Method for determining humidity in interior

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for determining the humidity, in particular water or water vapor, in an interior (5) of a housing (3) for an electrical energy storage device (2) of a motor vehicle (1), which interior (5) is fluidically connected to or separated from an outer space (7) as a function of a closed state of a pressure equalization device (6) of the energy storage device (2), in particular on the basis of a model, a total humidity parameter describing the humidity of the interior (5) is determined on the basis of the sum of the introduction parameters determined at the different times and / or at the different operating points, the introduction parameters describing the introduction of humidity into the interior (5) at the determined times and / or at the determined operating points.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for determining the humidity, in particular water or water vapor, in the internal space of the housing of an electric energy storage device for motor vehicles, wherein the internal space is fluidly connected to or separated from the external space depending on the closed state of the pressure balancing device of the energy storage device. Background Technology

[0002] Energy storage devices for motor vehicles, such as so-called "high-pressure storage devices," are known in principle from the prior art. These devices have a housing in which the energy storage batteries are arranged. Typically, a fluid connection is established between the internal space of the housing and the environment or external space to achieve pressure balance between the internal space and the environment. Pressure balancing devices, such as diaphragms and valves, are known to be used to establish or disconnect the fluid connection based on a closed state. Particularly in such pressure balancing devices, it is important to consider that the fluid connection, i.e., air exchange, can also cause the exchange or introduction of humidity into the internal space. For example, water may appear in gaseous form as water vapor or in liquid form, such as as condensate, and thus permeate into the internal space of the housing.

[0003] Increased air humidity can adversely affect the functionality of energy storage devices, for example, by causing corrosion on metal components or electrical connectors, and also by affecting the structural mechanical properties of components through the accumulation of liquids or moisture.

[0004] To avoid such effects, methods for reducing humidity introduction, selectively removing humidity from the interior space, or binding humidity within the interior space are known. For this purpose, materials for binding humidity, particularly granules, membranes, or completely enclosed shells, are known. In particular, the construction of completely enclosed shells can only be achieved with significant expenditures in terms of structural space, weight, and cost. However, in the cases of reducing humidity introduction, binding humidity, or removing humidity from the interior space, there is no information about the current humidity within the interior space, such as whether the humidity-binding material is saturated, or whether or when active drying is necessary or whether or when it has been adequately completed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The objective of this invention is to provide a relatively improved method for determining the humidity in the internal space of the housing of an electric energy storage device for motor vehicles.

[0006] This task is solved by the method according to claim 1. The claims dependent thereto relate to possible implementations.

[0007] As described, the present invention relates to a method for determining humidity, particularly water or water vapor, in the internal space of the housing of an electric energy storage device for a motor vehicle, the internal space being either fluidly connected to or separated from an external space depending on the closed state of the pressure balancing device of the energy storage device. In other words, the method described herein should be used to determine the humidity in the internal space of the energy storage device housing, thereby enabling the reporting of the humidity or water content within the housing. Here, purely qualitative or quantitative reporting is possible, thereby enabling, for example, a determination of whether further measures, such as maintenance or drying of the internal space, are necessary.

[0008] This invention is based on the understanding that, particularly on a model-based basis, a total humidity parameter describing the humidity of the interior space is determined based on the sum of introduced parameters determined at different times and / or at different operating points. These introduced parameters describe the humidity introduced into the interior space at a given time and / or at a given operating point. The determined total humidity parameter indicates how much humidity is currently contained within the interior space. The total humidity parameter may, for example, be a unitless value in the form of a counter, or possibly, it may be given as a percentage, mass, or volume.

[0009] The total humidity parameter is determined by the sum of the introduced parameters, which describe the humidity introduction into the housing at different times or operating points. In principle, the introduced parameters can be positive, especially when humidity is introduced from the external space into the internal space. It is equally possible that the introduced parameters are negative, especially when humidity is released from the internal space into the external space. It is well known that the introduction of humidity from the external space into the internal space, or vice versa, is determined by environmental conditions, i.e., how much humidity is currently contained in the air of the external and internal spaces and how proportional adaptation occurs when the fluid connection is established by opening the pressure equalization device, especially the direction in which the air flows when the pressure equalization device is opened.

[0010] The introduced parameters can be determined for different times and / or operating points, especially over the lifespan of the energy storage device or energy storage unit, thereby enabling the determination at any given time of how much humidity (at least qualitatively) is contained within the interior space. This particularly allows for the application of this method to ascertain the humidity situation within the interior space, and especially how the total humidity parameter further changes during the operation of the vehicle or energy storage unit, without the need for costly modifications in the sense of hardware changes for energy storage units already in use. In particular, the total humidity parameter can be determined based on a model, i.e., different input parameters can be considered and thus the total humidity parameter can be derived. Furthermore, the introduced parameters can be related to various other environmental or interior space parameters, which will be described below.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the method, at least one introduction parameter can be determined based on at least one environmental parameter, particularly the difference between temperature and / or air humidity and / or air pressure in the internal and external spaces. As described, the introduction of humidity into the internal space is derived from the difference in conditions within and outside the internal and external spaces. If the air humidity in the external space is higher than that in the internal space, the humidity is transferred to the internal space via volume exchange, for example, when the pressure balancing device is turned on, especially when there is overpressure in the external space. Similarly, when the humidity in the internal space is higher than that in the external space, the introduction parameter can be negative, allowing humidity to be released into the external space, especially when there is negative pressure in the external space. Furthermore, the introduction parameter can be related to temperature and air pressure. Air pressure is specifically determined here to determine whether or to what extent the pressure balancing device is turned on, thus the “passive determination” of the opening of the pressure balancing device is also possible when, for example, the pressure balancing device is not turned on by the output of a switching signal based on a controllable valve. Furthermore, the pressure ratio determines the direction of airflow into or out of the internal space. In particular, it is possible to model the conditions in both the internal and external spaces, thereby determining the introduced parameters at all times or operating points based on the model, either when the pressure balancing device is turned on or due to diffusion and leakage, from which the total humidity parameter is derived, in particular, by accumulation.

[0012] The described method can be further configured to determine the at least one environmental parameter indirectly, particularly based on navigation data and / or weather data, or directly, particularly based on data from environmental sensors. For example, it is possible to determine the altitude or altitude difference during the vehicle's operation based on navigation data. This can be confirmed when passing through a road segment profile with a corresponding altitude difference, whether this prompts the pressure equalization device to open, thus enabling air exchange. Furthermore, the pressure difference formed thereon can determine the introduced parameter due to leakage or diffusion. The environmental parameter can also be determined from weather data, for example, retrieved from a weather database. Weather data can include, in particular, temperature, humidity, precipitation, air pressure, etc. It is also possible to determine the at least one environmental parameter directly, for example, using pressure sensors, temperature sensors, precipitation sensors, humidity sensors, etc.

[0013] Furthermore, the method may specify that at least one introductory parameter is determined directly or indirectly based on the closed state of the pressure balancing device. As described, the closed state of the pressure balancing device determines the major share used for fluid connection between the internal and external spaces. With respect to the pressure balancing device, leakage or diffusion is possible, which is significantly smaller relative to the volumetric flow through an open pressure balancing device. Therefore, the introductory parameter can be determined by determining the closed state of the pressure balancing device. In particular, this can thus determine how the humidity changes in the internal space with respect to the at least one environmental parameter, which can be output as a total humidity parameter.

[0014] As described, the pressure balancing device can, in principle, be a passive element, particularly a spring-operated valve. It is also possible that the pressure balancing device has at least one switchable valve. In the first case, the opening of the pressure balancing device can be determined, for example, by a determined pressure difference, such as when a specific pressure difference is reached, thereby opening the spring-operated valve. In the second case described, the switching signal supplied to the pressure balancing device can be analyzed. Therefore, it is ultimately possible to statistically determine the frequency and duration of the pressure balancing device's opening, thereby enabling the determination of humidity introduction.

[0015] In particular, it is possible to determine at least one introduction parameter based on the opening state of the pressure balancing device, especially the opening process and / or the opening duration, and / or based on the duration within a defined environment. Different introduction parameters can be combined, for example, combining an introduction parameter describing the humidity introduction caused by opening the pressure balancing device with an introduction parameter describing the retention of the energy storage device in a defined environment. This also allows for the consideration of effects dependent on leakage and diffusion.

[0016] According to another design of the method, the total humidity parameter may have or include a first counter describing the open state of the pressure balancing device in a first environment and a second counter describing the open state of the pressure balancing device in a second environment. This allows for differentiation by means of different counters, indicating how long or how frequently the pressure balancing device is open or turned on in what type of environment. The environment can be differentiated by its environmental parameters. For example, the first environment may constitute a relatively dry and / or relatively cold environment. In contrast, the second environment may constitute a more humid and / or warmer environment.

[0017] Therefore, the effects of the open state can be categorized regarding the resulting introduction of humidity into the interior space. If the pressure balancing device is opened, for example, in a first environment, i.e., in relatively dry and warm conditions, this results in a relatively small or even negative introduction of humidity, i.e., humidity expulsion, allowing humidity to be released into the environment. Conversely, if the pressure balancing device is opened in a second environment, cold and / or humid air permeates into the interior space, thus increasing the introduction of humidity. The distinction between at least one first environment and at least one second environment can be made, for example, using weather data, GPS data, environmental conditions, etc.

[0018] As described, it is preferable to continuously track the total humidity parameter throughout the lifespan of the vehicle or electric storage device. The total humidity parameter is therefore stored, in particular, in a permanent memory, such as an EEPROM. Thus, the total humidity parameter is not deleted or "forgotten" even when the vehicle is stationary. Instead, it is persistently stored and read again when necessary to start the vehicle. The described counter, in particular, allows for the evaluation of GPS data, where only the counter itself is stored. Therefore, the described counter is detached from personalized data or does not require the storage of, for example, GPS data regarding the route traveled.

[0019] According to another design of the method, at least one introduction parameter can be specified, particularly by means of a constant introduction term, to describe the introduction of humidity through leakage and / or diffusion. As described, the introduction through leakage and / or diffusion results in a significantly smaller share of humidity change in the interior space compared to the opening of the pressure equalization device. These introductions can be described, for example, by constant introduction terms, which can be selected differently depending on the environment if necessary. It is also possible that the introduction parameter describing the introduction of humidity through leakage and / or diffusion can be variable through environmental parameters, i.e., a function constituting environmental parameters. As already described, this can be based, in particular, on weather data, sensor data, etc. Thus, the influence of the environment on the interior space of the energy storage device can be further taken into account, for example, when the vehicle is not in operation, but due to changes between day and night or being in an air-conditioned garage and being brought into the environment, it acts on the casing of the energy storage device.

[0020] As already described, in principle, it is possible to selectively control the pressure balancing device, for example, by selectively setting its closed state. According to one embodiment of the method, the pressure balancing device can be opened based on the total humidity parameter and / or the current input parameters. This can be implemented, for example, by outputting a switching signal to the pressure balancing device, thereby opening the pressure balancing device, such as a controllable valve. In particular, if the total humidity parameter indicates that the humidity in the internal space is higher than that in the external space compared to the current environmental conditions, the humidity can be selectively released from the internal space to the external space by selectively opening the pressure balancing device, especially when overpressure exists in the internal space. This is especially true when a negative input, i.e., humidity release, is determined for the current input parameters. The humidity release can then be recorded in the total humidity parameter and "updated" by selectively releasing humidity.

[0021] The method may further specify the output of total humidity parameters and / or the implementation of maintenance measures based on these parameters. For example, the total humidity parameters may be output via a display device on the vehicle or the user. Furthermore, maintenance measures may be implemented based on the total humidity parameters, such as inviting the vehicle user to a workshop or retrieving the total humidity parameters from service procedures. In particular, it is possible to use the total humidity parameters to determine the amount of water in the interior space and, based on this, decide what maintenance measures should be implemented, such as drying.

[0022] In addition to the method, the present invention relates to a determining device for determining humidity, in particular water or water vapor, in the internal space of the housing of an electric energy storage device for a motor vehicle, the internal space being fluidly connected to or separated from an external space depending on the closed state of the pressure balancing device of the energy storage device, wherein the determining device is configured to determine, in particular based on a model, a total humidity parameter describing the humidity of the internal space based on the sum of introduced parameters determined at different times and / or at different operating points, the introduced parameters describing the humidity introduced into the internal space at the determined times and / or at the determined operating points.

[0023] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising an electric energy storage device and the previously described determining device. The determining device is particularly configured for implementing the previously described method in all details.

[0024] All the advantages, details, implementation methods and / or features described in the method description are fully applicable to specific devices and motor vehicles. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. The drawings are schematic diagrams and in which:

[0026] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a motor vehicle is shown, the motor vehicle including an electric energy storage device and a determining device according to one embodiment; and

[0027] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating a flowchart of a method according to one embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Figure 1 A motor vehicle 1 is shown, comprising an electric energy storage device 2 having a housing 3 and at least one energy storage battery 4 disposed within the housing 3. The housing 3 has an internal space 5, which is fluidly connected to an external space 7, such as the environment of the motor vehicle 1, via a pressure balancing device 6, as needed or as required. In the closed state of the pressure balancing device 6, there is no fluid connection, or the fluid connection is disconnected. In the open state of the pressure balancing device 6, a fluid connection is established, in which the pressure balancing device 6, for example, a spring-operated valve, is opened.

[0029] The vehicle 1 also includes a determining device 8, which is configured to implement a method for determining the humidity in the internal space 5 of the housing 3. In particular, the determining device 8 can determine a total humidity parameter of the internal space 5, which describes what kind of humidity, for example, is contained in the internal space 5 as condensed water or as water vapor.

[0030] The determining device 8 can be connected to an external source 9, such as a navigation device that can provide GPS data of the vehicle 1 and / or a weather database that provides the current weather in the environment of the vehicle 1 or the external space 7. Furthermore, the determining device 8 can be coupled to at least one environmental sensor 10, which may include, for example, a temperature sensor and / or a pressure sensor and / or a humidity sensor. The external source 9 and the environmental sensor 10 are optional.

[0031] Then, with the help of Figure 2 The schematic flowchart illustrates the method implemented by the sealing device 8. The method can begin in block 11, where the current total humidity parameter, i.e., the total humidity parameter determined up to the current service life, can be read from permanent memory, such as EEPROM. Advantageously, the total humidity parameter can thus be persistently stored and continuously tracked throughout the entire service life of the accumulator device 2, so that the total humidity parameter is not lost when the vehicle 1 is stationary or stopped. When the vehicle 1 stops, the continuously tracked total humidity parameter can be stored again in the permanent memory.

[0032] The method can continue in block 12, where the introduction parameters for the current time or for the current operating point are determined. The introduction parameters describe the current introduction of humidity into or from the internal space 5 to the external space 7. Therefore, in principle, the introduction parameters can be positive or negative, thus increasing or decreasing the total humidity parameter. In principle, one can branch from block 12 to block 13 or block 14. In block 13, the introduction parameters are determined, describing the humidity introduction based on the opening of the pressure balancing device 6. This can be determined, for example, indirectly or passively, by a determined pressure difference between the internal space 5 and the external space 7. This pressure difference can again be determined indirectly by the height difference of the road segment profile of vehicle 1, for example by an external source 9, especially height data, which can be a component of GPS data.

[0033] In block 14, an introduction parameter can be determined that describes the humidity introduction caused by leakage and / or diffusion. This may involve constant terms, which, for example, under known environmental conditions, constantly or substantially constantly affect the humidity in interior space 5, because, for example, a constant introduction of humidity occurs in a relatively hot and humid environment during operation. The introduction parameters not only in block 13 but also in block 14 can be implemented as functions of environmental parameters, thereby enabling the determination of the total humidity parameter based on a model. For example, data from the at least one environmental sensor 10 can be used. Weather data can also be considered. Therefore, in principle, the introduction parameter can be specified based on the current boundary conditions in interior space 5 and exterior space 7. Specifically, the humidity difference between the air in interior space 5 and exterior space 7 can be determined here, and the introduction parameter can be confirmed thereby.

[0034] The total humidity parameter can then be updated based on current introduced parameters, such as the number of open states, the duration of the open states, and the operating duration in a given environment. The total humidity parameter can be updated and continuously tracked, particularly in block 15. The total humidity parameter can have a first counter and a second counter. Therefore, depending on the current environmental conditions, the total humidity parameter from block 15 can change the first counter in block 16 or the second counter in block 17. The first counter, for example, can simulate, in principle, the number of open states of the pressure equalization device 6 in environments where humidity introduction is not critical, while the second counter can simulate the number of open states and / or the duration of the open states in critical environments.

[0035] For example, environments can be defined relative to each other as a first environment and a second environment. A relatively dry and / or cold environment can be understood as a first environment. Therefore, relative air humidity and / or temperature can be used as defining criteria. In contrast, a second environment is a warmer and / or more humid environment. The first counter can therefore, in principle, relate to the number of open states of the pressure balancing device 6 and / or the duration of the open states. The second counter can be taken into account for critical humidity introduction, for example, it can be used to determine how much humidity accumulates in the interior space 5.

[0036] Based on the total humidity parameter, at least one measure can be taken, for example, in block 15. In particular, the total humidity parameter can be output, that is, a message about the current humidity status of the internal space 5 can be output. This can trigger measures such as service measures, maintenance, drying, etc.

[0037] The advantages, details, and features described in the various embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, substituted for, and transferred to each other. The motor vehicle 1, and especially the determining device 8, are entirely configured for implementation in... Figure 2 The method described in [the document / document].

[0038] List of reference numerals

[0039] 1 motor vehicle

[0040] 2. Accumulator Equipment

[0041] 3 shells

[0042] 4 accumulator batteries

[0043] 5. Interior Space

[0044] 6. Pressure balancing device

[0045] 7. External Space

[0046] 8. Determine the equipment

[0047] 9 External sources

[0048] 10 Environmental Sensors

[0049] Blocks 11-17

Claims

1. A method for determining humidity, particularly water or water vapor, in an internal space (5) of the housing (3) of an electric energy storage device (2) for a motor vehicle (1), wherein the internal space (5) is fluidly connected to or separated from an external space (7) depending on the closed state of a pressure balancing device (6) of the energy storage device (2), characterized in that, In particular, based on the model, the total humidity parameter describing the humidity of the interior space (5) is determined based on the sum of the introduced parameters determined at different times and / or at different operating points, the introduced parameters describing the humidity introduced into the interior space (5) at a determined time and / or at a determined operating point.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one introduced parameter is determined based on the difference between the interior space (5) and the exterior space (7) based on at least one environmental parameter, particularly temperature and / or air humidity and / or air pressure.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The at least one environmental parameter is determined indirectly, especially based on navigation data and / or weather data, or directly, especially based on at least one environmental sensor.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one input parameter is determined directly or indirectly based on the closed state of the pressure balancing device (6).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one introduction parameter is determined based on the opening state of the pressure balancing device (6), especially the opening process and / or the opening duration, and / or, based on the duration within a defined environment.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The total humidity parameter includes a first counter describing the open state of the pressure balancing device (6) in the first environment and a second counter describing the open state of the pressure balancing device (6) in the second environment.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one introduction parameter—especially by means of a constant introduction term—describes the introduction of humidity caused by leakage and / or diffusion.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The pressure balancing device (6) is activated based on the total humidity parameter and / or the current input parameter.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Output the total humidity parameter, and / or implement maintenance measures based on the total humidity parameter.

10. A determining device (8) for determining humidity, particularly water or water vapor, in an internal space (5) of the housing (3) of an electric energy storage device (2) for a motor vehicle (1), wherein the internal space (5) is fluidly connected to or separated from an external space (7) depending on the closed state of a pressure balancing device (6) of the energy storage device (2), characterized in that, The determining device is configured to, in particular based on a model, determine a total humidity parameter describing the humidity of the interior space (5) based on the sum of introduced parameters determined at different times and / or at different operating points, the introduced parameters describing the humidity introduced into the interior space (5) at a determined time and / or at a determined operating point.

11. A motor vehicle (1), the motor vehicle comprising an electric energy storage device (2) and a determining device (8) according to the preceding claim.

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