Method for predictive smart charging of a vehicle including customer notification via wireless techniques and vehicle

Abstract

A method of predictive intelligent charging of a vehicle including customer notifications via wireless technology and a vehicle including the same. A method of predictively charging a vehicle including a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) includes providing a telematics system including a telematics module, at least one external data source, a utility data source, and at least one user interface. The telematics system receives weather forecast data from at least one external data source; monitoring weather forecast data for the predicted weather event; comparing the predicted weather event with a historical weather event during which a power interruption occurs; determining whether the predicted weather event indicates a potential power interruption based on the comparison; generating, via the telematics system, a power status report based on a determination that the predicted weather event may indicate a potential power interruption; sending the power status report to at least one user interface; and charging the vehicle based on the power status report command.

Description

[0001] introduce

[0002] Concepts described herein generally relate to vehicles including rechargeable energy storage systems (RESS), and methods of predictive charging of vehicles including RESS that are configured to predictively charge the vehicle to a maximum possible charge prior to a potential power disruption based on predicted weather events so that power stored within the vehicle can be used to power infrastructure, such as, but not limited to, a furnace for heating a home, for a maximum amount of time during a power disruption or outage.

[0003] Each RESS includes a plurality of battery cell groups or packs, wherein each battery cell group includes a plurality of battery cells, such as lithium-ion battery cells.

[0004] A lithium-ion battery cell is an electrochemical device that operates by transferring lithium ions between a negative electrode (or anode) and a positive electrode (or cathode). Electrochemical cells, including but not limited to prismatic cells and cylindrical cells with a metal casing or "can," may include a heat dissipation path for efficient and consistent heat dissipation over the life of the cell.

[0005] Direct current (DC) power sources such as lithium-ion batteries can be employed to store and release power that can be used by circuits or electrical machines to perform work, for example, releasing power stored in a vehicle to support powering a home or certain household items within a home during a power outage or power outage.

[0006] However, which specific household items may be powered and the duration for which those specific household items may be powered depends on the amount of power stored within the vehicle including the RESS when the power interruption or outage occurs. Summary of the invention

[0007] In view of the above discussion, it would be useful to develop a method for predictive charging of a vehicle including a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) that is configured to predictively charge the vehicle to a maximum possible charge prior to a potential power outage based on predicted weather events. The power stored within the vehicle can be used to power infrastructure, such as, but not limited to, a heater for heating a home, for a maximum amount of time during a power outage or blackout.

[0008] Thus, a method for predictive charging of a vehicle including an RESS is disclosed. The method may include providing a telematics system including a telematics module, at least one external data source, a utility data source, and at least one user interface. The telematics module may be disposed in the vehicle and may communicate with the at least one external data source, the utility data source, the at least one user interface, and the vehicle.

[0009] The telematics system may receive weather forecast data from at least one external data source; may monitor the weather forecast data for a predicted weather event via the telematics module; may compare the predicted weather event with historical weather events during which a power outage occurred as indicated by historical utility data corresponding to the historical weather event; may determine whether the predicted weather event indicates a potential power outage based on the comparison; may generate a power status report based on a determination that the predicted weather event may indicate a potential power outage; may send the power status report to at least one user interface; and may command charging of a vehicle based on the power status report to prepare for the potential power outage indicated by the predicted weather event.

[0010] Generating a power status report may include analyzing an amount of energy stored in a vehicle; analyzing historical home power consumption based on historical home power consumption data from a utility data source; analyzing predicted conditions for a predicted weather event; and analyzing a cost to charge the vehicle.

[0011] Generating the power status report may include generating a charging strategy to charge the vehicle to a maximum possible charge before a potential power outage while minimizing charging costs. The charging strategy may be based on a predictive algorithm.

[0012] Charging the vehicle according to the charging strategy may begin automatically when automatic charging is enabled, or may begin based on user input to the at least one user interface when automatic charging is not enabled.

[0013] Monitoring weather forecast data for updates may occur when charging of the vehicle begins.

[0014] The telematics system may command the vehicle to be connected to a power station while the vehicle is charging, and may command the vehicle to be automatically disconnected from the power station when one of the updates to the weather forecast data includes a lightning strike within a predetermined distance of the vehicle.

[0015] The telematics system may monitor weather forecast data following a lightning strike and automatically reconnect the vehicle to the power station after a predetermined time has elapsed without a subsequent lightning strike.

[0016] When lightning strikes within a predetermined distance of the vehicle, the telematics system may automatically alert the user via at least one user interface.

[0017] Charging the vehicle based on the power status report command may include sending the power status report to at least one user interface.

[0018] The at least one user interface may include a human machine interface (HMI) within the vehicle and / or a mobile application installed on a personal user device, such as, but not limited to, a smart phone or tablet computer.

[0019] A method for predictive charging of a vehicle including a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) may include providing a power station connectable to a vehicle including the RESS; providing a telematics system including a telematics module, at least one external data source, a utility data source, and at least one user interface. The telematics module may be disposed in the vehicle and may communicate with the at least one external data source, the utility data source, the at least one user interface, and the vehicle.

[0020] The telematics system may receive weather forecast data from at least one external data source; may monitor the weather forecast data for a predicted weather event; may compare the predicted weather event with historical weather events during which a power outage occurred as indicated by historical utility data corresponding to the historical weather events; may determine, based on the comparison, whether the predicted weather event is likely to indicate a potential power outage; and may generate a power status report.

[0021] The power status report may be generated based on a determination that a forecasted weather event indicates a potential power outage.

[0022] Generating a power status report via the telematics system may include analyzing the amount of energy stored in the vehicle; analyzing historical home power consumption based on historical home power consumption data from a utility data source; analyzing predicted conditions for a predicted weather event; and analyzing the cost of charging the vehicle.

[0023] The telematics system may be configured to send a power status report to at least one user interface.

[0024] When a vehicle is connected to a power station, commanding charging of the vehicle may be based on the power status report to prepare for potential power outages indicated by predicted weather events.

[0025] The telematics system may be configured to command the vehicle to disconnect from the power station when one of the updates to the weather forecast data may include a lightning strike within a predetermined distance of the vehicle.

[0026] Generating the power status report may include generating a charging strategy to charge the vehicle to the maximum possible charge before a potential power outage while minimizing charging costs. The charging strategy may be based on a predictive algorithm.

[0027] Charging the vehicle according to the charging strategy may begin automatically when automatic charging is enabled, or may begin based on user input to the at least one user interface when automatic charging is not enabled.

[0028] A telematics system for predictive charging of a vehicle including a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) is also disclosed. The telematics system may include a telematics module disposed in the vehicle and at least one user interface.

[0029] The telematics module may communicate with at least one external data source, a utility data source, at least one user interface, and a vehicle.

[0030] The telematics system can be configured to receive weather forecast data from at least one external data source, monitor the weather forecast data for a predicted weather event, compare the predicted weather event with historical weather events during which a power outage occurred as indicated by historical utility data corresponding to the historical weather events, determine whether the predicted weather event indicates a potential power outage based on the comparison, and generate a power status report.

[0031] A power status report may be generated based on a determination that a forecasted weather event indicates a potential power outage.

[0032] Generating the power status report may include analyzing the amount of energy stored in the vehicle, analyzing historical home power consumption based on historical home power consumption data from a utility data source, analyzing predicted conditions for a predicted weather event, and analyzing the cost of charging the vehicle.

[0033] The telematics system may be configured to send a power status report to the at least one user interface and command charging of the vehicle based on the power status report to prepare for a potential power outage indicated by the predicted weather event.

[0034] The power status report may include a charging strategy to charge the vehicle to the maximum possible charge before a potential power outage while minimizing charging costs. The charging strategy may be based on a predictive algorithm.

[0035] The telematics system may be configured to automatically command charging to start according to the charging strategy when automatic charging is enabled, or to start based on user input to at least one user interface when automatic charging is not enabled.

[0036] The telematics system may be configured to monitor weather forecast data for updates once charging of the vehicle begins.

[0037] The telematics system may be configured to connect the vehicle to the power station while the vehicle is charging, and the telematics system may be configured to automatically disconnect the vehicle from the power station when one of the updates to the weather forecast data includes a lightning strike within a predetermined distance of the vehicle.

[0038] The telematics system may be configured to automatically alert a user via at least one user interface when a lightning strike is within a predetermined distance of the vehicle.

[0039] The telematics system may be configured to monitor weather forecast data following a lightning strike and may automatically reconnect the vehicle to the power station after a predetermined time has elapsed without a subsequent lightning strike.

[0040] The at least one user interface may include an in-vehicle HMI and / or a mobile application installed on a personal user device, such as, but not limited to, a smartphone or tablet computer.

[0041] Thus, by predictively charging a vehicle including a RESS to a maximum possible charge in advance of a potential power outage based on predicted weather events, the power stored within the vehicle can be used to power infrastructure, such as, but not limited to, heaters for heating a home, for a maximum amount of time during a power outage or blackout.

[0042] Additionally, predictive charging of a vehicle may include automatically disconnecting the vehicle from a power station or power source when a lightning strike is detected within a predetermined distance of the charging vehicle, minimizing the impact of a potential power surge on the vehicle.

[0043] A method for predictive charging of a vehicle including a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) is disclosed, the method comprising: providing a telematics system including a telematics module, at least one external data source, a utility data source, and at least one user interface, wherein the telematics module is disposed in the vehicle and the telematics module communicates with the at least one external data source, the utility data source, the at least one user interface, and the vehicle; receiving weather forecast data from the at least one external data source via the telematics system; monitoring the weather forecast data for a predicted weather event via the telematics system; comparing the predicted weather event with historical weather events, and during the historical weather event, such as corresponding to the historical weather event, a power outage as indicated by historical utility data of weather events; determining, based on the comparison, whether the predicted weather event indicates a potential power outage; generating a power status report via the telematics system, wherein the power status report is generated based on determining that the predicted weather event indicates a potential power outage, and wherein generating the power status report includes: analyzing an amount of energy stored in a vehicle; analyzing household power consumption based on household power consumption data from a utility data source; analyzing predicted conditions for the predicted weather event; and analyzing a cost to charge the vehicle; and sending the power status report to at least one user interface; and charging the vehicle based on the power status report command to prepare for the potential power outage indicated by the predicted weather event.

[0044] Generating the power status report includes generating a charging strategy to charge the vehicle to a maximum possible charge before a potential power outage while minimizing charging costs, wherein the charging strategy is based on a predictive algorithm.

[0045] Charging of the vehicle according to the charging strategy begins automatically when automatic charging is enabled and / or begins based on user input to at least one user interface when automatic charging is not enabled.

[0046] When charging of the vehicle begins, weather forecast data is monitored for updates.

[0047] When the vehicle is charging, the vehicle is commanded to be connected to the power station, and when one of the updates to the weather forecast data includes a lightning strike within a predetermined distance of the vehicle, the vehicle is commanded to be automatically disconnected from the power station.

[0048] monitoring weather forecast data after a lightning strike; and automatically reconnecting the vehicle to the power station after a predetermined time has elapsed without a subsequent lightning strike.

[0049] When lightning strikes within a predetermined distance of the vehicle, a user is automatically alerted via at least one user interface.

[0050] Charging the vehicle based on the power status report includes sending the power status report to at least one user interface.

[0051] The at least one user interface includes an in-vehicle HMI and / or a mobile application.

[0052] A method for predictive charging of a vehicle including a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) is disclosed, the method comprising: providing a power station connectable to the vehicle including the RESS; providing a telematics system including a telematics module, at least one external data source, a utility data source, and at least one user interface, wherein the telematics module is disposed in the vehicle and the telematics module communicates with the at least one external data source, the utility data source, the at least one user interface, and the vehicle; receiving weather forecast data from the at least one external data source via the telematics system; monitoring the weather forecast data for a predicted weather event via the telematics system; comparing the predicted weather event with historical weather events, and during the historical weather event, comparing the historical utility data corresponding to the historical weather event as indicated, a power outage has occurred; determining based on the comparison whether the predicted weather event indicates a potential power outage; generating a power status report via the telematics system, wherein the power status report is generated based on determining that the predicted weather event indicates a potential power outage, and wherein generating the power status report includes: analyzing an amount of energy stored in a vehicle; analyzing historical household power consumption based on historical household power consumption data from a utility data source; analyzing predicted conditions for the predicted weather event; and sending the power status report to at least one user interface; and when the vehicle is connected to a power station, commanding charging of the vehicle based on the power status report to prepare for the potential power outage indicated by the predicted weather event; and commanding disconnection of the vehicle from the power station when an update to the weather forecast data includes a lightning strike within a predetermined distance from the vehicle.

[0053] Generating the power status report includes generating a charging strategy to charge the vehicle to a maximum possible charge prior to a potential power outage, wherein the charging strategy is based on a predictive algorithm.

[0054] Charging of the vehicle according to the charging strategy begins automatically when automatic charging is enabled and / or begins based on user input to at least one user interface when automatic charging is not enabled.

[0055] A telematics system for predictive charging of a vehicle including a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) is disclosed, the telematics system comprising: a telematics module disposed in the vehicle; at least one user interface, wherein the telematics module communicates with at least one external data source, a utility data source, at least one user interface, and the vehicle; and wherein the telematics system is configured to: receive weather forecast data from the at least one external data source; monitor the weather forecast data for a predicted weather event; compare the predicted weather event with historical weather events, and during the historical weather event, compare the predicted weather event with historical utility data corresponding to the historical weather event. indicating that a power outage has occurred; determining, based on the comparison, whether the predicted weather event indicates a potential power outage; generating a power status report, wherein the power status report is generated based on determining that the predicted weather event indicates a potential power outage, and wherein generating the power status report includes: analyzing an amount of energy stored in a vehicle; analyzing historical household power consumption based on historical household power consumption data from a utility data source; analyzing predicted conditions for the predicted weather event; and analyzing a cost of charging the vehicle; and sending the power status report to at least one user interface; and charging the vehicle based on the power status report command to prepare for the potential power outage indicated by the predicted weather event.

[0056] The power status report includes a charging strategy to charge the vehicle to a maximum possible charge before a potential power outage while minimizing charging costs, wherein the charging strategy is based on a predictive algorithm.

[0057] The telematics system is configured to command charging to automatically commence according to the charging strategy when automatic charging is enabled and / or to commence based on user input to at least one user interface when automatic charging is not enabled.

[0058] The telematics system is configured to monitor weather forecast data for updates once charging of the vehicle begins.

[0059] The telematics system is configured to connect the vehicle to the power station when charging of the vehicle is commanded to begin, and automatically disconnect the vehicle from the power station when one of the updates to the weather forecast data includes a lightning strike within a predetermined distance of the vehicle.

[0060] The telematics system is configured to automatically alert a user via at least one user interface when a lightning strike is within a predetermined distance of the vehicle.

[0061] The telematics system is configured to monitor weather forecast data following a lightning strike and automatically reconnect the vehicle to the power station after a predetermined time has elapsed without a subsequent lightning strike.

[0062] The at least one user interface includes an in-vehicle HMI and / or a mobile application.

[0063] The above-mentioned features and advantages of the present disclosure and other features and attendant advantages will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative examples and modes for carrying out the present disclosure when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. In addition, the present disclosure expressly includes combinations and sub-combinations of the elements and features presented above and below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate implementations of the present disclosure and, considered together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0065] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle including a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) and a telematics system according to the present disclosure.

[0066] Figure 2 is a main flow chart illustrating a method of predictive charging a vehicle including a RESS according to the present disclosure.

[0067] Figure 3 The following diagram illustrates the generation of a power status report. Figure 2 The sub-flowchart indicated in .

[0068] The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may present somewhat simplified representations of various preferred features of the present disclosure as disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes. The details adjacent to such features will be determined in part by the specific intended application and use environment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] The present disclosure allows for many different forms of embodiments. Representative examples of the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings and described in detail herein as non-limiting examples of the disclosed principles. For this reason, elements and limitations described in the abstract, introduction, summary, and detailed description sections but not explicitly stated in the claims should not be incorporated into the claims individually or collectively by implication, inference, or otherwise.

[0070] For the purposes of this specification, unless otherwise stated, the use of the singular includes the plural and vice versa, the terms "and" and "or" shall be both conjunctive and disjunctive, and the words "include", "comprise", "contain", "have", and the like shall mean "including without limitation". In addition, approximate words such as "approximately", "almost", "substantially", "generally", "approximately" and the like may be used herein in the sense of "at, close to or nearly at" or "within 0-5% of" or "within an acceptable manufacturing tolerance" or their logical combinations.

[0071] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, there is shown and described herein a method of predictive charging of a vehicle including a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), and predictive charging of a vehicle including a RESS.

[0072] like Figure 1 As illustrated in FIG. 1 , vehicle 10 includes a powertrain 12. Vehicle 10 may include, but is not limited to, a commercial vehicle, an industrial vehicle, a passenger vehicle, an aircraft, a watercraft, a train, or the like.

[0073] The powertrain 12 includes a power source 14 configured to generate a power source torque T (not shown) for propelling the vehicle 10 relative to a road surface 18 via drive wheels 16. The power source 14 is depicted as an electric motor-generator.

[0074] like Figure 1 As further illustrated in FIG. 1 , the powertrain 12 may also include an additional power source 15 , such as an internal combustion engine. The power sources 14 and 15 may work together to power the vehicle 10 .

[0075] The vehicle 10 includes a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) 20 and a telematics system 30 .

[0076] RESS 20 is configured to generate and store electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction that produces heat for supplying electrical energy to power vehicle 10 during use and / or to power a structure such as, but not limited to, a house during a power outage or blackout.

[0077] The telematics system 30 includes a telematics module 40 disposed in the vehicle 10 and at least one user interface 70. The telematics module 40 communicates with at least one external data source 50, a utility data source 60, at least one user interface 70, and the vehicle 10. The telematics module 40 is programmable and may include a central processing unit (CPU) that regulates various functions of the vehicle 10 and / or the RESS 20.

[0078] In any of the above configurations, the telematics module 40 includes a processor and a tangible, non-transitory memory that includes instructions for the operation of the vehicle 10 and the RESS 20 programmed therein. The memory may be a suitable recordable medium that participates in providing computer-readable data or process instructions. Such recordable media may take a variety of forms, including but not limited to non-volatile media and volatile media.

[0079] Non-volatile media for telematics module 40 may include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other permanent storage. Volatile media may include, for example, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which may constitute main memory. Such instructions may be transmitted over one or more transmission media, including coaxial cables, copper wire, and optical fiber, including the wires comprising a system bus coupled to a computer processor, or via a wireless connection.

[0080] The memory of the telematics module 40 may also include a flexible disk, a hard disk, a tape, another magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, a DVD, another optical medium, etc. The telematics module 40 may be configured or equipped with other required computer hardware, such as a high-speed clock, necessary analog-to-digital (A / D) and / or digital-to-analog (D / A) circuits, input / output circuits and devices (I / O), and appropriate signal conditioning and / or buffer circuits. Algorithms required by or accessible to the telematics module 40, including but not limited to predictive algorithms, may be stored in the memory and automatically executed to provide the required functionality of the vehicle 10, RESS 20, and telematics system 30.

[0081] The telematics system 30 is configured to receive weather forecast data 80 from at least one external data source 50, monitor the weather forecast data 80 for predicted weather events, and compare the predicted weather events to historical weather events during which power outages occurred as indicated by historical utility data corresponding to the historical weather events.

[0082] Forecasted weather events may include, for example, but not limited to, severe weather watches, wind advisories, lightning strikes, ice storms, heat waves, or other weather phenomena that may include power outages.

[0083] The telematics system 30 is configured to receive the home electricity consumption data 100 from the utility data source 60 and analyze the home electricity consumption based on the home electricity consumption data 100 from the utility data source 60 .

[0084] The telematics system 30 is configured to determine whether the predicted weather event indicates a potential power outage based on a comparison of the predicted weather event with historical weather events during which a power outage occurred as indicated by historical utility data corresponding to the historical weather events, and to generate a power status report 110 .

[0085] Based on determining that the forecasted weather event indicates a potential power outage, a power status report 110 is generated.

[0086] Generating the power status report 110 via the telematics system 30 includes analyzing the amount of energy stored in the vehicle 10 , analyzing historical home power consumption based on the home power consumption data 100 from the utility data source 60 , analyzing predicted conditions for a predicted weather event, and analyzing the cost of charging the vehicle 10 .

[0087] The telematics system 30 is configured to send the power status report 110 to the at least one user interface 70 and charge the vehicle 10 based on the power status report 110 in preparation for a potential power outage indicated by the predicted weather event.

[0088] Generating the power status report 110 includes generating a charging strategy to charge the vehicle 10 to the maximum charge possible before a potential power outage while minimizing charging costs. The charging strategy may be based on a predictive algorithm stored in the telematics module 40 .

[0089] Telematics system 30 is configured to command charging of vehicle 10 to commence automatically according to charging strategy 110 when automatic charging is enabled and / or to commence according to charging strategy 110 based on user input 75 to at least one user interface 70 when automatic charging is not enabled.

[0090] The telematics system 30 is configured to monitor the weather forecast data 80 for updates once charging of the vehicle 10 begins.

[0091] Telematics system 30 is configured to connect vehicle 10 to power station 120 when charging of vehicle 10 is commanded to begin, and automatically disconnect vehicle 10 from power station 120 when one of the updates to weather forecast data 80 includes a lightning strike within a predetermined distance of vehicle 10 .

[0092] The power station 120 and the home 130 are configured to receive power from an external power source 140 , such as, but not limited to, a utility provider, such as an electricity provider.

[0093] When the vehicle 10 is connected to the power station 120 , the power station 120 is operable to provide power from the power station 120 to charge the vehicle 10 and / or to provide power stored in the vehicle 10 to power the home 130 .

[0094] When the vehicle 10 is disconnected from the power station 120, the power station 120 is no longer operable to provide power from the power station 120 to charge the vehicle 10. However, when the vehicle 10 is disconnected from the power station 120, the vehicle 10 is operable to provide power stored in the vehicle 10 to power the home 130.

[0095] The telematics system 30 is configured to automatically alert a user (not shown) via at least one user interface 70 when a lightning strike is within a predetermined distance of the vehicle 10 .

[0096] Telematics system 30 is configured to monitor weather forecast data 80 after a lightning strike, automatically reconnect vehicle 10 to power station 120 after a predetermined time has elapsed without a subsequent lightning strike, and automatically command charging of vehicle 10 to commence when vehicle 10 is not charged to full capacity.

[0097] The at least one user interface 70 may include an HMI within the vehicle 10 and / or a mobile application installed on a personal user device, such as, but not limited to, a smart phone or tablet computer.

[0098] Continue to refer Figure 1 ,like Figure 2 As illustrated in FIG. 1 , a method 1000 for predictive charging of a vehicle 10 including a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) 20 includes providing 2000 a telematics system 30 including a telematics module 40, at least one external data source 50, a utility data source 60, and at least one user interface 70. The telematics module 40 is disposed in the vehicle 10. The telematics module 40 communicates with the at least one external data source 50, the utility data source 60, the at least one user interface 70, and the vehicle 10.

[0099] Method 1000 further includes: receiving 3000 weather forecast data 80 from at least one external data source 50 via the telematics system 30; monitoring 4000 weather forecast data 80 for a predicted weather event via the telematics system 30; comparing 5000 the predicted weather event with historical weather events during which a power outage occurred as indicated by historical utility data corresponding to the historical weather event; determining 6000 whether the predicted weather event indicates a potential power outage based on the comparison; generating 7000 a power status report 110 based on the determination that the predicted weather event may indicate a potential power outage; sending 8000 the power status report 110 to at least one user interface 70; and commanding 9000 charging the vehicle 10 based on the power status report 110 to prepare for the potential power outage indicated by the predicted weather event.

[0100] refer to Figure 3 , and continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , generating 7000 a power status report 110 via the telematics system 30 includes: analyzing 6100 the amount of energy stored in the vehicle 10; analyzing 6200 home power consumption based on home power consumption data 100 from a utility data source 60; analyzing 6300 predicted conditions of a predicted weather event; and analyzing 6400 the cost of charging the vehicle 10.

[0101] Generating 7000 the power status report 110 includes generating a charging strategy to charge the vehicle 10 to the maximum charge possible before a potential power outage while minimizing charging costs. The charging strategy is based on a predictive algorithm stored in the telematics module 40 .

[0102] While charging strategies are discussed as being included in the power status report 110, it should be appreciated that the power status report 110 may also include, but is not limited to, the type of potential power impact, the percentage charge of the vehicle 10, the estimated duration that the current vehicle charge can support the home 130, the estimated time until potential power loss, the power draw of household items relative to the current power stored in the vehicle 10, and recommendations as to which individual household items to shut down to increase supply time based on the current power stored in the vehicle 10.

[0103] Charging of the vehicle 10 is initiated automatically when automatic charging is enabled 8100, or based on user input 75 to at least one user interface 70 when automatic charging is not enabled 8200, according to a charging strategy command 9000, until the vehicle 10 is fully charged 10000 or charged to a maximum possible charge prior to a potential power outage based on a predicted weather event.

[0104] If the vehicle 10 is not fully charged, the telematics system 30 monitors 11000 the weather forecast data 80 for updates while the vehicle 10 is charging.

[0105] The telematics system is configured to connect the vehicle 10 to the power station 120 when the vehicle 10 is charging, and automatically disconnect 13000 the vehicle 10 from the power station 120 when a lightning strike is detected 12000 within a predetermined distance of the charging vehicle 10, i.e., one of the updates to the weather forecast data 80 includes a lightning strike within a predetermined distance of the charging vehicle 10.

[0106] The telematics system 30 is configured to monitor 14000 the weather forecast data 80 after a lightning strike and command 9000 the start of charging of the vehicle 10 after a predetermined time has elapsed without a subsequent lightning strike 15000 .

[0107] The telematics system 30 is configured to automatically alert the user 13500 via the at least one user interface 70 when a lightning strike is detected within a predetermined distance of the vehicle 10 .

[0108] Charging the vehicle 10 based on the power status report command 9000 includes sending 8000 a power status report 110 to at least one user interface 70 .

[0109] The at least one user interface 70 may include an HMI within the vehicle 10 and / or a mobile application installed on a personal user device, such as, but not limited to, a smart phone or tablet computer.

[0110] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, method 1000 may include: providing 1500 a power station 120 connectable to a vehicle 10 including a RESS 20; commanding 9000 to charge the vehicle 10 based on a power status report 110 when the vehicle 10 is connected to the power station 120 to prepare for a potential power outage indicated by a predicted weather event; and automatically disconnecting 13000 the vehicle 10 from the power station 120 when an update to the weather forecast data includes a lightning strike within a predetermined distance from the vehicle 10.

[0111] The power status report 110 includes a charging strategy to charge the vehicle 10 to the maximum possible charge before a potential power outage while minimizing charging costs. The charging strategy is based on a predictive algorithm stored in the telematics module 40 .

[0112] While charging strategies are discussed as being included in the power status report 110, it should be appreciated that the power status report 110 may also include, but is not limited to, the type of potential power impact, the percentage charge of the vehicle 10, the estimated duration that the current vehicle charge can support the home 130, the estimated time until potential power loss, the power draw of household items relative to the current power stored in the vehicle 10, and recommendations as to which individual household items to shut down to increase supply time based on the current power stored in the vehicle 10.

[0113] Charging of the vehicle 10 according to the charging strategy commands 9000 begins automatically when automatic charging is enabled 8100, or begins based on user input 75 to at least one user interface 70 when automatic charging is not enabled 8200, until the vehicle 10 is fully charged 10000, or charged to a maximum possible charge before a potential power outage based on predicted weather events.

[0114] Thus, by predictively charging a vehicle including a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) to a maximum possible charge in advance of a potential power outage based on predicted weather events, the power stored within the vehicle can be used to power infrastructure, such as, but not limited to, a heater for heating a home, for a maximum amount of time during a power outage or blackout. Additionally, predictively charging the vehicle allows the vehicle to automatically disconnect from the power station or power source when a lightning strike is detected within a predetermined distance of the charging vehicle, minimizing the impact of a potential power surge on the vehicle.

[0115] These and other attendant benefits of the present disclosure will be appreciated by those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing disclosure.

[0116] The detailed description and the accompanying drawings or each figure are support and description of the present teaching, but the scope of the present teaching is limited only by the claims. Although some best modes and other embodiments for implementing the present teaching have been described in detail, there are various alternative designs and embodiments to practice the present teaching defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for predictive charging of a vehicle including a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), the method comprising: A telematics system is provided, comprising a telematics module, at least one external data source, a utility data source, and at least one user interface, wherein the telematics module is disposed in a vehicle and the telematics module is in communication with the at least one external data source, the utility data source, the at least one user interface, and the vehicle; receiving weather forecast data from at least one external data source via the telematics system; monitoring weather forecast data for predicted weather events via a telematics system; comparing the predicted weather event to historical weather events during which a power outage occurred as indicated by historical utility data corresponding to the historical weather events; determining whether the predicted weather event indicates a potential power outage based on the comparison; Generating a power status report via a telematics system, wherein generating the power status report is based on determining that a predicted weather event indicates a potential power outage, and wherein generating the power status report comprises: Analyzing the amount of energy stored in the vehicle; analyzing household electricity consumption based on household electricity consumption data from a utility data source; Analyze forecast conditions for predicted weather events; and Analyse the costs of charging vehicles; and sending a power status report to at least one user interface; and Charging of the vehicle is commanded based on the power status report to prepare for potential power outages indicated by predicted weather events.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Generating the power status report includes generating a charging strategy to charge the vehicle to a maximum possible charge before a potential power outage while minimizing charging costs, wherein the charging strategy is based on a predictive algorithm.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: Charging of the vehicle according to the charging strategy begins automatically when automatic charging is enabled and / or begins based on user input to at least one user interface when automatic charging is not enabled.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: When charging of the vehicle begins, weather forecast data is monitored for updates.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising commanding the vehicle to be connected to the power station when the vehicle is being charged, and commanding the vehicle to be automatically disconnected from the power station when one of the updates to the weather forecast data includes a lightning strike within a predetermined distance of the vehicle.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising monitoring weather forecast data after a lightning strike; and automatically reconnecting the vehicle to the power station after a predetermined time has elapsed without a subsequent lightning strike.

7. The method of claim 5, further comprising automatically alerting a user via at least one user interface when a lightning strike is within a predetermined distance of a vehicle.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Charging the vehicle based on the power status report includes sending the power status report to at least one user interface.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one user interface includes an in-vehicle HMI and / or a mobile application.

10. A method for predictive charging of a vehicle including a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), the method comprising: Providing a power station connectable to a vehicle including a RESS; providing a telematics system including a telematics module, at least one external data source, a utility data source, and at least one user interface, wherein the telematics module is disposed in a vehicle, and the telematics module is in communication with the at least one external data source, the utility data source, the at least one user interface, and the vehicle; receiving weather forecast data from at least one external data source via the telematics system; monitoring weather forecast data for predicted weather events via a telematics system; comparing the predicted weather event to historical weather events during which a power outage occurred as indicated by historical utility data corresponding to the historical weather events; determining whether the predicted weather event indicates a potential power outage based on the comparison; Generating a power status report via a telematics system, wherein generating the power status report is based on determining that a predicted weather event indicates a potential power outage, and wherein generating the power status report comprises: Analyzing the amount of energy stored in the vehicle; analyzing historical household electricity consumption based on historical household electricity consumption data from a utility data source; Analyze forecast conditions for predicted weather events; and sending a power status report to at least one user interface; and When the vehicle is connected to the power station, commanding charging of the vehicle based on the power status report to prepare for a potential power outage indicated by a predicted weather event; and When an update to the weather forecast data includes a lightning strike within a predetermined distance from the vehicle, disconnection of the vehicle from the power station is commanded.

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