Vehicle as emergency power generator

Abstract

Control unit (101) for a vehicle (100) with an energy storage device (107, 108), wherein the energy storage device (107, 108) comprises a storage device (108) of electrical energy for driving an electric motor (104) of the vehicle (100), which enables the vehicle (100) to move using electrical energy from the storage device (108), wherein the energy storage device (107, 108) comprises a fuel tank (107) for receiving fuel for an internal combustion engine (103) of the vehicle (100), wherein the vehicle (100) is configured to move using energy from the energy storage device (107, 108), wherein the internal combustion engine (103) is configured to drive the electric motor (104) to generate electrical energy, wherein the storage device (108) of electrical energy is configured to store the generated electrical energy, wherein the control unit (101) is set up, - to arrange for an AC current to be provided for one or more consumers outside the vehicle (100) based on the energy stored in the energy storage device (107, 108); - to obtain the energy required for the AC current from the fuel tank (107) and from the storage of electrical energy (108); - to determine a distance between a current position of the vehicle (100) and a device for recharging the energy storage device (107, 108); - to determine a required amount of energy from the energy storage device (107, 108) that is necessary for the vehicle (100) to travel the determined distance; wherein the required amount of energy is fuel from the fuel tank (107) of the vehicle (100) and electrical energy from the electrical energy storage device (108) of the vehicle (100); - to determine a remaining amount of energy in the energy storage (107, 108); and - to limit the supply of AC power to the one or more consumers in such a way that the vehicle (100) can travel at least the determined distance with the energy remaining in the energy storage device (107, 108), whereby this is achieved by terminating the supply of AC power when the remaining amount of energy reaches or falls below the required amount of energy.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to vehicles with internal combustion engines and the use of such vehicles for the provision of electrical energy.

[0002] DE 10 2009 012 734 A1 describes a vehicle with a vehicle engine and alternator as an emergency power generator. DE 10 2010 029 971 A1 describes a method for the optimal use of energy from a motor vehicle powered by an electric machine. DE 10 2010 039 675 A1 describes a method for operating an electrically powered motor vehicle. DE 10 2005 019 362 A1 describes an electrical interface device for transmitting electrical energy between a vehicle and a work device that can be coupled to the vehicle. DE 10 2009 023 535 A1 describes a vehicle with an electric drive. DE 20 2010 000 551 U1 describes a drive system for a vehicle.

[0003] During power outages and / or during events, cost-effective solutions are needed to provide electrical power. This document addresses the technical challenge of providing electrical power in an efficient, reliable, and mobile manner.

[0004] The object is achieved by the independent claims. In particular, the invention is specified by the individual independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described, among others, in the dependent claims.

[0005] According to one aspect, a control unit for a vehicle is described. The vehicle may, for example, comprise a passenger car, a truck, or a motorcycle. The vehicle comprises an energy storage device for storing energy. The energy storage device comprises a storage device for electrical energy for driving the vehicle's electric motor and a fuel tank for holding a fuel (e.g., diesel or gasoline) for the vehicle's internal combustion engine. The electrical energy storage device may, for example, be a battery.

[0006] The vehicle is configured to propel itself using energy from the energy storage device. In particular, it is a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, which can be configured to burn the fuel to propel the vehicle. Furthermore, the vehicle includes an electric motor that enables the vehicle to propel itself using the electrical energy from the electrical energy storage device.

[0007] The control unit is configured to provide AC power to one or more consumers outside the vehicle based on the energy stored in the energy storage device. The operation of the vehicle's combustion engine drives a generator (e.g., an electric motor / generator unit of the vehicle) to generate electrical energy. The AC power can, in turn, be generated from the electrical energy.

[0008] The control unit is further configured to determine a distance between a current position of the vehicle and a device for recharging the energy storage device. The recharging device can be, for example, a gas station and / or an electric charging station. For this purpose, the control unit can be configured to determine the current position of the vehicle based on position data of the vehicle (e.g., based on GPS coordinates). Furthermore, the distance from the current position of the vehicle to the device for recharging the energy storage device can be determined based on digital map information. For example, a position of the recharging device can be included in the digital map information as a point of interest (POI).

[0009] The control unit is further configured to limit the supply of AC power to the one or more consumers in such a way that the vehicle can travel at least the determined distance with the energy remaining in the energy storage device. This allows a mobile power generator to be provided in a cost-effective and reliable manner. In particular, it can be ensured that the use of the vehicle as a power generator does not limit its function as a means of transportation.

[0010] The control unit can, in particular, be configured to determine a required amount of energy from the energy storage device that is necessary for the vehicle to travel the determined distance. The required amount of energy can be fuel from a fuel tank of the vehicle and / or electrical energy from a high-voltage battery of the vehicle. Furthermore, the control unit is configured to determine a remaining amount of energy in the energy storage device. The supply of AC power is discontinued if the remaining amount of energy drops to or falls below the required amount of energy.

[0011] The control unit can be configured to output and / or send information regarding the remaining amount of energy in the energy storage device (e.g., in the form of an email, push message, or SMS). This allows a vehicle user to be informed of the vehicle's remaining range.

[0012] Furthermore, the control unit can be configured to cause information regarding a position of the device for recharging the energy storage device to be output and / or sent. For example, upon entering the vehicle, a driver can be informed that the vehicle was operated as a generator and that the energy storage device still has sufficient energy to reach the position of the device for recharging the energy storage device from the current position of the vehicle. In particular, a navigation system of the vehicle can be caused to determine and display a route to the position of the device for recharging the energy storage device.

[0013] As explained above, the vehicle comprises an electrical energy storage device and a fuel tank. Furthermore, the vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine configured to drive a power generator to generate electrical energy. The electrical energy storage device is configured to receive the generated electrical energy. The control unit can be configured to obtain the energy required for the AC power from the fuel tank and / or from the electrical energy storage device. For example, the AC power can be generated via the internal combustion engine or from the stored electrical energy, depending on the time of day. This can reduce the noise generated by the power generator.

[0014] According to another aspect, a vehicle is described. The vehicle includes an energy storage device. The vehicle is configured to propel itself using energy from the energy storage device. Furthermore, the vehicle includes a control unit described in this document.

[0015] The vehicle may include a converter for generating AC power from DC power. The DC power may be drawn, for example, from an electrical energy storage device. Furthermore, the vehicle may include an interface for supplying the AC power. The interface may include, for example, a plug or a socket.

[0016] As already explained above, the vehicle may include a power generator configured to generate electrical energy. Furthermore, the vehicle may include an internal combustion engine configured to drive the power generator to generate electrical energy. The electrical energy may be stored in the electrical energy storage device.

[0017] According to a further aspect, a method for providing an AC current by a vehicle is described. The vehicle comprises an energy storage device, wherein the vehicle is configured to move using energy from the energy storage device. The energy storage device comprises a storage of electrical energy for driving an electric motor of the vehicle, which enables the vehicle to move using electrical energy from the storage of electrical energy, wherein the energy storage device comprises a fuel tank for receiving fuel for an internal combustion engine of the vehicle. The internal combustion engine is configured to drive the electric motor to generate electrical energy, wherein the storage of electrical energy is configured to receive the generated electrical energy.

[0018] The method comprises providing an AC current to one or more consumers outside the vehicle based on the energy stored in the energy storage device, wherein the energy required for the AC current is drawn from the fuel tank and from the electrical energy storage device. The method further comprises determining a distance between a current position of the vehicle and a device for recharging the energy storage device. Furthermore, the method comprises determining a required amount of energy from the energy storage device that is required for the vehicle to travel the determined distance, wherein the required amount of energy is fuel from the fuel tank of the vehicle and electrical energy from the vehicle's electrical energy storage device. The method further comprises determining a remaining amount of energy in the energy storage device.The method further comprises limiting the supply of AC power to the one or more consumers so that the vehicle can travel at least the determined distance with energy remaining in the energy storage device, this being effected by discontinuing the supply of AC power when the remaining amount of energy reaches or falls below the required amount of energy.

[0019] According to another aspect, a software (SW) program is described. The SW program can be configured to be executed on a processor (e.g., on a control unit) and thereby to carry out the method described in this document.

[0020] According to a further aspect, a storage medium is described. The storage medium can comprise a software program configured to be executed on a processor and thereby to carry out the method described in this document.

[0021] It should be noted that the methods, devices, and systems described in this document can be used both alone and in combination with other methods, devices, and systems described in this document. Furthermore, any aspects of the methods, devices, and systems described in this document can be combined in a variety of ways. In particular, the features of the claims can be combined in a variety of ways.

[0022] The invention will be described in more detail below using exemplary embodiments. Fig. 1 exemplary components of a vehicle configured to provide electrical energy.

[0023] As stated at the beginning, this document deals with the provision of electrical energy. In this context, it is proposed that a vehicle (e.g., a passenger car, a truck, or a motorcycle) with an internal combustion engine be configured to generate electrical energy and supply it to one or more consumers in the vehicle's vicinity.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a block diagram with exemplary components of a vehicle 100. The Fig. The vehicle 100 shown in Figure 1 comprises an internal combustion engine (e.g., a diesel or gasoline engine) 103 and a power generator 104. The internal combustion engine 103 is configured to drive the power generator 104 and thus generate electrical current. Typically, the power generator 104 generates an alternating current, which can be converted into direct current by a rectifier 111, wherein the direct current is stored, for example, in a battery 108 of the vehicle 100. The power generator 104 can be, for example, an alternator of the vehicle 100 and / or an electric motor of the vehicle 100 (e.g., in a hybrid vehicle). The fuel for supplying the internal combustion engine 103 is taken from a fuel tank 107. The fuel tank 107 typically comprises a sensor 109 configured to determine an indicator for a remaining amount of fuel in the fuel tank 107.

[0025] The Fig. The vehicle 100 shown in Figure 1 is configured to provide the electrical power generated by the power generator 104 and / or the power stored in the battery 108 to one or more consumers outside the vehicle. In particular, the vehicle 100 can provide AC (alternating current) power. The AC power provided by the vehicle can meet the requirements of a public power supply (e.g., a voltage of 220-240V and a frequency of 50Hz, or a voltage of 110V and a frequency of 60Hz). The AC power provided by the vehicle 100 can then be used, for example, to supply a household. The vehicle 100 can, in particular, assume the role of an emergency power generator.

[0026] For the purpose of generating AC current, the vehicle 100 comprises a converter 105 (in particular a DC (direct current) to AC converter). Furthermore, the vehicle 100 comprises an interface 106 for providing the AC current to one or more consumers in the vicinity of the vehicle 100. The interface 106 can, for example, comprise a socket for establishing a plug-in connection with a cable to the one or more consumers. The one or more consumers can, for example, be arranged in the electrical network of a house.

[0027] The Fig.The vehicle 100 shown in Figure 1 comprises a control unit 101 configured to control the combustion engine 103 and / or the generator 104. Furthermore, the vehicle 100 comprises an input / output unit 110 configured to capture an input from a user (e.g., via a keyboard) and / or generate an output to the user (e.g., via a screen). For example, the power generation can be activated and / or deactivated via the input / output unit 110. In particular, the function for providing electrical energy can be activated via a menu of the input / output unit 110. This allows the vehicle 100 to be put into an "emergency power generator mode." Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle 100 can be configured to detect that a consumer has been connected to the vehicle 100 via the interface 106 (e.g.,by plugging the interface 106 into a home network via a plug connection. The emergency power supply can then be activated automatically after checking safety criteria.

[0028] The input / output unit can be used to inform a user of the vehicle 100 about how long the emergency power supply will be available.

[0029] The control unit 101 can be configured to enable emergency power generation with a minimal noise level. For this purpose, a user can use the input / output unit to specify operating times at which the combustion engine 103 can be active (or at which the combustion engine 103 should be deactivated). The control unit 101 is then configured to run the combustion engine 103 only during the specified times. At other times, power can be supplied via the battery 108 (e.g., a low-voltage battery or, preferably, a high-voltage battery). For example, only minimal operation can be provided at night by default. In particular, operation of the combustion engine 103 can be prevented during the typical sleep-falling and waking phases.

[0030] The control unit 101 can be configured to receive information about a desired, configurable remaining range of the vehicle 100 after the emergency power supply has been performed via the input / output unit. In particular, a user can use the input / output unit to set the degree to which the fill level of the battery 108 and / or the fuel tank 107 can be reduced. For this purpose, the user can set a charge level reserve / fuel reserve and / or a remaining range of the vehicle 100. The control unit 101 can be configured to operate the power supply in such a way that the residual values ​​set by the user are maintained.

[0031] The control unit 101 can further be configured to determine position data relating to a current position of the vehicle 100. The position data (e.g., GPS coordinates) can indicate the current position of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, the control unit 101 can be configured to determine a distance between the current position of the vehicle 100 and a gas station (for providing fuel) and / or charging station (for providing electrical energy). For this purpose, the control unit 101 can access a navigation unit 102 (e.g., a navigation device) of the vehicle 100.

[0032] The control unit 101 can be configured to operate the emergency power supply depending on the determined distance between the current position of the vehicle 100 and a gas station / charging station. In particular, depending on the determined distance, a lower limit for the remaining fuel quantity and / or a lower limit for the state of charge of the battery 108 and / or a remaining range of the vehicle 100 can be defined and maintained. This ensures that the vehicle 100 has sufficient range to reach a specific (e.g., the nearest) gas station / charging station, even after being used as a power generator.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 101 can be configured to notify a user of the vehicle 100 that the fuel tank 107 and / or the battery 108 are becoming empty due to operation as a power generator. For example, the user can be informed about the fill level of the fuel tank 107 and / or the battery 108 via the input / output unit or via an SMS / email. Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle 100 (in particular the control unit 101) can be configured to call a stored telephone number and / or emit acoustic signals (e.g., horns) to provide an indication of the fill level of the fuel tank 107 and / or the battery 108. Furthermore, the user can receive a forecast of the remaining duration of power generator operation via the input / output unit. This information can be transmitted, for example, to a user interface (e.g., a smartphone app).

[0034] As explained above, the control unit 101 can be configured to use the vehicle 100 as a power generator until the vehicle 100 has a minimum remaining energy level and / or a minimum remaining range, which ensures that the vehicle 100 can still reach a specific (e.g., the nearest) charging station and / or gas station. The control unit 101 can be configured to display the shortest route to the nearest gas station or charging station in the navigation system of the vehicle 100 upon entering the vehicle 100. This can prevent breakdowns of the vehicle 100 ("breakdowns").

[0035] The control unit 101 can further be configured to prevent operation of the vehicle 100 in enclosed spaces (in particular to avoid exceeding emission limits). For this purpose, the control unit 101 can be configured to determine one or more indicators that the vehicle 100 is located in an enclosed space. Examples of indicators can be: • the current position of the vehicle 100 (e.g. GPS coordinates); • Environmental information regarding the surroundings of the vehicle 100 (e.g. using environmental cameras / sensors (radar, parking sensors, ...) to detect the immediate vicinity of the vehicle 100); • Use of CO (carbon monoxide) sensors in the automatic climate control system; • Use of temperature information; in particular, it can be taken into account that the temperature increases faster when the vehicle 100 is operated in a closed space than in an open environment.

[0036] If it is determined based on one or more indicators that the vehicle 100 is located in a closed space, the generator operation can be shut down. Furthermore, the user of the vehicle 100 can be informed that emergency power operation is not possible if one of the above-mentioned indicators indicates that the vehicle is not located in an open environment.

Claims

[1] Control unit (101) for a vehicle (100) with an energy storage device (107, 108), wherein the energy storage device (107, 108) comprises a storage device (108) of electrical energy for driving an electric motor (104) of the vehicle (100), which enables the vehicle (100) to move using electrical energy from the storage device (108), wherein the energy storage device (107, 108) comprises a fuel tank (107) for receiving fuel for an internal combustion engine (103) of the vehicle (100), wherein the vehicle (100) is configured to move using energy from the energy storage device (107, 108), wherein the internal combustion engine (103) is configured to drive the electric motor (104) to generate electrical energy, wherein the storage device (108) of electrical energy is configured to receive the generated electrical energy, wherein the control unit (101) is set up, - to cause an AC current to be provided to one or more consumers outside the vehicle (100) on the basis of the energy stored in the energy storage device (107, 108); - to obtain the energy required for the AC current from the fuel tank (107) and from the electrical energy storage (108); - to determine a distance between a current position of the vehicle (100) and a device for recharging the energy storage device (107, 108); - to determine a required amount of energy from the energy storage device (107, 108) that is required for the vehicle (100) to travel the determined distance; wherein the required amount of energy is fuel from the fuel tank (107) of the vehicle (100) and electrical energy from the electrical energy storage device (108) of the vehicle (100); - to determine a remaining amount of energy in the energy storage device (107, 108); and - to limit the supply of AC power to the one or more consumers in such a way that the vehicle (100) can cover at least the determined distance with the energy remaining in the energy storage device (107, 108), this being effected by interrupting the supply of AC power when the remaining amount of energy reaches or falls below the required amount of energy. [2] Control unit (101) according to the preceding claim, wherein the control unit (101) is arranged - to determine the current position of the vehicle (100) based on position data of the vehicle (100); and - to determine the distance to the device for recharging the energy storage device (107, 108) using digital map information. [3] Control unit (101) according to any preceding claim, wherein the control unit (101) is configured to cause information regarding a remaining amount of energy in the energy storage device (107, 108) to be output and / or sent. [4] Control unit (101) according to any preceding claim, wherein the control unit (101) is configured to cause information regarding a position of the device for recharging the energy storage device (107, 108) to be output and / or sent. [5] Vehicle (100), where - the vehicle (100) comprises an energy storage device (107, 108); - the energy storage device (107, 108) comprises a storage device (108) of electrical energy for driving an electric motor (104) of the vehicle (100), which enables the vehicle (100) to move with electrical energy from the storage device (108) of electrical energy; - the energy storage device (107, 108) comprises a fuel tank (107) for holding a fuel for an internal combustion engine (103) of the vehicle (100); - the vehicle (100) is designed to move using energy from the energy storage device (107, 108); - the internal combustion engine (103) is arranged to drive the electric motor (104) to generate electrical energy; - the electrical energy storage device (108) is arranged to receive the generated electrical energy; and - the vehicle (100) comprises a control unit (101) according to one of the preceding claims. [6] Vehicle (100) according to claim 5, wherein the vehicle (100) comprises - a converter (105) for generating the AC current from a DC current; and - an interface (106) for providing the AC power. [7] Method for providing an AC power by a vehicle (100); wherein the vehicle (100) comprises an energy storage device (107, 108), wherein the energy storage device (107, 108) comprises a storage device (108) of electrical energy for driving an electric motor (104) of the vehicle (100), which enables the vehicle (100) to move using electrical energy from the storage device (108), wherein the energy storage device (107, 108) comprises a fuel tank (107) for receiving fuel for an internal combustion engine (103) of the vehicle (100), wherein the vehicle (100) is configured to move using energy from the energy storage device (107, 108), wherein the internal combustion engine (103) is configured to drive the electric motor (104) to generate electrical energy, wherein the storage device (108) of electrical energy is configured to receive the generated electrical energy, wherein the method comprises - Providing an AC current for one or more consumers outside the vehicle (100) based on the energy stored in the energy storage device (107, 108); wherein the energy required for the AC current is obtained from the fuel tank (107) and from the electrical energy storage device (108); - determining a distance between a current position of the vehicle (100) and a device for recharging the energy storage device (107, 108); - determining a required amount of energy from the energy storage device (107, 108) that is required for the vehicle (100) to travel the determined distance; wherein the required amount of energy is fuel from the fuel tank (107) of the vehicle (100) and electrical energy from the electrical energy storage device (108) of the vehicle (100); - determining a remaining amount of energy in the energy storage device (107, 108); and - Limiting the supply of AC power to the one or more consumers so that the vehicle (100) can travel at least the determined distance with energy remaining in the energy storage device (107, 108), this being effected by interrupting the supply of AC power when the remaining amount of energy reaches or falls below the required amount of energy.

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