WO2012157475A1

WO2012157475A1 - Power supply system, method for setting identification information of power supply system, and battery unit

Info

Publication number: WO2012157475A1
Application number: PCT/JP2012/061813
Authority: WO
Inventors: 貴功原田
Original assignee: 三洋電機株式会社
Priority date: 2011-05-18
Filing date: 2012-05-09
Publication date: 2012-11-22
Also published as: JP2014143771A

Abstract

[Problem] To make it possible to automatically assign identification information while connecting between battery units by an optical fiber capable of one-way communication. [Solution] A power supply system is configured as follows. Each battery unit (1) comprises: a unit's receiving unit (14) capable of receiving data from a master transmitting unit; and a parallel switch (18) connected between a unit's control unit (13) and the unit's receiving unit (14). A master unit (2) transmits an identification information setting request to a battery unit (1) connected to the master transmitting unit through an optical fiber (5) and then, in response to the reception of the identification information setting request by the unit's receiving unit (14), said battery unit (1) turns off a series switch (17) and turns on the parallel switch (18). The unit's control unit (13) sets the identification information included in the identification information setting request as the identification information of said battery unit (1) and can transmit a request for setting identification information different from the set identification information to another battery unit (1) connected to a unit's transmitting unit (15) of said battery unit (1).

Description

Power supply system, power supply system identification information setting method, and battery unit

The present invention provides a power supply system in which a plurality of unit-like battery units capable of supplying power by incorporating a plurality of battery cells connected in series or in parallel can be connected to each battery unit. The present invention relates to a method for setting identification information.

A battery unit with many built-in battery cells that increases both the output voltage and output current can be configured in a unit shape and connected to multiple battery units in series to supply more power. A power supply system has been developed. In such a power supply system, the operation of each battery unit is monitored, and when an abnormality occurs in the voltage of some battery units, measures are taken such as detecting and disconnecting or stopping the output.

In order to perform such monitoring, it is necessary to individually provide identification ID information such as an address for identifying each battery unit. Conventionally, in order to individually set such identification ID, work such as providing a dip switch or writing the identification ID in the E ² PROM in advance has been performed.

However, the operation of manually setting such an ID becomes extremely complicated. Accordingly, several methods for automatically assigning IDs to the respective battery units have been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1). In such conventional connection between battery units, a method is adopted in which IDs are sequentially assigned by connecting the master unit with a copper wire and performing communication between the master unit and the battery unit. Thus, when using a copper wire for the connection between units, since bidirectional communication is possible, ID assignment can be performed relatively easily.

On the other hand, when the number of battery units connected in series increases, the output voltage increases, so it is necessary to consider insulation. In particular, the output of individual battery units and the number of connected battery units tend to increase in response to the recent demand for higher output and larger capacity. When combining such high-power battery units, connecting the battery units with conductors requires a mechanism for insulation, requiring the use of elements with a high withstand voltage, and increasing component costs. To do. In addition, when the withstand voltage is physically insufficient, it is necessary to provide an insulation distance, which causes a problem that the apparatus becomes large.

Therefore, instead of such an electrical connection using a copper wire, a connection by optical communication using an optical fiber has been proposed (Patent Document 1). Since optical communication basically eliminates the need for insulation, a high-breakdown-voltage element or insulation structure is not necessary, and safety can be improved.

However, optical fibers are generally not capable of two-way communication. If two-way communication is performed using a single optical fiber, it is necessary to provide a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element at each connection, and transmission is time-divisional. As a result, it is necessary to manage the timing of the connection interface, which complicates the configuration of the connection interface. On the other hand, when bi-directional communication is not possible, an ID cannot be assigned by a conventional method. For this reason, in order to enable full-duplex communication to perform ID assignment, it is necessary to connect two optical fibers 405 between the battery unit 401 and each master unit 402 as shown in FIG. However, in this configuration, it is necessary to prepare connection terminals on the master unit side according to the number of battery unit connections. When the number of battery units increases, the connection terminals of the master unit become enlarged, wiring becomes complicated, and cost and space are increased. This is disadvantageous.

JP 2007-157403 A

The present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The main object of the present invention is to provide a power supply system, a power supply system identification information setting method, and a battery unit capable of automatically assigning identification information while connecting battery units with an optical fiber capable of one-way communication. is there.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first power supply system of the present invention, a master unit 2 including a master transmission unit and a master reception unit for performing communication, and a plurality of battery units 1 connected in a daisy chain An optical fiber 5 that connects the battery units 1 to each other and the master unit 2 and can send data in one direction, and the plurality of battery units 1 and the master unit via the optical fiber 5. 2, each battery unit 1 includes a unit receiver 14 that can receive data from the master transmitter, and a unit transmitter that can transmit data received by the unit receiver 14. 15, a series switch 17 that connects between the unit receiver 14 and the unit transmitter 15, the unit receiver 14 and the unit A unit control unit 13 connected in parallel with the series switch 17 between the communication unit 15 and a parallel switch 18 connected between the unit control unit 13 and the unit reception unit 14; The master unit 2 transmits an identification information setting request to the battery unit 1 connected to the master transmitter via the optical fiber 5, so that the battery unit 1 receives the unit receiver 14. In response to the reception of the identification information setting request, the series switch 17 is turned off, the parallel switch 18 is turned on, and the unit control unit 13 uses the identification information included in the identification information setting request as its own identification information. Identification information different from the set identification information for other battery units 1 connected to the unit transmitter 15 of the battery unit 1 It can be transmittable to configure the request to set the. Accordingly, identification information can be sequentially set for battery units connected downstream from the master unit using an optical fiber capable of transmitting data in one direction.

Further, according to the second power supply system, each battery unit 1 further includes a unit power supply unit 16 for supplying power to the unit control unit 13, and the unit power supply unit 16 is connected to the unit reception unit 14. The unit control unit 13 has a standby mode, an identification information setting mode, and an operation mode as operation modes, and the unit reception unit 14 receives identification information from the master unit 2 side. When the setting request is received, the unit power supply unit 16 can be configured to shift the unit control unit 13 from the standby mode to the identification information setting mode. Accordingly, when the master unit issues an identification information setting request, the unit power supply unit can shift the unit control unit to the identification information setting mode on the battery unit side connected to the master unit.

Further, according to the third power supply system, the battery unit 1 is in a standby mode until identification information is given, and shifts to an operation mode from the standby mode through the identification information setting mode and when the identification information is given. Can be configured to

Furthermore, according to the fourth power supply system, the unit control unit 13 is connected to the unit power supply unit 16 via the power supply line PW, and is connected to the parallel switch 18 via the communication line CO. be able to.

Furthermore, according to the fifth power supply system, the series switch 17 is ON / OFF controlled by the unit controller 13, and the parallel switch 18 is controlled ON / OFF by the unit power supply 16. Can do.

Furthermore, according to the sixth power supply system, when the master unit 2 recognizes that the identification information is given to all the connected battery units 1 and the identification information setting is completed, each battery unit 1 The series switch 17 can be turned on. As a result, in the operation mode, data sent from the master unit can be sent as it is to the battery unit on the downstream side, so that the battery unit instructed for identification information by the master unit receives the data and performs a predetermined operation. Can be performed.

Furthermore, according to the seventh power supply system, the unit controller 13 can turn on the series switch 17 when the identification information is set. As a result, in the operation mode, the data sent from the master unit 2 can be sent as it is to the battery unit on the downstream side, so that the battery unit to which the identification information is instructed by the master unit receives the data and receives the predetermined data. The operation can be performed.

Furthermore, according to the eighth power supply system, the standby mode can be set to a power saving mode in which the power consumption of the battery unit 1 is suppressed. Thus, until the identification information is set, in other words, in a state where the battery unit still cannot perform the original operation, it is possible to reduce power consumption and save energy.

Furthermore, according to the ninth power supply system, the battery unit 1 further includes at least one battery block 12 in which a plurality of battery cells 11 are connected in series and / or in parallel, and an output of the battery block 12 to the outside. And an output line PL for extraction. Thereby, the connection between battery units can be separated into a high-voltage output line and a signal line, and insulation between them can be achieved.

Furthermore, according to the identification information setting method of the tenth power supply system, a master unit 2 including a master transmission unit and a master reception unit for performing communication, a plurality of battery units 1 connected in a daisy chain, and the plurality And an optical fiber 5 capable of sending data in one direction, and the plurality of battery units 1 and the master unit 2 are connected via the optical fiber 5. In the power supply system configured as described above, a method for setting unique identification information for each battery unit 1, wherein each master unit 2 has the optical fiber 5 in a state where each battery unit 1 is in a standby mode. Via the step of transmitting an identification information setting request to the downstream battery unit 1 connected to the master transmitter via 1 receives the identification information setting request, shifts from the standby mode to the identification information setting mode, and sets the identification information included in the identification information setting request as its own identification information; A step of sending an identification information setting request to another downstream battery unit 1 connected to the unit transmitter 15 of the battery unit 1 after setting the identification information different from the set identification information; While repeating the process of sending the identification information setting request reset to different identification information when setting the identification information to the battery unit 1 on the downstream side, the identification information is sequentially set for each battery unit 1. When the identification information is set for the battery unit 1, different identification information is set for the master unit 2 connected to the downstream side of the last-stage battery unit 1. A step of sending an identification information setting request; and a step of determining that the setting of identification information for each battery unit 1 has been completed when the master unit 2 receives the identification information setting request, and ending the identification information setting. Can be included. Accordingly, identification information can be sequentially set for battery units connected downstream from the master unit using an optical fiber capable of transmitting data in one direction.

Furthermore, according to the eleventh power supply system identification information setting method, identification information different from the set identification information can be identification information with a predetermined increment added.

Furthermore, according to the identification information setting method of the twelfth power supply system, each battery unit 1 receives the data received by the unit receiver 14 and the unit receiver 14 that can receive data from the master transmitter. A unit transmitter 15 that can transmit, a series switch 17 that connects the unit receiver 14 and the unit transmitter 15, and the series switch 17 between the unit receiver 14 and the unit transmitter 15, A unit control unit 13 connected in parallel; and a parallel switch 18 connected between the unit control unit 13 and the unit receiving unit 14; and a step in which each battery unit 1 sets identification information. In response to receiving the identification information setting request by the unit receiver 14, the series switch 17 is turned off and the parallel switch 18 is turned on. The unit control section 13 and can be set its own identity.

Furthermore, according to the identification information setting method of the thirteenth power supply system, the series switch 17 can be turned off in the standby mode.

Furthermore, according to the identification information setting method of the fourteenth power supply system, each battery unit 1 further includes a unit power supply unit 16 for supplying power to the unit control unit 13, and the unit power supply unit 16 includes: It is connected to the unit receiver 14, the unit controller 13 has a standby mode, an identification information setting mode, and an operation mode as operation modes, and the unit receiver 14 is connected to the master unit. When the identification information setting request from 2 is received, the unit power supply unit 16 can be configured to shift the unit control unit 13 from the standby mode to the identification information setting mode. Thereby, when the master unit issues an identification information setting request, the unit power supply unit 16 can shift the unit control unit to the identification information setting mode on the battery unit side connected to the master unit.

Furthermore, according to the fifteenth battery unit, a power supply system can be constructed by connecting a plurality of batteries in a daisy chain, and is connected to the master unit 2 and can automatically set identification information. A unit receiver 14 capable of receiving data from the master transmitter of the unit 2; a unit transmitter 15 capable of transmitting data received by the unit receiver 14; and the unit receiver 14 and the unit transmitter 15 A series switch 17 for connecting the unit, a unit controller 13 connected in parallel with the series switch 17 between the unit receiver 14 and the unit transmitter 15, and the unit controller 13 and the unit receiver And a parallel switch 18 connected between the unit receiver 14 and the unit transmitter 15 with an optical fiber. Is connected to the master unit 2 and the other battery unit 1 so that the master unit 2 can identify identification information for the battery unit 1 connected to the master transmitter via the optical fiber 5. By transmitting the setting request, the battery unit 1 turns off the series switch 17 and turns on the parallel switch 18 in response to receiving the identification information setting request at the unit receiving unit 14 to control the unit. The unit 13 sets the identification information included in the identification information setting request as its own identification information, and is set for the other battery unit 1 connected to the unit transmission unit 15 of the battery unit 1. A request for setting identification information different from the identification information can be transmitted. Accordingly, identification information can be sequentially set for battery units connected downstream from the master unit using an optical fiber capable of transmitting data in one direction.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the connection form of the battery pack which concerns on Example 1 of this invention, and a master unit. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the battery unit of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which sets ID information with respect to each battery unit with the power supply system of FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the connection form of the conventional battery unit and master unit.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the following embodiments exemplify a power supply system, a power supply system identification information setting method, and a battery unit for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and the present invention is a power supply system and a power supply system. The identification information setting method and the battery unit are not specified as follows. In particular, in this specification, in order to facilitate understanding of the scope of claims, the numbers corresponding to the members shown in the embodiments are referred to as “claims” and “means for solving the problems”. However, the members shown in the claims are not limited to the members in the embodiments. In particular, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the constituent members described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to the description unless otherwise specified. It's just an example. Note that the size, positional relationship, and the like of the members shown in each drawing may be exaggerated for clarity of explanation. Furthermore, in the following description, the same name and symbol indicate the same or the same members, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, each element constituting the present invention may be configured such that a plurality of elements are constituted by the same member and the plurality of elements are shared by one member, and conversely, the function of one member is constituted by a plurality of members. It can also be realized by sharing. In addition, the contents described in some examples and embodiments may be used in other examples and embodiments.
Example 1

FIG. 1 shows a power supply system 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In this power supply system 100, a master unit 2 and a plurality of battery units 1 (1A to 1E) are connected via an optical fiber 5 as communication lines. The master unit 2 and the battery units 1A to 1E are capable of multidrop connection. In the example of FIG. 1, five battery units 1A to 1E are connected to the master unit 2 in a daisy chain by optical fibers 5, and the battery unit 1E at the final stage is connected to the master unit 2. In this figure, only signal lines are shown, and output lines to which power supply outputs are connected are not shown.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of each battery unit 1. Each battery unit 1 incorporates a plurality of battery cells 11, and the output line PL is connected to various loads as a system output to supply driving power as a power source. The battery cell 11 of the battery unit 1 can be charged by receiving power from an external commercial power source (for example, late-night power) or solar power generation, and functions as a power supply source by discharging the stored power. . The master unit 2 monitors the charge / discharge states of the plurality of battery units 1.

The battery unit 1 includes a unit receiver 14 and a unit transmitter 15. In this specification, in the multi-drop connection, the side connected to the master transmission unit of the master unit 2 is called the upstream side, and the side connected to the master reception unit is called the downstream side. Each unit is connected via an optical fiber 5. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the master unit 2 and the battery unit 1A connect the master transmitter and the unit receiver 14 with an optical fiber 5, and the battery unit 1A and the battery unit 1n are battery units. The unit transmitter 15 of 1A and the unit receiver 14 of the battery unit 1n are connected by an optical fiber 5, and the battery unit 1n and the master unit 2 are the master receiver of the unit transmitter 15 of the battery unit 1n and the master unit 2. Are connected to each other by an optical fiber 5. In this example, the receiving unit and the transmitting unit of each unit are each provided with a terminal for connecting the optical fiber 5, and data is exchanged by optical communication inside each unit. Here, optical communication is performed by connecting the optical fiber connection terminal with the optical fiber 5. However, if the optical fiber connection terminal is in the form of a connector so that the connectors can be directly engaged with each other, a separate cable for connecting the units such as an optical fiber can be eliminated.
(Optical fiber 5)

The configuration of the optical fiber 5 can be simplified by using a type that can transmit data in one direction between units, that is, a type that can use only one-way communication. Information is transmitted from the most downstream battery unit 1 n to the master receiver of the master unit 2 using the optical fiber 5.
(Master unit 2)

The master unit 2 includes a master reception unit and a master transmission unit as interfaces connected to the battery unit 1. These master receiver and master transmitter are connected to the master controller. The master unit 2 is connected to the end of the multi-drop connection, and controls and manages each battery unit 1 by the master control unit. The master control unit monitors the output current or monitors the charging state and discharging state of each battery unit 1 to detect an abnormal state. Specifically, the master control unit monitors the current value of each battery unit 1, determines that the current exceeds a predetermined threshold current, determines an overcurrent, issues a warning, and prompts the user to replace the battery unit 1. Thus, the master unit 2 functions as a protection circuit.

Furthermore, the master unit 2 has an identification information automatic setting function for automatically setting individual identification information for each battery unit 1 to be connected. Specifically, the master control unit transmits an identification information setting request from the master transmission unit to the battery unit 1 (details will be described later). Such a master control unit can be realized by a gate array such as a DSP, a microprocessor (MPU), a CPU, an LSI, an FPGA, or an ASIC.

Furthermore, the master unit 2 can detect the parallel number of the battery blocks 12 incorporated in each connected battery unit 1. Further, the protection circuit can automatically change the setting of the threshold current for protecting the battery block 12 from overcurrent according to the detected parallel number of the battery blocks 12.

The master unit 2 can also be provided with a communication interface for communicating with an external device and a user interface for a user to operate the power supply system as necessary. For example, an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or a console can be connected to the power controller as an operation unit, so that the maximum amount of current can be defined and the use / nonuse of the connected battery unit can be set. Moreover, you may provide the display panel and indicator lamp for notifying a user when abnormality arises in a battery unit.
(Battery unit 1)

The battery unit 1 functions as a slave side of master-slave communication with the master unit 2 as a master. Each battery unit 1 includes a unit reception unit 14, a unit transmission unit 15, a unit control unit 13, a unit power supply unit 16, one or more battery blocks 12, and an output line PL.

The unit receiving unit 14 and the unit transmitting unit 15 serve as communication interfaces with other battery units 1 and the master unit 2. These unit receiver 14 and unit transmitter 15 are connected via a series switch 17. ON / OFF of the series switch 17 is controlled by the unit controller 13. A unit control unit 13 is connected between the unit reception unit 14 and the unit transmission unit 15 in parallel with the series switch 17. Further, a parallel switch 18 is connected between the unit controller 13 and the unit receiver 14. The parallel switch 18 is ON / OFF controlled by the unit power supply unit 16.

As described above, when the unit switch 13 is connected in parallel with the series switch 17 between the unit receiver 14 and the unit transmitter 15, the data received by the unit receiver 14 when the series switch 17 is turned OFF. Is received by the unit controller 13. In other words, the data received by the unit receiver 14 is not transmitted as it is to the next battery unit via the series switch 17 and the unit transmitter 15. For this reason, it is advantageous when sequentially setting individual identification information in each battery unit in the identification information setting mode described later. On the other hand, in the operation mode with the identification information set, the unit control unit 13 turns on the serial switch 17 so that the data received by the unit reception unit 14 passes through the unit transmission unit 15 as it is and the next stage. It is sent to the battery unit. In other words, since the data sent from the master unit 2 is sent to all the battery units, it is possible to receive the data at the corresponding battery unit and perform a predetermined process according to the identification information included in the data. .
(Battery block 12)

The battery block 12 includes a plurality of rechargeable secondary battery cells 11 connected in series. The battery blocks 12 are connected in parallel. In addition, the connection form of the battery cell 11 and the battery block 12 is not restricted to this connection example, For example, the battery block which connected the some battery cell in parallel can also be connected in series. On the other hand, the output of the battery block 12 is output from the output line PL. The output lines PL are connected in series or in parallel between the battery blocks 12 to obtain the output of the power supply system. In this example, each battery unit 1 has an output of 50 V and 33 Ah. If 14 of these battery units 1 are connected in series, an output of 700 V can be obtained in the entire power supply system. On the other hand, the signal line from the battery block 12 is also connected to the unit control unit 13, and the temperature and current value of the battery block 12 are managed by the unit control unit 13. In particular, the high voltage output line and the signal line are separated from each other, and the signal line is the optical fiber 5 so that the insulation between them can be easily achieved.
(Unit control unit 13)

The unit control unit 13 is a member that controls the battery unit 1, and performs data communication with other battery units 1 and the master unit 2, executes an identification information setting mode for acquiring identification information of the battery unit 1, etc. Perform various controls. The unit controller 13 can also be realized by a gate array such as a DSP, a microprocessor (MPU), a CPU, an LSI, an FPGA, or an ASIC. The unit controller 13 is connected to the unit power source 16 via a power supply line PW, and is connected to the parallel switch 18 via a communication line CO.
(Unit power supply unit 16)

The driving power for driving the unit control unit 13 is supplied from the unit power supply unit 16. The unit power supply unit 16 can use a voltage conversion circuit that converts the power supplied from the battery block 12 into an electrode that can drive the unit control unit 13. A switching regulator is preferable. As a result, the battery unit 1 is powered by the built-in battery block 12 and can be driven autonomously without using an external power source. The unit power supply unit 16 is connected to the unit reception unit 14. Here, the unit controller 13 has a standby mode, an identification information setting mode, and an operation mode as operation modes.

Standby mode is, for example, a power saving mode with low power consumption. Until the identification information is set, in other words, in a state where the battery unit 1 still cannot perform the original operation, it is possible to reduce power consumption and to save energy. In the standby mode, the series switch 17 and the parallel switch 18 of each battery unit 1 are turned off. In the standby mode, when the unit reception unit 14 receives the identification information setting request, the unit power supply unit 16 shifts the unit control unit 13 from the standby mode to the identification information setting mode. Specifically, in response to the identification information setting request, the unit power supply unit 16 connected to the unit receiving unit 14 is activated, the parallel switch 18 is switched on, and the power supplied to the unit control unit 13 is switched from the standby mode. Change to the power of the identification information setting mode. With this configuration, when the master unit 2 issues an identification information setting request, the battery unit 1 connected to the master unit 2 can automatically shift to the identification information setting mode.

In the identification information setting mode, each unit control unit 13 sets its own identification information according to the identification information included in the identification information setting request, and sets the identification information different from this identification information, so that the next-stage battery An identification information setting request is also transmitted to unit 1. In this way, each battery unit 1 sequentially sets identification information.

Further, when the master unit 2 receives the identification information setting request from the battery unit 1 connected to the final stage, the master unit 2 recognizes that the identification information is given to all the connected battery units 1. When the identification information setting is completed, the series switch 17 of each battery unit 1 is turned on to shift to the operation mode. In the operation mode, data sent from the master unit 2 to the battery unit 1 is sent from the unit receiver 14 of each battery unit 1 to the unit transmitter 15 via the series switch 17. Can receive data. Therefore, the master unit 2 can include the identification information of the destination in the data, so that the corresponding battery unit 1 can receive the data and perform a predetermined operation.

The timing for turning on the series switch 17 is the timing at which the identification information is set in all the battery units, and the unit controller sequentially turns on the series switch 17 every time the identification information is set in each battery unit. You may comprise so that it may become.

The battery unit 1 does not have a non-volatile memory such as an E2PROM that holds ID information once assigned. For this reason, the ID information of each battery unit 1 disappears when the power of the battery unit 1 is turned off. It has an automatic acquisition function. In addition, when the battery unit 1 is activated, the initial value is uniformly reset. Thereby, there is no need to set different ID information in advance when the battery unit 1 is manufactured or connected, and an advantage that the manufacturing process and installation work can be saved can be obtained. The initial value of ID information is set to the maximum value that can be taken as ID information, for example, ID = 255, while ID information automatically acquired by the ID automatic acquisition function is set in ascending order with 0 or 1 as the initial value. By assigning to the ID, it is possible to avoid the conflict between the automatically acquired ID information value and the initial value.

However, you may provide the identification information memory for hold | maintaining the identification information set to the battery unit. In this case, the standby mode is set until the identification information given from the master unit is recorded in the identification information memory. After the identification information setting mode, the operation mode is entered when the identification information is recorded in the identification information memory. It can be configured as follows.
(ID information setting method)

The power supply system 100 has a function of automatically setting ID information as identification information for each battery unit 1. Hereinafter, this procedure will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. Here, a plurality of battery units 1 and a master unit 2 are connected in advance by an optical fiber 5. Each battery unit 1 is shipped from the factory, that is, identification information is not given, and is set to an initial value (for example, 255). Moreover, both the series switch 17 and the parallel switch 18 of each battery unit 1 are OFF (open), and are in a standby mode.

In this state, first, in step S1, the master unit 2 requests the battery unit 1 connected downstream to set identification information. Specifically, an identification information setting request is transmitted from the master transmission unit of the master unit 2 to the unit reception unit 14 of the battery unit 1 </ b> A via the optical fiber 5.

Next, in step S2, the downstream battery unit receives the identification information setting request and shifts to the identification information setting mode. Specifically, when the unit reception unit 14 of the battery unit 1A receives the identification information setting request, the unit power supply unit 16 connected to the unit reception unit 14 is activated, and the parallel switch 18 is switched from OFF to ON. Further, the power supplied to the unit controller 13 is increased from the standby mode to the power in the identification information setting mode.

In response to this, the unit controller 13 sets its own identification information (step S3). Preferably, identification information to be set (for example, ID number 0) is included in the identification information setting request. Further, the unit controller 13 adds a predetermined increment (for example, +1) to the ID number and updates the identification information setting request (step S4). For example, the ID number is rewritten to ID + 1.

Next, it is determined whether or not there is a battery unit connected to the downstream side (step S5), and if it exists, the identification information setting is similarly requested to the downstream battery unit (step S6). The above steps S2 to S4 are repeated. For example, in the example of FIG. 2, the identification information of ID + 1 (for example, ID number 0 + 1 = 1) is set in the battery unit 1n, and the increment is added to the identification information (for example, ID number 1 + 1 = 2), so that Send to unit. When unique identification information is given to all the battery units in this way, the battery unit 1n at the last stage sends an identification information setting request (ID number ID _n + 1) in which an increment is added to its own identification information ID _n . Return from the unit transmitter 15 to the master receiver of the master unit 2 (step S7). The master unit 2 receives this identification information setting request, recognizes that identification information has been assigned to all connected battery units, and ends the identification information setting mode.

On the other hand, the master unit 2 can grasp the number of connected battery units by subtracting the increment from the identification information included in the identification information setting request (ID number (ID _n +1) −1 = ID _n ). Then, when the identification information setting mode ends, the master unit 2 shifts to the operation mode. In response to this, the master unit 2 starts master-slave communication with each battery unit 1. Each battery unit 1 can be identified by the ID information. A known communication method such as RS-485 can be used as the communication method. The master unit 2 can obtain battery information (battery voltage, temperature, abnormality information, etc.) of each battery unit 1.

With such a configuration, when the master unit 2 issues an identification information setting request, the battery unit 1 connected to the master unit 2 can automatically shift to the identification information setting mode. Moreover, after the identification information of each battery unit 1 is set in the identification information setting mode, the operation mode can be automatically shifted to perform a predetermined operation. As a result, identification information can be automatically assigned to each battery unit 1 in a state where a plurality of battery units 1 are connected, and addresses can be easily set even in one-way communication using the optical fiber 5. Can do. Moreover, a large capacity power supply system can be constructed by connecting a plurality of battery units 1. By adjusting the number of connections, the power supply capacity of the entire power supply system can be adjusted, and a power supply system corresponding to the required scale can be flexibly constructed. In addition, even if an abnormality occurs in any of the battery cells, it is possible to reduce the cost required for battery replacement by detecting this on the master unit side and making it possible to replace only the battery unit containing the abnormal battery cell. Can also be obtained.

Each battery unit 1 has a common hardware configuration. In the battery unit 1 shown in FIG. 2, three battery blocks 12 in which 13 battery cells 11 are connected in series are connected in parallel. Each battery block 12 can be connected to a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the battery cell 11 and a voltage sensor that detects the block voltage of the battery block 12. A thermistor or the like can be used as the temperature sensor. Furthermore, the output line PL of the battery unit 1 connected to the plurality of battery blocks 12 is provided with a current detection unit that detects the charge / discharge current of the battery unit 1 and is input to the unit control unit 13. The unit control unit 13 detects overcharge and overdischarge of the battery block 12 based on the temperature of the battery cell 11 and the battery cell 11 or the block voltage, and outputs an abnormality signal to the master unit 2 when an abnormality is detected. The master unit 2 identifies the battery unit 1 in which an abnormality has occurred, notifies the user of the occurrence of the abnormality, and prompts inspection or replacement.
(Battery cell 11)

The battery cell 11 may be of a type using a square or cylindrical battery can as well as a cylindrical or cylindrical battery cell extending in one direction. As the battery cell 11, a secondary battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, or a nickel cadmium battery can be suitably used. In particular, a lithium ion secondary battery is desirable. Since the lithium ion secondary battery has a high volume density, it is suitable for reducing the size and weight of the battery pack 20. Also, the lithium ion secondary battery has a wider chargeable / dischargeable temperature range than lead-acid batteries and nickel metal hydride batteries, and can be charged and discharged efficiently.

Moreover, it is preferable to use an iron phosphate-based material for the positive electrode material of the battery cell 11. Thereby, safety can be improved, temperature dependence of charging / discharging can be suppressed, and since relatively high charging / discharging efficiency can be maintained even at low temperatures, charging / discharging can be efficiently performed even in winter.

Furthermore, the positive electrode of the lithium ion secondary battery can be a three-component positive electrode. In this lithium ion secondary battery, a mixture of Li—Ni—Mn—Co composite oxide and lithium cobalt oxide is used for the positive electrode instead of the conventional lithium cobalt oxide. Since this lithium ion secondary battery uses Ni—Mn—Co composed of three components in addition to lithium for the positive electrode, it is charged with high voltage and has high thermal stability, and the maximum charging voltage is 4.3V. You can increase the capacity.

However, it is preferable to set the voltage during charging to a voltage that is intentionally lower than the voltage determined to be fully charged in the battery cell 11 to be used. For example, when a lithium ion secondary battery is used, it is determined to be fully charged at around 4.2 V under general conditions, but is set to be determined as fully charged at 4 V. Thereby, the lifetime of a battery cell can be extended.

In the above example, a master unit is prepared separately. Instead, the battery unit connected upstream is added to the battery unit by adding the function of the master unit related to the processing of the identification information to the battery unit. You may comprise so that it may operate | move as a unit.

The power supply system, the power supply system identification information setting method, and the battery unit according to the present invention can be suitably used for household power supplies, plant power supplies, and the like that are used by charging with night power or a solar battery panel.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ...

Power supply system

1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1n ... Battery unit 2 ... Master unit 5 ... Optical fiber 11 ... Battery cell 12 ... Battery block 13 ... Unit control part 14 ... Unit receiving part 15 ... Unit transmission Unit 16 ... Unit power supply unit 17 ... Series switch 18 ... Parallel switch 401 ... Battery unit 402 ... Master unit 405 ... Optical fiber PL ... Output line PW ... Power supply line CO ... Communication line

Claims

A master unit (2) including a master transmitter and a master receiver for performing communication,
A plurality of battery units (1) connected in a daisy chain;
The plurality of battery units (1) and the master unit (2) are connected together, and an optical fiber (5) capable of sending data in one direction,
With
A power supply system in which the plurality of battery units (1) and the master unit (2) are connected via the optical fiber (5),
Each battery unit (1)
A unit receiver (14) capable of receiving data from the master transmitter; and
A unit transmitter (15) capable of transmitting data received by the unit receiver (14);
A series switch (17) for connecting between the unit receiver (14) and the unit transmitter (15),
Between the unit receiver (14) and the unit transmitter (15), a unit controller (13) connected in parallel with the series switch (17),
A parallel switch (18) connected between the unit controller (13) and the unit receiver (14);
With
The master unit (2) transmits an identification information setting request to the battery unit (1) connected to the master transmitter via the optical fiber (5), so that the battery unit (1) Upon receipt of the identification information setting request by the unit receiver (14), the series switch (17) is turned off, the parallel switch (18) is turned on, and the unit controller (13) The identification information included in the information setting request is set as its own identification information, and is set for the other battery unit (1) connected to the unit transmission unit (15) of the battery unit (1). A power supply system configured to be able to send a request for setting identification information different from the identification information.
The power supply system according to claim 1,
Each battery unit (1) further includes a unit power supply unit (16) for supplying power to the unit control unit (13),
The unit power supply unit (16) is connected to the unit reception unit (14),
The unit controller (13) has a standby mode, an identification information setting mode, and an operation mode as operation modes,
When the unit receiving unit (14) receives the identification information setting request from the master unit (2) side, the unit power supply unit (16) changes the unit control unit (13) from the standby mode to the identification information setting mode. A power supply system configured to be migrated.
The power supply system according to claim 2,
The battery unit (1) is in a standby mode until identification information is given,
A power supply system configured to shift to an operation mode when the identification information is given from a standby mode through an identification information setting mode.
The power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The unit controller (13)
It is connected via the unit power supply unit (16) and the power supply line (PW),
A power supply system connected to the parallel switch (18) via a communication line (CO).
The power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The series switch (17) is ON / OFF controlled by the unit controller (13),
The parallel switch (18) is controlled to be turned ON / OFF by the unit power supply unit (16).
The power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
When the master unit (2) recognizes that identification information is assigned to all connected battery units (1) and the identification information setting is completed, the series switch (17) of each battery unit (1) ) Is turned on.
The power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The power supply system according to claim 1, wherein the unit controller (13) turns on the series switch (17) when identification information is set.
The power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The power supply system, wherein the standby mode is a power saving mode in which power consumption of the battery unit (1) is suppressed.
The power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising:
The battery unit (1)
One or more battery blocks (12) in which a plurality of battery cells (11) are connected in series and / or in parallel;
An output line (PL) for taking out the output of the battery block (12) to the outside;
A power supply system comprising:
A master unit (2) including a master transmitter and a master receiver for performing communication,
A plurality of battery units (1) connected in a daisy chain;
The plurality of battery units (1) and the master unit (2) are connected together, and an optical fiber (5) capable of sending data in one direction,
With
In a power supply system in which the plurality of battery units (1) and the master unit (2) are connected via the optical fiber (5), a method of setting unique identification information for each battery unit (1). There,
With each battery unit (1) in standby mode, the master unit (2) is connected to the downstream battery unit (1) connected to the master transmitter via the optical fiber (5). Sending the identification information setting request;
The battery unit (1) receives the identification information setting request, transitions from the standby mode to the identification information setting mode, and sets the identification information included in the identification information setting request as its identification information;
After the battery unit (1) is set to identification information different from the set identification information, the other downstream battery unit (1) connected to the unit transmission unit (15) of the battery unit (1) ) For sending an identification information setting request,
While repeating the process of sending the identification information setting request reset to different identification information when setting the identification information to the battery unit (1) on the downstream side, the identification information is sequentially assigned to each battery unit (1). Once the identification information is set for all battery units (1), different identification information is set for the master unit (2) connected downstream of the last battery unit (1). Sending the identification information setting request,
The master unit (2) receives the identification information setting request, determines that the setting of the identification information for each battery unit (1) is completed, and ends the identification information setting,
A method for setting identification information of a power supply system, comprising:
It is the identification information setting method of the power supply system of Claim 10, Comprising:
An identification information setting method for a power supply system, wherein the identification information different from the set identification information is identification information to which a predetermined increment is added.
It is the identification information setting method of the power supply system according to claim 10 or 11,
Each battery unit (1)
A unit receiver (14) capable of receiving data from the master transmitter; and
A unit transmitter (15) capable of transmitting data received by the unit receiver (14);
A series switch (17) for connecting between the unit receiver (14) and the unit transmitter (15),
Between the unit receiver (14) and the unit transmitter (15), a unit controller (13) connected in parallel with the series switch (17),
A parallel switch (18) connected between the unit controller (13) and the unit receiver (14);
With
Each battery unit (1) sets the identification information. Upon receiving the identification information setting request in the unit receiver (14), the series switch (17) is turned off, and the parallel switch (18 ) And the unit control section (13) sets its own identification information.
It is the identification information setting method of the power supply system of Claim 12, Comprising:
The method for setting identification information of a power supply system, wherein the series switch (17) is turned off in a standby mode.
It is the identification information setting method of the power supply system as described in any one of Claim 11 to 13,
Each battery unit (1) further includes a unit power supply unit (16) for supplying power to the unit control unit (13),
The unit power supply unit (16) is connected to the unit reception unit (14),
The unit controller (13) has a standby mode, an identification information setting mode, and an operation mode as operation modes,
When the unit reception unit (14) receives the identification information setting request from the master unit (2), the unit power supply unit (16) shifts the unit control unit (13) from the standby mode to the identification information setting mode. A power supply system configured to be made to be
A battery unit that can connect a plurality of units in a daisy chain and construct a power supply system, and is connected to a master unit (2) to automatically set identification information,
A unit receiver (14) capable of receiving data from the master transmitter of the master unit (2);
A unit transmitter (15) capable of transmitting data received by the unit receiver (14);
A series switch (17) for connecting between the unit receiver (14) and the unit transmitter (15),
Between the unit receiver (14) and the unit transmitter (15), a unit controller (13) connected in parallel with the series switch (17),
A parallel switch (18) connected between the unit controller (13) and the unit receiver (14);
With
An optical fiber (5) is connected to the unit receiver (14) and the unit transmitter (15), and is configured to be connectable with the master unit (2) and another battery unit (1).
The master unit (2) transmits an identification information setting request to the battery unit (1) connected to the master transmitter via the optical fiber (5), so that the battery unit (1) Upon receiving the identification information setting request at the unit receiver (14), the series switch (17) is turned off, the parallel switch (18) is turned on, and the unit controller (13) sets the identification information. The identification information included in the request is set as its own identification information, and the set identification is set for the other battery unit (1) connected to the unit transmission unit (15) of the battery unit (1). A battery unit configured to be able to send a request to set identification information different from information.