Battery diagnosis device and battery diagnosis method

Abstract

A battery diagnosis device according to an embodiment disclosed in the present document comprises: an interface for acquiring a temperature profile indicating the temperature of a battery cell with respect to the capacity of the battery cell including an electrode based on a first positive electrode material and a second positive electrode material; and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: identify one or more regions in the temperature profile; identify, from among the one or more regions, a first region to which the first positive electrode material reacts, and a plurality of second regions to which the second positive electrode material reacts; and on the basis of a temperature change in each of the one or more regions, diagnose at least one of the degree of degradation of the first positive electrode material and the degree of degradation of the second positive electrode material.

Description

Battery diagnostic device and battery diagnostic method

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] The present invention claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0155988 filed on November 6, 2024, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0155987 filed on November 6, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0158934 filed on October 29, 2025, and includes all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent applications as part of this specification.

[0003] Technology field

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

[0005] The degradation of a battery cell can be composed of the sum of the available lithium loss rate and the positive electrode capacity loss rate. A battery diagnostic device can perform non-destructive diagnosis of the battery cell through electrochemical differential analysis using a voltage profile representing the relationship between the voltage and capacity of the battery cell. However, in the case of electrodes composed of a mixture of multiple materials, there is a problem in determining which of the multiple materials is responsible for the degradation when the positive electrode of the battery cell degrades. Each of the multiple materials may have a different voltage profile depending on the energy change characteristics of each material. Therefore, a method may be required to identify the degradation of a specific material by identifying the regions where each of the multiple materials reacts.

[0006] One objective of the embodiments disclosed in this document is to provide a battery diagnostic device and a battery diagnostic method that identify the degree of degradation of a specific material by utilizing a temperature change corresponding to a region in a battery cell where the specific material reacts in a temperature profile.

[0007] The technical problems of the embodiments disclosed in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0008] A battery diagnostic device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document includes: an interface for obtaining a temperature profile representing the temperature of a battery cell with respect to the capacity of a battery cell comprising an electrode based on a first cathode material and a second cathode material; and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to identify one or more regions in the temperature profile, identify a first region in which the first cathode material reacts and a plurality of second regions in which the second cathode material reacts among the one or more regions, and diagnose at least one of the degradation degree of the first cathode material and the degradation degree of the second cathode material based on the temperature change of each of the one or more regions.

[0009] For example, the above at least one processor may be configured to diagnose the degree of degradation of the first anode material by using a first temperature change corresponding to the first region.

[0010] For example, the at least one processor may be configured to identify a reference temperature profile representing the temperature of the battery cell relative to the capacity of the battery cell in the BOL (beginning of life) state, identify a first reference region corresponding to the first region in the reference temperature profile, identify a second temperature change corresponding to the first reference region, and diagnose the degree of degradation of the first cathode material by comparing the first temperature change and the second temperature change.

[0011] For example, the at least one processor may be configured to identify a plurality of third temperature changes corresponding to the plurality of second regions and to diagnose the degree of degradation of the second anode material using the plurality of third temperature changes.

[0012] For example, the above at least one processor may be configured to diagnose the degree of degradation of the second cathode material by identifying a reference temperature profile representing the temperature of the battery cell with respect to the capacity of the battery cell in the BOL (beginning of life) state, identifying a first sub-reference area corresponding to a first sub-area among the plurality of second areas in the reference temperature profile, identifying a fourth temperature change corresponding to the first sub-reference area, identifying a second sub-reference area corresponding to a second sub-area among the plurality of second areas, identifying a fifth temperature change corresponding to the second sub-reference area, and using the fourth temperature change, the fifth temperature change, and the plurality of third temperature changes.

[0013] For example, the at least one processor may be configured to identify the one or more regions, including the first region, the plurality of second regions, and the third region in which the first cathode material and the second cathode material react.

[0014] For example, the temperature change of each of the above one or more regions may represent the difference between the maximum value of the temperature profile and the minimum value of the temperature profile of each of the above one or more regions.

[0015] For example, the at least one processor may be configured to adjust the charging speed for charging the battery cell or to lower the charging upper voltage representing the maximum voltage of the battery cell when at least one of the degradation degree of the first cathode material and the degradation degree of the second cathode material exceeds a specified degradation degree.

[0016] A battery diagnostic method according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may include: identifying one or more regions in a temperature profile representing the temperature of a battery cell with respect to the capacity of the battery cell comprising an electrode based on a first cathode material and a second cathode material; identifying a first region in which the first cathode material reacts and a plurality of second regions in which the second cathode material reacts among the one or more regions; and diagnosing at least one of the degradation degree of the first cathode material and the degradation degree of the second cathode material based on the temperature change of each of the one or more regions.

[0017] For example, the operation of diagnosing at least one of the degradation degree of the first cathode material and the degradation degree of the second cathode material may include the operation of diagnosing the degradation degree of the first cathode material using a first temperature change corresponding to the first region.

[0018] For example, the operation of diagnosing the degradation degree of the first cathode material may further include the operation of identifying a reference temperature profile representing the temperature of the battery cell relative to the capacity of the battery cell in the BOL (beginning of life) state, the operation of identifying a first reference region corresponding to the first region in the reference temperature profile, the operation of identifying a second temperature change corresponding to the first reference region, and the operation of diagnosing the degradation degree of the first cathode material by comparing the first temperature change and the second temperature change.

[0019] For example, the operation of diagnosing at least one of the degradation degree of the first cathode material and the degradation degree of the second cathode material may include the operation of identifying a plurality of third temperature changes corresponding to the plurality of second regions, and the operation of diagnosing the degradation degree of the second cathode material using the plurality of third temperature changes.

[0020] For example, the operation of diagnosing the degradation degree of the second cathode material may include: identifying a reference temperature profile representing the temperature of the battery cell relative to the capacity of the battery cell in the BOL (beginning of life) state; identifying a first sub-reference area corresponding to a first sub-area among the plurality of second areas in the reference temperature profile; identifying a fourth temperature change corresponding to the first sub-reference area; identifying a second sub-reference area corresponding to a second sub-area among the plurality of second areas; identifying a fifth temperature change corresponding to the second sub-reference area; and diagnosing the degradation degree of the second cathode material by utilizing the fourth temperature change, the fifth temperature change, and the plurality of third temperature changes.

[0021] For example, the operation of identifying one or more of the above regions may further include the operation of identifying one or more of the above regions, including the first region, the plurality of second regions, and a third region in which the first cathode material and the second cathode material react.

[0022] For example, the temperature change of each of the above one or more regions may represent the difference between the maximum value of the temperature profile and the minimum value of the temperature profile of each of the above one or more regions.

[0023] The battery diagnostic device and battery diagnostic method disclosed in this document can identify the degree of degradation of a specific material by utilizing a temperature change corresponding to a region in the battery cell where the specific material reacts in the temperature profile.

[0024] In addition, various effects that can be identified directly or indirectly through this document may be provided.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a battery pack according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a battery diagnostic device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a graph showing data related to a battery cell obtained by a battery diagnostic device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a graph showing a temperature profile obtained by a battery diagnostic device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a table showing temperature changes according to the use of a battery cell according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0030] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a flowchart showing the operation performed by a battery diagnostic device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0031] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a graph showing data related to a battery cell obtained by a battery diagnostic device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0032] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a table showing temperature changes according to the use of a battery cell according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0033] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a flowchart showing the operation performed by a battery diagnostic device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0034] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a flowchart showing the operation performed by a battery diagnostic device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0035] FIG. 11 shows a computing system that executes a battery diagnostic method according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0036] Some embodiments disclosed herein are described below with reference to the various embodiments of the accompanying drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the technology to specific embodiments and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives to embodiments of the technology.

[0037] It should be noted that when assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are assigned the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the various embodiments disclosed in this document, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known configurations or functions would hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0038] In describing the components of the embodiments of this document, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used. These terms are intended merely to distinguish the components from other components and do not limit the essence, order, or sequence of the components. Furthermore, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments disclosed in this document pertain. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0039] Additionally, in this disclosure, expressions of "greater than" or "less than" may be used to determine whether a specific condition is satisfied or fulfilled; however, this is merely for the purpose of expressing an example and does not exclude descriptions of "greater than" or "less than." Conditions described as "greater than" may be replaced with "greater than," conditions described as "less than" may be replaced with "less than," and conditions described as "greater than and less than" may be replaced with "greater than and less than." Furthermore, "A" to "B" below refer to at least one of the elements from A (including A) to B (including B).

[0040] In this document, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0041] In this document, where any component (e.g., 1) is referred to as being “connected,” “coupled,” or “joined” to another component (e.g., 2), with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicationally,” or where it is referred to as “coupled” or “connected,” it means that the component may be connected to the other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0042] As used in one embodiment of this document, the term “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A module may be a component formed integrally, or a minimum unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0043] One embodiment of this document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program) comprising one or more instructions stored on a storage medium readable by a machine. For example, the processor of the machine may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by a machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal, and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily in the storage medium.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store or directly between two user devices. In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0045] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) of the described components may include a singular or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the aforementioned components or operations may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as they were performed by the corresponding component among the multiple components prior to integration.

[0046] According to various embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0047]

[0048] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a battery pack according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery control system including a battery pack (1) and a higher controller (2) included in a higher system according to one embodiment disclosed in this document is schematically shown.

[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the battery pack (1) may include a plurality of battery cells (11) (or one or more battery cells), a switching unit (14) connected in series to the first terminal side and / or second terminal side of the plurality of battery cells (11) to control the flow of charging and discharging current of the plurality of battery cells (11), and a battery management system (20) that monitors the voltage, current, temperature, etc. of the battery pack (1) to prevent overcharging and over-discharging.

[0051] In this case, the battery pack (1) may be equipped with a plurality of battery cells (11), a sensor (12), a switching unit (14), and / or a battery management system (20). For example, the first terminal may be the (+) terminal of the plurality of battery cells (11), and the second terminal may be the (-) terminal.

[0052] Here, the switching unit (14) is a device for controlling the current flow for charging or discharging a plurality of battery cells (11), and, for example, depending on the specifications of the battery pack (1), at least one relay, magnetic contactor, etc. may be used. For example, the plurality of battery cells may include pouch-type battery cells and / or cylindrical battery cells.

[0053] The battery management system (20) is an interface that receives values ​​of various parameters measured above, and may include a plurality of terminals and a circuit connected to these terminals to perform processing of the received values. Additionally, the battery management system (20) may control the ON / OFF of a switching unit (14), such as a relay or contactor, and may be connected to a battery cell (11) to monitor the status of each of the plurality of battery cells (11).

[0054] The upper controller (2) can transmit control signals for a plurality of battery cells (11) to the battery management system (20). Accordingly, the operation of the battery management system (20) can be controlled based on the signals applied from the upper controller (2).

[0055] According to an embodiment, the battery management system (20) may include the battery diagnostic device (100) of FIG. 2. According to another embodiment, the battery management system (20) may be a different system from the battery diagnostic device (100) of FIG. 2. That is, the battery diagnostic device (100) of FIG. 2 may be included in the battery pack (1) or may be composed of another device outside the battery pack (1). For convenience of explanation, the description is based on the premise that the battery diagnostic device (100) is composed of another device outside the battery pack (1).

[0056]

[0057] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a battery diagnostic device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0058] A battery diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment may include at least one of a processor (110), a memory (120), or an interface (130). The processor (110), the memory (120), and the interface (130) may be electrically and / or operably coupled with each other by an electronic component including a communication bus. Hereinafter, operably coupled hardware may mean that a direct connection or an indirect connection between the hardware is established via wired or wireless means so that a second hardware is controlled by a first hardware among the hardware. Although illustrated based on different blocks, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and some of the hardware of FIG. 2 (e.g., at least a portion of the processor (110), the memory (120), and the communication circuit (not shown)) may be included in a single integrated circuit such as a system on a chip (SoC). Communication methods between components may include buses, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), MIPI (mobile industry processor interface), etc.

[0059] A processor (110) of a battery diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment may include a hardware component for processing data based on one or more instructions. The hardware component for processing data may include, for example, an arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), a floating point unit (FPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller unit (MCU), and / or an application processor (AP). The number of processors (110) may be one or more. For example, the processor (110) may have the structure of a multi-core processor including a dual core, a quad core, a hexa core, or an octa core.

[0060] A memory (120) of a battery diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment may include a hardware component for storing data and / or instructions that are input and / or output to a processor (110). The memory (120) may include, for example, volatile memory such as random-access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory such as read-only memory (ROM). For example, the volatile memory may include at least one of dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), cache RAM, and pseudo SRAM (PSRAM). For example, the non-volatile memory may include at least one of programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact disk, and embedded multi-media card (eMMC). For example, the memory (120) may be configured to store a temperature profile representing a temperature change in the capacity of a battery cell including electrodes based on LMFP (lithium manganese iron phosphate) material and / or NCM (nickel, cobalt, manganese) material.

[0061] An interface (130) of a battery diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment may be configured to generate various battery measurement values ​​from the battery. To this end, the interface (130) may include a measurement means such as a voltmeter, an ammeter, and a thermometer, and a communication circuit for establishing a communication link with an external device. As an example, the interface (130) may include a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of a battery cell.

[0062] In one embodiment, the battery cell (e.g., at least one of the plurality of battery cells (11) of FIG. 1) may include an electrode in which one or more materials are mixed. In one embodiment, the battery diagnostic device (100) may obtain a temperature profile of the battery cell including an electrode based on a first positive material and a second positive material using an interface (130). For example, the battery diagnostic device (100) may obtain a temperature profile indicating the temperature of the battery cell relative to the capacity of the battery cell while the battery cell is being charged (or discharged).

[0063] For example, the first cathode material may include LMFP (lithium manganese iron phosphate) material. The second cathode material may include NCM (nickel, cobalt, manganese) material. For example, the cathode of the battery cell may include the first cathode material and the second cathode material. For example, the negative electrode of the battery cell may include graphite material.

[0064] For example, the temperature profile can indicate the temperature of the battery cell relative to the capacity of the battery cell while the battery diagnostic device (100) is charging the battery cell.

[0065] A battery diagnostic device (100) (or processor (110)) according to one embodiment can identify one or more regions in a temperature profile.

[0066] For example, one or more regions may include a first region in which a first cathode material reacts, a plurality of second regions in which the first cathode material and a second cathode material react, and / or a third region in which a second cathode material reacts. The regions in which the cathode material reacts may be distinguished according to the voltage of the battery cell.

[0067] A battery diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment can identify a first region in which a first cathode material reacts among one or more regions. The battery diagnostic device (100) can diagnose the degree of degradation of the first cathode material based on a first temperature change corresponding to the first region.

[0068] For example, the first temperature change may include the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the temperature profile in the first region.

[0069] A battery diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment can identify a reference temperature profile representing the temperature of a battery cell with respect to the capacity of a battery cell in the BOL (beginning of life) state.

[0070] In one embodiment, the battery diagnostic device (100) can identify a first reference area corresponding to a first area in a reference temperature profile. The first area and the first reference area may include substantially the same area.

[0071] In one embodiment, the battery diagnostic device (100) can identify a second temperature change corresponding to a first reference area.

[0072] For example, the second temperature change may include the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the reference temperature profile in the first reference region.

[0073] In one embodiment, the battery diagnostic device (100) can diagnose the degree of degradation of the first cathode material by comparing the first temperature change and the second temperature change.

[0074] For example, the battery diagnostic device (100) can diagnose the degree of degradation of the first cathode material according to the difference (or ratio) between the first temperature change and the second temperature change.

[0075] A battery diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment can determine whether the degradation of the first cathode material exceeds a specified degradation level.

[0076] In one embodiment, the battery diagnostic device (100) may change the charging speed for charging the battery cell when the degradation level of the first cathode material exceeds a specified degradation level. For example, the battery diagnostic device (100) may reduce the charging speed for charging the battery cell when the degradation level of the first cathode material exceeds a specified degradation level.

[0077] In one embodiment, the battery diagnostic device (100) can adjust the charging upper voltage, which represents the maximum voltage of the battery cell, when the degradation of the first cathode material exceeds a specified degradation level. For example, the battery diagnostic device (100) can lower the charging upper voltage when the degradation of the first cathode material exceeds a specified degradation level.

[0078] In one embodiment, the battery diagnostic device (100) may temporarily stop performing operations to change the charging speed or adjust the charging upper voltage when the degradation level of the first positive material does not exceed a specified degradation level.

[0079] A battery diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment as described above can diagnose the degree of degradation of a specific material contained within a battery cell according to the temperature change of the battery cell. By diagnosing the degree of degradation of a specific material using a temperature profile, the battery diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment can improve the usability of the temperature profile.

[0080]

[0081] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a graph showing data related to a battery cell obtained by a battery diagnostic device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document. The battery diagnostic device (100) of FIG. 3 may be referenced to the battery diagnostic device (100) of FIG. 2.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 3, the graph (300) may include a voltage profile (302) representing the relationship between the capacity and voltage of the battery cell and a temperature profile (301) representing the relationship between the capacity and temperature of the battery cell.

[0083] A battery diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment can distinguish one or more regions (310, 320, 330, 340) based on a voltage profile (302). A first region (310) may represent a region where a first cathode material included in a battery cell reacts. A plurality of second regions (320, 340) may represent regions where a second cathode material reacts. A third region (330) may represent a region where both the first cathode material and the second cathode material react.

[0084] A battery diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment can identify one or more regions (310, 320, 330, 340) in a temperature profile (301). The battery diagnostic device (100) can identify temperature changes in each of the one or more regions using the temperature profile (301).

[0085] A battery diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment can identify a first temperature change in a first region (310) where the first cathode material reacts. Based on the first temperature change, the battery diagnostic device (100) can diagnose the degree of degradation of the first cathode material. For example, the first cathode material may degrade relatively more than the second cathode material at a temperature exceeding a specified temperature (e.g., room temperature).

[0086] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5, the operation of a battery diagnostic device (100) diagnosing the degree of degradation of a first positive material using a first temperature change is described in more detail below.

[0087]

[0088] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a graph showing a temperature profile obtained by a battery diagnostic device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document. FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a table showing a temperature change according to the use of a battery cell according to an embodiment disclosed in this document. The battery diagnostic device (100) of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 may be referenced to the battery diagnostic device (100) of FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 4, the graph (400) may include a temperature profile (401) associated with a battery cell in a current state (e.g., middle of life (MoL) state) and a reference temperature profile (402) associated with a battery cell in a beginning of life (BoL) state. The temperature profile (401) and / or the reference temperature profile (402) may represent the temperature of the battery cell relative to the capacity (or state of charge (SOC)) of the battery cell. Referring to FIG. 5, the table (500) may include data associated with a battery cell in a BOL state and / or data associated with a battery cell in a current state. Data related to the battery cell may include the degree of degradation (501) of the first cathode material and a temperature change (502) corresponding to the first region (or first reference region).

[0089] A battery diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment can identify a first region (410) in which the first cathode material reacts among the first cathode material and the second cathode material included in the battery cell. The first region (410) may correspond to the first region (310) of FIG. 3.

[0090] A battery diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment can identify the degree of degradation (e.g., about 3.8%) of a first cathode material (e.g., LMFP material) based on a first temperature change (e.g., about 0.2821) corresponding to a first region (410). The first temperature change may represent the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the temperature profile (401) in the first region (410).

[0091] A battery diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment can identify a first reference region corresponding to a first region (410) in a reference temperature profile. The first reference region may be included in the first region (410).

[0092] A battery diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment can identify a second temperature change (e.g., about 0.1212) corresponding to a first reference area. The second temperature change may represent the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the reference temperature profile (402) in the first reference area.

[0093] A battery diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment can diagnose the degree of degradation of the first cathode material by comparing a first temperature change and a second temperature change.

[0094] A battery diagnostic device (100) according to an embodiment as described above can diagnose the degree of degradation of a specific material by using the temperature profile of a battery cell. The battery diagnostic device (100) can diagnose the degree of degradation of a specific material by using the temperature profile to identify temperature changes in the region where the specific material reacts. By diagnosing the degree of degradation of the specific material, the battery diagnostic device can determine which material is responsible for the positive degradation when positive degradation occurs. The battery diagnostic device can control the battery cell based on the degradation rate of the specific material.

[0095]

[0096] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a flowchart showing operations performed by a battery diagnostic device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the battery diagnostic device (100) of FIG. 2 performs the process of FIG. 6. Furthermore, the operations described as being performed by the device can be understood as being controlled by the processor (110) of the battery diagnostic device (100). Each of the operations of FIG. 6 may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. In addition, the operation of the battery diagnostic device (100) may be performed by a Battery Management System (BMS) in a vehicle, as well as by various devices such as a server, cloud, charger, or charge / discharger.

[0097] In operation S610, a battery diagnostic device according to one embodiment may identify one or more regions (or one or more intervals) in a temperature profile. The temperature profile (e.g., the temperature profile (401) of FIG. 4) may represent the temperature of the battery cell relative to the capacity of the battery cell. The battery cell may include an electrode based on a first cathode material and a second cathode material. The first cathode material and the second cathode material may include different materials.

[0098] For example, one or more regions may include a first region in which the first cathode material reacts (e.g., the first region (310) of FIG. 3), a plurality of second regions in which the second cathode material reacts (e.g., a plurality of second regions (320, 340) of FIG. 3), and / or a third region in which both the first cathode material and the second cathode material react (e.g., the third region (330) of FIG. 3).

[0099] In operation S620, a battery diagnostic device according to one embodiment can identify a first region (or first region) in which the first positive material reacts among one or more regions.

[0100] In operation S630, a battery diagnostic device according to one embodiment can diagnose the degree of degradation of the first cathode material based on a first temperature change corresponding to a first region.

[0101] A battery diagnostic device according to one embodiment can identify a first temperature change using the maximum and minimum values ​​of a temperature profile in a first region.

[0102] A battery diagnostic device according to one embodiment can identify a reference temperature profile associated with a battery cell in a BoL state (e.g., reference temperature profile (402) of FIG. 4).

[0103] A battery diagnostic device according to one embodiment can identify a second temperature change in a first reference region corresponding to a first region by using a reference temperature profile. The second temperature change may represent the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the reference temperature profile in the first reference region.

[0104] A battery diagnostic device according to one embodiment can identify (or diagnose) the degree of degradation of a first cathode material based on a first temperature change and a second temperature change.

[0105] For example, a battery diagnostic device can identify the degree of degradation of the first cathode material by using the difference between the first temperature change and the second temperature change.

[0106] For example, a battery diagnostic device can identify mapping data including the degree of degradation based on the difference between a first temperature change and a second temperature change. Using the mapping data, the battery diagnostic device can identify the degree of degradation of the first cathode material based on the difference between the first temperature change and the second temperature change. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0107] For example, a battery diagnostic device can identify a first temperature value for a specific capacity in a temperature profile. A battery diagnostic device can identify a second temperature value for a specific capacity in a reference temperature profile. The first temperature value and the second temperature value may be included in a first region. Using the first temperature value and the second temperature value, the battery diagnostic device can diagnose the degree of degradation of the first cathode material.

[0108] A battery diagnostic device according to one embodiment can identify the degree of degradation of a second cathode material using a plurality of second regions (e.g., a plurality of second regions (320, 340) of FIG. 3). The operation of the battery diagnostic device identifying the degree of degradation of the second cathode material will be described in more detail later with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.

[0109] A battery diagnostic device according to one embodiment as described above can diagnose the degree of degradation of a specific material by utilizing the temperature change in the region where the specific material reacts.

[0110]

[0111] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a graph showing data related to a battery cell obtained by a battery diagnostic device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document. FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a table showing temperature changes according to the use of a battery cell according to an embodiment disclosed in this document. The battery diagnostic device (100) of FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 may be referenced to the battery diagnostic device (100) of FIG. 2.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 7, the graph (700) may include a temperature profile (701) representing the relationship between the capacity of the battery cell in the middle of life (MOL) state and the temperature of the battery cell, and a temperature profile (702) representing the relationship between the capacity of the battery cell in the beginning of life (BOL) state and the temperature of the battery cell.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 8, the table (800) may include data related to a battery cell in a BOL state and / or data related to a battery cell in a current state (e.g., MOL state). Data related to a battery cell in a BOL state may include a degree of degradation of the second cathode material (801), a temperature change (803) corresponding to a first sub-region (e.g., the first sub-region (721) in FIG. 7), and a temperature change (805) corresponding to a second sub-region (e.g., the second sub-region (722) in FIG. 7). Data related to a battery cell in a current state may include a degree of degradation of the second cathode material (802), a temperature change (804) corresponding to a first sub-region (e.g., the first sub-region (721) in FIG. 7), and a temperature change (806) corresponding to a second sub-region (e.g., the second sub-region (722) in FIG. 7).

[0114] A battery diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment can identify a first region (e.g., the first region (310) of FIG. 3) where a first cathode material reacts and a plurality of second regions (721, 722) where a second cathode material reacts among one or more regions (e.g., one or more regions (310, 320, 330, 340) of FIG. 3). The plurality of second regions (721, 722) can be referenced to the plurality of second regions (320, 340) of FIG. 3. For example, the second sub-region (722) may include a capacity range relatively higher than that of the first sub-region (721).

[0115] A battery diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment can diagnose the degree of degradation of a second cathode material based on a plurality of third temperature changes representing a temperature change corresponding to each of a plurality of second regions (721, 722).

[0116] For example, a plurality of third temperature changes may include a first sub-temperature change corresponding to a first sub-region (721) (e.g., the first sub-region (320) of FIG. 3) and a second sub-temperature change corresponding to a second sub-region (722) (e.g., the second sub-region (340) of FIG. 3).

[0117] For example, the first sub-temperature change may represent the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the temperature profile in the first sub-region (721), and the second sub-temperature change may represent the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the temperature profile in the second sub-region (722).

[0118] For example, the first sub-temperature change can be referenced to the temperature change (804) in FIG. 8. The second sub-temperature change can be referenced to the temperature change (806) in FIG. 8.

[0119] For example, the battery diagnostic device (100) can identify a first sub-reference area corresponding to a first sub-area (721) among a plurality of second areas in a reference temperature profile. The battery diagnostic device can identify a fourth temperature change (e.g., temperature change (803) of FIG. 8) corresponding to the first sub-reference area.

[0120] For example, the battery diagnostic device (100) can identify a second sub-reference area corresponding to a second sub-area (722) among a plurality of second areas in a reference temperature profile. The battery diagnostic device can identify a fifth temperature change (e.g., temperature change (805) of FIG. 8) corresponding to the second sub-reference area.

[0121] For example, the battery diagnostic device (100) can diagnose the degree of degradation of the second cathode material by using a third temperature change, a fourth temperature change, and a plurality of third temperature changes (e.g., a first sub-temperature change and a second sub-temperature change).

[0122] For example, the battery diagnostic device (100) can diagnose the degree of degradation of the second cathode material (e.g., degree of degradation (802) of FIG. 8) based on performing at least one of the comparison of the fourth temperature change and the first sub-temperature change, the comparison of the fifth temperature change and the second sub-temperature change, or any combination thereof.

[0123] A battery diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment can adjust the charging speed (e.g., C-rate) for charging a battery cell when the degradation level of the second cathode material exceeds a specified degradation level. For example, the battery diagnostic device (100) can lower the charging speed.

[0124] A battery diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment may lower the charging upper voltage, which represents the maximum voltage of the battery cell, when the degradation of the second cathode material exceeds a specified degradation level. A battery diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment may reduce the rate of progression of battery cell degradation by lowering the charging upper voltage or adjusting the charging speed.

[0125] A battery diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment as described above can improve the accuracy of the degradation of the second cathode material by using data (e.g., temperature change (804, 806)) related to two sub-regions (721, 722).

[0126]

[0127] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a flowchart showing operations performed by a battery diagnostic device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document. It is assumed that the battery diagnostic device (100) of FIG. 2 performs the process of FIG. 9. Additionally, the operations described as being performed by the device can be understood as being controlled by the processor (110) of the battery diagnostic device (100). Each of the operations of FIG. 9 may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. Furthermore, the operation of the battery diagnostic device (100) may be performed by a Battery Management System (BMS) in a vehicle, as well as by various devices such as a server, cloud, charger, or charge / discharger. At least one of the operations of FIG. 9 may be related to at least one of the operations of FIG. 6.

[0128] In operation S910, a battery diagnostic device according to one embodiment can identify one or more regions in a temperature profile. Operation S910 may be related to operation S610 of FIG. 6.

[0129] In operation S920, a battery diagnostic device according to one embodiment can identify a plurality of second regions in which the second cathode material reacts among one or more regions. The plurality of second regions may include a first sub-region (721) of FIG. 7 and a second sub-region (722) of FIG. 7.

[0130] In operation S930, a battery diagnostic device according to one embodiment can identify a plurality of third temperature changes corresponding to a plurality of second regions.

[0131] For example, a plurality of third temperature changes may include the temperature changes (804, 806) of FIG. 8. For example, each of the plurality of third temperature changes may include the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the temperature profile in each of the plurality of second regions.

[0132] In operation S940, a battery diagnostic device according to one embodiment can diagnose the degree of degradation of the second cathode material using a plurality of third temperature changes.

[0133] For example, the battery diagnostic device can identify a first sub-reference area corresponding to a first sub-area (e.g., the first sub-area (721) in FIG. 7) among a plurality of second areas in a reference temperature profile representing the temperature of a battery cell for the capacity of a battery cell in a BOL state. For example, the battery diagnostic device can identify a fourth temperature change (e.g., the temperature change (803) in FIG. 8) corresponding to the first sub-reference area.

[0134] For example, the battery diagnostic device can identify a second sub-reference area corresponding to a second sub-area (e.g., the second sub-area (721) of FIG. 7) among a plurality of second areas. For example, the battery diagnostic device can identify a fifth temperature change (e.g., the temperature change (805) of FIG. 8) corresponding to the second sub-reference area. For example, the battery diagnostic device can diagnose the degree of degradation of the second cathode material by using a fourth temperature change, a fifth temperature change, and a plurality of third temperature changes.

[0135] For example, the battery diagnostic device can diagnose the degree of degradation of the second cathode material by comparing the fourth temperature change with the first sub-temperature change.

[0136] For example, a battery diagnostic device can diagnose the degree of degradation of the second cathode material by comparing the fifth temperature change with the second sub-temperature change.

[0137] For example, the battery diagnostic device can diagnose the degree of degradation of the second cathode material by comparing the fourth temperature change with the first sub-temperature change and comparing the fifth temperature change with the second sub-temperature change.

[0138]

[0139] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a flowchart showing operations performed by a battery diagnostic device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the battery diagnostic device (100) of FIG. 2 performs the process of FIG. 10. Furthermore, the operations described as being performed by the device can be understood as being controlled by the processor (110) of the battery diagnostic device (100). Each of the operations of FIG. 10 may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. In addition, the operation of the battery diagnostic device (100) may be performed by a Battery Management System (BMS) in a vehicle, as well as by various devices such as a server, cloud, charger, or charge / discharger.

[0140] In operation S1010, a battery diagnostic device according to one embodiment may identify one or more regions in a temperature profile. Operation S1010 may be referenced to operation S610 of FIG. 6. The temperature profile may represent the temperature of a battery cell with respect to the capacity of a battery cell comprising an electrode based on a first cathode material and a second cathode material.

[0141] For example, the first cathode material may include LMFP (lithium manganese iron phosphate) material, and the second cathode material may include NCM (nickel, cobalt, manganese) material.

[0142] In operation S1020, a battery diagnostic device according to one embodiment can identify a first region (e.g., the first region (310) of FIG. 3) in which a first cathode material reacts among one or more regions, and a plurality of second regions (e.g., the first sub-region (320) of FIG. 3 and the second sub-region (340) of FIG. 3) in which a second cathode material reacts.

[0143] For example, one or more regions may include a first region in which the first cathode material reacts, a plurality of second regions in which the second cathode material reacts, and / or a third region in which both the first cathode material and the second cathode material react (e.g., the third region (330) of FIG. 3).

[0144] In operation S1030, a battery diagnostic device according to one embodiment can diagnose at least one of the degradation degree of the first cathode material and the degradation degree of the second cathode material based on the temperature change of each of one or more regions. Operation S1030 may be referenced to operation S630 of FIG. 6 and / or operation S940 of FIG. 9. For example, the battery diagnostic device can diagnose at least one of the degradation degree of the first cathode material and the degradation degree of the second cathode material based on the temperature change of at least one of the first region and a plurality of second regions.

[0145] In one embodiment, the battery diagnostic device can diagnose the degree of degradation of the first cathode material by using a first temperature change corresponding to a first region.

[0146] For example, a battery diagnostic device can identify a reference temperature profile associated with a battery cell in BOL state.

[0147] For example, the battery diagnostic device can identify a first reference region corresponding to a first region in a reference temperature profile. The battery diagnostic device can identify a second temperature change corresponding to the first reference region. For example, the battery diagnostic device can diagnose the degree of degradation of the first cathode material by comparing the first temperature change and the second temperature change.

[0148] In one embodiment, the battery diagnostic device can identify a plurality of third temperature changes corresponding to a plurality of second regions. For example, the battery diagnostic device can diagnose the degree of degradation of the second cathode material using the plurality of third temperature changes.

[0149] For example, the battery diagnostic device can identify a first sub-reference area corresponding to a first sub-area (e.g., the first sub-area (721) of FIG. 7) among a plurality of second areas in a reference temperature profile. The battery diagnostic device can identify a fourth temperature change corresponding to the first sub-reference area.

[0150] For example, the battery diagnostic device can identify a second sub-reference area corresponding to a second sub-area (e.g., the second sub-area (722) of FIG. 7) among a plurality of second areas in a reference temperature profile. The battery diagnostic device can identify a fifth temperature change corresponding to the second sub-reference area.

[0151] For example, a battery diagnostic device can diagnose the degree of degradation of the second cathode material by using a fourth temperature change, a fifth temperature change, and a plurality of third temperature changes.

[0152]

[0153] FIG. 11 shows a computing system that executes a battery diagnostic method according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 11, a computing system (1000) according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may include an MCU (1010), a memory (1020), an input / output I / F (1030), and a communication I / F (1040).

[0155] The MCU (1010) may be a processor that executes various programs stored in memory (1020) (e.g., SOH calculation program, cell balancing target determination program, etc.), processes various data including SOC (state of charge), SOH (state of health), etc. of multiple battery cells through these programs, and performs the functions of the battery diagnostic device (100) described above. The MCU (1010) may be a BMS, a separate PC, or a cloud, but is not limited thereto.

[0156] The memory (1020) can store various programs regarding the calculation of the battery cell's SOH and the determination of the target for cell balancing. Additionally, the memory (1020) can store various data such as SOC data and SOH data for each battery cell.

[0157] These memories (1020) may be provided in multiple quantities as needed. The memories (1020) may be volatile memories or non-volatile memories. As volatile memories, the memory (1020) may use RAM, DRAM, SRAM, etc. As non-volatile memories, the memory (1020) may use ROM, PROM, EAROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, etc. The examples of the memories (1020) listed above are merely examples and are not limited to these examples.

[0158] The input / output I / F (1030) can provide an interface that enables data transmission and reception between an input device (not shown), such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel, an output device (not shown), and an MCU (1010).

[0159] The communication I / F (1040) is configured to transmit and receive various data to and from a server and may be various devices capable of supporting wired or wireless communication. For example, through the communication I / F (1040), programs for calculating the SOH of a battery cell or determining a balancing target, or various data, can be transmitted and received from an external server provided separately.

[0160] As such, a battery diagnostic method according to one embodiment disclosed in this document can be recorded in memory (1020) and executed by an MCU (1010).

[0161] As described above, even though all components constituting the embodiments disclosed in this document have been described as being combined or operating in combination, the embodiments disclosed in this document are not necessarily limited to such embodiments. That is, within the scope of the purposes of the embodiments disclosed in this document, all components may be selectively combined in one or more ways to operate.

[0162] Furthermore, terms such as "include," "compose," or "have" as described above, unless specifically stated otherwise, mean that the relevant component may be inherent; thus, they should be interpreted as allowing for the inclusion of additional components rather than excluding them. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments disclosed in this document pertain, unless otherwise defined. Commonly used terms, such as those defined in advance, should be interpreted in accordance with their contextual meanings in the relevant technology and, unless explicitly defined in this document, should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense.

[0163] The above description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical concept disclosed in this document, and a person skilled in the art to which the embodiments disclosed in this document belong may make various modifications and variations within the scope of the essential characteristics of the embodiments disclosed in this document. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in this document are intended to explain, not limit, the technical concept of the embodiments disclosed in this document, and the scope of the technical concept disclosed in this document is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the technical concept disclosed in this document shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of this document.

Claims

1. An interface for obtaining a temperature profile indicating the temperature of a battery cell with respect to the capacity of a battery cell comprising an electrode based on a first cathode material and a second cathode material; and It includes at least one processor, The above at least one processor is, Identify one or more regions in the above temperature profile, and Identifying a first region in which the first cathode material reacts among the above one or more regions, and a plurality of second regions in which the second cathode material reacts, and Configured to diagnose at least one of the degradation degree of the first cathode material and the degradation degree of the second cathode material based on the temperature change of each of the one or more regions above, Battery diagnostic device.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above at least one processor is, A configuration for diagnosing the degree of degradation of the first anode material using a first temperature change corresponding to the first region, Battery diagnostic device.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above at least one processor is, Identify a reference temperature profile representing the temperature of the battery cell relative to the capacity of the battery cell in the BOL (beginning of life) state, and Identifying a first reference region corresponding to the first region in the above reference temperature profile, and Identifying a second temperature change corresponding to the first reference area above, and Configured to diagnose the degree of degradation of the first anode material by comparing the first temperature change and the second temperature change. Battery diagnostic device.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above at least one processor is, Identifying a plurality of third temperature changes corresponding to the plurality of second regions above, and Configured to diagnose the degree of degradation of the second anode material using the above plurality of third temperature changes, Battery diagnostic device.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above at least one processor is, Identify a reference temperature profile representing the temperature of the battery cell relative to the capacity of the battery cell in the BOL (beginning of life) state, and Identifying a first sub-reference region corresponding to a first sub-region among the plurality of second regions in the above reference temperature profile, and Identifying a fourth temperature change corresponding to the first sub-reference area, and Identifying a second sub-reference area corresponding to a second sub-area among the plurality of second areas, and Identifying a fifth temperature change corresponding to the second sub-reference area above, and A method configured to diagnose the degree of degradation of the second anode material by utilizing the fourth temperature change, the fifth temperature change, and the plurality of third temperature changes. Battery diagnostic device.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above at least one processor is, Configured to identify one or more regions including the first region, the plurality of second regions, and a third region in which the first cathode material and the second cathode material react. Battery diagnostic device.

7. In Paragraph 1, The temperature change of each of the above one or more regions is, Indicating the difference between the maximum value of the temperature profile and the minimum value of the temperature profile for each of the one or more of the above regions, Battery diagnostic device.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above at least one processor is, When at least one of the degradation degree of the first cathode material and the degradation degree of the second cathode material exceeds a specified degradation degree, the charging speed for charging the battery cell is adjusted or the charging upper voltage representing the maximum voltage of the battery cell is lowered. Battery diagnostic device.

9. An operation of identifying one or more regions in a temperature profile representing the temperature of a battery cell with respect to the capacity of a battery cell including an electrode based on a first cathode material and a second cathode material; The operation of identifying a first region in which the first cathode material reacts and a plurality of second regions in which the second cathode material reacts among the one or more regions above; and Based on the temperature change of each of the one or more regions, the method includes the operation of diagnosing at least one of the degradation degree of the first cathode material and the degradation degree of the second cathode material. Battery diagnostic method.

10. In Paragraph 9, The operation of diagnosing at least one of the degradation degree of the first cathode material and the degradation degree of the second cathode material is, A method comprising diagnosing the degree of degradation of the first anode material using a first temperature change corresponding to the first region, Battery diagnostic method.

11. In Paragraph 10, The operation of diagnosing the degree of degradation of the first anode material is, An operation to identify a reference temperature profile representing the temperature of the battery cell relative to the capacity of the battery cell in the BOL (beginning of life) state, The operation of identifying a first reference region corresponding to the first region in the above reference temperature profile, An operation to identify a second temperature change corresponding to the first reference area, and The method further includes the operation of diagnosing the degree of degradation of the first anode material by comparing the first temperature change and the second temperature change. Battery diagnostic method.

12. In Paragraph 9, The operation of diagnosing at least one of the degradation degree of the first cathode material and the degradation degree of the second cathode material is, An operation of identifying a plurality of third temperature changes corresponding to the plurality of second regions above, and The operation of diagnosing the degree of degradation of the second anode material using the plurality of third temperature changes described above, Battery diagnostic method.

13. In Paragraph 12, The operation of diagnosing the degree of degradation of the second anode material is, An operation to identify a reference temperature profile representing the temperature of the battery cell relative to the capacity of the battery cell in the BOL (beginning of life) state, The operation of identifying a first sub-reference region corresponding to a first sub-region among the plurality of second regions in the above reference temperature profile, An operation to identify a fourth temperature change corresponding to the first sub-reference area, An operation of identifying a second sub-reference area corresponding to a second sub-area among the plurality of second areas, An operation to identify a fifth temperature change corresponding to the second sub-reference area, and The operation of diagnosing the degree of degradation of the second anode material by utilizing the fourth temperature change, the fifth temperature change, and the plurality of third temperature changes. Battery diagnostic method.

14. In Paragraph 9, The operation of identifying one or more of the above regions is, The method further comprises the operation of identifying one or more regions including the first region, the plurality of second regions, and a third region in which the first cathode material and the second cathode material react. Battery diagnostic method.

15. In Paragraph 9, The temperature change of each of the above one or more regions is, Indicating the difference between the maximum value of the temperature profile and the minimum value of the temperature profile for each of the one or more of the above regions, Battery diagnostic method.

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