METHOD FOR CHARGING A RECHARGEABLE ENERGY STORAGE UNIT IN AN AUTONOMOUS DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR EXECUTING THE METHOD

Abstract

Method for charging a rechargeable energy storage unit (14) in an autonomous device (10) comprising a controller (C) with a processor (P) and a physical non-volatile memory (M), the method comprising: Determining the availability of at least one charging station (40) and at least one parking space (42) by surveying the local charging infrastructure and the local parking infrastructure within a predefined radius of the autonomous device (10) by the controller (C); and Determine, via the control (C), whether it is cost-effective during an excursion to pay a charging fee at the charging station (40) or a parking fee in the parking lot (42); characterized by the fact that the controller (C) selectively uses at least one of several charging modes, including an indefinite charging mode and a defined departure charging mode, if it has been previously determined that it is cost-effective to bear the charging charge; wherein the controller (C) uses the defined departure charging mode when a predefined departure time is selected by a user (U) of the autonomous device (10), wherein the defined departure charging mode involves reducing a charging current applied to the rechargeable energy storage unit (14) so ​​that charging is completed at the predefined departure time; and where the indefinite charging mode is used when no predefined departure time is selected by a user (U) via the control (C), wherein in the indefinite charging mode: a predetermined relatively high charging current is used when the state of charge of the rechargeable energy storage unit (14) is within a predefined first window (W1); a predetermined relatively low charging current is used when the state of charge of the rechargeable energy storage unit (14) is within a predefined second window (W2); and a charging current that is approximately zero is used when the state of charge of the rechargeable energy storage unit (14) is in a predefined third window (W3); wherein the state of charge of the rechargeable energy storage unit (14) is indicated by a state of charge indicator (SOC indicator), and wherein the windows (W1, W2, W3) each have a respective maximum and a respective minimum, wherein the minimum of the predefined third window (W3) is greater than the maximum of the predefined second window (W2) and the minimum of the predefined second window (W2) is greater than the maximum of the predefined first window (W1).

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present invention relates, inter alia, to a method according to the preamble of claim 1 for charging a rechargeable energy storage unit in an autonomous device, as is known essentially from DE 10 2013 218 046 A1.

[0002] Further details of the state of the art can be found in the publications JP 2013-70 500 A, DE 10 2010 029 934 A1, DE 10 2015 214 005 A1, US 2010 / 0 017 249 A1 and US 2005 / 0 264 263 A1.

[0003] The use of pure electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and partially electric vehicles, such as battery electric vehicles, window-extended electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and fuel cell hybrid electric vehicles, has increased in recent years. Hybrid electric vehicles and pure electric vehicles generally include a rechargeable energy storage unit, such as a high-voltage battery with a number of battery cells, which requires periodic recharging. SUMMARY

[0004] According to the invention, a method with the features of claim 1 for charging a rechargeable energy storage unit in an autonomous device and a system for carrying out the method are presented.

[0005] A mobile application is configured to be accessible to a user of the autonomous device. The controller is configured to send a notification to the user via the mobile application regarding an estimated time of termination, so that the energy storage device reaches a predefined charge level threshold. The mobile application can be configured to allow the user to remotely summon the autonomous device. The mobile application can be configured to allow the user to end a charging session and summon the autonomous device before the end of the excursion.

[0006] This autonomous device can be configured to remain at the charging station until the mobile application commands it to leave. The variety of charging modes includes an idle charging mode, configured so that the charging current applied to the rechargeable energy storage unit is approximately zero. The controller can be configured to continuously monitor the local charging infrastructure to identify available charging stations within a predefined radius that support idle charging.

[0007] The aforementioned functions and advantages, as well as other functions and advantages of the present invention, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the best possible practical implementation of the invention as presented, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for selecting charging modes for a rechargeable energy storage unit in an autonomous device, wherein the device includes a controller; Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a charge level indicator for the device of Fig. 1; and Fig. 3 is a schematic flowchart for a process that is controlled by Fig. 1 is executable. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Referring to the drawings in which the same reference numerals refer to the same components, shows Fig. Figure 1 schematically depicts an autonomous device 10 capable of autonomously executing control functions without direct operator commands. The autonomous device 10, hereinafter referred to as "device 10," can be a mobile platform, such as, but not limited to, a standard passenger car, sports car, light commercial vehicle, heavy commercial vehicle, ATV, minivan, bus, transit vehicle, bicycle, robot, agricultural vehicle, sports equipment, boat, aircraft, train, or any other means of transport. The device 10 can take various forms and include multiple and / or alternative components and features.

[0009] With reference to Fig. The device 10 includes a rechargeable energy storage unit 14, such as a high-voltage battery with a number of battery cells. A system 12 for selecting charging modes for the rechargeable energy storage unit 14 during an excursion or trip is described below. The rechargeable energy storage unit 14 can include battery cells of different chemical compositions, including, but not limited to, lithium-ion, lithium iron, nickel-metal hydride, and lead-acid batteries. The device 10 can, for example, include an additional energy source 16, such as, but not limited to, an internal combustion engine or a fuel cell system.

[0010] Referring to Fig. 1 The device 10 includes a control unit C in conjunction with the rechargeable energy storage unit 14. The control unit C includes at least one processor P and at least one memory M (or non-volatile, physical, computer-readable storage medium) on which instructions for carrying out the method 100 are recorded, as described below with reference to Fig. 3. The memory M can store instruction sets executable by the controller, and the processor P can execute the instruction sets stored in memory M and executable by the controller.

[0011] With reference to Fig. In embodiment 1, the controller C is configured to communicate with a fleet management unit 18. In one embodiment, the controller C can communicate with the fleet management unit 18 via an access point 20 and a wireless network 24. The access point 20 is used to broadcast a wireless signal that can detect and "tune" various devices. The wireless network 24 can be a wireless local area network (LAN) that links multiple devices using a wireless distribution method. The wireless network 24 can be a wireless metropolitan area network (MAN) that connects multiple wireless LANs. The wireless network 24 can be a wide area network (WAN) that covers large areas, such as neighboring towns and cities.

[0012] Referring to Fig. 1. User U can use a wireless mobile device 32 (such as a smartphone) configured to communicate with the controller C via a wireless connection 34. The wireless mobile device 32 can have Bluetooth™ connectivity, and the wireless connection 34 can be a Bluetooth™ connection. Bluetooth™ is defined as a short-range radio communication (or wireless technology) designed to simplify communication between Internet devices and between devices and the Internet. Bluetooth™ is an open wireless technology standard for transmitting fixed and moving electronic data from the device over short distances and creates personal networks operating within the 2.4 GHz band. It is understood that other connection types may be used.The fleet management unit 18, the wireless mobile device 32, the mobile application 36 (“Apps”) can use circuits and components available to the person skilled in the art.

[0013] Referring to Fig. 1. The wireless mobile device 32 can be configured to run a mobile application 36. In areas with time-limited parking or expensive parking fees, the system 12 offers the user U the option of sending the device 10 to a charging station 40 or a parking space 42. The controller C can be configured to send a notification to the user via the mobile application 36 regarding an estimated completion time so that the energy storage device 14 reaches a predefined charge level threshold. The mobile application 36 can be configured so that the user can remotely summon the autonomous device 10. The mobile application 36 can be configured to allow the user to end a charging session and summon the device 10 before the end of the excursion.

[0014] Referring to Fig. 1. The wireless mobile device 32 can be equipped with a network adapter 38 configured to connect to the access point 20 and the wireless network 24. The network adapter 38 is connected to the wireless network 24 and can be located on a circuit board with jumpers. The network adapter 38 can connect to the wireless network 24 via an integrated or externally connected antenna and can support LAN protocols such as TCP / IP. The user U of the autonomous device 10 can include, but is not limited to: a passenger of the device 10, an owner of the device 10, and a company that operates a fleet of devices 10. For example, the device 10 can be owned and operated by a ride-hailing company, and the user U can be an employee of the company.

[0015] Fig. Figure 2 schematically illustrates a state-of-charge indicator or meter 50 configured to display the state of charge (SOC) of the rechargeable energy storage unit 14 between a global minimum 52 (0% SOC) and a global maximum 54 (100% SOC). The state of charge refers to the stored charge available for performing work, relative to that available after the rechargeable energy storage unit 14 has been fully charged. The state of charge can be considered an assessment of the potential energy of the unit 14. The state of charge affects the efficiency, emissions, and energy availability of the device 10 and can therefore be used for the purpose of regulating the operation of the device 10.

[0016] Referring to Fig. 2. The charge level measurement displayed by the charge level meter 50 can fall within one of several non-overlapping areas, referred to here as windows. The non-overlapping areas include a predefined first window (W1 in Fig. 2) a predefined second window (W2 in Fig. 2) and a predefined third window (W3 in Fig. 2) each with a respective maximum and a respective minimum. Referring to Fig. 2. The respective minimum of the third window (W3) is greater than the respective maximum of the second window (W2), while the respective minimum of the second window (W2) is greater than the respective maximum of the first window (W1). The first window (W1) can be further subdivided into a lower part (hatched) and an upper part (empty). The areas of each of the windows are adaptable based on the present application. In one embodiment, the respective areas for the predefined first, second, and third windows are [0%, 74.9%], [75.0%, 89.9%], and [90.0%, 100%, respectively].

[0017] Further referring to Fig. Figure 3 shows a flowchart of procedure 100, which is described in the Fig. The control shown in section 1, C, can be stored and executed. Procedure 100 does not have to be applied in the specific order mentioned here. Furthermore, it should be noted that some steps must be eliminated. Referring to Fig. 3. Procedure 100 can begin with block 102, wherein the controller C is programmed to determine the availability of at least one charging station 40 and at least one parking space 42 within a predefined radius R of the device 10 by detecting the local charging infrastructure 39 and the local parking infrastructure 41, respectively. The information about availability can be provided to the user U by the controller C if at least one of them is unavailable.

[0018] In block 104 of Fig. 3. Control C is configured to determine whether it is cost-effective during the excursion to pay a fee at charging station 40 or to pay a parking fee in parking lot 42. If, according to block 106 of Fig. If it is cost-effective to cover the parking fee, device 10 will be sent to parking space 42. If it is according to block 108 of Fig. Since it is cost-effective to cover the fee, device 10 will be sent to charging station 40.

[0019] In block 110 of Fig. 3. Controller C is configured to determine whether charging station 40 allows or activates adjustable charging modes, such as the indefinite charging mode, the defined departure charging mode, and the idle charging mode. If not, controller C is configured according to block 112 to use a predefined charging current limit or the charging current protocol of charging station 40. If this is the case, controller C is configured according to block 114 to determine whether a predefined departure time, i.e., when the excursion is expected to end, has been selected by user U. The departure time can be transmitted to controller C by user U via the wireless mobile device 32.

[0020] When the departure time is set, control C is according to block 116 of Fig. 3 is configured to use the defined departure charging mode, which involves reducing the charging current so that charging of the rechargeable energy storage unit 14 is completed by the predefined departure time. For example, if the user's excursion or the next scheduled departure is 3 hours long, the charging current is reduced so that charging is completed in approximately 3 hours. The power reduction involves operating below the maximum rated power, current, or voltage to extend battery life. The defined departure charging mode reduces the current, which extends battery life and reduces the potential for lithium plating in the rechargeable energy storage unit 14.

[0021] Control unit C is configured to use an indefinite charging mode in which no predefined departure time is selected. Referring to Fig. 3. If the departure time is not set, control C is configured according to block 118 to determine whether the state of charge (e.g., from the SOC indicator 50) is within the predefined first window (W1). If so, control C is configured according to block 120 of Fig. 3 is configured to use a predetermined relatively high charging current until the state-of-charge measurement is no longer within the predefined first window (W1). In one embodiment, the predetermined relatively high charging current is the maximum permissible current of charging station 40.

[0022] If the charge state measurement is not in the predefined first window (W1), the control C according to block 122 of Fig. 3 is configured to determine whether the state of charge measurement lies within the predefined second window (W2). If so, the controller C is configured according to block 124 of Fig. 3 is configured to use a predetermined relatively low charging current until the state-of-charge measurement is no longer within the predefined second window (W2). In one embodiment, the predetermined relatively low charging current is the minimum permissible current of charging station 40.

[0023] If the charge state measurement is not in the predefined second window (W2), the control C according to block 126 of Fig. 3 is configured to determine whether the state of charge measurement lies within the predefined third window (W3). If so, the controller C is configured according to block 128 of Fig. 3 is configured to determine whether an idle charging mode is supported by the charging station 40 and to switch to idle charging mode if it is supported (according to block 132). The idle charging mode is configured so that the charging current applied to the rechargeable energy storage unit 14 is approximately zero. If the state-of-charge measurement is not in the predefined third window (W3), the controller C is configured according to block 130 of Fig. 3 is configured to inform user U that the charging process is about to be completed.

[0024] Referring to Fig. 1. The device 10 can be configured to remain at the charging station 40 until the mobile application 36 commands it to leave. The controller C can be configured to continuously monitor the local charging infrastructure 39 in order to locate available charging stations within the predefined radius R that allow idle charging mode. The procedure 100 can be executed dynamically. As used here, the term 'dynamic' describes steps or processes that are executed in real time and are characterized by monitoring or otherwise determining parameter states and regularly or periodically updating parameter states when executing a routine or between iterations of the routine.

[0025] In summary, System 12 (via the execution of Procedure 100) sets the charging profile of an autonomous device 10 to meet the excursion time of user U. One of several charging mode strategies is selectively used to maximize time, minimize costs, and improve battery life and functionality. System 12 can maximize time at charging station 40 by using a charging mode strategy with a reduced energy transfer rate to accommodate user U's schedule while avoiding parking fees. System 12 uses a defined departure time to optimize for the lowest possible current, which saves battery life and reduces the potential for lithium plating in the rechargeable energy storage unit 14. Accordingly, System 12 (and the execution of Procedure 100) improves the functionality of the device 10.

[0026] The flowchart in Fig. Figure 3 illustrates an architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this respect, each block in the flowcharts or block diagrams can represent a module, segment, or section of code comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It is also noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart representations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart representations, can be implemented by special-purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or operations, or by combinations of special-purpose hardware and computer instructions.These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that can control a controller or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the commands stored in the computer-readable medium produce a manufactured item, including instructions that implement the function / operation specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0027] The control C of Fig.1 can be an integral part or a separate module that is operatively connected to other controls of the device 10. The control C includes a computer-readable medium (also called a processor-readable medium), including a non-volatile (e.g., concrete) medium, that is involved in providing data (e.g., instructions) that could be read by a computer (e.g., by a computer's processor). Such a medium can take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile and volatile media. Non-volatile media can include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent storage. Volatile media can include, for example, dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), which can constitute main memory.Such instructions can be transmitted by one or more transmission media, including coaxial cable, copper wire, and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupled to the processor. Examples of computer-readable media include floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks, magnetic tape, other magnetic media, CD-ROMs, DVDs, other optical media, punched cards, punched tape, other physical media with hole patterns, RAM, PROMs, EPROMs, FLASH EEPROMs, other memory chips or cartridges, or other media from which a computer can read.

[0028] Lookup tables, databases, data repositories, or other data stores described herein may include various types of mechanisms for storing, accessing, and retrieving different kinds of data, including a hierarchical database, a set of files in a file system, an application database in a proprietary format, a relational database management system (RDBMS), and so on. Each of these data stores may be contained within a computer device that employs a computer operating system, such as one of those listed above, and may be accessed over a network in one or more of the many ways described herein. A file system may be accessible through a computer operating system and may contain files stored in various formats.An RDBMS can use the Structured Query Language (SQL) in addition to a language for creating, storing, editing and executing stored procedures, such as the PL / SQL language listed above.

Claims

[1] Method for charging a rechargeable energy storage unit (14) in an autonomous device (10) comprising a controller (C) with a processor (P) and a physical non-volatile memory (M), the method comprising: Determining the availability of at least one charging station (40) and at least one parking space (42) by surveying the local charging infrastructure and the local parking infrastructure within a predefined radius of the autonomous device (10) by the controller (C); and Determine, via the control (C), whether it is cost-effective during an excursion to pay a charging fee at the charging station (40) or a parking fee in the parking lot (42); characterized by , that the controller (C) selectively uses at least one of several charging modes, including an indefinite charging mode and a defined departure charging mode, if it has been previously determined that it is cost-effective to bear the charging charge; wherein the controller (C) uses the defined departure charging mode when a predefined departure time is selected by a user (U) of the autonomous device (10), wherein the defined departure charging mode involves reducing a charging current applied to the rechargeable energy storage unit (14) so ​​that charging is completed at the predefined departure time; and where the indefinite charging mode is used when no predefined departure time is selected by a user (U) via the control (C), wherein in the indefinite charging mode: a predetermined relatively high charging current is used when the state of charge of the rechargeable energy storage unit (14) is within a predefined first window (W1); a predetermined relatively low charging current is used when the state of charge of the rechargeable energy storage unit (14) is within a predefined second window (W2); and a charging current that is approximately zero is used when the state of charge of the rechargeable energy storage unit (14) is in a predefined third window (W3); wherein the state of charge of the rechargeable energy storage unit (14) is indicated by a state of charge indicator (SOC indicator), and wherein the windows (W1, W2, W3) each have a respective maximum and a respective minimum, wherein the minimum of the predefined third window (W3) is greater than the maximum of the predefined second window (W2) and the minimum of the predefined second window (W2) is greater than the maximum of the predefined first window (W1). [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein: the predetermined relatively high charging current is the maximum current supported by the charging station (40); and The predetermined relatively low charging current is the minimum current supported by the charging station (40). [3] The method of claim 1, further comprising: Sending a notification via a mobile application (36) configured for access by a user (U) to a user (U) of the autonomous device (10) regarding an estimated termination time for the energy storage unit (14) to reach a predetermined charge level threshold. [4] Method according to claim 3, wherein: the user (U) is enabled to summon the autonomous device (10) remotely; and The user (U) is enabled to end a charging session and to summon the autonomous device (10) before the end of the excursion via the mobile application (36). [5] Method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of charging modes includes an idle charging mode configured such that the charging current applied to the rechargeable energy storage unit (14) is approximately zero. [6] The method of claim 5, further comprising: Continuous monitoring of the local charging infrastructure via the controller (C) to find available charging stations (40) within the predefined radius that allow idle charging mode. [7] System (12) for selecting charging modes for a rechargeable energy storage unit (14) in an autonomous device (10), wherein the system (12) comprises: a controller (C) that is operatively connected to the rechargeable energy storage unit (14) and includes a processor (P) and a physical non-volatile memory (M) on which instructions are recorded; wherein the execution of the instructions by the controller (C) activates the processor (P) to execute the method according to claim 1.

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