with the cap assembly (50), forms the outer shape of the battery. The case may include a body portion (42) with an approximate cylindrical shape and a bottom portion (41) connected to one side of the body portion (42). A beading portion (43) deformed toward the inside may be located on the body portion (42), and a crimping portion (45) bent toward the inside may be located at the opening end of the body portion (42).

[0084] The beading portion (43) can prevent the electrode assembly (30) from moving inside the case and facilitate the seating of the gasket (44) and the cap assembly (50). The crimping portion (45) can firmly secure the cap assembly (50) by pressing the edge of the cap assembly (50) through the gasket (44). The case may be made of, for example, nickel-plated iron.

[0085] The cap assembly (50) can be secured to the inside of the crimping portion (45) through a gasket (44) to seal the case. The cap assembly (50) may include a cap up, a safety vent, a cap down, an insulating member, and a subplate, but is not limited to these examples and can be modified in various ways.

[0086] The cap-up may be located at the uppermost part of the cap assembly (50). The cap-up may include a terminal portion that protrudes upward in a convex manner to be connected to an external circuit, and a discharge port for discharging gas may be located around the terminal portion.

[0087] The safety vent may be located below the cap-up. The safety vent may include a protrusion that protrudes convexly downward and connects to a subplate, and at least one notch located around the protrusion.

[0088] In the event that gas is generated due to overcharging or abnormal operation of the secondary battery, the protrusion is deformed upward by pressure and separated from the subplate, while the safety vent can be cut along the notch. The cut safety vent can release the gas to the outside to prevent the explosion of the secondary battery.

[0089] The cap down may be located below the safety vent. The cap down may have a first opening for exposing the protrusion of the safety vent and a second opening for gas discharge. An insulating member may be located between the safety vent and the cap down to insulate the safety vent from the cap down.

[0090] The subplate may be positioned below the cap down. The subplate may be fixed to the lower surface of the cap down to block the first opening of the cap down, and the protrusion of the safety vent may be fixed to the subplate. The first lead tab (35) drawn from the electrode assembly (30) may be fixed to the subplate. Thus, the cap up, safety vent, cap down, and subplate may be electrically connected to the first electrode (33) of the electrode assembly (30).

[0091] The insulating plate (37) may be positioned to be in contact with the electrode assembly (30) below the beading portion (43), and the insulating plate (37) may be provided with a tab opening for drawing out the first lead tab (35). The cap assembly (50), electrically connected to the first electrode (33) by the first lead tab (35), faces the electrode assembly (30) with the insulating plate (37) in between, and may be insulated from the electrode assembly (30) by the insulating plate (37). Meanwhile, another insulating plate (36) may be included for insulation between the electrode assembly (30) and the bottom portion (41) of the case.

[0092]

[0093] Hereinafter, a BMS reuse prevention system and a method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8.

[0094] Figure 5 illustrates the calculation and storage of charge and discharge amounts of a rack BMS.

[0095] The ESS consists of cells, modules, racks, and systems. The cells are the entities where actual charging and discharging are performed, and the modules are composed of cells arranged in series, transmitting voltage and temperature sensing information of the cells to the upper system, the rack, through the module BMS.

[0096] Based on cell voltage and temperature sensing information received from the module, the rack performs SOC, SOH, current sensing and integration used in actual algorithm calculations, implements various alarm and protection operations, and collects cell information during charging and discharging, and transmits various information to the upper system via CAN communication.

[0097] The system collects information from racks connected in parallel via CAN communication and performs PCS or EMS, Modbus RS485 or TCP / IP communication.

[0098] Information regarding the charge and discharge amounts of cells during the charging and discharging of the ESS is calculated and reflected in the rack BMS based on information (cell information) transmitted from the module to the upper rack, and the information is stored in the rack BMS.

[0099] According to conventional technology, there is a limitation in that efficiency in terms of usage is not considered when applying an existing module to a different rack.

[0100]

[0101] FIG. 6 illustrates a battery monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] A battery monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a charge and discharge amount inquiry unit (110) for querying charge and discharge amount information of a module, a module replacement time prediction unit (120) for using the charge and discharge amount information to calculate SOH and predict the replacement time of a module, and a rack determination unit (130) for determining the rack on which the module will be placed by considering the module replacement time.

[0103] The charging and discharging amount inquiry unit (110) inquires about charging and discharging amount information stored in the BMS memory within the module.

[0104] The BMS memory is provided, for example, as EEPROM. Additionally, it can be replaced by an external hard drive, USB, or server that receives data from the outside through the system BMS.

[0105] When it is necessary to replace a module in the first rack with a module in the second rack that is different from the first rack, as charge and discharge amount information is stored in the BMS memory within the module, the actual module information is continuously updated and can be reflected in the module's SOH calculation.

[0106] The module replacement time prediction unit (120) can provide more accurate SOH information to the customer by using the charge amount and discharge amount information stored in the BMS memory within the module and reflecting it in the actual SOH calculation of the battery, and can determine the cell replacement time in advance by identifying the amount of cell degradation.

[0107] The rack BMS reads charge and discharge information stored in the module's BMS memory and reflects it in real-time SOH calculations. By identifying cell degradation in advance through module-level charge and discharge amounts, it predicts the module replacement time, thereby enabling easy identification of the module's usage history.

[0108] The rack determination unit (130) determines whether a replaceable module is in use by considering the result of predicting the module replacement time, and determines the rack to which the module will be applied among a plurality of candidate racks by considering the SOH information of the module.

[0109] The rack determination unit (130) collects and monitors information on candidate racks and monitors the specifications of the modules currently in use included in each rack.

[0110] The rack determination unit (130) compares the specifications of the modules currently in use, including SOH information, generates proposal information regarding the trade of modules between multiple racks, and transmits the proposal information to the manager.

[0111] A battery monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention stores charge and discharge amount information in the BMS memory within the module, thereby enabling increased efficiency in terms of usage when applying an existing module to a different rack by considering the actual SOH of the battery.

[0112] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide accurate SOH information and identify the amount of cell degradation to support the prior determination of the replacement time.

[0113]

[0114] FIG. 7 illustrates a battery monitoring method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] A battery monitoring method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the step of querying SOH information of a battery module in use (S110), the step of querying and analyzing rack information (S120), and the step of determining a rack to which a battery module in use will be applied by comprehensively considering the SOH information of the battery module in use and the rack information (S130).

[0116] In step S110, the charge and discharge amount information of the module is retrieved. The charge and discharge amount information of the module is stored in the BMS memory within the module.

[0117] Step S120 collects and monitors information on candidate racks and monitors the specifications of the modules currently in use included in each rack.

[0118] When it is necessary to replace a module in the first rack with a module in the second rack that is different from the first rack, as charge and discharge amount information is stored in the BMS memory within the module, the actual module information is continuously updated and can be reflected in the module's SOH calculation.

[0119] Step S130 identifies the amount of cell degradation and determines the cell replacement timing in advance by considering the results reflected in the actual SOH calculation using charge and discharge amount information stored in the BMS memory within the module.

[0120] Step S130 determines the rack where the module will be placed, taking into account the module replacement timing.

[0121] Step S130 determines whether there are any replaceable modules in use by considering the results of the module replacement timing prediction, and determines the rack to which the module will be applied among multiple candidate racks by considering the SOH information of the module.

[0122] Step S130 compares the specifications of modules currently in use, including SOH information, to generate proposal information regarding the trade of modules between multiple racks.

[0123]

[0124] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a computer system for implementing a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 8, a computer system (1300) may include at least one of a processor (1310), memory (1330), an input interface device (1350), an output interface device (1360), and a storage device (1340) that communicate via a bus (1370). The computer system (1300) may also include a communication device (1320) coupled to a network. The processor (1310) may be a central processing unit (CPU) or a semiconductor device that executes instructions stored in memory (1330) or storage device (1340). Memory (1330) and storage device (1340) may include various forms of volatile or non-volatile storage media. For example, memory may include read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM). In the embodiments of this description, memory may be located inside or outside the processor, and memory may be connected to the processor through various known means. Memory is a volatile or non-volatile storage medium of various forms, and for example, memory may include read-only memory (ROM) or random access memory (RAM).

[0126] A battery monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an input interface device (1350) that receives charge and discharge amount information stored in a memory within a module BMS, a memory (1330) that stores a program for determining the module replacement time and reflecting it in a real-time SOH calculation using the charge and discharge amount information, and a processor (1310) that executes the program, wherein the processor (1310) determines the rack to which the module is to be applied using the result of determining the module replacement time.

[0127] When the processor (1310) needs to apply a module of the first rack to a different second rack of the first rack, or when it needs to replace a module in the first rack with a module in a second rack different from the first rack, it continuously updates the actual module information using the charge and discharge amount information stored in the BMS memory within the module and reflects it in the SOH calculation of the module.

[0128] The processor (1310) recognizes the degree of cell degradation in advance through the charge and discharge amounts of the module unit and predicts the replacement time of the module.

[0129] The processor (1310) generates information about the usage history of the module.

[0130] The processor (1310) determines whether a replaceable module is in use by considering the result of predicting the module replacement time, and determines the rack to which the module will be applied among a plurality of candidate racks by considering the SOH information of the module.

[0131] The processor (1310) collects and monitors information on candidate racks and monitors the specifications of the modules currently in use included in each rack.

[0132] The processor (1310) compares the specifications of the modules currently in use, including SOH information, generates proposal information regarding the trade of modules between multiple racks, and transmits the proposal information to the manager.

[0133] Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a method implemented on a computer or as a non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions. In one embodiment, when executed by a processor, the computer-readable instructions may perform a method according to at least one aspect of the present description.

[0134] The communication device (1320) can transmit or receive wired or wireless signals.

[0135] In addition, the method according to an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and may be recorded on a computer-readable medium.

[0136] The above computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., either individually or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the computer-readable medium may be specially designed and configured for embodiments of the present invention, or they may be known and available to a person skilled in the art of computer software. The computer-readable recording medium may include a hardware device configured to store and execute program instructions. For example, the computer-readable recording medium may be magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; ROM; RAM; flash memory, etc. The program instructions may include not only machine code, such as that generated by a compiler, but also high-level language code that can be executed by a computer through an interpreter, etc.

[0137]

[0138] The following describes a material that can be used in a secondary battery according to the present invention.

[0139] As a positive electrode active material, a compound capable of reversible intercalation and deintercalation of lithium (a lithated intercalation compound) may be used. Specifically, one or more composite oxides of lithium and a metal selected from cobalt, manganese, nickel, and combinations thereof may be used.

[0140] The above composite oxide may be a lithium transition metal composite oxide, and specific examples include a lithium nickel-based oxide, a lithium cobalt-based oxide, a lithium manganese-based oxide, a lithium iron phosphate-based compound, a cobalt-free nickel-manganese-based oxide, or a combination thereof.

[0141] As an example, compounds represented by any one of the following chemical formulas may be used. LiaA1-bXbO2-cDc(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05); LiaMn2-bXbO4-cDc(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05); LiaNi1-b-cCobXcO2-αDα(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, 0<α<2); LiaNi1-b-cMnbXcO2-αDα(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, 0<α<2); LiaNibCocL1dGeO2(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.9, 0≤c≤0.5, 0≤d≤0.5, 0≤e≤0.1); LiaNiGbO2(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); LiaCoGbO2(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); LiaMn1-bGbO2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); LiaMn2GbO4 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); LiaMn1-gGgPO4(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤g≤0.5); Li(3-f)Fe2(PO4)3(0≤f≤2); LiaFePO4(0.90≤a≤1.8).

[0142] In the above chemical formula, A is Ni, Co, Mn, or a combination thereof; X is Al, Ni, Co, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, Sr, V, a rare earth element, or a combination thereof; D is O, F, S, P, or a combination thereof; G is Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Mg, La, Ce, Sr, V, or a combination thereof; and L1 is Mn, Al, or a combination thereof.

[0143] A positive electrode for a lithium secondary battery may include a current collector and a positive electrode active material layer formed on the current collector. The positive electrode active material layer may include a positive electrode active material and may further include a binder and / or a conductive material.

[0144] The content of the positive active material is 90% to 99.5% by weight with respect to 100% by weight of the positive active material layer, and the content of the binder and the conductive material may each be 0.5% to 5% by weight with respect to 100% by weight of the positive active material layer.

[0145] Al may be used as the current collector mentioned above, but is not limited thereto.

[0146] The negative electrode active material includes a material capable of reversibly intercalating / deintercalating lithium ions, lithium metal, an alloy of lithium metal, a material capable of doping and dedoping lithium, or a transition metal oxide.

[0147] A material capable of reversibly intercalating / deintercalating the above lithium ions may be a carbon-based negative electrode active material, such as crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, or a combination thereof. Examples of the crystalline carbon include graphite, such as natural graphite or artificial graphite, and examples of the amorphous carbon include soft carbon or hard carbon, mesophase pitch carbide, calcined coke, etc.

[0148] As a material capable of doping and undoping the above lithium, a Si-based negative electrode active material or a Sn-based negative electrode active material may be used. The above Si-based negative electrode active material may be silicon, a silicon-carbon composite, SiOx (0 < x < 2), a Si-based alloy, or a combination thereof.

[0149] The silicon-carbon composite may be a composite of silicon and amorphous carbon. According to one embodiment, the silicon-carbon composite may be in the form of silicon particles and amorphous carbon coated on the surface of the silicon particles.

[0150] The silicon-carbon composite may further include crystalline carbon. For example, the silicon-carbon composite may include a core comprising crystalline carbon and silicon particles and an amorphous carbon coating layer located on the surface of the core.

[0151] A negative electrode for a lithium secondary battery comprises a current collector and a negative electrode active material layer located on the current collector. The negative electrode active material layer comprises a negative electrode active material and may further comprise a binder and / or a conductive material.

[0152] For example, the negative electrode active material layer may comprise 90% to 99% by weight of negative electrode active material, 0.5% to 5% by weight of binder, and 0% to 5% by weight of conductive material.

[0153] As the binder, a non-aqueous binder, an aqueous binder, a dry binder, or a combination thereof may be used. When an aqueous binder is used as the cathode binder, a cellulose-based compound capable of imparting viscosity may be further included.

[0154] As the above-mentioned cathode current collector, a material selected from copper foil, nickel foil, stainless steel foil, titanium foil, nickel foam, copper foam, a polymer substrate coated with a conductive metal, and combinations thereof may be used.

[0155] The electrolyte for lithium secondary batteries contains a non-aqueous organic solvent and a lithium salt.

[0156] The above-mentioned non-aqueous organic solvent serves as a medium through which ions involved in the electrochemical reaction of the battery can move.

[0157] The above-mentioned non-aqueous organic solvent may be a carbonate-based, ester-based, ether-based, ketone-based, or alcohol-based solvent, a non-protic solvent, or a combination thereof, and may be used alone or in a mixture of two or more types.

[0158] In addition, when using carbonate-based solvents, cyclic carbonates and chain carbonates can be mixed and used.

[0159] Depending on the type of lithium secondary battery, a separator may be present between the positive and negative electrodes. As such a separator, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, or a multilayer film of two or more layers thereof may be used.

[0160] The above separator may include a porous substrate and a coating layer comprising an organic material, an inorganic material, or a combination thereof located on one or both sides of the porous substrate.

[0161] The above organic material may include a polyvinylidene fluoride-based antibody or a (meth)acrylic-based polymer.

[0162] The above inorganic material may include inorganic particles selected from Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2, SnO2, CeO2, MgO, NiO, CaO, GaO, ZnO, ZrO2, Y2O3, SrTiO3, BaTiO3, Mg(OH)2, boehmite, and combinations thereof, but is not limited thereto.

[0163] The above organic and inorganic materials may exist mixed in a single coating layer, or may exist in a stacked form with a coating layer containing organic materials and a coating layer containing inorganic materials.

[0164]

[0165] FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram of a secondary battery module in which a secondary battery is arranged to apply an electrode assembly manufactured according to the present invention. A secondary battery module is manufactured by arranging and connecting a plurality of secondary battery cells in the transverse direction and / or longitudinal direction in accordance with the increase in capacity of secondary batteries for driving electric vehicles, etc. A plurality of secondary batteries are arranged in the space formed by a pair of opposing end plates (68a, 68b) and a pair of opposing side plates (69a, 69b). The arrangement of the secondary batteries can be designed in terms of the arrangement direction and number to obtain desired voltage and current specifications.

[0166] FIG. 10 is an example of a secondary battery pack (70) configured to apply the secondary battery module exemplified in FIG. 9 to an actual product (e.g., a car). The secondary battery pack can be manufactured by embedding a plurality of secondary battery modules in a pack housing designed to be mounted on an actual product. The pack housing may include a fastening part and an electrical output part necessary for mounting on the product. In FIG. 10, for convenience of illustration, the illustration of related elements such as a busbar for electrical connection of the secondary batteries, a cooling unit, and external terminals has been omitted.

[0167] A secondary battery pack may be mounted in a vehicle. The vehicle may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle includes a four-wheel drive or two-wheel drive vehicle. FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including a secondary battery pack exemplified in FIG. 10. FIG. 11 illustrates a secondary battery pack (70) according to an embodiment of the present invention mounted on the lower body of a vehicle (V). The vehicle (V) operates by receiving power from the secondary battery pack (70) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0168] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to 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.

Claims

1. A charge and discharge amount inquiry unit for querying charge and discharge amount information of a module; A module replacement time prediction unit that uses the above charge and discharge amount information to reflect it in the SOH calculation and predicts the module replacement time; and A rack determination unit that determines the rack on which the module will be placed, taking into account the replacement timing of the above module. A battery monitoring system including 2. In Paragraph 1, The above charge and discharge amount inquiry unit queries charge and discharge amount information stored in the BMS memory within the module. Battery monitoring system.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above module replacement timing prediction unit uses charge and discharge amount information stored in the BMS memory within the module to reflect it in the calculation of the battery's actual SOH. Battery monitoring system.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above module replacement timing prediction unit stores and manages information regarding the usage history of the module. Battery monitoring system.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above rack determination unit determines whether there are replaceable in-use modules by considering the prediction results regarding the module replacement timing. Battery monitoring system.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above rack determination unit determines the rack to which the module is to be applied among a plurality of candidate racks by considering the SOH information of the above replaceable existing module. Battery monitoring system.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above rack determination unit collects and monitors information on candidate racks and monitors the specifications of modules currently in use included in each rack. Battery monitoring system.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above rack determination unit compares the specifications of modules currently in use, including SOH information, and generates proposal information regarding the trade of modules between multiple racks. Battery monitoring system.

9. A battery monitoring method performed by a battery monitoring system, (a) A step of querying the SOH information of the battery module in use; (b) a step of querying and analyzing rack information; and (c) A step of determining the rack to which the battery module to be applied by comprehensively considering the SOH information of the battery module to be used and the rack information. A battery monitoring method including 10. In Paragraph 9, The above step (a) calculates the SOH information using the charge and discharge amount information of the battery module in use stored in the BMS memory within the module. Battery monitoring method.

11. In Paragraph 9, The above step (b) involves collecting and monitoring information on candidate racks to which the above-mentioned battery module is to be applied. Battery monitoring method.

12. In Paragraph 9, Step (c) above involves determining the amount of cell degradation and the timing for cell replacement by considering the result reflected in the actual SOH calculation of the battery using charge and discharge amount information stored in the BMS memory within the module. Battery monitoring method.

13. In Paragraph 12, The above step (c) determines whether there are any replaceable modules in use by considering the prediction results regarding the module replacement timing. Battery monitoring method.

14. In Paragraph 13, Step (c) above involves determining the rack to which the module will be applied among a plurality of candidate racks by considering the SOH information of the battery module used above. Battery monitoring method.

15. In Paragraph 14, The above step (c) is to generate proposal information regarding the trade of multiple rack-to-rack modules. Battery monitoring method.

16. Input interface device for receiving charge and discharge amount information stored in memory within the module BMS; A memory storing a program that uses the above charge and discharge amount information to reflect it in real-time SOH calculation and determines the module replacement time; and It includes a processor that executes the above program, The above processor determines the rack to which the module will be applied using the result of determining the module replacement timing. Battery monitoring device.

17. In Paragraph 16, The above processor recognizes cell degradation through module-unit charge and discharge amounts and predicts the replacement time of the module. Battery monitoring device.

18. In Paragraph 17, The above processor determines whether there are replaceable modules in use by considering the result of predicting the module replacement time, and determines the rack to which the module will be applied among a plurality of candidate racks by considering the SOH information of the module. Battery monitoring device.

19. In Paragraph 16, The above processor collects and monitors information on candidate racks and monitors the specifications of modules currently in use included in each rack. Battery monitoring device.

20. In Paragraph 19, The above processor compares the specifications of modules currently in use that include SOH information, generates proposal information regarding the trade of modules between multiple racks, and transmits the proposal information to an administrator. Battery monitoring device.

Images