Hierarchical BMS Software Updates Without Monitoring Interruptions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery management systems require site visits and system interruptions for software updates, incurring time and material costs, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A battery system with a hierarchical structure of master and slave BMSs allows for continuous software updates without interruption by identifying targets for program application, comparing version information, and transmitting control programs through a hierarchical network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the battery management system requires on-site visits and system interruptions for software updates, then the control program can be updated, but the battery monitoring operation is interrupted and time and material costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by downloading and storing the updated control program in the storage device before actually updating the BMS. This allows the system to prepare updates in advance and execute them during scheduled maintenance windows or without interrupting critical battery monitoring operations, thus resolving the contradiction between updating software and maintaining continuous monitoring reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a copy of the control program in a storage device separate from the BMS memory. This copied program can be transferred to the BMS during operation without disrupting the monitoring function, as the original program remains intact and the copy is applied during appropriate timing windows, thereby maintaining both update capability and monitoring continuity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the battery management system requires on-site visits for software updates, then the control program can be updated, but time and material costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the BMS to automatically detect when an update is available, download the updated control program to its storage device, and execute the update without requiring administrator presence. The system autonomously manages the entire update process, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site visits and reducing both time and material costs associated with manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical update process (requiring physical access to the BMS and manual intervention) with an automated electronic system. The control program is updated through wireless or wired data transmission to the storage device, eliminating the need for physical on-site visits and significantly reducing the time and resources required for updates
3Reliability
If the control program is updated during battery operation, then continuous monitoring is maintained, but the update process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the control program into distinct components: the original running program continues executing while a separate updated program is stored in the storage device. This segmentation allows the system to manage multiple program versions simultaneously, simplifying the update process by isolating the update operation from the continuous monitoring function and enabling safe, non-disruptive program switching
Data Source
AI summary
A battery system and a method of operating the battery system are discussed. The battery system can include a plurality of Battery Management Systems (BMSs) with a hierarchical structure. In an example, the battery system includes a plurality of slave BMSs, and a master BMS linked with the plurality of slave BMSs. During an operation of the battery system, the master BMS identifies a target for application of an externally inputted control program for battery management, and the master BMS transmits a control program corresponding to the target for application to the target for application.