Method for diagnosing state of battery and apparatus for diagnosing state of battery on basis of rate of change of tof

Abstract

A method for diagnosing a state of a battery on the basis of a rate of change of ToF, according to one embodiment of the present invention, may comprise the steps of: acquiring at least one ToF value in at least one battery cycle including a reference cycle; calculating a first ToF change rate, which is a rate of change of ToF in the reference cycle, on the basis of the at least one ToF value, wherein the first ToF change rate is a change amount of the ToF value with respect to a change amount of the cycle; determining a phase of the reference cycle on the basis of the first ToF change rate; and determining whether the battery is abnormal on the basis of the phase.

Description

Battery condition diagnosis method and battery condition diagnosis device based on the rate of change of TOF

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing the state of a battery based on the rate of change of ToF and a battery state diagnosis device using the same.

[0002] With the development of devices using large-capacity batteries, such as electric vehicles and ESS, battery safety is emerging as a social issue. Batteries have the characteristic of storing electrical energy as chemical energy, which means they have the disadvantage of continuous degradation with use and the risk of explosion.

[0003] Conventional battery condition diagnostic technology indirectly estimated the battery's state by referring to experimental data. Consequently, it had limitations in that it could not reflect the battery's real-time condition, and predicting the possibility of a battery explosion was virtually impossible.

[0004] For example, conventionally, SoH was estimated based on the battery voltage, cycle count, etc., and it was determined that the battery was no longer usable if the SoH was less than 80%. However, explosion accidents frequently occur even when the SoH has not fallen below 80%, and cases have been found where the battery operates without explosion with limited performance even when the SoH is below 80%, so such conventional battery condition diagnosis technology has a clear limitation in that it cannot reflect the real-time state of the battery.

[0005] Therefore, to prevent battery-related accidents and ensure safety, there is a growing need for technology capable of accurately detecting battery status in real time.

[0006] The present invention aims to determine the state of a battery in real time through ultrasonic signal analysis of the battery.

[0007] A method for diagnosing the state of a battery based on the rate of change of ToF according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a step of obtaining at least one ToF value in at least one battery cycle including a reference cycle; a step of calculating a first ToF rate of change, which is the rate of change of ToF in the reference cycle based on the at least one ToF value, wherein the first ToF rate of change is the amount of change of the ToF value relative to the amount of change of the cycle; a step of determining a phase of the reference cycle based on the first ToF rate of change; and a step of determining whether the battery is abnormal based on the phase.

[0008] The step of determining the phase of the reference cycle may include: a step of verifying at least one second ToF change rate calculated, wherein the at least one second ToF change rate is the amount of change in the ToF value according to the amount of change in the cycle in at least one cycle prior to the reference cycle; a step of determining at least one candidate phase for the reference cycle based on the first ToF change rate; and a step of determining any one of the at least one candidate phase as the phase of the reference cycle based on the result of comparing the at least one second ToF change rate and the first ToF change rate.

[0009] The step of determining at least one candidate phase may include determining at least one candidate phase based on the magnitude of the first ToF change rate.

[0010] The above phase may include a first phase in which the rate of change of ToF is maintained according to the flow of the cycle, a second phase in which the rate of change of ToF decreases according to the flow of the cycle, and a third phase in which the rate of change of ToF does not have a constant change pattern according to the flow of the cycle.

[0011] The step of determining at least one candidate phase may include: determining the first phase and the third phase as the at least one candidate phase when the first ToF change rate is greater than or equal to a first threshold value; determining the second phase and the third phase as the at least one candidate phase when the first ToF change rate is less than a first threshold value; and determining the third phase as the at least one candidate phase when the first ToF change rate is less than a second threshold value. In this case, the first threshold value may be a value greater than the second threshold value.

[0012] The step of determining the phase of the reference cycle includes the step of determining the first phase as the phase of the reference cycle when the difference between each of the plurality of second ToF change rates and the first ToF change rate is all less than a predetermined threshold difference and the first phase is included in the at least one candidate phase; and the first phase may be a phase in which the ToF change rate is maintained according to the flow of the cycle.

[0013] The step of determining the phase of the reference cycle comprises: determining the second phase as the phase of the reference cycle when the difference between at least some of the plurality of second ToF change rates and the first ToF change rate is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold difference, the first ToF change rate is smaller than the second ToF change rate in the cycle closest to the reference cycle among the plurality of second ToF change rates, the first ToF change rate is greater than or equal to a second threshold, and the second phase is included in the at least one candidate phase; wherein the second phase may be a phase in which the rate of change of ToF decreases according to the flow of the cycle.

[0014] The step of determining the phase of the reference cycle comprises: determining the third phase as the phase of the reference cycle when the difference between at least some of the plurality of second ToF change rates and the first ToF change rate is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold difference, and the first ToF change rate is greater than the second ToF change rate in one or more cycles close to the reference cycle among the plurality of second ToF change rates, and the third phase is included in the at least one candidate phase; wherein the third phase may be a phase in which the rate of change of ToF does not have a constant change pattern according to the flow of the cycle.

[0015] The step of determining the phase of the reference cycle comprises: determining the third phase as the phase of the reference cycle when the difference between at least some of the plurality of second ToF change rates and the first ToF change rate is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold difference, the first ToF change rate is smaller than the second ToF change rate in one or more cycles close to the reference cycle among the plurality of second ToF change rates, the first ToF change rate is less than a second threshold value, and the third phase is included in the at least one candidate phase; wherein the third phase may be a phase in which the ToF change rate does not have a constant change pattern according to the flow of the cycle.

[0016] The above phase includes a first phase in which the rate of change of ToF is maintained according to the flow of the cycle, a second phase in which the rate of change of ToF decreases according to the flow of the cycle, and a third phase in which the rate of change of ToF does not have a constant change pattern according to the flow of the cycle, and the step of determining whether there is an abnormality may include a step of determining that there is an abnormality in the battery if the phase of the reference cycle is the third phase.

[0017] At least one processor of a device for diagnosing the state of a battery based on the rate of change of ToF according to one embodiment of the present invention acquires at least one ToF value in at least one battery cycle including a reference cycle, calculates a first ToF rate of change, which is the rate of change of ToF in the reference cycle, based on the at least one ToF value, and the first ToF rate of change is the amount of change of the ToF value relative to the amount of change of the cycle; determines a phase of the reference cycle based on the first rate of change of ToF, and determines whether the battery is abnormal based on the phase.

[0018] According to the present invention, the state of a battery can be determined through ultrasonic signal analysis.

[0019] In addition, the present invention can diagnose the condition of a battery based on real-time measurement results of the battery and can provide indicators for identifying the safety status of the battery in addition to the SoH provided by the BMS.

[0020] In addition, the present invention enables the diagnosis of the battery status without separate disassembly measures, even when the battery is installed in a battery-using application, through the integration of a sensor.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery condition diagnosis system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a vehicle including a battery condition diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the ToF of ultrasound.

[0024] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the change in ToF according to the change in cycles in various SoC states.

[0025] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating phases (Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3) according to the performance status of the battery.

[0026] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the rate of change of ToF.

[0027] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate exemplary graphs of the rate of change of ToF.

[0028] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a battery condition diagnosis method based on the rate of change of ToF performed by a battery condition diagnosis device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] A method for diagnosing the state of a battery based on the rate of change of ToF according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a step of obtaining at least one ToF value in at least one battery cycle including a reference cycle; a step of calculating a first ToF rate of change, which is the rate of change of ToF in the reference cycle based on the at least one ToF value, wherein the first ToF rate of change is the amount of change of the ToF value relative to the amount of change of the cycle; a step of determining a phase of the reference cycle based on the first ToF rate of change; and a step of determining whether the battery is abnormal based on the phase.

[0030] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments; specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but can be implemented in various forms.

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0032] In the following embodiments, terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used not in a limiting sense, but for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. In the following embodiments, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the following embodiments, terms such as "include" or "have" mean that the features or components described in the specification exist, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added. In the drawings, the size of components may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience of explanation. For example, the size and shape of each component shown in the drawings were depicted arbitrarily for convenience of explanation, and therefore the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is depicted.

[0033]

[0034] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery condition diagnosis system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] A battery condition diagnosis system according to one embodiment of the present invention can diagnose the condition of a battery based on the rate of change of the ToF of the ultrasound measured according to the change in the performance condition of the battery.

[0036] In the present invention, the term "performance state of the battery" may be a concept encompassing various indicators that directly or indirectly represent the performance state of the battery as it changes with use. For example, the performance state of the battery may refer to the State of Health (SoH) of the battery, the degree of degradation of the battery, or the number of cycles of the battery. However, the listed items are exemplary and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto; any parameter that directly or indirectly represents the performance state of the battery may be used without limitation.

[0037] In the present invention, 'SoC' may refer to an indicator representing the charge state of a battery. Such SoC may be expressed as the ratio of the current charge capacity to the total capacity of the battery. For example, SoC may be expressed as 100%, 50%, and 20%.

[0038] In the present invention, 'ToF of ultrasound' may refer to the time required to transmit ultrasound to a battery and to acquire the ultrasound that serves as the response. A detailed description of the ToF of ultrasound will be provided later with reference to FIG. 4.

[0039] In the present invention, the 'rate of change of the ToF of the ultrasound' may refer to the amount of change in the ToF value relative to the amount of change in the performance state of the battery. For example, the rate of change of the ToF of the ultrasound may refer to the amount of change in the ToF value relative to the amount of change in the battery cycle. A detailed explanation thereof will be provided later.

[0040]

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery condition diagnostic system according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery condition diagnostic device (100), a battery (310), and a BMS (400).

[0042] A battery condition diagnosis device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can diagnose the condition of a battery (310) based on the rate of change of the ToF of the ultrasound measured according to the change in the performance condition of the battery (310).

[0043] To this end, a battery status diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an ultrasonic signal processing unit (110), a first processor (120), a memory (130), a second processor (140), an ultrasonic signal generation unit (150), a sensor signal processing unit (160), a transmitting sensor (210), and a receiving sensor (220).

[0044] An ultrasonic signal generating unit (150) according to one embodiment of the present invention can generate an ultrasonic signal to be transmitted into the battery (310). For example, the ultrasonic signal generating unit (150) may generate an ultrasonic signal having a predetermined frequency or a frequency modulated ultrasonic signal. Additionally, the ultrasonic signal generating unit (150) may generate an ultrasonic signal having a constant amplitude or a changing amplitude ultrasonic signal. However, such ultrasonic signals are exemplary and the concept of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0045] An ultrasonic signal generating unit (150) according to one embodiment of the present invention may control the magnitude component or the frequency component of a signal generated for transmission into a battery (310). For example, the ultrasonic signal generating unit (150) may amplify the generated signal or, conversely, attenuate the generated signal. In addition, the ultrasonic signal generating unit (150) may extract and use only a specific frequency component of the generated signal or remove only a specific frequency component. However, this is exemplary and the concept of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0046] A signal generated by an ultrasonic signal generating unit (150) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be transmitted into a battery (310) through a transmitting sensor (210).

[0047] A transmitting sensor (210) according to one embodiment of the present invention can transmit a signal generated by an ultrasonic signal generating unit (150) into the battery (310). For example, a transmitting sensor (210) according to one embodiment of the present invention can transmit a signal into the battery (310) by using a device (e.g., a piezoelectric device) that generates vibration according to the signal.

[0048] A transmitting sensor (210) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be physically in contact with a battery (310) and transmit a signal into the battery (310).

[0049] A transmitting sensor (210) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be mounted on or inserted into the battery (310) as a component of the battery (310) during the manufacturing process of the battery (310). For example, the transmitting sensor (210) may be embedded in the battery's packaging material, etc., and mounted on the battery (310). However, this is merely illustrative and the concept of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0050] A transmitting sensor (210) according to an optional embodiment of the present invention may further include at least one sensor for measuring physical quantities related to a battery. For example, the transmitting sensor (210) may further include a temperature sensor (not shown), a humidity sensor (not shown), etc. However, the types of sensors listed are exemplary and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0051] A receiving sensor (220) according to one embodiment of the present invention can receive a response signal for a signal transmitted into the battery (310) by a transmitting sensor (210). For example, a receiving sensor (220) according to one embodiment of the present invention can receive a response signal by using a device that generates an electrical signal according to vibration.

[0052] A receiving sensor (220) according to one embodiment of the present invention is physically in contact with a battery (310) and can receive a response signal from inside the battery (310).

[0053] A receiving sensor (220) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be mounted on or inserted into the battery (310) as a component of the battery (310) during the manufacturing process of the battery (310). For example, the receiving sensor (220) may be embedded in the battery's packaging material, etc., and mounted on the battery (310). However, this is merely illustrative and the concept of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0054] In one embodiment of the present invention, the receiving sensor (220) may be positioned to receive a signal transmitted by the transmitting sensor (210) that has passed through the battery (310). For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the receiving sensor (220) may be positioned to face the transmitting sensor (210) with the battery (310) in between.

[0055] In another embodiment of the present invention, the receiving sensor (220) may be positioned to receive a signal transmitted by the transmitting sensor (210) that is reflected from the battery (310) or transmitted along the surface of the battery (310). For example, the receiving sensor (220) and the transmitting sensor (210) may be positioned on the same side of the battery (310).

[0056] A receiving sensor (210) according to an optional embodiment of the present invention may further include at least one sensor for measuring physical quantities related to a battery. For example, the receiving sensor (220) may further include a temperature sensor (not shown), a humidity sensor (not shown), etc. However, the types of sensors listed are exemplary and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0057] An ultrasonic signal processing unit (110) according to one embodiment of the present invention can acquire and process an ultrasonic signal that is a response to a signal transmitted to a battery (310) by the aforementioned ultrasonic signal generating unit (150). For example, the ultrasonic signal processing unit (110) according to one embodiment of the present invention can control the magnitude component or the frequency component of the ultrasonic signal that is the response to convert it into a form more suitable for analysis.

[0058] A sensor signal processing unit (160) according to one embodiment of the present invention can process physical quantities related to the battery acquired by a transmitting sensor (210) and a receiving sensor (220) according to an optional embodiment of the present invention. For example, the sensor signal processing unit (160) can process a temperature signal and / or humidity signal acquired by at least one sensor and enable a diagnosis of the battery's condition based thereon.

[0059] A first processor (120) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be a device that controls a series of processes for diagnosing the state of a battery (310) based on the rate of change of the ToF of the ultrasound measured according to the change in the performance state of the battery (310).

[0060] In this case, a processor may refer to a data processing device embedded in hardware that has a physically structured circuit to perform functions expressed by code or instructions included in a program, for example. Examples of such data processing devices embedded in hardware may include microprocessors, central processing units (CPUs), processor cores, multiprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0061] A memory (130) according to one embodiment of the present invention performs the function of temporarily or permanently storing data processed by a battery status diagnostic device (100). The memory (130) may include a magnetic storage medium or a flash storage medium, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the memory (130) may temporarily and / or permanently store ToF values ​​according to the performance status of the battery.

[0062] A second processor (140) according to one embodiment of the present invention may refer to a device that performs calculations under the control of the first processor (120) described above. In this case, the second processor (140) may be a device having a higher computational capability than the first processor (120) described above. For example, the second processor (140) may be composed of a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and / or an NPU (Neural Processing Unit). However, this is exemplary and the concept of the present invention is not limited thereto. In one embodiment of the present invention, the second processor (140) may be plural or singular.

[0063] A second processor (140) according to one embodiment of the present invention can perform operations using a learned artificial neural network.

[0064]

[0065] A BMS (400) according to one embodiment of the present invention can manage a battery (310). For example, the BMS (400) can perform functions such as monitoring the cell voltage of the battery, monitoring the current, monitoring the temperature, controlling the charge, controlling the discharge, cell balancing, determining the SoC, determining the SoH, and monitoring the number of cycles.

[0066] A BMS (400) according to one embodiment of the present invention may provide information about the battery (310) to a battery state diagnostic device (100). Alternatively, the BMS (400) may receive a state diagnostic result of the battery (310) from the battery state diagnostic device (100). For example, the BMS (400) may provide the SoC, SoH, and cycle count to the battery state diagnostic device (100) to use for diagnosing the state of the battery (310). Additionally, the BMS (400) may receive whether there is an abnormality in the battery (310) from the battery state diagnostic device (100) and use it for controlling the battery (310).

[0067] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the battery status diagnostic device (100) and the BMS (400) may be implemented as a single unit. In other words, the battery status diagnostic device (100) may also perform management of the battery (310).

[0068]

[0069] A battery (310) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be an energy storage means for storing electrical energy as chemical energy. At this time, the energy stored in the battery (310) may be supplied to a load to operate the load.

[0070] In one embodiment of the present invention, the battery (310) may be composed of one or more cells. For example, the battery (310) may be composed of a single cell or may be composed of multiple cells. In an embodiment where the battery (310) is composed of a single cell, the aforementioned transmitting sensor (210) and receiving sensor (220) may be arranged adjacent to the cell as shown in FIG. 1.

[0071] Meanwhile, in an embodiment where the battery (310) is composed of multiple cells, the aforementioned transmitting sensor (210) and receiving sensor (220) may be arranged adjacent to each cell.

[0072] In addition, in another embodiment in which the battery (310) is composed of multiple cells, the aforementioned transmitting sensor (210) and receiving sensor (220) may be positioned adjacent only to the outermost cell so that the ultrasonic signal is received by penetrating all cells or reflected from all cells. However, such a configuration is exemplary and the concept of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0073]

[0074] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a vehicle including a battery condition diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] A battery condition diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a vehicle having a battery and can diagnose the condition of a battery (300) used in the vehicle in real time. For example, the battery condition diagnostic device (100) is mounted on an electric vehicle (EV) driven by a battery (300) and can diagnose the condition of a battery (300) used for driving the electric vehicle in real time.

[0076] A battery state diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can transmit and receive various data through communication with a BMS (400) that manages a battery (300) and / or an ECU (500) that controls a vehicle. For example, the battery state diagnostic device (100) can receive the SoC, SoH, and cycle count of the battery (300) from the BMS (400) and use them to diagnose the state of the battery (300). In addition, the battery state diagnostic device (100) can receive vehicle state information from the ECU (500) to determine whether it is a time when battery state diagnosis is possible. However, this is merely illustrative and the concept of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0077]

[0078] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the ToF of ultrasound.

[0079] For convenience of explanation, the following description is based on the premise that a response ultrasound (620) is received after a predetermined time interval as a transmission ultrasound (610) is transmitted to the battery (310).

[0080] As described above, in the present invention, 'ToF of ultrasound' may refer to the time required to transmit ultrasound to the battery (310) and to obtain the ultrasound that is the response. In FIG. 3, the interval between the transmitted ultrasound (610) and the response ultrasound (620) may refer to the ToF.

[0081] Meanwhile, the criteria for measuring ToF can be set in various ways. For example, ToF may be measured based on the start time of each of the transmitting ultrasound (610) and the responding ultrasound (620), or ToF may be measured based on the peak time (i.e., the time when the amplitude is greatest) of each of the transmitting ultrasound (610) and the responding ultrasound (620). However, such criteria are exemplary and the concept of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0082]

[0083] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the change in ToF according to the change in cycles in various SoC states.

[0084] Referring to Figure 4, it can be observed that the higher the SoC, that is, the higher the charge amount, the smaller the ToF tends to be. Additionally, up to about 400 cycles, the ToF values ​​for each SoC change according to a relatively constant pattern, but from 400 cycles onwards, the pattern maintained below 400 cycles disappears.

[0085] Meanwhile, the disappearance of a certain pattern of ToF means that a deformation has occurred in the internal structure or configuration of the battery (310), and thus may mean that safety issues may arise.

[0086] Below, the process of the battery condition diagnostic device (100) diagnosing the battery condition based on the change pattern of the ToF is explained in detail.

[0087]

[0088] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating phases (Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3) according to the performance status of the battery.

[0089] For convenience of explanation, the battery performance status is represented using a parameter called 'cycle', and the explanation is based on the premise that the ToF value corresponding to the first charging state is represented by a curve (640) and the ToF value corresponding to the second charging state is represented by a curve (630).

[0090] In one embodiment of the present invention, the phases classified according to the performance state of the battery may include a first phase (Phase 1) to a third phase (Phase 3). Here, the first phase (Phase 1) may correspond to cycles in which the rate of change of ToF is maintained according to the flow of the cycle. The second phase (Phase 2) may correspond to cycles in which the rate of change of ToF decreases according to the flow of the cycle. The third phase (Phase 3) may correspond to cycles in which the rate of change of ToF does not have a constant change pattern according to the flow of the cycle.

[0091] For example, if we refer to the curve (640) showing the value of ToF according to the first charging state, it can be seen that in the first phase (Phase 1), a relatively constant rate of change of ToF is maintained, in the second phase (Phase 2), the rate of change of ToF decreases according to the flow of the cycle, and in the third phase (Phase 3), it has a predetermined rate of change of ToF again.

[0092] Similarly, by referring to the curve (630) showing the value of ToF according to the second charging state, it can be seen that in the first phase (Phase 1), a relatively constant rate of change of ToF is maintained, in the second phase (Phase 2), the rate of change of ToF decreases according to the flow of the cycle, and in the third phase (Phase 3), the rate of change of ToF continues to decrease according to the flow of the cycle.

[0093] In the two curves (630, 640) shown, each curve is depicted as having a constant pattern in Phase 3, but this is for convenience of explanation and the rate of change of ToF according to the data obtained from the actual battery (310) may not have a constant pattern of change. For example, the rate of change of ToF in Phase 3 may vary irregularly in magnitude and / or sign.

[0094]

[0095] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the rate of change of ToF.

[0096] For convenience of explanation, the following description will be explained using a curve (640) showing the value of ToF according to the first charging state.

[0097] In one embodiment of the present invention, the 'rate of change of ToF' may refer to the amount of change of the ToF value (delta_ToF) with respect to the amount of change of the cycle (delta_cycle). In other words, the rate of change of ToF may refer to the slope of the curve (640) in the reference cycle (Cycle_Ref) that serves as the criterion for judgment.

[0098] In this case, the previous cycle (Cycle_1) preceding the reference cycle (Cycle_Ref) used to calculate the slope can be appropriately determined based on the characteristics of the data. For instance, if the deviation of ToF values ​​per cycle is relatively large, the previous cycle (Cycle_1) can be determined as a relatively distant cycle, that is, a cycle relatively further in the past.

[0099] Conversely, if the deviation of ToF values ​​per cycle is relatively small, the previous cycle (Cycle_1) can be determined as a relatively nearby cycle, that is, a cycle that is relatively less in the past.

[0100] As such, the interval between the previous cycle (Cycle_1) and the reference cycle (Cycle_Ref) can be appropriately determined according to the characteristics of the data.

[0101] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the ToF value in the previous cycle (Cycle_1) may be the ToF value in that cycle, or it may be a value that reflects the ToF values ​​of at least one adjacent cycle adjacent to that cycle. For example, the ToF value in the previous cycle (Cycle_1) may be the average value of the ToF values ​​of a total of 11 cycles that include the previous cycle (Cycle_1) and are adjacent to the previous cycle (Cycle_1). However, this is exemplary and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0102] Meanwhile, in an optional embodiment of the present invention, the ToF value can be calculated in the same manner for both the reference cycle (Cycle_Ref) and the previous cycle (Cycle_1). That is, the ToF value in the reference cycle (Cycle_Ref) may be the ToF value in that cycle, or it may be a value that reflects the ToF values ​​of at least one adjacent cycle adjacent to that cycle.

[0103] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 7 and FIGS. 8, a method of diagnosing the battery state of a battery state diagnostic device (100) based on the rate of change of ToF will be described in detail.

[0104]

[0105] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate exemplary graphs of the ToF change rate. In the figure, the colored points (701, 702, 703, 721, 722) represent the previously calculated ToF change rates, and the uncolored points (711, 712, 713, 731) are explained under the assumption that they correspond to the reference cycle.

[0106] A battery state diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can obtain at least one ToF value in at least one battery cycle including a reference cycle. For example, if the reference cycle corresponds to the first point (711) of FIG. 7, the battery state diagnostic device (100) can obtain a ToF value for the previous cycle based on the first point (711).

[0107]

[0108] A battery condition diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can calculate a first ToF change rate, which is the rate of change of ToF in a reference cycle, based on at least one ToF value obtained according to the process described above. At this time, the first ToF change rate may mean the amount of change of the ToF value relative to the amount of change of the cycle as described above.

[0109] A battery condition diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can determine a previous cycle (Cycle_1) of an appropriate interval from a reference cycle (Cycle_Ref) according to the process described in FIG. 6, and calculate a first ToF change rate using the ToF value in the previous cycle (Cycle_1).

[0110]

[0111] A battery condition diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can determine the phase of a reference cycle based on the rate of change of the first ToF calculated according to the process described above.

[0112] More specifically, the battery condition diagnostic device (100) can verify at least one second ToF change rate that has been calculated. At this time, the at least one second ToF change rate may refer to the amount of change in the ToF value according to the amount of change in the cycle in at least one cycle prior to the reference cycle. For example, if the reference cycle corresponds to the second point (712) in FIG. 7, the battery condition diagnostic device (100) can verify the previously calculated ToF change rate corresponding to points (701, 702) based on the second point (712), i.e., the second ToF change rate.

[0113] A battery state diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can determine at least one candidate phase for a reference cycle based on the rate of change of the first ToF.

[0114] For example, the battery condition diagnostic device (100) can determine the first phase (Phase 1) and the third phase (Phase 3) as at least one candidate phase when the first ToF change rate is greater than or equal to the first threshold value (th1). For example, the battery condition diagnostic device (100) can determine the first phase (Phase 1) and the third phase (Phase 3) as at least one candidate phase for the first point (711).

[0115] Additionally, the battery condition diagnostic device (100) can determine at least one candidate phase, a second phase (Phase 2) and a third phase (Phase 3), when the first ToF change rate is less than the first threshold value (th1). For example, the battery condition diagnostic device (100) can determine at least one candidate phase, a second phase (Phase 2) and a third phase (Phase 3), for the second point (712), the third point (713), and the fourth point (731).

[0116] Additionally, the battery condition diagnostic device (100) may determine a third phase (Phase 3) as at least one candidate phase when the first ToF change rate is less than the second threshold value (th2). For example, the battery condition diagnostic device (100) may determine a third phase (Phase 3) as at least one candidate phase for the fourth point (731). As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first threshold value (th1) may be a value greater than the second threshold value (th2).

[0117] In this way, the battery state diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can determine at least one candidate phase based on the magnitude of the first ToF change rate.

[0118]

[0119] A battery state diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can determine one of at least one candidate phase as a phase of a reference cycle based on the result of comparing at least one second ToF change rate and a first ToF change rate.

[0120] For example, a battery state diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can determine the first phase (Phase 1) as the phase of the reference cycle when the difference between each of the plurality of second ToF change rates and the first ToF change rate is all less than a predetermined threshold difference and the first phase (Phase 1) is included in at least one candidate phase.

[0121] For example, the battery condition diagnostic device (100) determines the first phase (Phase 1) and the third phase (Phase 3) as candidate phases for the first point (711) according to the process described above, and since the difference from the second ToF change rate corresponding to the point (701) is less than a predetermined threshold difference, the phase of the reference cycle corresponding to the first point (711) can be determined as the first phase (Phase 1).

[0122] A battery state diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can determine the second phase (Phase 2) as the phase of the reference cycle when the difference between at least some of the second ToF change rates and the first ToF change rate is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold difference, the first ToF change rate is smaller than the second ToF change rate in the cycle closest to the reference cycle among the plurality of second ToF change rates, the first ToF change rate is greater than or equal to a second threshold value (th2), and the second phase (Phase 2) is included in at least one candidate phase.

[0123] For example, the battery condition diagnostic device (100) can determine the phase of the reference cycle corresponding to the second point (712) as the second phase (Phase 2) because the difference between the second ToF change rate corresponding to the point (701) and the second point (712) is greater than a predetermined threshold difference, the change rate of the first ToF corresponding to the second point (712) is smaller than the change rate of the second ToF corresponding to the point (702), the change rate of the first ToF is greater than or equal to the second threshold (th2), and the candidate phase includes the second phase (Phase 2).

[0124] Meanwhile, the battery diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention cannot determine the phase of the reference cycle corresponding to the third point (713) as Phase 2 because the rate of change of the second ToF in the closest cycle, that is, the rate of change of the second ToF at point (703), is greater than the rate of change of the second ToF at the third point (713). Also, regarding the fourth point (731), the rate of change of the first ToF is less than the second threshold value (th2), so the phase of the reference cycle corresponding to the fourth point (731) cannot be determined as Phase 2.

[0125]

[0126] A battery state diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can determine the third phase (Phase 3) as the phase of the reference cycle when the difference between at least some of the second ToF change rates and the first ToF change rate is greater than a predetermined threshold difference, the first ToF change rate is greater than the second ToF change rate in one or more cycles close to the reference cycle among the second ToF change rates, and the third phase (Phase 3) is included in at least one candidate phase.

[0127] For example, the battery condition diagnostic device (100) can determine the phase of the reference cycle corresponding to the third point (713) as the third phase (Phase 3) because the difference between the second ToF change rate corresponding to the point (701) and the third point (713) is greater than a predetermined threshold difference, the change rate of the first ToF corresponding to the third point (713) is greater than the second ToF change rate corresponding to the point (703), and the third phase (Phase 3) is included in the candidate phases.

[0128]

[0129] In addition, a battery state diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can determine the third phase (Phase 3) as the phase of the reference cycle when the difference between at least some of the second ToF change rates and the first ToF change rate is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold difference, the first ToF change rate is smaller than the second ToF change rate in one or more cycles close to the reference cycle among the plurality of second ToF change rates, the first ToF change rate is less than the second threshold value (th2), and the third phase (Phase 3) is included in at least one candidate phase.

[0130] For example, the battery condition diagnostic device (100) can determine the phase of the reference cycle corresponding to the fourth point (731) as the third phase (Phase 3) because the difference between the second ToF change rate corresponding to the fourth point (731) and the second ToF change rate corresponding to the fourth point (721) is greater than a predetermined threshold difference, the first ToF change rate corresponding to the fourth point (731) is smaller than the second ToF change rate corresponding to the fourth point (722), the first ToF change rate corresponding to the fourth point (731) is less than the second threshold value (th2), and the third phase (Phase 3) is included in the candidate phase.

[0131]

[0132] A battery condition diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can determine whether there is an abnormality in the battery (310) based on a phase determined according to the process described above. For example, the battery condition diagnostic device (100) can determine that there is an abnormality in the battery (310) if the phase of the reference cycle is Phase 3.

[0133] As such, the present invention can diagnose the state of a battery based on the rate of change of ToF.

[0134]

[0135] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a battery state diagnosis method based on the rate of change of ToF performed by a battery state diagnosis device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the description will be explained with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 together.

[0136]

[0137] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate exemplary graphs of the ToF change rate. In the figure, the colored points (701, 702, 703, 721, 722) represent the previously calculated ToF change rates, and the uncolored points (711, 712, 713, 731) are explained under the assumption that they correspond to the reference cycle.

[0138] A battery state diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can obtain at least one ToF value in at least one battery cycle including a reference cycle (S910). For example, if the reference cycle corresponds to the first point (711) of FIG. 7, the battery state diagnostic device (100) can obtain a ToF value for the previous cycle based on the first point (711).

[0139]

[0140] A battery condition diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can calculate a first ToF change rate, which is the rate of change of ToF in a reference cycle, based on at least one ToF value obtained according to the process described above (S920). At this time, the first ToF change rate may mean the amount of change of the ToF value relative to the amount of change of the cycle as described above.

[0141] A battery condition diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can determine a previous cycle (Cycle_1) of an appropriate interval from a reference cycle (Cycle_Ref) according to the process described in FIG. 6, and calculate a first ToF change rate using the ToF value in the previous cycle (Cycle_1).

[0142]

[0143] A battery condition diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can determine the phase of a reference cycle based on the rate of change of the first ToF calculated according to the process described above. (S930)

[0144] More specifically, the battery condition diagnostic device (100) can verify at least one second ToF change rate that has been calculated. At this time, the at least one second ToF change rate may refer to the amount of change in the ToF value according to the amount of change in the cycle in at least one cycle prior to the reference cycle. For example, if the reference cycle corresponds to the second point (712) in FIG. 7, the battery condition diagnostic device (100) can verify the previously calculated ToF change rate corresponding to points (701, 702) based on the second point (712), i.e., the second ToF change rate.

[0145] A battery state diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can determine at least one candidate phase for a reference cycle based on the rate of change of the first ToF.

[0146] For example, the battery condition diagnostic device (100) can determine the first phase (Phase 1) and the third phase (Phase 3) as at least one candidate phase when the first ToF change rate is greater than or equal to the first threshold value (th1). For example, the battery condition diagnostic device (100) can determine the first phase (Phase 1) and the third phase (Phase 3) as at least one candidate phase for the first point (711).

[0147] Additionally, the battery condition diagnostic device (100) can determine at least one candidate phase, a second phase (Phase 2) and a third phase (Phase 3), when the first ToF change rate is less than the first threshold value (th1). For example, the battery condition diagnostic device (100) can determine at least one candidate phase, a second phase (Phase 2) and a third phase (Phase 3), for the second point (712), the third point (713), and the fourth point (731).

[0148] Additionally, the battery condition diagnostic device (100) may determine a third phase (Phase 3) as at least one candidate phase when the first ToF change rate is less than the second threshold value (th2). For example, the battery condition diagnostic device (100) may determine a third phase (Phase 3) as at least one candidate phase for the fourth point (731). As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first threshold value (th1) may be a value greater than the second threshold value (th2).

[0149] In this way, the battery state diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can determine at least one candidate phase based on the magnitude of the first ToF change rate.

[0150]

[0151] A battery state diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can determine one of at least one candidate phase as a phase of a reference cycle based on the result of comparing at least one second ToF change rate and a first ToF change rate.

[0152] For example, a battery state diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can determine the first phase (Phase 1) as the phase of the reference cycle when the difference between each of the plurality of second ToF change rates and the first ToF change rate is all less than a predetermined threshold difference and the first phase (Phase 1) is included in at least one candidate phase.

[0153] For example, the battery condition diagnostic device (100) determines the first phase (Phase 1) and the third phase (Phase 3) as candidate phases for the first point (711) according to the process described above, and since the difference from the second ToF change rate corresponding to the point (701) is less than a predetermined threshold difference, the phase of the reference cycle corresponding to the first point (711) can be determined as the first phase (Phase 1).

[0154] A battery state diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can determine the second phase (Phase 2) as the phase of the reference cycle when the difference between at least some of the second ToF change rates and the first ToF change rate is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold difference, the first ToF change rate is smaller than the second ToF change rate in the cycle closest to the reference cycle among the plurality of second ToF change rates, the first ToF change rate is greater than or equal to a second threshold value (th2), and the second phase (Phase 2) is included in at least one candidate phase.

[0155] For example, the battery condition diagnostic device (100) can determine the phase of the reference cycle corresponding to the second point (712) as the second phase (Phase 2) because the difference between the second ToF change rate corresponding to the point (701) and the second point (712) is greater than a predetermined threshold difference, the change rate of the first ToF corresponding to the second point (712) is smaller than the change rate of the second ToF corresponding to the point (702), the change rate of the first ToF is greater than or equal to the second threshold (th2), and the candidate phase includes the second phase (Phase 2).

[0156] Meanwhile, the battery diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention cannot determine the phase of the reference cycle corresponding to the third point (713) as Phase 2 because the rate of change of the second ToF in the closest cycle, that is, the rate of change of the second ToF at point (703), is greater than the rate of change of the second ToF at the third point (713). Also, regarding the fourth point (731), the rate of change of the first ToF is less than the second threshold value (th2), so the phase of the reference cycle corresponding to the fourth point (731) cannot be determined as Phase 2.

[0157]

[0158] A battery state diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can determine the third phase (Phase 3) as the phase of the reference cycle when the difference between at least some of the second ToF change rates and the first ToF change rate is greater than a predetermined threshold difference, the first ToF change rate is greater than the second ToF change rate in one or more cycles close to the reference cycle among the second ToF change rates, and the third phase (Phase 3) is included in at least one candidate phase.

[0159] For example, the battery condition diagnostic device (100) can determine the phase of the reference cycle corresponding to the third point (713) as the third phase (Phase 3) because the difference between the second ToF change rate corresponding to the point (701) and the third point (713) is greater than a predetermined threshold difference, the change rate of the first ToF corresponding to the third point (713) is greater than the second ToF change rate corresponding to the point (703), and the third phase (Phase 3) is included in the candidate phases.

[0160]

[0161] In addition, a battery state diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can determine the third phase (Phase 3) as the phase of the reference cycle when the difference between at least some of the second ToF change rates and the first ToF change rate is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold difference, the first ToF change rate is smaller than the second ToF change rate in one or more cycles close to the reference cycle among the plurality of second ToF change rates, the first ToF change rate is less than the second threshold value (th2), and the third phase (Phase 3) is included in at least one candidate phase.

[0162] For example, the battery condition diagnostic device (100) can determine the phase of the reference cycle corresponding to the fourth point (731) as the third phase (Phase 3) because the difference between the second ToF change rate corresponding to the fourth point (731) and the second ToF change rate corresponding to the fourth point (721) is greater than a predetermined threshold difference, the first ToF change rate corresponding to the fourth point (731) is smaller than the second ToF change rate corresponding to the fourth point (722), the first ToF change rate corresponding to the fourth point (731) is less than the second threshold value (th2), and the third phase (Phase 3) is included in the candidate phase.

[0163]

[0164] A battery condition diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can determine whether there is an abnormality in the battery (310) based on a phase determined according to the process described above (S940). For example, the battery condition diagnostic device (100) can determine that there is an abnormality in the battery (310) if the phase of the reference cycle is Phase 3.

[0165]

[0166] The embodiments according to the present invention described above may be implemented in the form of a computer program that can be executed through various components on a computer, and such a computer program may be recorded on a computer-readable medium. In this case, the medium may be one that stores a computer-executable program. Examples of the medium may include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; and media configured to store program instructions, including ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc.

[0167] Meanwhile, the above-mentioned computer program may be one specifically designed and configured for the present invention, or one known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer programs may include machine code, such as that generated by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0168] The specific embodiments described in this invention are examples and do not limit the scope of the invention in any way. For the sake of brevity of the specification, descriptions of prior electronic configurations, control systems, software, and other functional aspects of said systems may be omitted. Additionally, the connections of lines or connecting members between components shown in the drawings are illustrative of functional connections and / or physical or circuit connections, and may be replaced or additionally represented as various functional connections, physical connections, or circuit connections in actual devices. Furthermore, unless specifically stated as "essential," "importantly," etc., a component may not be strictly necessary for the application of the invention.

[0169] Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the embodiments described above, and all scopes equivalent to or equivalently modified from the claims set forth below, as well as the claims set forth below, shall be considered to fall within the scope of the concept of the present invention.

Claims

1. In a method for diagnosing the condition of a battery based on the rate of change of ToF, A step of obtaining at least one ToF value in at least one battery cycle including a reference cycle; A step of calculating a first ToF change rate, which is the rate of change of ToF in the reference cycle based on at least one ToF value, wherein the first ToF change rate is the amount of change of the ToF value with respect to the amount of change of the cycle; A step of determining the phase of the reference cycle based on the rate of change of the first ToF; and A battery condition diagnosis method based on the rate of change of ToF, comprising the step of determining whether the battery is abnormal based on the above phase.

2. In Claim 1 The step of determining the phase of the above reference cycle is A step of verifying at least one second ToF change rate calculated, wherein the at least one second ToF change rate is the amount of change in the ToF value according to the amount of change in the cycle in at least one cycle prior to the reference cycle; A step of determining at least one candidate phase for the reference cycle based on the rate of change of the first ToF; and A battery condition diagnosis method based on the rate of change of ToF, comprising: a step of determining one of the at least one candidate phase as a phase of the reference cycle based on the result of comparing the at least one second rate of change of ToF and the first rate of change of ToF.

3. In Claim 2 The step of determining at least one candidate phase is A battery condition diagnosis method based on the rate of change of ToF, comprising the step of determining at least one candidate phase based on the magnitude of the first rate of change of ToF.

4. In Claim 3 The above phase is It includes a first phase in which the rate of change of ToF is maintained according to the flow of the cycle, a second phase in which the rate of change of ToF decreases according to the flow of the cycle, and a third phase in which the rate of change of ToF does not have a constant change pattern according to the flow of the cycle. The step of determining at least one candidate phase is If the first ToF change rate is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, the step of determining the first phase and the third phase as the at least one candidate phase; If the first ToF change rate is less than the first threshold value, the step of determining the second phase and the third phase as the at least one candidate phase; and If the first ToF change rate is less than the second threshold value, the method includes the step of determining the third phase as the at least one candidate phase; A battery condition diagnosis method based on the rate of change of ToF, wherein the first threshold value is greater than the second threshold value.

5. In Claim 2 The step of determining the phase of the above reference cycle is The method includes the step of determining the first phase as the phase of the reference cycle when the difference between each of the plurality of second ToF change rates and the first ToF change rate is all less than a predetermined threshold difference and the first phase is included in at least one candidate phase; A battery condition diagnosis method based on the rate of change of ToF, wherein the first phase above is a phase in which the rate of change of ToF is maintained according to the flow of the cycle.

6. In Claim 2 The step of determining the phase of the above reference cycle is The method comprises the step of determining the second phase as the phase of the reference cycle when the difference between at least some of the plurality of second ToF change rates and the first ToF change rate is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold difference, the first ToF change rate is smaller than the second ToF change rate in the cycle closest to the reference cycle among the plurality of second ToF change rates, the first ToF change rate is greater than or equal to a second threshold, and the second phase is included in the at least one candidate phase. A battery condition diagnosis method based on the rate of change of ToF, wherein the second phase above is a phase in which the rate of change of ToF decreases according to the flow of the cycle.

7. In Claim 2 The step of determining the phase of the above reference cycle is The method includes the step of determining the third phase as the phase of the reference cycle when the difference between at least some of the plurality of second ToF change rates and the first ToF change rate is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold difference, the first ToF change rate is greater than the second ToF change rate in one or more cycles that are close to the reference cycle among the plurality of second ToF change rates, and the third phase is included in the at least one candidate phase. A battery condition diagnosis method based on the rate of change of ToF, wherein the above-mentioned third phase is a phase in which the rate of change of ToF does not have a constant change pattern according to the flow of the cycle.

8. In Claim 2 The step of determining the phase of the above reference cycle is The method comprises the step of determining the third phase as a phase of the reference cycle, wherein the difference between at least some of the plurality of second ToF change rates and the first ToF change rate is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold difference, the first ToF change rate is smaller than the second ToF change rate in one or more cycles close to the reference cycle among the plurality of second ToF change rates, the first ToF change rate is less than a second threshold, and the third phase is included in the at least one candidate phase. A battery condition diagnosis method based on the rate of change of ToF, wherein the above-mentioned third phase is a phase in which the rate of change of ToF does not have a constant change pattern according to the flow of the cycle.

9. In Claim 1 The above phase is It includes a first phase in which the rate of change of ToF is maintained according to the flow of the cycle, a second phase in which the rate of change of ToF decreases according to the flow of the cycle, and a third phase in which the rate of change of ToF does not have a constant change pattern according to the flow of the cycle. The step of determining whether the above abnormality exists A battery condition diagnosis method based on the rate of change of ToF, comprising: a step of determining that there is an abnormality in the battery when the phase of the reference cycle is the third phase.

10. A device for diagnosing the condition of a battery based on the rate of change of ToF, At least one processor of the above device At least one ToF value is obtained in at least one battery cycle including a reference cycle, and Based on the above at least one ToF value, a first ToF change rate is calculated as the rate of change of ToF in the reference cycle, and the first ToF change rate is the amount of change of the ToF value with respect to the amount of change of the cycle; The phase of the reference cycle is determined based on the rate of change of the first ToF. A battery condition diagnostic device that determines whether the battery is abnormal based on the above phase.

Images