Battery pack, and apparatus and method for predicting number of ignited cells

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for predicting ignition cells. The technical problem is to be solved by providing an apparatus and a method for predicting ignition cells, which predict the number of ignition cells on the basis of a voltage of a rack or a string so as to transmit the number of ignition cells to a pre-designated terminal by means of a fire information message when the occurrence of a fire in an ESS is detected. To this end, the present disclosure provides a configuration in which, whenever a fire event of the ESS occurs, the number of ignition cells is counted when voltages in a rack or a string between the current time and previous time drop and the difference between the voltages is greater than or equal to a preset count reference voltage.

Description

Battery pack, device and method for predicting the number of ignited cells

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for predicting the number of ignition cells of a battery pack and an Energy Storage System (ESS).

[0002]

[0003] Generally, an ESS (Energy Storage System) is a large-capacity power storage device that includes a battery for power storage, and is a device that stores power and allows it to be used at the necessary place and time.

[0004] The need for such ESS is increasing because it can temporarily store electrical energy from renewable sources or during periods when electricity rates are low, and then supply that energy during periods when electricity rates are high or renewable energy generation is weak.

[0005] An ESS typically consists of a battery stack composed of lithium-ion batteries, a Battery Management System (BMS), a Power Conditioner System (PCS) which is a power converter, and a Power Management System (PMS) that communicates with the BMS and PCS to control and operate the ESS according to a set purpose.

[0006] Here, the Battery Management System (BMS) is a system that monitors and manages the status and operation of a battery (rechargeable battery), such as by storing real-time data on voltage, current, and temperature, and calculating storage capacity to predict the battery's capacity and lifespan.

[0007] A PCS (Power Conditioner System) is a power converter that performs the function of converting electrical energy stored in a battery into power with commercial voltage and frequency, or conversely, converting power with commercial voltage and frequency into direct current to charge the battery.

[0008] The Power Management System (PMS), also known as the Energy Management System (EMS), is a comprehensive power management system capable of monitoring energy consumption within the ESS, predicting power usage, and making necessary adjustments. It is a system that receives information from the PCS and battery peripheral devices and performs instructions and management for the BMS.

[0009] The battery stack of the ESS described above is configured such that a plurality of battery cells are assembled to form a module, and a plurality of modules are assembled to form a rack. Depending on the configuration in which modules are connected within the rack, it may include a string (i.e., a configuration in which modules within the rack are connected in parallel).

[0010] As such, due to the potential fire risk associated with the characteristics of ESS that store a large amount of energy, it is provided inside a container installed outdoors.

[0011] The part where fires most frequently occur in ESS is the battery stack, and if an electrical fire such as thermal runaway occurs in any one of the battery cells, the fire spreads to other nearby battery cells, expanding the range of thermal runaway and causing the fire to spread to the entire container of the ESS.

[0012] Accordingly, ESS typically includes a function to transmit an alarm when a fire occurs (i.e., a function to notify of the fact that a fire has occurred), but there is a problem in that information on whether it is possible to enter the container to suppress the fire and carry out firefighting activities is not provided.

[0013] For example, if a fire occurs in a battery cell within the ESS, flammable gas is generated. Due to the nature of the ESS installed in the container, there is a risk of explosion and backdraft when the door is opened. In particular, if multiple battery cells (e.g., typically four or more battery cells) ignite (i.e., if a fire occurs in multiple battery cells), the risk of explosion and backdraft (i.e., a phenomenon in which air is introduced into a space where a large amount of flammable gas has accumulated and burns explosively) increases when the door is opened, so opening the door is not recommended.

[0014] However, since it is not possible to know how many battery cells have caught fire within the ESS (i.e., the extent of the fire's progression in the ESS installed inside the container), there is a problem in that fire suppression efforts are initiated based solely on the elapsed time of the fire, which increases the risk of explosion and backdraft, and prevents the establishment of response measures for safe fire suppression.

[0015] The information described above disclosed in the background technology of this invention is intended only to enhance understanding of the background of the present invention and may therefore include information that does not constitute prior art.

[0016]

[0017] The present invention aims to provide a battery pack, an apparatus and method for predicting the number of ignition cells, which can determine the occurrence of a fire based on cell voltage, current, and temperature data of an ESS installed indoors, such as in a container, and predict the number of battery cells that have caught fire.

[0018] The present invention aims to provide a battery pack, an apparatus and method for predicting the number of ignition cells, which can support the establishment of response measures for safe fire suppression by predicting the number of battery cells that have caught fire and estimating the fire state when a fire occurs in an ESS installed indoors, such as in a container.

[0019] The present invention aims to provide a battery pack, an apparatus and method for predicting the number of ignition cells, which can support the establishment of response measures for safe fire suppression by estimating the fire state through monitoring the trend of change in rack voltage over time when a fire occurs in an ESS installed indoors, such as in a container.

[0020] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0021]

[0022] A device for predicting the number of ignition cells according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above technical problem comprises: a sensing module that transmits a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an Energy Storage System (ESS) to a processor; and a processor that detects the occurrence of a fire based on a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS detected through the sensing module; wherein, when the occurrence of a fire is detected, the processor predicts the number of ignition cells based on the voltage for the rack or string.

[0023] In the present invention, the processor is characterized by predicting the number of ignition cells and transmitting the information to a pre-designated terminal via a fire information message.

[0024] In the present invention, the processor is characterized by increasing a counter that counts the number of ignition cells whenever a fire occurs, if the difference in voltage between the current and previous racks or strings of the ESS is greater than or equal to a preset count reference voltage.

[0025] In the present invention, the processor is characterized by detecting that a fire has occurred in the ESS when a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of the ESS received from the sensing module satisfies a preset fire alarm condition.

[0026] In the present invention, the processor determines that the messages currently and previously received are messages regarding the same fire of the ESS if the time difference between messages containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of the ESS, respectively, received from the sensing module is within a predetermined same fire check time.

[0027] In the present invention, the processor is characterized by predicting the number of ignition cells for a fire in the same ESS.

[0028] In the present invention, the processor determines that the last event record stored in the database is valid and uses it to predict the number of ignition cells when the time difference between a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS currently received from the sensing module and a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS currently received from the sensing module is within a predetermined same fire check time, and the last event record stored in the database is a new event record, and the time difference between a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS currently received from the sensing module and the last event record stored in the database is within a predetermined same fire check time.

[0029] In the present invention, the processor is characterized by predicting the number of utterance cells when the counter of the last event record stored in the database is less than a preset utterance cell threshold.

[0030] In the present invention, the ignition cell threshold is characterized as being a value set according to the number of ignition cells that pose a risk of explosion and backdraft when the door of a container in which an ESS is installed is opened.

[0031] In the present invention, the processor predicts the number of ignition cells when the counter of the last event record stored in the database is less than a preset ignition cell threshold, and the time difference between a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS currently received from the sensing module and the last event record stored in the database is greater than or equal to a preset count waiting time.

[0032] In the present invention, the processor predicts the number of ignition cells and stores them in the database when the counter of the last event record stored in the database is less than a preset ignition cell threshold, the time difference between a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS currently received from the sensing module and the last event record stored in the database is greater than or equal to a preset count waiting time, and the difference between the rack voltage or string voltage of the last event record stored in the database and the rack voltage or string voltage of a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS currently received from the sensing module is greater than or equal to a preset count reference voltage.

[0033] In the present invention, the count reference voltage is characterized as being a minimum rack voltage or string voltage that decreases whenever a fire occurs in order to determine an increase in the ignition cell.

[0034] In the present invention, the processor is characterized by being implemented to change the form of the fire information message and the content included in the message according to the number of predicted ignition cells.

[0035] In the present invention, the processor is characterized by being implemented to adjust the output intensity of the alarm according to the number of predicted firing cells.

[0036]

[0037] A method for predicting the number of ignition cells according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a step in which a sensing module transmits a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an Energy Storage System (ESS) to a processor; a step in which the processor detects the occurrence of a fire based on a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS detected through the sensing module; and a step in which, when the occurrence of a fire is detected, the processor predicts the number of ignition cells based on the voltage for the rack or string.

[0038] The present invention is characterized by further including, after the step of predicting the number of ignition cells, the step of predicting the number of ignition cells and transmitting the predicted number of ignition cells to a pre-designated terminal via a fire information message.

[0039] In the present invention, in the step of predicting the number of ignition cells, the processor is characterized by increasing a counter that counts the number of ignition cells whenever a fire event occurs, if the difference in voltage between the current and previous racks or strings of the ESS is greater than or equal to a preset count reference voltage.

[0040] In the present invention, in the step of predicting the number of ignition cells, the processor predicts the number of ignition cells for the same ESS fire, and if the time difference between messages containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of the ESS received from the sensing module currently and previously, respectively, is within a predetermined same fire check time, the processor determines that the messages received currently and previously, respectively, are messages for the same ESS fire.

[0041] In the present invention, in the step of predicting the number of ignition cells, the processor determines that the last event record stored in the database is valid and uses it to predict the number of ignition cells when the time difference between a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS received from the sensing module now and previously, respectively, is within a predetermined same fire check time, and the last event record stored in the database is a new event record, and the time difference between a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS received from the sensing module now and the last event record stored in the database is within a predetermined same fire check time.

[0042] In the present invention, in the step of predicting the number of ignition cells, the processor predicts the number of ignition cells when the counter of the last event record stored in the database is less than a predetermined ignition cell threshold and the time difference between a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS currently received from the sensing module and the last event record stored in the database is greater than or equal to a predetermined count waiting time.

[0043] In the present invention, in the step of predicting the number of ignition cells, the processor predicts the number of ignition cells and stores them in the database when the counter of the last event record stored in the database is less than a predetermined ignition cell threshold, the time difference between a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS currently received from the sensing module and the last event record stored in the database is greater than or equal to a predetermined count waiting time, and the difference between the rack voltage or string voltage of the last event record stored in the database and the rack voltage or string voltage of a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS currently received from the sensing module is greater than or equal to a predetermined count reference voltage.

[0044] In the present invention, the count reference voltage is characterized as being a minimum rack voltage or string voltage that decreases whenever a fire occurs in order to determine an increase in the ignition cell.

[0045]

[0046] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a sensing module that transmits a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for each battery cell of the battery pack to a processor; and a processor that detects the occurrence of a fire based on a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for each battery cell detected through the sensing module, wherein the processor predicts the number of ignition cells based on the voltage of each battery cell when the occurrence of a fire is detected.

[0047]

[0048] According to the present invention, based on cell voltage, current, and temperature data of the ESS, the occurrence of a fire is determined and the number of battery cells that have caught fire is predicted.

[0049] In addition, according to the present invention, when a fire occurs in an ESS, the number of battery cells affected by the fire can be predicted to estimate the fire state, thereby supporting the establishment of response measures for safe fire suppression.

[0050] In addition, according to the present invention, when a fire occurs in an ESS, the change in rack voltage over time is monitored to predict the number of battery cells affected by the fire, thereby estimating the fire state and supporting the establishment of countermeasures for safe fire suppression.

[0051] However, the effects obtainable through the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned technical effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0052]

[0053] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0054] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic configuration of a device for predicting the number of ignition cells according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart for explaining a method for predicting the number of ignition cells according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 3 illustrates a graph to explain the relationship between the rack voltage and the counter value of the ignition cell in Figure 2.

[0057] FIG. 4 illustrates an example screen for explaining the form of a fire information message including the number of ignition cells and the contents included therein, in FIG. 3.

[0058]

[0059] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0060] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely some of the most preferred embodiments of the invention and do not represent all of the technical spirit of the invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications capable of replacing them may exist at the time of filing this application. Furthermore, as used herein, "comprise" or "include" and / or "comprising" or "including" specify the presence of the mentioned features, numbers, steps, actions, parts, elements, and / or groups thereof, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, actions, parts, elements, and / or groups. Additionally, when describing embodiments of the invention, "may" or "may be" may include "one or more embodiments of the invention."

[0061] Additionally, to aid in understanding the invention, the attached drawings are not drawn to actual scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. Furthermore, the same reference numerals may be assigned to identical components in different embodiments.

[0062] The statement that two subjects of comparison are 'identical' means that they are 'substantially identical.' Therefore, substantial identity may include deviations considered low in the industry, for example, deviations within 5%. Additionally, the statement that a parameter is uniform in a given area may mean that it is uniform from an average perspective.

[0063] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless specifically stated otherwise, the first component may also be the second component.

[0064] Throughout the specification, unless specifically stated otherwise, each component may be singular or plural.

[0065] The fact that any configuration is placed on the “upper (or lower)” of a component or on the “upper (or lower)” of a component may mean not only that the any configuration is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of said component, but also that another configuration may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0066] Furthermore, where it is stated that one component is “connected,” “coupled,” or “joined” to another component, it should be understood that while said components may be directly connected or joined to one another, another component may be “interposed” between each component, or that each component may be “connected,” “coupled,” or “joined” through another component. Additionally, when it is stated that a part is electrically coupled to another part, this includes not only cases where they are directly connected but also cases where they are connected with an intermediate element in between.

[0067] Throughout the specification, “A and / or B” means A, B, or A and B unless specifically stated otherwise. That is, “and / or” includes any combination or any combination of the enumerated items. “C to D” means C or more and D or less, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0068]

[0069] A battery pack includes at least one battery module and a pack housing having a receiving space formed therein for accommodating at least one battery module.

[0070] The battery module may comprise a plurality of battery cells and a module housing. The battery cells may be accommodated inside the module housing in a stacked form. The battery cells may be equipped with a positive lead and a negative lead. Depending on the battery shape, circular, prismatic, or pouch-type battery cells may be used.

[0071] In the above battery pack, a single stacked cell stack may constitute a single module instead of the battery module. The cell stack may be accommodated in a receiving space of the pack housing or in a receiving space partitioned by a frame, bulkhead, etc.

[0072] The battery cell mentioned above generates a large amount of heat during charging and discharging. The generated heat accumulates in the battery cell and accelerates its degradation. Therefore, the battery pack further includes a cooling member to suppress battery cell degradation. The cooling member is provided at the bottom of the housing space where the battery cell is located, but is not limited thereto and may also be provided at the top or side depending on the battery pack.

[0073] Each of the above battery cells can discharge exhaust gas from inside the battery cell to the outside of the battery cell, which is generated under abnormal operating conditions also known as thermal runaway or thermal event. The battery pack or the battery module may be equipped with an exhaust port for exhaust gas discharge to prevent damage to the battery pack or module caused by the exhaust gas.

[0074] A battery pack may include a battery and a Battery Management System (BMS) for managing the battery. The Battery Management System (BMS) may include a detection device, a balancing device, and a control device. A battery module may include a plurality of cells connected to each other in series or in parallel. Battery modules may be connected to each other in series or in parallel.

[0075] The detection device can detect the state of the battery (voltage, current, temperature, etc.) and detect state information indicating the state of the battery. The detection device can detect the voltage of each cell or each battery module constituting the battery. The detection device may also detect the current flowing through each battery module constituting the battery module or battery pack. The detection device may also detect the cell and / or module and / or ambient temperature at at least one point of the battery.

[0076] The balancing device can perform balancing operations on battery modules and / or cells constituting the battery. The control device can receive status information (voltage, current, temperature, etc.) of the battery module from the detection device. Based on the status information received from the detection device, the control device can monitor and calculate the status of the battery module (voltage, current, temperature, State of Charge (SOC), State of Health (SOH), etc.). In addition, based on the results of the status monitoring, the control device may perform control functions (e.g., temperature control, balancing control, charge / discharge control, etc.) and protection functions (e.g., over-discharge, over-charge, over-current protection, short circuit, fire extinguishing functions, etc.). Furthermore, the control device may perform wired or wireless communication functions with external devices of the battery pack (e.g., a higher-level controller, a vehicle, a charger, or a PCS, etc.).

[0077] The control device may also control the charging and discharging operations and protection operations of the battery. To this end, the control device may include a charging and discharging control unit, a balancing control unit, and a protection unit.

[0078] A battery management system is a system that monitors battery status and performs diagnostic, control, communication, and protection functions. It can calculate charge / discharge status, calculate battery life or state of health (SOH), cut off battery power (relay control) when necessary, control thermal management (cooling, heating, etc.), perform high-voltage interlock functions, and detect or calculate insulation and short-circuit status.

[0079] A relay can be a mechanical contactor that is turned on and off by the magnetic force of a coil, or a semiconductor switch such as a MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor).

[0080] Relay control is a function that cuts off the power supply from the battery in the event of a problem with the vehicle and battery system, and can be configured with one or more relays and pre-charge relays at the positive and negative terminals, respectively.

[0081] Since there is a risk of inrush current occurring in the high-voltage capacitor on the inverter input side when the battery load is connected, pre-charge control may be equipped with a function to operate the pre-charge relay before connecting the main relay when the vehicle starts to prevent the inflow of inrush current and to connect it to the pre-charge resistor.

[0082] A high-voltage interlock is a circuit that uses small signals to detect whether all high-voltage components in the entire automotive system are connected, and it can be equipped with the function of forcibly opening a relay if an open circuit occurs at any point on the entire loop.

[0083]

[0084] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing the schematic configuration of a device for predicting the number of ignition cells according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the ignition cell count prediction device according to the present embodiment may include a sensing module (110), a processor (120), an alarm module (130), a message transmission module (140), and a database (150).

[0086] The sensing module (110) can detect the voltage of the battery cells, modules, racks, and strings of the Energy Storage System (ESS).

[0087] The sensing module (110) can detect the rack or string current of the ESS.

[0088] The sensing module (110) can detect the rack or string temperature of the ESS.

[0089] For example, the sensing module (110) may include at least one sensor for voltage detection, current detection, and temperature detection for the rack or string of the ESS.

[0090] In addition, the sensing module (110) can detect voltage, current, and temperature for the rack or string of the ESS according to a preset period (e.g., 20ms).

[0091] Additionally, the sensing module (110) can transmit a message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for the rack or string of the ESS to the processor (120).

[0092] The processor (120) can detect (determine) the occurrence of a fire based on one or more pieces of information (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, etc.) detected through the sensing module (110).

[0093] For example, the processor (120) can compare a message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS detected through the sensing module (110) with a preset fire alarm condition, and if the message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS detected through the sensing module (110) satisfies the preset fire alarm condition, it can detect (determine) that a fire has occurred.

[0094] When a fire is detected (determined), the processor (120) checks the time stamp of a message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS received from the sensing module (110), and checks whether the message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS currently received from the sensing module (110) was received within the same fire check time (e.g., 24 hours), thereby determining whether the message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS currently received from the sensing module (110) is a message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS detected from a fire in the same ESS.

[0095] For example, since the sensing module (110) transmits a message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for the rack or string of the ESS to the processor (120) according to a predetermined period (e.g., 20ms), the processor (120) detects (determines) the initial occurrence of a fire and then checks whether the message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for the rack or string of the ESS currently received from the sensing module (110) is received within the same fire check time (e.g., 24 hours), thereby checking whether the fire for the same ESS continues to be detected (determined) by checking whether the message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for the rack or string of the ESS currently received from the sensing module (110) is a message containing fire information for the same ESS.

[0096] Whenever the processor (120) receives a message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS from the sensing module (110), if the fire is for the same ESS as the fire initially detected (determined) and a new event record (i.e., the status of the BMS, rack, and string) is stored in the database (150), it determines that it is a valid event record for a fire for the same ESS, and compares the difference between the rack or string voltage of the new event record (i.e., the last event record stored among the event records stored in chronological order) and the voltage contained in the message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS currently received from the sensing module (110).

[0097] When comparing the difference between the rack or string voltage of the last event record stored in the database (150) and the voltage included in the message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for the rack or string of the ESS currently received from the sensing module (110), if a difference greater than a preset count reference voltage (e.g., 1V) occurs, the processor (130) stores the time stamp, voltage, and counter (i.e., the number of ignition cells) of the message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for the rack or string of the ESS currently received from the sensing module (110) in the database (150) in response to this voltage difference.

[0098] For example, whenever a fire event occurs in the ESS, if the difference in voltage between the current and previous ESS racks or strings is greater than or equal to a preset count reference voltage, the number of ignition cells is counted and stored in the database (150).

[0099] When the ignition cell counter (i.e., the number of ignition cells) increases, the processor (120) outputs (transmits) a fire information message containing fire-related information (e.g., rack or string information, voltage, number of ignition cells, temperature, etc.) in a pre-specified form (format) to a pre-specified terminal (e.g., smartphone, computer, etc.).

[0100] However, when a message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS is received from the sensing module (110), even if a new event record (i.e., the status of the BMS, rack, and string) is stored in the database (150), if it is determined that the fire is not for the same ESS as the fire initially detected (determined), the previously stored event record is determined to be invalid (i.e., determined that a new fire has occurred), and the counter is initialized (e.g., the count value is set to 1), and the initial values ​​of the time stamp, voltage, and counter (i.e., the number of ignition cells) of the message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS currently received from the sensing module (110) are stored in the database (150).

[0101] The alarm module (130) can output an alarm in a predetermined manner according to the control of the processor (120) when the processor (120) detects (determines) that a fire has occurred.

[0102] For example, the alarm module (130) may include a lamp element and a speaker element for outputting an alarm, and may output an alarm by adjusting the brightness of the light or by adjusting the volume of the sound.

[0103] The alarm module (130) can adjust the output intensity of the alarm according to the number of cells where a fire has occurred (i.e., the number of ignition cells) predicted by the processor (120).

[0104] For example, the output intensity of the alarm can be adjusted through changes in the brightness of the lamp, changes in the lighting color of the lamp, changes in the lighting pattern of the lamp, changes in the volume of the speaker, changes in the type of sound output through the speaker, and combinations thereof.

[0105] When the processor (120) detects (determines) that a fire has occurred, the message transmission module (140) can output (transmit) a fire information message (e.g., SMS (Short Message Service), PUSH message via a dedicated app, etc.) containing fire-related information (e.g., rack or string information, voltage, number of ignition cells, temperature, etc.) in a pre-specified format under the control of the processor (120) to a pre-specified terminal (e.g., smartphone, computer, etc.) (see FIG. 4).

[0106] The message transmission module (140) can change the form (format) of the fire information message and the content included in the message according to the number of ignition cells predicted by the processor (120).

[0107] For example, the form (format) and content of the fire information message may be prepared in advance in multiple versions, and in response to the number of cells where a fire has occurred (i.e., the number of ignition cells) predicted by the processor (120), the processor (120) may select one of the fire information message of the first version to the fire information message of the Nth version and output (transmit) it to a pre-designated terminal (e.g., smartphone, computer, etc.) (where N is a natural number).

[0108] Accordingly, an administrator (e.g., fire manager) who receives a fire information message containing fire-related information via a designated terminal (e.g., smartphone, computer, etc.) can quickly and intuitively recognize the status of the fire, thereby enabling the establishment of response measures for safe fire suppression against the risks of explosion and backdraft.

[0109] The database (DB) (150) can store messages and time stamps containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for the rack or string of the ESS detected through the sensing module (110).

[0110] In addition, the database (DB) (150) can store the status and time stamp of the Battery Management System (BMS).

[0111] Additionally, the database (DB) (150) can store the format of the message transmitted through the message transmission module (140), the content included in the message, and the time stamp.

[0112] Additionally, the database (DB) (150) can store information on the number of utterance cells predicted by the processor (120) (i.e., the utterance cell counter value).

[0113] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for predicting the number of ignition cells according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 2, the processor (120) receives a message from the sensing module (110) containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of the ESS (S101).

[0115] The processor (120) compares a message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of ESS detected through the sensing module (110) with a preset fire alarm condition (S102), and checks whether the message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of ESS detected through the sensing module (110) satisfies the preset fire alarm condition (S102).

[0116] If a message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of the ESS detected through the sensing module (110) satisfies a preset fire alarm condition (Y of S102), the processor (120) can detect (determine) that a fire has occurred.

[0117] At this time, the sensing module (110) transmits a message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for the rack or string of the ESS to the processor (120) according to a predetermined period (e.g., 20ms).

[0118] Accordingly, after the initial fire is detected (determined), while the fire in the same ESS continues, the sensing module (110) periodically transmits a message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for the rack or string of the ESS that satisfies the preset fire alarm conditions to the processor (120).

[0119] However, if the occurrence of a new fire is detected (determined), the message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for the rack or string of the ESS currently received from the sensing module (110) will have a significant time difference (e.g., 24 hours) from the message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for the rack or string of the ESS previously received.

[0120] Accordingly, the processor (120) checks the time stamp of a message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of ESS currently received from the sensing module (110), compares it with the time stamp of a message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of ESS previously received, and checks whether the time difference is within a predetermined same fire check time (e.g., 24 hours) (S103).

[0121] If the time difference between a message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS currently received and a message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS previously received is within a predetermined same fire check time (e.g., 24 hours) (Y of S103), the processor (120) determines that the message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS currently received is a message regarding the same fire of the ESS as the message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS previously received.

[0122] If the time difference between a message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS currently received and a message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS previously received is within a predetermined same fire check time (e.g., 24 hours) (Y in S103), the processor (120) reads the last event record of the corresponding BMS, rack, or string status from the database (DB) (150) (S104) and checks whether it is a new event record (S105).

[0123] For example, the processor (120) checks whether the last event record read from the database (150) is a new event record (i.e., the status of the BMS, rack, and string) if the message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for the rack or string of the ESS currently received is a message about a fire in the same ESS as the message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for the rack or string of the ESS previously received, that is, if it is a message about a fire that is the same as the fire previously detected (determined).

[0124] If the last event record read from the database (150) is a new event record (i.e., the status of the BMS, rack, and string) (Y in S105), the processor (120) checks whether the time difference between the time stamp of the last event record read from the database (150) and the time stamp of a message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for the rack or string of the currently received ESS is within a predetermined same fire check time (e.g., 24 hours) (S106).

[0125] If the time difference between the time stamp of the last event record read from the database (150) and the time stamp of the message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for the rack or string of the currently received ESS is within a predetermined same fire check time (e.g., 24 hours) (Y in S106), the processor (120) determines that the previous event record is valid and uses the information (e.g., time stamp, rack voltage, counter) of the new event record (i.e., the last event record read from the database (150)) (S107).

[0126] Then the processor (120) checks whether the counter of the last event record read from the database (150) is less than a preset utterance cell threshold (e.g., 5) (S108).

[0127] Here, the ignition cell threshold is a value set according to the number of ignition cells that pose a risk of explosion and backdraft when the door is opened, due to the characteristics of the ESS installed in the container. For example, assuming that the number of ignition cells that pose a risk of explosion and backdraft when the door is opened is 4, the ignition cell threshold becomes 5.

[0128] Therefore, since counting the number of ignition cells above a predetermined ignition cell threshold (e.g., 5) is practically ineffective for establishing a response plan for safe fire suppression, if the counter of the last event record read from the database (150) is not less than the predetermined ignition cell threshold (e.g., 5) (N of S108), the processor (120) terminates the counting of the number of ignition cells and returns to the beginning of the algorithm (or terminates).

[0129] However, if the counter of the last event record read from the database (150) is less than a preset ignition cell threshold (e.g., 5) (Y in S108), the processor (120) checks whether the time difference between the time stamp of the last event record read from the database (150) and the time stamp of a message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for the rack or string of the currently received ESS is greater than or equal to a preset count waiting time (e.g., 3 seconds) (S109).

[0130] Here, the count waiting time (e.g., 3 seconds) is the time to adjust the count sensitivity of the number of firing cells.

[0131] That is, if the time difference between the time stamp of the last event record read from the database (150) and the time stamp of the message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for the rack or string of the currently received ESS is less than a preset count waiting time (e.g., 3 seconds) (N of S109), the algorithm returns to the beginning (or terminates).

[0132] However, if the time difference between the time stamp of the last event record read from the database (150) and the time stamp of the message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for the rack or string of the currently received ESS is greater than or equal to a preset count waiting time (e.g., 3 seconds) (Y in S109), the processor (120) checks whether the difference (△V) between the voltage of the last event record read from the database (150) (i.e., rack voltage or string voltage) and the voltage of the message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for the rack or string of the currently received ESS (i.e., rack voltage or string voltage) is greater than or equal to a preset count reference voltage (e.g., 1V) (S110).

[0133] Here, the count reference voltage (e.g., 1V) refers to the minimum rack (or string) voltage that is reduced to determine the increase in the ignition cell.

[0134] Meanwhile, if the difference (△V) between the voltage of the last event record read from the database (150) (i.e., rack voltage or string voltage) and the voltage of the message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for the rack or string of the currently received ESS (i.e., rack voltage or string voltage) is greater than or equal to a preset count reference voltage (e.g., 1V) (Y of S110), the processor (120) records in the database (150) the time stamp of the message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for the rack or string of the currently received ESS, the voltage of the rack (or string), and the value of the counter of the ignition cell that has been increased (S111).

[0135] For example, assuming the normal rack (or string) voltage is 1000V or higher, if the rack (or string) voltage difference at the time of the first event is 3.3V, which is greater than or equal to the count reference voltage (e.g., 1V), the number of ignition cells becomes 1; if the time of the next event is greater than or equal to the count waiting time (e.g., 3 seconds) and the voltage difference is 1V, which is greater than or equal to the count reference voltage (e.g., 1V), the number of ignition cells increases to 2; if the time of the next event is greater than or equal to the count waiting time (e.g., 3 seconds) and the voltage difference is 2V, which is greater than or equal to the count reference voltage (e.g., 1V), the number of ignition cells increases to 3; if the time of the next event is greater than or equal to the count waiting time (e.g., 3 seconds) and the voltage difference is 1V, which is greater than or equal to the count reference voltage (e.g., 1V), the number of ignition cells increases to 4; and if the time of the next event is greater than or equal to the count waiting time (e.g., 3 seconds) and the voltage difference is 2V, which is greater than or equal to the count reference voltage (e.g., 1V), the number of ignition cells becomes 5. It can increase.

[0136] If the time of event occurrence is within the count waiting time (e.g., 3 seconds), or the rack voltage difference is less than the count reference voltage (e.g., 1V), or the counter is greater than the ignition cell threshold (e.g., 5), the processor (120) does not send a message containing information on the number of ignition cells.

[0137] Conversely, if the event occurrence time is greater than or equal to the count waiting time (e.g., 3 seconds), the rack voltage difference is greater than or equal to the count reference voltage (e.g., 1V), and the counter is less than the ignition cell threshold (e.g., 5), and the counter value of the ignition cell is increased, the processor (120) transmits a message containing ignition cell count information to a designated terminal (S112).

[0138] For example, if the time difference between the last event record read from the database (150) and the message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for the rack or string of the currently received ESS is greater than or equal to a preset count waiting time (e.g., 3 seconds), the difference in rack voltage (or string voltage) is greater than or equal to 1V (e.g., 1V, 2V, 3V, etc.), and the current counter is less than the ignition cell threshold (e.g., 5), the processor (120) records a history (i.e., the timestamp of the message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for the rack or string of the currently received ESS, the voltage of the rack (or string), and the value of the counter of the ignition cell incremented) in the database (150), and also transmits a message containing ignition cell count information to a specified terminal.

[0139] However, if the last event record of the corresponding BMS, rack, or string status read from the database (DB) (150) is not a new event record (N of S105), or if the time difference between the time stamp of the last event record read from the database (150) and the time stamp of the message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for the rack or string of the currently received ESS is not within a predetermined same fire check time (e.g., 24 hours) (N of S106), the processor (120) determines that the previous event record is invalid (i.e., determines that a new fire has occurred), starts by setting the counter to an initial value (e.g., 1), and records the initial value (e.g., 1) in the database (150) for the time stamp of the message containing voltage, current, and temperature detection information for the rack or string of the currently received ESS, the voltage of the rack (or string), and the counter of the ignition cell (S114).

[0140] Figure 3 is an example diagram shown to explain the relationship between the rack voltage and the counter value of the ignition cell in Figure 2.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 3, assuming the normal rack (or string) voltage is 1056V or higher, when the first event (e.g., fire detection) occurs, the rack (or string) voltage drops to 1052V, and if the voltage difference from the previous rack (or string) voltage becomes greater than the count reference voltage (e.g., 1V) (e.g., 4V), the processor (120) records 1 in the counter of the ignition cell. That is, the number of ignition cells becomes 1.

[0142] Accordingly, the processor (120) transmits a fire information message to a designated terminal that includes a fire detection notification and information on the number of ignition cells (i.e., ignition cell counter value: 1). At this time, the fire information message may further include information on the rack (or string) at the location where the fire occurred, the rack (or string) voltage, and information on the change amount of the rack (or string) voltage.

[0143] When an event (e.g., fire detection) occurs again after the next count waiting time (e.g., 3 seconds) has elapsed, and the rack (or string) voltage drops to 1047V, and the voltage difference from the previous rack (or string) voltage becomes greater than the count reference voltage (e.g., 1V) (e.g., 5V), the processor (120) records 2 in the counter of the ignition cell. That is, the number of ignition cells becomes 2.

[0144] Accordingly, the processor (120) transmits a fire information message containing information on the number of ignition cells (i.e., ignition cell counter value: 2) to a designated terminal. At this time, the fire information message may further include information on the rack (or string) at the location where the fire occurred, the rack (or string) voltage, and information on the change amount of the rack (or string) voltage.

[0145] When an event (e.g., fire detection) occurs again after the next count waiting time (e.g., 3 seconds) has elapsed, and the rack (or string) voltage drops to 1044V, and the voltage difference from the previous rack (or string) voltage becomes greater than the count reference voltage (e.g., 1V) (e.g., 3V), the processor (120) records 3 in the counter of the ignition cell. That is, the number of ignition cells becomes 3.

[0146] Accordingly, the processor (120) transmits a fire information message containing information on the number of ignition cells (i.e., ignition cell counter value: 3) to a designated terminal. At this time, the fire information message may further include information on the rack (or string) at the location where the fire occurred, the rack (or string) voltage, and the change amount of the rack (or string) voltage.

[0147] When an event (e.g., fire detection) occurs again after the next count waiting time (e.g., 3 seconds) has elapsed, and the rack (or string) voltage drops to 1039V, and the voltage difference from the previous rack (or string) voltage becomes greater than the count reference voltage (e.g., 1V) (e.g., 5V), the processor (120) records 4 in the counter of the ignition cell. That is, the number of ignition cells becomes 4.

[0148] Accordingly, the processor (120) transmits a fire information message containing information on the number of ignition cells (i.e., ignition cell counter value: 4) to a designated terminal. At this time, the fire information message may further include information on the rack (or string) at the location where the fire occurred, the rack (or string) voltage, and information on the change amount of the rack (or string) voltage.

[0149] When an event (e.g., fire detection) occurs again after the next count waiting time (e.g., 3 seconds) has elapsed, and the rack (or string) voltage drops to 1036V, and the voltage difference from the previous rack (or string) voltage becomes greater than the count reference voltage (e.g., 1V) (e.g., 3V), the processor (120) records 5 in the counter of the ignition cell. That is, the number of ignition cells becomes 5.

[0150] Accordingly, the processor (120) transmits a fire information message containing information on the number of ignition cells (i.e., ignition cell counter value: 5) to a designated terminal. At this time, the fire information message may further include information on the rack (or string) at the location where the fire occurred, the rack (or string) voltage, and information on the change amount of the rack (or string) voltage.

[0151] Subsequently, if the ignition cell count prediction device operates normally without any fire occurring, the number of ignition cells can continue to be predicted.

[0152] However, if the time of event occurrence is within the count waiting time (e.g., 3 seconds), or the rack voltage difference is less than the count reference voltage (e.g., 1V), or the number of ignition cells is greater than the threshold value (e.g., 5), the processor (120) may not transmit a fire information message, especially since counting the number of ignition cells greater than the threshold value (e.g., 5) is not effective in establishing a response plan for safe fire suppression (i.e., because the reliability of the detection information is reduced due to fire spread).

[0153] FIG. 4 is an example diagram shown to explain the form of a fire information message including the number of ignition cells and the contents included therein, in FIG. 3.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 4, the fire information message may include at least one of the following: rack (or string) information of the location where the fire occurred, rack (or string) voltage, change amount of rack (or string) voltage, number of ignition cells information (estimated number of ignition cells), rack (or string) current, rack (or string) SOC information, Min cell voltage / module / cell number, Max cell voltage / module / cell number, Min cell temperature / module / cell number, and Max cell temperature / module / cell number.

[0155] Referring to FIG. 4(a), when the first event (e.g., fire detection) occurs, the processor (120) transmits a fire information message to a designated terminal in which the rack (or string) voltage and the number of ignition cells (estimated number of ignition cells) are 1.

[0156] Referring to FIG. 4(b), when the next event (e.g., fire detection) occurs in which the number of ignition cells (estimated number of ignition cells) increases for the same fire, the processor (120) transmits a fire information message to a designated terminal in which the rack (or string) voltage and the number of ignition cells (estimated number of ignition cells) are 2.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 4(c), when the next event (e.g., fire detection) occurs in which the number of ignition cells (estimated number of ignition cells) increases for the same fire, the processor (120) transmits a fire information message to a designated terminal in which the rack (or string) voltage and the number of ignition cells (estimated number of ignition cells) are 3.

[0158] Referring to FIG. 4(d), when the next event (e.g., fire detection) occurs in which the number of ignition cells (estimated number of ignition cells) increases for the same fire, the processor (120) transmits a fire information message to a designated terminal in which the rack (or string) voltage and the number of ignition cells (estimated number of ignition cells) are 4.

[0159] Referring to FIG. 4(e), when the next event (e.g., fire detection) occurs in which the number of ignition cells (estimated number of ignition cells) increases for the same fire, the processor (120) transmits a fire information message to a designated terminal in which the rack (or string) voltage and the number of ignition cells (estimated number of ignition cells) are 5.

[0160] As previously described, when the number of ignition cells is greater than a threshold (e.g., 5), counting the number of ignition cells is not effective in establishing a response plan for safe fire suppression, so the processor (120) may not transmit a fire information message.

[0161] In the above embodiment, a technology for predicting the number of ignition cells centered on ESS has been described, but it should be noted that this is not limited thereto and can be applied to battery packs used in various devices including electric vehicles (xEVs).

[0162] That is, a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for each battery cell of a battery pack is transmitted to a processor (120) through a sensing module (110), and the processor (120) detects the occurrence of a fire based on a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for each battery cell detected through the sensing module (110). Additionally, when the processor (120) detects the occurrence of a fire, it can predict the number of ignition cells based on the voltage of each battery cell, and can transmit the predicted number of ignition cells to a pre-designated terminal through a fire information message.

[0163] As such, the present embodiment has the effect of determining the occurrence of a fire based on cell voltage, current, and temperature data of the ESS and predicting the number of battery cells that have caught fire, and also supporting the establishment of response measures for safe fire suppression by estimating the fire state by predicting the number of battery cells that have caught fire when a fire occurs in the ESS, and also supporting the establishment of response measures for safe fire suppression by estimating the fire state by monitoring the trend of change in rack voltage over time when a fire occurs in the ESS and predicting the number of battery cells that have caught fire.

[0164] The implementations described herein may be implemented, for example, as methods or processes, devices, software programs, data streams, or signals. Even if discussed only in the context of a single form of implementation (e.g., discussed only as a method), the implementation of the discussed features may also be implemented in other forms (e.g., devices or programs). Devices may be implemented in appropriate hardware, software, and firmware, etc. Methods may be implemented in devices such as processors, which generally refer to processing devices including, for example, computers, microprocessors, integrated circuits, or programmable logic devices. Processors also include communication devices such as computers, cell phones, portable / personal digital assistants ("PDAs"), and other devices that facilitate the communication of information between end-users.

[0165] 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.

Claims

1. A sensing module that transmits a message to a processor containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an Energy Storage System (ESS); and A processor that detects the occurrence of a fire based on a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS detected through the sensing module; The above processor is, A device for predicting the number of ignition cells, characterized by predicting the number of ignition cells based on the voltage of the rack or string when a fire is detected.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above processor is, A device for predicting the number of ignition cells, characterized by predicting the number of ignition cells and transmitting the fire information message to a pre-designated terminal.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above processor is, Whenever a fire event occurs, if the voltage difference between the current and previous ESS racks or strings exceeds a preset count threshold voltage, A device for predicting the number of ignition cells characterized by increasing a counter that counts the number of ignition cells.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above processor is, If a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of the ESS received from the sensing module satisfies a preset fire alarm condition, A device for predicting the number of ignition cells characterized by detecting that a fire has occurred in the ESS.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above processor is, If the time difference between messages containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of the ESS, currently and previously received respectively from the sensing module, is within a predetermined same fire check time, An ignition cell count prediction device characterized by determining that the currently and previously received messages, respectively, are messages regarding a fire in the same ESS.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above processor is, A device for predicting the number of ignition cells, characterized by predicting the number of ignition cells for a fire in the same ESS.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above processor is, If the time difference between a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS currently received from the sensing module and a message previously received, respectively, is within a predetermined same fire check time, and the last event record stored in the database is a new event record, and the time difference between a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS currently received from the sensing module and the last event record stored in the database is within a predetermined same fire check time, A device for predicting the number of uttering cells, characterized by determining that the last event record stored in the above database is valid and using it to predict the number of uttering cells.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above processor is, A device for predicting the number of ignition cells, characterized by predicting the number of ignition cells when the counter of the last event record stored in the database is less than a preset ignition cell threshold.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above ignition cell threshold is, A device for predicting the number of ignition cells, characterized by a value set according to the number of ignition cells that pose a risk of explosion and backdraft when the door of a container equipped with an ESS is opened.

10. In Paragraph 7, The above processor is, An ignition cell count prediction device characterized by predicting the number of ignition cells when the counter of the last event record stored in the database is less than a preset ignition cell threshold, and the time difference between a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS currently received from the sensing module and the last event record stored in the database is greater than or equal to a preset count waiting time.

11. In Paragraph 7, The above processor is, An ignition cell count prediction device characterized by predicting the number of ignition cells and storing it in the database when the counter of the last event record stored in the database is less than a preset ignition cell threshold, the time difference between a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS currently received from the sensing module and the last event record stored in the database is greater than or equal to a preset count waiting time, and the difference between the rack voltage or string voltage of the last event record stored in the database and the rack voltage or string voltage of a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS currently received from the sensing module is greater than or equal to a preset count reference voltage.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above count reference voltage is, A device for predicting the number of ignition cells, characterized by being the minimum rack voltage or string voltage that decreases whenever a fire occurs, in order to determine an increase in the number of ignition cells.

13. In Paragraph 1, The above processor is, A device for predicting the number of ignition cells, characterized by being implemented to change the form of the fire information message and the content included in the message according to the predicted number of ignition cells.

14. In Paragraph 1, The above processor is, A device for predicting the number of ignition cells, characterized by being implemented to adjust the output intensity of an alarm according to the predicted number of ignition cells.

15. A step in which a sensing module transmits to a processor a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an Energy Storage System (ESS); The step of the processor detecting the occurrence of a fire based on a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of the ESS detected through the sensing module; and A method for predicting the number of ignition cells, characterized by including the step of, when a fire is detected, the processor predicting the number of ignition cells based on the voltage for the rack or string.

16. In Paragraph 15, After the step of predicting the number of ignition cells mentioned above, A method for predicting the number of ignition cells, further comprising the step of predicting the number of ignition cells and transmitting the result to a pre-designated terminal via a fire information message.

17. In Paragraph 15, In the step of predicting the number of ignition cells mentioned above, The above processor is, Whenever a fire event occurs, if the voltage difference between the current and previous ESS racks or strings exceeds a preset count threshold voltage, A method for predicting the number of ignition cells characterized by increasing a counter that counts the number of ignition cells.

18. In Paragraph 17, In the step of predicting the number of ignition cells mentioned above, The above processor is, For a fire in the same ESS, predicting the number of ignition cells, and If the time difference between messages containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of the ESS, currently and previously received respectively from the sensing module, is within a predetermined same fire check time, A method for predicting the number of ignition cells characterized by determining that the currently and previously received messages, respectively, are messages regarding the same fire in the ESS.

19. In Paragraph 15, In the step of predicting the number of ignition cells mentioned above, The above processor is, If the time difference between a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS currently received from the sensing module and a message previously received, respectively, is within a predetermined same fire check time, and the last event record stored in the database is a new event record, and the time difference between a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS currently received from the sensing module and the last event record stored in the database is within a predetermined same fire check time, A method for predicting the number of utterance cells, characterized by determining that the last event record stored in the above database is valid and using it to predict the number of utterance cells.

20. In Paragraph 19, In the step of predicting the number of ignition cells mentioned above, The above processor is, A method for predicting the number of ignition cells, characterized in that the counter of the last event record stored in the database is less than a preset ignition cell threshold, and the time difference between a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS currently received from the sensing module and the last event record stored in the database is greater than or equal to a preset count waiting time.

21. In Paragraph 19, In the step of predicting the number of ignition cells mentioned above, The above processor is, A method for predicting the number of ignition cells, characterized by predicting the number of ignition cells and storing it in the database when the counter of the last event record stored in the database is less than a preset ignition cell threshold, the time difference between a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS currently received from the sensing module and the last event record stored in the database is greater than or equal to a preset count waiting time, and the difference between the rack voltage or string voltage of the last event record stored in the database and the rack voltage or string voltage of a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for a rack or string of an ESS currently received from the sensing module is greater than or equal to a preset count reference voltage.

22. In Paragraph 21, The above count reference voltage is, A method for predicting the number of ignition cells, characterized by being the minimum rack voltage or string voltage that decreases whenever a fire occurs, in order to determine an increase in the number of ignition cells.

23. A sensing module that transmits a message to a processor containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for each battery cell of a battery pack; and A processor that detects the occurrence of a fire based on a message containing at least one of voltage, current, and temperature detection information for each battery cell detected through the sensing module; The above processor is, A battery pack characterized by predicting the number of ignition cells based on the voltage of each battery cell when a fire is detected.

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