Battery control apparatus and battery control method

Abstract

A battery control apparatus, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a first switching circuit for opening / closing the electrical connection path between a first power terminal and at least one of a positive electrode terminal of a first battery and a positive electrode terminal of a second battery; a second switching circuit for opening / closing the electrical connection path between the positive electrode terminal of the second battery and a negative electrode terminal of the first battery; a third switching circuit for opening / closing the electrical connection path between the negative electrode terminal of the first battery and a second power terminal which is electrically connected to a negative electrode terminal of the second battery; and a control unit for determining a target control mode for the first battery and the second battery on the basis of first battery information of the first battery and / or second battery information of the second battery, and controlling the first switching circuit, the second switching circuit, and the third switching circuit according to the target control mode.

Description

Battery control device and control method

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlling the electrical connection state between a plurality of batteries.

[0002] This application is a priority application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0038059 filed on March 25, 2025, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of said application are incorporated into this application by reference.

[0003] Recently, electric vehicles (EVs) have been rapidly gaining traction in the automotive market due to their advantages, such as eco-friendliness and energy efficiency. However, as the commercialization of EVs expands, issues such as reduced driving range caused by decreased battery efficiency in winter and long charging times are becoming prominent. To address these problems, vehicle manufacturers are pursuing developments aimed at increasing battery capacity or raising the voltage of battery systems to shorten charging times.

[0004] In electric vehicles, increasing the voltage of the battery system allows for a reduction in current at the same power level, thereby reducing power loss and improving charging efficiency and driving performance. In particular, there has recently been a transition from 400V-class battery systems to 800V-class battery systems, and vehicles adopting high-voltage systems can enable high-power charging, which can drastically reduce charging time.

[0005] However, the introduction of high-voltage systems requires the optimization of the battery series connection method, and existing simple fixed-type series connections have limitations that make flexible operation difficult. In existing systems, battery cells or modules are fixedly connected in a specific manner, making it difficult to dynamically adjust the voltage according to charging infrastructure or vehicle operating conditions. Furthermore, the lack of dynamic power conversion technology capable of effectively correcting voltage imbalances between batteries has led to issues such as reduced battery charging and discharging efficiency and system stability.

[0006] Recently, electric vehicle batteries are being introduced not only as a simple energy source for vehicle propulsion but also for V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) technology to supply power to external devices and V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) technology to transmit power to homes or the power grid. To achieve this, an AC conversion function is required to convert the battery's DC voltage into AC voltage.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for a technology that provides a battery control device capable of dynamically switching between series and parallel connections of batteries and performing power conversion and balancing functions between batteries, and further enables more flexible utilization of electric vehicle batteries through an AC conversion function.

[0008] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a battery control device and a control method thereof that can ensure compatibility with charging infrastructure of various voltages by flexibly connecting a plurality of batteries in series and parallel.

[0009] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a battery control device and a control method thereof that can ensure the safety and reliability of a battery system by shutting off individual batteries in a battery abnormal state or under specific conditions.

[0010] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a battery control device and a control method thereof that can detect voltage imbalance between individual batteries within a battery group and perform a battery balancing function to resolve it, thereby preventing performance degradation of the battery group and improving charging and discharging efficiency.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a battery control device and a control method thereof that can support the V2L function of an electric vehicle and ensure compatibility with external AC charging infrastructure by providing an AC switching function.

[0012] Other objects and advantages of the present invention may be understood from the following description and will become more clearly apparent from the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0013] A battery control device according to one aspect of the present invention may include: a first switching circuit for opening and closing an electrical connection path between at least one of a positive terminal of a first battery and a positive terminal of a second battery and a first power terminal; a second switching circuit for opening and closing an electrical connection path between a positive terminal of the second battery and a negative terminal of the first battery; a third switching circuit for opening and closing an electrical connection path between a second power terminal electrically connected to a negative terminal of the second battery and a negative terminal of the first battery; and a control unit for determining a target control mode for the first battery and the second battery based on at least one of first battery information of the first battery and second battery information of the second battery, and controlling the first switching circuit, the second switching circuit and the third switching circuit according to the target control mode.

[0014] The control unit may be configured to control the first switching circuit so that the positive terminal of the second battery is electrically disconnected from the first power terminal when the first battery information and the second battery information satisfy a predetermined battery series connection condition and the target control mode is determined to be a series connection mode, control the second switching circuit so that the positive terminal of the second battery and the negative terminal of the first battery are electrically connected, and control the third switching circuit so that the negative terminal of the first battery is electrically disconnected from the second power terminal.

[0015] The control unit may be configured to control the first switching circuit so that the two positive terminals of the first battery and the second battery are electrically connected to the first power terminal when the first battery information and the second battery information satisfy a predetermined battery parallel connection condition and the target control mode is determined to be a parallel connection mode, control the second switching circuit so that the positive terminal of the second battery and the negative terminal of the first battery are electrically separated, and control the third switching circuit so that the negative terminal of the first battery is electrically connected to the second power terminal.

[0016] The first switching circuit may include a first switch connected between the positive terminal of the first battery and the first power terminal; and a second switch connected between the positive terminal of the second battery and the first power terminal.

[0017] The control unit may be configured to control the first switch to an off state and the second switch to an on state when the first battery information of the first battery satisfies a predetermined battery cut-off condition and the target control mode is determined to be a cut-off mode of the first battery, control the second switching circuit so that the positive terminal of the second battery and the negative terminal of the first battery are electrically separated, and control the third switching circuit so that the negative terminal of the first battery is electrically separated from the second power terminal.

[0018] The first switching circuit may include a first switch connected between the positive terminal of the first battery and the first power terminal; and a second switch connected between the positive terminal of the second battery and the first power terminal.

[0019] The second switching circuit may include a third switch and a fourth switch connected in series through a second node; a fifth switch and a sixth switch connected in series through a third node; and an inductor connected between the second node and the third node.

[0020] The control unit may be configured to control the first switch to an ON state and the second switch to an OFF state when the first battery information and the second battery information satisfy a predetermined battery balancing condition and the target control mode is determined to be a battery balancing mode, control the second switching circuit to enable power conversion between the first battery and the second battery, and control the third switching circuit to electrically connect the negative terminal of the first battery to the second power terminal.

[0021] The control unit may be configured to control the second switching circuit to a step-down charging mode so that when the target control mode is determined to be a battery balancing mode, and when the voltage of the first battery exceeds the voltage of the second battery, a first output voltage generated by stepping down the voltage of the first battery is applied to the second battery.

[0022] The control unit may be configured to control the second switching circuit in a reverse step-down charging mode so that when a predetermined battery balancing condition is satisfied, and when the voltage of the first battery is less than the voltage of the second battery, a second output voltage generated by stepping down the voltage of the second battery is applied to the first battery.

[0023] The first switching circuit may include a first switch connected between the positive terminal of the first battery and the first power terminal; and a second switch connected between the positive terminal of the second battery and the first power terminal.

[0024] The second switching circuit may include a third switch and a fourth switch connected in series through a second node; a fifth switch and a sixth switch connected in series through a third node; and a seventh switch and an inductor connected in series between the third node and the second node.

[0025] The control unit may be configured to control the first switch to an off state and the second switch to an on state when the first battery information and the second battery information satisfy a predetermined AC switching condition and the target control mode is determined to be an AC switching mode for an AC load connected through the first and second auxiliary terminals, control the second switch to an off state, control the seventh switch to an off state, control the second switching circuit so that the DC voltage of the second battery is converted to AC and supplied to the AC load, or the AC voltage of the AC load is converted to DC and supplied to the second battery, and control the third switching circuit so that the negative terminal of the first battery and the negative terminal of the second battery are electrically connected.

[0026] An electric vehicle according to another aspect of the present invention may include a battery control device according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0027] A battery control method according to another aspect of the present invention is a battery control method for a battery control device according to one aspect of the present invention, and may include: a step of determining a target control mode for the first battery and the second battery based on at least one of first battery information of the first battery and second battery information of the second battery; and a step of executing a switching control operation for the first switching circuit, the second switching circuit and the third switching circuit according to the target control mode.

[0028] When the first battery information and the second battery information satisfy a predetermined battery series connection condition and the target control mode is determined to be a series connection mode, the method may include the step of controlling the first switching circuit so that the positive terminal of the second battery is electrically disconnected from the first power terminal, controlling the second switching circuit so that the positive terminal of the second battery and the negative terminal of the first battery are electrically connected, and controlling the third switching circuit so that the negative terminal of the first battery is electrically disconnected from the second power terminal.

[0029] When the first battery information and the second battery information satisfy a predetermined battery parallel connection condition and the target control mode is determined to be a parallel connection mode, the step of executing the switching control operation may include: controlling the first switching circuit so that the two positive terminals of the first battery and the second battery are electrically connected to the first power terminal; controlling the second switching circuit so that the positive terminal of the second battery and the negative terminal of the first battery are electrically separated; and controlling the third switching circuit so that the negative terminal of the first battery is electrically connected to the second power terminal.

[0030] When the first battery information of the first battery satisfies a predetermined battery cutoff condition and the target control mode is determined to be the cutoff mode of the first battery, the method may include the step of controlling the first switch of the first switching circuit to an off state and controlling the second switch of the first switching circuit to an on state, wherein the first switch is connected between the positive terminal of the first battery and the first power terminal and the second switch is connected between the positive terminal of the second battery and the first power terminal, controlling the second switching circuit so that the positive terminal of the second battery and the negative terminal of the first battery are electrically separated, and controlling the third switching circuit so that the negative terminal of the first battery is electrically separated from the second power terminal.

[0031] When the first battery information and the second battery information satisfy a predetermined battery balancing condition and the target control mode is determined to be a battery balancing mode, the method may include the step of controlling the first switch of the first switching circuit to an ON state and controlling the second switch of the first switching circuit to an OFF state, wherein the first switch is connected between the positive terminal of the first battery and the first power terminal and the second switch is connected between the positive terminal of the second battery and the first power terminal, controlling the second switching circuit so that power conversion between the first battery and the second battery is performed, and controlling the third switching circuit so that the negative terminal of the first battery is electrically connected to the second power terminal.

[0032] When the first battery information and the second battery information satisfy a predetermined AC switching condition and the target control mode is determined to be an AC switching mode for an AC load connected through the first and second auxiliary terminals, the method may include the step of controlling the first switch of the first switching circuit to an off state, controlling the second switch of the first switching circuit to an on state, and controlling the seventh switch of the second switching circuit to an off state, wherein the first switch is connected between the positive terminal of the first battery and the first power terminal, and the second switch is connected between the positive terminal of the second battery and the first power terminal, and the second switching circuit is controlled such that the DC voltage of the second battery is converted to AC and supplied to the AC load, or the AC voltage of the AC load is converted to DC and supplied to the second battery, and the third switching circuit is controlled such that the negative terminal of the first battery and the negative terminal of the second battery are electrically connected.

[0033] A computer-readable medium according to another aspect of the present invention may record a program for executing a control method according to one aspect of the present invention on a computer.

[0034] According to one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of batteries can be controlled to be selectively connected in series or in parallel.

[0035] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, the safety and reliability of a battery system can be improved by providing a function to shut off individual batteries when an abnormal state of the battery is detected or when specific conditions are satisfied.

[0036] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery balancing function is performed to alleviate voltage imbalance between a plurality of batteries, thereby improving the stability of the battery group and optimizing the charge and discharge efficiency.

[0037] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, by performing an AC switching function between at least one battery and a load, V2L functionality is supported and compatibility with external AC charging infrastructure can be ensured.

[0038] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims.

[0039] The following drawings attached to this specification serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the invention in conjunction with the detailed description of the invention set forth below; therefore, the invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an electric vehicle according to the present invention in an exemplary manner.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a battery control device.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of a battery control device.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of a battery control device.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary control method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0046] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0047] In addition, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions may obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0048] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., are used for the purpose of distinguishing one of the various components from the rest, and are not used to limit the components by such terms.

[0049] Throughout the specification, when a part is described as "including" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0050] Additionally, throughout the specification, when it is said that a part is "connected" to another part, this includes not only cases where they are "directly connected," but also cases where they are "indirectly connected" with other components in between.

[0051] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0052] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an electric vehicle (1) according to the present invention in an exemplary manner.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 1, the electric vehicle (1) may include a battery group (BG) and a battery control unit (100). The electric vehicle (1) may further include at least one of a first device (D1) and a second device (D2).

[0054] A battery group (BG) may include a first battery (B1) and a second battery (B2). Here, each of the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) may include at least one battery cell. A battery cell refers to a single independent storage element that is physically separable and has a positive terminal and a negative terminal. As an example, a lithium-ion battery or a lithium-polymer battery may be considered as a battery. Additionally, the type of battery may be cylindrical, prismatic, or pouch type. Furthermore, each of the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) may refer to a battery bank, battery module, or battery pack in which a plurality of cells are connected in series and / or parallel. The first battery (B1) may be used as the main battery of an electric vehicle (1), and the second battery (B2) may be used as the sub-battery of an electric vehicle (1).

[0055] The first device (D1) may be a charger for charging a load or battery group (BG) for driving an electric vehicle (1).

[0056] The first device (D1) may include an electric motor and an inverter for driving it. Specifically, the inverter may convert direct current power supplied from the battery group (BG) into alternating current power and supply it to the electric motor. The electric motor may use the converted alternating current power to generate rotational force for driving the electric vehicle (1). For example, the electric motor may be a three-phase alternating current motor.

[0057] Additionally, the first device (D1) may include a charger for charging a battery group (BG) included in an electric vehicle (1). The charger may be an on-board charger (OBC) built into the vehicle, or an alternating current (AC) charger or a direct current (DC) charger provided at an external charging station.

[0058] The first device (D1) can be electrically connected to the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) through the first power terminal (P+) and the second power terminal (P-). Here, the first power terminal (P+) corresponds to the positive terminal of the battery group (BG), and the second power terminal (P-) corresponds to the negative terminal of the battery group (BG).

[0059] The second device (D2) may be an AC load or an AC charger. Here, the AC load refers to a load that uses AC power converted from a battery, and means a device that receives power through a V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) function. Specifically, the battery group (BG) of the electric vehicle (1) stores direct current (DC) power, but the AC load requires alternating current (AC) power. For example, the AC load may include electronic devices, lighting, electric heaters, air conditioners, and portable chargers. The AC charger refers to a device that charges the battery group (BG) by applying alternating current power. For example, the AC charger may include an AC charger for electric vehicles, a solar inverter, and a household power grid.

[0060] The second device (D2) can be electrically connected to the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) through the first auxiliary terminal (N) and the second auxiliary terminal (L). Here, the first auxiliary terminal (N) and the second auxiliary terminal (L) may correspond to terminals for inputting and outputting AC power. Specifically, the first auxiliary terminal (N) corresponds to the neutral line of the AC charger, and the second auxiliary terminal (L) corresponds to the live line of the AC charger.

[0061] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a battery control device (100).

[0062] The battery control device (100) may include a first switching circuit (110), a second switching circuit (120), a third switching circuit (130), and a control unit (140). The battery control device (100) may further include a storage unit (150). The battery control device (100) may further include a voltage measuring unit (160).

[0063] The control unit (140) can be implemented in hardware 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), microprocessors, and other electrical units for performing functions.

[0064] The storage unit (150) may include at least one type of storage medium among, for example, a flash memory type, a hard disk type, an SSD type (Solid State Disk type), an SSD type (Silicon Disk Drive type), a multimedia card micro type, RAM (random access memory; RAM), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory; ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), and PROM (programmable read-only memory). The storage unit (150) may store data and programs required for operation by the control unit (140). The storage unit (150) may store data representing the result of operation by the control unit (140). Although the storage unit (150) is shown in FIG. 1 as being physically independent from the control unit (140), it may be embedded within the control unit (140).

[0065] The voltage measuring unit (160) may be configured to measure the voltage of the first battery (B1) and the voltage of the second battery (B2). Specifically, the voltage measuring unit (160) may be connected to each of the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) to detect the voltage across each of the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2), and to generate a voltage signal indicating the detected voltage.

[0066] The voltage measuring unit (160) is operably coupled with the control unit (140). Operability of the two components means that the two components are directly or indirectly connected so that signals can be transmitted and received in either a unidirectional or bidirectional manner. For example, the voltage measuring unit (160) may be connected via wired and / or wireless means to communicate with the control unit (140). Wired communication may be, for example, CAN (Controller Area Network) communication, and wireless communication may be, for example, Zigbee or Bluetooth communication. Of course, as long as wired and wireless communication between the control unit (140) and the voltage measuring unit (160) is supported, the type of communication protocol is not particularly limited. The voltage measuring unit (160) can transmit a generated voltage signal to the control unit (140). The control unit (140) can receive a voltage signal from the voltage measuring unit (160). The control unit (140) can convert an analog signal received from the voltage measurement unit (160) into a digital value using an internally provided ADC (Analog to Digital Converter) and record it in the storage unit (150).

[0067] Each of the first switching circuit (110), the second switching circuit (120), and the third switching circuit (130) can adjust the electrical connection state between the battery group (BG) and the first device (D1) and the second device (D2). Each switching circuit may include one or more switches.

[0068] Here, the switch can be implemented as a single switching element or as a series circuit of two or more switching elements. These switching elements may be MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors) or BJTs (Bipolar Junction Transistors). Additionally, depending on design conditions and system requirements, devices such as IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors), SiC MOSFETs (Silicon Carbide MOSFETs), or GaN FETs (Gallium Nitride Field-Effect Transistors) may be used.

[0069] The first switching circuit (110) may be configured to open or close an electrical connection path between at least one of the positive terminal of the first battery (B1) and the positive terminal of the second battery (B2) and the first power terminal (P+).

[0070] For example, the first switching circuit (110) may include a first switch (S1) and / or a second switch (S2). The first switch (S1) may be connected between the positive terminal of the first battery (B1) and the first power terminal (P+). When the first switch (S1) is controlled to be ON, an electrical connection path between the positive terminal of the first battery (B1) and the first power terminal (P+) may be provided. When the first switch (S1) is controlled to be OFF, the electrical connection path between the positive terminal of the first battery (B1) and the first power terminal (P+) may be blocked. The second switch (S2) may be connected between the positive terminal of the second battery (B2) and the first power terminal (P+). When the second switch (S2) is controlled to be ON, an electrical connection path between the positive terminal of the second battery (B2) and the first power terminal (P+) may be provided. When the second switch (S2) is controlled to the off state, the electrical connection path between the positive terminal of the second battery (B2) and the first power terminal (P+) can be blocked.

[0071] The first switch (S1) may be omitted from the first switching circuit (110). In this case, the positive terminal of the first battery (B1) may remain electrically connected to the first power terminal (P+), and the control operation for the first switch (S1), which will be described later, may not be executed.

[0072] The second switching circuit (120) can be configured to open and close the electrical connection path between the positive terminal of the second battery (B2) and the negative terminal of the first battery (B1).

[0073] The second switching circuit (120) may include a third switch (S3). The third switch (S3) may be connected between the positive terminal of the second battery (B2) and the negative terminal of the first battery (B1). When the third switch (S3) is controlled to be ON, an electrical connection path between the positive terminal of the second battery (B2) and the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) may be provided. When the third switch (S3) is controlled to be OFF, the electrical connection path between the positive terminal of the second battery (B2) and the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) may be blocked.

[0074] The third switching circuit (130) may be configured to open or close an electrical connection path between a second power terminal (P-) electrically connected to the negative terminal of the second battery (B2) and the negative terminal of the first battery (B1).

[0075] The third switching circuit (130) may include a switch (SA). The switch (SA) may be connected between the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) and the second power terminal (P-). When the switch (SA) is controlled to the ON state, an electrical connection path between the second power terminal (P-) and the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) may be provided. When the switch (SA) is controlled to the OFF state, the electrical connection path between the second power terminal (P-) and the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) may be blocked.

[0076] The control unit (140) may be configured to determine a target control mode for the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) as any one of the control mode lists based on at least one of the first battery information of the first battery (B1) and the second battery information of the second battery (B2).

[0077] The first battery information and the second battery information may include voltage information of the first battery (B1) and voltage information of the second battery (B2). The first battery information and the second battery information may include information regarding whether the first device (D1) is connected to the first power terminal (P+) and the second power terminal (P-). The first battery information and the second battery information may include information regarding whether the connected first device (D1) is a load or a charger. The first battery information and the second battery information may include information regarding whether the second device (D2) is connected to the first auxiliary terminal (reference numeral N in FIG. 4) and the second auxiliary terminal (reference numeral L in FIG. 5). The first battery information and the second battery information may include information regarding whether the connected second device (D2) is an AC load or an AC charger. The first battery information and the second battery information may include information regarding whether the first battery (B1) and / or the second battery (B2) correspond to an abnormal state. Here, an abnormal state refers to a state in which normal operation of the battery is impossible or protective measures are required. For example, abnormal states may include an overvoltage state, an undervoltage state, an overheating state, an overcurrent state, and a short circuit state. An abnormal state can be diagnosed through a battery control device (100) and / or a battery management system (BMS).

[0078] The target control mode is a control mode set by the battery control device (100) in consideration of the state of the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) and external conditions. For example, the target control mode may include a serial connection mode, a parallel connection mode, a cutoff mode of the first battery (B1), a battery balancing mode, and / or an alternating current switching mode. In the battery control device (100) illustrated in FIG. 1, the control mode list may include at least two of the serial connection mode, the parallel connection mode, and the battery cutoff mode.

[0079] Here, the series connection mode is a mode in which the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) are connected in series to increase the total voltage between the first power terminal (P+) and the second power terminal (P-). In one embodiment, when a high-voltage charger is connected to the first power terminal (P+) and the second power terminal (P-), the series connection mode may be set to a target control mode. For example, if the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) are each 400V class batteries and an 800V class charger is connected to the first power terminal (P+) and the second power terminal (P-), the series connection mode may be set to a target control mode. In another embodiment, when driving an electric motor that requires a voltage higher than the rated voltage of the first battery (B1) is required, the series connection mode may be set to a target control mode. Through this, compatibility with the high-voltage charger can be ensured, thereby improving charging efficiency in various charging environments.

[0080] The parallel connection mode is a mode that increases the total capacity by connecting the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) in parallel. For example, if the voltage difference between the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the parallel connection mode can be set as a target control mode. Through this, the power capacity of the batteries can be increased to enable a more stable power supply to the load, and the usage efficiency of the batteries can be maximized.

[0081] The battery cutoff mode is a mode applied when the first battery (B1) is in an abnormal state or when power supply needs to be restricted under specific conditions. For example, the connection between the first battery (B1) and the first device (D1) can be cut off, and power can be supplied to the load connected to the first power terminal (P+) and the second power terminal (P-) only through the second battery (B2). Through this, the first battery (B1) in an abnormal state can be safely separated from the second battery (B2), allowing power to be supplied to the load using only the second battery (B2).

[0082] The control unit (140) may be configured to control the first switching circuit (110), the second switching circuit (120), and the third switching circuit (130) according to the target control mode.

[0083] For example, while the first switching signal (C1) is applied to the first switch (S1), the first switch (S1) may be kept in the ON state. While the second switching signal (C2) is applied to the second switch (S2), the second switch (S2) may be kept in the ON state. While the third switching signal (C3) is applied to the third switch (S3), the third switch (S3) may be kept in the ON state. While the switching signal (CA) is applied to the switch (SA), the switch (SA) may be kept in the ON state.

[0084] In one embodiment, when the first battery information and the second battery information satisfy a predetermined battery series connection condition and the target control mode is determined to be a series connection mode, the control unit (140) can control the first switching circuit (110), the second switching circuit (120), and the third switching circuit (130) as follows.

[0085] The battery series connection condition refers to the condition that must be satisfied to connect the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) in series. For the series connection to be made, the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) must be in a normal state and must not be in an abnormal state such as overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, short circuit, or overheating. Whether the battery is in an abnormal state can be diagnosed through the battery control device (100) or the battery management system.

[0086] In addition, for a series connection to be performed, the first device (D1) must be connected to the first power terminal (P+) and the second power terminal (P-). For example, if the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) are 400V class batteries, and an 800V class charger is connected to the first power terminal (P+) and the second power terminal (P-), the condition for a series connection can be satisfied.

[0087] The control unit (140) may be configured to control the first switching circuit (110) so that the positive terminal of the second battery (B2) is electrically separated from the first power terminal (P+).

[0088] Specifically, the control unit (140) can control one or more switches included in the first switching circuit (110) to block the electrical connection between the second battery (B2) and the first power terminal (P+) while maintaining the electrical connection between the first battery (B1) and the first power terminal (P+).

[0089] For example, if the first switching circuit (110) includes a first switch (S1) and a second switch (S2), the control unit (140) can control the first switch (S1) to an ON state and control the second switch (S2) to an OFF state.

[0090] And, the control unit (140) can be configured to control the second switching circuit (120) so that the positive terminal of the second battery (B2) and the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) are electrically connected.

[0091] Specifically, the control unit (140) can control one or more switches included in the second switching circuit (120) so that the positive terminal of the second battery (B2) and the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) are electrically connected.

[0092] For example, the second switching circuit (120) may include a third switch (S3). Here, one end of the third switch (S3) may be connected to the negative terminal of the first battery (B1), and the other end may be connected to the positive terminal of the second battery (B2). The control unit (140) may control the third switch (S3) to the ON state to form a series connection between the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2).

[0093] And, the third switching circuit (130) can be configured to control the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) so that it is electrically separated from the second power terminal (P-).

[0094] Specifically, the control unit (140) can control one or more switches included in the third switching circuit (130) so that the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) is electrically separated from the second power terminal (P-).

[0095] One end of the switch (SA) may be connected to the negative terminal of the first battery (B1), and the other end may be connected to the negative terminal of the second battery (B2) and the second power terminal (P-). The control unit (140) may control the switch (SA) to an off state to form a series connection between the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2).

[0096] Through this switch control, when a load (e.g., an electric motor) is connected to the first power terminal (P+) and the second power terminal (P-), current flows from the battery group (BG) to the load. At this time, the current may flow sequentially through the second power terminal (P-), the third switch (S3), the first battery (B1), the first switch (S1), and the first power terminal (P+). That is, it is a method of supplying power to the load while the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) are connected in series.

[0097] On the other hand, when a charger is connected to the first power terminal (P+) and the second power terminal (P-), current flows from the charger to the battery group (BG). At this time, the current supplied from the charger can flow sequentially through the first power terminal (P+), the first switch (S1), the first battery (B1), the third switch (S3), the second battery (B2), and the second power terminal (P-). That is, the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) are connected in series and receive power from the charger to be charged.

[0098] In another embodiment, when the first battery information and the second battery information satisfy a predetermined battery parallel connection condition and the target control mode is determined to be a parallel connection mode, the control unit (140) can control the first switching circuit (110), the second switching circuit (120), and the third switching circuit (130) as follows.

[0099] The battery parallel connection condition refers to the conditions that must be satisfied to connect the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) in parallel. For a parallel connection to be established, the voltage difference between the two batteries may be below a preset threshold. Since a large voltage difference may cause a sudden current to flow during the parallel connection, the voltage balance between the two batteries must be maintained for a stable connection. Additionally, a parallel connection may be possible if the difference in the State of Charge (SOC) between the two batteries is below a certain standard.

[0100] In addition, the parallel connection condition may be satisfied when the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) are in a normal state that does not correspond to an abnormal state such as overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, short circuit, or overheating. Whether the battery is in an abnormal state can be diagnosed through a battery control device (100) or a battery management system.

[0101] For a parallel connection to be performed, the first device (D1) may be connected to the first power terminal (P+) and the second power terminal (P-). For example, if a load such as an electric motor or a vehicle drive system is connected to the first power terminal (P+) and the second power terminal (P-), the condition for a parallel connection may be satisfied. As another example, if the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) are 400V class batteries, and a 400V class charger is connected to the first power terminal (P+) and the second power terminal (P-), the condition for a parallel connection may be satisfied.

[0102] The control unit (140) can be configured to control the first switching circuit (110) so that the two positive terminals of the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) are electrically connected to the first power terminal (P+).

[0103] Specifically, the control unit (140) can control one or more switches included in the first switching circuit (110) so that the two positive terminals of the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) are electrically connected to the first power terminal (P+).

[0104] For example, if the first switching circuit (110) includes a first switch (S1) and a second switch (S2), the control unit (140) can control the first switch (S1) to the ON state and control the second switch (S2) to the ON state to form a series connection between the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2).

[0105] And, the control unit (140) can be configured to control the second switching circuit (120) so that the positive terminal of the second battery (B2) and the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) are electrically separated.

[0106] Specifically, the control unit (140) can control one or more switches included in the second switching circuit (120) so that the positive terminal of the second battery (B2) and the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) are electrically separated.

[0107] For example, if the second switching circuit (120) includes a third switch (S3), the control unit (140) can control the third switch (S3) to an off state to form a series connection between the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2).

[0108] And, the control unit (140) can be configured to control the third switching circuit (130) so that the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) is electrically connected to the second power terminal (P-).

[0109] Specifically, the control unit (140) can control one or more switches included in the third switching circuit (130) so that the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) is electrically connected to the second power terminal (P-).

[0110] The control unit (140) can control the switch (SA) to the ON state to form a parallel connection between the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2).

[0111] Through such switch control, the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) can be connected in parallel and can supply power or charge while maintaining the same voltage. When a load is connected to the first power terminal (P+) and the second power terminal (P-), current flows from the battery group (BG) to the load. At this time, the current may flow sequentially through the second power terminal (P-), the third switch (S3), the first battery (B1), the first switch (S1), and the first power terminal (P+). At the same time, the current may flow sequentially through the second power terminal (P-), the second battery (B2), the second switch (S2), and the first power terminal (P+). That is, it is a method of supplying power to the load while the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) are connected in parallel.

[0112] On the other hand, when a charger is connected to the first power terminal (P+) and the second power terminal (P-), the current supplied from the charger flows from the charger to the battery group (BG). At this time, the current can flow sequentially through the first power terminal (P+), the first switch (S1), the first battery (B1), the third switch (S3), and the second power terminal (P-). At the same time, the current can flow sequentially through the first power terminal (P+), the second switch (S2), the second battery (B2), and the second power terminal (P-). That is, the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) are connected in parallel and are charged while maintaining the same voltage.

[0113] When the first battery information of the first battery (B1) satisfies a predetermined battery cutoff condition and the target control mode is determined to be the cutoff mode of the first battery (B1), the control unit (140) can control the first switching circuit (110), the second switching circuit (120), and the third switching circuit (130) as follows.

[0114] The battery cutoff condition refers to a condition that must be satisfied when the first battery (B1) is in an abnormal state or when power supply needs to be restricted under specific conditions. When the battery cutoff condition is satisfied, the first battery (B1) is disconnected from the power path, and power supply and reception to the load or charger may be interrupted.

[0115] If the first battery (B1) corresponds to an abnormal state, the battery cutoff condition may be satisfied. For example, if the first battery (B1) is diagnosed as being in an overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, short circuit, and / or overheating state, or if an abnormal diagnosis is performed by the battery management system or battery control device (100), the battery cutoff condition may be satisfied. Additionally, the battery cutoff condition may be satisfied if the use of the first battery (B1) needs to be temporarily restricted under specific operating conditions.

[0116] The control unit (140) may be configured to control the first switch (S1) to an off state and the second switch (S2) to an on state.

[0117] Specifically, the control unit (140) can control the first switch (S1) to an off state so that the positive terminal of the first battery (B1) is electrically disconnected from the first power terminal (P+). Then, the control unit (140) can control the second switch (S2) to an on state so that the positive terminal of the second battery (B2) is electrically connected to the first power terminal (P+).

[0118] And, the control unit (140) can be configured to control the second switching circuit (120) so that the positive terminal of the second battery (B2) and the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) are electrically separated.

[0119] Specifically, the control unit (140) can control one or more switches included in the second switching circuit (120) so that the positive terminal of the second battery (B2) and the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) are electrically separated.

[0120] For example, the control unit (140) can control the third switch (S3) to an off state so that the current path between the positive terminal of the second battery (B2) and the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) is blocked.

[0121] And, the control unit (140) can be configured to control the third switching circuit (130) so that the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) is electrically separated from the second power terminal (P-).

[0122] Specifically, the control unit (140) can control one or more switches included in the third switching circuit (130) so that the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) is electrically separated from the second power terminal (P-).

[0123] For example, the control unit (140) can control the switch (SA) to an off state so that the current path between the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) and the second power terminal (P-) is blocked.

[0124] Meanwhile, since the purpose is to cut off the first battery (B1), as long as the positive terminal of the first battery (B1) is electrically separated from the first power terminal (P+), the negative terminal does not necessarily need to be separated from the second power terminal (P-). That is, since the current flow is interrupted by the positive terminal of the first battery (B1) being cut off, whether or not the negative terminal is connected can be determined according to the configuration and control method of the battery control device (100).

[0125] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of a battery control device (100).

[0126] Compared to the battery control device (100) illustrated in FIG. 2, the battery control device (100) illustrated in FIG. 3 has the following differences. The first difference is that the first switching circuit (110) includes both the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2). The second difference is that the second switching circuit (120) may further include a fourth switch (S4), a fifth switch (S5), a sixth switch (S6), and an inductor (I). The third switch (S3) and the fourth switch (S4) may be connected in series through the first node (N1). The fifth switch (S5) and the sixth switch (S6) may be connected in series through the second node (N2). The inductor (I) may be connected between the first node (N1) and the second node (N2).

[0127] One end of the third switch (S3) may be connected to the third node (N3), and the other end may be connected to the first node (N1). The third node (N3) may be located between one end of the second switch (S2) and the positive terminal of the second battery (B2). One end of the fourth switch (S4) may be connected to the first node (N1), and the other end may be connected to the fourth node (N4). The fourth node (N4) may be located between the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) and one end of the switch (SA).

[0128] One end of the fifth switch (S5) may be connected to the fifth node (N5), and the other end may be connected to the second node (N2). The fifth node (N5) may be located between one end of the first switch (S1) and the other end of the second switch (S2). One end of the sixth switch (S6) may be connected to the second node (N2), and the other end may be connected to the sixth node (N6). The sixth node (N6) may be located between one end of the sixth switch (S6), the negative terminal of the first battery (B1), and one end of the switch (SA).

[0129] The serial connection mode, parallel connection mode, and battery cutoff mode, which can be set as target control modes in the battery control device (100) shown in FIG. 2, can also be set as target control modes in the battery control device (100) shown in FIG. 3. Unlike the battery control device (100) shown in FIG. 2, the battery control device (100) shown in FIG. 3 allows the battery balancing mode to be set as a target control mode. That is, in the battery control device (100) shown in FIG. 3, the control mode list includes at least two of the serial connection mode, parallel connection mode, and battery cutoff mode, and may further include a battery balancing mode.

[0130] In describing the battery control device (100) illustrated in FIG. 3, repeated descriptions of contents common to the battery control device (100) illustrated in FIG. 2 may be omitted.

[0131] The battery balancing mode is a mode that alleviates voltage imbalance between the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2). For example, the voltage difference between the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) can be reduced through power exchange between the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2). By doing so, voltage balance between the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) can be maintained to prevent performance degradation of the battery group (BG) and to improve charging and discharging efficiency.

[0132] When the first battery information and the second battery information satisfy predetermined battery balancing conditions and the target control mode is determined to be a battery balancing mode, the control unit (140) can control the first switching circuit (110), the second switching circuit (120), and the third switching circuit (130) as follows.

[0133] The battery balancing condition refers to a condition that must be satisfied to resolve the voltage imbalance between the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2). In order to perform balancing, the voltage difference between the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) must be greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0134] In addition, to maintain the safety of the battery group (BG) while performing balancing, the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) must be in a normal state and must not be in an abnormal state such as overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, short circuit, and overheating. Whether the battery is in an abnormal state can be diagnosed through a battery control device (100) or a battery management system.

[0135] Meanwhile, another condition under which balancing can be performed is when the difference in State of Charge (SOC) between the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) is greater than a predetermined value.

[0136] For example, if an SOC imbalance occurs during the charging and discharging process of the battery while the electric vehicle (1) is in operation, or if the voltage difference between the two batteries after charging exceeds a preset threshold, the battery balancing condition may be satisfied.

[0137] For example, while the fourth switching signal (C4) is applied to the fourth switch (S4), the fourth switch (S4) may be kept in the ON state. While the fifth switching signal (C5) is applied to the fifth switch (S5), the fifth switch (S5) may be kept in the ON state. While the sixth switching signal (C6) is applied to the sixth switch (S6), the sixth switch (S6) may be kept in the ON state.

[0138] The control unit (140) may be configured to control the first switch (S1) to the ON state and the second switch (S2) to the OFF state.

[0139] And, the control unit (140) may be configured to control the second switching circuit (120) so that power conversion between the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) is performed.

[0140] And, the control unit (140) may be configured to control the third switching circuit (130) so that the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) is electrically connected to the second power terminal (P-).

[0141] Specifically, the control unit (140) can control the switch (SA) included in the third switching circuit (130) so that the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) is electrically connected to the second power terminal (P-).

[0142] For example, the control unit (140) can control the switch (SA) to the ON state so that the current path between the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) and the second power terminal (P-) is connected.

[0143] Here, the first switching circuit (110), the second switching circuit (120), and the third switching circuit (130) may be interconnected and configured to operate as a 4-switch buck-boost converter. Specifically, the second switching circuit (120) may be configured to selectively operate in a step-down charging mode or a reverse step-down charging mode, and voltage conversion between the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) may be achieved through the control of the third to sixth switches (S6).

[0144] In one embodiment, when the target control mode is determined to be a battery balancing mode, the control unit (140) compares the voltage of the first battery (B1) and the voltage of the second battery (B2), and according to the comparison result, the second switching circuit (120) can be controlled to a step-down charging mode or a reverse step-down charging mode.

[0145] When the target control mode is determined to be a battery balancing mode, the control unit (140) may be configured to control the second switching circuit (120) to a step-down charging mode so that when the voltage of the first battery (B1) exceeds the voltage of the second battery (B2), the first output voltage generated by stepping down the voltage of the first battery (B1) is applied to the second battery (B2).

[0146] In the step-down charging mode, the third switch (S3) can be controlled to be in the ON state, and the fourth switch (S4) can be controlled to be in the OFF state. In parallel, the control unit (140) can alternately switch the fifth switch (S5) and the sixth switch (S6) to the ON state so that power is transferred from the first battery (B1) to the second battery (B2). First, when the fifth switch (S5) is turned ON and the sixth switch (S6) is turned OFF, the energy of the first battery (B1) can be stored in the inductor (I). Subsequently, when the fifth switch (S5) is turned OFF and the sixth switch (S6) is turned ON, the energy stored in the inductor (I) is released and supplied to the second battery (B2). Through this, the voltage of the first battery (B1) can be stepped down to charge the second battery (B2).

[0147] When the target control mode is determined to be a battery balancing mode, the control unit (140) may be configured to control the second switching circuit (120) in a reverse step-down charging mode so that if the voltage of the first battery (B1) is less than the voltage of the second battery (B2), the second output voltage generated by stepping down the voltage of the second battery (B2) is applied to the first battery (B1).

[0148] In the reverse step-down charging mode, the fifth switch (S5) can be controlled to be in the ON state, and the sixth switch (S6) can be controlled to be in the OFF state. In parallel, the control unit (140) can alternately switch the third switch (S3) and the fourth switch (S4) to the ON state so that power is transferred from the second battery (B2) to the first battery (B1). First, when the third switch (S3) is turned ON and the fourth switch (S4) is turned OFF, the energy of the second battery (B2) can be stored in the inductor (I). Subsequently, when the third switch (S3) is turned OFF and the fourth switch (S4) is turned ON, the energy stored in the inductor (I) is released and supplied to the first battery (B1). Through this, the voltage of the second battery (B2) can be stepped down to charge the first battery (B1).

[0149] Both the step-down charging mode and the reverse step-down charging mode are based on the operating principle of a buck converter, but differ in that the direction of power flow is opposite. The step-down charging mode is a method in which power is transferred from the first battery (B1) to the second battery (B2), and the reverse step-down charging mode is a method in which power is transferred from the second battery (B2) to the first battery (B1). Therefore, the control unit (140) must compare the voltage between the batteries and perform an appropriate switching operation according to the comparison result.

[0150] To stably perform the operation of the step-down charging mode and the reverse step-down charging mode, the following factors may be considered. First, since the output voltage of the buck converter is determined by the input voltage and the duty cycle, the control unit (140) may be configured to appropriately adjust the duty cycle according to the voltage difference between the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2). Through this, the charging voltage can be controlled so that it does not exceed a set target voltage. In addition, if the voltage difference between the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) is below a predetermined threshold value, there is a possibility that the voltage conversion efficiency will decrease and switching losses and current ripple will increase. Accordingly, the control unit (140) may be configured to apply an optimal switching frequency and utilize a current control technique to minimize power conversion losses.

[0151] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of a battery control device (100).

[0152] Compared to the battery control device (100) illustrated in FIG. 3, the battery control device (100) illustrated in FIG. 4 has the following differences. The first difference is that the second switching circuit (120) may further include a seventh switch (S7). The second difference is that the second switching circuit (120) may include a first auxiliary terminal (N) and a second auxiliary terminal (L). One end of the seventh switch (S7) may be connected to a second node (N2), and the other end may be connected to an inductor (I). As another example, one end of the seventh switch (S7) may be connected to a first node (N1), and the other end may be connected to an inductor (I).

[0153] Unlike the battery control device (100) illustrated in FIG. 3, the battery control device (100) illustrated in FIG. 4 can set the AC switching mode as the target control mode. That is, in the battery control device (100) illustrated in FIG. 4, the control mode list includes at least two modes among a serial connection mode, a parallel connection mode, and a battery cutoff mode, and a battery balancing mode, and may further include an AC switching mode.

[0154] In describing the battery control device (100) illustrated in FIG. 3, repeated descriptions of contents common to the battery control device (100) illustrated in FIG. 2 may be omitted.

[0155] The AC conversion mode is a mode that converts the DC voltage of the second battery (B2) into an AC voltage to supply power to an AC load connected to the first auxiliary terminal (N) and the second auxiliary terminal (L), or converts the AC voltage supplied from the AC charger into a DC voltage to supply power to the second battery (B2). Through this, the V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) function of supplying power to an external AC load from the electric vehicle's battery can be performed, and battery charging using an external AC charger is also possible, thereby increasing the flexibility of power utilization and improving compatibility with charging infrastructure.

[0156] When the first battery information and the second battery information satisfy predetermined AC switching conditions and the target control mode is determined to be an AC switching mode, the control unit (140) can control the first switching circuit (110), the second switching circuit (120), and the third switching circuit (130) as follows.

[0157] The AC conversion condition refers to a condition that can be satisfied to convert the DC voltage of the second battery (B2) into an AC voltage and supply it to an AC load, or to convert the AC charger into a DC voltage and charge the second battery (B2). In one embodiment of the present invention, the AC conversion mode operates using the second battery (B2), and the first battery (B1) may not directly participate in the AC power conversion process.

[0158] The control unit (140) receives a signal from a second device (D2) connected to a first auxiliary terminal (N) and a second auxiliary terminal (L), and can determine whether the second device (D2) is an AC load or an AC charger. The first auxiliary terminal (N) can be connected between the second node (N2) and one end of the seventh switch (S7), and the second auxiliary terminal (L) can be connected between the first node (N1) and the other end of the seventh switch (S7). Preferably, the second auxiliary terminal (L) can be connected between one end of the inductor (I) and the other end of the seventh switch (S7).

[0159] If the second device (D2) is an AC load, the control unit (140) can activate the V2L function to convert the DC voltage of the second battery (B2) into an AC voltage and supply it to an external load. On the other hand, if the connected second device (D2) is an AC charger, the control unit (140) can receive a charging request through communication with the charger, and then convert the AC charger into a DC power source to charge the second battery (B2).

[0160] In addition, for the AC switching mode to be performed stably, it is desirable that the SOC and voltage of the second battery (B2) be included within a preset reference range and that abnormal conditions such as overvoltage, undervoltage, overheating, and short circuits are not detected.

[0161] While the seventh switching signal (C7) output by the control unit (140) is applied to the seventh switch (S7), the seventh switch (S7) can be kept in the ON state.

[0162] The control unit (140) may be configured to control the first switch (S1) to an off state, control the second switch (S2) to an on state, and control the seventh switch (S7) to an off state.

[0163] Specifically, the control unit (140) can control the first switch (S1) to an off state so that the electrical connection between the positive terminal of the first battery (B1) and the first power terminal (P+) is cut off. Then, the control unit (140) can control the second switch (S2) to an on state so that the positive terminal of the second battery (B2) and the first power terminal (P+) are electrically connected.

[0164] And, the control unit (140) may be configured to control the second switching circuit (120) so that the DC voltage of the second battery (B2) is converted to AC and supplied to the AC load at the first auxiliary terminal (N) connected to one end of the seventh switch (S7) and the second auxiliary terminal (L) connected to the other end of the seventh switch (S7), or so that the AC voltage applied to the first auxiliary terminal (N) and the second auxiliary terminal (L) is converted to DC and supplied to the second battery (B2).

[0165] And, the control unit (140) may be configured to control the third switching circuit (130) so that the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) and the negative terminal of the second battery (B2) are electrically connected.

[0166] For example, the control unit (140) can control the switch (SA) to the ON state so that the current path between the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) and the second power terminal (P-) is connected.

[0167] Here, the first switching circuit (110), the second switching circuit (120), and the third switching circuit (130) can be interconnected and configured to operate in a Totem-Pole Power Factor Correction (PFC) manner.

[0168] In addition to the basic function of storing and transmitting energy, the inductor (I) can shape the current waveform during the power conversion process to facilitate synchronization with the AC voltage and reduce the current distortion rate. Furthermore, the inductor (I) can improve power conversion efficiency by reducing current ripple generated during the switching process and reduce voltage and current stress applied to the switching element.

[0169] Specifically, the control unit (140) can control the third switch (S3) and the sixth switch (S6) to the ON state in an AC switching mode, while simultaneously controlling the fourth switch (S4) and the fifth switch (S5) to the OFF state. Subsequently, the switching operation can be repeated by switching the third switch (S3) and the sixth switch (S6) to the OFF state while simultaneously controlling the fourth switch (S4) and the fifth switch (S5) to the ON state. Through this, the polarity of the voltage applied to the first auxiliary terminal (N) and the second auxiliary terminal (L) can be periodically reversed to generate an AC voltage.

[0170] Conversely, when an AC voltage is input from the first auxiliary terminal (N) and the second auxiliary terminal (L), the control unit (140) can rectify and smooth the AC voltage through the switching operation of the third to sixth switches (S3 to S6) to convert it into a DC voltage, and then supply it to the second battery (B2). Through this, the function of converting a DC voltage into an AC voltage or converting an AC voltage into a DC voltage can be achieved.

[0171] This switching method can perform the role of supplying stable AC power to an external AC load when performing the V2L function using the second battery (B2), and can be controlled to perform appropriate power conversion according to the output characteristics of the charger when charging using an external AC charger. In addition, the control unit (140) can control the output voltage and frequency to be maintained stably by adjusting the switching frequency, duty cycle, and phase control during the power conversion process.

[0172] Meanwhile, in order for the switching control of the third to sixth switches (S3 to S6) to be performed stably, a dead time may be set to prevent operational interference between each switch and to prevent the occurrence of short-circuit current. This dead time is the delay time from when one of the pair of switches is completely switched to the off state until the other switch is switched to the on state, and can contribute to minimizing losses and damage that may occur in a high-speed switching environment.

[0173] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary control method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0174] Here, the control method is a method for controlling a battery control device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention, and each step of the control method can be performed by each component of the battery control device (100). Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, content that overlaps with the previously described content will be omitted or briefly explained.

[0175] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, in step S510, the control unit (140) may be configured to determine a target control mode for the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) based on at least one of the first battery information of the first battery (B1) and the second battery information of the second battery (B2).

[0176] In step S520, the control unit (140) may be configured to control the first switching circuit (110), the second switching circuit (120), and the third switching circuit (130) according to the target control mode.

[0177] In one embodiment, when the first battery information and the second battery information satisfy a predetermined battery series connection condition and the target control mode is determined to be a series connection mode, the control unit (140) can control the first to third switching circuits (110 to 130) as follows.

[0178] The control unit (140) can control the first switching circuit (110) so that the positive terminal of the second battery (B2) is electrically separated from the first power terminal (P+).

[0179] And, the control unit (140) can control the second switching circuit (120) so that the positive terminal of the second battery (B2) and the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) are electrically connected.

[0180] And, the control unit (140) can control the third switching circuit (130) so that the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) is electrically separated from the second power terminal (P-).

[0181] In another embodiment, when the first battery information and the second battery information satisfy a predetermined battery parallel connection condition and the target control mode is determined to be a parallel connection mode, the control unit (140) can control the first to third switching circuits (110 to 130) as follows.

[0182] The control unit (140) may be configured to control the first switching circuit (110) so that the two positive terminals of the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) are electrically connected to the first power terminal (P+).

[0183] And, the control unit (140) may be configured to control the second switching circuit (120) so that the positive terminal of the second battery (B2) and the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) are electrically separated.

[0184] And, the control unit (140) may be configured to control the third switching circuit (130) so that the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) is electrically connected to the second power terminal (P-).

[0185] In another embodiment, when the first battery information of the first battery (B1) satisfies a predetermined battery cutoff condition and the target control mode is determined to be the cutoff mode of the first battery (B1), the control unit (140) can control the first to third switching circuits (110 to 130) as follows.

[0186] The control unit (140) controls the first switch (S1) to an off state and controls the second switch (S2) to an on state, and

[0187] And, the control unit (140) may be configured to control the second switching circuit (120) so that the positive terminal of the second battery (B2) and the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) are electrically separated.

[0188] And, the control unit (140) may be configured to control the third switching circuit (130) so that the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) is electrically separated from the second power terminal (P-).

[0189] In another embodiment, when the first battery information and the second battery information satisfy a predetermined battery balancing condition and the target control mode is determined to be a battery balancing mode, the control unit (140) can control the first to third switching circuits (110 to 130) as follows.

[0190] The control unit (140) may be configured to control the first switch (S1) to the ON state and the second switch (S2) to the OFF state.

[0191] And, the control unit (140) may be configured to control the second switching circuit (120) so that power conversion between the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) is performed.

[0192] And, the control unit (140) may be configured to control the third switching circuit (130) so that the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) is electrically connected to the second power terminal (P-).

[0193] In another embodiment, when the first battery information and the second battery information satisfy a predetermined AC switching condition and the target control mode is determined to be an AC switching mode, the control unit (140) can control the first to third switching circuits (110 to 130) as follows.

[0194] The control unit (140) may be configured to control the first switch (S1) to an off state, control the second switch (S2) to an on state, and control the seventh switch (S7) to an off state.

[0195] Additionally, the control unit (140) may be configured to control the second switching circuit (120) so that the DC voltage of the second battery (B2) is converted to AC and supplied to the AC load, or the AC voltage of the AC load is converted to DC and supplied to the second battery (B2).

[0196] And, the control unit (140) may be configured to control the third switching circuit (130) so that the negative terminal of the first battery (B1) and the negative terminal of the second battery (B2) are electrically connected.

[0197] Meanwhile, the order of controlling the first switching circuit (110), the second switching circuit (120), and the third switching circuit (130) may not be limited to a specific order. That is, the control unit (140) can control each switching circuit individually or simultaneously at an appropriate timing by comprehensively considering the state of the system, voltage fluctuations of the battery, power requirements of the load, transient phenomena that may occur during the switching process, and safety assurance.

[0198] Additionally, the control unit (140) can reduce electrical stress applied to the battery group (BG) by controlling at least one of the first switching circuit (110), the second switching circuit (120), and the third switching circuit (130).

[0199] For example, the control unit (140) can reduce the maximum allowable value of the charging current and / or discharging current by controlling the on / off state of the switching circuit. Here, the maximum allowable value may refer to an upper limit value through which the current can flow safely, taking into account the physical characteristics of the battery and system stability. The maximum allowable value may be a value stored in advance in the storage unit (150) based on the specifications of the battery group (BG), but is not limited thereto and may be a variable value calculated in real time based on the voltage of the battery group (BG), etc.

[0200] Another embodiment of the present invention may provide a computer-readable medium having a program recorded thereon for executing the various embodiments described above on a computer.

[0201] A program may be implemented as hardware components, software components, and / or a combination of hardware and software components. A program may be executed by any system capable of executing computer-readable instructions.

[0202] Software may include computer programs, code, instructions, or a combination thereof, and may configure a processing unit to operate as desired or command the processing unit independently or collectively.

[0203] Software can be implemented as a computer program containing instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium. Examples of computer-readable storage media include magnetic storage media (e.g., ROM (read-only memory), RAM (random-access memory), floppy disks, hard disks, etc.) and optical reading media (e.g., CD-ROMs, DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs)). Computer-readable storage media can be distributed across networked computer systems, allowing computer-readable code to be stored and executed in a distributed manner. The storage medium is readable by a computer, stored in memory, and can be executed by a processor.

[0204] Computer-readable media may be provided in the form of non-transitory recording media. Here, 'non-transitory storage media' simply means that it is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily. For example, 'non-transitory storage media' may include a buffer in which data is stored temporarily.

[0205] In addition, the program may be provided as part of a computer program product. Computer program products may be traded between a seller and a buyer as goods.

[0206] A computer program product may include a software program or a computer-readable recording medium on which the software program is stored. For example, a computer program product may include a product in the form of a software program that is distributed electronically through a manufacturer of an electronic device or an electronic market (e.g., a downloadable application). For electronic distribution, at least a portion of the software program may be stored on a recording medium or temporarily created. In this case, the recording medium may be a server of the manufacturer of the electronic device, a server of the electronic market, or a recording medium of a relay server that temporarily stores the software program.

[0207] The embodiments of the present invention described above are not limited to implementation through devices and methods, but may also be implemented through a program that realizes a function corresponding to the configuration of the embodiments of the present invention or a recording medium on which such a program is recorded. Such implementation can be easily achieved by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, based on the description of the embodiments described above.

[0208] 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.

[0209] Furthermore, since the present invention described above allows for various substitutions, modifications, and changes within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention, it is not limited by the aforementioned embodiments and attached drawings, but rather all or part of each embodiment may be selectively combined to allow for various modifications.

Claims

1. A first switching circuit that opens and closes an electrical connection path between at least one of the positive terminal of the first battery and the positive terminal of the second battery and the first power terminal; A second switching circuit that opens and closes an electrical connection path between the positive terminal of the second battery and the negative terminal of the first battery; A third switching circuit for opening and closing an electrical connection path between a second power terminal electrically connected to the negative terminal of the second battery and the negative terminal of the first battery; and A battery control device comprising a control unit that determines a target control mode for the first battery and the second battery based on at least one of the first battery information of the first battery and the second battery information of the second battery, and controls the first switching circuit, the second switching circuit and the third switching circuit according to the target control mode.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is, When the first battery information and the second battery information satisfy a predetermined battery series connection condition and the target control mode is determined to be a series connection mode, Control the first switching circuit so that the positive terminal of the second battery is electrically separated from the first power terminal, and Control the second switching circuit so that the positive terminal of the second battery and the negative terminal of the first battery are electrically connected, and A battery control device configured to control the third switching circuit so that the negative terminal of the first battery is electrically separated from the second power terminal.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is, When the first battery information and the second battery information satisfy a predetermined battery parallel connection condition and the target control mode is determined to be a parallel connection mode, Control the first switching circuit so that the two positive terminals of the first battery and the second battery are electrically connected to the first power terminal, and The second switching circuit is controlled so that the positive terminal of the second battery and the negative terminal of the first battery are electrically separated, and A battery control device configured to control the third switching circuit so that the negative terminal of the first battery is electrically connected to the second power terminal.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above first switching circuit is, A first switch connected between the positive terminal of the first battery and the first power terminal; and It includes a second switch connected between the positive terminal of the second battery and the first power terminal, and The above control unit is, When the first battery information of the first battery satisfies a predetermined battery cutoff condition and the target control mode is determined to be the cutoff mode of the first battery, The first switch is controlled to an off state, and the second switch is controlled to an on state. Control the second switching circuit so that the positive terminal of the second battery and the negative terminal of the first battery are electrically separated, and A battery control device configured to control the third switching circuit so that the negative terminal of the first battery is electrically separated from the second power terminal.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above first switching circuit is, A first switch connected between the positive terminal of the first battery and the first power terminal; and It includes a second switch connected between the positive terminal of the second battery and the first power terminal, and The above second switching circuit is, A third switch and a fourth switch connected in series through a second node; A fifth switch and a sixth switch connected in series through a third node; and It includes an inductor connected between the second node and the third node, The above control unit is, When the first battery information and the second battery information satisfy a predetermined battery balancing condition and the target control mode is determined to be a battery balancing mode, Control the first switch to the ON state and the second switch to the OFF state, The second switching circuit is controlled so that power conversion between the first battery and the second battery is performed, and A battery control device configured to control the third switching circuit so that the negative terminal of the first battery is electrically connected to the second power terminal.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above control unit is, If the above target control mode is determined to be the battery balancing mode, A battery control device configured to control the second switching circuit in a step-down charging mode so that when the voltage of the first battery exceeds the voltage of the second battery, a first output voltage generated by stepping down the voltage of the first battery is applied to the second battery.

7. In Paragraph 5, The above control unit is, When predetermined battery balancing conditions are satisfied, A battery control device configured to control the second switching circuit in a reverse step-down charging mode so that when the voltage of the first battery is less than the voltage of the second battery, a second output voltage generated by stepping down the voltage of the second battery is applied to the first battery.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above first switching circuit is, A first switch connected between the positive terminal of the first battery and the first power terminal; and It includes a second switch connected between the positive terminal of the second battery and the first power terminal, and The above second switching circuit is, A third switch and a fourth switch connected in series through a second node; A fifth switch and a sixth switch connected in series through a third node; and It includes a seventh switch and an inductor connected in series between the third node and the second node, The above control unit is, When the above first battery information and the above second battery information satisfy a predetermined AC switching condition and the above target control mode is determined to be an AC switching mode for an AC load connected through the first and second auxiliary terminals, Control the first switch to an off state, control the second switch to an on state, and control the seventh switch to an off state. The second switching circuit is controlled so that the DC voltage of the second battery is converted to AC and supplied to the AC load, or the AC voltage of the AC load is converted to DC and supplied to the second battery. A battery control device configured to control the third switching circuit so that the negative terminal of the first battery and the negative terminal of the second battery are electrically connected.

9. An electric vehicle comprising a battery control device according to any one of paragraphs 1 through 8.

10. A battery control method for a battery control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, A step of determining a target control mode for the first battery and the second battery based on at least one of the first battery information of the first battery and the second battery information of the second battery; and A battery control method comprising the step of executing a switching control operation for the first switching circuit, the second switching circuit, and the third switching circuit according to the above target control mode.

11. In Paragraph 10, When the first battery information and the second battery information satisfy a predetermined battery series connection condition and the target control mode is determined to be a series connection mode, Control the first switching circuit so that the positive terminal of the second battery is electrically separated from the first power terminal, and Control the second switching circuit so that the positive terminal of the second battery and the negative terminal of the first battery are electrically connected, and A battery control method comprising the step of controlling the third switching circuit so that the negative terminal of the first battery is electrically separated from the second power terminal.

12. In Paragraph 10, When the first battery information and the second battery information satisfy a predetermined battery parallel connection condition and the target control mode is determined to be a parallel connection mode, The step of executing the above switching control operation is, A step of controlling the first switching circuit so that the two positive terminals of the first battery and the second battery are electrically connected to the first power terminal; A step of controlling the second switching circuit so that the positive terminal of the second battery and the negative terminal of the first battery are electrically separated; and A battery control method comprising the step of controlling the third switching circuit so that the negative terminal of the first battery is electrically connected to the second power terminal.

13. In Paragraph 10, When the first battery information of the first battery satisfies a predetermined battery cutoff condition and the target control mode is determined to be the cutoff mode of the first battery, The first switch of the first switching circuit is controlled to an off state, and the second switch of the first switching circuit is controlled to an on state, wherein the first switch is connected between the positive terminal of the first battery and the first power terminal, and the second switch is connected between the positive terminal of the second battery and the first power terminal. Control the second switching circuit so that the positive terminal of the second battery and the negative terminal of the first battery are electrically separated, and A battery control method comprising the step of controlling the third switching circuit so that the negative terminal of the first battery is electrically separated from the second power terminal.

14. In Paragraph 10, When the first battery information and the second battery information satisfy a predetermined battery balancing condition and the target control mode is determined to be a battery balancing mode, The first switch of the first switching circuit is controlled to be in the ON state, and the second switch of the first switching circuit is controlled to be in the OFF state, wherein the first switch is connected between the positive terminal of the first battery and the first power terminal, and the second switch is connected between the positive terminal of the second battery and the first power terminal. The second switching circuit is controlled so that power conversion between the first battery and the second battery is performed, and A battery control method comprising the step of controlling the third switching circuit so that the negative terminal of the first battery is electrically connected to the second power terminal.

15. In Paragraph 10, When the above first battery information and the above second battery information satisfy a predetermined AC switching condition and the above target control mode is determined to be an AC switching mode for an AC load connected through the first and second auxiliary terminals, The first switch of the first switching circuit is controlled to an off state, the second switch of the first switching circuit is controlled to an on state, and the seventh switch of the second switching circuit is controlled to an off state, wherein the first switch is connected between the positive terminal of the first battery and the first power terminal, and the second switch is connected between the positive terminal of the second battery and the first power terminal. The second switching circuit is controlled so that the DC voltage of the second battery is converted to AC and supplied to the AC load, or the AC voltage of the AC load is converted to DC and supplied to the second battery. A battery control method comprising the step of controlling the third switching circuit so that the negative terminal of the first battery and the negative terminal of the second battery are electrically connected.

16. A computer-readable medium storing a program for executing a battery management method according to any one of paragraphs 10 through 15 on a computer.

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