Battery diagnosis device and method

Abstract

A battery diagnosis device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a profile obtaining unit configured to obtain a voltage profile including a voltage change after discharging of a battery is terminated; and a control unit configured to determine a first voltage and a second voltage of the battery from the voltage profile, determine a first voltage pattern on the basis of a pre-stored first reference profile and the first voltage, determine a second voltage pattern on the basis of a pre-stored second reference profile and the second voltage, and diagnose a state of the battery on the basis of the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern.

Description

Battery diagnostic device and method

[0001] This application is a priority claim application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0179968 filed on December 5, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of said application are incorporated into this application by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery diagnostic device and method for diagnosing the condition of a battery based on the open circuit voltage (OCV) of the battery.

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

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

[0005] While much research is being conducted on these batteries in terms of increasing capacity and density, improving lifespan and safety is also important. To enhance battery safety, technology capable of accurately diagnosing the battery's current state is required.

[0006] The present invention is designed to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a battery diagnostic device and method that diagnose the condition of a battery using OCV after the battery charging is finished.

[0007] Other objects and advantages of the present invention may be understood from the following description and will become more clearly apparent from the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0008] A battery diagnostic device according to one aspect of the present invention may be configured to acquire a voltage profile including a voltage change after the discharge of a battery; and to determine a first voltage and a second voltage of the battery from the voltage profile, determine a first voltage pattern based on a first reference profile stored in advance and the first voltage, determine a second voltage pattern based on a second reference profile stored in advance and the second voltage, and diagnose the state of the battery based on the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern.

[0009] The control unit may be configured to diagnose the state of the battery based on whether the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern are identical.

[0010] The control unit may be configured to diagnose the state of the battery as a first state or a second state if the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern are the same.

[0011] The control unit may be configured to diagnose the state of the battery as the first state if the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern are decreasing patterns.

[0012] The control unit may be configured to diagnose the state of the battery to the second state if the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern are increasing patterns.

[0013] The above control unit may be configured to diagnose the state of the battery to a third state if the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern are different.

[0014] The above control unit may be configured to adjust a preset charging speed of the battery to correspond to the state of the battery.

[0015] The control unit above may be configured to determine the voltage at a point in time when a preset first time has elapsed from the discharge end point in the voltage profile as the first voltage.

[0016] The control unit above may be configured to determine the voltage at a point in time when a preset second time has elapsed from the discharge end point in the voltage profile as the second voltage.

[0017] The above second time can be pre-set as a point in time after the above first time.

[0018] The above first reference profile may be pre-set to include one or more first voltages of the battery determined at a previous point in time.

[0019] The above second reference profile may be pre-set to include one or more second voltages of the battery determined at a previous point in time.

[0020] A battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention may include a battery diagnostic device according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0021] An automobile according to another aspect of the present invention may include a battery diagnostic device according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0022] A battery diagnostic method according to another aspect of the present invention may include: a profile acquisition step of acquiring a voltage profile including a voltage change after the discharge of the battery has ended; a voltage determination step of determining a first voltage and a second voltage of the battery from the voltage profile; a voltage pattern determination step of determining a first voltage pattern based on a first reference profile and the first voltage, and determining a second voltage pattern based on a second reference profile and the second voltage; and a diagnostic step of diagnosing the state of the battery based on the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern.

[0023] A computer-readable recording medium according to another aspect of the present invention may store a program for executing a battery diagnostic method.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, the battery diagnostic device has the advantage of being able to diagnose the condition of the battery based on various information (first and second voltage patterns) by comparing voltage patterns according to the presence or absence of overvoltage influence.

[0025] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims.

[0026] The following drawings attached to this specification serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the invention in conjunction with the detailed description of the invention set forth below; therefore, the invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery diagnostic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a voltage profile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first reference profile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating a second reference profile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing illustrating an automobile according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery diagnostic method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0035] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0036] In addition, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions may obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0037] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., are used for the purpose of distinguishing one of the various components from the rest, and are not used to limit the components by such terms.

[0038] Throughout the specification, when a part is described as "including" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0039] Additionally, throughout the specification, when it is said that a part is "connected" to another part, this includes not only cases where they are "directly connected," but also cases where they are "indirectly connected" with other components in between.

[0040]

[0041] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0042] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, the battery diagnostic device (100) may include a profile acquisition unit (110), a control unit (120), and a storage unit (130).

[0044] Here, a battery refers to a single, independent cell that is physically separable and equipped with a negative terminal and a positive terminal. For example, a lithium-ion battery or a lithium-polymer battery may be considered a battery. Additionally, the battery may be of the cylindrical, prismatic, or pouch type. Furthermore, a battery may refer to a battery bank, battery module, or battery pack in which multiple cells are connected in series and / or parallel. For the sake of convenience of explanation, the term "battery" below is described as referring to a single, independent cell.

[0045] The profile acquisition unit (110) may be configured to acquire a voltage profile (VP) including a voltage change after the discharge of the battery has ended.

[0046] Specifically, the profile acquisition unit (110) can acquire a voltage profile (VP) including the voltage change of the battery from the time when the discharge of the battery ends until a predetermined time. That is, the voltage profile (VP) may include voltage information of the battery in a no-load state.

[0047] For example, the profile acquisition unit (110) may be connected via wired and / or wireless means to communicate with the outside. And, the profile acquisition unit (110) can acquire a voltage profile (VP) by receiving a voltage profile (VP) of the battery from the outside.

[0048] As another example, the profile acquisition unit (110) is electrically connected to the battery and can directly measure the voltage of the battery. That is, the profile acquisition unit (110) can acquire a voltage profile (VP) by directly measuring the voltage of the battery.

[0049] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a voltage profile (VP) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The voltage profile (VP) can be represented as an XY graph in which the X-axis is set to time and the Y-axis is set to voltage. However, FIG. 2 is merely an embodiment of representing the voltage profile (VP), and the voltage profile (VP) can also be represented in other forms, such as a table.

[0050] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, Ds is the discharge start time, Df is the discharge end time, Vs[V] is the discharge start voltage, and Vf[V] is the discharge end voltage. Also, t1 and t2 are points in time after the discharge of the battery has ended. The battery starts discharging at the discharge start time (Ds) and ends discharging at the discharge end time (Df). The battery, after discharge has ended, can be maintained in a no-load state. At time t1, the voltage of the battery is V1[V], and at time t2, the voltage of the battery is V2[V].

[0051] The profile acquisition unit (110) can be connected via wired and / or wireless means to communicate with the control unit (120). The profile acquisition unit (110) can transmit the acquired voltage profile (VP) to the control unit (120).

[0052] The control unit (120) may be configured to determine the first voltage and the second voltage of the battery from the voltage profile (VP).

[0053] Specifically, the control unit (120) may be configured to determine the voltage at a point in time when a preset first time has elapsed from the discharge end point in the voltage profile (VP) as the first voltage.

[0054] The first time point can be pre-set as the time during which the overvoltage is maintained after the discharge has ended. For example, the first time point can be pre-set as a time of 10 seconds or less. Preferably, the first time point can be pre-set as 1 second.

[0055] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, t1 is a point in time after a first time has elapsed from the discharge end time (Df). The control unit (120) can determine the voltage (V1) at time t1 as the first voltage.

[0056] Here, overpotential refers to the difference between the equilibrium potential and the actual potential of the electrodes that occurs as electrochemical reactions proceed within the battery. Immediately after the discharge of the battery ends, activation overpotential and concentration overpotential may occur.

[0057] During the process of battery discharge, oxidation-reduction reactions occur on the electrode surface as current flows. The activation overpotential is generated by the residual energy and polarization of the oxidation-reduction reactions remaining on the electrode surface immediately after discharge ends, and begins to decrease immediately once discharge is complete. This activation overpotential tends to increase as the battery's discharge C-rate (Current rate) increases.

[0058] In addition, during the discharge process of the battery, a concentration gradient is formed as the concentration of lithium ions (or other active ions) near the electrode surface decreases or increases significantly, and this concentration difference causes a potential loss. Concentration overpotential is caused by the concentration difference immediately after the discharge ends and is gradually resolved by diffusion once the discharge ends.

[0059] Generally, the activation overvoltage can be resolved within a few seconds, and the concentration overvoltage can be resolved within a few minutes. Therefore, the first time point can be pre-set to the time point during which the activation overvoltage and concentration overvoltage are maintained immediately after the discharge of the battery ends.

[0060] Specifically, the control unit (120) may be configured to determine the voltage at a point in time when a preset second time has elapsed from the discharge end point in the voltage profile (VP) as the second voltage.

[0061] The second time point may be pre-set as a time after at least some of the overvoltage has been resolved. That is, the second time point may be pre-set as a point in time after the first time point. For example, the second time point may be pre-set as a time of 1 minute or more. Preferably, the second time point may be pre-set as 5 minutes.

[0062] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, t2 is the point in time after a second time has elapsed from the discharge end time (Df). The control unit (120) can determine the voltage (V2) at time t2 as the second voltage.

[0063] As explained above, the activation overpotential can be resolved within a few seconds. However, since the concentration overpotential is resolved only when ions have sufficiently diffused, it may take several minutes for the concentration overpotential to be resolved. Therefore, the second time point can be pre-set as a time point after the activation overpotential has been resolved and the concentration overpotential has been sufficiently resolved.

[0064] That is, the first time point can be pre-set as a time point when both the activation overvoltage and the concentration overvoltage are maintained, and the second time point can be set as a time point when the battery is in a stabilized state and the battery's OCV can be measured.

[0065] The control unit (120) may be configured to determine a first voltage pattern based on a first reference profile (RP1) and a first voltage that are stored in advance.

[0066] Here, the first reference profile (RP1) may be pre-set to include one or more first voltages of the battery determined at a previous point in time. For example, the state of the battery may be diagnosed periodically or non-periodically. And, each time it is diagnosed, the first voltage of the battery may be included in the first reference profile (RP1).

[0067] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first reference profile (RP1) according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the first reference profile (RP1) may be represented as an XY graph in which the X-axis is set to cycles and the Y-axis is set to voltage. Here, voltage refers to the value of the first voltage.

[0068] The control unit (120) can determine a first voltage pattern by considering one or more first voltages (hereinafter referred to as "past first voltages") included in a first reference profile (RP1) and a first voltage (hereinafter referred to as "current first voltage") included in a voltage profile (VP). Specifically, the first voltage pattern can be determined as an increasing pattern or a decreasing pattern.

[0069] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, it is assumed that the current cycle is K1 and the first reference profile (RP1) includes past first voltages for cycles C1 to K1-1. Since a plurality of first voltages corresponding to cycles C1 to K1 are continuously decreasing, the control unit (120) can determine the first voltage pattern as a decreasing pattern.

[0070] As another example, it is assumed that the current cycle is K2 and the first reference profile (RP1) includes past first voltages for cycles C1 to K2-1. Since a plurality of first voltages corresponding to cycles C1 to K2 are continuously decreasing, the control unit (120) can determine the first voltage pattern as a decreasing pattern.

[0071] As another example, it is assumed that the current cycle is K3 and the first reference profile (RP1) includes past first voltages for cycles C1 to K3-1. A plurality of first voltages corresponding to cycles C1 to C3 are continuously decreasing, while a plurality of first voltages corresponding to cycles C3 to K3 are continuously increasing. Accordingly, the control unit (120) can determine the first voltage pattern as an increasing pattern.

[0072] The control unit (120) may be configured to determine a second voltage pattern based on a previously stored second reference profile (RP2) and a second voltage.

[0073] Here, the second reference profile (RP2) may be pre-configured to include one or more second voltages of the battery determined at a previous point in time. For example, the state of the battery may be diagnosed periodically or non-periodically. And, each time it is diagnosed, the second voltage of the battery may be included in the second reference profile (RP2).

[0074] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second reference profile (RP2) according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the second reference profile (RP2) may be represented as an XY graph in which the X-axis is set to cycles and the Y-axis is set to voltage. Here, voltage refers to the value of the second voltage.

[0075] The control unit (120) can determine a second voltage pattern by considering one or more second voltages (hereinafter referred to as "past second voltages") included in the second reference profile (RP2) and a second voltage (hereinafter referred to as "current second voltage") included in the voltage profile (VP). Specifically, the second voltage pattern can be determined as an increasing pattern or a decreasing pattern.

[0076] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, it is assumed that the current cycle is K1 and the second reference profile (RP2) includes past second voltages for cycles C1 to K1-1. Since a plurality of second voltages corresponding to cycles C1 to K1 are continuously decreasing, the control unit (120) can determine the second voltage pattern as a decreasing pattern.

[0077] As another example, the current cycle is K2, and in the second reference profile (RP2), the plurality of second voltages corresponding to cycles C1 to C2 are continuously decreasing, while the plurality of second voltages corresponding to cycles C2 to K2 are continuously increasing. Accordingly, the control unit (120) can determine the second voltage pattern as an increasing pattern.

[0078] As another example, it is assumed that the current cycle is K3 and the second reference profile (RP2) includes past second voltages for cycles C1 to K3-1. A plurality of second voltages corresponding to cycles C1 to C2 are continuously decreasing, while a plurality of second voltages corresponding to cycles C2 to K3 are continuously increasing. Accordingly, the control unit (120) can determine the second voltage pattern as an increasing pattern.

[0079] The control unit (120) may be configured to diagnose the state of the battery based on a first voltage pattern and a second voltage pattern.

[0080] Specifically, the first voltage pattern is a voltage pattern determined based on the first voltage of the battery and the first reference profile (RP1), and the second voltage pattern is a voltage pattern determined based on the second voltage of the battery and the second reference profile (RP2).

[0081] The control unit (120) may be configured to diagnose the state of the battery based on whether the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern are the same.

[0082] Specifically, the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern can each be determined as an increasing pattern or a decreasing pattern. Here, for the convenience of explanation, a pattern in which the voltage is maintained constant is described as being included in the increasing pattern.

[0083] Preferably, since the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern are independent of each other, the control unit (120) can specifically diagnose the state of the battery based on whether the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern are the same.

[0084] That is, the control unit (120) can diagnose the condition of the battery by considering whether the first voltage pattern affected by overvoltage and the second voltage pattern affected by overvoltage are the same.

[0085] A battery diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of being able to diagnose the condition of a battery based on various information (first and second voltage patterns) by comparing voltage patterns according to whether or not there is an overvoltage effect.

[0086]

[0087] Meanwhile, the control unit (120) provided in the battery diagnostic device (100) may optionally include a processor, an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit), another chipset, a logic circuit, a register, a communication modem, a data processing device, etc., known in the art, to execute various control logics performed in the present invention. Additionally, when the control logic is implemented in software, the control unit (120) may be implemented as a set of program modules. At this time, the program modules may be stored in memory and executed by the control unit (120). The memory may be located inside or outside the control unit (120) and may be connected to the control unit (120) by various well-known means.

[0088] Additionally, the battery diagnostic device (100) may further include a storage unit (130). The storage unit (130) may store data or programs necessary for each component of the battery diagnostic device (100) to perform operations and functions, or data generated during the process of performing operations and functions. The storage unit (130) is not subject to any special restrictions on its type as long as it is a known information storage means capable of recording, erasing, updating, and reading data. As an example, the information storage means may include RAM, flash memory, ROM, EEPROM, registers, etc. Additionally, the storage unit (130) may store program codes that define processes executable by each component of the battery diagnostic device (100).

[0089] The storage unit (130) can store a voltage profile (VP), a first reference profile (RP1), and a second reference profile (RP2). The control unit (120) can access the storage unit (130) to obtain the voltage profile (VP), the first reference profile (RP1), and the second reference profile (RP2).

[0090]

[0091] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4, an embodiment in which the control unit (120) diagnoses the state of the battery will be described in more detail.

[0092] In the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4, the first section (R1) is a section including cycles C1 to C2, the second section (R2) is a section including cycles C2 to C3, and the third section (R3) is a section including cycles C3 to C4.

[0093] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the first voltage pattern of the first and second sections (R2) is a decreasing pattern, and the first voltage pattern of the third section (R3) is an increasing pattern. And, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the second voltage pattern of the first section (R1) is a decreasing pattern, and the second voltage pattern of the second and third sections (R3) is an increasing pattern.

[0094] Specifically, the control unit (120) may be configured to diagnose the state of the battery as a first state or a second state if the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern are the same.

[0095] The control unit (120) may be configured to diagnose the state of the battery as the first state if the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern are a decreasing pattern.

[0096] Specifically, if the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern are decreasing patterns, the control unit (120) can determine that the battery degradation is proceeding normally. That is, the control unit (120) can determine the state of the battery as a first state indicating a normal state.

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4, the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern of the first section (R1) are both decreasing patterns. For example, assuming the current cycle is K1 cycle, since the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern are decreasing patterns, the control unit (120) can diagnose the state of the battery as the first state.

[0098] The control unit (120) may be configured to diagnose the state of the battery to a second state if the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern are increasing patterns.

[0099] Specifically, if the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern are increasing patterns, the control unit (120) can determine that the battery is in a state where degradation is progressing excessively. That is, the control unit (120) can determine the state of the battery as a second state indicating a deteriorated state.

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern of the third section (R3) are both increasing patterns. For example, assuming the current cycle is K3 cycles, since the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern are increasing patterns, the control unit (120) can diagnose the state of the battery as the second state.

[0101] The control unit (120) may be configured to diagnose the state of the battery to a third state if the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern are different.

[0102] Specifically, if the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern are different, the control unit (120) can determine that the battery is in a state requiring attention to degradation. That is, the control unit (120) can determine the state of the battery as a third state that is between the first state and the second state. In other words, among the first to third states, the first state means the state of least degradation, and the second state means the state of most degradation.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the first voltage pattern of the second section (R2) is a decreasing pattern, and the second voltage pattern is an increasing pattern. For example, assuming the current cycle is K2 cycles, the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern are different, so the control unit (120) can diagnose the state of the battery as the second state.

[0104] A battery diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of determining the degree of degradation of a battery by considering a first voltage pattern and a second voltage pattern, and diagnosing the state of the battery according to the determined degree of degradation. For example, if the degree of degradation of the battery is at a normal level, the state of the battery is diagnosed as a first state; if the degree of degradation of the battery is at a severe level, the state of the battery is diagnosed as a second state; and if the degree of degradation of the battery is at a level requiring caution, the state of the battery is diagnosed as a third state.

[0105]

[0106] The control unit (120) may be configured to adjust the charging speed preset in the battery to correspond to the state of the battery.

[0107] Specifically, when the battery state is diagnosed as a first state, the control unit (120) can maintain the battery charging speed at a preset charging speed.

[0108] The control unit (120) can reduce the charging speed of the battery to a first charging speed when the battery state is diagnosed as a third state. For example, the first charging speed may be a value reduced by a predetermined ratio from a preset charging speed or a value reduced by a predetermined C-RATE.

[0109] The control unit (120) can reduce the charging speed of the battery to a second charging speed when the battery state is diagnosed as a second state. Here, the second charging speed is a value lower than the first charging speed. For example, the second charging speed may be a value reduced by a predetermined ratio from the first charging speed, or a value reduced by a predetermined C-RATE. As another example, the second charging speed may be a value reduced by a predetermined ratio from a preset charging speed, or a value reduced by a predetermined C-RATE.

[0110] For example, assume that the preset charging speed is 1C and the charging speed decreases cumulatively by 10% depending on the condition of the battery being diagnosed.

[0111] If the battery condition is diagnosed as the first state, it can be seen that the battery is degrading normally. Therefore, the control unit (120) can maintain the charging speed of the battery at 1C.

[0112] If the battery condition is diagnosed as a second state, it can be seen that the battery is degrading excessively. Therefore, the control unit (120) can calculate the formula "1×0.9×0.9" and reduce the charging speed of the battery to 0.81C.

[0113] If the battery condition is diagnosed as a third state, it can be seen that attention is required regarding battery degradation. Accordingly, the control unit (120) can calculate the formula "1×0.9" and reduce the charging speed of the battery to 0.9C.

[0114] Although the above embodiments described limited examples, the rate or value at which the charging speed is reduced can be appropriately determined based on the battery's SOH and material characteristics, etc.

[0115] Generally, when a degraded battery is charged at a high charging rate, the risk of overheating and internal short circuits increases. In addition, the charging efficiency may decrease because energy transfer losses increase. Therefore, the battery diagnostic device (100) can improve the charging efficiency of the battery, increase its expected lifespan, and prevent unexpected accidents by adjusting the charging rate to correspond to the condition of the battery.

[0116]

[0117] The battery diagnostic device (100) according to the present invention may be applied to a Battery Management System (BMS). That is, the BMS according to the present invention may include the battery diagnostic device (100) described above. In this configuration, at least some of the components of the battery diagnostic device (100) may be implemented by supplementing or adding the functions of the components included in a conventional BMS. For example, the profile acquisition unit (110), control unit (120), and storage unit (130) of the battery diagnostic device (100) may be implemented as components of the BMS.

[0118] In addition, the battery diagnostic device (100) according to the present invention may be provided in a battery pack. That is, the battery pack according to the present invention may include the battery diagnostic device (100) described above and one or more battery cells. In addition, the battery pack may further include electrical components (relays, fuses, etc.) and a case, etc.

[0119] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] The positive terminal of the battery (11) can be connected to the positive terminal (P+) of the battery pack (10), and the negative terminal of the battery (11) can be connected to the negative terminal (P-) of the battery pack (10).

[0121] The measuring unit (12) can be connected to the first sensing line (SL1), the second sensing line (SL2), and the third sensing line (SL3). Specifically, the measuring unit (12) can be connected to the positive terminal of the battery (11) through the first sensing line (SL1) and to the negative terminal of the battery (11) through the second sensing line (SL2). The measuring unit (12) can measure the voltage of the battery (11) based on the voltage measured at each of the first sensing line (SL1) and the second sensing line (SL2).

[0122] Additionally, the measuring unit (12) can be connected to a current measuring unit (A) through a third sensing line (SL3). For example, the current measuring unit (A) may be an ammeter or a shunt resistor capable of measuring the charging current and discharging current of the battery (11). The measuring unit (12) can calculate the charging amount by measuring the charging current of the battery (11) through the third sensing line (SL3). Furthermore, the measuring unit (12) can calculate the discharging amount by measuring the discharging current of the battery (11) through the third sensing line (SL3).

[0123] For example, the profile acquisition unit (110) can receive voltage information and / or a voltage profile (VP) for the battery from the measurement unit (12).

[0124] An external device may be connected to the positive terminal (P+) and the negative terminal (P-) of the battery pack (10). For example, the external device may be a charging device or a load. Also, the positive terminal of the battery (11), the positive terminal (P+) of the battery pack (10), the external device, the negative terminal (P-) of the battery pack (10), and the negative terminal of the battery (11) may be electrically connected.

[0125]

[0126] FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing illustrating a vehicle (600) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 6, a battery pack (610) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be included in a vehicle (600), such as an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid vehicle (HV). The battery pack (610) can drive the vehicle (600) by supplying power to a motor through an inverter provided in the vehicle (600). Here, the battery pack (610) may include a battery diagnostic device (100). That is, the vehicle (600) may include a battery diagnostic device (100). In this case, the battery diagnostic device (100) may be an on-board device included in the vehicle (600).

[0128]

[0129] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery diagnostic method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 7, the battery diagnostic method may include a profile acquisition step (S100), a voltage determination step (S200), a voltage pattern determination step (S300), and a diagnostic step (S400).

[0131] Preferably, each step of the battery diagnostic method can be performed by a battery diagnostic device (100). For convenience of explanation, details that overlap with previously described content will be omitted or briefly explained below.

[0132] The profile acquisition step (S100) is a step of acquiring a voltage profile (VP) including voltage changes after the discharge of the battery is finished, and can be performed by the profile acquisition unit (110).

[0133] For example, the profile acquisition unit (110) may be connected via wired and / or wireless means to communicate with the outside. And, the profile acquisition unit (110) can acquire a voltage profile (VP) by receiving a voltage profile (VP) of the battery from the outside.

[0134] As another example, the profile acquisition unit (110) is electrically connected to the battery and can directly measure the voltage of the battery. That is, the profile acquisition unit (110) can acquire a voltage profile (VP) by directly measuring the voltage of the battery.

[0135] The voltage determination step (S200) is a step of determining the first voltage and the second voltage of the battery from the voltage profile (VP), and can be performed by the control unit (120).

[0136] Specifically, the control unit (120) may be configured to determine the voltage at a point in time when a preset first time has elapsed from the end of discharge in the voltage profile (VP) as the first voltage. Additionally, the control unit (120) may be configured to determine the voltage at a point in time when a preset second time has elapsed from the end of discharge in the voltage profile (VP) as the second voltage.

[0137] The voltage pattern determination step (S300) determines a first voltage pattern based on a first reference profile (RP1) and a first voltage, and determines a second voltage pattern based on a second reference profile (RP2) and a second voltage, and can be performed by the control unit (120).

[0138] The control unit (120) can determine a first voltage pattern by considering a past first voltage included in a first reference profile (RP1) and a current first voltage included in a voltage profile (VP). Additionally, the control unit (120) can determine a second voltage pattern by considering a past second voltage included in a second reference profile (RP2) and a current second voltage included in a voltage profile (VP).

[0139] The diagnosis step (S400) is a step of diagnosing the state of the battery based on a first voltage pattern and a second voltage pattern, and can be performed by the control unit (120).

[0140] For example, the control unit (120) may be configured to diagnose the state of the battery as the first state if the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern are a decreasing pattern.

[0141] As another example, the control unit (120) may be configured to diagnose the state of the battery as a second state if the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern are increasing patterns.

[0142] As another example, the control unit (120) may be configured to diagnose the state of the battery to a third state if the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern are different.

[0143]

[0144] The embodiments of the present invention described above are not limited to implementation through devices and methods, but may also be implemented through a program that realizes a function corresponding to the configuration of the embodiments of the present invention or a recording medium on which such a program is recorded. Such implementation can be easily achieved by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, based on the description of the embodiments described above.

[0145] Another embodiment of the present invention may provide a computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon for executing the various embodiments described above on a computer.

[0146] A program may be implemented as hardware components, software components, and / or a combination of hardware and software components. A program may be executed by any system capable of executing computer-readable instructions.

[0147] Software may include computer programs, code, instructions, or a combination thereof, and may configure a processing unit to operate as desired or command the processing unit independently or collectively.

[0148] Software can be implemented as a computer program containing instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium. Examples of computer-readable storage media include magnetic storage media (e.g., ROM (read-only memory), RAM (random-access memory), floppy disks, hard disks, etc.) and optical reading media (e.g., CD-ROMs, DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs)). Computer-readable storage media can be distributed across networked computer systems, allowing computer-readable code to be stored and executed in a distributed manner. The storage medium is readable by a computer, stored in memory, and can be executed by a processor.

[0149] Computer-readable recording media may be provided in the form of non-transitory recording media. Here, 'non-transitory storage media' simply means that it is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily. For example, 'non-transitory storage media' may include a buffer in which data is stored temporarily.

[0150] In addition, the program may be provided as part of a computer program product. Computer program products may be traded between a seller and a buyer as goods.

[0151] A computer program product may include a software program or a computer-readable recording medium on which the software program is stored. For example, a computer program product may include a product in the form of a software program that is distributed electronically through a manufacturer of an electronic device or an electronic market (e.g., a downloadable application). For electronic distribution, at least a portion of the software program may be stored on a recording medium or temporarily created. In this case, the recording medium may be a server of the manufacturer of the electronic device, a server of the electronic market, or a recording medium of a relay server that temporarily stores the software program.

[0152] Although the present invention has been described above by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0153] Furthermore, since the present invention described above allows for various substitutions, modifications, and changes within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention, it is not limited by the aforementioned embodiments and attached drawings, but rather all or part of each embodiment may be selectively combined to allow for various modifications.

[0154] (Explanation of symbols)

[0155] 10: Battery pack

[0156] 11: Battery cell

[0157] 12: Measurement section

[0158] 100: Battery Diagnostic Device

[0159] 110: Profile Acquisition Section

[0160] 120: Control unit

[0161] 130: Storage section

[0162] 600: Car

[0163] 610: Battery pack

Claims

1. A profile acquisition unit configured to acquire a voltage profile including a voltage change after the discharge of the battery has ended; and A battery diagnostic device comprising a control unit configured to determine a first voltage and a second voltage of the battery from the above voltage profile, determine a first voltage pattern based on a pre-stored first reference profile and the first voltage, determine a second voltage pattern based on a pre-stored second reference profile and the second voltage, and diagnose the state of the battery based on the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is, A battery diagnostic device configured to diagnose the state of the battery based on whether the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern are identical.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above control unit is, A battery diagnostic device configured to diagnose the state of the battery as a first state or a second state when the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern are identical.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above control unit is, A battery diagnostic device configured to diagnose the state of the battery to the first state if the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern are a decreasing pattern.

5. In Paragraph 3, The above control unit is, A battery diagnostic device configured to diagnose the state of the battery to the second state if the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern are increasing patterns.

6. In Paragraph 2, The above control unit is, A battery diagnostic device configured to diagnose the state of the battery to a third state when the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern are different.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is, A battery diagnostic device configured to adjust a preset charging speed of the battery to correspond to the state of the battery.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is, In the above voltage profile, the voltage at a point in time when a preset first time has elapsed from the discharge end point is determined as the first voltage, and A battery diagnostic device configured to determine the voltage at a point in time when a preset second time has elapsed from the discharge end point in the above voltage profile as the second voltage.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above second time is a battery diagnostic device that is pre-set as a point in time after the above first time.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above first reference profile is, A battery diagnostic device pre-set to include one or more first voltages of the battery determined at a previous point in time.

11. In Paragraph 1, The above second reference profile is, A battery diagnostic device pre-configured to include one or more second voltages of the battery determined at a previous point in time.

12. A battery pack comprising a battery diagnostic device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 11.

13. An automobile comprising a battery diagnostic device according to any one of paragraphs 1 through 11.

14. A profile acquisition step for acquiring a voltage profile including a voltage change after the discharge of the battery has ended; A voltage determination step for determining a first voltage and a second voltage of the battery from the above voltage profile; A voltage pattern determination step for determining a first voltage pattern based on a pre-stored first reference profile and the first voltage, and determining a second voltage pattern based on a pre-stored second reference profile and the second voltage; and A battery diagnostic method comprising a diagnostic step for diagnosing the state of the battery based on the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern.

15. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for executing the battery diagnostic method according to paragraph 14.

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