Vehicle and method of controlling the same

Abstract

Disclosed is a vehicle and a control method thereof. The vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is a charging vehicle, can include an input / output interface; and a processor that receives a target driving distance of the vehicle through the input / output interface, compares the target driving distance with a drivable distance of the vehicle, determines necessity of changing an operation intensity of a vehicle air conditioning device, and outputs a result of the determination through the input / output interface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to techniques for controlling energy in electric vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, a technique has been proposed to adjust the driving and braking torque of electric vehicles to save energy.

[0003] However, there are limitations to saving energy by altering drive and braking torque in electric vehicles. In particular, to achieve the driver's desired driving distance, a more efficient energy-saving technology than simply adjusting the drive and braking torque of an electric vehicle is needed.

[0004] On the other hand, of all the energy used by electric vehicles, apart from the energy required for general driving, the air conditioning system consumes the most energy for cooling / heating. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention was proposed to solve the aforementioned problems, and its purpose is to control the air conditioning device of a vehicle to save energy of electric vehicles and thereby extend the driving range.

[0006] The technical issues addressed by this invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Those skilled in the art can further understand other technical issues that this invention can solve based on the following content.

[0007] According to various embodiments of the present invention, a vehicle as a rechargeable vehicle may include: an input / output interface; and a processor that receives a target driving distance of the vehicle through the input / output interface, compares the target driving distance with the driving distance of the vehicle, determines the necessity of changing the operating intensity of the vehicle's air conditioning unit, and outputs the determination result through the input / output interface.

[0008] In a vehicle according to a portion of embodiments, the processor is configured to determine the necessity of changing the operating intensity based on at least one of a minimum rotational speed determined by the characteristics of the air conditioning unit, a target driving distance, a driving distance, and the current rotational speed of the air conditioning unit.

[0009] In a vehicle according to a portion of the embodiments, the processor is configured to determine that the operating intensity needs to be reduced when the drivable distance is greater than a first value, the difference between the target drivable distance and the drivable distance is less than a second value, and the current rotation speed of the air conditioning unit is greater than the minimum rotation speed.

[0010] In a vehicle according to a portion of the embodiments, the processor is configured to: reduce the operating intensity of the air conditioning unit by a first power, and calculate a first additional driving distance corresponding to the reduction of the first power; when the difference between the calculated first additional driving distance and the target driving distance is a third value or more, output a request to reduce the operating intensity by the first power through the input / output interface.

[0011] In a vehicle according to a portion of the embodiments, the processor is configured to: reduce the operating intensity of the air conditioning unit by a second power when the difference between the first additional driving distance and the target driving distance is less than a third value, and calculate a second additional driving distance corresponding to the reduction of the second power, the second power being greater than the first power; and output a request to reduce the operating intensity by the second power through the input / output interface when the difference between the calculated second additional driving distance and the target driving distance is greater than or equal to the third value.

[0012] In a vehicle according to a subset of embodiments, the processor is configured to output a request to turn off the air conditioning unit via the input / output interface when the current rotational speed of the air conditioning unit is the same as the minimum rotational speed.

[0013] In a vehicle according to a subset of embodiments, the processor is configured to output a charging request for the vehicle via the input / output interface when the current rotational speed of the air conditioning unit is not sensed.

[0014] In a vehicle according to a subset of embodiments, the processor is configured to: respond to user input requesting a change in operating intensity or automatically reduce the current speed of the air conditioning unit.

[0015] In a vehicle according to a subset of embodiments, the processor is configured to reduce the current rotational speed of the air conditioning unit to a minimum rotational speed.

[0016] In a vehicle according to a subset of embodiments, the processor is configured to output at least one of a target driving distance and a drivable distance through the input / output interface in a manner distinct from each other.

[0017] The vehicle control method according to various embodiments of the present invention, as a method for controlling an energy-saving mode in a rechargeable vehicle, may include the following steps: receiving a target driving distance of the vehicle through the vehicle's input / output interface; comparing the target driving distance with the vehicle's drivable distance to determine the necessity of changing the operating intensity of the vehicle's air conditioning unit; and outputting the determination result through the input / output interface.

[0018] In a control method according to a subset of embodiments, the step of determining the necessity of changing the operating intensity may include the following steps: determining the necessity of changing the operating intensity based on at least one of the minimum speed determined by the characteristics of the air conditioning unit, the target driving distance, the driving distance, and the current speed of the air conditioning unit.

[0019] In a control method according to a subset of embodiments, the step of determining the necessity of changing the operating intensity may include the following steps: when the drivable distance is greater than or equal to a first value, the difference between the target drivable distance and the drivable distance is less than a second value, and the current speed of the air conditioning unit is greater than the minimum speed, it is determined that the operating intensity needs to be reduced.

[0020] In a control method according to a portion of embodiments, the step of determining the necessity of changing the operating intensity includes the following steps: reducing the operating intensity of the air conditioning device by a first power and calculating a first additional driving distance corresponding to the reduction of the first power; the step of outputting the determination result through the input / output interface includes the following steps: when the difference between the calculated first additional driving distance and the target driving distance is a third value or more, outputting a request to reduce the operating intensity by the first power through the input / output interface.

[0021] In a control method according to a portion of embodiments, the step of determining the necessity of changing the operating intensity includes the following steps: when the difference between the first additional driving distance and the target driving distance is less than a third value, the operating intensity of the air conditioning device is reduced by a second power, and a second additional driving distance corresponding to the reduction of the second power is calculated, wherein the second power is greater than the first power; the step of outputting the determined result through the input / output interface includes the following steps: when the difference between the calculated second additional driving distance and the target driving distance is greater than or equal to the third value, a request to reduce the operating intensity by the second power is output through the input / output interface.

[0022] In a control method according to a subset of embodiments, the step of outputting the determined result through the input / output interface includes the following steps: when the current speed of the air conditioning unit is the same as the minimum speed, outputting a request to shut down the air conditioning unit through the input / output interface.

[0023] In a control method according to a subset of embodiments, the step of outputting the determined result through the input / output interface includes the following steps: when the current speed of the air conditioning unit is not sensed, outputting a charging request for the vehicle through the input / output interface.

[0024] The control method according to a portion of the embodiments further includes the following steps: responding to user input requesting a change in operating intensity or automatically reducing the current speed of the air conditioning unit.

[0025] In a control method according to a subset of embodiments, the step of reducing the current speed of the air conditioning unit includes the following step: reducing the current speed of the air conditioning unit to a minimum speed.

[0026] The control method according to some embodiments further includes the step of outputting at least one of the target driving distance and the drivable distance through the input / output interface in a manner that distinguishes them from each other.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the operating intensity (e.g., operating power) of the air conditioning unit of an electric vehicle is changed based on the target driving distance, thereby extending the driving distance so as to achieve the target driving distance desired by the driver.

[0028] The effects of this invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other effects not mentioned based on the following content. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a vehicle according to one embodiment.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an air conditioning unit controlled by a control device according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a control device according to an embodiment to determine the necessity of changing the operating power of an air conditioning unit.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an air conditioning unit controlled by a control device according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 5 The parameter result values ​​of the compressor of an air conditioning unit according to one embodiment are shown.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0035] 1: Vehicle 100: Control device. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the certain embodiments described, but can be implemented in various different forms. Within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, one or more of the components of the embodiments of the present invention can be selectively combined or substituted.

[0038] Furthermore, unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of this invention shall be understood to have the meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art, and terms consistent with the definitions in commonly used dictionaries shall be interpreted as having the same meaning in the context of the relevant art.

[0039] Furthermore, the terminology used in the embodiments of this invention is only for describing the embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention.

[0040] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the singular form also includes the plural meaning, and when stated as "at least one (or more) of A and (and) B, C", it should be interpreted as including one or more of all combinations that can be made of A, B, and C.

[0041] Furthermore, when describing the components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish different components and do not limit the nature, order, or arrangement of the components.

[0042] Moreover, when describing a component as "connected," "joined," or "connected" to another component, it includes not only cases where the component is directly connected, joined, or connected to the other component, but also cases where it is indirectly "connected," "joined," or "connected" through other components between the component and the other component.

[0043] Furthermore, when described as being formed or arranged "above" or "below" of each component, "above" or "below" not only refers to the situation where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also includes the situation where one or more other components are formed or arranged between the two components. Additionally, when expressed as "above" or "below," based on a single component, it includes not only the upper direction but also the lower direction.

[0044] In this article, the term "operating power of an air conditioning unit" can be understood as "operating intensity of an air conditioning unit." Furthermore, the operating power or operating intensity of an air conditioning unit can be adjusted by controlling the output of at least one component of the air conditioning unit (e.g., compressor, fan motor, inverter, etc.). For example, the operating power or operating intensity of the air conditioning unit can be changed by adjusting the refrigerant flow control, motor speed, or inverter frequency.

[0045] In the various flowcharts herein, at least some of the steps may be omitted or their order may be changed, and at least some of the embodiments herein may be executed at specific points in time of each step of the flowchart. The various flowcharts herein can be executed using at least one of a control device 100, a processor 130, a control unit, or a computer program. Content that is repeated in the various flowcharts herein will not be described again.

[0046] The embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, the same or corresponding parts will be given the same reference numerals and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0047] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment.

[0048] Vehicle 1 may include a control unit 100, a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, a processor 130, an input / output interface 140, a sensor unit 150, an air conditioning unit 160, and an air conditioning unit control unit 161. Figure 1 The various components can be implemented inside vehicle 1. As a rechargeable vehicle, vehicle 1, although not shown in the figure, may include a power supply unit (e.g., a battery) inside it.

[0049] The control device 100 is a device or program that performs the following functions: confirming the drivable distance of the vehicle 1, receiving the target drivable distance, and changing the operating power of the air conditioning unit when predetermined conditions are met.

[0050] The control device 100 can be integrally formed with the vehicle's internal components or implemented as a separate device and connected to the vehicle's internal components via a separate connection device. As shown, the control device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a processor 130. However, the control device 100 can also be configured to include other components of the vehicle 1 (e.g., an input / output interface 140).

[0051] The communication unit 110 can communicate with user terminals, other vehicles, or external servers. The communication unit 110 can perform short-range communication, GPS signal reception, V2X communication, optical communication, broadcasting, and ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) communication functions. The communication unit 110 can utilize at least one of the following technologies to support short-range communication: Bluetooth, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), UWB (Ultra Wideband), ZigBee, NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless Universal Serial Bus (USB). The communication unit 110 may include a mobile communication module for mobile communication networks and a wireless internet module for wireless internet access.

[0052] Storage unit 120 may include instructions related to operating an energy-saving mode by changing the operating power of the air conditioning unit. Storage unit 120 may include memory. Storage unit 120 may be configured inside processor 130 or control device 100, or it may be a separate memory. Storage unit 120 may be composed of non-volatile memory such as hard disk drive, flash memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), static RAM, ferro-electric RAM, phase-change RAM, magnetic RAM, and / or a combination of volatile memory such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM.

[0053] The processor 130 can be electrically or operably connected to the communication unit 110, the storage unit 120, the input / output interface 140, the sensor unit 150, the air conditioning unit 160, the air conditioning unit control unit 161, and various internal components of the vehicle 1. It can electrically control each component, can serve as a circuit for running software instructions, and can perform various data processing and calculations described later.

[0054] The processor 130 can process signals transmitted between the various components of the vehicle 1 and can perform comprehensive control to ensure that each component performs its function properly. This processor 130 can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. Additionally, the control device 100 may include at least one processor 130.

[0055] The input / output interface 140 may include an input device for receiving control commands from the user and an output device for outputting the operating status and results of the control device 100. The input device may include physical buttons (e.g., physical keys) and soft keys implemented on a touch display device.

[0056] The output device may include a display device, as well as a voice output device such as a speaker, and a tactile module that generates vibrations. In this case, if a touch sensor such as a touch film, touch sheet, or touchpad is provided on the display device, the display device can function as a touch screen, thus enabling it to be implemented in a form that integrates input and output devices.

[0057] The input / output interface 140 can be implemented via physical buttons, a display device, a head-up display (HUD), an instrument panel, audio-video navigation (AVN), a human-machine interface (HMI), or a user setting menu (USM). Alternatively, the display device can also be included in the interior rearview mirror or side rearview mirrors.

[0058] For example, users can request operations and displays related to assessing driver attention and controlling autonomous driving functions via physical buttons on the dashboard or the AVN display, which serve as input devices. Alternatively, vehicle 1 can receive input or output screens via a display on a console located in the second or third row of the vehicle, or via a display on an application implemented on a user terminal.

[0059] The sensor unit 150 may include at least one of the following: radar (RADAR), lidar (LIDAR), fingerprint sensor, retinal sensor, iris sensor, camera, steering wheel grip sensor, pressure sensor, position sensor (e.g., GPS), ultrasonic sensor, heart rate sensor, optical sensor, pressure relief sensor, motion sensor, seat sensor, or infrared sensor. The camera may include an external camera for monitoring the exterior of the vehicle and an in-vehicle camera for sensing objects inside the vehicle, such as the driver.

[0060] The sensor unit 150 can check the battery status. For example, the sensor unit 150 may include a voltage sensor, a temperature sensor, a current sensor, a state of charge (SOC) sensor, an internal resistance sensor, etc., to monitor the battery charge. After sensing the battery charge of the electric vehicle by the sensor unit 150, the processor 130 can calculate the driving distance of the vehicle 1 using the sensed data.

[0061] The air conditioning unit 160 may include an air conditioner and a heater. The air conditioning unit 160 can regulate the interior temperature of the vehicle 1.

[0062] The air conditioning unit 160 may include a compressor. The compressor regulates cooling and heating performance by adjusting the power of the vehicle's air conditioning system. The compressor compresses refrigerant, causing its temperature and pressure to rise, and the refrigerant used to regulate the interior temperature circulates through the compressor. The compressor may include a drive motor that drives the compressor and refrigerant that circulates periodically within the compressor.

[0063] If the compressor speed increases, the operating power also increases. Furthermore, the higher the compressor speed, the more energy the compressor consumes. In this document, the term "controlling the operating power of the air conditioning unit 160" can be interpreted as controlling the operating power of the compressor included in the air conditioning unit 160.

[0064] In an embodiment of the present invention, the rotational speed of the compressor included in the air conditioning unit 160 can be sensed and transmitted to the control unit 100 by at least one of the air conditioning unit 160, the air conditioning unit control unit 161, or the sensor unit 150. For this purpose, the sensor unit 150 can sense the compressor rotational speed by a sensor such as a Hall sensor or an optical sensor, current measurement, or a PWM signal.

[0065] The processor 130 can transmit control signals to the air conditioning unit control unit 161. For example, the processor 130 can transmit signals to the air conditioning unit control unit 161 that can be used to adjust the speed or operating power of the compressor of the air conditioning unit 160.

[0066] The air conditioning unit control unit 161 can control the air conditioning unit 160 based on the control signals transmitted from the processor 130.

[0067] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an air conditioning unit 160 controlled by a control device according to an embodiment.

[0068] The control device 100 can receive the target travel distance (S210).

[0069] The processor 130 can receive input from the user for a specific destination or for a specific target travel distance via the input / output interface 140.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the processor 130 can display a speed prediction adjustment screen via an input / output interface 140, such as a display device. Through the speed prediction adjustment screen, users such as drivers can operate the energy-saving mode according to the present invention.

[0071] The energy-saving mode is a control mode that reduces the operating power of the compressor of the air conditioning unit 160 to extend the driving range. Users such as drivers can input whether to activate the energy-saving mode on the speed prediction adjustment screen. At this time, the driver can input the target driving distance. The processor 130 can display the input target driving distance through the input / output interface 140.

[0072] The control device 100 can compare the target driving distance with the drivable distance (S230).

[0073] In order to calculate the driving range, the processor 130 can confirm the battery charge (SOC) through the sensor unit 150 and calculate the driving range based on the confirmed battery charge.

[0074] For example, processor 130 can calculate the drivable distance based on at least one of the remaining battery charge (SOC), the average energy consumption per unit distance of the vehicle (Pa), and the average speed of the vehicle (V). For example, the drivable distance (Sr) can be calculated using Sr = SOC / Pa.

[0075] The processor 130 can compare the calculated driving distance with the target driving distance input by the user. In addition, in order to determine whether a change in operating power is necessary, the processor 130 can confirm the minimum speed and current speed of the compressor of the air conditioning unit 160.

[0076] The control device 100 can determine the necessity of changing the operating power of the air conditioning unit 160 based on the input or confirmed information. This determination of the necessity of changing the operating power will be achieved through… Figure 3 and Figure 4 Provide a detailed description.

[0077] Then, the control device 100 can output the judgment result (S270).

[0078] The processor 130 can output the necessity of changing the operating power of the air conditioning unit 160 as determined in step S250, as well as the information confirmed for the determination, such as the driving distance, the target driving distance, the minimum speed of the compressor of the air conditioning unit 160, and the current speed, through the input / output display device 140.

[0079] Additionally, the processor 130 can display the current operating status of the vehicle 1 and output the control method required for the vehicle to reach its destination to the driver. For example, the processor 130 can output information via the input / output interface 140 indicating that the vehicle 1 is being driven in energy-saving mode or that the vehicle 1 is capable of being driven in energy-saving mode.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the processor 130 can display at least one of the target driving distance and the drivable distance through the input / output interface 140 in a distinguishable manner. Additionally, the processor 130 can display information indicating a need to change the operating power and confirmation information for making a judgment in a distinguishable manner. Furthermore, the processor 130 can display at least one of the drivable distance, the target driving distance, the minimum speed of the compressor of the air conditioning unit 160, and the current speed in a distinguishable manner.

[0081] Then, the control device 100 can control the air conditioning device 160 (S290).

[0082] The processor 130 can transmit a signal requesting control of the air conditioning unit 160 to the air conditioning unit control unit 161 according to the energy-saving mode. The air conditioning unit control unit 161 can respond to this request by controlling the set power of the air conditioning unit compressor (e.g., the air conditioning compressor). Thus, energy saving of the vehicle 1 is forcibly achieved.

[0083] The control of the air conditioning unit 160 based on the energy-saving mode can be performed either by manual input from the user or automatically when predetermined conditions are met. For example, it can be preset that the operating power of the air conditioning unit 160 will automatically decrease when the energy-saving mode is available.

[0084] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the operation of a control device 100 according to an embodiment to determine the necessity of changing the operating power of an air conditioning unit 160.

[0085] The control device 100 can confirm the minimum speed (N) corresponding to the air conditioning unit 160. m (S310).

[0086] Minimum speed (N) mThe minimum speed (N) can be a value determined based on the system balance of the air conditioning unit 160 and the characteristics of the compressor itself. Typically, the compressor is set to a minimum speed, and the air conditioning system also requires a minimum compressor speed to maintain system balance. The larger of these two values ​​can be determined as the minimum speed (N). m However, it is not limited to this; the minimum rotational speed (N) can also be determined according to a preset strategy, etc. m ).

[0087] Then, the control device 100 can confirm the current speed of the air conditioning unit 160 (S330).

[0088] The processor 130 can determine the current speed of the compressor of the air conditioning unit 160 by means of the air conditioning unit control unit 161 or the sensor unit 150 based on the time point of the target driving distance input by the user or at a specific period.

[0089] Then, the control device 100 can determine the necessity of changing the operating power of the air conditioning unit 160 based on at least one of the target driving distance, the driving distance, the minimum speed and the current speed (S350).

[0090] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an air conditioning unit 160 controlled by a control device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0091] The control device 100 can confirm distance and speed information (S405). The processor 130 can confirm the target driving distance input by the user (S). m ), the driving distance of vehicle 1 (S) r The current speed (N) of the 160 compressor in the air conditioning unit. C ) and minimum speed (N m Additionally, the processor 130 can confirm the current operating power of the air conditioning unit 160. "Currently" may refer to the target driving distance (S) received by the processor 130 through user input. m (at any time interval) or at any time point.

[0092] Then, the control device 100 can determine the drivable distance (S) of the vehicle 1. r Is it a first value or higher (S410)? This first value can be a value that takes into account vehicle deviations caused by road conditions and temperature, etc. For example, the first value can be set to 20 km, but it is not limited to this.

[0093] Driving distance (S) r If the distance is less than the first value (S410 "No"), the processor 130 may output a notification requesting charging of vehicle 1 (S415). This is because the current drivable distance (S...) is less than the first value. r If the fuel gauge is too small, even in energy-saving mode, the target driving distance cannot be achieved.

[0094] Driving distance (S) r When the value is above the first value (S410 "Yes"), the control device 100 can confirm the drivable distance (S). r ) and target driving distance (S) m Whether the difference between the two values ​​is greater than or equal to the second value (S420). For example, the processor 130 can determine whether the drivable distance (S) is greater than or equal to the second value. r Subtract the target driving distance (S) m Is the value after () a second value or higher? The second value can be the same as or different from the first value.

[0095] If the drivable distance (S) r ) and target driving distance (S) m If the difference is greater than or equal to the second value (S420 "Yes"), then the process can end. Figure 4 The operation is due to the current drivable distance (S). r ) is sufficiently greater than the target driving distance (S) m In this case, vehicle 1 does not need to be driven in energy-saving mode. Although not shown in the figure, control device 100 can prompt the user to further increase the compressor power of air conditioning unit 160. For example, processor 130 can output a prompt indicating through input / output interface 140 that the operating power of air conditioning unit 160, such as the air conditioner, can be further increased.

[0096] If the drivable distance (S) r ) and target driving distance (S) m If the difference between the two values ​​is less than the second value ("No" in S420), then the control device 100 can confirm the current speed (N) of the compressor of the air conditioning unit 160. C Is the value 0 (S425)? For example, processor 130 can determine whether air conditioning unit 160 is currently off.

[0097] When the air conditioning unit 160 is off (S425 "Yes"), that is, when the current speed of the air conditioning unit 160 is not sensed, the control device 100 may request charging of the vehicle (S415). This situation refers to the situation where, due to the drivable range (S... r ) and target driving distance (S) m The difference is small, and although it requires energy-saving mode to some extent, it is practically difficult to implement energy-saving mode since the air conditioning unit 160 is turned off. The processor 130 can also display that there is no energy-saving mode available through the input / output interface 140. In addition, the processor 130 can output a request to charge the vehicle through the input / output interface 140.

[0098] Processor 130 can be used in conjunction with the aforementioned within a drivable distance (S rWhen the value is less than a first value, the request to charge the vehicle is handled differently. For example, the user can be prompted that charging the vehicle is an optional suggestion rather than a mandatory one.

[0099] When the air conditioning unit 160 is turned on (No in S425), the control device 100 can determine the current speed (N) of the air conditioning unit 160. C Is this the minimum speed (N) of the air conditioning unit 160? m (S430)

[0100] At the current speed (N) of the air conditioning unit 160. C The minimum speed (N) of the air conditioning unit is 160. m When the following conditions are met (S430 "Yes"), the control device 100 may perform a preset operation (S435). This situation refers to the situation where, due to the drivable distance (S... r ) and target driving distance (S) m The difference is not significant, so although the energy-saving mode is required, it is not actually implemented.

[0101] At this point, the current speed (N) of the air conditioning unit 160 can be divided into... C Less than the minimum speed (N) m The situation and the current speed (N) of the air conditioning unit 160. C ) and minimum speed (N m Make a judgment based on the same situation.

[0102] At the current speed (N) of the air conditioning unit 160. C Less than the minimum speed (N) m When this happens, no control operation may be performed, or a vehicle charging request may be output.

[0103] On the other hand, at the current speed (N) of the air conditioning unit 160 C ) and minimum speed (N m At the same time, the processor 130 can output a shutdown request for the air conditioning unit 160 through the input / output interface 140.

[0104] Then, at the current speed (N) of the air conditioning unit 160. C Exceeding the minimum speed (N) of the air conditioning unit by 160 m When the condition is "No" in S430, the control device 100 can determine that it is necessary to reduce the power of the compressor of the air conditioning unit 160 (S440). That is, the speed of the compressor after subtracting the predetermined value from the current speed can be taken into consideration as a factor in determining the energy-saving mode.

[0105] The above operation can be either a control device 100 actually reducing the power of the air conditioning unit 160, or a simulation process for judgment. That is, it can be a judgment process performed in advance to determine the necessity of the energy-saving mode. For example, the processor 130 can assume a situation where the power of the air conditioning unit 160 is reduced by a specific power (e.g., a first power), and calculate the additional driving distance (S) corresponding to the reduction of the specific power (e.g., the first power). re (S445). At this point, the additional travel distance (S) re This can be the first additional driving distance.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the additional driving distance can be calculated using the following mathematical formula; however, it is not limited to this, and the driving distance can also be calculated using other methods.

[0107] S re =SOC / (Pa-(Pi / V))

[0108] S re To extend the driving range, SOC is the battery charge (e.g., the unit could be kWh), Pa is the average power consumption per kilometer of the vehicle (e.g., the unit could be kWh / km), Pi is the power saved by the compressor after the speed change (e.g., the unit could be kW), and V is the average speed of the vehicle (e.g., the unit could be km / h). Here, the average speed of the vehicle can be the average speed over a predetermined period (e.g., 5 minutes), but is not limited to this.

[0109] In addition, the current rotational speed (N) of the air conditioning unit 160 can be simulated as the power decreases from the first power. C It also decreased by a certain value.

[0110] Then, the control device 100 can determine the calculated first additional travel distance minus the target travel distance (S). m Is the value after () a third value or higher (S450)? The third value may be the same as or different from the first and second values ​​mentioned above.

[0111] If the determination is the calculated first additional driving distance minus the target driving distance (S) m If the value after the calculation is a third or higher value (S450 "Yes"), then the control device 100 can recommend an energy-saving mode based on the calculated value to the driver (S455). For example, the processor 130 can reduce the power of the air conditioning unit 160 by a first power and output a prompt to the driver or other user via the input / output interface 140, indicating that a distance corresponding to the first additional driving distance can be ensured. At this time, the processor 130 can prompt the driver or other user that it can operate in an energy-saving mode corresponding to the first power and the first additional driving distance.

[0112] Unlike this, if the determination is the calculated first additional driving distance minus the target driving distance (S) m If the value after () is less than the third value ("No" in S450), then operation S430 can be executed again. At this time, since it is assumed that the compressor power decreases by the first power, it can be assumed that the current speed (N) is... C The corresponding figure also decreased slightly.

[0113] Nevertheless, if the current speed (N) of the air conditioning unit is 160 C It still exceeds the minimum speed (N) of the air conditioning unit, which is 160. m If (S430) is "No"), then the control device 100 can determine that it is necessary to further reduce the power of the compressor of the air conditioning unit 160 (S440). For example, the processor 130 can reduce the operating power of the air conditioning unit 160 by a second power, which is greater than the first power, and calculate a second additional driving distance based on the reduction of the second power.

[0114] If the difference between the calculated second additional driving distance and the target driving distance is determined to be a third value or higher, the processor 130 can reduce the power of the air conditioning unit 160 by a second power and output a prompt to the driver or other users through the input / output interface 140, indicating that the distance corresponding to the second additional driving distance can be ensured. At this time, the processor 130 can prompt the driver or other users that it can operate in an energy-saving mode corresponding to the second power and the second additional driving distance.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the rotational speed of the air conditioning unit 160 can be reduced to a minimum speed. In various embodiments, the speed reduction can be achieved either by gradually decreasing the current speed as described above, or by directly reducing the current speed to the minimum speed.

[0116] Figure 5 The parameter results of an air conditioning unit compressor according to one embodiment are shown. Figure 5 In this context, RPM stands for revolutions per minute (i.e., engine speed), and EER stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio. Assume the vehicle's current speed is 50 km / h, its average energy consumption during operation is 0.12 kWh / km, and its current state of charge (SOC) is 10 kWh. The air conditioning compressor is assumed to be an air conditioning compressor.

[0117] The power of the compressor can range from 0.9 kW to 3.5 kW, and the corresponding cooling capacity of the compressor can range from 3.4 kW to 10.0 kW.

[0118] Reference Figure 5 If the compressor speed is adjusted from 5000r / min to 3000r / min, the compressor power will be adjusted from 1.6Kw to 0.9Kw, and the power consumption will decrease by 0.7Kw.

[0119] The original drivable distance Sr was calculated using the mathematical formula Sr = SOC / Pa, which is Sr = 10 / 0.12 = 83.3 km.

[0120] Furthermore, according to the mathematical formula S re =SOC / (Pa-(Pi / V)) to calculate the additional driving distance, S re =10 / (0.12-(0.7 / 50))=94.3km. It is easy to see that the driving distance has increased by about 11km.

[0121] If the speed of the air conditioner compressor is adjusted from 7000 r / min to 3000 r / min, the compressor power will be adjusted from 2.45 kW to 0.9 kW, and the power consumption will be reduced by 1.55 kW.

[0122] The original drivable distance Sr was calculated using the mathematical formula Sr = SOC / Pa, which is Sr = 10 / 0.12 = 83.3 km.

[0123] Furthermore, according to the mathematical formula S re =SOC / (Pa-(Pi / V)) to calculate the additional driving distance, S re =10 / (0.12-(1.55 / 50))=112.4km. It is easy to see that the driving distance has increased by about 29km.

[0124] According to such Figure 5 The data analysis results show that the compressor speed can be adjusted according to demand, thereby reducing energy consumption and increasing driving distance.

[0125] Through the above embodiments, the energy distribution of the vehicle's air conditioning system can be controlled according to the actual usage needs of the vehicle, thereby saving energy and improving driving range. Furthermore, the present invention can save vehicle energy by adjusting the operating power of the compressor.

[0126] In this embodiment, the term "~part" can refer to software or hardware components such as FPGA (field programmable gate array) or ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) that can perform certain functions. However, "~part" is not limited to hardware or software. A "~part" can be configured to reside in addressable memory or can be configured to be executed by one or more processors. Therefore, as an example, "~part" includes components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components; processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines and program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The functions provided within a component and "~part" can be combined into a smaller number of components and "~parts," or can be further separated into additional components and "~parts." Furthermore, components and "~parts" can also be implemented by one or more CPUs within a device or secure multimedia card.

[0127] The present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, but those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle, as a rechargeable vehicle, comprising: Input / output interface; as well as The processor receives the target driving distance of the vehicle through the input / output interface, compares the target driving distance with the vehicle's drivable distance, determines the necessity of changing the operating intensity of the vehicle's air conditioning unit, and outputs the determination result through the input / output interface.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured as follows: The necessity of changing the operating intensity is determined based on at least one of the minimum speed, target driving distance, driving distance and current speed of the air conditioning unit, which are determined by the characteristics of the air conditioning unit.

3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein, The processor is configured as follows: When the drivable distance is greater than the first value, the difference between the target drivable distance and the drivable distance is less than the second value, and the current speed of the air conditioning unit is greater than the minimum speed, it is determined that the operating intensity needs to be reduced.

4. The vehicle according to claim 3, wherein, The processor is configured as follows: The operating intensity of the air conditioning unit is reduced by a first power, and a first additional driving distance corresponding to the reduction of the first power is calculated; When the difference between the calculated first additional driving distance and the target driving distance is greater than or equal to a third value, a request to reduce the first power of the operating intensity is output through the input / output interface.

5. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein, The processor is configured as follows: When the difference between the first additional driving distance and the target driving distance is less than a third value, the operating intensity of the air conditioning device is reduced by a second power, and a second additional driving distance corresponding to the reduction of the second power is calculated. This second power is greater than the first power. When the difference between the calculated second additional driving distance and the target driving distance is greater than or equal to a third value, a request to reduce the second power by reducing the operating intensity is output through the input / output interface.

6. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein, The processor is configured as follows: When the current speed of the air conditioning unit is the same as the minimum speed, a request to turn off the air conditioning unit is output through the input / output interface.

7. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein, The processor is configured as follows: When the current speed of the air conditioning unit is not sensed, a charging request for the vehicle is output through the input / output interface.

8. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured as follows: In response to user input requesting a change in operating intensity, or by automatically reducing the current speed of the air conditioning unit.

9. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein, The processor is configured as follows: Reduce the current speed of the air conditioning unit to the minimum speed.

10. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured as follows: At least one of the target driving distance and the drivable distance is output through the input / output interface in a manner that distinguishes them from each other.

11. A method for controlling an energy-saving mode in a plug-in vehicle, comprising the following steps: The target driving distance of the vehicle is received through the vehicle's input / output interface; Compare the target driving distance with the vehicle's driving distance to determine the necessity of changing the operating intensity of the vehicle's air conditioning system; The judgment result is output through the input / output interface.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The steps to determine the necessity of changing operational intensity include the following: The necessity of changing the operating intensity is determined based on at least one of the minimum speed determined by the characteristics of the air conditioning unit, the target driving distance, the driving distance, and the current speed of the air conditioning unit.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The steps to determine the necessity of changing operational intensity include the following: When the drivable distance is greater than the first value, the difference between the target drivable distance and the drivable distance is less than the second value, and the current speed of the air conditioning unit is greater than the minimum speed, it is determined that the operating intensity needs to be reduced.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The steps to determine the necessity of changing operational intensity include the following: The operating intensity of the air conditioning unit is reduced by a first power, and a first additional driving distance corresponding to the reduction of the first power is calculated; The steps for outputting the judgment result through the input / output interface include the following steps: When the difference between the calculated first additional driving distance and the target driving distance is greater than or equal to a third value, a request to reduce the first power of the operating intensity is output through the input / output interface.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The steps to determine the necessity of changing operational intensity include the following: When the difference between the first additional driving distance and the target driving distance is less than a third value, the operating intensity of the air conditioning device is reduced by a second power, and a second additional driving distance corresponding to the reduction of the second power is calculated. This second power is greater than the first power. The steps for outputting the judgment result through the input / output interface include the following steps: When the difference between the calculated second additional driving distance and the target driving distance is greater than or equal to a third value, a request to reduce the second power by reducing the operating intensity is output through the input / output interface.

16. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The steps for outputting the judgment result through the input / output interface include the following steps: When the current speed of the air conditioning unit is the same as the minimum speed, a request to turn off the air conditioning unit is output through the input / output interface.

17. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The steps for outputting the judgment result through the input / output interface include the following steps: When the current speed of the air conditioning unit is not sensed, a charging request for the vehicle is output through the input / output interface.

18. The method of claim 12, further comprising the following steps: In response to user input requesting a change in operating intensity, or by automatically reducing the current speed of the air conditioning unit.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The steps to reduce the current speed of the air conditioning unit include the following: Reduce the current speed of the air conditioning unit to the minimum speed.

20. The method of claim 11, further comprising the following steps: At least one of the target driving distance and the drivable distance is output through the input / output interface in a manner that distinguishes them from each other.

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