EP2245718A1

EP2245718A1 - Battery management system

Info

Publication number: EP2245718A1
Application number: EP09712460A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Tim Schäfer; Thomas Timke; Andreas Fuchs
Original assignee: Li Tec Battery GmbH
Current assignee: Li Tec Battery GmbH
Priority date: 2008-02-20
Filing date: 2009-02-18
Publication date: 2010-11-03
Also published as: US20110125433A1; WO2009103490A1; DE102008009970A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a control device for operating a rechargeable energy storage unit and for detecting operating data, and to a method for operating such a control device. The invention is described with reference to the use in a motor vehicle and to the control of the rechargeable energy storage unit thereof for supply of the electric drive of the motor vehicle. However, it should be noted that a device having the characteristics of the claims of the rechargeable energy storage unit may also be operated independently of motor vehicles, such as in stationary use.

Description

Battery Management System

The present invention relates to a control device for operating a rechargeable energy storage device and for detecting operating data, and a method for operating such a control device. The invention will be described in relation to use in a motor vehicle and the control of its rechargeable energy storage device for supplying the electrical drive of the motor vehicle. It should be noted, however, that a device having the features of the claims can also operate rechargeable energy storage devices independently of motor vehicles or in stationary use.

Control devices for rechargeable galvanic cell energy storage devices are known in the art. Such devices control, for example, the charge / discharge of connected galvanic cells and, if necessary, intervene in these processes in order to avoid undesired ones

Eliminate conditions of individual cells. For this purpose, electrical voltages, temperatures and / or charge states of connected galvanic cells are usually determined and evaluated. Following an assessment, these known control devices, if necessary, take corrective action.

In this case, such control devices are not able to do so during the operation of a rechargeable energy store to collect sufficient information about its operating conditions, which serve to support diagnostic operations as well as the prediction of a residual life of the operated energy storage device.

The present invention has for its object to collect sufficient data during operation of a rechargeable energy storage and to create evaluations to support diagnostic operations and to predict a residual life of the energy storage. This object is achieved with a control device and a method for its operation according to the features of the claims.

The invention relates to a control device for operating a rechargeable energy storage device. This rechargeable energy storage device has at least one galvanic cell for storing electrical energy. This rechargeable energy storage device is intended in particular for supplying an electrical drive of a motor vehicle. This control device is characterized in that it comprises at least one first control device for the controlled operation of a connected galvanic cell. Furthermore, this control device has a measuring device which is able to determine at least one functional parameter of at least one connected galvanic cell. Furthermore, this control device has an evaluation device for evaluating at least one measured functional parameter of this at least one connected galvanic cell. In addition, the control device has a first storage unit for storing data. These data comprise at least this measured function parameter or a variable derived therefrom, a value being stored therewith which gives information about the time of the measurement. According to the main claim, the rechargeable energy storage device has at least one galvanic cell. However, it is quite possible that several galvanic cells in different types of circuits (series connection and / or parallel connection of these cells) form this rechargeable energy storage device. The control device according to the invention is also capable of operating so constructed energy storage.

A so-called galvanic cell has at least first and second means for storing electrically different charges, and means for establishing an electrical connection of the two said means, whereby charge carriers can be shifted between these two said means. By the means for producing an electrical active compound, for example, a so-called electrolyte is to be understood, which acts as an ion conductor.

The measuring device mentioned is a device for detecting a functional parameter of a galvanic cell. In the present case, these are, for example, devices for measuring electrical quantities, such as, for example, electrical voltage, electrical current, electrical charge, but also the temperature of a galvanic cell.

Functional parameters are to be understood as meaning physical quantities which may be useful for the description of a galvanic cell. These are z. As the electrical capacity of such a cell, the measurable between the two poles of this cell electrical voltage or load-dependent terminal voltage, the strength of a charge or discharge leading electrical current, the Innenwichstand a galvanic cell, with which technical voltage sources in most cases are affected, the already charged or available electrical charge of the galvanic cell, leakage currents between the poles within this galvanic cell, or also - A -

the temperature of the cell, which for practical reasons may only be measured from the outside. Depending on the requirements for the operation of this rechargeable energy storage device, other physical quantities may be of interest.

The named evaluation device serves z. B. the utilization of a measured function parameter for further processing by this first control device. As a result, not all measuring devices deliver electrical voltage as a result. For example, a charging or discharging current must be converted into a proportional voltage. This may also apply to a measured temperature.

The control device also has a first storage unit. This first memory unit is used to store measured function parameters or derived variables, such. B. associated integrated or differentiated values. Together with these values, a temporal assignment is also stored in order to be able to track the processes in the galvanic cells later on.

The control device is capable of monitoring the temporal evolution of a function parameter. A measured and evaluated function parameter is compared with a target value for this function parameter. This is done mathematically by forming a difference between the evaluated and the predetermined value (target value). The required target value is taken from this first control device of this first memory unit. Determined differences from present and intended values (target value) of these function parameters are used to assess the state of the rechargeable energy storage device. Depending on these calculated differences, this first control device may be required to select one or more measures from a group of predefined measures for reducing these calculated differences on the basis of a set of rules prescribed for it and stored in this first assigned memory unit. By means of such a measure, a functional parameter of a galvanic cell is to be transferred again into a desired range. For example, this first control unit can switch on a cooling or extinguishing device.

It may happen that one or more measures introduced by the first control device for returning a function parameter to a target area do not lead to the desired result. In these cases, in which these calculated differences can not be reduced as desired, this first control device can turn off the galvanic cell located in an undesired state or interrupt its supply lines. This is, so to speak, the last measure available to the first control device which is intended to avoid possible damage to this rechargeable energy storage device or the operating control device.

This first control device is able to computationally create a retrospective temporal course of any functional parameter of any galvanic cell. If necessary, the first control device will compare this time course with a predetermined course, this predetermined course of a

Function parameter is stored in the first memory unit. The results of such a comparison can in turn be stored in this first memory unit. These comparisons and their assessments may include an eventual diagnosis of an incident support. From such courses, a person skilled in the art can gain insights into chronological sequences of events and developments of individual functional parameters.

For a person skilled in particular knowledge of the temperature or the state of charge of a galvanic cell can be of importance. This first control device can therefore be particularly concerned with the control of the temperature of a cell or its state of charge. Under the state of charge are physical quantities such as the constructive electrical capacity of a cell to understand the actually achievable electrical capacity of a cell, a currently measurable voltage between the poles of a cell and others. To counteract an undesirable temperature of a galvanic cell, this first control device, for example, a cooling device on or off. Undesirable states of charge can be counteracted by the transfer of charge between, for example, adjacent galvanic cells.

For example, a charging process of a galvanic cell is interrupted or aborted, or a galvanic cell is at least partially discharged via a resistor.

In this first memory unit, a calculation rule is stored, which allows this first control device to conclude from a measured course of a function parameter on its future development. This calculation rule can be a simple extrapolation, or a physique of the cell, that does not adequately reflect the extrapolation or a regulation better adapted to this physics. With the help of a prediction for a function parameter, its undesirable development can be prevented by timely initiation of corrective measures. For example, cumulative damage to galvanic cells operated in this way can be reduced. This increases their service life. In particular, the avoidance of undesirable temperatures or states of charge can have a life-prolonging effect.

By way of example, a calculation rule for determining the temperature of a galvanic cell is mentioned below. The temperature of a galvanic cell depends on its design and the conditions of use. It is assumed that the temperature of a cell by the interaction of a heat flow from the environment Q _a (at least natural convection) and an electric heating power P _E from the loading or

Discharge current is affected. This results from a heat flow balance with respect to the galvanic cell. That it is an idealized

Context is clarified by the approximation symbol ".

_Cp f * Q _∞ + P _E = -k * A * AT + P * R

Here, C _p stands for the heat capacity of the cell, f for the latter

Temperature gradients, k for the heat transfer coefficient relating to the heat flow through the cell wall, A stands for their area, .DELTA.I stands for the time-varying difference between external and cell temperature, / stands for the time-varying charge or discharge current and R for the electrical resistance Cell. This differential equation is to be solved using the boundary and initial conditions of operation of the galvanic cell. A first mathematical model of cell temperature is obtained as a function of time.

In practice, the use of the above-mentioned mathematical model is hampered by shortcomings of the measurement of the present cell temperature as well as the presence of transient and multi-dimensional heat conduction. From the operation in the laboratory empirical values can be obtained for the adaptation of the above-mentioned calculation rule to the reactive cell. Such a thing improved mathematical temperature model allows predicting the cell temperature with significantly lower errors.

To achieve even higher accuracy, the temperature model used can be adapted from time to time. For this purpose, results and findings from further measurements in the laboratory can be used

Temperature model would be replaced as part of maintenance operations. However, the temperature model can also be designed as a self-learning model due to the observation of operating conditions by means of an installed control loop.

As the age of a galvanic cell advances, its behavior changes so that, for example, an unchanged charge results in reduced charge or voltage available to the cell. If the accuracy of the prediction is high, an adaptation of the model is required.

The abovementioned methods for developing a temperature model can also be applied to other functional parameters, for example to the stored electrical charge of a galvanic cell or its electrical voltage. The starting point for the model development, for example, is a balance sheet for the electric current. There is also a connection between the thermal and electrical behavior of a galvanic cell by means of the electric heating power.

It is advantageous to develop a mathematical modeling of the electrical or thermal behavior of a galvanic cell based on a given embodiment. For example, the mathematical model of the thermal behavior can be supplemented by terms and adjustment factors which take into account the multi-dimensional and transient heat transmission through a wall of one or more galvanic cells. Similar good for a mathematical one Model for the electrical behavior of one or more cells. Adjustment factors of such models require adaptation from the comparison with the actual thermal behavior.

The given embodiment is subject to various operating conditions in the laboratory in accordance with the probable marginal and operating conditions of the rechargeable energy storage devices. Operating plans to cover possible values of parameters such as temperature, state of charge and state of aging of the cell are to be written. The use of parameter estimation algorithms can serve to determine the fluctuation boards of any parameter and thus to confirm or, if necessary, expand the operating and measurement plans.

The laboratory operation of a given rechargeable energy storage device with the battery management system according to the invention, as well as the measurement data acquisition, automated (computer-aided) take place, which increases the

Repeat accuracy of the investigations is used. In laboratory operation, the instrumentation or sensors can be chosen more extensively than is intended for later commercial series use. The rechargeable energy storage device can be charged in laboratory operation with manageable risk beyond and outside of operating conditions according to requirements. Especially this type of operation leads to knowledge gain and can serve as a basis for the development of remedial measures.

If necessary, the operating conditions or the instrumentation (sensors) can be adapted in the short term to the findings gained in laboratory operation. Gained measurement data can also be used at short notice to revise a mathematical model. In the laboratory a gradual and rapid refinement of the mathematical models is possible. If state variables or functional parameters of a galvanic cell are difficult or impossible to measure, or if, for cost reasons for example, individual sensors are to be dispensed with, the development of a state observer can be beneficial. A sophisticated state observer can perform the fully mathematical description of the control loop from the various control devices of the battery management system, the sensors, and the powered rechargeable energy storage device.

A mathematical model of the control loop designed with regard to the electrical and thermal behavior of a galvanic cell, or of an arrangement of such cells, with adjusting factors is charged with the prediction of operating conditions. This simulation is computer-aided using already acquired measurement data. First, the state observer will not adequately predict the behavior of the embodiment and will rework the adjustment factors of the underlying model based on the established difference of calculated model prediction and actually measured parameter. As the number of comparisons of predictions with prevailing states progresses, the mathematical model will become closer and closer to the behavior of the real control loop. Finally, one can obtain a steady and sufficiently accurate mathematical representation of the processes and a model for the prediction of states.

Based on an initially almost complete instrumentation of the galvanic cell, the number of sensors used can be gradually reduced. As long as the common mathematical model of the control loop settles, another sensor can be removed for a next run. It is at the discretion of the expert how far he wants to negotiate a stable and redundant control behavior against cost savings. A condition observer can be operated in a battery management system according to the invention or initially refined and queried during maintenance activities.

The first control device determines the future recordable electrical charge and / or removable electrical charge and / or the achievable highest electrical voltage and minimum electrical voltage from determined future time profiles of functional parameters of galvanic cells, each with a further calculation rule. Thus, a statement about the further operation of the rechargeable energy storage device is possible. With the knowledge of the future adjusting function parameters, the progressive aging of the energy storage device can be recognized and an economic residual life can be predicted. Thus, for example, a required maintenance can be signaled.

Said first control device is intended for the operation of, for example, a series circuit of a few galvanic cells. To complement it, the control device according to the invention may have a second control device with an associated second memory unit. An object of this second control device is the monitoring of a power supply for operating the control device according to the invention. For example, too high a

Supply voltage limited by an electrical circuit of the second memory unit or a too low supply voltage by a second control device inherent voltage pump or the like can be compensated.

These first and second control devices are signal-connected with one another, ie they are able to exchange signals and data. These can be electrical lines, optical cables or even a wireless connection. The signal exchange takes place in both directions and serves different purposes. A first regular exchange between these two control devices serves to ensure that the respective other control device operates properly ("first sign of life") .This can be regularly and irregularly transmitted and received according to a predetermined schedule predetermined signals.However, it is also possible Other devices or methods common in this field may serve this purpose, and this mutual assurance of the first and second control means signals that a controller may expect a desired behavior of the partner with high probability. In particular, the use of a rechargeable energy storage device in motor vehicles requires this mutual insurance.It is quite possible to use other types of mutual insurance, beis For example, by prescribed procedures of the automotive industry.

In order to ensure the safe operation of a rechargeable energy storage unit or the proper drive of a motor vehicle, the proper functioning of the two mentioned control devices is required. If this first sign of life does not arrive properly at the intended recipient, then a malfunction is to be assumed. The control devices are set up to actuate an electrical switching device in the absence of the first sign of life. By operating this electrical switching device uncontrolled discharge of the rechargeable energy storage unit is prevented. Thus, by pressing this electrical switching device, for example, the

Lead to this electrical energy storage unit are interrupted.

Regularly or as needed, the first control device sends predetermined signals depending on measured and evaluated functional parameters of a galvanic cell of this second control device. These signals provide information on desired or undesired values for physical quantities, on desired or undesired timing of functional parameters, or on the presence of certain operating conditions or messages on corrective actions begun or terminated or messages from an active software confirming proper operation. This second control device receives these messages and stores them together with a time information in the second memory unit. These entries create a log of events or determinations in the second memory unit.

The second control device is set up so that it can read or overwrite contents of a first memory unit. If necessary, the second control device is able to ascertain or query values or courses relating to function parameters or determined deviations. This is for example to support a diagnostic process. If required, the second control device is also able to specify target values or predetermined courses of function parameters for a first control device or to change specifications. This also applies to the specification of limit values which may depend on the respective operating state of the rechargeable energy storage unit. For example, it makes sense to limit charging or discharging currents of galvanic cells depending on the temperature of a galvanic cell. This can avoid cumulative damage and thus prolong the service life of the rechargeable energy storage unit. It may also be useful to specify minimum or maximum voltages of galvanic cells. For example, in the winter a charge change of galvanic cells must be made within narrower limits.

In the event that the measures taken by a first control device to restore compliance with a target value of a function parameter remain unsuccessful, this second control device is set up for actuating an electrical switching device. This serves to increase the reliability of a rechargeable energy storage unit, for example, if a first control device fails. In particular, an excessively high discharge current of a galvanic cell or a sudden voltage drop of a galvanic cell may indicate a defect. Both the rechargeable energy storage unit and the powered drive unit of a motor vehicle must be protected from such defects. For example, this second control unit can switch on a cooling or extinguishing device.

Due to manufacturing or operational constraints, certain series and / or parallel circuits of galvanic cells are desirable. It may be useful to first form packets of galvanic cells in series circuits to achieve a desired electrical voltage. If a larger charge to be carried, so a parallel connection of such packages makes sense. The control device according to the invention is able to operate such arrangements. Depending on the design of the rechargeable energy storage unit, it is advantageous that a second control device is connected to a plurality of first control devices. This is particularly advantageous in parallel groups of galvanic cells to increase the capacity or the recordable charge advantage. With such an arrangement of the control devices, this second control device can make any occurring different states of charge between the individual groups of galvanic cells, which are monitored by a respective first control device. This measure can serve to distribute the removal or storage of electrical charges more uniformly to these different groups of galvanic cells. This procedure can increase the life of the rechargeable energy storage unit. Due to its raised position, a second control device is able to compare time profiles of a plurality of functional parameters of different galvanic cells, which may also be associated with different first control devices. These ascertained profiles can also be compared with globally predefined progressions of functional parameters stored in this second memory unit. With a calculation rule also stored in this second memory unit, the second control device is able to detect a change in available capacitance of galvanic cells as their service life progresses. Such a global functional parameter may also be the electrical voltage measurable across the entire rechargeable energy storage unit. From such global functional parameters can be determined with a stored calculation rule a meaningful remaining life of the rechargeable energy storage unit.

To carry out a planned or unplanned maintenance activity, this second control device can be signal-connected to an external controller. This signal connection can, as described above, be wired or wireless. This second control device and the external control are set up so that they can exchange predetermined signals via the signal connection. Furthermore, the second control device is set up in such a way that it can grant the external control access to the second memory unit, for instance for viewing logs. The second control device can also overwrite the contents of the second memory unit assigned to it in accordance with the external control. So can computing rules, new

Defaults for function parameters or their progressions as well as other stored memory contents are overwritten. In order to secure this memory contents, it is necessary for this external controller to be recognized as authorized with respect to the second control device. Here is the transmission or retrieval of security codes usual. For safety reasons, a wired signal connection is preferable.

A second control device is able to rearrange the groups of galvanic cells, which are each assigned to a first control device, according to the requirements and status of these groups. Thus, existing series and / or parallel circuits of such groups of galvanic cells can be changed by means of a suitable switching device. This may become necessary during the operation of this rechargeable energy storage unit, for example, if individual first control devices have been switched off. By a suitable interconnection of these groups of galvanic cells can still be ensured with reduced capacity, the desired global voltage. For this purpose, this second control device controls an electrical switching device. Thus, the drive of a motor vehicle, although over a shorter period, but still be supplied with the required electrical voltage.

This second control device is signal-connected, for example, when used in a motor vehicle with another controller, this further control is associated with the motor vehicle. The second control device and the further control can transmit signals via the signal connection of the respective other control device or control and also receive them. Depending on a measured or an evaluated functional parameter of one or more galvanic cells, this second control device can send predetermined signals to this further control. These predetermined signals inform the further control of the operating state of the rechargeable energy storage unit.

This second control device and the further control can be connected within the motor vehicle via any communication bus. Thus, the different requirements of the various motor vehicle manufacturers is taken into account. For example, this communication bus can be designed as a CAN bus.

By means of this signal connection, the second control device and this signal-connected further control exchange a predetermined signal, at least occasionally, regularly or irregularly. This is to make sure the receiver that the transmitter is working properly. This signal is called a second sign of life.

In the absence of this second sign of life, this second control device or this further control actuate an electrical switching device, this operation is dependent on the operating state of this motor vehicle. These features serve to increase the operational reliability of the rechargeable energy storage unit and enable the properly operating second control device or this further control in a position to prevent an optionally uncontrolled discharge of the rechargeable energy storage unit. For this purpose, as before, various graduated measures are available, whereby an interruption of the supply lines to the rechargeable energy storage unit can be brought about. As a further influencing factor for the seizure of these measures is the operating state of the motor vehicle. When the motor vehicle is at rest, it may be possible to dispense with the seizure of these measures by the second control device. This is the case when a current drawn from the rechargeable energy storage unit does not exceed a predetermined value. In the operating state of the motor vehicle and functional further control, actuation of a switching device may be omitted. This behavior can not be specified universally and is also determined by the user or manufacturer of the motor vehicle. In special cases, for example during a car accident or immediately afterwards, this further control of this second control device can send a predetermined signal, which informs this second control device of an emergency that has occurred. After receiving this emergency signal, this second control device actuates an electrical switching device for interrupting the supply lines to the rechargeable energy storage unit or with at least one other sequence in accordance with the user or the manufacturer of the motor vehicle.

This control device according to the invention can be used for the operation of rechargeable energy storage unit according to various types. Advantageously, this control device is used for rechargeable energy storage units, which have a high power density and their life is significantly increased by ensuring the operation within predetermined limits. This is the case, in particular, in the case of rechargeable energy storage units in which the electrolyte of the electrochemical cells forming the rechargeable electrical energy storage unit has suitable electrical charge carriers. These electrical charge carriers serve to increase the cell voltage compared to rechargeable energy storage units with low power density. This applies, for example, to rechargeable energy storage units which use lithium ions as electrical charge carriers.

The control device according to the invention is operated in such a way that its first control device controls the existing measuring devices for detecting values for functional parameters. In practice, a plurality of functional parameters of a galvanic cell are detected almost simultaneously with a detection clock of a few kHz and stored in a buffer. This first control device also controls the existing evaluation devices. Using computational rules, the data of the cache is stored by the Filtered existing evaluation, converted into suitable sizes for comparison or otherwise processed. For example, only slowly changing function parameters are compressed in time. This first control device also controls the storage of the edited data in this first storage unit and adds time information in each case. In this way, a history log of the various functional parameters of the connected galvanic cells is created in this first memory unit.

From the values stored in this first memory unit to a functional parameter, this first control device determines

Using a calculation rule, the future temporal changes of the values of this function parameter. In comparison with a predefined course to this functional parameter, this first control unit determines, if necessary, deviations which increasingly increase with advancing age of the associated galvanic cell. This applies, for example, the relationship between the charge applied as a product of charge current and charging time and on the other hand, the achieved electrical voltage of the cell. With increasing age of the cell a lower electrical voltage is achieved with unchanged charging. When falling below a minimum to be reached electrical voltage or charge an electric drive can not be properly supplied and the cell in question is to change. With the introduction of various limit values with regard to the minimum electrical voltage to be achieved, this first control unit already detects the approaching failure of the affected cell and can notify it of this second control device.

This second control device and the associated first control devices are set up according to the invention for the mutual exchange of signals. Regularly or as needed sends a first unit of this second control unit given signals. The are, for example, messages about occurred deviations of functional parameters, measures introduced and their success, progress reports of a software and / or their error messages. In this way, this second control unit is an overview of the state of all galvanic cells of the operated rechargeable

Energy storage device allows. This second control unit thus produces a collection protocol with time references, which is communicated to other recipients when needed. This creates some data redundancy. Furthermore, the overview also allows more extensive evaluations, which may be of relevance for diagnostic procedures even after failure of individual groups, each consisting of a first control device and its galvanic cells.

In the reverse direction, a second controller has access to the existing first storage units. This access is used, for example, to query the target values stored therein, specified courses of function parameters or their modification by overwriting the memory contents. This access is also used to adapt the operating profiles, for example charging current characteristics, to changed boundary conditions such as, for example, outside temperatures or progressive aging of the rechargeable energy storage device. In this way, a second control device can also replace computation instructions in existing first storage devices, for example in the course of maintenance work or updates of the software. This procedure is in place of this second control device and a temporally signal-connected external control, such as a diagnostic device or a charger, possible.

A group consisting of a first control device and its galvanic cells can fail because, for example, the running software of this first control device is no longer working properly or At least one of the connected galvanic cells behaves undesirable and the group was therefore turned off. In this case, the existing combination of parallel and series connection of the groups of rechargeable energy storage device with respect to the electrical voltage can get in imbalance, for example because a series connection of groups because of a failed group can no longer provide the required electrical voltage. With the aid of a switching device and using a calculation rule, this second control device, possibly also during the use of the operated motor vehicle, produces a different series and / or parallel connection of the groups for supplying the required electrical voltage. If necessary, further groups are switched off or electrically isolated by interrupting the supply lines. Thus, with an overall reduced capacity of the rechargeable energy storage device operation of an electric drive with also reduced range of a driven motor vehicle is possible.

An uncontrolled discharge of the rechargeable

Energy storage device is also undesirable depending on the operating state of the driven motor vehicle. For example, immediately after an excessive acceleration of the rechargeable energy storage device whose further and / or uncontrolled discharge is to be avoided. In such a situation, this further control sends a predetermined signal, which receives and understands this second control device as an indication of an emergency. This second control device then separates the leads to this energy storage device or actuates a switching device to prevent uncontrolled discharge.

In another embodiment, the functions of the first and second storage units are combined in a single storage unit. This single storage unit is assigned, if necessary, a further storage unit, which at least temporarily reads and stores part of the memory contents of this single memory unit.

In a further embodiment, the functions of this second control device are fulfilled by a first control device. There is then no separate second control device.

In a further embodiment, the functions of this second control device can additionally be fulfilled by a first control device, wherein this first control device provides these functions only after failure of this second control device.

A u s u s p e s e p i e s

Further advantages, features and applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the figures. It shows:

1 shows a block diagram of a first control device of the control device with further devices;

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a second control device of the control device with further devices; FIG.

Fig. 3 shows a control device for a rechargeable

Energy storage device with increased capacity, consisting here of two parallel groups of galvanic cells.

Fig. 1 shows a first control device (2) of Steusruπgssiπrächtung invention (1). This is about a Verhindungseinrichtung (7) and respective switching means (25) connected to the individual galvanic cells (6) of the rechargeable energy storage device (27). At least one measuring device (3) is connected to a first number of connecting lines (30) in addition to this first control device (2). The two illustrated measuring devices (3) are used to detect the electrical voltage of a galvanic cell (6) and their temperature. Also connected to this first number of connecting lines (30) is the evaluation device (4), which converts and processes the detected values for the various functional parameters, as described above, for further processing. This first

Control device (2) stores the processed values together with time information in a first memory unit (5). Also connected to the first number of connecting lines (30) is a state of charge compensation device (8) for compensating different states of charge of the connected galvanic cells (6). Not shown is an electrical resistance, over which, if necessary, a galvanic cell (6) can be discharged. This is particularly necessary when a single galvanic cell (6) of, for example, a series circuit of galvanic cells (6) has a higher electrical voltage than the remaining cells. This electrical resistance, not shown above the

Connection device (7) of the respective galvanic cell (6) of the state of charge compensation device (8) switched on. A first interface ^) connects the first number of connection lines (30) to a second control device (11). About a control block (10), the said electronic modules are supplied with energy. Also shown is the electric drive (23) of the motor vehicle, which is connected via a controller (28) and an electrical switching device (22) with the connecting device (7). With closed switching device (22) and appropriate instruction from this first control device (2), the electric drive (23) is supplied with electrical energy from the rechargeable energy storage device (27). Also shown is a first control (24) via which the first Control device (2) open a switching device (22) and thus can interrupt the supply of the electric drive (23). The opening of the switch (22) effectively represents the last of the measures available to the first control device (2) to avoid damage by, for example, uncontrolled discharge of a galvanic cell (6). Previously, a switching device (25) would be connected via a control line (26) ), which would separate a single galvanic cell (6) from the connector (7).

Fig. 2 shows a second control device (11) of the control device (1). This is connected via a second number of connecting lines (31) with the following devices. As mentioned above, this second control device (11) is connected via the first interface (9) to this first number of connecting lines (30), which in turn is connected to the three illustrated first control devices (2). Via a control device (21), the respective groups, represented by the respectively first control device (2), are supplied with electrical energy from the voltage source (19). Illustrated by way of example is a control line (12) to various switching devices. The detection module (13) is used to measure various currents, said measuring device as needed via a switching device (not shown) in different

Circuits can be switched. On the number of connecting lines (31) is also a real-time clock (14) is connected. This serves to provide time information, for example, when a value or a message about an event is to be stored in a memory unit. To the second number of connecting lines (31), a second memory module (15) is connected, in which this second control device (11) applies a Sammelverlaufsprotokoll. Another memory module (16) is used in this embodiment for storing software that is required for the operation of this second control device (11). Likewise, contents of the memory modules (15, 16) can also be used in a single Memory module to be stored. Also shown are two further interfaces (17, 20), which this second control device (11) the signal exchange with an aforementioned further control, which is assigned to the vehicle, as well as temporarily allow an external control, such as a diagnostic device.

Fig. 3 shows a control device (1) for a rechargeable energy storage device, which consists of two groups as an example. Such a group consists in each case of a first control device (2) and each one connected series circuit of four galvanic cells (6) and some other components that are not shown here. Two such rechargeable energy storage device (27) are connected in parallel by means of two supply lines (32, 33). However, it is quite possible to connect a much larger number of energy storage devices (27) in parallel or in series. Part of the first number of connecting lines (30) is a control line (34), via which the controller (28) is controlled. Also shown is the second number of connecting lines (31), which via an interface (17) allows the signal exchange with another controller, here the motor vehicle.

Claims

Patent claims

1. Control device for operating a particular rechargeable energy storage unit, which has at least one galvanic cell, wherein the rechargeable energy storage unit in particular for supplying an electrical

Drive of a motor vehicle is determined, characterized in that the control device has at least a first control device, and a measuring device for measuring at least one functional parameter of at least one galvanic cell, and an evaluation device for evaluating at least one functional parameter of the at least one galvanic cell and at least one first memory unit to store this function parameter or a quantity derived from this function parameter, preferably with at least one value which is representative of the time of the measurement.

2. Control device according to claim 1, characterized in that this first control device monitors the maintenance of a target value of at least one function parameter of at least one galvanic cell, wherein this target value of this function parameter is stored in this first memory unit.

3. Control device according to claim 2, characterized in that this first control device in case of deviation of at least one functional parameter of a galvanic

Cell of a target value at least one measure of compliance initiates this target value and / or shuts off this galvanic cell in case of unsuccessful action to restore compliance with a predetermined target value of a functional parameter of a galvanic cell.

4. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that this first control device from the measured values of a function parameter determines a retrospective temporal course of this function parameter and compares this retrospective time course with a predetermined time course of this function parameter, which in this first

Memory unit is stored, and stores the result of this comparison also in this memory unit.

5. Control device according to claim 3, characterized in that the temperature of a galvanic cell of these function parameters and the connection or

Shutdown of a cooling device this Abstellmaßnahme is.

6. Control device according to claim 3, characterized in that the electrical voltage of a first galvanic cell of these functional parameters and the charging or discharging of this galvanic cell is this Abstellmaßnahme, for example, at least one further galvanic cell of the rechargeable energy storage device emits or receives the required charge.

7. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that this first control device from a retrospective temporal change of a function parameter using a stored in this first memory unit Rule determines a future temporal change of this function parameter and stored in this first memory unit.

8. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that this first control device determines the progressive aging of the rechargeable energy storage device from a comparison of a determined future time change of a functional parameter of a galvanic cell with an associated predetermined time profile of this functional parameter, wherein, for example, the measured electrical Voltage of this galvanic cell is used as a function parameter.

9. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a second control device and a second storage unit.

10. Control device according to claim 9, characterized in that said first control means is signal-connected to said second control means and these first and second control means for transmitting a signal to the respective other control means and / or for receiving a

Signals are set up by this respective other control device.

11. Control device according to claim 10, characterized in that this first control device and this signal-connected second control device at least temporarily replace a predetermined signal, this signal is called "first sign of life".

12. Control device according to one of claims 10 to 11, characterized in that this first control device of this second control device regularly and / or if necessary sends predetermined signals, these signals being representative of measured and / or evaluated functional parameters of the connected galvanic cells, and / or temporal courses to these function parameters, and / or deviations from target values or predetermined time profiles of these function parameters, and / or messages to operating states of the connected galvanic cells, and / or messages to initiated or terminated Abstellmaßnahmen and / or messages to the expiration of an active software of the first Control means are, and these second control means these signals in the second

Storage unit stores, preferably with at least one value which is representative of the time of measurement.

13. Control device according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that this first control device or this second control device when not received first

Sign of life actuated an electrical switching device.

14. Control device according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the second control device is arranged for reading and / or overwriting the contents of a first memory unit, wherein, for example, operating profits for loading and / or unloading, predetermined time courses of Function parameters, target values of function parameters and / or calculation rules are read and / or overwritten.

15. Control device according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that this second control device actuates an electrical switching device in an unsuccessfully initiated measure to restore compliance with a predetermined target value of a functional parameter of a galvanic cell, for example, the discharge current of a galvanic cell of these function parameters ,

16. Control device according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the second control device is signal-connected to a plurality of first control means, said plurality of first control means is associated with at least one galvanic cell, and such a combination of a first control device with the connected galvanic Cells group is called.

17. Control device according to claim 16, characterized in that the second control device can compensate for different charge states of different galvanic cells by shifting charges between these different galvanic cells.

18. Control device according to one of claims 16 to 17, characterized in that it further has a operated by said second control means switching means, said switching means allows the electrical arrangement of these groups to each other as a parallel and / or series connection or as combinations of these types of circuits ,

19. Control device according to one of claims 10 to 18, characterized in that this second Sieuererungseinrichtung rr.it At least one external control is at least temporarily signal-connected and these second and external controls for sending a signal to the respective other control device or control and / or for receiving a signal from the respective other control device or control are set up.

20. Control device according to claim 19, characterized in that the external control for reading and / or overwriting the contents of this second memory unit is set up, wherein in particular calculation instructions, operating profiles, messages on operating states and / or predetermined temporal

Characteristics of function parameters of the connected galvanic cells are read and / or overwritten.

21. Control device according to one of claims 10 to 20, characterized in that said second control device is signal-connected with at least one further control and this second control device and this further control for sending a signal to the respective other control device or controller and / or for receiving a signal from this respective other control device or control are set up.

22. Control device according to one of claims 10 to 21, characterized in that said second control device is signal-connected to said at least one further control via an arbitrary communication bus, wherein the communication bus is, for example, a CAN bus.

23. Control device according to one of claims 10 to 22, characterized in that this second control device and this signal-connected further control at least temporarily replace given signal, this signal is called "second sign of life".

24. Control device according to one of claims 10 to 23, characterized in that this second control device at not received second sign of life an electrical

Switching device operated, this motor vehicle is in the operating state.

25. Control device according to one of claims 10 to 24, characterized in that this further control actuates an electrical switching device when not received second sign of life.

26. Control device according to one of claims 10 to 25, characterized in that this further control sends this second control device a predetermined signal, which is called "emergency signal", and that this second

Control device actuated upon receipt of this emergency signal, an electrical switching device.

27. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one galvanic cell of the rechargeable energy storage unit has a first and a second

Device for storing electrical charge and a means for electrically operative connection of said means for storing electrical charge, wherein the means for the active compound comprises electrical charge carriers, which may be in particular lithium ions.

28. A method for operating a control device according to one of the preceding claims, in particular for a rechargeable energy storage unit, which has at least one galvanic cell, wherein the rechargeable energy storage unit in particular for supplying an electric drive of a

Motor vehicle is determined, characterized in that at least one first control device of the control device controls a measuring device for measuring at least one functional parameter of at least one galvanic cell and an evaluation device for evaluating at least one functional parameter of the at least one galvanic cell and this function parameter or a derived from this function parameter variable preferably with at least one value, which is representative of the time of the measurement, stored in at least one first memory unit.

29. A method for operating a control device according to claim 28, characterized in that this first control device determines the progressive aging of the rechargeable energy storage device from a comparison of a determined future time change of a functional parameter of a galvanic cell with an associated predetermined time profile of this functional parameter, wherein, for example, the measured electrical voltage of this galvanic cell is used as a function parameter.

30. A method for operating a control device according to claim 28 to 29, characterized in that said first control means of this second control means regularly and / or if necessary sends predetermined signals, wherein these signals are representative of measured and / or evaluated functional parameters of the connected galvanic cells, and / or temporal courses to these function parameters, and / or deviations from target values or predetermined time courses of these function parameters, and / or messages to operating states of the connected galvanic cells, and / or or messages to started or ended Abstellmaßnahmen and / or messages for running an active software of the first control device, and this second control device stores these signals in the second memory unit, preferably with at least one value which is representative of the time of measurement.

31. A method for operating a control device according to claim 28 to 30, characterized in that said second control means reads and / or overwrites the contents of a first memory unit, said contents, for example, operating profiles for loading and / or unloading, predetermined time courses of Function parameters, target values of function parameters and / or calculation rules are.

32. A method for operating a control device according to claim 28 to 31, characterized in that this second control device comprises a switching device for the electrical arrangement of these groups, each having a first control device and at least one galvanic cell each, as a parallel and / or series circuit or also operates as combinations of these types of circuits.

33. Method for operating a control device according to claim 28, characterized in that this external control reads and / or overwrites the contents of this second memory unit, wherein these contents are, in particular, calculation instructions, operating profiles, messages on operating states and / or predetermined time profiles of Function parameters of the connected galvanic cells are.

34. Method for operating a control device according to claim 28 to 33, characterized in that this further control of this second control device sends a predetermined signal, which is called "emergency signal", and that this second control device actuates an electrical switching device upon receipt of this emergency signal.

35. A method for operating a control device according to claim 28 to 34, characterized in that this first or second control device prepares and / or operates a mathematical model of a control loop.