Motor vehicle energy system

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle energy system, having a first circuit (5) having a first battery (1) for supplying electrical energy to a drive device (6, 7) of a motor vehicle (10), a second battery (2), a connection device (3) for connecting the first circuit (5) to the second battery (2), the connection device having a transfer operating state for transferring electrical energy from the first circuit (5) to the second battery (2), and a control device (4) for switching the connection device (3) into the transfer operating state on the basis of a predicted imminent charging process of the first battery (1) and / or the second battery (2). The invention also relates to a motor vehicle (10) having a motor vehicle energy system, a method for operating a motor vehicle energy system and a computer program or computer program product.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle energy system, a motor vehicle having the motor vehicle energy system, a method for operating the motor vehicle energy system, and a computer program or computer program product for performing the method. Background Technology

[0002] In motor vehicles (such as battery electric vehicles or hybrid electric vehicles, especially plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) that have power equipment and batteries for supplying electrical energy to the power equipment, operation can also be improved by adding additional batteries. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of this invention is to improve the operation of motor vehicles having batteries for supplying electrical power to the power equipment and additional auxiliary batteries.

[0004] This objective is achieved by a motor vehicle energy system having the features described in claim 1. Claims 8 to 10 respectively protect a motor vehicle having the motor vehicle energy system described herein, a method for operating the motor vehicle energy system described herein, and a computer program or computer program product for performing the method described herein. The dependent claims relate to advantageous improvements.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an energy system for a motor vehicle (“motor vehicle energy system”) is provided. In an improved embodiment, the motor vehicle energy system of the motor vehicle has:

[0006] - A first circuit, which has a first battery, preferably a power battery, a driving battery, or a traction battery, which supplies electrical energy to the motor vehicle's power equipment for at least a short time, and is specifically configured or used for this purpose. The power equipment is preferably one or more motors for driving the motor vehicle, especially for accelerating the motor vehicle.

[0007] - The second battery, preferably a range extender battery;

[0008] - Connection device:

[0009] - The connecting device connects the first circuit, in particular the first battery and / or power equipment, to the second battery at least briefly (electrically), and is specifically configured or used for this purpose; and

[0010] - In the transmission operation state of the connecting device, electrical energy is delivered, specifically (electrically), from the first circuit, especially the first battery, to the second battery for at least a short time via the connecting device; in particular, the connecting device is configured or used for this purpose.

[0011] - and a control device, which, based on a predicted upcoming charging process of the first and / or second battery, preferably responds to the predicted upcoming charging process of the first and / or second battery, or, in the case of a predicted or already predicted charging process of the first and / or second battery, switches the connection device to a transmission operation state. Specifically, the control device is configured, particularly in terms of hardware and / or software technology, and especially in terms of programming technology, for this purpose.

[0012] In one embodiment, the predicted upcoming charging process is a charging process that is predicted to occur, preferably a charging process of the first battery or the second battery, and particularly preferably a charging process in which the first battery and the second battery at least partially occur together or simultaneously. This charging process is achieved through the charging interface of the first circuit and / or through a charging station (e.g., a charging pile, wall-mounted charging station, etc.) preferably temporarily connected to the charging interface (external to the vehicle, and in one embodiment, stationary). In one embodiment, the vehicle energy system, particularly the first circuit, has a power unit; in an improved embodiment, the vehicle energy system, particularly the first circuit, has one or more motors and / or one or more converters, preferably inverters, for operating said one or more motors.

[0013] One implementation is based on the idea that electrical energy is pre-transferred from the first battery to the second battery before the charging process, so that during subsequent charging, more energy will be, or rather, more energy will be, supplied to the first battery, while less energy will be, or rather, supplied to the second battery. This, in particular, protects the second battery.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first circuit has a charging interface for charging a first battery—preferably via a charging station—and a connecting device has a charging operation state in which the second battery is replenished with (electrical) energy via the charging interface and the connecting device for at least a short time, preferably at least partially charging the second battery together with or at least partially simultaneously with the first battery. Specifically, the connecting device is configured or used for this purpose. In one embodiment, after the transmission operation state ends, the control device switches the connecting device to the charging operation state for at least a short time, preferably based on the state of charge of the first battery and / or the second battery. In one embodiment, the switching occurs when the state of charge of the first battery is below a preset limit and / or the state of charge of the second battery exceeds a preset limit, and / or when the charging process is triggered. Specifically, the control device is configured, particularly in terms of hardware and / or software technology, particularly through programming technology, for this purpose.

[0015] When the connecting device is also used to charge the second battery simultaneously via the charging interface during the charging process, the burden on the connecting device can be reduced during the charging process by pre-delivering electrical energy from the first circuit to the second battery before the charging process. As a result, the connecting device can be designed to be simpler, smaller and / or less powerful, depending on the circumstances.

[0016] Charging of the first and second batteries via the charging interface can, in particular, include fast charging, especially fast charging. In one embodiment, fast charging is performed at a power of at least 50 kW.

[0017] Especially for fast charging, the above-mentioned advantages of the present invention are particularly significant due to the physical boundary conditions.

[0018] In one embodiment, during the power supply operation of the connection device, the first circuit, in an improved embodiment namely the first battery and / or power equipment, preferably during the operation of the motor vehicle (energy system), is powered by the second battery for at least a short time via the connection device. Specifically, the connection device is configured or used for this purpose. In another embodiment, after the charging operation ends, the control device switches the connection device to the power supply operation state for at least a short time, preferably based on the state of charge of the first battery and / or the second battery. In one embodiment, the switching occurs when the state of charge of the first battery is below a preset limit and / or the state of charge of the second battery and / or the power demand of the power equipment exceeds a preset limit, and / or when the previous charging process has ended. Specifically, the control device is configured, particularly in terms of hardware and / or software technology, especially in terms of programming technology, for this purpose.

[0019] In cases where the connection device is also used to supply power from the second battery to the first circuit during driving operation, the load on the connection device can be reduced during charging by transferring power from the first circuit to the second battery before the charging process. Advantageously, the connection device can be designed to be simpler, smaller, and / or less powerful, depending on the circumstances.

[0020] In one embodiment, the connection device has a voltage converter; in an improved embodiment, the connection device has a DC-DC converter (DC / DC converter). The voltage converter, particularly in the transmission and / or charging operation states of the connection device, converts the input voltage of the first circuit to an output voltage for supplying the second battery, at least briefly, and / or, particularly in the power supply operation state of the connection device, converts the input voltage of the second battery to an output voltage for supplying the first circuit. Specifically, the voltage converter is configured or used for this purpose. Switching of the connection device may include, and particularly may be, switching of the voltage converter of the connection device or switching of one or more of the voltage converters of the connection device.

[0021] The advantages of the present invention are particularly pronounced for such connection devices or voltage converters, especially due to the physical boundary conditions.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first battery has a higher rated voltage and / or charging voltage than the second battery. Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the first battery is a high-voltage battery; in an improved embodiment, the first battery has a rated voltage and / or charging voltage of at least 200V, preferably at least 300V. Accordingly, the first circuit can particularly be a high-voltage circuit. Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the second battery is a low-voltage battery; in an improved embodiment, the second battery has a rated voltage and / or charging voltage of at most 100V, preferably at most 60V; preferably, the second battery has a safe extra-low voltage. Accordingly, the voltage converter of the connecting device can particularly be a high-voltage to low-voltage voltage converter. The first battery and / or the second battery are preferably (respectively) rechargeable batteries, secondary batteries, or accumulators.

[0023] In particular, the advantages of the present invention are especially significant due to the physical boundary conditions.

[0024] In one implementation, the control device predicts the upcoming charging process; in an improved implementation, the control device...

[0025] - Based on the state of charge of the first and / or second battery, especially when it is below a preset limit; and / or

[0026] - Based on vehicle location, such as when approaching a charging station; and / or

[0027] - Based on vehicle speed, for example, when it is below a preset limit; and / or

[0028] - Based on driver input,

[0029] The control device is configured, particularly in terms of hardware and / or software, and especially in terms of programming, to predict the upcoming charging process.

[0030] In one implementation, the control device switches the connected device to a transmission operation state based on an impending charging process, or a predicted impending charging process. Specifically, the control device is configured, particularly in hardware and / or software, and especially in programming, for this purpose. Alternatively or additionally, the control device switches the connected device to the transmission operation state before the predicted impending charging process begins. Specifically, the control device is configured, particularly in hardware and / or software, and especially in programming, for this purpose.

[0031] Thus, (separately, especially in combination) it is particularly advantageous, especially process-safe and / or possible to switch to the transmission operation state in an adaptive manner.

[0032] In one embodiment, the second battery is an aftermarket addition and / or is arranged only briefly in a motor vehicle having the motor vehicle energy system described herein, and / or in the trunk of a motor vehicle having the motor vehicle energy system described herein.

[0033] The advantages of the present invention are particularly pronounced, especially due to the physical boundary conditions, for such retrofitted and / or installed in the luggage compartment and / or installed only for short periods of time as a second battery or range extender.

[0034] In one embodiment, the motor vehicle or motor vehicle energy system is an energy system for a battery electric vehicle (BEV) (or an energy system for a battery electric vehicle (BEV)) or an energy system for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) (or an energy system for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)). In this regard, the present invention is particularly advantageous due to the physical boundary conditions.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, in order to operate the motor vehicle energy system described herein, (according to one method) the control device of the motor vehicle energy system switches the connection device of the motor vehicle energy system to a transmission operation state based on a predicted upcoming charging process of the first and / or second battery, preferably before the charging process begins. In an improved embodiment, the control device additionally, particularly after the transmission operation state, switches the connection device to the charging operation state described herein. In an improved embodiment, the control device additionally, particularly after the charging operation state, switches the connection device to the power supply operation state described herein. In an improved embodiment, the control device predicts the upcoming charging process in the manner described herein.

[0036] In the context of this invention, the control device can be designed using hardware and / or software technologies. In particular, the control device can have at least one processing unit—especially digital—preferably connected to a storage system and / or a bus system via data or signal connections, particularly a microprocessor unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), etc., and / or one or more programs or program modules, particularly one or more computers preferably programmed accordingly. The processing unit can be designed to process commands executed as programs stored in the storage system, acquire input signals from the data bus, and / or send output signals to the data bus. The storage system can have one or more storage media, particularly different storage media, particularly optical media, magnetic media, solid-state media, and / or other non-volatile media. The program can be configured to embody or execute the methods described herein, thereby enabling the processing unit to perform the steps of this method, thereby particularly enabling the operation of a motor vehicle energy system or the switching of connection devices. In one embodiment, the computer program product can have, in particular can be, a storage medium, particularly a machine-readable storage medium and / or a non-volatile storage medium for storing programs or instructions, or having programs or instructions stored therein. In one embodiment, the program or its instructions, through execution by a motor vehicle energy system or control device, particularly a computer or a device comprising multiple computers, cause the motor vehicle energy system or control device, particularly one or more computers, to perform the method described herein, specifically one or more of the method steps, specifically the program or instructions being configured for this purpose.

[0037] In one implementation, one or more steps of the method, especially all of the steps, are wholly or partially implemented by a computer, or one or more steps of the method, especially all of the steps, are wholly or partially executed automatically, especially by a motor vehicle energy system. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Further advantages, features, and advantageous improvements of the invention are derived from the dependent claims and embodiments. Wherein, in part, illustrative purposes:

[0039] Figure 1 A motor vehicle having a motor vehicle energy system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0040] Figure 2 A method for operating a motor vehicle energy system according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Figure 1A motor vehicle 10 is shown, which has a motor vehicle energy system according to one embodiment of the invention and wheels 11.1-11.4, in which at least two of the wheels are driven by a power device with a motor 6.

[0042] The motor vehicle energy system has a first circuit 5, which includes a first or high-voltage power battery 1 (e.g., an 800-volt (main) battery) for supplying electrical energy to the motor 6 of the power equipment via a converter or inverter 7.

[0043] The vehicle energy system also has a second low-voltage battery or range-extending low-voltage battery 2 (e.g., with a safe ultra-low voltage of about 48 volts). Preferably, the second low-voltage battery or range-extending low-voltage battery can be an aftermarket addition and / or located in the trunk 12 of the vehicle 10.

[0044] The vehicle energy system also has a connection device 3 for electrically connecting the first circuit 5 and the second battery 2 to at least one DC / DC voltage converter 3.1, which converts the input voltage of the first circuit 5 into an output voltage for supplying the second battery 2, and converts the input voltage of the second battery 2 into an output voltage for supplying the first circuit 5.

[0045] The vehicle energy system also has a control device 4.

[0046] During operation, for example, the state of charge of the first battery 1 and / or the second battery 2 is lower than a preset limit ( Figure 2 In step S10, if "Y, Yes" is selected, the control device 4 predicts the upcoming charging process of the first battery and / or the second battery. Figure 2 Step S20).

[0047] In this case, control device 4 will switch connection device 3 or voltage converter 3.1 to transmission operation state. Figure 2 (Step S30) In the transmission operation state, electrical energy is transferred from the first circuit 5, especially from the first battery 1, to the second battery 2 via the connection device 3 or voltage converter 3.1. Figure 2 Step S40).

[0048] For example, this could cause the state of charge of the second battery 2 to exceed a preset limit or (detection) that the charging interface 8 is connected to the charging station 20. Figure 2 Step S50: If "Y, Yes" is entered, the control device will switch the connection device 3 or voltage converter 3.1 to the charging operation state. Figure 2(Step S60) In the charging operation state, the second battery 2 is now being charged through the charging interface 8 and the connecting device 3 or voltage converter 3.1, wherein the first battery 1 is also being charged simultaneously through the charging interface 8. Figure 2 Step S70).

[0049] For example, if the state of charge of the first battery 1 and / or the second battery 2 exceeds a preset limit or (it is detected) that the user wants to end the charging process ( Figure 2 Step S80: If "Y, Yes" is entered, the control device will switch the connection device 3 or voltage converter 3.1 to the power supply operation state. Figure 2 (Step S90) In the power supply operation state, the second battery 2 supplies electrical energy to the first circuit 5 through the connection device 3 or voltage converter 3.1. Figure 2 Step S100).

[0050] Because a DC / DC voltage converter 3.1 is arranged between the high-voltage circuit 5 and the range extender battery 2 (which preferably has a safe ultra-low voltage so that the user can install it himself), a relatively large DC / DC voltage converter is currently required for simultaneously charging the main battery 1 and the range extender battery 2, especially for fast charging. However, such a large DC / DC voltage converter is not necessary during driving operation, but only needed during charging.

[0051] Because as soon as the vehicle is detected approaching the charging station 20, energy is immediately transferred from the main battery 1 to the range extender battery 2—preferably as much as possible—less energy needs to be added to the range extender battery 2 during subsequent charging or fast charging, and more energy needs to be added to the main battery 1. Therefore, during fast charging or regular charging, less energy needs to be transferred to the range extender battery 2 in the same amount of time to ensure both batteries reach the desired target state of charge. This, in turn, allows the DC / DC voltage converter 3.1 to be implemented smaller and / or more economically without limiting performance during fast charging.

[0052] In this disclosure, "having X" generally does not mean an exhaustive list, but is short for "having at least one X," and also includes "having two or more X" and "having Y in addition to X." Although exemplary embodiments have been explained in the foregoing description, it should be noted that various modifications are possible. Furthermore, it should be noted that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples and should not limit the scope, application, or structure of protection in any way. Rather, the foregoing description provides guidance to those skilled in the art for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, wherein various changes can be made, particularly regarding the function and arrangement of the described components, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims and equivalent combinations of features.

[0053] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0054] 1 battery

[0055] 2 batteries

[0056] 3. Connecting device

[0057] 3.1 DC / DC voltage converter

[0058] 4 Control devices

[0059] 5. First Circuit

[0060] 6 motors

[0061] 7 inverters

[0062] 8 charging ports

[0063] 10 motor vehicles

[0064] 11.1 Wheels

[0065] 11.2 Wheels

[0066] 11.3 Wheels

[0067] 11.4 wheels

[0068] 12 luggage compartments

[0069] 20 charging stations.

Claims

1. A motor vehicle energy system, comprising: - First circuit (5), the first circuit has a first battery (1), the first battery is used to supply electrical energy to the power equipment (6, 7) of the motor vehicle (10); - Second battery (2); - A connecting device (3) for connecting the first circuit (5) to the second battery (2), the connecting device having a transmission operation state for transmitting electrical energy from the first circuit (5) to the second battery (2); and - Control device (4), which is used to switch the connection device (3) to transmission operation state based on the predicted charging process of the first battery (1) and / or the second battery (2).

2. The motor vehicle energy system according to claim 1, characterized in that: - The first circuit (5) has a charging interface (8) for charging the first battery (1). - The connecting device (3) has a charging operation state for charging the second battery (2) through the charging interface (8) and the connecting device (3), and the control device (4) is configured to switch the connecting device (3) to the charging operation state.

3. The motor vehicle energy system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, Charging the first battery (1) and the second battery (2) via the charging interface (8) includes fast charging.

4. The motor vehicle energy system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: - The connecting device (3) has a power supply operating state for supplying electrical energy to the first circuit (5) by the second battery (2), and the control device (4) is configured to switch the connecting device (3) to the power supply operating state; and / or, - The connecting device (3) has a voltage converter (3.1) for converting the input voltage of the first circuit (5) into an output voltage for supplying the second battery (2), and / or for converting the input voltage of the second battery (2) into an output voltage for supplying the first circuit (5); and / or, - The first battery (1) has a higher rated voltage and / or charging voltage than the second battery (2), and / or the first battery (1) is a high-voltage battery, and / or the second battery (2) is a low-voltage battery.

5. The motor vehicle energy system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The control device (4) is configured to predict the upcoming charging process and / or switch the connection device (3) to the transmission operation state before the charging process begins based on the predicted upcoming charging process of the first battery (1) and / or the second battery (2).

6. The motor vehicle energy system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The control device (4) is configured to predict the charging process based on the state of charge of the first battery and / or the second battery (2) and / or based on the vehicle position and / or vehicle speed and / or based on driver input.

7. The motor vehicle energy system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The second battery (2) is installed later and / or located in the luggage compartment (12) of a motor vehicle (10) with a motor vehicle energy system, and / or located only briefly in a motor vehicle (10) with a motor vehicle energy system.

8. A motor vehicle (10) having a motor vehicle energy system and power equipment (6, 7) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. A method for operating a motor vehicle energy system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (4) of the motor vehicle energy system switches (S30) the connection device (3) of the motor vehicle energy system to a transmission operation state based on a predicted charging process of the first battery (1) and / or the second battery (2).

10. A computer program or computer program product, wherein, A computer program or computer program product comprises—in particular, instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium and / or a non-volatile storage medium—that, when executed by one or more computers or a motor vehicle energy system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, cause the one or more computers or the motor vehicle energy system to perform the method according to the preceding claim.

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