Patent Application
20130002016
The present invention relates to a power source apparatus provided with a plurality of battery cells, to a vehicle and power storage system using the power source apparatus, and in particular to a power source apparatus optimized as the power source carried on-board an electric powered vehicle such as a hybrid (electric) vehicle or electric vehicle to supply power to the motor that drives the vehicle.
A power source apparatus has many battery cells connected in series to increase output voltage and increase the output power. Further, to attain a high charge capacity per unit volume, a power source apparatus has been developed with battery stacks having many rectangular batteries stacked together. Battery stacks can be configured as modules, and by connecting a plurality of battery modules in series and/or parallel, power source apparatus structure can be adapted for output that meets different current and voltage specifications.
In addition, by providing a circuit board for each battery module, parameters such as battery module capacity, voltage, and battery cell temperature can be monitored and controlled for each battery module. This type of power source apparatus configured with functional modules or intelligent modules has been proposed (patent reference 1).
However, although a high level of monitor and control capability is achieved by providing each battery module with control circuitry such as a microcomputer, complex electronic circuitry must be disposed in each battery module, circuit structure becomes extremely complex, and associated data processing becomes demanding. Accordingly, this power source apparatus has the drawback that manufacturing cost as well as supporting monitor and control processing cost is extreme. This is particularly at odds with strong demand for cost reduction and simple inexpensive structure for a power source apparatus manufactured in quantity for automotive applications.
The present invention was developed considering these types of prior art drawbacks. Thus, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a power source apparatus, vehicle and power storage system using the power source apparatus that simplifies module structure and allows centralized control.
To achieve the object above, the power source apparatus for the first aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of modules 10, and a main controller 2 connected with the plurality of modules 10 to control those modules 10. Each module 10 comprises a battery block 12 having a plurality of battery cells 11 stacked together and connected in series and/or parallel, a battery state detection section 14 that detects the state of the battery cells 11, and communication interface units 16 for data communication with other modules 10 and the main controller 2. The main controller 2 is connected to the communication interface units 16 of the modules 10 via communication lines CB, and the plurality of modules 10 can be connected in series and/or parallel with an output line OL. This allows computation functions to be moved from the individual modules to the main controller centralizing computation and simplifying the overall structure. In addition, manufacturing cost can be reduced by making the hardware structure common to all the modules. Further, in the event of malfunction in one or more modules, only the malfunctioning modules need to be replaced, which is beneficial from a maintenance viewpoint.
In the power source apparatus for the second aspect of the present invention, each module 10 can be provided with a memory section 18 that can store data transmitted through the communication interface units 16. This allows communication that utilizes the memory section in each module.
In the power source apparatus for the third aspect of the present invention, each module 10 can be configured to enable the memory section 18 to be over-written based on signals from the main controller 2. This allows essential information to be sent from the main controller to each module and to be stored in each module. Accordingly, this makes it possible for the main controller to monitor and control the modules in a unified manner, allows module processing to be simplified, and reduces the computational load on each module.
In the power source apparatus for the fourth aspect of the present invention, the modules 10 can be connected in series with the output line OL, and the power source apparatus can be provided with a current detection section 4 to detect output current flowing through the output line OL. Since output current flowing through the series-connected modules can be detected by a common current detection section, there is no need to provide current sensors in each module allowing the modules to be further simplified.
In the power source apparatus for the fifth aspect of the present invention, the main controller 2 and plurality of modules 10 can be connected via communication lines CB in any of the network topologies including a bus topology, daisy-chain topology, ring topology, or star topology. This allows selection of optimal module network topology depending on the application.
In the power source apparatus for the sixth aspect of the present invention, each module 10 can be provided with a plurality of communication interface units 16. One communication interface unit 16A can be connected with a module 10 on the upstream-side, and another communication interface unit 16B can be connected with a module 10 on the downstream-side. This allows adjacent modules to be easily interconnected, and achieves the positive feature of simplified layout. In particular, by reducing the length of wiring to interconnect adjacent modules, it serves as an effective noise reduction strategy.
In the power source apparatus for the seventh aspect of the present invention, each module 10 can be provided with an equalizing circuit 13 to equalize the remaining capacities of the plurality of battery cells 11 that make up the battery block 12 included in the module 10. A module 10 can receive instruction from the main controller 2 to equalize battery cell 11 remaining capacity using the equalizing circuit 13. By providing an equalizing circuit in each module and maintaining equalized cell capacities by central control via the main controller, former cell capacity balance can be maintained while reducing module-side processing overhead and simplifying systems in each module.
In the power source apparatus for the eighth aspect of the present invention, the battery state detection section 14 can be provided with a voltage detection section 21 to detect battery cell 11 voltage. This allows battery cell voltage to be monitored by each module.
In the power source apparatus for the ninth aspect of the present invention, the battery state detection section 14 can be provided with a temperature detection section 22 to detect battery cell 11 temperature. This allows battery cell temperature to be monitored by each module.
In the power source apparatus for the tenth aspect of the present invention, each module 10 can be configured to allow transmission of information related to the voltage of battery cells 11 in that module 10 to the main controller 2 via the communication interface units 16. This allows unified monitoring of the battery cell voltages in each module at the main controller.
In the power source apparatus for the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the main controller 2 can detect connection of each module 10 to communication lines CB and allocate a unique address to each module 10. The unique address allocated to each module 10 can be stored in that module's 10 memory section 18, and the system can be configured to allow data communication between the main controller 2 and each module 10 based on the unique address stored in each memory section 18. This allows each module to have a unique address, and allows main controller data communication via communication lines based on the unique addresses. In particular, since unique addresses are allocated automatically, required operations can be reduced. Further, since module addresses do not need to be pre-assigned and fixed at the time of manufacture, common modules can be produced to reduce manufacturing cost.
A vehicle using the power source apparatus for the twelfth aspect of the present invention can be equipped with any of the power source apparatus cited above.
A power storage system for the thirteenth aspect of the present invention can use any of the power source apparatus cited above.
The following describes embodiments of the present invention based on the figures. However, the following embodiments are merely specific examples of a power source apparatus, vehicle and power storage system using the power source apparatus representative of the technology associated with the present invention, and the power source apparatus, vehicle and power storage system using the power source apparatus of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described below. Further, components cited in the claims are in no way limited to the components indicated in the embodiments. In particular, in the absence of specific annotation, structural component features described in the embodiment such as dimensions, raw material, shape, and relative position are simply for the purpose of explicative example and are in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention. Properties such as the size and spatial relation of components shown in the figures may be exaggerated for the purpose of clear explanation. In the descriptions following, components with the same name and label indicate components that are the same or have the same properties and their detailed description is appropriately abbreviated. Further, a single component can serve multiple functions and a plurality of structural elements of the invention can be implemented with the same component. In contrast, the functions of a single component can be divided among a plurality of components. In addition, explanations used to describe part of one embodiment can be used in other embodiments and descriptions. In the present application, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” are applied to modules connected via communication lines. When the module on one side of a node is referred to as “upstream,” the module on the other side of that node is “downstream.” Similarly, when a plurality of modules is connected in series and a module connected on one side of a given module is referred to as “upstream,” a module connected on the other side of the given module is “downstream.” It is also possible to define “upstream” as locations close to the main controller and “downstream” as locations far from the main controller.
Each module 10 is provided with a battery block 12 that has individual battery cells 11 stacked together, a battery state detection section 14 that detects the state of the battery cells 11, communication interface units 16 for data communication with other modules 10 and the main controller 2, and a memory section 18. Data communication is performed between modules 10 and with the main controller 2 via the communication lines CB and the communication interface units 16. The communication lines CB are wires that allow transmissions in both directions.
Communication interface units 16 are capable of performing data communication, and connect adjacent modules 10 via communication lines CB. The modules 10 shown in
However, network topology is not limited to a daisy-chain topology. For example, the power source apparatus 200 for the second embodiment shown in
As shown in the power source apparatus 300 for the third embodiment in
In the example of
As shown in the power source apparatus 500 for the fifth embodiment in
Any of the existing communication protocols such as CAN (controller area network), LIN, FlexRay, MOST, UART, SOI, and I2C can be appropriately applied for communication using the communication lines.
The modules 10 have positive and negative sides of battery blocks 12 connected with the output line OL. Modules 10 connected in series and with an output line OL make up a module assembly 1. A module assembly 1 can output the power produced by the series-connected battery blocks 12 to the outside via the connecting section 3. Accordingly, the connecting section 3 is provided with external output terminals.
Although four modules 10 are connected in series in the examples of
A current detection section 4 is provided on the output line OL, and output current flowing through the output line OL from the module assemblies 1 is detected by the current detection section 4. The current detection section 4 is also connected to the main controller 2 via a current signal line CL, which is separate from the communication line CB. Information related to output current detected by the current detection section 4 is sent to the main controller 4 over the current signal line CL. In this example, the current detection section 4 does not communicate with the main controller 2, but rather connection is made to simply input a signal representing current detected by the current detection section 4 to the main controller 2. However, it is also possible to acquire the current signal by establishing communication, and in that case, the current detection section 4 can be connected to a line such as a communication line. The main controller 2 can monitor the state of battery cells 11 in each module 10 via the communication lines CB, and can monitor the output current via the current signal line CL. Accordingly, the main controller 2 can perform functions such as transmitting battery cell 11 and output current information to externally connected devices, and issuing commands to modules 10 to disconnect battery cells 11.
In this manner, a single current detection section 4 can be disposed in the output line OL rather than in each module 10, and by connecting it with the main controller 2, a common current detection section 4 can be established. Said differently, the requirement for a current sensor in each module can be eliminated contributing to module simplification.
The modules 10 shown in figures such as
The battery state detection section 14 is provided with a voltage detection section 21 to detect the voltages of the battery cells 11 included in the module 10. It is desirable to provide a voltage detection section 21 for each battery cell 11. Particularly in the case of lithium ion rechargeable batteries, safety can be insured by monitoring the voltage of each battery cell to accurately recognize any abnormality. However, voltage can also be detected for battery cells only at specific sites such as at each end or at the center of the battery block. The voltage detection section 21 and the communication interface units 16 are disposed in proximity with the battery cells 11. In particular, by disposing the voltage detection section 21 in proximity with the battery block 12 using a short wire harness or flexible printed circuitry, detection line short circuits can be prevented.
The voltage detection section 21 and two communication interface units 16 can also be integrated as a single chip. This allows the circuit board 20 in each module 10 to be made smaller. A memory section 18 can also be added to the voltage detection section 21 and communication interface units 16 and integrated as a single chip structure. Further, the circuit board 20 can be mounted at an end of the battery block 12.
A module 10 can send information related to battery cell 1 voltages to the main controller 2 via the communication interface units 16. This allows the main controller 2 to monitor the battery cell 1 voltages in each module 10 in a structured manner.
The battery state detection section 38 can also be provided with a temperature detection section 22 (see
The memory section 18 stores data communicated via the communication interface units 16. Non-volatile memory such as E2PROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) can be used for this type of memory section 18. Parameters such as address information to distinguish each module 10, battery capacity of the battery cells in the module (battery state-of-charge), and battery lifetime information (battery state-of-health) can be stored in the non-volatile memory. By allocating an individual address to each module 10, it is possible to distinguish each module 10 in a plurality of connected modules 10.
Data stored in a memory section 18 is capable of being over-written based on signals from the main controller 2. This allows necessary information to be sent from the main controller 2 to a module 10 and stored at that module 10. As a result, the main controller 2 can control the modules 10 in a unified manner allowing module 10 processing to be simplified and reducing the processing requirements on each module 10. For example, when individual address information to allow the main controller 2 to identify each module 10 is allocated from the main controller 2 to a module 10, that module 10 writes its own address information into the memory section 18.
The main controller 2 can detect each module 10 connected to the communication line CB and assign individual addresses. This allows each module 10 to have an individual address, and enables communication between the main controller 2 and the modules 10 via the communication line CB based on individual addressing. In particular, since individual addresses are set automatically, the system has the positive feature that effort to perform this operation can be reduced. Further, since individual address information does not need to be established at the time of module 10 manufacture, module 10 commonality is enhanced and manufacturing cost can be reduced.
For example, when a module 10 is connected in the power source apparatus 100, the main controller 2 detects connection, automatically sets the individual address, and sends that address information to the module 10. The module 10 can recognize the transmitted address information, write that information into its memory section 18, and begin data communication based on individual addressing. As a result, the modules 10 can acquire individual address information, and can perform addressed data communication with the main controller 2 based on the acquired address information.
In this manner by limiting the functions of the modules 10 and configuring the modules 10 with common hardware, considerable cost containment can be realized. In addition, by making a system with common modules 10, even if one or more modules 10 malfunction, only the failed modules 10 need to be replaced, which is valuable from a maintenance viewpoint.
A battery block 12 is made up of a plurality of battery cells 11 connected in series and/or parallel. In the example of
Each module 10 is provided with an equalizing circuit 13 to equalize the remaining capacities of the (plurality of) battery cells 11 that make up the battery block 12. Each module 10 can receive an equalization command from the main controller 2 and activate the equalizing circuit 13 to equalize the remaining capacities of the battery cells 11. The equalizing circuit 13 short circuits battery cells with high voltage or high remaining capacity through a resistor to consume excess power and equalize the capacity of those battery cells with respect to the other battery cells. Accordingly, each battery cell has a structure including a shorting circuit and the shorting circuit is controlled by a switch to perform equalization. As a result, centralized control via the main controller 2 can maintain appropriate balance between the battery cells 11 in each module 10. Specifically, this can reduce processing at the module 10 level, and can contribute to simplified module 10 structure. Depending on requirements, circuitry for battery block equalization can also be provided to maintain battery block voltage balance between modules. To achieve equalization between modules, the system can be configured to supply power from a module or modules with high battery block voltage to the other modules.
The block diagram of
The circuit boards 20 of the modules 10 shown in
Data from each module 10 is accumulated at the main controller 2 where it is integrated and processed in a structured manner. The main controller 2 also recognizes each newly added module 10 when it is connected and automatically defines and distributes an individual address to that module 10. As a result, an added module 10 can conduct data communication within the power source apparatus based on its allocated individual address. (Detailed Structure of a Module 10)
As shown in
A battery cell 11 is made up of a rectangular external case having a width greater than its thickness, and positive and negative electrode terminals are established on a sealing plate that seals the top of the external case closed. Electrode terminals of adjacent battery cells 11 are connected via bus-bars. Battery cell external cases can be made from insulating material such as plastic. In that case, since there is no need to insulate the external cases when battery cells are stacked together, separators could be made of metal. Further, battery cell surfaces excluding the top surface could be processed to make them insulating. Specifically, battery cell surfaces excluding the top surface could be covered by insulating film.
The battery cells 11 are rectangular lithium ion rechargeable batteries. However, rechargeable batteries such as nickel hydride batteries or nickel cadmium batteries can also be used as the battery cells. A battery cell 11 has a rectangular shape of given thickness, is provided with positive and negative electrode terminals projecting from the ends of the top surface, and has a safety valve opening established at the center region of the top surface. The positive and negative electrode terminals of adjacently stacked battery cells 11 are connected by bus-bars to connect the battery cells 11 in series. A battery system that has adjacent battery cells 11 connected in series can increase its output power by increasing output voltage. However, adjacent battery cells can also be connected in parallel.
The battery block 12 has separators 40 sandwiched between the stacked battery cells 11. Plastic separators 40 can insulate metal external cases of battery cells 11 stacked in the battery block 12. Separators 40 are shaped to fit together with battery cells 11 on both sides and keep the battery cells 11 stacked in a manner that prevents adjacent battery cells 11 from shifting out of position.
As shown in
Next, vehicles equipped with the power source apparatus using the battery cells described above are described based on
Note the vehicle-side load can also have a voltage converter connected on the input-side of the DC/AC inverter, and power source apparatus output voltage can be boosted for supply to the motor. This type of vehicle-side load boost-converts power source apparatus output voltage to supply power to the motor via the DC/AC inverter, converts generator output to DC through the DC/AC inverter, and steps-down the DC voltage via the voltage converter to charge the driving battery.
The power source apparatus can be used not only as the power source in motor vehicle applications, but also as a power storage system. For example, it can be used as a power source system in the home or manufacturing facility that is charged by solar power or late-night (reduced-rate) power and discharged as required. It can also be used for applications such as a streetlight power source that is charged during the day by solar power and discharged at night, or as a backup power source to operate traffic signals during power outage. An example of a power source apparatus for these types of applications is shown in
The load LD driven by the power source apparatus 100 is connected through the discharge switch DS. In the discharging mode, the power source controller 84 switches the discharge switch DS ON to connect and drive the load LD with power from the power source apparatus 100. A switching device such as a field effect transistor (FET) can be used as the discharge switch DS. The discharge switch DS is controlled ON and OFF by the power source apparatus 100 power source controller 84. In addition, the power source controller 84 is provided with a communication interface to communicate with externally connected equipment. In the example of
The power source apparatus, vehicle and power storage system using the power source apparatus of the present invention can be appropriately used as a power source apparatus in a vehicle such as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that can switch between an electric vehicle mode and a hybrid vehicle mode, a hybrid (electric) vehicle, and an electric vehicle.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010-234976 | Oct 2010 | JP | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/JP2011/073585 | 10/13/2011 | WO | 00 | 9/7/2012 |
