ELECTRIC STORAGE APPARATUS, ELECTRONIC DEVICE, ELECTRIC
VEHICLE, AND ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEM
BACKGROUND
[0001]
The present disclosure relates to an electric storage
apparatus, and an electronic device, an electric vehicle,
and an electric power system taking advantage of electric
power from the electric storage apparatus.
[0002]
In recent years, uses for secondary batteries such as
lithium-ion batteries and so forth have rapidly been
expanded in electric power storage apparatuses for electric
power storage, automotive batteries, and so forth combined
with a new energy system such as solar batteries, wind-power
generation, or the like. In the case of employing a great
number of electric storage elements, e.g., unit batteries
(also referred to as single batteries or cells. In the
following description, referred to as battery cells as
appropriate) to generate large output, a configuration is
employed wherein multiple electric storage modules are
serially•connected. With the electric storage modules, a
battery block is configured by multiple, e.g., four battery
cells being connected in series and/or parallel. An
electric storage module (also referred to as assembled
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battery) is configured by a great number of battery blocks
being housed in an exterior case.
[0003]
Further, there is a battery system according to the
related art wherein multiple electric storage modules are
connected, and a common control device is provided to the
multiple electric storage modules. The electric storage
modules include a module controller, and configured to
communicate between the module controller and a control
device via a communication tool.
[0004]
In the case of using multiple battery cells, there may
be a case where even if one of multiple battery cells has
reached use lower limit voltage at the time of discharge due
to difference in self-discharge of battery cells, or the
like, other battery cells have not reached use lower limit
voltage yet. Charging the battery cells again in such a
state causes a problem in that a battery cell which is not
sufficiently charged occurs, and the capability of the
battery cell fails to be sufficiently be exhibited.
[0005]
In order to correct such irregularities between
multiple battery cells, balance. between the battery cells
has heretofore been controlled. Further, with Japanese
Unexamined Patent Application Publication No, 2008-035680,
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description has been made wherein a great number of battery
cells are divided into multiple series cell groups, an
inter-cell voltage balance correction circuit is provided to
the cell groups, and also an inter-group voltage balance
correction circuit is provided thereto. The inter-group
voltage balance correction circuits are configured to
subject the series voltages of the cell groups to balance
correction using AC coupling to be formed with a transformer
coil and a switching circuit.
SUMMARY
[0006]
The inter-group voltage balance correction circuit
described in Japanese Unexamined Application Publication No.
2008-035680 can be applied to the balance correction of the
battery groups of an electric storage module. However,
though a coil is connected for each cell group, the coils
are configured to be wound on a common magnetic core.
Accordingly, in the case that the coils have been connected
to multiple electric storage modules housed in a separate
case, the coils and magnetic core have to be housed in a
separate case. A star-shaped wiring is performed wherein
multiple electric storage modules are connected to the
separate transformer devices, and consequently, a problem is
caused in that in the case of the number of the electric
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storage modules increasing, connections are complicated.
[0007]
Further, uniformity of voltages is performed by the
switching circuit being controlled so as to perform an
on/off operation at the same phase, which prevents a
switching operation from being independently controlled for
each cell group. Accordingly, this causes a problem in that
transfer of electric power is not performed from a
particular cell group having high voltage to a particular
cell group having low voltage.
[0008]
It has been found to be desirable to provide an
electric storage apparatus, an electronic device, an
electric vehicle, and an electric power system, whereby the
switching operation of each electric storage module can
individually be controlled without the transformer being
configured as a device separate from the electric storage
modules.
[0009]
In one embodiment, a battery system includes: a
plurality of electronic storage modules serially connected
together, each electronic storage module including a battery
block group including a plurality of battery cells, and a
different magnetic core connected to each battery block
group.
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[0010]
Ib'another embodiment, a battery device includes: an
electric storage module including a battery block group
including a plurality of battery cells, and a magnetic core
connected to the battery block group and configured to
operate with only the one battery block group.
[0011]
In another embodiment, a control device includes an
electric storage module including a magnetic core, a primary
switch electrically connected to the magnetic core via a
primary side coil, a secondary switch electrically connected
to the magnetic core via a secondary side coil, and a module
controller.
[0012]
In another embodiment, an electric vehicle includes:
battery system including a plurality of electronic storage
modules serially connected together, each electronic storage
module including a battery block group including a plurality
of battery cells, and a different magnetic core connected to
each battery block group; and a converter configured to
receive a supply of electric power from the battery system,
and to supply the power to a component of the electric
vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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[0013]
Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an example of an electric
storage system;
Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an example of
an electric storage module;
Fig. 3 is a connection diagram illustrating the
connection configuration of an example of the electric
storage module;
Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a specific
configuration of the electric storage system;
Fig. 5 is a block diagram of an example of a module
controller;
Fig. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the
configuration of an electric, storage system to which
multiple electric storage modules are connected;
Fig. 7 is an approximate line drawing illustrating a
mounted state of components as to a multi-layer wiring board
of the electric storage modules;
Fig. 8 is a connection diagram illustrating the circuit
configuration of an insulating unit;
Figs. 9A and 9B are cross-sectional views for
describing a 2-layer wiring board and a 4-layer wiring
board;
Figs. 10A and 10B are approximate line drawings for
describing a specific example of a printed-circuit board
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antenna;
Figs. 11A through 110 are approximate line drawings for
describing importance of bottom balance;
Figs. 12A through 120 are approximate line drawings for
describing an active bottom cell balance operation;
Figs. 13A through 130 are approximate line drawings for
describing importance of top balance;
Figs. 14A through 140 are approximate line drawings for
describing an active top cell balance operation;
Figs. 15A and 15B are connection diagrams of an active
bottom cell balance circuit according to the related art;
Fig. 16 is a timing chart for describing the operation
of the active bottom cell balance circuit according to the
related art;
Figs. 17A and 175 are connection diagrams of an active
top cell balance circuit according to the related art;
Fig. 18 is a timing chart for describing the operation
of the active top cell balance circuit according to the
related art;
Fig-: 19 is a connection diagram of an example of an
inter-module balance circuit according to the related art;
Fig. 20 is a connection diagram of an example of an
inter-module balance circuit;
Fig. 21 is a connection diagram of a first example of
an inter-module balance circuit according to an embodiment
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of the present disclosure;
Fig. 22 is a connection diagram illustrating a specific
example of a switch;
Fig. 23 is a connection diagram for operation
description of the first example of the inter-module balance
circuit according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
Fig. 24 is a timing chart for operation description of
the first example of the inter-module balance circuit
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 25 is a connection diagram of a second example of
the inter-module balance circuit according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure;
Fig. 26 is a connection diagram of a third example of
the inter-module balance circuit according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure;
Fig. 27 is a connection diagram of a fourth example of
the inter-module balance circuit according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure;
Fig-. 28 is a block diagram of an example of an electric
storage system including the inter-module balance circuit
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 29 is a connection diagram in the case that the
present disclosure has been applied to an inter-cell balance
circuit;
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Fig. 30 is a block diagram of a first example of an
application of the electric storage system including the
inter-module balance circuit according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure; and
Fig. 31 is a block diagram of a second example of an
application of the electric storage system including the
inter-module balance circuit according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0014]
Embodiments that will be described below are preferred
specific examples of the present disclosure, and technically
preferred various restrictions are appended thereto, but the
scope of the present disclosure will not, be restricted to
these embodiments in the following description unless
description is made to the effect that the present
disclosure is particularly restricted.
[0015]
Electric Storage System
In the case of employing a great number of electric
storage elements, e.g., battery cells to generate large
output, a configuration is employed wherein multiple
electric storage units (hereafter, referred to as electric
storage modules) are connected thereto, and a control device
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is provided common to the multiple electric storage modules.
Such a configuration will be referred to as an electric
storage system.
[0016]
The electric storage modules are units of multiple
battery cells and controllers being combined. As
illustrated in Fig. 1, N electric storage modules MOD1
through MODN are serially connected. The electric storage
modules MODl through MODN are connected to an interface bus
BS via an insulating unit IS.
[0017]
Further, the module controllers are connected to the
entire control device (hereafter, referred to as control box
as appropriate) ICNT, and the control box ICNT performs
management for such as charge management; discharge
management, deterioration control, and so forth. The
control box ICNT is configured of a microcomputer.
[0018]
A serial interface is employed as a bus within an
electric storage module, and a bus BS which connects the
electric storage modules MOD1 through MODN, and the control
box ICNT. Specifically, an SM bus (System Management Bus),
a CAN (Controller Area Network), an SPI (Serial Peripheral
Interface), or the like is employed as a serial interface.
For example, an I2C bus can be employed. The I2C bus is
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synchronous serial communication for performing
communication using two signal lines of SCL (serial clock)
and two-way SDA (serial data)
[0019]
The module controller CNT of each electric storage
module MOD, and the control box ICNT perform communication.
Specifically, information of an internal state of each
electric storage module, i.e., battery information is
received by the control box ICNT, the charging processing
and discharging processing of each electric storage module
are managed. The control box ICNT supplies output (N x 51.2
V) of series connection of the N electric storage modules to
a load. In the case of N = 14, the output becomes (14 x
51.2 V = 716.8 V).
[0020]
Example of Electric Storage Modules
Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the
mechanical configuration of an electric storage module MOD.
The exterior case of the electric storage module MOD is made
up of an exterior lower case 2a and an exterior upper case
2b which are made of metal subjected to sheet metal
processing. It is desirable to employ a material having
high thermal conductivity and emissivity as a material of
the exterior lower case 2a and exterior upper case 2b. Thus,
an excellent casing heat dissipation property can be
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obtained, and temperature rise within the case can be
prevented. For example, the materials of the exterior lower
case 2a and exterior upper case 2b are aluminum or aluminum
alloy or copper or copper alloy. An external positive pole
terminal 3 and an external negative pole terminal 4 for
charging/discharging as to the electric storage module MOD
are provided to the back surface of the case.
[0021]
Further, a current shielding vessel 5 is provided to
the back surface of the electric storage module MOD. Safety
can be improved by providing the current shielding vessel 5.
Further, a connector unit 6 for communication with the
control circuit disposed in the case 2 is provided. The
control circuit is provided to monitor the temperature of a
battery unit, and to control charging, discharging, and so
forth. Further, a display element such an LED or the like
indicating an operation state is provided to the front
surface of the case.
[0022]
The-exterior lower case 2a of the case has a box-shaped
configuration, and the exterior upper case 2b is provided so
as to cover an opening thereof. Sub modules AS1 through AS4
are housed in the storage space of the exteriorlower case
2a. In order to fix the sub modules AS1 through AS4 using a
screw or the like, multiple bosses are formed on the bottom
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of the exterior lower case 2a. The sub modules AS1 through
AS4 are assembled outside of the case beforehand.
[0023]
Each sub module is a module of multiple battery blocks
being integrated with an insulating case serving as a sub
storage case. A mold component such as plastic or the like
can be employed as the cases of the sub modules. The sub
modules AS1 through AS4 are for housing the multiple battery
blocks in the case so as to prevent the positive pole
terminals and negative pole terminals of the internal
battery blocks from being exposed.
[0024]
One battery block is a block made up of eight
cylindrical lithium-ion secondary batteries being connected
in parallel, for example. The sub modules AST and AS2 are
six battery blocks being integrated with the upper case and
lower case, respectively. The sub modules AS3 and AS4 are
two battery blocks being integrated with the upper case and
lower case, respectively. Accordingly, a total of sixteen
(6 + 6 + 2 + 2 = 16) battery blocks are used. These battery
blocks are connected in series, for example.
[0025]
.With each of the sub modules AS1 through AS4, a metal
plate for connection, e.g., a bus bar is used for serially
connecting battery blocks. The bus bar is an elongated rod-
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shaped metal. With the bus bar, multiple holes for
connecting a connection metal plate derived from a battery
block, or the like are formed.
[0026]
As illustrated in Fig. 3, battery blocks Bl through B16
to each of which eight batteries are connected in parallel
are serially connected. The battery blocks B1 through B16
are each connected to a module controller CNT serving as a
control device of each electric storage module, and
charging/discharging is controlled. Charging/discharging is
performed via the exterior positive pole terminal 3 and
exterior negative terminal 4. For example, the battery
blocks Bl through B6 are included in the sub module AS1, and
the battery blocks Bll and B16 are included in the sub
module AS2. Further, the battery blocks 67 and B10 are
included in the sub module AS3, and the battery blocks B8
and B9 are included in the sub module AS4.
[0027]
Information such as voltage between the positive and
negative electrodes of each battery block, or the like, is
supplied to the module controller CNT via the bus 10. The
module controller CNT monitors the voltage, current, and
temperature of each battery block, and outputs a monitored
result as battery information. For example, one electric
storage module MOD outputs (16 x 3.2 V = 51.2 V).
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[0028]
Fig. 4 illustrates a more specific connection
configuration of the electric storage system. For example,
four electric storage modules MODI through MOD4 are serially
connected. In this case, a total of voltage to be extracted
to the positive pole terminal 3 (VB+) and negative pole
terminal 4 (VB-) is about 200 V. The module controllers
CNTI through CNT4, and the battery block groups BBl through
BB4 are each included in each electric storage module. Each
block group is series connection of 16 battery blocks, for
example.
[0029]
The module controllers CNTl through CNT4 are connected
via the bus, .the communication terminal of the module
controller CNT4 is connected to the control box ICNT.
Information such as voltage and so forth for each module is
transmitted from each module controller to the control box
ICNT. The control box ICNT further includes a communication
terminal 11 so as to externally perform communication.
[00-30]
Example of Module Controllers
Description will be made regarding an example of the
configuration of a module controller, with reference to Fig.
5. The module controller CNT is configured to detect the
voltages of both edges of n serially connected battery
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blocks B1 through Bn, and the voltage of each battery block.
There is provided a multiplexer 15 which sequentially
outputs the voltages of both edges of the battery blocks Bl
through Bn, and the voltage of each battery block.
[0031]
The multiplexer 15 switches a channel, for example,
according to a predetermined control signal, and selects one
piece of analog voltage data out of n pieces of analog
voltage data. The one piece of analog voltage data selected
by the multiplexer 15 is supplied to an A/D converter
(written as ADC (Analog to Digital Converter) in Fig. 5) 16.
[0032]
The A/D converter 16 converts the analog voltage data
supplied from the multiplexer 15 into digital voltage data.
For example, the analog voltage data is converted into 14
through 18-bit digital voltage data. Note that various
methods can be employed as the method of the A/D converter
16, such as a successive approximation method, a AE (digital
sigma) method, and so forth.
[00-33]
The digital voltage data from the A/D converter 16 is
supplied to the communication unit 17. The communication
unit 17 is controlled by the control unit 18, and performs
communication with an external device to be connected via
communication terminals 19a and 19b. For example, the
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communication unit 17 performs communication with the module
controller of another module via the communication terminal
19a, and performs communication with the control box ICNT
via the communication terminal 19b. Further, the module
controller CNT receives the control signal from the control
box ICNT via the communication terminal 19b. In this way,
the communication unit 17 performs two-way communication.
[0034]
Further, the control unit 18 performs control so as to
uniform the voltages of the battery blocks. Such control is
referred to as cell balance control. For example, in the
event that of the multiple battery blocks B1 through Bn, one
battery block has reached use lower limit discharge voltage,
there are other battery blocks in which battery capacity
still remain. In the case of next charging, the other
battery blocks of which the battery capacities will remain
will earlier reach charge upper limit voltage, the above
battery block will not be charged up to full charge. In
order to avoid such unbalance, the battery blocks of which
the battery capacities remain are forcibly discharged by
turning on theMOSFETs (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field
Effect Transistor). Note that the cell balance control
method can be applied to not only the above passive method
but also a so-called active method and other various methods.
Balance control between modules according to an embodiment
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of the present disclosure will be described later in detail.
[0035]
Note that the above module controller CNT monitors the
voltage of each battery block, converts detected voltage
into a digital signal, and transmits to the control box ICNT.
An arrangement may be made wherein the temperature of each
battery block is detected in addition to voltage, the
temperature is converted into digital data, and transmitted
to the control box ICNT.
[0036]
The power supply as to the module controllers CNT is,
as illustrated in Fig. 5, supplied from the battery blocks
B1 through Bn. However, in the event of using the battery
blocks Bl through Bn as power sources, the consumption
powers of the module controllers CNT are mutually unequal,
and accordingly, irregularities of the capacities between
the battery blocks Si through Bn between the modules are
caused, and unbalance between the modules occurs. From this
point of view, it is desirable that the battery blocks Si
through`Bn are not used as the power sources of the module
controllers CNT.
[0037]
With the module controller CNT illustrated in Fig. 5,
as illustrated surrounded by a dashed line in the inner side,
the A/D converter 16, communication unit 17, and control
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unit 18 are low-voltage power supply units which can operate
at low voltage, e.g., 5-V power supply. With the present
disclosure, the power supply as to the low-voltage power
supply units is arranged to be supplied from the control box
ICNT. In the event of supplying power supply from the
battery blocks B1 through Bn, balance between the modules
may collapse due to difference in the consumption powers of
the module controllers CNT. With the present disclosure,
the power supply as to the low-voltage power supply units of
the module controllers CNT is supplied from the control box
ICNT, and accordingly, such a problem is not caused.
[0038]
Electric Storage System According to Present Disclosure
A configuration is illustrated in Fig. 6 wherein the
present disclosure has been applied to an electric storage
system having n electric storage modules MOD1 through MODn.
Each electric storage module is configured of communication
units COM1 through COMn, insulating units ISC1 through ISCn,
module controllers CNT1 through CNTn, and battery block
groups BB1 through BBn. The n electric storage modules and
the control box ICNT are connected. Communication lines Ll
and L2, and a power supply line Lp are used for connection.
Two-way communication is performed between the control box
ICNT and the electric storage modules MOD1 through MODn
through the communication lines L1 and L2. The CAN is used
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as a communication method, for example. Nowadays, the CAN
is used as a vehicle LAN.
[0039]
The communication units COM1 through COMn of each
electric storage module correspond to the communication unit
17 in Fig. 5. Accordingly, the module controllers CNT1
through CNTn in Fig. 6 have the configuration in Fig. 5 from
which the communication unit 17 is omitted. However, both
of the communication units COM1 through COMn and the
communication unit 17 may be provided so as to each have a
different function. For example, power supply voltage of +5
V is supplied through the power supply line Lp as the power
supply for the low-voltage power supply units of each
electric storage module.
[0040]
The insulating units ISCl through ISCn have a function
for insulating between the communication units COM1 through
COMn and the module controllers CNT1 through CNTn.
Specifically, the reference potential of the power supply of
the communication units COM1 through COMn, and the reference
potential of the power supply of the module controllers CNTl
through CNTn are separated and taken as independent circuits.
Further, in an insulated state, the insulating units ISC1
through ISCn have a function for supplying power supply
voltage to the module controllers CNT1 through CNTn, and a
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function serving as a transmission medium of two-way
communication.
[0041]
As an example, the power supply voltage as to the
control box ICNT and the communication units COM1 through
COMn is taken as 0 through +5 V. The power supply voltage
as to the module controller CNT1 of the electric storage
module MOD1 is taken as 0 through +5 V, the power supply
voltage as to the module controller CNT2 of the electric
storage module MOD2 is taken as +50 V through +55 V, and the
power supply voltage as to the module controller CNTn of the
electric storage module MODn is taken as (+50 x n) V through
(+50 x n).+5 V.
[0042]
Insulating Units
As for a two-way communication system to be performed
through the insulating units ISC1 through ISCn, there can be
employed the standard of the CAN. As for a power
transmission system to be performed through the insulating
units ISC1 through ISCn, there can be employed an
electromagnetic induction system, a magnetic resonance
system, a radio wave receiving system, or the like.
[0043]
With the present disclosure, a noncontact IC card
technique is employed. The noncontact IC card technique is
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a technique wherein the antenna coil of a reader/writer, and
the antenna coil of a card are subjected to flux coupling,
and communication and power transmission are performed
between the reader/writer and the card. As for
communication, there is employed a method for subjecting the
carrier waves of a frequency of 13.56 kHz to ASK (Amplitude
Shift Keying) modulation, and communication is performed at
speed of 212 or 424 kbps. The insulating units ISC1 Through
ISCn have the same specification as with the above
noncontact IC card method. Further, the insulating units
ISC1 through ISCn are configured so as to perform
communication and power transmission between antennas
(coils) formed in a different layer of the multi-layer
printed-circuit board.
[0044]
As illustrated in Fig. 7, an MPU (MicroProcessing Unit)
making up the control box ICNT, and an LSI (Large Scale
Integrated Circuit) 22 on the reader/writer side of the
noncontact IC card method are mounted on a multi-layer
printed-circuit board 21. Further, printed-circuit board
antennas 23 and 24, an LSI 25 on the card side of the
noncontact IC card method, and a module controller CNT are
mounted on the multi-layer printed-circuit board 21.
[0045]
As schematically illustrated in Fig. 8, with the
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noncontact IC card method, a transmission signal as to a
card unit 27 of which the carrier amplitude is 2 through 13
Vop, and the modulation degree is 10% or so, for example, is
formed from the antenna 23 of a reader/writer unit 26. The
transmission signal is transmitted from the antenna 23 to
the antenna 24 of the card unit 27. The signal received at
the antenna 24 is a high-frequency signal of which the
carrier amplitude is 2 through 13 Vop, and the modulat..ion
degree is 10% or so, for example. The received signal is
smoothed, and accordingly, power supply at the card unit 27
is formed. The consumption power at the card unit 27 is
sufficiently small.
[0046]
An example of a printed-circuit board antenna will be
described. As for the multi-layer printed-circuit board 21
where the antenna is formed as an electroconductive pattern,
as illustrated in Fig. 9A, a 4-layer printed-circuit board
having four wiring layers LYl through LY4 is employed.
Alternatively, as illustrated in Fig. 9B, a 2-layer printedcircuit-
board having two wiring layers LY11 and LY12 is
employed.
[0047]
As illustrated in Fig. 10A, the antenna 23 on the
primary side (reader/writer side) is formed of a spiral
pattern 31a, a linear pattern 31b, and a linear patter 31c.
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The spiral pattern 31a is formed on the fourth wiring layer
LY4 of the 4-layer printed-circuit board, and the edge
portion of the center portion of the pattern 31a is
connected to a land 32a of the third wiring layer LY3 via a
land and a through-hole. The linear pattern 31b is formed
between the land 32a and a land 32b. The land 32b is
connected to the linear pattern 31c via a through-hole and a
land of the third wiring layer LY3. The edge portions of
the patterns 31a and 31c are connected to an unshown
connector.
[0048]
As illustrated in Fig. 10B, the antenna 24 on the
secondary side (card side) is formed of a spiral pattern 41a,
a linear pattern 41b, a linear pattern 41c, and a linear
patter 41d. The spiral pattern 41a of which one edge is
connected to the connector (not illustrated) is formed on
the first wiring layer LY of the 4-layer printed-circuit
board, and is connected to the linear pattern 41b via a land
42a, a through-hole, and a land of the second wiring layer
LY2. One edge of the pattern 41b is connected to a land of
the first wiring layer LY1 via a land 42b and a through-hole.
One edge of the linear pattern 41c is connected to this land
of the first wiring layer LY1. The other edge of the linear
pattern 41c is connected to the connector (not illustrated).
Further, one edge of the linear pattern 41d is connected to
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a land 42c connected to the spiral pattern 41a. The other
edge of the linear pattern 41d is connected to a reference
potential point.
[0049]
In the event that patterns cross, a printed-circuit
board antenna is configured of patterns of different wiring
layers. A through-hole and a land are used for connecting
different wiring layers. As a result thereof, as
illustrated in Fig. 10A, unnecessary lands 32c and 32d occur
in the fourth wiring layer, and an unnecessary land 42d
occurs in the first wiring layer.
[0050]
Instead of the above patterns being formed on another
wiring layer of the printed-circuit board, a jumper lead may
be employed. Specifically, instead of the pattern 31b in
Fig. 10A, and the patterns 41b and 41d in Fig. lOB, jumper
leads are employed. In this case, a 2-layer printed-circuit
board can be employed, a through-hole does not have to be
formed, and an unnecessary land can be prevented from
occurring. Insulation resistance of the printed-circuit
board can be improved by not forming a through-hole.
[0051]
The.insulating units according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure perform insulation between the primary
side antenna and the secondary side antenna using the
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printed-circuit board. Accordingly, with the insulating
units according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,
1000 V or more can be realized as DC insulation voltage.
Further, there are advantages wherein two-way communication
and power transmission can be performed, whereby the cost
can be reduced.
[0052]
Cell Balance
With the present disclosure, voltage balance between
the above multiple electric storage modules MOD1 through
MODn (hereafter, simply referred to as module balance) is
controlled. Specifically, the output voltages of the
electric storage modules are uniformed by control of balance
between the modules. In general, a great number of battery
cells are included in each electric storage module, and
accordingly, irregularities between the electric storage
modules increases as compared to voltage balance between
battery cells within an electric storage module (hereafter,
simply referred to as cell balance). Accordingly, it is
meaningful to perform module balance control even in the
event of performing control of cell balance within an
electric storage module.
[0053]
General cell balance control will 'be described prior to
description of the present disclosure. As illustrated in
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Figs. 11A through 11C, cell balance between three battery
cells BTl, BT2, and BT3 will be studied. First, as
illustrated in Fig. 11A, let us say that all of the battery
cells have fully been charged. Next, as illustrated in Fig.
11B, let us say that battery cells have been discharged,
irregularities have occurred in the discharge amounts
thereof, and the voltage of a battery cell BT1 has reached
use lower limit voltage indicated with a dashed line. Other
battery cells BT2 and BT3 have not still reached the use
lower limit voltage due to irregularities between battery
cells. For example, difference in self-discharge amounts is
a cause of irregularities in discharge amounts between
battery cells.
[0054]
In the event of having started charging in this state,
the battery cell BT2 of which the remaining capacity is the
largest at the time the voltage of the battery cell BTl
reaching the use lower limit voltage has first reached full
capacity. At this point, as illustrated in Fig. 11C, the
battery cell BT1 has not been charged up to full charge.
Accordingly, in the event that the battery cell BT1 had been
charged, discharge amount Cl would be discharged, but the
dischargeable amount has been reduced to discharge amount C2.
[0055]
In order to solve this problem, as illustrated in Figs.
- 27 -
SP334100
12A and 12B, let us say that at the time of the battery cell
BT1 reaching the use lower limit voltage, electric power is
moved from the battery cell BT2 of which the capacity has
mostly remained (having a highest potential) to another
battery cell BT1 of which the capacity is the least (having
a lowest potential), and the remaining capacities are
generally equal. The battery cells BT1, BT2, and BT3 are
charged, whereby the three battery cells can be charged to
generally full charge voltage. In reality, multiple times
of processing is repeatedly performed.
[0056]
Such control is referred to as active bottom cell
balance control. Decrease in dischargeable amount can be
prevented by bottom cell balance control. A method is
referred to as passive bottom cell balance control wherein
in the state illustrated in Fig. 12A, the battery cells BT2
and BT3 are discharged so as to agree with the potential of
the battery cell BT1 having the lowest potential. The
active method is preferable since the capacity can
effectively be used as compared to the passive method.
[0057]
Active top balance control will be described with
reference to Figs. 13A through 14C. First, as illustrated
in Fig. 13A, let us say that all of the battery cells have
fully been charged. Next, as illustrated in Fig. 13B, let
- 28 -
SP334100
us say that the battery cells have been discharged.
[0058]
In the event of having started charging, as illustrated
in Fig. 13C, the voltage of the battery cell BT2 has first
reached the use upper limit voltage. At this point, the
voltages of the battery cells BTl and BT3 have not reached
the use upper limit voltage. Accordingly, the charge amount
has decreased as illustrated in C12 as compared to the
charge amount Cll (Fig. 13A).
[0059]
In order to solve this problem, as illustrated in Figs.
14A and 14B, let us say that at the time of the battery cell
BT2 reaching the use upper limit voltage, electric power is
moved, from the battery cell BT2 of which the capacity has
mostly remained (having a highest potential) to the battery
cell BT1 of which the capacity is the least (having a lowest
potential), and the remaining capacities are generally equal.
The battery cells BTl, BT2, and BT3 are charged, whereby the
three battery cells can be charged to generally full charge
voltage. In reality, multiple times of processing is
repeatedly performed.
[0060]
Such control is referred to as active top cell balance.
control. Decrease in chargeable amount can be prevented by
top cell balance control. A method is referred to as
- 29 -
S3334100
passive top cell balance control wherein in the state
illustrated in Fig. 14A, the battery cells BT2 and BT3 are
discharged so as to agree with the potential of the battery
cell BT1 having the lowest potential. The active method is
preferable since the capacity can effectively be used as
compared to the passive method.
[0061]
Existing Cell Balance Control Circuit
Description will be made regarding an example of an
existing active bottom cell balance circuit which uses a
flyback transformer, with reference to Figs. 15A, 15B, and
Fig. 16. The positive pole and negative pole of each
battery cell are connected to both edges of the primary side
coils Wl through W6. The positive pole and negative pole of
the series connection of six battery cells BT1 through BT6
are connected to both edges of the secondary side coil WO.
Further, a common magnetic core M is provided. Further, the
secondary side coil WO is serially connected to the
secondary side switch SO, and the primary side coils W1
through-W6 are serially connected to the primary side
switches S1 through S6, respectively. The switches SO
through S6 are configured of a MOS (Metal Oxide
Semiconductor) FET, for example.
[0062]
Fig. 16 is a timing chart of the operation of the
- 30 -
SP334100
active bottom cell balance circuit illustrated in Figs. 15A
and 15B. As an example, the voltages of the battery cells
BT1 through BT6 have been detected by an unshown monitor
unit, and the voltage of the battery cell BT2 has been
detected to be the lowest. In this case, electric power is
moved from another battery cell to the battery cell BT2.
First, as illustrated in Fig. 15A and A in Fig. 16, the
switch SO is turned on, and current II flows into the coil
WO as illustrated in C in Fig. 16, and the magnetic core M
is magnetized.
[0063]
Next, as illustrated in Fig. 15B and B in Fig. 16, the
primary side switch S2 serially connected to the coil W2 is
turned on, and also as illustrated in A in Fig. 16, the
secondary side switch SO is turned off. The magnetic energy
of the magnetic core M is emitted, and the current 12 flows
into the primary side coil W2 as illustrated in D in Fig. 16.
This current 12 flows into the battery cell BT2, and the
battery cell BT2 is charged.
[00-64]
Thereafter, the primary side switch S2 is turned off as
illustrated B in Fig. 16. Further, pause time for a
predetermined period of time continues thereafter. The on
period of the primary side switch SO, the on period of the
primary side switch S2, and the pause period described above
- 31 -
SP334100
are taken as a cycle period, and the operation is repeated.
[0065]
Description will be made regarding an example of an
existing active top cell balance circuit, with reference to
Figs. 17A, 17B, and 18. The positive pole and negative pole
of each battery cell are connected to both edges of the
primary side coils Wl through W6. The positive pole and
negative pole of the series connection of six battery cells
BT1 through BT6 are connected to both edges of the secondary
side coil WO. Further, a common magnetic core M is provided.
Further, the primary side coils W1 through W6 are serially
connected to the primary side switches Sl through S6,
respectively. The secondary side coil WO is serially
connected to the secondary side coil WO, and switches SO
through S6 are configured of a MOSFET, for example.
[0066]
Fig. 18 is a timing chart of the operation of the
active top cell balance circuit illustrated in Figs. 17A and
17B. As an example, the voltages of the battery cells BT1
through-BT6 have been detected by an unshown monitor unit,
and the voltage of the battery cell BT5 has been detected to
be the highest. In this case, electric power is moved from
the battery cell BT5 to another battery cell. First, as
illustrated in Fig. 17A and B in Fig. 18, the switch S5 is
turned on, and current I1 flows into the coil W5 as
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SP334100
illustrated in Fig. 18D, and the magnetic core M is
magnetized.
[0067]
Next, as illustrated in Fig. 17B and A in Fig. 18, the
secondary side switch SO is turned on, and also as
illustrated in B in Fig. 18, the primary side switch S5 is
turned off. The current 12 flows into the secondary side
coil WO by the electromagnetic energy of the magnetic core M
as illustrated in C in Fig. 18. This current 12 flows into
the series connection of the battery cells BT1 through BT6,
and electric power is distributed to the batteries.
[0068]
Thereafter, the secondary side switch SO is turned off
as illustrated in A in Fig. 18. Further, pause time fora
predetermined period of time continues thereafter. The on
period of the primary side switch S5, the on period of the
secondary side switch SO, and the pause period described
above are taken as a cycle period, and the operation is
repeated.
[0069]
Inter-module Balance Circuit
The above existing balance circuit relates to battery
cells, and in the event of having applied this circuit to
balance between modules described with reference to Figs. 1
through 6, a problem occurs. Note that balance between
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SP334100
modules is balance of voltage of a battery unit made up of
multiple battery cells or multiple battery blocks within
each electric storage module. In general, unbalance between
modules has a greater value as compared to unbalance within
a module. As a result of performing balance control for
each electric storage module, unbalance between modules can
also be eliminated, but time used for the processing is
lengthened. However, balance control between modules, and
the above existing cell balance control may be used together.
In this case, as an example, balance control between modules
is previously performed, and thereafter, balance control
within a module is performed.
[0070]
A configuration is illustrated in Fig. 19 wherein the
existing cell balance circuit has been applied to an active
inter-module balance circuit without change. For example,
balance control between 14 modules is performed. Battery
block groups BB1 through BB14 are serially connected. Each
battery block group has a configuration wherein eight
battery-cells are connected in parallel, and 16 parallel
connections (battery blocks) of eight battery cells are
serially connected (what is called (8P16S)). For example,
one battery block group generates voltage of (3.2 V x 16 =
51.2 V). Accordingly, with 14 battery block groups BB1
through BB14, series connection thereof generates voltage of
- 34 -
SP334100
(51.2 V x 14 = 716.8 V).
[0071]
The positive pole side and negative pole side of the
series connection of the 14 battery block groups, and both
edges of the secondary side coil WO are connected. Further,
a common magnetic core M is provided. Further, the
secondary side coil WO is serially connected to the
secondary side switch SO, and the primary side coils W1
through Wl4 are serially connected to the primary side
switches Sl through S14, respectively. The switches SO
through S14 are configured of a MOSFET, for example.
[0072]
As for an active bottom cell balance operation in the
configuration in Fig. 19, the switch SO is turned on to
magnetize the magnetic core M using current flowing into the
secondary side coil WO, next, the primary side switch of an
electric storage module having the lowest voltage is turned
on to charge the battery block group of this electric
storage module using electromagnetic energy sent to the
primary side coil. As an example, in the event that the
voltage of the. battery block group BB2 is 32.0 V, and the
voltages of other battery block groups are 32.6 V, the
secondary side switch SO.is turned on. for a predetermined
period of time, following which the switch SO is turned off,
and also, the primary side switch S2 of the battery block
- 35 -
SP334100
group BB2 is turned on. The battery block group BB2 is
charged by current flowing into the primary side coil W2.
[0073]
As for an active top cell balance operation in the
configuration in Fig. 19, a switch connected to the primary
side coil of a battery block group having the highest
voltage is turned on, next, this is turned off, and also,
the switch SO is turned on to send current to the secondary
side coil WO and to charge the battery block groups BB1
through BB14. As an example, in the event that the voltage
of the battery block group BB2 is 56.5 V, and the voltages
of other battery block groups are 55.9 V, the primary side
switch S2 is turned on for a predetermined period of time,
following which the switch S2 is turned off, and also, the
secondary side switch SO is turned on. The battery block
groups BB1 through BB14 are charged by current flowing into
the secondary side coil WO.
[0074]
With the configuration in Fig. 19, the magnetic core M
of the transformer is shared, and accordingly, it is
difficult to configure multiple, e.g., 14 electric storage
modules by being housed in a separate case. In this case, a
transformer portion made up of the magnetic core, coils,. and
switches is housed in a case different from the 14 electric
storage modules to configure a transformer apparatus, and
- 36 -
SP334100
the 14 electric' storage modules are connected in a star
shape with this transformer apparatus as the center. Such a
star-shaped configuration includes a problem that increase
in the number of electric storage modules causes star-shaped
wirings to be complicated.
[0075]
Problems with Inter-module Balance Circuit According to
Related Art
With the configuration in Fig. 19, voltage of 716.8 V
is applied to the series circuit of the secondary side coil
WO and switch SO by the 14 serially connected battery block
groups. Suitable voltage withstanding in the case of actual
use is taken as around three times of applied voltage, and
accordingly, the voltage withstanding of a semiconductor
switching device such as an FET making up the switch SO, or
the like is equal to or greater than 2000 V. It is
difficult to realize the configuration in Fig. 19 demanding
such a voltage withstanding semiconductor switching device.
[0076]
As illustrated in Fig. 20, the magnetic core M is
divided into 14 magnetic cores Ml through M14, and the
secondary side coil WO is divided into 14 secondary side
coils WOl through W014. Thus, 14 electric storage modules
can be divided and housed in a case. With the configuration
in Fig. 20, voltage of 716.8 V is applied to each of the
- 37 -
SP3341C)0
primary switch S01 through S014. However, with the
configuration in Fig. 20, flyback transformers are
separately configured, the primary and secondary switches
thereof are connected to the coils respectively, whereby an
independent switching operation can be controlled.
Accordingly, as described later, control can be performed
wherein electric power is extracted from multiple battery
block groups in parallel, or electric power is supplied to
the multiple battery block groups in parallel. Moreover,
the length of the on period of a switching operation is
controlled, whereby electric power amount can be controlled.
[0077]
Inter-module Balance Circuit According to Present Disclosure
As illustrated in Fig. 21, with the present disclosure,
a flyback transformer T1 is configured of a primary side
coil Wl, a secondary side coil W01, and a magnetic core M1.
The primary side coil W1 and a switch S1 are serially
connected, and the secondary side coil WOl and a switch SO1
are serially connected. Similarly, flyback transformers T2
through-T14 are configured of the primary side coils W2
through W14, secondary side coils W02 through W014, and
magnetic cores M2 through M14. The primary side coils W2
through W14, and the switches S2 through S14.are serially
connected. The secondary side coils W02 through W014 and
the switches S02 through 5014 are serially connected.
- 38 -
SP334100
[0078]
The series circuit of the primary side coil Wl and
switch Si of the flyback transformer Tl is connected to the
positive side and negative side of a battery block group BB1
of an electric storage module. The series circuit of each
of the other primary side coils W2 through W14 and switches
S2 through S14 are serially connected to the positive side
and negative side of the battery block groups BB2 through
BB14 of an electric storage module.
[0079]
An electric storage element 51 is provided, and common
power supply voltage CV is generated by the electric storage
element 51. The common power supply voltage CV is taken as
voltage lower than the total voltage 716.8 V of the series
connection of the battery block groups. Preferably, the
common power supply voltage CV is set to generally one third
of voltage of the voltage withstanding of a secondary side
switch or less. For example, the common power supply
voltage CV is set to a value generally equal to the unit
voltage-(51.2 V) of battery block groups. The potential of
the common power supply voltage CV is controlled so as to
become desired voltage without depletion nor overflowing by
controlling total discharge current and total charge current.
[0080]
The electric storage element 51 is a battery, capacitor,
- 39 -
SP334100
or the like. One common power supply line CL+ is taken as
the common power supply voltage CV, and the other common
power supply line CL- is taken as 0 V. The other common
power supply line CL- is taken as a separate power source
which is not connected to the power source (V-) of the
series connection of the battery block groups of multiple
electric storage modules. However, the common power supply
line CL- may be connected to the power source V-. One edges
of the divided primary side coils WOl through W014 are each
connected to the common power supply line CL+, and the other
edges of the divided secondary side coils W01 through W014
are each connected to the common power supply CL- through
the switches SOl through 5014.
[0081]
The switches SO through S14 and switches S01 through
S014 are configured of a MOSFET, for example. For example,
as illustrated in Fig. 22, the switch SO1 of the flyback
transformer Tl is configured of a MOSFET Q01, and a diode
DOl connected between the drain and source thereof, and the
switch SI is configured of the MOSFET Q01, and a diode Dl
connected between the drain and source thereof. On/off of a
switch is controlled by a control signal from the control
unit of the control box ICNT. The control box ICNT receives
information as a voltage monitoring result from the module
controller CNT of each electric storage module to generate a
- 40 -
SP334100
control signal (pulse signal). Note that a semiconductor
switching device other than MOSFETs may be employed, such as
an IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) or the like.
Note that, with regard to current that flows from the source
to the drain direction, the current automatically flows into
the switch (configured of a MOSFET and a diode connected
between the drain and source thereof) through the diode
without a control signal (switch is automatically turned on)
[0082]
The common power supply voltage CV is applied to the
series circuits of the secondary side coils WOl through W014
and switches SO1 through 5014. For example, the common
power supply voltage VC is set to the same voltage (51.2 V)
as the voltage applied to the primary side coils and
switches, the voltage withstanding of the secondary side
switches SO1 through S014 can be set to 154 V or so. Such
voltage withstanding is not so high for a semiconductor
switch making up the secondary switches S01 through S014,
whereby an inter-module balance circuit can readily be
configured.
[0083]
With regard to each of the flyback transformers Ti
through T14, a winding ratio between the primary side coils
and the secondary side coils is not restricted to 1, but the
phases are inverted between the primary side and the
- 41 -
SP334100
secondary side. Further, the flyback transformers T1
through Tl4 can transmit electric power two-way.
Accordingly, the notations of the primary side and secondary
side are for convenience, and either of electric power
transmission from the primary side to the secondary side,
and electric power transmission from the secondary side to
the primary side can be performed.
[0084]
In the event of taking the flyback transformer Tl as an
example, upon the switch Sl being turned on from a state in
which the switches Sl and S01 are off, current flows into
the coil W1, and the magnetic core Ml is magnetized.
Current that increases over time flows into the coil W1
during a period for the switch Si being on. Next, upon the
switch S1 being turned off, and the switch SOl being turned
on, current flows into the coil W01 via the switch SOl since
the magnetic core has been magnetized. This current
decreases over time. The operations of the other flyback
transformers are the same. The flyback transformers have a
function as a coupling inductor.
[0085]
With an active bottom cell balance operation in the
configuration in Fig.. 21, electric power is moved from a
battery block group having the highest voltage to the
electric storage element 51 by controlling a primary side
- 42 -
SP334100
switch. Further, electric power is moved to the battery
block group of an electric storage module having the lowest
voltage by controlling a secondary side switch. In this way,
the inter-module balance circuit according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure moves electric power via two
stages of two-way flyback transformers.
[0086]
As an example, description will be made regardinq an
operation in the case that the voltage of the battery block
group BB3 is the highest voltage 32.6 V, and the voltage of
the battery block group BB2 is the lowest voltage 32.6 V.
First, the switch S3 is turned on, and current flows into
the primary side coil W3 of the flyback transformer T3 with
the battery block group BB3 as a power source. Next, the
switch S3 is turned off, and the switch S03 is turned on.
According to electromagnetic energy, current flows into the
secondary side coil W03, and the electric storage element 51
is charged.
[0087]
Next, the switch S03 is turned off, and also, the
switch S02 is turned on, and according to the electric
storage element 51, current flows into the secondary side
coil W02 of the flyback transformer T2.. Next, the switch
S02 is turned off, and also, the switch S2 is turned on, and
the battery block group BB2 is charged by current flowing
- 43 -
SP334100
into the primary side coil W2. In this way, the active
bottom cell balance operation is performed.
[0088]
With an active top cell balance operation in the
configuration in Fig. 21, electric power is moved from a
battery block group having the highest voltage to the
electric storage element 51 by controlling a primary side
switch. Further, electric power is moved to the battery
block group of an electric storage module having the lowest
voltage by controlling a secondary side switch. In this way,
the inter-module balance circuit according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure moves electric power via two
stages of two-way flyback transformers.
[0089]
As an example, description will be made regarding an
operation in the case that the voltage of the battery block
group BB3 is the highest voltage 56.5 V, and the voltage of
the battery block group BB2 is the lowest voltage 55.9 V.
First, the switch S3 of the flyback transformer T3 is turned
on, and current flows into the primary side coil W3 with the
battery block group BB3 as a power source. Next, the switch
S3 is turned off, and the switch S03 is turned on.
According. to electromagnetic energy, current flows into the
secondary side coil W03, and the electric storage element 51
is charged.
- 44 -
SP334100
[0090]
Next, the switch S03 is turned off, and also, the
switch S02 of the flyback transformer T2 is turned on, and
according to the electric storage element 51, current flows
into the secondary side coil W02. Next, the switch S02 is
turned off, and also, the switch S2 is turned on, and the
battery block group BB2 is charged by current flowing into
the primary side coil W2. In this way, the active top cell
balance operation is performed.
[0091]
The active top cell balance operation will be described
in more detail, with reference to Fig. 23 and Fig. 24. As
illustrated in Fig.. 23, current that flows into the coil W3
of the flyback transformer T3 is denoted as il, and current
that flows into the coil W03 is denoted as i2. The currents
i1 and i2 have an opposite phase. Current that flows into
the coil W02 of the flyback transformer T2 is denoted as i3,
and current that flows into the coil W2 is denoted as i4.
The currents i3 and i4 have an opposite phase. Further, let
us say that the electric storage element 51 has sufficiently
been charged at the time of start of the operation.
[0092]
As illustrated in the timing chart in Fig. 24, electric
power transmission to be performed through the flyback
transformer T3, and electric power transmission to be
- 45 -
SP334100
performed through the flyback transformer T2 are performed
in parallel. First, as illustrated in A and C in Fig. 24,
the switches S3 and S02 are turned on for the same period.
According to on of the switch S3, the current it that
gradually increases flows into the coil W3 as illustrated in
E in Fig. 24. According to on of the switch 502, the
current i3 that gradually increases flows into the coil W02
as illustrated in G in Fig. 24. The current i3 flows into
the electric storage element 51 in the discharging direction.
[0093]
Next, the switching devices S3 and S02 are turned off,
and as illustrated in B and D in Fig. 24, the switches S03
and S2 are turned on for the same period. According to on
of the switch 503, the current i2 that gradually decreases
flows into the coil W03 as illustrated in F in Fig. 24. The
current i2 flows into the electric storage element 51 in the
charging direction. According to charging as to the
electric storage element 51 by the current i2, electric
power is moved to the electric storage element 51 from the
battery-block group BB3.
[0094]
According to on of the switch S2, the current i4 that
gradually decreases flows into the coil W2 as illustrated in
H in Fig. 24. The current i4 flows in a direction for
charging the battery block group BB2. According to charging
- 46 -
SP334100
by the current i4, the electric power of the electric
storage element 51 is moved to the battery block group BB2.
Note that actual electric power transmission is performed so
that the electric power is gradually moved not by one-time
switching operation but by multiple times of switching
operations. Further, a pulse signal as to a switch is
subjected to pulse width modulation to control the on period
of the switch, whereby the movement amount of electric power
can be set to desired move amount. Also, in Fig. 24, the
switches S3 and S02 are described in a synchronous manner,
but in reality, the common power supply voltage CV does not
have to have a synchronous relation if a certain degree of
width is permitted.
[0095]
Modification of Inter-module Balance Circuit According to
Present Disclosure
With the above inter-module balance circuit according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure, electric power
extracted via one flyback transformer has been moved through
one flyback transformer. However, electric power may be
extracted through multiple flyback transformers. For
example, electric power may be extracted from two of an
electric storage module having the maximum voltage, and an
electric storage module having the second maximum voltage.
Further, the extracted electric power may be moved via
- 47 -
SP334100
multiple flyback transformers. For example, electric power
may be supplied to two of an electric storage module having
the minimum voltage, and an electric storage module having
the second minimum voltage. For example, with the above
configuration in Fig. 21, electric power is extracted with
small current through the flyback transformer T14, and
simultaneously, electric power is extracted with large
current through the flyback transformer T3. Further,
simultaneously with extraction of electric power, electric
power can be supplied with middle current through each of
the flyback transformers Ti and T2.
[0096]
As illustrated in Fig. 25, with the secondary side of
each of the flyback transformers Ti through T14 of each
electric storage module, capacitors Cl through C14 are
inserted between the common power supply line CL+ and the
common power supply line CL-, respectively. High-frequency
components are reduced by the capacitors Cl through C14,
whereby voltage generated at the common power supply lines
CL+ and-CL- can be output as DC power supply. This DC power
supply may be supplied as a power source of the control box
ICNT.
[0097]
Further, as illustrated in Fig. 26, a flyback
transformer Tx may be provided common to all of the electric
- 48 -
SP334100
storage modules. The flyback transformer Tx is made up of a
primary side coil Wy, a secondary side coil Wx, and a
magnetic core Tx. The coil Wx and a switch Sx are serially
connected. The coil Wy and a switch Sy are serially
connected. One edge of the secondary side coil Wx of the
flyback transformer Tx is connected to a terminal 52, and
the other edge thereof is connected to a 0-V line via the
switch Sx. The terminal 52 is connected to a common power
supply voltage CV terminal.
[0098]
One edge of the primary side Wy is connected to the
positive side (V+) of the series connection of the multiple,
e.g., 14 battery block groups BB1 through BB14 of an
electric storage module. The other edge of the primary side
coil Wy is connected to the negative side (V-) of the series
connection of the battery block groups BB1 through 8814.
The flyback transformers Ti through T14 and the electric
storage element 51 are connected to the battery block groups
BB1 through BB14 in the same way as with the configuration
in Fig.-21, and balance control between modules as described
above is performed.
[0099]
According to.the configuration illustrated in Fig. 26,
electric power can be supplied to the battery block groups
of all of the electric storage modules through the flyback
- 49 -
SP334100
transformer TX at once, and variations as to the operation
of balance control between modules can be increased.
[0100]
Further, with the present disclosure, there can be
employed an electric power transmission apparatus employing
an electromagnetic coupling method such as a forward
converter method, RCC (Ringing Choke Converter) method, or
the like other than a flyback converter method.
[0101]
Fig. 27 illustrates an application of the present
disclosure, wherein another electric storage system made up
of elect storage modules MOD101 through MOD104 is connected
to the electric storage modules MOD1 through MOD14
(configuration illustrated in Fig. 21). The common power
supply lines CL+ and CL- can be connected to another
electric storage system if there is a relation wherein the
common power supply voltage CV is common between two
electric storage systems. That is to say, the number of
electric storage modules to be connected can readily be
increased.
[0102]
Fig. 28 illustrates an example of the entire
configuration of an electric storage system made. up of
electric storage modules, e.g., electric storage modules
MOD1 and MOD2. Control pulses as to the primary side
- 50 -
SP334100
switches (MOSFET) Sl and S2 of the flyback transformer Ti of
the above inter-module balance control circuit are supplied
from pulse generators 53, respectively. The pulse
generators 53 generate control pulses according to the
control signals from the control units of the module
controllers CNN and CNT2, respectively. For example, the
pulse generator 53 outputs a control pulse subjected to
pulse width modulation. Control pulses as to the secondary
side switches (MOSFET) SOl and S02 of the flyback
transformers Tl and T2 are supplied from MCUs
(MicroController Unit) within communication units COMI and
COM2, respectively.
[0103]
The control box ICNT determines sequence of balance
between modules from the voltage information of each module.
The control box ICNT individually informs presence/absence
of charging/discharging of balance between modules to the
MCUs within the communication units COM1 and COM2 of the
modules. Each MCU directly supplies a control signal to the
secondary side of each flyback transformer, or informs a
control signal to the primary side of each flyback
transformer by insulating communication via an insulating
unit ISC.
[104]
The reason why a control signal is supplied from a
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separate circuit block depending on the primary side and
secondary side is because there is difference between the
levels of control signals. Also, in parallel with the above
operation, the control box ICNT measures voltage between the
power supply lines CL+ and CL- from which the common power
supply voltage CV is supplied, and performs the entire
control of balance between modules so as to obtain the
desired common power supply voltage CV.
[0105]
Advantages of Electric Storage Apparatus According Lo
Present Disclosure
With the inter-module balance circuit according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure, the flyback
transformers of each module are separately configured, which
differs from a configuration wherein the magnetic core is
shared, whereby wiring can readily be performed without
performing star-shaped wiring.
[0106]
With the inter-module balance circuit according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure, voltages of both edges
of the battery block groups of each electric storage module
are applied to the primary side coils and switches of
flyback transformers, and the common.power supply voltage CV
is applied to the secondary coils and switches. The common
power supply voltage CV is taken as a value equal to the
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voltages of both edges of the battery block groups of each
electric storage module. Accordingly, the voltage of the
series connection of all of the electric storage modules is
not applied to coils and switches, and accordingly, lower
voltage withstanding components can be employed as coils and
switches, which is an advantage.
[0107]
With the present disclosure, the primary side switches
Sl through S14 and the secondary side switches S01 through
S14 of flyback transformers can be controlled by an
independent control pulse signal. Accordingly, transmission
of electric power can be performed via multiple desired
flyback transformers. Further, the length of an on period
of a switching operation is set, whereby electric power
amount to be moved via flyback transformers can individually
be controlled. That is to say, a period for turning on a
switch is lengthened according to electric power amount to
be moved, whereby the electric power amount to be moved can
be varied.
[01-08]
Further, large current flows between the output
terminals V+ and V- of multiple electric storage modules,
and accordingly, relatively large noise tends to occur.
However, the common power supply voltage CV is insulated
from the output terminals V+ and V-, whereby influence of
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noise due to variation in load current can be reduced.
[0109]
The common power supply voltage CV having little
influence of noise can be employed as a power source of the
control box ICNT. For example, the value of the common
power supply voltage CV may be the same value as the power
supply voltage of the control unit (+5 V, +12 V, or the
like). In the event of employing the common power supply
voltage CV as a power source of the control box ICNT, the
power source of the control box ICNT can be prevented from
receiving influence of voltage variation of electric storage
modules.
[0110]
Though the above description is in the case that the
present disclosure has been applied to an inter-module
balance circuit, the present disclosure can be applied to
balance between cells. Specifically, with the above
configuration illustrated in Fig. 21, the battery block
groups BB1 through BB14 are replaced with battery cells
respectively, whereby an inter-cell balance circuit can be
realized. Even in the event of applying the present
disclosure to the inter-cell balance circuit, the same
advantages as with the above inter-module balance circuit
are obtained.
[0111]
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As illustrated in Fig. 29 as a common configuration,
the present disclosure can be applied to an inter-cell
balance circuit. In Fig. 29, n battery cells Bll through
Bln are serially connected, and further, m series
connections of battery cells are connected in parallel. The
primary side coils of flyback transformers T11 through Tln,
Tml through Tmn are connected to the battery cells in
parallel, and primary side switches S11 through Sin, ..., Sml
through Smn are serially connected to the primary side coils.
One edges of the secondary side coils of the flyback
transformers are connected to the power supply line CL+ of
the common power supply voltage CV, and the other edges of
the secondary side coils are connected to the power supply
line CL- of the common power supply voltage CV serially via
the secondary side switches 5011 through.S0ln, ..., SOml
through SOmn, respectively.
[0112]
Note that the present disclosure can also have the
following configurations.
[0113]
In one embodiment, a battery system includes: a
plurality of electronic storage modules serially connected
together, each electronic storage module including a battery
block group including a plurality of battery cells, and a
different magnetic core connected to each battery block
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group.
[0114]
In an embodiment, each electronic storage module is
provided in a separate housing, and wherein a plurality of
sub modules are provided in each housing, and a plurality of
battery block groups are provided in each of the sub modules.
[0115]
In an embodiment, each electronic storage module
includes a module controller configured to individually
control charging and discharging of the respective battery
block group.
[0116]
In an embodiment, each of the module controllers are
connected through a bus to a common control device.
[0117]
In an embodiment, the module controllers are configured
to initiate a switching operation to control a length of an
on-period for charging or discharging of the respective
battery block group.
[01i8]
In an embodiment, each of the storage modules further
comprise a flyback transformer configured as a coupling
inductor, the.flyback transformers each including: a
different one of the magnetic cores; a primary side coil
connected to the magnetic core; and a secondary side coil
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connected to the magnetic core, wherein a primary switch is
serially connected to the primary side coil and to the
respective battery block group, and wherein a secondary
switch is serially connected to the secondary side coil.
[0119]
In an embodiment, each electronic storage module
includes a module controller configured to individually
control charging and discharging of the respective battery
block group by controlling the primary side switches and the
secondary side switches of the respective flyback
transformer through control pulse signals.
[0120]
In an embodiment,. for each of the storage modules, the
secondary switch is connected to a common positive power
supply line and a common negative power supply line.
[0121]
In an embodiment, an energy storage device is inserted
between the common positive power supply line and the common
negative power supply line.
[0122]
In an embodiment, the energy storage device is a
capacitor.
[0123]
In an embodiment, for each of the storage modules, the
secondary side coil is connected to a common positive power
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supply line and a common negative power supply line.
[0124]
In an embodiment, an energy storage device is inserted
between the common positive power supply line and the common
negative power supply line.
[0125]
In an embodiment, the energy storage device is a
capacitor.
[0126]
In another embodiment, a battery device includes: an
electric storage module including a battery block group
including a plurality of battery cells, and a magnetic core
connected to the battery block group and configured to
operate with only the one battery block group.
[0127]
In an embodiment, the electronic storage module is
provided in a housing, and wherein a plurality of sub
modules are provided in the housing, and a plurality of
battery block groups are provided in each of the sub modules.
[0128]
In an embodiment, the electronic storage module
includes a module controller configured to control charging
and discharging of the battery block group.
[0129]
In an embodiment, the module controller is configured
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to initiate a switching operation to control a length of an
on-period for charging or discharging of the battery block
group.
[0130]
In an embodiment, the storage module further comprises
a flyback transformer configured as a coupling inductor, the
flyback transformer including: the magnetic core; a primary
side coil connected to the magnetic core; and a secondary
side coil connected to the magnetic core, wherein a primary
switch is serially connected to the primary side coil and to
the battery block group, and wherein a secondary switch is
serially connected to the secondary side coil.
[0131].
In an embodiment, the electronic storage module
includes a module controller configured to control charging
and discharging of the battery block group by controlling
the primary side switches and the secondary side switches of
the flyback transformer through control pulse signals.
[132]
In an embodiment, the secondary switch is connected to
a common positive power supply line and a common negative
power supply line.
[0133]
In an embodiment, an energy storage device is inserted
between the common positive power supply line and the common
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negative power supply line.
[0134]
In an embodiment, the energy storage device is a
capacitor.
[0135]
In an embodiment, the secondary side coil is connected
to a common positive power supply line and a common negative
power supply line.
[0136]
In an embodiment, an energy storage device is inserted
between the common positive power supply line and the common
negative power supply line.
[0137]
In an embodiment,•the energy storage device is a
capacitor.
[0138]
In another embodiment a control device includes: an
electric storage module including a magnetic core, a primary
switch electrically connected to the magnetic core via a
primary-side coil, a secondary switch electrically connected
to the magnetic core via a secondary side coil, and a module
controller.
[0139]
In an embodiment, the electronic storage module is
provided in a housing, and a plurality of battery block
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groups are provided in each of the sub modules, each battery
block group including a plurality of battery cells.
[0140]
In an embodiment, the module controller is configured
to control charging and discharging of a battery block group
that is connected to the magnetic core.
[0141]
In an embodiment, the module controller is connected
through a bus to a common control device.
[0142]
In an embodiment, the module controller is configured
to initiate a switching operation to control a length of an
on-period for charging or discharging of the respective
battery block group.
[0143]
In an embodiment, the module controller is configured
to control charging and discharging of the battery block
group by controlling the primary side switches and the
secondary side switches through control pulse signals.
[0144]
In an embodiment, for the storage module, the secondary
switch is connected to a common positive power supply line
and a common negative power supply line.
[0145]
In an embodiment, an energy storage device is inserted
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between the common positive power supply line and the common
negative power supply line.
[0146]
In an embodiment, the energy storage device is a
capacitor.
[0147]
In an embodiment, for the storage module, the secondary
side coil is connected to a common positive power supply
line and a common negative power supply line.
[0148]
In an embodiment, an energy storage device is inserted
between the common positive power supply line and the common
negative power supply line.
[0149],
In an embodiment, the energy storage device is a
capacitor.
[0150]
In another embodiment, an electric vehicle includes:
battery system including a plurality of electronic storage
modules-serially connected together, each electronic storage
module including a battery block group including a plurality
of battery cells, and a different magnetic core connected to
each battery block group; and a converter configured to
receive a supply of electric power from the battery system,
and to supply the power to a component of the electric
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vehicle.
[0151]
In an embodiment, each electronic storage module is
provided in a separate housing, and wherein a plurality of
sub modules are provided in each housing, and a plurality of
battery block groups are provided in each of the sub modules.
[0152]
In an embodiment, each electronic storage module
includes a module controller configured to individually
control charging and discharging of the respective battery
block group.
[0153]
In an embodiment, each of the module controllers are
connected through a bus to a common control device.
[0154]
In an embodiment, the module controllers are configured
to initiate a switching operation to control a length of an
on-period for charging or discharging of the respective
battery block group.
[0155]
In an embodiment, each of the storage modules further
comprise a flyback transformer configured as a coupling
inductor, the flyback transformers each including: a
different one of the magnetic cores; a primary side coil
connected to the magnetic core; and a secondary side coil
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connected to the magnetic core, wherein a primary switch is
serially connected to the primary side coil arid to the
respective battery block group, and wherein a secondary
switch is serially connected to the secondary side coil.
[0156]
In an embodiment, each electronic storage module
includes a module controller configured to individually
control charging and discharging of the respective battery
block group by controlling the primary side switches and the
secondary side switches of the respective flyback
transformer through control pulse signals.
[0157]
In an embodiment, for each of the storage modules, the
secondary switch is connected to a common positive power
supply line and a common negative power supply line.
[0158]
In an embodiment, an energy storage device is inserted
between the common positive power supply line and the common
negative power supply line.
[019]
In an embodiment, the energy storage device is a
capacitor.
[0160]
In an embodiment, for each of the storage modules, the
secondary side coil is connected to a common positive power
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supply line and a common negative power supply line.
[0161]
In an embodiment, an energy storage device is inserted
between the common positive power supply line and the common
negative power supply line.
[0162]
In an embodiment, the energy storage device is a
capacitor.
[0163]
Electric Storage System in House Serving as Application
Description will be made regarding an example wherein
the present disclosure has been applied to a residential
electric storage system, with reference to Fig. 30. For
example, with an electric storage system 100 for a residence
101, electric power is supplied from a concentrated-type
electric power system 102 such as thermal power generation
102a, nuclear power generation 102b, water power generation
102c, or the like to an electric storage apparatus 103 via
an electric power network 109, an information network 112, a
smart meter 107, a power hub 108, or the like. In addition
to this, electric power is supplied from an independent
power source such as a domestic power generating apparatus
104 or the. like to the electric storage apparatus 103. The
electric power supplied from the electric storage apparatus
103 is accumulated. Electric power to be used at the
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residence 101 is fed using the electric storage apparatus
103. The same electric storage system can also be used not
only for the residence 101 but also for buildings.
[0164]
At the residence 101, there are provided a power
generating apparatus 104, power consumption devices 105, an
electric storage apparatus 103, a control device 110 for
controlling the devices, a smart meter 107, and various
sensors 111 for obtaining various types of information. The
devices are connected by an electric power network 109 and
an information network 112. Solar batteries, fuel cells, or
the like are used as the power generating apparatus 104, and
generated electric power is supplied to the power
consumption device 105 and/or electric storage apparatus 103.,
The power consumption device 105 is a refrigerator 105a, an
air-conditioner 105b, a television receiver 105c, a bath
105d, or the like. Further, an electric vehicle 106 is
included in the power consumption device 105. The electric
vehicle 106 is an electric motorcar 106a, a hybrid car 106b,
or an electric motorbike 106c.
[0165]
The above battery units according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure are applied to the.electric storage
apparatus 103. The electric storage apparatus 103 is
configured of secondary batteries or capacitors. For
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example, the electric storage apparatus 103 is configured of
lithium-ion batteries. The lithium-ion batteries may be a
fixed type or may be used for the electric vehicle 106. The
smart meter 107 has a function for measuring the use amount
of commercial power, and transmitting the measured use
amount to an electric power company. The electric power
network 109 may be any one of or a combination of two or
more of DC electric supply, AC electric supply, and noncontact
electric supply.
[0166]
Examples of the various sensors 111 include a human
detection sensor, an illuminance sensor, an object detection
sensor, a power consumption sensor, a sway sensor, a contact
sensor, a temperature sensor, and an infrared sensor. The
information obtained by the various sensors Ill is
transmitted to the control device 110. According to the
information from the sensors 111, the state of the weather,
a people's condition, and so forth are recognized, and
accordingly, energy consumption can be minimized by
automatically controlling the power consumption device 105.
Further, the control device 110 can transmit information
relating to the residence 101 to an external electric power
company or the like via the Internet.
[0167]
Processing such as branching of the power line, DC-AC
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conversion, or the like is performed by the power hub 108.
As for a communication method of the information network 112
to be connected to the control device 110, there are a
method using a communication interface such as UART
(Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transceiver: asynchronous
serial communication transmission/reception circuit) or the
like, and a method using a sensor network according to the
wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth, ZigBee,
Wi-Fi, or the like. The Bluetooth method is applied to
multimedia communication, and one-to-many connection
communication can be performed. ZigBee uses IEEE (Institute
of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.15.4 physical
layer. IEEE802.15.4 is a name of short distance wireless
network standard called PAN (Personal Area Network) or
W(Wireless) PAN.
[0168]
The control device 110 is connected to an external
server 113. This server 113 may be managed by any of the
residence 101, an electric power company, and a service
provider-: Information that the server 113
transmits/receives is, for example, consumption power
information, life pattern information, power charges,
weather information, natural disaster information, or
information relating to power transactions. These
information may be transmitted/received from a power
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consumption device within the home (e.g., television
receiver), or may be transmitted/received from a power
consumption device outside the home (e.g., cellular phone).
These information may be displayed on a device having a
display function, e.g., a television receiver, a cellular
phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), or the like.
[0169]
The control device 110 which controls the units is
configured of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random
Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and so forth. With
this example, the control device 110 is housed in the
electric storage apparatus 103. The control device 110 is
connected to the electric storage apparatus 103, domestic
power generating apparatus 104, power consumption device 105,
various sensors 111, and server 113 by the information
network 112, and has a function for adjusting, for example,
the use amount of commercial power, and production of
electricity. Note that, in addition to this, the control
device 110 may have a function for performing power
transactions at an electricity market, or the like.
[0170]
As described above, not only the concentrated-type
electric power system 102 such as the thermal power 102a,
nuclear power 102b, water power 102c, and so forth but also
the generated power of the domestic power generating
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apparatus 104 (solar power generating, wind power
generating) can be accumulated in the electric storage
apparatus 10.3. Accordingly, even though the generated power
of the domestic power generating apparatus 104 fluctuates,
control can be performed such as stabilizing of power amount
to be externally transmitted, or discharging as appropriate.
For example, usage is also available such that the electric
power obtained by solar power generation is accumulated in
the electric storage apparatus 103, and also midnight power
with reasonable nightly rates is accumulated in the electric
storage apparatus 103, and the electric power accumulated by
the electric storage apparatus 103 is discharged and used at
a time zone of daytime with high rates.
[0171]
Note that, with this example, though description has
been made regarding an example wherein the control device
110 is housed in the electric storage apparatus 103, the
control device 110 may be housed in the smart meter 107 or
may be configured in a standalone manner. Further, the
electric storage system 100 may be used with multiple homes
in a residential condominium as an object, or may be used
with multiple detached houses as an object.
[0172]
Electric Storage System in Vehicle as Application
Description will be made regarding an example wherein
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the present disclosure has been applied to an electric
storage system for vehicle, with reference to Fig. 31. Fig.
31 schematically illustrates an example of the configuration
of a hybrid vehicle employing a series hybrid system to
which the present disclosure has been applied. The series
hybrid system is a vehicle which drives with a power driving
force inverter by using electric power generated at a power
generator which is operated by an engine, or the electric
power thereof temporarily pulled in a battery.
[0173]
There are mounted on this hybrid vehicle 200 an engine
201, a power generator 202, a power driving force inverter
203, a driving wheel 204a, a driving wheel 204b, a wheel
205a, a wheel 205b, a battery 208, a vehicle control device
209, various sensors 210, and a charging.port 211. The
above battery unit according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure is applied to the battery 208.
[0174]
The hybrid vehicle 200 drives with the power driving
force inverter 203 as a driving source. An example of the
power driving force inverter 203 is a motor. The power
driving force inverter 203 is activated by the electric
power of the battery 208, and the torque of this power
driving force inverter 203 is propagated to the driving
wheels 204a and 204b. Note that direct current to alternate
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current (DC-AC) or inverse transform (AC-DC conversion) is
employed at an appropriate portion, whereby the power
driving force inverter 203 can be applied to either a AC
motor or a DC motor. The various sensors 210 controls the
number of revolutions of the engine via the vehicle control
device 209, or controls the opening of an unshown throttle
valve (throttle opening angle). The various sensors 210
include a velocity sensor, an acceleration sensor, a numberof-
revolutions-of-engine sensor, and so forth.
[0175]
The torque of the engine 201 is propagated to the power
generator 202, and the electric power generated at the power
generator 202 can be accumulated in the battery 208 by this
torque.
[0176]
In the event that the hybrid vehicle has been
decelerated by an unshown brake mechanism, the resistance
force at the time of deceleration thereof is applied to the
power driving force inverter 203 as torque, and the
regenerative power generated at the power driving force
inverter 203 is accumulated in the battery 208 by this
torque.
[0.177]
The battery 208 is connected to an external power
source of the hybrid vehicle, whereby the battery 208 can
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receive power supply from the external power source thereof
with the charging port 211 as an input control port, and
accumulate the received electric power.
[0178]
Though not illustrated in the drawing, there may be
provided an information processing device which performs
information processing relating to vehicle control based on
information relating to secondary batteries. Examples of
such an information processing device include an information
processing device which performs battery remaining capacity
display based on information relating to battery remaining
capacity.
[0179]
Note that description has been made so far regarding
the series hybrid vehicle which uses electric power
generated at the power generator which operates the engine,
or the electric power thereof being temporally pulled in the
battery, and drives with the motor, as an example. However,
the present disclosure can effectively be applied to a
parallel-hybrid vehicle which takes both engine output and
motor output as driving sources, and switches and uses three
methods of driving by the engine alone, driving by the motor
alone, and driving by the engine and motor as appropriate.
Further, the present disclosure can effectively be applied
to an electric motorcar which drives by driving according to
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the driving motor alone without using the engine.
[0180]
Modification
Though the embodiments of the present disclosure have
specifically been described so far, the present disclosure
is not restricted to the above embodiments, and various
modifications based on the technical idea of the present
disclosure can be made. For example, the configurations,
methods, processes, shapes, materials, numeric values, and
so forth described in the above embodiments are only
examples, and configurations, methods, processes, shapes,
materials, numeric values, and so forth different from the
above may be employed as appropriate.
[0181]
Also, the configurations, methods, processes, shapes,
materials, numeric values, and so forth described in the
above embodiments can mutually be combined without departing
from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0182]
The-present disclosure contains subject matter related
to that disclosed in Japanese Priority Patent Application JP
2011-189563 filed in the Japan Patent Office on August 31,
2011 and Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2011-189561
filed in the Japan Patent Office on August 31, 2011, the
entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by
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reference.
[0133]
It should be understood by those skilled in the art
that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations
and alterations may occur depending on design requirements
and other factors insofar as they are within the scope of
the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.
SP334100
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A battery system comprising:
a plurality of electronic storage modules serially
connected together, each electronic storage module including
a battery block group including a plurality of
battery cells, and
a different magnetic core connected to each battery
block group.
2. The battery system according to Claim 1, wherein
each electronic storage module is provided in a separate
housing, and wherein a plurality of sub modules are provided
in each housing, and a plurality of battery block groups are
provided in each of the sub modules.
3. The battery system according to Claim 1, wherein
each electronic storage module includes a module controller
configured to individually control charging and discharging
of the respective battery block group.
4. The battery system according to Claim 3, wherein
each of the module controllers are connected through a bus
to a common control device.
5. The battery system according to Claim 3, wherein
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the module controllers are configured to initiate a
switching operation to control a length of an on-period for
charging or discharging of the respective battery block
group.
6. The battery system according to Claim 1, wherein
each of the storage modules further comprise a flyback
transformer configured as a coupling inductor, the flyback
transformers each including:
a different one of the magnetic cores;
a primary side coil connected to the magnetic core; and
a secondary side coil connected to the magnetic core,
wherein a primary switch is serially connected to the
primary side coil and to the respective battery block group,
and
wherein a secondary switch is serially connected to the
secondary side coil.
7. The battery system according to Claim 6, wherein
each electronic storage module includes a module controller
configured to individually control charging and discharging
of the respective battery block group by controlling the
primary side switches and the secondary side switches of the
respective flyback transformer through, control pulse signals.
8. The battery system according to Claim 6, wherein
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for each of the storage modules, the secondary switch is
connected to a common positive power supply line and a
common negative power supply line.
9. The battery system according to Claim 8, wherein an
energy storage device is inserted between the common
positive power supply line and the common negative power
supply line.
10. The battery system according to Claim 9, wherein
the energy storage device is a capacitor.
11. The battery system according to Claim 6, wherein
for each of the storage modules, the secondary side coil is
connected to a common positive power supply line and a
common negative power supply line.
12. The battery system according to Claim 11, wherein
an energy storage device is inserted between the common
positive power supply line and the common negative power
supply line.
13. The battery system according to Claim 12, wherein
the energy storage device is a capacitor.
14. A battery device comprising:
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an electric storage module including
a battery block group including a plurality of
battery cells, and
a magnetic core connected to the battery block
group and configured to operate with only the one battery
block group.
15. The battery device according to Claim 14, wherein
the electronic storage module is provided in a housing, and
wherein a plurality of sub modules are provided in the
housing, and a plurality of battery block groups are
provided in each of the sub modules.
16. The battery device according to Claim 14, wherein
the electronic storage module includes a module controller
configured to control charging and discharging of the
battery block group.
17. The battery device according to Claim 16, wherein
the module controller is configured to initiate a switching
operation to control a length of an on-period for charging
or discharging of the battery block group.
18. The battery device according to Claim 14, wherein
the storage module further comprises a flyback transformer
configured as at coupling inductor, the flyback transformer
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including:
the magnetic core;
a primary side coil connected to the magnetic core; and
a secondary side coil connected to the magnetic core,
wherein a primary switch is serially connected to the
primary side coil and to the battery block group, and
wherein a secondary switch is serially connected to the
secondary side coil.
19. The battery device according to Claim 18, wherein
the electronic storage module includes a module controller
configured to control charging and discharging of the
battery block group by controlling the primary side switches
and the secondary side switches of the flyback transformer
through control pulse signals.
20. The battery device according to Claim 18, wherein
the secondary switch is connected to a common positive power.
supply line and a common negative power supply line.
21. The battery device according to Claim 20, wherein
an energy storage device is inserted between the common
positive power supply line and the common negative power
supply line.
22. The battery device according to Claim 21, wherein
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the energy storage device is a capacitor.
23. The battery device according to Claim 18, wherein
the secondary side coil is connected to a common positive
power supply line and a common negative power supply line.
24. The battery device according to Claim 23, wherein
an energy storage device is inserted between the common
positive power supply line and the common negative power
supply line.
25. The battery device according to Claim 24, wherein
the energy storage device is a capacitor.
26. A control device comprising:
an electric storage module including
a magnetic core,
a primary switch electrically connected to the
magnetic core via a primary side coil,
a secondary switch electrically connected to the
magnetic core via a secondary side coil, and
a module controller.
27. The control device according to Claim 26, wherein
the electronic storage module is provided in a housing, and
a plurality of'battery block groups are provided in each of
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the sub modules, each battery block group including a
plurality of battery cells.
28. The control device according to Claim 26, wherein
the module controller is configured to control charging and
discharging of a battery block group that is connected to
the magnetic core.
29. The control. device according to Claim 26, wherein
the module controller is connected through a bus to a common
control device.
30. The control device according to Claim 28, wherein
the module controller is configured to initiate a switching
operation to control a length of an on-period for charging
or discharging of the respective battery block group.
31. The control device according to Claim 28, wherein
the module controller is configured to control charging and
discharging of the battery block group by controlling the
primary side switches and the secondary side switches
through control pulse signals.
32. The control device according to Claim 26, wherein
for the storage module, the secondary switch is connected to
a common positive power supply line and a common negative
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power supply line.
33. The control device according to Claim 32, wherein
an energy storage device is inserted between the common
positive power supply line and the common negative power
supply line.
34. The control device according to Claim 33, wherein
the energy storage device is a capacitor.
35. The control device according to Claim 26, wherein
for the storage module, the secondary side coil is connected
to a common positive power supply line and a common negative
power supply line.
36. The control device according to Claim 35, wherein
an energy storage device is inserted between the common
positive power supply line and the common negative power
supply line.
37. The control device according to Claim 36, wherein
the energy storage device is a capacitor.
38. An electric vehicle comprising:
battery system including a plurality of electronic
storage modules' serially connected together, each electronic
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storage module including
a battery block group including a plurality of
battery cells, and
a different magnetic core connected to each
battery block group; and
a converter configured to receive a supply of electric
power from the battery system, and to supply the power to a
component of the electric vehicle.
39. The electric vehicle according to Claim 38, wherein
each electronic storage module is provided in a separate
housing, and wherein a plurality of sub modules are provided
in each housing, and a plurality of battery block groups are
provided in each of the sub modules.
40. The electric vehicle according to Claim 38, wherein
each electronic storage module includes a module controller
configured to individually control charging and discharging
of the respective battery block group.
41. The electric vehicle according to Claim 40, wherein
each of the module controllers are connected through a bus
to a common control device.
42. The electric vehicle according to Claim 40, wherein
the module controllers are configured to initiate a
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switching operation to control a length of an on-period for
charging or discharging of the respective battery block
group.
43. The electric vehicle according to Claim 38, wherein
each of the storage modules further comprise a flyback
transformer configured as a coupling inductor, the flyback
transformers each including:
a different one of the magnetic cores;
a primary side coil connected to the magnetic core; and
a secondary side coil connected to the magnetic core,
wherein a primary switch is serially connected to the
primary side coil and to the respective battery block group,
and
wherein a secondary switch is serially connected to the
secondary side coil.
44. The electric vehicle according to Claim 43, wherein
each electronic storage module includes a module controller
configured to individually control charging and discharging
of the respective battery block group by controlling the
primary side switches and the secondary side switches of the
respective flyback transformer through control pulse signals.
45. The electric vehicle according to Claim 43, wherein
for each of the' storage modules, the secondary switch is
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connected to a common positive power supply line and a
common negative power supply line.
46. The electric vehicle according to Claim 45, wherein
an energy storage device is inserted between the common
positive power supply line and the common negative power
supply line.
47. The electric vehicle according to Claim 46, wherein
the energy storage device is a capacitor.
48. The electric vehicle according to Claim 43, for
each of the storage modules, the secondary side coil is
connected to a common positive power supply line and a
common negative power supply line.
49. The electric vehicle according to Claim 48, wherein
an energy storage device is inserted between the common
positive power supply line and the common negative power
supply line.
50. The electric vehicle according to Claim 49, wherein
the energy storage device is a capacitor.