Interface controller, energy-storage device, drive-train assembly, method for retrofitting and operating a drive train comprising an energy-storage device, computer program and electronic storage device

Abstract

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Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Interface control device, energy storage device, drive train arrangement, method for retrofitting and operating a drive train with an energy storage device, computer program and electronic storage device

[0003] The invention relates to an interface control device, an energy storage device, a drive train arrangement, a method for retrofitting a drive train and a method for operating a drive train in combination with an energy storage device, a computer program and an electronic storage device.

[0004] With increasing efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in all areas of technology, there is a growing need to store energy previously dissipated into the environment in motor vehicle drivetrains and use it later to provide drive power. For example, in a conventional diesel-electric dump truck, braking power is currently converted into heat via resistors and released into the environment, i.e., burned. Replacing already installed drivetrains, especially those in operation, with completely new drivetrains equipped with energy storage is complex and expensive. Furthermore, a surplus of still-functional components is generated as scrap for disposal, which is unsustainable.It would therefore be desirable to be able to retrofit existing motor vehicle powertrains with energy storage devices, but this is difficult because the proportion of energy stored in or provided from the energy storage device must be taken into account when controlling the other components of the retrofitted powertrain.

[0005] The invention is therefore based on the object of creating an interface control device, an energy storage device, a drive train arrangement, a method for retrofitting a drive train and a method for operating a drive train in combination with an energy storage device, a computer program and an electronic storage device, wherein the aforementioned disadvantages are at least reduced, preferably do not occur.

[0006] The object is achieved by providing the present technical teaching, in particular the teaching of the independent claims as well as the preferred embodiments disclosed in the dependent claims and the description.

[0007] The object is achieved in particular by providing an interface control device for the integration of at least one energy storage device for selectively storing and releasing drive energy into a drive train, wherein the interface control device has at least one first interface which is configured to receive at least one request parameter of the drive train, wherein the interface control device is configured to specify at least one hybrid control parameter for the operation of the energy storage device as a function of the at least one request parameter.Advantageously, the interface control device thus provides a type of interface that is connected between the other components of the retrofitted energy storage device and the drive train, thus enabling easy integration of the energy storage device into the existing drive train, particularly taking into account the energy and / or power components now absorbed or provided by the energy storage device. Thus, existing drive trains can be retrofitted with an energy storage device easily, quickly, and sustainably while retaining their components, allowing them to operate efficiently with greater efficiency and reduced carbon dioxide emissions.

[0008] In one embodiment, the interface control device is configured to output the at least one hybrid control parameter via a second interface. Alternatively or additionally, the interface control device is configured to output the at least one hybrid control parameter to a hybrid control device of the energy storage device. In one embodiment, the hybrid control device is configured to predetermine, at least in one operating mode, a distribution of energy and / or power components between the drive train, on the one hand, and the energy storage device of the energy storage device, on the other hand. In the context of the technical teaching described here, "predetermining" is understood in particular to mean active determination, i.e., not "determining" in the sense of "detecting" or "measuring," but rather "determining" in the sense of "actively determining" or "calculating."

[0009] In one embodiment, the request parameter of the drive train is in particular selected from a group consisting of an operating mode, for example deceleration or acceleration, a power request, a speed request, for example a target speed to be regulated of a power device of the drive train designed as an internal combustion engine, an excitation of an electric machine of the drive train, and a combination of at least two of the said parameters.

[0010] In one embodiment, the request parameter is received by the interface control device from a drive train control device of the drive train, i.e. the interface control device receives the request parameter from the drive train control device.

[0011] In one embodiment, the energy storage device additionally comprises an energy storage control device. The hybrid control parameter can be output directly to the energy storage control device, or it can be output to the hybrid control device, which in turn specifies at least one storage control parameter depending on the hybrid control parameter and outputs it to the energy storage control device.

[0012] In one embodiment, the interface control device is configured to specify at least one drivetrain control parameter depending on the at least one hybrid control parameter and / or the at least one request parameter, and to output the at least one drivetrain control parameter—preferably via the at least one first interface or a third interface—to the drivetrain, in particular to a drivetrain control device. Thus, the interface control device can advantageously directly influence the control of the drivetrain, in particular to distribute a requested power between the drivetrain and the energy storage device.In one embodiment, the interface control device is configured to specify the at least one drive train control parameter for the operation of an internal combustion engine and a first electric machine of the drive train - preferably via the at least one first interface or a third interface - as a function of the at least one request parameter and / or the at least one hybrid control parameter.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for the hybrid control device to specify the at least one drive train control parameter as a function of at least one parameter selected from the at least one hybrid control parameter, the at least one memory control parameter and the at least one request parameter and to output it to the drive train, in particular to the drive train control device, in particular in order to carry out the power distribution.

[0014] In one embodiment, the hybrid control device is configured to specify the at least one drive train control parameter for the operation of the internal combustion engine and the first electric machine, in particular a speed requirement for the internal combustion engine and an excitation for the first electric machine as respective drive train control parameters, depending on the at least one parameter selected from the at least one hybrid control parameter, the at least one memory control parameter and the at least one request parameter.

[0015] According to a further development of the invention, the interface control device is configured to specify at least one drivetrain feedback parameter and to output the at least one drivetrain feedback parameter to the drivetrain—preferably via the at least one first interface. Advantageously, the interface control device is thus capable of providing feedback to the drivetrain, in particular such that the drivetrain can be operated by the drivetrain control device as if the energy storage device were not present.

[0016] The at least one drive train feedback parameter can be selected from a group consisting of a simulated actual speed of the internal combustion engine of the drive train, a simulated actual speed of a cooling fan of a braking resistor arrangement, a simulated electrical current between a circuit breaker arrangement and the braking resistor arrangement, a simulated excitation of the electrical machine of the drive train, a simulated electrical current of the electrical machine - in particular in an excitation winding -, a simulated electrical voltage of the electrical machine - in particular at the excitation winding -, and a combination of at least two of the said parameters.

[0017] In one embodiment, the interface control device is configured to specify the at least one drive train feedback parameter as a function of the at least one request parameter and optionally as a function of the at least one hybrid control parameter and / or the at least one storage control parameter.

[0018] In one embodiment, the interface control device is configured to output the at least one drivetrain feedback parameter to a sensor input of the drivetrain, in particular of the drivetrain control device. Preferably, a data output of the interface control device is configured to be operatively connected to a sensor input of the drivetrain control device in order to output the drivetrain feedback parameter to the sensor input via the data output. Thus, a—presumed or virtual—sensor signal for the operation of the drivetrain can be generated by means of the interface control device in order to simulate a behavior to the drivetrain control device that would otherwise occur without the use of the energy storage device.

[0019] According to a further development of the invention, the interface control device is configured to specify the at least one drivetrain feedback parameter in such a way that the drivetrain control device of the drivetrain, which receives the at least one drivetrain feedback parameter, simulates the function of the drivetrain without the at least one energy storage device. This means, in particular, that the interface control device simulates the function of the drivetrain without the at least one energy storage device for the drivetrain control device.Thus, the drivetrain control device advantageously behaves as if the energy storage device had not been retrofitted. This, in turn, means that retrofitting the energy storage device does not require any changes to the drivetrain control device; rather, it can function and operate unchanged as it did in the drivetrain before the retrofit. All changes and / or effects resulting from the retrofit are incorporated, simulated (or eliminated), or compensated for by the interface control device. This makes retrofitting the energy storage device particularly easy.

[0020] The object is also achieved by providing an energy storage device for retrofitting to a drive train, which comprises an energy storage device, an energy storage control device, and an interface control device according to the invention operatively connected to the energy storage control device, or an interface control device according to one or more of the previously described embodiments. In connection with the energy storage device, the advantages already described in connection with the interface control device are particularly advantageous.

[0021] In one embodiment, the energy storage device additionally comprises the hybrid control device, which is preferably operatively connected on the one hand to the interface control device and on the other hand to the energy storage control device. In particular, the interface control device is operatively connected indirectly to the energy storage control device via the hybrid control device.

[0022] According to a further development of the invention, the energy storage device is configured to regulate an intermediate circuit voltage in a DC link of the drive train to a first target voltage in a deceleration mode. Thus, recuperated braking energy can advantageously be stored in the energy storage device, while at the same time preferably preventing the braking energy from being dissipated via braking resistors.

[0023] In one embodiment, the interface control device or the hybrid control device is configured to predetermine the first target voltage, in particular as a function of a second target voltage received from the drive train control device. In such an embodiment, the drive train is preferably a - in particular serial - internal combustion engine-electric, preferably diesel-electric drive train, which has a DC intermediate circuit into which at least a first electrical machine, when operated as a generator, can feed electrical energy. The first electrical machine or a second electrical machine, when operated as a motor, can draw electrical energy from the intermediate circuit and make it available as a drive line. When operated as a generator, it can feed recuperated braking energy into the DC intermediate circuit.

[0024] In such a conventional drive train without an energy storage device, the intermediate circuit voltage in the DC link is typically regulated by the drive train control device in deceleration mode to the second target voltage of the drive train by controlling power switches of a power switch arrangement that are electrically connected to brake resistors of a braking resistor arrangement. Thus, sufficient recuperated braking energy is always dissipated as heat to the environment via the braking resistors to maintain the intermediate circuit voltage at the level of the second target voltage. The second target voltage is preferably defined in the drive train control device.

[0025] In the embodiment proposed here, it is provided that in the deceleration mode, the energy storage device regulates the intermediate circuit voltage to the first target voltage by storing the recuperated braking energy at least partially in the energy storage device.

[0026] In one embodiment, the first target voltage is lower than the second target voltage of the drive train. In this way, the energy storage device can successfully regulate the intermediate circuit voltage to the first target voltage as long as the entire recuperated braking energy can be stored in the energy storage device. If the energy storage device is already too heavily loaded, i.e. in particular if the state of charge (SOC) of the energy storage device is so high that not all of the recuperated braking energy can be stored or no further energy can be stored, or if the currently occurring recuperated braking power is higher than the power that can be absorbed by the energy storage device, the intermediate circuit voltage rises above the first target voltage. In this case, the drive train control device advantageously automatically regulates the intermediate circuit voltage to the second target voltage.In this process, only that portion of the braking energy that cannot be absorbed by the energy storage device is dissipated automatically via the braking resistors, without the need for any further complicated measures.

[0027] In one embodiment, it is possible that the regulation of the intermediate circuit voltage to the first target voltage described here - as well as optionally the specification of the first target voltage - is at least partially taken over by the hybrid control device and / or the energy storage control device, wherein the interface control device only outputs a signal to the hybrid control device as the hybrid control parameter that the deceleration mode is set, and optionally specifies the first target voltage, in particular as a function of the second target voltage.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, the energy storage device, in particular the interface control device, is configured to determine a desired power output in an acceleration mode from at least one drive train signal of the drive train received via the first interface, and to specify the at least one hybrid control parameter depending on the determined desired power output.

[0029] In one embodiment, the energy storage device, in particular the interface control device, is configured to receive, as the at least one drivetrain signal, a first speed request generated by the drivetrain control device for the power device of the drivetrain embodied as an internal combustion engine, and, on the other hand, a first excitation for the first electric machine of the drivetrain, which is drive-connected to the internal combustion engine and operated as a generator in acceleration mode. The energy storage device, in particular the interface control device, is further configured to determine the desired power from the first speed request and the first excitation.

[0030] In one embodiment, the energy storage device, in particular the interface control device, is additionally configured to receive, as the at least one drive train signal, a drive request position signal of a drive request manipulator, in particular an accelerator pedal, and to verify the power request on the basis of the received drive request position signal.

[0031] In one embodiment, the interface control device is configured to output the desired power output itself as the hybrid control parameter to the hybrid control device. The hybrid control device is then preferably configured to specify the storage control parameter and optionally the at least one drivetrain control parameter depending on the hybrid control parameter, thus operating both the energy storage device and the drivetrain.

[0032] In another embodiment, the interface control device itself is configured to predetermine and output the memory control parameter and optionally the at least one drive train control parameter depending on the desired power.

[0033] In one embodiment, the at least one drivetrain control parameter is, on the one hand, a second speed requirement for the internal combustion engine and, on the other hand, a second excitation for the electric machine. The storage control parameter is preferably a parameter for controlling a DC-DC converter. The second speed requirement and the second excitation deviate from the first speed requirement and the first excitation in a manner that is complementary to a power assigned to the storage control parameter and drawn from the energy storage device or stored in the energy storage device. In particular, the higher the power component of the desired power provided by the energy storage device, the lower the second speed requirement and / or the second excitation can be selected, since the power component provided by the internal combustion engine is correspondingly lower - and vice versa.

[0034] The engine speed requirement—be it the first engine speed requirement or the second engine speed requirement—is preferably specified depending on a load point of the engine, in particular such that the efficiency of the engine is as high as possible, preferably optimized. The actual power control is preferably carried out by specifying the excitation. The engine speed control then adjusts the injected fuel quantity depending on the excitation and the actual load. Optionally, the interface control device is additionally configured to specify at least one drivetrain feedback parameter in the acceleration mode depending on the determined power requirement.This advantageously ensures, in particular, that the power device of the drive train providing drive power provides the complementary portion of the drive power that is not or cannot be provided by the energy storage device. For this purpose, the at least one drive train feedback parameter is preferably specified by the interface control device in such a way that the drive train control device is presented with precisely that portion of power to be provided that is not or cannot be provided from the energy storage device—or that may need to be provided additionally if the energy storage device is to be charged.

[0035] The control or regulation of the provision of drive power can optionally be achieved via a speed control of a power device embodied as an internal combustion engine or – analogous to the deceleration mode – via a control of the intermediate circuit voltage. In a preferred embodiment, pre-control is based on the speed, and the compensation of any remaining deviations is achieved by controlling the intermediate circuit voltage.

[0036] In one embodiment, the interface control device is configured to predefine a simulated actual speed of the internal combustion engine as the at least one drivetrain feedback parameter and output it to the drivetrain control device, wherein the simulated actual speed is determined such that it corresponds to a fictitious actual speed of the internal combustion engine controlled with the first speed request without the energy storage device. Alternatively or additionally, the interface control device is configured to predefine a simulated actual excitation as the at least one drivetrain feedback parameter, which is determined such that it corresponds to a fictitious actual excitation of the electric machine controlled with the first excitation without the energy storage device. In this way, operation without the energy storage device is effectively simulated to the drivetrain control device.

[0037] The object is also achieved by providing a drivetrain arrangement comprising a drivetrain and an energy storage device according to the invention or an energy storage device according to one or more of the previously described embodiments, wherein the drivetrain comprises a drivetrain control device, and wherein the energy storage device is operatively connected to the drivetrain such that energy can be selectively stored from the drivetrain in the energy storage device of the energy storage device and supplied to the drivetrain from the energy storage device. The interface control device of the energy storage device is configured to receive at least one request parameter from the drivetrain control device and to specify at least one hybrid control parameter depending on the at least one request parameter.In connection with the drive train arrangement, the advantages that have already been described in connection with the interface control device or the energy storage device arise in particular.

[0038] According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the drive train is designed as an internal combustion engine, diesel-electric, diesel-mechanical or diesel-hydraulic drive train.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, the energy storage device is designed as an electrical or electrochemical energy storage device, in particular as a capacitor or battery, pneumatic or hydropneumatic or as a mechanical energy storage device, in particular as a flywheel.

[0040] The invention also includes a motor vehicle with a drivetrain arrangement according to the invention or a drivetrain arrangement according to one or more of the previously described embodiments. The motor vehicle is preferably selected from a group consisting of an excavator, a lorry or truck, a mining vehicle or construction vehicle, in particular a wheel loader or dump truck, a rail vehicle, a marine vehicle, for example a yacht, a ferry, or a submarine, and a military vehicle, in particular an armored vehicle, for example a battle tank, infantry fighting vehicle, armored reconnaissance vehicle, mine clearance vehicle, or the like.

[0041] The object is also achieved by providing a method - hereinafter also referred to as a retrofitting method - for retrofitting a drive train having a drive train control device with an energy storage device, wherein the energy storage device is operatively connected to the drive train in such a way that energy can be selectively stored from the drive train in an energy storage device of the energy storage device and supplied to the drive train from the energy storage device, wherein an interface control device of the energy storage device is operatively connected to the drive train control device of the drive train in such a way that at least one request parameter from the drive train control device can be received by the interface control device,wherein at least one hybrid control parameter can be specified by the interface control device depending on the at least one requirement parameter. In connection with the retrofitting method, the advantages that have already been described in connection with the interface control device, the energy storage device, or the drivetrain arrangement arise in particular. Advantageously, the drivetrain control device remains unchanged during the retrofitting, and only the energy storage device is additionally implemented and suitably operatively connected to the interface control device. The interface control device advantageously ensures that the drivetrain control device can continue to function as if the energy storage device were not present.This means that no changes to the parameters or other adjustments to the drive train control device are required.

[0042] In one embodiment, the energy storage device is also retrofitted with a hybrid control device, which is operatively connected to the interface control device and optionally to an energy storage control device of the energy storage device.

[0043] The various control devices are in particular operatively connected to one another in such a way that the functionality previously described in connection with the interface control device or the energy storage device is provided, in particular with regard to the drive train control parameter and the at least one drive train feedback parameter.

[0044] In one embodiment, at least one data output of the interface control device is operatively connected to at least one sensor input of the drive train control device, in particular in order to output the at least one drive train feedback parameter to the drive train control device.

[0045] The object is also achieved by providing a method - also referred to below as an operating method - for operating a drive train having a drive train control device in combination with an energy storage device, in particular an energy storage device according to the invention or an energy storage device according to one or more of the previously described embodiments, wherein a hybrid control parameter is specified by an interface control device of the energy storage device, in particular by an interface control device according to the invention or an interface control device according to one or more of the previously described embodiments, depending on at least one requirement parameter of the drive train control device, wherein the energy storage device is operated with the hybrid control parameter.In connection with the operating method, the advantages already described in connection with the interface control device, the energy storage device, the drive train arrangement, or the retrofitting method arise in particular. Preferably, a drive train arrangement according to the invention or a drive train arrangement according to one or more of the previously described embodiments is operated in the operating method.

[0046] The operating method is preferably characterized by at least one method step or a combination of method steps that were previously explained explicitly or implicitly in connection with the functioning of the interface control device, the energy storage device or the drive train arrangement.

[0047] The object is also achieved by creating a computer program that comprises machine-readable instructions—i.e., commands—on the basis of which an interface control device, in particular an interface control device according to the invention or an interface control device according to one or more of the previously described embodiments, is prompted to execute an operating method according to the invention or an operating method according to one or more of the previously described embodiments when the computer program is running on the interface control device. In connection with the computer program, the advantages arise in particular that have already been described previously in connection with the interface control device, the energy storage device, the drive train arrangement, the retrofitting method, or the operating method.

[0048] Finally, the object is also achieved by providing an electronic storage device with a computer program according to the invention stored on the electronic storage device or a computer program according to one or more of the previously described embodiments. In connection with the electronic storage device, the advantages already described in connection with the interface control device, the energy storage device, the drive train arrangement, the retrofitting method, the operating method, or the computer program are particularly advantageous.

[0049] The invention is explained in more detail below in conjunction with the drawings, which show

[0050] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a drive train arrangement with an embodiment of an interface control device for the integration of at least one energy storage device into a drive train;

[0051] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a method for operating the drive train arrangement according to Figure 1 in a first operating mode;

[0052] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a method for operating a drive train without an energy storage device in a second operating mode and

[0053] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of the embodiment of the method for operating the drive train arrangement according to Figure 1 in the second operating mode.

[0054] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a drive train arrangement 1 of a motor vehicle 2 with an embodiment of an energy storage device 5 having an interface control device 3 for integration into a drive train 7. The motor vehicle 2 is preferably selected from a group consisting of an excavator, a lorry or truck, a mining vehicle or construction vehicle, in particular a wheel loader or dump truck, a rail vehicle, a marine vehicle, for example a yacht, a ferry or a submarine, and a military vehicle, in particular an armoured vehicle, for example a battle tank, infantry fighting vehicle, armored personnel carrier, mine clearance vehicle or the like.

[0055] The drivetrain arrangement 1 has a drivetrain control device 9. The energy storage device 5 is operatively connected to the drivetrain 7 such that energy can be selectively stored from the drivetrain 7 in an energy storage device 11 of the energy storage device 5 and supplied to the drivetrain 7 from the energy storage device 11. The energy storage device 11 can, for example, comprise a plurality of battery cells and one or more battery management systems (not shown). The interface control device 3 is configured to receive at least one request parameter from the drivetrain control device 9 and to specify at least one hybrid control parameter to the energy storage device 5 depending on the at least one request parameter.

[0056] The energy storage device 5 also includes a hybrid control device 13, which is operatively connected to the interface control device 3 for receiving the hybrid control parameter. The hybrid control device 13 and the interface control device 3 can advantageously be implemented in a common module (not shown) as hardware or software. Alternatively or additionally, the hybrid control device 13 can also be operatively connected directly to the energy storage device 11.

[0057] In the embodiment shown here, the energy storage device 11 is designed as an electrical energy storage device, in particular as a battery.

[0058] In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the drive train 7 is designed as a diesel-electric drive train 7 and has an internal combustion engine 15 and a first electric machine 17 that is operatively connected to the internal combustion engine 15. The first electric machine 17 can be operated either as a motor or as a generator, but in the exemplary embodiment shown is regularly operated as a generator and driven by the internal combustion engine 15. It is electrically connected to a DC voltage intermediate circuit 21 via a first inverter 19. The DC voltage intermediate circuit 21 is in turn electrically connected via second inverters 23 to electric hub motors 27 arranged on wheels 25 of the motor vehicle 2 as second electric machines, wherein the hub motors 27 can be operated as motors in an acceleration mode and as generators in a deceleration mode.Furthermore, the DC voltage intermediate circuit 21 is electrically connected to a plurality of braking resistors of a braking resistor arrangement 31 via a plurality of circuit breakers of a circuit breaker arrangement 29.

[0059] The drive train control device 9 has a plurality of operating modes, in particular a deceleration mode and an acceleration mode. In the acceleration mode, the second inverters 23 are controlled to operate the hub motors 27 as motors and to supply them with electrical power from the DC link 21 to accelerate the wheels 25. At the same time, the first electric machine 17 is driven by the internal combustion engine 15 to feed electrical power into the DC link 21. In the deceleration mode, the second inverters 23 are controlled to operate the hub motors 27 as generators, with electrical braking power being recuperated and fed into the DC link 21 via the second inverters 23.This recuperated electrical braking power is converted into heat via the suitably controlled power switch arrangement 29 and the braking resistor arrangement 31 and dissipated to the environment, thus being burned.

[0060] The drive train control device 9 is thus configured to operate the drive train 7 in a conventional manner without the energy storage device 5.

[0061] According to the concept underlying the invention, it is now provided to retrofit the drive train 7 with the energy storage device 5 while retaining the drive train control device 9, in particular without modifying it. The interface control device 3 is accordingly configured for the integration of the energy storage device 5 for the selective storage and release of drive energy from and into the drive train 7.

[0062] For this purpose, it has at least one first interface 33, which is configured to receive the at least one request parameter of the drive train 7, and it is configured to specify the at least one hybrid control parameter as a function of the at least one request parameter, and in particular to output the at least one hybrid control parameter to the hybrid control device 13 via a second interface 35. The interface control device 3 provides an interface that enables simple integration of the energy storage device 5 into the existing drive train 7, taking into account the energy or power components now absorbed or provided by the energy storage device 11, which is described in more detail below.

[0063] The request parameter is preferably selected from a group consisting of the operating mode, specifically the deceleration mode or acceleration mode, a power request, a speed request, in particular a target speed to be regulated, an excitation - in particular of the first electric machine 17 -, and a combination of at least two of the said parameters.

[0064] In the embodiment shown here, the hybrid control parameter is output via the second interface 35 to the hybrid control device 13, which in turn specifies a storage control parameter as a function of the hybrid control parameter and outputs this to an energy storage control device 37.

[0065] The energy storage device 11 is electrically connected to the DC intermediate circuit 21 via a DC-DC converter 39 in order to feed energy from the DC intermediate circuit 21 or to deliver it to the DC intermediate circuit 21 - in particular depending on the control of the DC-DC converter 39 by the energy storage control device 37.

[0066] The interface control device 3 is preferably configured to specify at least one drive train control parameter as a function of the at least one hybrid control parameter and / or the at least one request parameter, and to output the at least one drive train control parameter to the drive train 7 via the at least one first interface 33 - or, as shown here for better clarity, via a third interface 41.

[0067] The interface control device 3 is further preferably additionally configured to predetermine at least one drivetrain feedback parameter—preferably as a function of the at least one requirement parameter and optionally as a function of the at least one hybrid control parameter—and to output the drivetrain feedback parameter to the drivetrain 7 via the at least one first interface 33 or the third interface 41. The at least one drivetrain feedback parameter is predetermine by the interface control device 3 such that the drivetrain 7 can be operated by the drivetrain control device 9 as if the energy storage device 5 were not present.In this case, the drive train control device 9 is simulated as functioning of the drive train without the at least one energy storage device 5, or - in other words - the interface control device 3 simulates the function of the drive train 7 without the energy storage device 5 for the drive train control device 9.

[0068] The at least one drive train feedback parameter is preferably selected from a group consisting of a simulated actual speed of the internal combustion engine 15, a simulated actual speed of a cooling fan of the brake resistor arrangement 31, a simulated electrical current between the circuit breaker arrangement 29 and the brake resistor arrangement 31, a simulated excitation in particular of the first electrical machine 17, a simulated electrical current in particular of the first electrical machine 17 - in particular in an excitation winding -, a simulated electrical voltage in particular of the first electrical machine 17 - in particular at the excitation winding -, and a combination of at least two of the said parameters.

[0069] As part of a retrofitting process for the drive train 7 having the drive train control device 9 with the energy storage device 5, the energy storage device 5 is retrofitted to the drive train 7, wherein the energy storage device 5 is operatively connected to the drive train 7 in such a way that energy can be selectively stored from the drive train 7 in the energy storage device 11 and supplied to the drive train 7 from the energy storage device 11. The interface control device 3 of the energy storage device 5 is operatively connected to the drive train control device 9 for this purpose in such a way that the at least one request parameter can be received from the drive train control device 9 by the interface control device 3, wherein the at least one hybrid control parameter can be specified by the interface control device 3 depending on the at least one request parameter.

[0070] Within the scope of an operating method for operating the drive train 7 in combination with the energy storage device 5, a hybrid control parameter is specified by the interface control device 3 as a function of the at least one requirement parameter, wherein the energy storage device 5 is operated with the hybrid control parameter.

[0071] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a method for operating the drive train arrangement 1 according to Figure 1 in a first operating mode, namely a deceleration mode.

[0072] Identical and functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols in all figures, so that reference is made to the preceding description in each case.

[0073] In response to a brake request position signal from a brake request manipulator 43, in particular a brake pedal, the drive train control device 9 switches to deceleration mode and controls the second inverters 23 such that braking energy from the wheels 25 is recuperated by the hub motors 27 and fed into the DC link 21 as electrical energy. At the same time, the control device 9 conventionally regulates the DC link voltage in the DC link 21 by appropriately controlling the power switch arrangement 29 to a target voltage 45—referred to here as the second target voltage to distinguish it from a first target voltage 47 described below—by dissipating excess electrical energy via the braking resistor arrangement 31.In the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, the deceleration mode is received by the interface control device 3 as a request parameter transmitted from the control device 9. Furthermore, the interface control device 3 also receives the second target voltage 45. It then outputs the hybrid control parameter to the hybrid control device 13 in such a way that it includes information about the deceleration mode and information for calculating a first target voltage 47 or directly the first target voltage 47. The hybrid control device 13 then outputs a corresponding storage control parameter to the storage control device 37.

[0074] The storage control device 37 now regulates the intermediate circuit voltage to the first target voltage 47 by appropriately controlling the DC-DC converter 39, in particular in such a way that as much electrical energy as possible is stored from the intermediate circuit 21 in the energy storage device 11.

[0075] The previously explained control mechanism of the drive train control device 9 for the second target voltage 45 remains active in parallel, but is ineffective as long as the intermediate circuit voltage is effectively regulated to the first target voltage 47 by the storage control device 37, since the first target voltage 47 is lower than the second target voltage 45. Only when the storage control device 37 is no longer able to regulate the intermediate circuit voltage to the first target voltage 47, because, for example, the energy storage device 11 can no longer absorb sufficient energy or the electrical power required for the control, does the intermediate circuit voltage rise again above the second target voltage 45, in which case the control mechanism of the drive train control device 9 automatically intervenes and the excess energy or power is then readily dissipated via the circuit breaker arrangement 29 and the braking resistor arrangement 31.

[0076] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a method for operating a drive train 7 without the energy storage device 5 in a second operating mode.

[0077] The drive train control device 9 receives a drive request position signal of a drive request manipulator 49, in particular an accelerator pedal, and then controls the second inverters 23 such that the hub motors 27 are operated as motors and drive power is supplied to the drive wheels 25 from the DC voltage intermediate circuit 21.

[0078] In order to provide the necessary electrical power, the drive train control device 9 also outputs, as a function of the drive request position signal, a target speed 51—referred to as the second target speed in contrast to a first target speed 61 described below—a speed request 53—referred to as the second speed request in contrast to a first speed request 57 described below—and an excitation 55—referred to as the second excitation in contrast to a first excitation 59 described below. It outputs the second speed request 53 and the second excitation 55 to the unit comprising the internal combustion engine 15 and the electric machine 17, referred to here briefly and somewhat loosely as the "genset 15, 17."

[0079] Furthermore, it is shown here that the drive train control device 9 regulates the genset 15, 17 to the second target speed 51. In fact, the genset 15, 17 is preferably pre-controlled by means of the second target speed 51, with actual power control being based on the intermediate circuit voltage in the DC link 21, which is only indicated very schematically here.

[0080] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of the embodiment of the method for operating the drive train arrangement 1 according to Figure 1 in the second operating mode.

[0081] The interface control device 3 receives the acceleration mode, the second speed request 53, and the second excitation 55 as drivetrain parameters from the drivetrain control device 9. It is possible for the interface control device 3 to also receive the second target speed 51, which is not specifically shown here for the sake of clarity. Furthermore, the interface control device 3 receives the drive request position signal.

[0082] The interface control device 3 is configured to determine a desired power in the acceleration mode from the second speed request 53 and the second excitation 55. It is possible for the determined desired power to be verified for plausibility using the drive request position signal. The interface control device 3 is further configured to output the desired power to the hybrid control device 13 as a hybrid control parameter.

[0083] The hybrid control device 13 is configured to specify the first speed requirement 57, the first excitation 59, and the storage control parameter for the energy storage control device 37 depending on the desired power. The hybrid control device 13 thereby specifies a distribution of the drive power to be applied in relation to the desired power, on the one hand, to the genset 15, 17 and, on the other hand, to the energy storage device 11, and determines the first speed requirement 57, the first excitation 59, and the storage control parameter depending on this distribution. Thus, if sufficient power can be provided by the energy storage device 11, the first speed requirement 57 and the first excitation 59 generally differ from the second speed requirement 53 and the second excitation 55; in particular, they are typically each smaller.The first speed request 57 and the first excitation 59 are in particular drive train control parameters.

[0084] The genset 15, 17 is now controlled with the first speed request 57 and the first excitation 59, and the energy storage control device 37 controls the DC-DC converter 39 with the storage control parameter.

[0085] Preferably, the hybrid control device 13 also determines a second target speed 61 and determines the first speed request 57 and the first excitation 59 such that the internal combustion engine 15 is controlled to the second target speed 61 and / or that the internal combustion engine 15 is pre-controlled at the second target speed 61. Here, too, the actual power control is preferably carried out by the hybrid control device 13 on the intermediate circuit voltage in the DC voltage intermediate circuit 21, which is again only roughly indicated schematically.

[0086] In the acceleration mode, the interface control device 3 outputs a simulated actual speed 63 as the at least one drive train feedback parameter depending on the determined power request and to the drive train control device 9. The simulated actual speed 63 corresponds in particular to a fictitious speed that would occur on the internal combustion engine 15 when it is controlled with the second speed request 53 without the energy storage device 5. In this way, it is ensured that with otherwise unchanged operation of the drive train control device 9, the second

[0087] Speed ​​requirement 53 and the second excitation 55 always correspond to the actual power requirement.

[0088] The interface control device 3 can alternatively or additionally be configured to specify a simulated actual excitation as the at least one drive train feedback parameter, which is determined such that it corresponds to a fictitious actual excitation of the first electric machine 17 controlled by the second excitation 55 without the energy storage device 5.

[0089] It is possible for the interface control device 3 to additionally simulate further signal inputs or the like for the drive train control device 9 in order to simulate operation without the energy storage device 5.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Interface control device (3) for the integration of at least one energy storage device (5) for the selective storage and release of drive energy in a drive train (7), wherein the interface control device (3) has at least one first interface (33) which is set up to receive at least one request parameter of the drive train (7), wherein the interface control device (3) is set up to specify at least one hybrid control parameter for the operation of the energy storage device (5) as a function of the at least one request parameter.

2. Cutting part control device (3) according to claim 1, wherein the cutting part control device (3) is arranged to - to specify at least one drive train control parameter as a function of the at least one hybrid control parameter and / or the at least one request parameter, and to output the at least one drive train control parameter - preferably via the at least one first interface (33) or a third interface (41) - to the drive train (7), and / or - to specify at least one drive train feedback parameter, and to output the at least one drive train feedback parameter - preferably via the at least one first interface (33) or the third interface (41) - to the drive train (7).

3. Interface control device (3) according to claim 2, wherein the interface control device (3) is configured to specify the at least one drive train feedback parameter in such a way that a drive train control device (9) of the drive train (7) receiving the at least one drive train feedback parameter is simulated as functioning of the drive train (7) without the at least one energy storage device (5).

4. Energy storage device (5) for retrofitting to a drive train (7), with a Energy storage device (11), an energy storage control device (37) and a Energy storage control device (37) operatively connected interface control device (3) according to one of the preceding claims.

5. Energy storage device (5) according to claim 4, wherein the energy storage device (5) is arranged to - in a deceleration mode, to regulate an intermediate circuit voltage in a DC voltage intermediate circuit (21) of the drive train (7) to a first target voltage (47), which is optionally lower than a second target voltage (45) of the drive train (7), and / or - in an acceleration mode, to determine a desired power output from at least one drive train signal of the drive train (7) received via the first interface (33), and to specify the at least one hybrid control parameter and optionally the drive train feedback parameter as a function of the determined desired power output.

6. Drive train arrangement (1), with a drive train (7) having a drive train control device (9) and an energy storage device (5) according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the energy storage device (5) is operatively connected to the drive train (7) in such a way that energy can be selectively stored from the drive train (7) in the energy store (11) of the energy storage device (5) and supplied to the drive train (7) from the energy store (11), wherein the interface control device (3) of the energy storage device (5) is set up to receive at least one request parameter from the drive train control device (9) and to specify at least one hybrid control parameter depending on the at least one request parameter.

7. Drive train arrangement (1) according to claim 6, wherein the drive train (7) is designed as an internal combustion engine, diesel-electric, diesel-mechanical or diesel-hydraulic drive train, and / or the energy storage device (11) of the energy storage device (5) is designed as an electrical, pneumatic, hydropneumatic or electrochemical energy storage device, in particular as a capacitor or battery, or as a mechanical energy storage device, in particular as a flywheel, is trained.

8. A method for retrofitting a drive train (7) having a drive train control device (9) with an energy storage device (5), wherein the energy storage device (5), in particular an energy storage device (5) according to one of claims 4 or 5, is retrofitted to the drive train (7), wherein the energy storage device (5) is operatively connected to the drive train (7) in such a way that energy can be selectively stored from the drive train (7) in an energy storage device (11) of the energy storage device (5) and supplied to the drive train (7) from the energy storage device (11), wherein an interface control device (3) of the energy storage device (5) is operatively connected to the drive train control device (9) of the drive train (7) in such a way that at least one request parameter from the drive train control device (9) can be received by the interface control device (3),wherein at least one hybrid control parameter can be specified by the interface control device (3) depending on the at least one request parameter., 9. Method for operating a drive train (7) having a drive train control device (9) in combination with an energy storage device (5), in particular an energy storage device (5) according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein a hybrid control parameter is specified by an interface control device (3) of the energy storage device (5), in particular by an interface control device (3) according to one of claims 1 to 3, as a function of at least one request parameter of the drive train control device (9), wherein the energy storage device (5) is operated with the hybrid control parameter.

10. A computer program comprising machine-readable instructions on the basis of which an interface control device (3), in particular an interface control device (3) according to one of claims 1 to 3, is caused to carry out a method according to claim 9 when the computer program is running on the interface control device (3).

11. An electronic storage device having a computer program according to claim 10 stored on the electronic storage device.