Charging device and system for charging a motor vehicle

Abstract

Charging device (1) for charging a motor vehicle (3), which - comprising a power supply unit (5) arranged externally to the motor vehicle (3) and designed to provide electrical current to a solid gas battery (33) of the motor vehicle (3), - comprising a gas supply unit (7) arranged externally to the motor vehicle (3) and configured to provide gas for the solid gas battery (33) of the motor vehicle (3), and - has at least one supply connection (9) by means of which the energy supply unit (5) can be coupled to the motor vehicle (3) during a charging process to supply electrical current to the solid gas battery (33) and by means of which the gas supply unit (7) can be coupled to the motor vehicle (3) during the charging process to supply gas to the solid gas battery (33).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging device and a system for charging a motor vehicle, which is suitable for supplying the motor vehicle with electric current and gas for operating a solid gas battery.

[0002] Electric vehicles are an alternative to vehicles with conventional combustion engines. One advantage of electric motors is their zero local emissions. The energy required to power an electric motor is typically supplied by rechargeable batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are frequently used in this context, providing the necessary energy to operate the vehicle.

[0003] Alternatives to lithium-ion batteries include lithium-air batteries, or more generally, solid-state gas batteries, which offer significantly higher energy density and performance than current lithium-ion batteries. This can, among other things, positively impact the vehicle's range. Consequently, vehicles with solid-state gas batteries require special charging systems that supply the vehicle with the necessary fuel to operate the battery.

[0004] Document US 2012 / 0041628A1 describes a system and a method suitable for electrically charging a metal-air battery located in a motor vehicle. For this purpose, a compressor and a tank are also located in the motor vehicle, which, together with an external power source, enable a charging cycle of the metal-air battery.

[0005] The object of the invention is to create a charging device and a system that is suitable for enabling the simple supply of electric current and gas to a solid gas battery of a motor vehicle.

[0006] The problem is solved by the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are characterized in the dependent claims.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, a charging device for charging a motor vehicle comprises a power supply unit arranged externally to the motor vehicle and configured to provide electrical current to a solid-state gas battery of the motor vehicle. The charging device further comprises a gas supply unit arranged externally to the motor vehicle and configured to provide gas to the solid-state gas battery of the motor vehicle. The charging device also has at least one connection point by means of which the power supply unit can be connected to the motor vehicle during a charging process for supplying electrical current to the solid-state gas battery, and by means of which the gas supply unit can be connected to the motor vehicle during a charging process for supplying gas to the solid-state gas battery.

[0008] Such a charging device makes it easy to charge a motor vehicle equipped with a solid gas battery with electricity and gas.

[0009] Solid-state gas batteries have a solid anode and a spaced-apart cathode, which is typically made of mesoporous carbon and can be visualized as a type of sponge. Between the solid anode and the cathode is an electrolyte, which, depending on the battery's design, can be solid or liquid. Supplying gas in the solid-state gas battery induces an electric current, which can be used for power generation. During discharge, positive ions and electrons are released from the solid anode and enter the electrolyte. Subsequently, these positive ions couple to atoms or molecules of the supplied gas at the cathode, forming an electrochemical bond.The electrons released in this process are available for charge transport, thus enabling current flow and the electrical supply of components coupled to the solid-state gas battery. If, for example, an external voltage potential is applied to the solid-state gas battery that is higher than the potential during discharge, the described process is reversed, and the solid-state gas battery is charged. In this case, the electrochemical bonds between the ions of the solid anode and the atoms or molecules of the supplied gas are broken. As a result, the ions migrate through the electrolyte to the solid anode and are deposited there by recombination with electrons. Furthermore, the electrochemically bound gas is also released, which can, for example, be discharged into an external environment or recycled for another cycle of the solid-state gas battery.

[0010] With regard to the claimed invention, the described charging device provides, among other things, an electric current via the at least one supply connection. This current represents an external voltage potential and thus enables the charging of the solid-state gas battery. The power supply unit is, for example, a separate component of the charging device, which may include a generator, and / or it is connected to a power supply network from which it draws the electric current necessary for charging the vehicle. Direct current or direct voltage is preferably provided by the power supply unit because this allows for a faster charging process than charging with alternating current or alternating voltage.Charging with alternating current or voltage is also possible, so in this context, for example, the charging device or the vehicle includes components for current or voltage conversion, such as a rectifier. This ensures that the solid-state gas battery is supplied with direct current or voltage, which is required for charging.

[0011] The gas released during the charging process can, for example, be vented from the solid-state battery or the vehicle, or it can be reused for another driving cycle of the solid-state battery. In this case, for example, a high-pressure tank is installed in the vehicle, which can be connected to at least one supply port of the charging device.

[0012] In the event that the released gas is, for example, vented from the vehicle, the described charging device also provides gas for the solid-state gas battery, which can be supplied to the vehicle during the charging process. This may also be necessary if a vehicle user wishes to exchange the previously used gas for a different type of gas, for example, to increase the efficiency of the solid-state gas battery and the vehicle's potential range. In this context, the charging device and the vehicle are designed to carry out such a gas exchange during the charging process. Furthermore, in such a case, the solid-state gas battery is designed to operate with different types of gas.The gas supply unit of the charging device then comprises, for example, several gas tanks with different types of gas for solid-state gas batteries, which it provides for the vehicle's charging process. Alternatively or additionally, the gas supply unit is also connected to a gas supply network and draws one or more types of gas from it to supply the vehicle.

[0013] Charging the solid-state gas battery with electricity and gas can occur simultaneously or sequentially during the charging process. The at least one supply connection is designed accordingly and is connected to the power supply unit and the gas supply unit. For example, the at least one supply connection includes an insulated electrical line for supplying the electricity during the charging process, surrounded by a gas line for supplying the gas. This gas line can also be used to draw gas from the vehicle during the charging process, such as gas released during the charging of the solid-state gas battery. Alternatively, the charging device may also include a separate gas line for this purpose, which can also be connected to the vehicle via the at least one supply connection.In this context, at least one supply connection is implemented, for example, as a type of combined connection, which is designed in such a way that it enables at least the functions described.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally, the described charging device has further supply connections, so that, for example, during the charging process, a first supply connection is available for supplying electrical current and a second supply connection for supplying gas to the solid-state gas battery. The second supply connection can also be designed to receive gas from the vehicle, or, for example, a third supply connection may be present that performs this function. The supply connection(s) are designed in such a way that they have, for example, common plug shapes according to their function. However, they can also be designed differently in terms of their shape, so that, during the charging process, at least the charging of electrical current and / or gas to the solid-state gas battery is always possible.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the first aspect, the gas supply unit includes a compressor designed to compress gas supplied during the charging process for the solid gas battery and to supply it to the motor vehicle.

[0016] In this way, it is possible to supply the vehicle with the compressed gas required to operate the solid-state gas battery, thus filling, for example, the vehicle's high-pressure tank. Because the gas is supplied to the vehicle in a compressed form during the charging process, a larger volume of gas can be stored, for example, in the vehicle's high-pressure tank. This can have a positive effect on the power capacity of the solid-state gas battery and the vehicle's potential range. Accordingly, the dimensions of the vehicle's high-pressure tank can also be adjusted, depending, among other things, on the gas pressure, the desired vehicle range, and the performance of the solid-state gas battery.

[0017] The compressor, as a component of the gas supply unit, is arranged externally to the vehicle and, according to the claimed invention, is integrated, for example, into an external charging station. This enables, for instance, the storage of compressed gas in the high-pressure tank of vehicles that do not carry their own compressor. This allows for the realization of vehicles with solid-state gas batteries, saving weight, volume, and costs that would otherwise be incurred by installing a compressor in the vehicle. The weight reduction of the vehicle made possible by the described charging device has a beneficial effect on the energy density and performance of the solid-state gas battery and, through the associated volume reduction, allows for adjustments to other vehicle components, such as the high-pressure tank.This allows the compressor to be larger in its dimensions than would be the case in a vehicle with a compressor. Consequently, arranging the compressor externally in the charging device contributes to more efficient operation of the solid-state gas battery.

[0018] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the charging device includes a gas intake unit which is arranged externally to the motor vehicle and which is designed to take in gas from the motor vehicle during the charging process.

[0019] In this way, it is possible to draw gas from the vehicle during the charging process using the gas intake unit and store it, for example, in a gas tank. This allows, for instance, the exchange of gas for the solid-state gas battery. If the solid-state gas battery is designed to operate with synthetic air or pure oxygen, the gas types can be released and exchanged as needed during the charging process. For example, the gas supply unit of the charging device provides at least these two gas types, thus enabling the charging of the desired gas during the charging process. For instance, previously supplied synthetic air can be exchanged for pure oxygen, which may result in higher efficiency of the solid-state gas battery and therefore a greater vehicle range compared to synthetic air.

[0020] Furthermore, the gas collection unit makes it possible during the charging process to collect the gas released during the discharge of the solid-state gas battery, which was chemically bound to the positive ions of the solid at the cathode, and to feed it back into the high-pressure tank of the vehicle.

[0021] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the gas intake unit is coupled to the gas supply unit and is designed to supply at least part of the gas taken in by the motor vehicle during the charging process to the gas supply unit.

[0022] In this context, for example, the gas released during the charging process is drawn in by the vehicle via at least one supply connection and subsequently fed to the gas supply unit via one or more supply lines. The drawn-in gas can then be recompressed by the compressor and fed to the vehicle's high-pressure tank for the solid-state gas battery for another driving cycle. If necessary, only a portion of the drawn-in gas is fed to the gas supply unit and the vehicle, for example, because the overall quality of the drawn-in gas does not meet the required specifications.Consequently, for example, some of the absorbed gas is mixed with gas supplied by the gas supply unit via a gas supply network or a gas tank, ensuring that the gas supplied to the vehicle meets the specified requirements for the solid-state gas battery. The quality of the absorbed and supplied gas is monitored, for example, by sensors in the supply line(s), which analyze the concentration of various substances harmful to the operation of the solid-state gas battery.

[0023] Furthermore, the gas intake unit can, for example, also be designed as a simple supply line that connects the charging device's at least one supply port to the compressor. In this way, the gas released during the charging process from the vehicle's solid-state battery is recycled particularly easily.

[0024] According to a further elaboration of the first aspect, the gas supply unit includes a gas processing unit.

[0025] The gas processing unit, for example, allows the gas to be filtered before it is supplied to the vehicle for the solid-state gas battery. This filters out components from the gas that could negatively affect the operation of the solid-state gas battery. The processed gas is then supplied, for example, to the vehicle's high-pressure tank.

[0026] For example, the gas can be largely purified of water and carbon dioxide using the gas processing unit. These substances, even at concentrations of 100 to 400 ppm, can negatively affect the operation of the solid-state gas battery and eventually damage it. Other impurities, such as particles and hydrocarbons, can also be separated in this way. This process generates synthetic air, consisting primarily of nitrogen and oxygen. The synthetic air can then be supplied to the vehicle during the charging process and stored, for example, in the gas intake unit of the charging device.

[0027] The gas processing unit is, for example, coupled with one or more gas tanks of the gas supply unit and the gas supply network, thus enabling the gas to be cleaned before it is supplied to the vehicle during the charging process.

[0028] In this way, a contribution is made to a longer service life of the solid gas battery and, if necessary, the time for maintenance of the vehicle's solid gas battery is also postponed.

[0029] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the charging device includes at least one gas tank which is arranged externally to the motor vehicle and which is coupled to the gas supply unit.

[0030] As previously described, the gas supply unit can be connected to at least one gas supply network and / or at least one gas tank to enable the charging of the vehicle's solid-state gas battery during the charging process. The at least one gas tank contains, for example, synthetic air or pure oxygen.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the charging device includes an air conditioning system designed to cool or heat gas for the solid gas battery of the motor vehicle before and / or during the charging process.

[0032] The air conditioning system of the described charging device allows the gas to be tempered to an optimal temperature, enabling, for example, fast and / or battery-friendly charging during the vehicle's charging process. For instance, the air conditioning system maintains a specific temperature range for the gas supplied by the gas supply unit, ensuring optimal operation of the vehicle's solid-state gas battery in a timely manner. For example, at least one gas tank is a cryogenic storage unit, which, for instance, allows for the charging of liquid oxygen for the vehicle. During vehicle operation, liquid oxygen is supplied from the high-pressure tank of the solid-state gas battery and evaporates due to ambient temperatures, thus returning to a gaseous state.

[0033] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the charging device includes a communication interface designed to exchange signals between the charging device and the motor vehicle during the charging process to control the charging process.

[0034] The charging device can communicate with the vehicle via its communication interface and thus control the vehicle's charging process. In this context, the vehicle is equipped with a corresponding communication interface that enables such communication. For example, the charging device controls the vehicle's vehicle or battery management system, which, among other things, monitors the charging process. This communication includes transmitting various pieces of information, such as the charging status, system pressure, oxygen content of the supplied gas, high-pressure tank level, pressure in the solid-state battery, gas temperature, and battery temperature.Furthermore, the charging device is designed to acquire the information and measurements necessary for communication and can, for example, control the charging process using various sensors. This also includes, for example, controlling thermal management.

[0035] The communication between the charging device and the vehicle enables an optimal and safe charging process for the solid gas battery.

[0036] According to a second aspect, a system for charging a motor vehicle comprises a charging device according to one of the previously described embodiments of the first aspect and the motor vehicle, which has a solid gas battery and at least one charging port for supplying electric current and / or gas to the solid gas battery during a charging process using the charging device.

[0037] The charging device claimed represents, for example, a charging station in the public infrastructure for motor vehicles with solid-state gas batteries and can be understood as essentially analogous to a gas station for, say, vehicles with internal combustion engines. Unlike conventional gas stations, such a charging station enables the charging of solid-state gas batteries in motor vehicles with electricity and / or gas. This makes it possible to operate motor vehicles with electric motors, which, in terms of potential energy density and performance, have a significantly higher potential than previous motor vehicles with, for example, lithium-ion batteries.

[0038] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the schematic drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a charging device for charging a motor vehicle, Fig. 2 a system for charging a motor vehicle.

[0039] Elements of the same construction or function are marked with the same reference symbols across all figures.

[0040] In Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a charging device 1 which enables the charging of electric current and / or gas for a motor vehicle 3 (see Figure 1). Fig. 2) enables the charging device 1 to have a solid-state gas battery 33. The charging device 1 comprises a power supply unit 5 and a gas supply unit 7, which are arranged externally to the motor vehicle 3 and which provide electrical current and gas for charging the motor vehicle 3.

[0041] The charging process of the motor vehicle 3 is realized by means of at least one supply connection 9, which is coupled to the energy supply unit 5 and the gas supply unit 7. In this embodiment, the gas supply unit 7 is coupled to the supply connection 9 via a piping system and the energy supply unit via an electrical line. The flow and direction of the propagating gas in the piping system can be controlled, for example, by means of valves 19, which are located in Fig. 1. The valves are arranged at various positions in the piping system. The center lines in the valve symbols indicate whether the valves are oriented in the blocking or flow direction. A blocking direction for a valve is indicated by the center line in the valve symbols being drawn perpendicular to the pipe walls of the respective pipe in the piping system. Furthermore, regardless of the valve orientation, arrows on the pipes of the piping system indicate the preferred direction of gas flow. Double arrows indicate that gas flow is possible in both directions shown.

[0042] The power supply unit 5 is, for example, a separate component of the charging device 1, which includes, for example, a generator and / or a stationary battery, and / or it is connected to a power supply network from which it draws the electrical current necessary for charging the vehicle 3. Preferably, the power supply unit 5 provides direct current or direct voltage because this enables a faster charging process than charging with alternating current or alternating voltage. However, charging with alternating current or alternating voltage is also possible, so in this context, for example, the charging device 1 or the vehicle 3 includes components for current or voltage conversion, such as a rectifier. In this way, it is ensured that the solid-state gas battery 33 is supplied with the direct current or direct voltage required for charging the solid-state gas battery 33.

[0043] In this embodiment, the gas supply unit 7 of the charging device 1 is coupled to two gas tanks 17, in which different types of gas are stored for the solid-state gas battery 33, which it provides for the charging process of the motor vehicle. For example, the solid-state gas battery 33 is designed to be operated with synthetic air or pure oxygen, so that the gas supply unit 7 enables the charging of different types of gas during the charging process. Alternatively or additionally, the gas supply unit 7 is also coupled to a gas supply network and obtains one or more types of gas from it to supply the motor vehicle 3 during the charging process. Fig. In Figure 1, the gas supply unit 7 is coupled, for example, to an external gas reservoir 8, which ensures a gas supply in addition to the two gas tanks 17 shown. Alternatively or additionally to the gas reservoir 8, gas can also be drawn from the ambient air for charging the motor vehicle 3, which is shown in Fig. 1 is represented by means of a connection 10 for ambient air.

[0044] Solid-state gas batteries 33 are an alternative to, for example, well-known lithium-ion batteries and offer a significantly higher energy density and performance compared to these, which can have a positive effect on the potential range of the vehicle 3. A subgroup of solid-state gas batteries 33 are metal-air batteries, and a specific example in this context is lithium-air batteries.

[0045] Solid-state gas batteries 33 have a solid anode and a cathode spaced apart from it. By supplying gas, an electric current is induced in the solid-state gas battery 33, which can be used to supply energy to the motor vehicle 3. In this way, among other things, an electric motor of the motor vehicle 3 can be driven, which converts the electrical energy of the solid-state gas battery 33 into mechanical power and thus enables the movement of the motor vehicle 3. This consequently leads to a discharge of the solid-state gas battery 33, during which atoms or molecules of the gas electrochemically bond with positive ions of the solid at the cathode.

[0046] To recharge the solid-state gas battery 33, the vehicle 3 is connected to the charging device 1's supply port 9, for example, via at least one charging port 31. The power supply unit 5 then supplies the solid-state gas battery 33 with electrical current, which essentially represents an external voltage potential applied to the battery. The previously described discharge process is thus reversed, and the solid-state gas battery 33 is charged. During charging, the electrochemical bonds between the ions of the solid anode and the atoms or molecules of the supplied gas are broken. As a result, the electrochemically bound gas is released and can be discharged into an external area of ​​the vehicle 3 or returned to the vehicle 3 for another charging cycle.

[0047] In this context, the supply connection 9 is additionally designed to receive gas from the vehicle 3 during the charging process. For this purpose, a gas release connection 37 is arranged on the vehicle 3, which allows gas to be released from the vehicle 3 during a charging process. This is justified, for example, if a user of the vehicle 3 wishes to exchange the previously used gas for a different type of gas in order to increase the efficiency of the solid-state gas battery 33 and the possible range of the vehicle 3, for example, in an operation. For example, the charging device 1 includes a gas intake unit 13 which receives gas from the vehicle 3 via the supply connection 9 during the charging process in order to store it, for example, in a gas tank. This, for example, enables the exchange of gas for the solid-state gas battery 33.For example, previously filled synthetic air, which is stored, for instance, in a high-pressure tank 35 of the motor vehicle 3, can be exchanged for pure oxygen, which may enable a higher efficiency and thus a greater range of the motor vehicle 3 compared to the synthetic air in an operation of the solid gas battery 33.

[0048] Furthermore, by means of the gas intake unit 13, it is also possible during the charging process to capture the gas released, which was chemically bound to the positive ions of the solid at the cathode during operation when discharging the solid gas battery 33, and to feed it back to the high-pressure tank 35 of the motor vehicle 3.

[0049] The charging of electricity and gas for the solid-state gas battery 33 can, for example, occur simultaneously or sequentially during the charging process. The at least one supply connection 9 is designed accordingly and, in this embodiment, is implemented as a type of combined connection. Alternatively, several supply connections 9 are provided, which implement the described functions.

[0050] The charging device 1 of the exemplary embodiment in Fig. The gas supply unit 1 further comprises a compressor 11 and an air conditioning unit 21. The gas supply unit also includes a gas conditioning unit 15, which processes the gas supplied to the vehicle 3 for the solid-state gas battery 33. In the embodiment described here, the gas conditioning unit 15 is coupled to the gas intake unit 13, the gas reservoir 8, the two gas tanks 17, the ambient air connection 10, and the compressor 11. This allows, for example, the filtering out of harmful components of the gas, regardless of the source of the gas for the charging process. The gas is thus purified and / or processed by the gas conditioning unit 15 before being supplied to the vehicle 3 for the solid-state gas battery 33 during the charging process.If, for example, pure oxygen is drawn from the gas reservoir 8 or from a gas tank 17 for the charging process, gas processing is not absolutely necessary and it can be supplied to the vehicle 3 for the solid-state gas battery 33 without passing through the gas processing unit 15. This is illustrated by the pipes of the piping system that surround the gas processing unit 15.

[0051] For example, the gas can be largely purified of water and carbon dioxide by means of the gas purification unit 15. These substances can adversely affect the operation of the solid-state gas battery 33 even at concentrations of, for example, 100 to 400 ppm and can damage the solid-state gas battery 33 in the long term. Other impurities, such as particles and hydrocarbons, can also be separated in this way, so that the purified gas can then be supplied to the vehicle 3 or stored for, for example, a later charging process. Using the ambient air connection 10, it is possible to draw gas from the ambient air and purify it as described.Subsequently, the treated ambient air can be compressed and supplied to the vehicle 3, for example during the charging process, using compressor 11, in order to provide the oxygen necessary for the operation of the solid-state gas battery 33. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to store the treated ambient air in a gas tank 17, for example for a later charging process.

[0052] The gas processing unit 15 contributes to a longer service life of the solid gas battery 33 of the motor vehicle 3 and, in all likelihood, also postpones the time required for maintenance of the solid gas battery 33 of the motor vehicle 3.

[0053] The gas for the solid-state gas battery 33 can also be supplied to the vehicle 3 under pressure during the charging process. In this case, the gas is compressed by the compressor 11 before it enters the high-pressure tank 35 of the vehicle 3. A possible pressure range for the compressed gas in the high-pressure tank 35 is between 300 bar and 700 bar. Other pressure ranges are also possible. Because the gas is supplied to the vehicle 3 under compression during the charging process, it is possible to store a larger volume of gas, for example, in the high-pressure tank 35 of the vehicle 3, which can have a beneficial effect on the power capacity of the solid-state gas battery 33 and the possible range of the vehicle 3.

[0054] The compressor 11, as a component of the gas supply unit 7, is located externally to the vehicle 3 and integrated into the charging device 1. This enables the charging and storage of compressed gas for vehicles 3 that do not themselves carry a compressor 11. This allows vehicles 3 to be equipped with solid-state gas batteries 33, saving weight, volume, and costs that would otherwise be incurred by installing a compressor 11 in the vehicle 3. The weight reduction of the vehicle 3 made possible by the described charging device has a beneficial effect on the energy density and performance of the solid-state gas battery 33 and, through the associated volume reduction, allows for adjustments to other components of the vehicle 3, such as the high-pressure tank 35.This allows it to be dimensionally larger than would be the case with a motor vehicle 3 with compressor 11. Consequently, the arrangement of the compressor 11 in the charging device and external to the motor vehicle 3 contributes to a more efficient operation of the solid-state gas battery 33.

[0055] Furthermore, the compressor 11 can be designed to be larger than would be the case with a mobile compressor. This can have a further advantage over the charging process of the vehicle 3, since, with the same basic concept, smaller compressors generally have lower efficiency than larger ones. Consequently, this allows for faster gas charging during the charging process.

[0056] The air conditioning unit 21 of the charging device 1 makes it possible to temper the gas for and / or during the charging process to a temperature that, for example, enables fast and / or battery-friendly charging of the vehicle 3. For example, the air conditioning unit 21 maintains a specific temperature range for the gas supplied by the gas supply unit 7, ensuring optimal operation of the solid-state gas battery 33 of the vehicle 3 in a timely manner. For example, one of the two gas tanks 17 is also a cryogenic storage unit, which is cooled by the air conditioning unit 21 and which, for example, enables the charging of liquid oxygen for the vehicle 3. In this embodiment, the air conditioning unit 21 comprises the two gas tanks 17 and a portion of the piping system.However, it is alternatively or additionally feasible to temperature-control the gas intake unit 13, the gas conditioning unit 15 and other components of the charging device 1 and to integrate them into the influence area of ​​the air conditioning system 21.

[0057] Furthermore, the exemplary embodiment of the charging device 1 in Fig. 1 provides a communication interface 23, through which it is possible to communicate with the vehicle 3 and thus control the charging process of the vehicle 3. In this context, the vehicle 3 is equipped, for example, with a corresponding vehicle communication interface 39, which enables such communication. For example, the charging device 1 controls a vehicle or battery management system of the vehicle 3, which, among other things, monitors the charging process. The communication includes the transmission of various pieces of information, such as the status of the charging process, a system pressure, an oxygen content of the supplied gas, a fill level of the high-pressure tank, a pressure in the solid-state gas battery, a gas temperature, and a battery temperature.Furthermore, the charging device 1 is designed to determine the information and measured values ​​necessary for communication and can, for example, control the charging process using various sensors. This is in . Fig. 1 indicated by lines leading away from the communication interface and terminating at the electrical line of the power supply unit 5 and in the pipeline to the supply connection 9. Measured values ​​and information can thus be acquired and transmitted, allowing, for example, a control unit (not explicitly shown) of the charging device 1 to selectively influence the charging process.

[0058] Due to the communication between the charging device 1 and the motor vehicle 3, an optimal and safe charging process of electric current and / or gas for the solid gas battery 33 is therefore made possible.

[0059] The described charging device 1 can be implemented in a manner similar to familiar filling stations for combustion engine vehicles in public infrastructure, but can also be designed for private, non-commercial use. If the charging device 1 is implemented at a user's residential address, for example, it can also be referred to as a private charging station and additionally enables the charging of solid-state gas batteries that supply electrical energy to components located, for example, in the user's apartment and not belonging to the vehicle 3.

[0060] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a system for charging the motor vehicle 3, comprising an embodiment of the charging device 1 and the motor vehicle 3. The charging device 1 essentially corresponds in its design to the charging device 1 from [reference missing]. Fig. 1 with the difference that in Fig.Figure 2 shows three supply connections 9 of the charging device 1, which, during the charging process, enable the charging of electricity and / or gas and the intake of gas from the motor vehicle 3. The motor vehicle 3 accordingly has three complementary connections, which are coupled to the respective associated supply connection 9 of the charging device 1 during the charging process. A first supply connection 9 of the charging device 1 for charging gas is coupled to a first charging connection 31, a second supply connection 9 for charging electricity is coupled to a second charging connection 31, and a third supply connection 9 for intake of gas is coupled to the gas outlet connection 37 of the motor vehicle 3.

[0061] The first charging port 31 is connected to the high-pressure tank 35 of the vehicle 3 via a supply line and allows the intake of gas supplied by the charging device 1 during the charging process. The second charging port 31 is connected, for example, to the solid-state gas battery 33 via a simple electrical line and supplies it with electrical current during the charging process, thus charging the solid-state gas battery 33. The gas discharge port 37 is connected, for example, to the high-pressure tank 35 and the solid-state gas battery 33, and thus allows for the exchange of a previously filled gas type and / or the return of the gas released during the charging process, for example, from a housing of the solid-state gas battery 33.The gas is, for example, taken in by the gas intake unit 13 of the charging device 1, subsequently purified of harmful components by the gas conditioning unit 15, then compressed by the compressor 11 and fed back to the vehicle 3 under pressure. If necessary, the processed gas is mixed with gas from one of the gas tanks 17 before compression, in order to, for example, maximize the capacity of the high-pressure tank 35 and the vehicle 3 to achieve the greatest possible range.

[0062] The supply connections 9 are designed, for example, such that they have at least the common plug types according to their function. However, they can also be designed differently so that, during the charging process, it is always possible to charge the solid-state gas battery 33 with electricity and / or gas. Reference symbol list 1 charging device 3 Motor vehicle 5 Power supply unit 7 Gas supply unit 8 Gas reservoir 9 Supply connection 10 Ambient air connection 11 Compressor 13 Gas intake unit 15 Gas processing unit 17 Gas tank 19 valve 21 Air conditioning 23 Communication interface 31 charging port 33 Solid-state gas battery 35 high-pressure tank 37 Gas drain connection 39 Motor vehicle communication interface

Claims

[1] Charging device (1) for charging a motor vehicle (3), which - a power supply unit (5) which is arranged externally to the motor vehicle (3) and which is designed to provide electrical power for a solid-gas battery (33) of the motor vehicle (3), - a gas supply unit (7) which is arranged externally to the motor vehicle (3) and which is designed to provide gas for the solid-gas battery (33) of the motor vehicle (3), and - has at least one supply connection (9) by means of which the energy supply unit (5) can be coupled to the motor vehicle (3) during a charging process for supplying electrical current for the solid-gas battery (33) and by means of which the gas supply unit (7) can be coupled to the motor vehicle (3) during the charging process for supplying gas for the solid-gas battery (33). [2] Loading device (1) according to claim 1, - in which the gas supply unit (7) comprises a compressor (11) which is designed to compress gas provided for the solid-gas battery (33) during the charging process and to supply it to the motor vehicle (3). [3] Loading device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, - which comprises a gas intake unit (13) which is arranged externally to the motor vehicle (3) and which is designed to take up gas from the motor vehicle (3) during the charging process. [4] Loading device (1) according to claim 3, - in which the gas intake unit (13) is coupled to the gas supply unit (7) and is designed to at least partially supply the gas taken up by the motor vehicle (3) during the charging process to the gas supply unit (7). [5] Loading device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, - in which the gas supply unit (7) comprises a gas treatment unit (15). [6] Loading device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, - which comprises at least one gas tank (17) which is arranged externally to the motor vehicle (3) and which is coupled to the gas supply unit (7). [7] Loading device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, - which comprises an air conditioning system (21) which is designed to cool or heat gas for the solid-gas battery (33) of the motor vehicle (3) before and / or during the charging process. [8] Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, - which has a communication interface (23) which is designed to exchange signals for controlling the charging process between the charging device (1) and the motor vehicle (3) during the charging process. [9] System for charging a motor vehicle (3), comprising - a charging device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, and - the motor vehicle (3) having a solid-gas battery (33) and at least one charging connection (31) for supplying electrical current and / or gas for the solid-gas battery (33) during the charging process by means of the charging device (1).

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