Method and apparatus for preventing over-discharge of battery in power supply system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for preventing over-discharge of a battery in a power supply system. The method for preventing over-discharge of a battery in a power supply system, according to one aspect, may comprise the steps of: controlling an operation of the battery in response to a state of charge (SOC) of the battery belonging to a first range; determining, in response to the SOC of the battery belonging to a second range, at least one of whether the battery can be charged using power generated from power generation apparatuses included in the power supply system or whether the battery can be charged using power supplied from an external power system; and performing, on the basis of the result of the determination, at least one of changing an electrical connection relationship between the apparatuses included in the power supply system or charging the battery.

Description

Method and device for preventing battery over-discharge of a power supply system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for preventing battery over-discharge of a power supply system.

[0002] When over-discharge occurs in a battery where the voltage drops below a certain level, the chemical reactions inside the battery cell change irreversibly, which can degrade the battery's performance and lifespan. In this regard, there is a technology that prevents over-discharge of a battery by tripping the battery based on real-time monitoring of various battery parameters, such as battery voltage and SOC (State Of Charge).

[0003] Meanwhile, in a power supply system including power generation devices, loads, and energy storage devices, various power flow scenarios may occur due to the fluidity of power generation, the variability of loads, and whether or not the system is connected to an external power grid.

[0004] If the goal is to prevent battery over-discharge simply by relying on an algorithm that cuts off the battery when its State of Charge (SOC) or voltage drops below a certain level, various power flow scenarios of the power supply system may not be sufficiently reflected. For example, there is a possibility that battery protection operations may be unnecessarily executed even in situations where battery charging can be performed using the amount of power generated by a generator or power supplied from an external power grid, and as a result, the stability of the power supply may be compromised.

[0005] Therefore, a method to prevent battery over-discharge is required that can maintain a stable power supply while preventing battery over-discharge by comprehensively considering fluctuations in power generation, load conditions, and whether the power grid is connected.

[0006] The aforementioned background technology is technical information that the inventor possessed for the derivation of the present invention or acquired during the process of deriving the present invention, and it cannot be considered as prior art disclosed to the general public prior to the filing of the present invention.

[0007] The technical problem that the present disclosure aims to solve is to provide a method and apparatus for preventing battery over-discharge of a power supply system. Additionally, it aims to provide a computer-readable recording medium that records a program for executing the method on a computer. The technical problem to be solved is not limited to the technical problems described above, and other technical problems may exist.

[0008] As a technical means for achieving the aforementioned technical problem, the first aspect of the present disclosure may provide a method for preventing over-discharge of a battery in a power supply system, comprising: a step of controlling the operation of the battery in response to the battery's SOC falling into a first range; a step of determining at least one of whether the battery can be charged using power produced from a power generation device included in the power supply system or whether the battery can be charged using power supplied from an external power grid in response to the battery's SOC falling into a second range; and a step of performing at least one of changing the electrical connection relationship between devices included in the power supply system or charging the battery based on the determination result.

[0009] A second aspect of the present disclosure may provide a computer-readable recording medium having a program for executing a method according to a first aspect on a computer.

[0010] A third aspect of the present disclosure may provide a device for preventing battery over-discharge of a power supply system, comprising: at least one memory; and at least one processor; wherein the processor controls the operation of the battery in response to the battery's SOC falling into a first interval, and determines at least one of whether the battery can be charged using power produced from a power generation device included in the power supply system or whether the battery can be charged using power supplied from an external power grid in response to the battery's SOC falling into a second interval, and based on the determination result, performs at least one of changing the electrical connection relationship between devices included in the power supply system or charging the battery.

[0011] Other aspects, features, and advantages other than those described above will become clear from the following drawings, claims, and detailed description of the invention.

[0012] According to the means for solving the problem of the present disclosure described above, by performing a battery protection operation by comprehensively considering the operating status of the power supply system, such as fluctuations in power generation, load conditions, and whether it is connected to the power grid, the stability of the power supply can be achieved along with the protection of the battery.

[0013] According to the means for solving the problem of the present disclosure described above, the protection operation of the battery is subdivided into steps, thereby enabling efficient and effective prevention of over-discharge of the battery in response to various scenarios.

[0014] Figure 1 is an exemplary drawing for schematically illustrating a power supply system.

[0015] FIG. 2 is an example of a power supply system according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 3 is an example of a power supply system according to another embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the electrical connection relationships between components of a power supply system according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for preventing over-discharge of a battery according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for preventing over-discharge of a battery according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for preventing over-discharge of a battery according to another embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a main controller according to one embodiment.

[0022] A method for preventing over-discharge of a battery in a power supply system according to one aspect may include: a step of controlling the operation of the battery in response to the battery's SOC falling into a first range; a step of determining at least one of whether the battery can be charged using power produced from a power generation device included in the power supply system or whether the battery can be charged using power supplied from an external power grid in response to the battery's SOC falling into a second range; and a step of performing at least one of changing the electrical connection relationship between devices included in the power supply system or charging the battery based on the determination result.

[0023] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clear by referring to the embodiments described in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented below, but can be implemented in various different forms and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The embodiments presented below are provided to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention. In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known technologies are omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions may obscure the essence of the present invention.

[0024] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0025] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may be represented by functional block configurations and various processing steps. Some or all of these functional blocks may be implemented by various numbers of hardware and / or software configurations that execute specific functions. For example, the functional blocks of the present disclosure may be implemented by one or more microprocessors or by circuit configurations for a specific function. Additionally, for example, the functional blocks of the present disclosure may be implemented in various programming or scripting languages. The functional blocks may be implemented as algorithms executed on one or more processors. Furthermore, the present disclosure may employ prior art for electronic configuration, signal processing, and / or data processing, etc. Terms such as "mechanism," "element," "means," and "configuration" may be used broadly and are not limited to mechanical and physical configurations.

[0026] Furthermore, the connecting lines or connecting members between the components depicted in the drawings are merely illustrative of functional connections and / or physical or circuit connections. In the actual device, connections between components may be represented by various alternative or added functional connections, physical connections, or circuit connections.

[0027] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 is an exemplary drawing for schematically illustrating a power supply system.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, the power supply system (10) may include a solar module (11), a device (12), a load (14), and / or a distribution device (15). The power supply system (10) may be connected to an external power grid (16).

[0030] At least one solar module (11) can be installed on the roof or exterior wall of a building to generate power. Multiple solar modules (11) can be connected to form a solar module array.

[0031] A solar module (11) can be connected to a device (12). For example, at least one device (12) can be connected to each solar module (11). As an example, if one device (12) is connected to each solar module (11), the number of devices (12) constituting the power supply system (10) can be equal to the number of solar modules (11).

[0032] The device (12) may be a Power Conditioning System (or Power Conversion System) that performs power conversion for power generated from a solar module (11). For example, the device (12) may perform a predetermined conversion for power generated from a solar module (11) and supply it to other components of the power supply system (10) (e.g., a power grid (16) and / or a load (14), etc.).

[0033] Additionally, the device (12) may be a Module Level Power Electronics (MLPE). For example, the device (12) may be an optimizer or a Micro Inverter (MI).

[0034] As an example, if the device (12) is an optimizer, the device (12) can regulate the power produced by the solar module (11) and output it to an inverter (e.g., a string inverter). The current converted by the inverter (e.g., converting direct current into alternating current) can be output to a power grid (16) or a load (14).

[0035] As another example, if the device (12) is a micro inverter, the device (12) can convert power generated from the solar module (11) (e.g., converting direct current into alternating current). The current converted by the device (12) can be output to the power grid (16) or the load (14).

[0036] If necessary, the power supply system (10) may further include a combiner (13). At least some of the devices (12) may be connected to a distribution device (15) through the combiner (13). For example, power output from a plurality of devices (12) may be combined into a single output at the combiner (13) and supplied to the distribution device (15).

[0037] Meanwhile, the device (12) and the distribution device (15) may be connected via a power path that does not include a combiner (13), and at least one device (12) may be connected to the distribution device (15) via a power path that does not include a combiner (13), and at least one other device (12) may be connected to the distribution device (15) through a combiner (13).

[0038] The combiner (13) can control the voltage, current, and / or power output from the device (12) according to the power supply status of the solar module (11), the device (12), and / or the power system (16), and can set the operating mode of the combiner (13) to a diagnostic mode or an operating mode.

[0039] Additionally, the combiner (13) may include an Energy Management System (EMS) that controls the operation of the combiner (13). The EMS can control the voltage, current, and / or power supplied to or output from the combiner (13) depending on the power supply status of the solar module (11), the device (12), and / or the power grid (16), and can set the operating mode of the combiner (13) to a diagnostic mode or an operating mode.

[0040] A load (14) refers to an object that operates by receiving at least one of the following: energy generated by a solar module (11), energy stored in an energy storage device (17), and / or energy supplied from a power grid (16), installed in an electric consumer such as a house, commercial facility, or factory. For example, if the electric consumer receiving the power is a house, the load (14) may include home appliances such as a washing machine, a refrigerator, or a TV.

[0041] The power system (16) may include infrastructure systems for generating, transmitting, and distributing power. For example, the power system (16) may include infrastructure systems such as power plants, substations, and power grids. Meanwhile, the power system (16) may transmit electrical energy generated at a power plant to a power supply system (10), or transmit surplus power generated at the power supply system (10) to the outside of the power supply system (10).

[0042] For example, commercial power transmitted from the power system (16) through a utility pole can be supplied to a power consumer through a transformer. Meanwhile, the power supply system (10) may be implemented as an off-grid system that is not connected to the power system (16).

[0043] Meanwhile, the power supply system (10) may further include at least one energy storage device (17). If necessary, the power supply system (10) may include a plurality of energy storage devices (17). The energy storage device (17) may receive and store power generated by the solar module (11) and / or power delivered from the power grid (16). The energy storage device (17) can efficiently supply power by storing power and supplying power to the load (14) when the load (14) requires it.

[0044] The energy storage device (17) may include a battery for storing power and a power conversion module. The battery may be equipped with a Battery Management System (BMS) that monitors the battery's SOC, SOH, voltage and / or current, performs diagnostics on the battery, and performs safety functions such as current cutoff.

[0045] Additionally, the power conversion module may be a PCS that performs conversion between battery-side power and opposite-side power. For example, the PCS may perform conversion between battery-side DC current and opposite-side AC current. As an example, the PCS may include a bidirectional DC-DC converter connected to the battery to convert the voltage, and a bidirectional inverter connecting the DC-DC converter and the outside of the energy storage device (17).

[0046] Additionally, the energy storage device (17) may further include an EMS that controls the operation of the energy storage device (17). The EMS may control the voltage, current, and / or power supplied to or output from the energy storage device (17) according to the power supply status of the battery and / or power grid (16), and may set the operating mode of the energy storage device (17) to a diagnostic mode or an operating mode.

[0047] If necessary, an EMS coupled to a specific component of the power supply system (10) can not only control the operation of the specific component but also further control the operation of other components of the power supply system (10). For example, an EMS coupled to a combiner (13) or an EMS coupled to an energy storage device (17) can control both the operation of the combiner (13) and the operation of the energy storage device (17).

[0048] Meanwhile, the distribution device (15) can provide electrical connections between components of the power supply system (10) and control the power flow of the power supply system (10). For example, the distribution device (15) can electrically connect a solar module (11) and a load (14). As an example, the distribution device (15) can electrically connect the solar module (11) and the load (14) by connecting to a device (12) connected to the solar module (11). If necessary, the distribution device (15) can be further connected to at least one of an energy storage device (17) and a power grid (16).

[0049] For example, the distribution device (15) may be a distribution board that distributes power within the power supply system (10). As an example, the distribution device (15) may be a Master Service Panel (MSP) that distributes power generated from a solar module (11) to a load (14), etc.

[0050] As another example, the distribution device (15) may be a main controller that performs power distribution within a power supply system and controls each device (12). As an example, the main controller may include a switch, a circuit breaker, and a control unit. The switch, the circuit breaker, and the control unit may each be implemented as independent devices, or at least some of the switch, the circuit breaker, and the control unit may be included in a single device.

[0051] The main controller may include a switch that controls the electrical connection between components connected to the main controller, such as a device (12) and a load (14). For example, the main controller may include a relay or power semiconductor, etc., that provides or blocks the electrical connection to the device (12) and / or energy storage device (17) depending on the operating state of each component of the power supply system (10).

[0052] The main controller can perform a rapid shutdown to stop the power generation of the solar module (11) in the event of an emergency situation, such as an overcurrent occurring in the power supply system (10). To this end, the main controller may include a circuit breaker that cuts off the connection between the device (12) and the load (14).

[0053] The main controller may include a control unit that controls the overall operation of the main controller. In addition to the main controller, the control unit may control the operation of other components of the power supply system (10) (e.g., a device (12) or an energy storage device (17), etc.).

[0054] The control unit can control the voltage, current, and / or power output from or supplied to each component according to the power supply status of the solar module (11), device (12), combiner (13), load (14), power grid (16), and / or energy storage device (17). Additionally, the control unit can set the operating mode of the main controller, device (12), and / or energy storage device (17) to a diagnostic mode or an operating mode.

[0055] For example, the control unit may control a photovoltaic module (11), a device (12), a combiner (13), and / or an energy storage device (17) based on the state of the power supply system (10). As an example, the control unit may control other components of the power supply system (10) by causing the main controller to communicate with other components of the power supply system (10) (e.g., a device (12), etc.). Communication between the main controller and other components of the power supply system (10) may be performed via Power Line Communication (PLC), but is not limited thereto.

[0056] As an example, the control unit can control the device (12) according to the power generation status of the solar module (11). For example, the main controller can receive a control command from a server that monitors the power generation status of the solar module (11), and the control unit can control the device (12) according to the control command.

[0057] The main controller can supply power to at least some of the loads (14) when power supply from the power system (16) is not smooth (e.g., off-grid situation). For example, when power supply from the power system (16) is not smooth, the main controller can preferentially supply power generated from the solar module (11) and / or power stored in the energy storage device (17) to backup loads that have a relatively high need for stable power supply.

[0058] Meanwhile, the power supply system (10) may further include an auxiliary power generation device (e.g., a diesel generator) that generates power in a manner separate from solar power generation. For example, an auxiliary power generation device may be further connected to the distribution device (15). If the main controller cannot respond to the backup load using only the solar modules (11) and the energy storage device (17) due to environmental factors such as time of day or weather, it can supply power generated by the auxiliary power generation device to the backup load.

[0059] The control unit may be implemented by at least one processor. The processor may process instructions of a computer program by performing basic arithmetic, logic, and input / output operations. Here, the instructions may be provided from the internal memory of the main controller or from an external device. Additionally, the processor may control the overall operation of other components included in the main controller.

[0060] Meanwhile, the processor may perform at least some of the data analysis, processing, and result information generation for performing the aforementioned operations using at least one of machine learning, neural network, or deep learning algorithms as a rule-based or artificial intelligence algorithm. Examples of neural networks may include neural network models based on architectures such as Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Deep Neural Network (DNN), and Recurrent Neural Network (RNN).

[0061] For example, a processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program that can be executed on the microprocessor. For example, the processor may include a general-purpose processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a controller, a microcontroller, a state machine, etc.

[0062] In some environments, the processor may include an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), etc. For example, the processor may refer to a combination of processing devices, such as a combination of a digital signal processor (DSP) and a microprocessor, a combination of multiple microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors combined with a digital signal processor (DSP) core, or any other combination of such configurations.

[0063] By combining at least some of the components described above, the power supply system (10) can be implemented in various forms. Hereinafter, various embodiments of the power supply system (10) will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3. However, the implementation method of the power supply system (10) is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0064] FIG. 2 is an example of a power supply system according to one embodiment.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 2, a power supply system (20) according to one embodiment may include a photovoltaic power generation device (21), a combiner (22), a load (23), a distribution board (24), and an energy storage device (25). Additionally, the power supply system (20) may be connected to an external power grid (26).

[0066] In one embodiment, the energy storage device (25) may be connected to a distribution board (24) to be charged or discharged. In another embodiment, the energy storage device (25) may be connected to a combiner (22) to be charged or discharged.

[0067] By further providing an energy storage device (25) to the power supply system (20), when the solar power generation device (21) alone cannot meet the load (23), the power stored in the energy storage device (25) can be used to meet the load (23). Additionally, if the power generated by the solar power generation device (21) exceeds the amount of power required to meet the load (23), the excess amount can be stored in the energy storage device (25). Meanwhile, if the charge amount of the energy storage device (25) is below a critical threshold and the power generated by the solar power generation device (21) does not exceed the amount of power required to meet the load (23), the energy storage device (25) can be charged with power supplied from the power grid (26).

[0068] Through this, the power supply system (20) can perform efficient power supply to the load (23) using the energy storage device (25).

[0069] Meanwhile, the combiner (22) can control the voltage, current, and / or power output from the photovoltaic power generation device (21) according to the power supply status of the photovoltaic power generation device (21), load (23), and / or power system (26), and can set the operating mode of the combiner (22) to a diagnostic mode or an operating mode.

[0070] Additionally, the energy storage device (25) can perform voltage, current, and / or power control supplied to or output from the energy storage device (25) according to the power supply status of the solar power generation device (21), load (23), and / or power system (26), and can set the operating mode of the energy storage device (25) to a diagnostic mode or an operating mode.

[0071] In one embodiment, the power supply system (20) may further include a sub-panel (not shown) connected to a distribution board (24). In this case, at least one photovoltaic power generation device (21) is connected to the sub-panel through a combiner (22), and at least one other photovoltaic power generation device (21) may be directly connected to the sub-panel.

[0072] Additionally, at least one energy storage device (25) can be connected to a combiner (22), a distribution board (24), or a sub-panel and integrated into a power supply system (20).

[0073] Meanwhile, at least one solar power generation device (21) and a distribution board (24) may be connected via a power path that does not include a combiner (22). For example, at least one solar power generation device (21) may be connected to the distribution board (24) via a power path that does not include a combiner (22), and at least one other solar power generation device (21) may be connected to the distribution board (24) through a combiner (22).

[0074] In one embodiment, at least one photovoltaic power generation device (21) is connected to a sub-panel through a combiner (22), and at least one other photovoltaic power generation device (21) can be directly connected to the sub-panel.

[0075] The power supply system (20) can increase the total amount of power generated by a solar power generation device (21) that can be integrated into the power supply system (20) by providing a sub-panel that provides additional capacity.

[0076] FIG. 3 is an example of a power supply system according to another embodiment.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 3, a power supply system (30) according to one embodiment may include a photovoltaic power generation device (31), a combiner (32), a load (33), a main controller (34), a distribution board (35), and an energy storage device (36). Additionally, the power supply system (30) may be connected to an external power grid (37).

[0078] Meanwhile, the photovoltaic power generation device (31), combiner (32), load (33), and energy storage device (36) shown in FIG. 3 may correspond to the photovoltaic power generation device (21), combiner (22), load (23), or energy storage device (25) shown in FIG. 2, respectively. Additionally, the main controller (34) shown in FIG. 3 may correspond to the main controller described above with reference to FIG. 1.

[0079] The combiner (32) can electrically connect at least one photovoltaic power generation device (31) and a main controller (34). For example, the combiner (32) can combine power output from at least one photovoltaic power generation device (31) into a single output and supply it to the main controller (34).

[0080] The main controller (34) can electrically connect the combiner (32), the distribution board (35), and the power system (37). Additionally, the main controller (34) can connect the above-described components to an auxiliary power source, such as an energy storage device (36) and / or an auxiliary power generation device (e.g., a diesel generator). For example, the main controller (34) can output power supplied from the combiner (32) to the distribution board (35), the energy storage device (36), and / or the power system (37). Additionally, the main controller (34) can output power supplied from the power system (37) to the distribution board (35) or the energy storage device (36). Additionally, the main controller (34) can output power supplied from the energy storage device (36) to the distribution board (35).

[0081] The distribution board (35) can electrically connect the main controller (34) and at least one load (33). Through this, the power supply system (30) can supply power generated from the photovoltaic power generation device (31) to the load (33) through the distribution board (35).

[0082] The power supply system (30) can integrate a plurality of energy storage devices (36) and / or auxiliary power generation devices, etc., into the power supply system (30) by being equipped with a main controller (34), thereby enabling stable power supply. In addition, the power supply system (30) can stably supply power to loads (33), such as backup loads, even in an off-grid environment where it cannot stably receive power from the power system (37).

[0083] Meanwhile, the main controller (34) can control the voltage, current, and / or power output from or supplied to each component according to the state of the photovoltaic power generation device (31), load (33), energy storage device (36), and / or power system (37), and can set the operating mode of the main controller (34), photovoltaic power generation device (31), and / or energy storage device (36) to a diagnostic mode or an operating mode.

[0084] In one embodiment, the power supply system (30) may further include a sub-panel (not shown) connected to a main controller (34) and distinguished from a distribution board (35). At this time, at least one backup load among the loads (33) with a relatively high need for stable power supply may be connected to the sub-panel, and at least one non-backup load among the loads (33) with a relatively low need for stable power supply may be connected to the distribution board (35).

[0085] The main controller (34) can electrically connect the combiner (32), the distribution board (35), the energy storage device (36), the power system (37), and the sub-panel. The main controller (34) can supply power supplied from the combiner (32), the energy storage device (36), and / or the power system (37) to at least one non-backup load through the distribution board (35) and to a backup load through the sub-panel.

[0086] Additionally, in one embodiment, the power supply system (30) further includes a sub-panel that is connected to the main controller (34) and distinct from the distribution panel (35), and the power system (37) may be connected to the distribution panel (35) instead of being connected to the main controller (34). That is, the main controller (34) electrically connects the coupler (32), the distribution panel (35), the energy storage device (36), and the sub-panel, and the distribution panel (35) may electrically connect the main controller (34), the non-backup load, and the power system (37).

[0087] For example, a power supply system (30) can be implemented by connecting a main controller (34) that connects a coupler (32) and an energy storage device (36) to a distribution board (35) that is pre-installed to connect at least one load (33) and a power system (37).

[0088] Through this, the power supply system (30) can stably supply power to loads (33), such as backup loads, even in an off-grid environment where it cannot stably receive power from the power system (37).

[0089] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the electrical connection relationships between components of a power supply system according to one embodiment.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 4, a power supply system (400) according to one embodiment may include a photovoltaic power generation device (410), an energy storage device (420), a load (430), and a main controller (440). Additionally, the power supply system (400) may be connected to an external power grid (450).

[0091] Meanwhile, the photovoltaic power generation device (410), energy storage device (420), load (430), and main controller (440) shown in FIG. 4 may correspond to the photovoltaic power generation device (31), energy storage device (36), load (33), and main controller (34) shown in FIG. 3, respectively.

[0092] As described above in FIGS. 1 to 3, the power supply system (400) may further include components such as a combiner and / or a distribution device (panel) as needed. For example, the power supply system (400) may include a combiner provided between a photovoltaic power generation device (410) and a main controller (440) and / or a distribution panel provided between the main controller (440) and a load (430), but is not limited thereto.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 4, the solar power generation device (410) may include a solar module (411) and a device (412). Here, the device (412) may be a PCS that performs power conversion for power generated from the solar module (411), as described above in FIG. 1. In this case, the device (412) may convert power output from the solar power generation device (410) based on a control signal generated by a main controller (440).

[0094] Referring to FIG. 4, the energy storage device (420) may include a battery (421) and a device (422). Here, the device (422) may be a PCS that performs conversion between battery-side power and opposite-side power, as described above in FIG. 1. In this case, the device (422) may convert power output from the energy storage device (420) or power supplied to the energy storage device (420) based on a control signal generated by the main controller (440).

[0095] Referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the power supply system (400) may include a battery-side switch (423) for configuring / blocking the electrical connection between the battery (421) and the power supply system (400). Accordingly, when the battery-side switch (423) is open, the flow of power from the battery (421) to the power supply system (400) may be blocked, and additional discharge of the battery due to standby power, leakage current, etc. of the device (412) may be prevented.

[0096] Additionally, the power supply system (400) may include a load-side switch (433) for configuring / blocking the electrical connection between the load (430) and the power supply system (400). Accordingly, when the load-side switch (433) is open, the power supply from the battery (421) to the load (430) may be blocked, and additional power consumption of the battery (421) due to standby power consumption of the load (430), minute power consumption due to residual load, etc., may be prevented.

[0097] In one embodiment, the battery-side switch (423) and the load-side switch (433) may be implemented as a relay, a semiconductor switch, etc., but are not limited thereto. Also, for convenience of explanation, the positions of the battery-side switch (423) and the load-side switch (433) are specified in FIG. 4, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0098] For example, the locations of the battery-side switch (423) and the load-side switch (433) may vary depending on the design and implementation method of the power supply system (400). For example, the battery-side switch (423) may be placed at the output of the battery (421). Also, the load-side switch (433) may be placed at a connection point with the load (430) as well as at a location controlling a specific load group within the power distribution panel.

[0099] Additionally, although not shown in FIG. 4, the power supply system (400) may, as needed, provide a switch between the battery (421) and the device (422) to block power consumption of the battery (421) due to standby power consumption of the device (422).

[0100] Meanwhile, although not illustrated in FIG. 4, the power supply system (400) may include a battery breaker. Here, the battery breaker may refer to a component for completely disconnecting the electrical connection between the battery and the power supply system based on a control signal from the main controller (440). For example, the main controller (440) may perform a rapid shutdown to completely disconnect the battery from the power supply system by tripping the battery breaker in response to the battery voltage being below a first threshold value. To this end, the breaker may be configured to be integrated into the BMS or provided inside the battery pack, but is not limited thereto.

[0101] In one embodiment, the main controller (440) can monitor the status information of at least one device included in the power supply system (400) and / or the status information of an external power system.

[0102] For example, the main controller (440) can obtain status information of the battery (421). Here, the status information of the battery (421) may include information such as the SOC and / or current of the battery (421), but is not limited thereto.

[0103] As another example, the main controller (440) can obtain status information of the solar power generation device (410). Here, the status information of the solar power generation device (410) may include information such as the amount of electricity generated from the solar power generation device (410), but is not limited thereto.

[0104] As another example, the main controller (440) can obtain status information of the load (430). Here, the status information of the load (430) may include, but is not limited to, information such as the power consumption status of the load (430), power consumption patterns per load, and priority per load regarding power supply.

[0105] As another example, the main controller (440) can obtain status information of the power system (450). Here, the status information of the power system (450) may include information regarding the connection status (on-grid and off-grid) between the power supply system (400) and the external power system (450), and information such as whether a power outage or a failure has occurred in the power system (450).

[0106] In one embodiment, the main controller (440) can control the power flow based on status information for each component included in the power supply system (400).

[0107] For example, the main controller (440) can control the power flow so that power stored in the energy storage device (420) is supplied to the load (430) when the solar power generation device (410) alone cannot handle the load (430).

[0108] Additionally, the main controller (440) can control the power flow so that power supplied from the power grid (450) is delivered to the load (430) when the solar power generation device (410) alone cannot handle the load (430) and the power stored in the energy storage device (420) is insufficient to supply power to the load (430).

[0109] Additionally, the main controller (440) can control the power flow so that when the power generated by the solar power generation device (410) exceeds the amount of power required to respond to the load (430), the excess amount is stored in the energy storage device (420).

[0110] Additionally, the main controller (440) can control the power flow so that charging of the energy storage device (420) is performed using power supplied from the power grid (450) when the charge amount of the energy storage device (420) is below a critical level and the power produced by the solar power generation device (410) does not exceed the power amount for responding to the load (430).

[0111] Meanwhile, if power is continuously output from the energy storage device (420), battery over-discharge may occur in which the voltage of the battery (421) drops below the normal minimum voltage. In this case, problems such as shortening the battery's lifespan and instability of the power supply system (400) may occur, so a method of operating the power supply system (400) that can prevent over-discharge of the battery (421) is required.

[0112] In addition, as described above, the power flow of the power supply system (400) can be flexibly changed according to various factors such as load conditions, power generation amount, and whether it is connected to the grid. Accordingly, a method of operating the power supply system (400) is required to prevent over-discharge of the battery (421) and to supply power stably at the same time by taking into account the status information of the battery (421) and the operating status of the power supply system (400).

[0113] To prevent over-discharge of the battery (421), the main controller (440) can control at least some of the operations of adjusting the amount of power output from the battery (421), performing charging of the battery (421), changing the electrical connection relationship between each component of the power supply system (400), and completely disconnecting the battery (421) from the power supply system (400).

[0114] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8, a method for preventing over-discharge of a battery according to one embodiment will be described.

[0115] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for preventing over-discharge of a battery according to one embodiment.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 5, the method described below can be performed by the main controller (800) of FIG. 8, and specifically by the processor (810) included in the main controller (800).

[0117] Referring to FIG. 5, in step 510, the processor can control the operation of the battery in response to the battery's SOC belonging to the first interval.

[0118] In one embodiment, the processor can control the power converter to stop the discharge of the battery in response to the battery's SOC falling into a first range. Specifically, the processor can control the power converter to stop the supply of power from the battery to the load in response to the battery's SOC falling into a first range.

[0119] For example, the first section can be set as “SOC greater than 3%, less than or equal to 5%”. In this case, the main controller can monitor whether the battery's SOC falls within the set first section, and in response to the battery's SOC falling within the first section, it can control the battery-side PCS to adjust the power output from the battery to the load to zero.

[0120] In this regard, there may be cases where, even though the power output from the battery has been regulated through PCS control, a small amount of power continues to be supplied from the battery to the load due to reasons such as residual power or standby power consumption of the load. Alternatively, there may be cases where the power output from the battery is not regulated due to reasons such as a failure or error of the PCS. To resolve this, the processor may disconnect the electrical connection between the power supply system and at least one load included in the power supply system.

[0121] That is, in one embodiment, the processor may further perform an operation to disconnect the electrical connection between the power supply system and at least one load included in the power supply system in response to the battery's SOC belonging to a first interval. And, the processor may perform an operation to disconnect the electrical connection between the power supply system and at least one load included in the power supply system together with or sequentially with the control operation of the battery-side PCS described above.

[0122] Meanwhile, in situations where power supplied from an external power grid is available, there is a need to respond to the load using the power supplied from the external power grid. In this case, there is a need for an electrical connection to be established between the power supply system and at least one load included in the power supply system. Accordingly, the processor may further perform an operation to determine whether to disconnect the electrical connection between the load and the power supply system by considering whether power supplied from the power grid is available.

[0123] That is, in one embodiment, the processor determines whether power supplied from an external power grid is available, and can disconnect the electrical connection between the power supply system and the load only when power supplied from the external power grid is unavailable.

[0124] Here, a situation in which power supplied from an external power system is available may include a situation in which the power supply system and the external power system are connected and power can be smoothly supplied from the external power system.

[0125] In one embodiment, the processor can determine this based on information regarding the connection status (on-grid and off-grid) between the power supply system and the external power system, and status information of the external power system, such as whether a power outage or a failure has occurred in the power system (450).

[0126] For example, the processor may determine that power supplied from the power grid is unavailable if the power supply system is not connected to the external power grid. As another example, even if the power supply system is connected to the external power grid, the processor may determine that power supplied from the power grid is unavailable if the power supply system cannot utilize power supplied from the external power grid due to reasons such as a grid outage or failure.

[0127] Meanwhile, in one embodiment, the availability of power supplied from an external power grid may be determined based on an initial setting value entered by a user. In this case, the user may enter the initial setting value into the main controller, and the processor may determine the availability of power supplied from the power grid based on the initial setting value entered by the user.

[0128] For example, the main controller can provide the user with an option selection function to set whether the power supply system operates in an on-grid or off-grid environment, and the user can input an initial setting value into the main controller through this.

[0129] In step 520, the processor can determine, in response to the battery's SOC falling into the second interval, whether the battery can be charged using power produced from a power generation device included in the power supply system or whether the battery can be charged using power supplied from an external power grid.

[0130] Here, the second section may include a third section that serves as a standard for charging the battery using a power generation device and a fourth section that serves as a standard for charging the battery using an external power grid. For example, if the second section is “SOC 0% or more and 3% or less,” the third section may be set as “SOC greater than 0% and 3% or less,” and the fourth section may be set as “SOC 0%.”

[0131] In one embodiment, the processor can determine whether the battery can be charged using power produced from a power generation device included in the power supply system in response to the battery's SOC falling into a third range.

[0132] A third section according to one embodiment may be set to a lower range of SOC sections compared to the first section described above. That is, in one embodiment, if the battery SOC continues to decrease despite an operation performed in response to the battery SOC belonging to the first section, and thus falls into the third section, the processor may perform the operation described below.

[0133] For example, the third interval may be set as “SOC greater than 0%, less than or equal to 3%.” In this case, the processor can monitor whether the battery’s SOC falls within the set third interval. Then, in response to the battery’s SOC falling within the third interval, the processor can determine whether the battery can be charged using power produced from a power generation device included in the power supply system.

[0134] In one embodiment, the processor can determine whether a battery can be charged using power produced from a power generation device based on a predetermined condition regarding the amount of power produced from the power generation device.

[0135] For example, the processor may determine that charging of the battery using power produced by the power generation device is possible if certain conditions are satisfied, such as the existence of power produced by the power generation device. In this case, the power produced by the power generation device may be used preferentially for charging the battery before being supplied to the load.

[0136] In one embodiment, the processor can determine whether a battery can be charged using power produced from a power generation device based on predetermined conditions regarding the amount of power and load produced from the power generation device.

[0137] For example, the processor may determine that charging of the battery using power generated by the solar power generation device is possible only when a predetermined condition is satisfied in which the power produced by the power generation device exceeds the load amount.

[0138] As a more specific example, the processor may determine that charging of the battery using power generated by the solar power generation device is possible only when a predetermined condition is satisfied in which the power generated by the power generation device exceeds the load amount of the backup load.

[0139] In addition, in one embodiment, a predetermined condition may be set differently depending on whether power supplied from an external power system is available.

[0140] For example, if power supplied from an external power grid is available, the processor may determine whether the battery can be charged using the power generation device based on a predetermined condition in which the power produced by the power generation device exceeds the load amount. At this time, as described above, the predetermined condition may include a condition in which the power produced by the power generation device exceeds the load amount of the backup load.

[0141] As another example, if power supplied from an external power grid is unavailable, the processor can determine whether the battery can be charged using the power generation device according to certain conditions where power produced by the power generation device exists.

[0142] In one embodiment, the processor can determine whether the battery can be charged using power supplied from an external power grid in response to the battery's SOC falling into a fourth section.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the fourth section may be set to a lower range of SOC than the aforementioned third section. That is, in one embodiment, if the battery SOC continues to decrease despite the operation performed in response to the battery SOC belonging to the third section, and thus falls into the fourth section, the processor may perform the operation described below. Accordingly, as an operation to be performed in response to the decrease in SOC, charging of the battery using a power generation device and charging of the battery using an external power grid may be performed in stages, thereby reducing the usage of the external power grid.

[0144] For example, the fourth section can be set as “SOC 0%”. In this case, the main controller can monitor whether the battery’s SOC falls within the set fourth section. Then, in response to the battery’s SOC falling within the fourth section, the processor can determine whether the battery can be charged using power supplied from an external power grid.

[0145] In one embodiment, as described above, the processor can determine whether the battery can be charged using power supplied from an external power system based on the state information of the power system.

[0146] In step 530, the processor may perform at least one of changing the electrical connection relationship between devices included in the power supply system or charging the battery based on the result of the judgment in step 520.

[0147] In one embodiment, the processor can charge the battery using the power produced by the power generation device in response to determining that charging the battery using the power produced by the power generation device is possible. Additionally, the processor can disconnect the electrical connection between the battery and the power supply system in response to determining that charging the battery using the power produced by the power generation device is impossible.

[0148] That is, when the battery's SOC falls within the third range and charging of the battery using power produced by the power generation device is possible, charging of the battery using the power generation device is performed, thereby preventing over-discharge of the battery. Conversely, when the battery's SOC falls within the third range and charging of the battery using power produced by the power generation device is also impossible, the electrical connection between the battery and the power supply system is cut off, thereby limiting further discharge of the battery and preventing over-discharge of the battery.

[0149] In one embodiment, the processor can charge the battery using power supplied from the power grid in response to determining that charging the battery using power supplied from the power grid is possible.

[0150] That is, when the battery's SOC falls within the fourth range and the battery can be charged using power supplied from an external power grid, the battery can be charged using the external power grid, thereby preventing over-discharge of the battery.

[0151] Conversely, when the battery's SOC falls within the fourth range and charging the battery using power supplied from an external power grid is also impossible, the electrical connection between the battery and the power supply system is cut off, thereby limiting further discharge of the battery and preventing over-discharge of the battery.

[0152] Meanwhile, in one embodiment, if the processor determines that charging the battery is impossible according to step 520, it may further perform the operation of changing the operating mode of the battery-side PCS to a power-saving mode. Here, the power-saving mode may refer to a mode in which the PCS operates to minimize standby power consumption while the charging and discharging operations of the battery are not performed. Accordingly, a situation in which unnecessary power loss occurs due to the standby power consumption of the PCS or leakage current generated in other internal circuits, even though the operation of the PCS is not required because the battery cannot be charged, can be prevented.

[0153] And, the operation of changing the operating mode of the PCS may be performed together with or before and after step 530. For example, the operation of changing the operating mode of the PCS may be performed together with or before and after the operation of disconnecting the electrical connection between the battery and the power supply system according to step 530.

[0154] Meanwhile, in one embodiment, the first to fourth sections regarding the SOC of the aforementioned battery may be set differently depending on whether power supplied from an external power grid is available.

[0155] For example, when power supplied from an external power system is available, charging of the battery using the external power system is possible, so the first to fourth sections can be set to relatively lower sections compared to the case where power supplied from an external power system is unavailable.

[0156] As another example, if power supplied from an external power grid is available, the processor may allow changes to the setting values ​​of sections 1 through 4 based on user input. On the other hand, if power supplied from an external power grid is not available, the processor may restrict changes to sections 1 through 4 based on user input and set sections 1 through 4 to predefined fixed values.

[0157] Meanwhile, after the battery's SOC reaches 0%, it may be impossible to measure the degree of discharge through SOC monitoring despite the continuous discharge of the battery. In such cases, the battery's voltage information can be used as a criterion for determining whether to finally disconnect the electrical connection between the battery and the power supply system.

[0158] Although not illustrated in FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the processor may compare the voltage of the battery with a first threshold value in response to determining that the battery cannot be charged. In response to the battery voltage being below the first threshold value, the processor may disconnect the electrical connection between the battery and the power supply system.

[0159] That is, when the battery voltage reaches a first threshold, the electrical connection between the battery and the power supply system is finally cut off, thereby preventing over-discharge of the battery. And, to finally cut off the electrical connection between the battery and the power supply system, the processor can trip the battery breaker.

[0160] Meanwhile, in one embodiment, the processor can output notification information to the user before the battery voltage reaches a first threshold and the electrical connection between the battery and the power supply system is cut off.

[0161] Specifically, the processor can compare the aforementioned second threshold value. The processor can then output notification information in response to the battery voltage reaching the second threshold value. Here, the second threshold value may include a value greater than the first threshold value. Accordingly, the notification information may be output to the user before the electrical connection between the battery and the power supply system is finally cut off.

[0162] Meanwhile, the first threshold value according to one embodiment may be set to a value lower than the voltage corresponding to the lower limit SOC of the aforementioned fourth section. Additionally, the second threshold value according to one embodiment may be set to a value lower than the voltage corresponding to the lower limit SOC of the aforementioned fourth section and higher than the aforementioned first threshold value. For example, if the lower limit SOC of the fourth section is 0% and the voltage of the battery when the SOC is 0% is 2.8V, the first threshold value may be set to 2.6V and the second threshold value to 2.7V, but is not limited thereto.

[0163] Meanwhile, the operation of finally disconnecting the electrical connection between the battery and the power supply system based on the battery voltage may be performed in parallel with the aforementioned step 530 or after step 530. For example, the operation of finally disconnecting the electrical connection between the battery and the power supply system based on the battery voltage may be performed when it is determined in step 520 that charging the battery is impossible. As another example, the operation of finally disconnecting the electrical connection between the battery and the power supply system based on the battery voltage may be performed in step 530 when there is a change in the electrical connection relationship between the devices included in the power supply system or when the battery voltage continues to drop despite charging the battery.

[0164] Additionally, although not illustrated in FIG. 5, the processor may acquire SOC and voltage information of the battery at regular time intervals prior to step 510. For example, the processor may perform the aforementioned operations by acquiring at least one of the SOC information of the battery, voltage information of the battery, state information of at least one component included in the power supply system, or state information of the power system at regular time intervals.

[0165] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for preventing over-discharge of a battery according to one embodiment.

[0166] The method described below with reference to FIG. 6 can be performed by the main controller (800) of FIG. 8, and specifically by the processor (810) included in the main controller (800).

[0167] Referring to FIG. 6, in steps 610 and 611, the processor can monitor whether the battery's SOC falls within a first interval. Then, in response to the battery's SOC falling within the first interval, the processor can control the power converter to stop the discharge of the battery.

[0168] In step 620, the processor can determine whether power supplied from an external power grid is available.

[0169] In step 621, the processor may disconnect the electrical connection between the load and the power supply system by opening the load-side switch in response to the determination that the power supplied from the external power grid is unavailable.

[0170] In step 630, after determining that power supplied from an external power grid is available according to step 620, the processor may monitor whether the battery's SOC falls within the third range. Alternatively, in step 630, after opening the load-side switch according to step 621, the processor may continue to monitor whether the battery's SOC falls within the third range.

[0171] In step 640, the processor can determine whether the battery can be charged using a power generation device in response to the battery's SOC falling into the third range.

[0172] In step 641, in response to the determination that the battery can be charged using the power generator, the processor can charge the battery using the power produced from the power generator.

[0173] In step 642, the processor may disconnect the electrical connection between the battery and the power supply system by opening the battery-side switch in response to the determination that charging the battery using the power generation device is impossible.

[0174] In step 650, the processor can charge the battery using power produced from the power generator according to step 641, and continue to monitor whether the battery's SOC falls within the fourth range. Alternatively, the processor can continue to monitor whether the battery's SOC falls within the fourth range after opening the battery-side switch according to step 642.

[0175] In step 660, the processor can determine whether the battery can be charged using an external power grid in response to the battery's SOC falling into the fourth range.

[0176] In step 661, in response to the determination that the battery can be charged using an external power grid, the processor can charge the battery using power supplied from the external power grid.

[0177] Meanwhile, the battery charging operation according to step 661 may further include the operation of short-circuiting the battery-side switch to perform charging. For example, assume a case where the battery's SOC falls within the third range, but the battery-side switch remains open because charging the battery using a power generation device is impossible. In this case, unless charging is performed, the battery's SOC may continuously decrease until it falls within the fourth range. In such a situation, if it is determined that charging the battery using an external power grid is possible according to step 660, the processor may short-circuit the battery-side switch before performing battery charging.

[0178] In step 662, the processor may open the battery-side switch in response to determining that it is impossible to charge the battery using power supplied from an external power grid.

[0179] Meanwhile, there may be cases where the battery-side switch is already open prior to the execution of step 662. For example, as described above, assume a case where the battery's SOC falls within the third range, but the battery cannot be charged using a power generation device, and thus the battery-side switch remains open. In this case, unless the battery is charged, the battery's SOC may continuously decrease until it falls within the fourth range. In such a situation, if it is determined that the battery cannot be charged using an external power system according to step 660, the processor may maintain the open state of the battery-side switch.

[0180] In step 670, the processor can charge the battery using power supplied from an external power grid according to step 661, while simultaneously continuously monitoring whether the battery voltage is below a first threshold value. Alternatively, the processor can continue to monitor whether the battery voltage is below a first threshold value after opening the battery-side switch according to step 662.

[0181] In step 671, the processor may finally cut off the battery in response to the battery voltage being below a first threshold.

[0182] According to the above-described embodiment, by performing an over-discharge prevention operation corresponding to the charge depth or voltage of the battery in stages, over-discharge of the battery can be effectively prevented and power supply stability can be ensured. In addition, by minimizing forced charging of the battery using power supplied from an external power grid, the power usage charges imposed on the user can be reduced.

[0183] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for preventing over-discharge of a battery according to another embodiment.

[0184] The method described below with reference to FIG. 7 can be performed by the main controller (800) of FIG. 8, and specifically by the processor (810) included in the main controller (800).

[0185] As illustrated in FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the processor first determines whether power supplied from an external power grid is available, and can perform the predetermined operations described below based on the result of the determination.

[0186] Specifically, referring to FIG. 7, in step 700, the processor can determine whether power supplied from an external power grid is available.

[0187] First, assume that in step 700, the processor determines that power supplied from an external power grid is available. In this case, at least some of steps 710, 711, ..., 719 may be performed as described below.

[0188] In steps 710 and 711, the processor monitors whether the battery's SOC falls within a first interval, and in response to the battery's SOC falling within the first interval, can control the power converter to stop the discharge of the battery.

[0189] Meanwhile, as mentioned above, if power supplied from the power grid is available and the battery's SOC is below a critical threshold, there may be a need to respond to the load using the power supplied from the power grid. Accordingly, the opening step of the load-side switch is omitted.

[0190] In steps 712 and 713, the processor monitors whether the battery's SOC falls within the third range and, in response to the battery's SOC falling within the third range, can determine whether the battery can be charged using a power generation device.

[0191] In step 714, the processor can perform charging of the battery using a power generation device in response to the determination that the battery's SOC falls within the third range and that charging of the battery using a power generation device is possible.

[0192] In step 715, the processor may open the battery side switch in response to the determination that the battery's SOC falls within the third range and that charging the battery using the power generation device is impossible.

[0193] In step 716, the processor can charge the battery using power produced from the power generator according to step 714, while simultaneously continuously monitoring whether the battery's SOC falls within the fourth range. Alternatively, the processor can continue to monitor whether the battery's SOC falls within the fourth range after opening the battery-side switch according to step 715.

[0194] In step 717, the processor can charge the battery using an external power grid in response to the battery's SOC falling into the fourth range. In this case, since it was determined in step 700 that the use of the external power grid is possible, the step of determining whether the battery can be charged using the external power grid is omitted.

[0195] In steps 718 and 719, the processor can charge the battery using power supplied from an external power grid according to step 717, while simultaneously continuously monitoring whether the battery voltage is below a first threshold value. Then, in response to the battery voltage being below the first threshold value, the processor can finally disconnect the battery from the power supply system.

[0196] Next, assume that in step 700, the processor determines that power supplied from an external power grid is unavailable. In this case, at least some of steps 720, 721, ..., 728 may be performed as described below.

[0197] In steps 720 and 721, the processor monitors whether the battery's SOC falls within a first interval, and in response to the battery's SOC falling within the first interval, can control the power converter to stop the discharge of the battery.

[0198] In step 722, the processor can disconnect the electrical connection between the power supply system and the load by opening the load-side switch. In this case, since it was determined in step 700 that the use of the external power system is impossible, the step of determining whether the battery can be charged using the external power system is omitted.

[0199] In step 723, the processor monitors whether the battery's SOC falls within the third range and, in response to the battery's SOC falling within the third range, can determine whether the battery can be charged using a power generation device.

[0200] In step 725, the processor can perform charging of the battery using a power generation device in response to the determination that the battery's SOC falls within the third range and that charging of the battery using a power generation device is possible.

[0201] In step 726, the processor may open the battery side switch in response to the determination that the battery's SOC falls within the third range and that charging the battery using the power generation device is impossible.

[0202] In steps 727 and 728, the processor may charge the battery using power produced from the power generator according to step 725, while simultaneously continuously monitoring whether the battery voltage is below a first threshold. Alternatively, the processor may continue to monitor whether the battery voltage is below the first threshold after opening the battery-side switch according to step 726. Then, the processor may disconnect the battery from the power supply system in response to the battery voltage being below the first threshold.

[0203] According to the above-described embodiment, the battery over-discharge prevention operation is performed in stages considering the availability of power supplied from the power grid, thereby effectively preventing over-discharge of the battery and ensuring power supply stability. In addition, by minimizing forced charging of the battery using power supplied from an external power grid, the power usage charges imposed on the user can be reduced.

[0204] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a main controller according to one embodiment.

[0205] Referring to FIG. 8, the main controller (800) may include a processor (810) and a memory (820). Only the components related to the embodiment are illustrated in FIG. 8. Therefore, a person skilled in the art will understand that other general-purpose components may be included in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 8. For example, although not illustrated in FIG. 8, the main controller (800) may include a communication unit for receiving voltage or current sensing information, which is basic information for obtaining power consumption, and an interface unit that enables interaction with a user.

[0206] The processor (810) controls the overall operation of the main controller (800). For example, the processor (810) can control the components included in the main controller (800) by executing programs stored in memory (820). Additionally, the processor (810) can control the operation of the main controller (800) by executing programs stored in memory (820).

[0207] The processor (810) can control at least some of the operations of the main controller (800) described in FIGS. 1 to 7. For example, the processor (810) can control the operation of the battery in response to the battery's SOC falling into a first interval, and in response to the battery's SOC falling into a second interval, determine at least one of whether the battery can be charged using power produced from a power generation device included in the power supply system or whether the battery can be charged using power supplied from an external power grid, and based on the determination result, control at least some of the operations of changing the electrical connection relationship between devices included in the power supply system or charging the battery.

[0208] Meanwhile, a specific example of the operation of the processor (810) is the same as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. Therefore, a specific description of the operation of the processor (810) will be omitted below.

[0209] The processor (810) may be implemented using at least one of ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), DSPDs (digital signal processing devices), PLDs (programmable logic devices), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, and other electrical units for performing functions.

[0210] In one embodiment, the main controller (800) may be a mobile electronic device. For example, the main controller (800) may be implemented as a smartphone, tablet PC, PC, smart TV, PDA (personal digital assistant), laptop, media player, navigation, a device equipped with a camera, and other mobile electronic devices. Additionally, the main controller (800) may be implemented as a wearable device such as a watch, glasses, a hair band, and a ring equipped with communication functions and data processing functions.

[0211] In another embodiment, the main controller (800) may be an electronic device embedded within the circuit of a power supply system. For example, the main controller (800) may be an electronic device inserted into the circuit of a power supply system through tuning after the production process. Specifically, the main controller (800) according to one embodiment may be the main controller or distribution device of FIG. 1.

[0212] In another embodiment, the main controller (800) may be a server located outside the power supply system. The server may be implemented as a computer device or a plurality of computer devices that communicate through a network to provide commands, code, files, content, services, etc.

[0213] In another embodiment, the process performed in the main controller (800) may be performed by at least some of a mobile electronic device, an electronic device embedded in the circuit of a power supply system, and a server located outside the power supply system.

[0214] An embodiment according to the present invention 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 include a magnetic medium such as a hard disk, a floppy disk, and a magnetic tape, an optical recording medium such as a CD-ROM and a DVD, a magneto-optical medium such as a floptical disk, and a hardware device specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as a ROM, RAM, or flash memory.

[0215] 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.

[0216] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices. In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created in a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0217] Unless explicitly stated or contrary to the order of the steps constituting the method according to the present invention, said steps may be performed in a suitable order. The present invention is not necessarily limited by the order in which said steps are described. The use of all examples or exemplary terms in the present invention is merely for the purpose of describing the present invention in detail, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by said examples or exemplary terms unless limited by the claims. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, combinations, and changes may be made according to design conditions and factors within the scope of the claims or equivalents to which they are added.

[0218] 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. A method for preventing battery over-discharge of a power supply system, A step of controlling the operation of the battery in response to the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery belonging to a first interval; A step of determining at least one of whether the battery can be charged using power produced from a power generation device included in the power supply system or whether the battery can be charged using power supplied from an external power grid in response to the SOC of the battery belonging to a second section; and Based on the above judgment result, a step of performing at least one of changing the electrical connection relationship between the devices included in the power supply system or charging the battery; A method including 2. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned controlling step is, A step of controlling a power converter to stop the discharge of the battery in response to the SOC of the battery belonging to the first section; A method including 3. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned controlling step is, A step of disconnecting the electrical connection between the power supply system and at least one load included in the power supply system in response to the SOC of the battery belonging to the first interval; A method that further includes.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above blocking step is, A step of determining whether power supplied from the above power system is available for use; and A step of determining whether to cut off the electrical connection between the power supply system and the at least one load based on the above judgment result; A method including 5. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned decision-making step is, A step of determining whether the battery can be charged using power produced from the power generation device in response to the SOC of the battery belonging to the third section; A method including 6. In Paragraph 5, The steps performed above are, A step of charging the battery using the power produced by the power generation device in response to the determination that the battery can be charged using the power produced by the power generation device; A method including 7. In Paragraph 5, The steps performed above are, A step of disconnecting the electrical connection between the battery and the power supply system in response to the determination that charging the battery using power produced from the power generation device is impossible; A method including 8. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned decision-making step is, A step of determining whether the battery can be charged using power supplied from the power grid in response to the SOC of the battery belonging to the fourth section; A method including 9. In Paragraph 8, The steps performed above are, A step of charging the battery using power supplied from the power system in response to a determination that the battery can be charged using power supplied from the power system; A method including 10. In Paragraph 1, A step of changing the operating mode of the power conversion device in response to the determination that the above battery cannot be charged; A method that further includes.

11. In Paragraph 1, A step of comparing the voltage of the battery with a first threshold value in response to the determination that the battery cannot be charged; and A step of tripping a battery circuit breaker in response to the voltage of the battery reaching the first threshold value; A method that further includes.

12. In Paragraph 11, Prior to the above tripping step, A step of outputting notification information in response to the voltage of the battery reaching a second threshold; Includes more, A method in which the second threshold value includes a value greater than the first threshold value.

13. In Paragraph 1, Prior to the above-mentioned judgment step, A step of obtaining at least one of the SOC information of the battery, the voltage information of the battery, the state information of at least one component included in the power supply system, or the state information of the power system at regular time intervals; A method that further includes.

14. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for executing the method of claim 1 on a computer.

15. In a device for preventing battery over-discharge of a power supply system, At least one memory; and At least one processor; Includes, The above processor is, In response to the SOC of the above battery belonging to the first section, the operation of the above battery is controlled, and In response to the SOC of the battery falling into the second section, at least one of whether the battery can be charged using power produced from a power generation device included in the power supply system or whether the battery can be charged using power supplied from an external power grid is determined, and A main controller that performs at least one of changing the electrical connection relationship between devices included in the power supply system or charging the battery based on the above judgment result.

16. In Paragraph 15, The above processor is, A main controller that determines whether the battery can be charged using power produced from the power generation device in response to the battery's SOC falling into the third range.

17. In Paragraph 16, The above processor is, A main controller that generates a control signal to charge the battery using the power produced by the power generation device in response to a determination that the battery can be charged using the power produced by the power generation device.

18. In Paragraph 16, The above processor is, A main controller that generates a control signal to cut off the electrical connection between the battery and the power supply system in response to a determination that charging the battery using power produced from the power generation device is impossible.

19. In Paragraph 15, The above processor is, A main controller that determines whether the battery can be charged using power supplied from the external power system in response to the battery's SOC falling into the fourth section.

20. In Paragraph 19, The above processor is, A main controller that generates a control signal for charging the battery using power supplied from the power system in response to a determination that the battery can be charged using power supplied from the power system.

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