Method for controlling a charging process of an electrically operated vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling a charging process of an electrically operated vehicle, at least comprising establishing communication between the vehicle and at least one charging device that is electrically powered by a photovoltaic system; and adapting an energy consumption of devices of the vehicle to a predicted availability of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system by the at least one charging device.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for controlling a charging process of an electrically operated vehicle.

[0002] Methods aimed at optimising the use of renewable energy sources for charging electric vehicles are generally known from the state of the art.

[0003] For example, EP 4 122 752 A1 describes a method for controlling the charging of an electric vehicle, in particular for cost-optimized charging of an energy storage device of an electric vehicle with renewable energy. The method comprises a renewable energy generation system, a charging device for charging the energy storage device, a central processing unit with a data memory and a network interface, the charging device being controlled by the processing unit, and a readout unit arranged in the electric vehicle.Using the readout unit, the computing unit retrieves vehicle data in the form of the mileage, the state of charge of the electric vehicle's energy storage device, a vehicle identification number of the vehicle, data from the energy generation system, and weather forecast data from an external data source. Based on AI-related algorithms and the received data set, the computing unit calculates probable user behavior with an expected route for the next use of the electric vehicle. The computing unit creates a schedule for the use of the electric vehicle. The electric vehicle is charged or not charged depending on the state of charge of the energy storage device, the expected route according to the schedule based on the vehicle data, and the availability of electricity from renewable energy sources.

[0004] Furthermore, DE 10 2022 108 574 A1 describes a method for charging an electric vehicle from a local power grid that has a renewable energy source and a charging point for charging the electric vehicle.In the method, the charging requirement and the expected departure time of an electric vehicle coupled to the charging point are maintained, a forecast temporal distribution of surplus power from the local power grid for the expected parking time of the electric vehicle is determined based on a difference between a forecast temporal distribution of electrical power from the renewable energy source, a charging plan is drawn up for the coupled electric vehicle based on the forecast temporal distribution of the surplus power in such a way that the electric vehicle has a desired state of charge at the expected departure time and the surplus power is used to charge the electric vehicle, and the electric vehicle is charged according to the charging plan.

[0005] An object of the invention is to provide an improved method for controlling a charging process of an electrically operated vehicle.

[0006] The above-mentioned problem is solved by the features of the independent claim.

[0007] Advantageous embodiments and advantages of the invention emerge from the further claims, the description and the drawing.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, a method for controlling a charging process of an electrically operable vehicle is proposed, at least comprising establishing communication between the vehicle and at least one charging device that is electrically powered by a photovoltaic system; and adapting an energy consumption of devices of the vehicle to a predicted availability of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system by the at least one charging device.

[0009] The proposed method advantageously enables cost-optimized charging of the vehicle with renewable energy from a photovoltaic system, especially a private one. This can advantageously reduce dependence on public charging facilities.

[0010] A communication interface is established between the vehicle and a private photovoltaic system. This allows the vehicle to learn about the current amount of free solar power available, or, based on weather forecasts, the amount that will soon be available.

[0011] Any battery home storage systems that temporarily store surplus renewable energy can also be taken into account here.

[0012] The vehicle's energy consumption along the route is adjusted to the available amount of renewable energy or the surplus of renewable energy. This makes it possible to use as little external power as possible and as much solar power as possible from the vehicle's own photovoltaic system to charge the vehicle.

[0013] Advantageously, the vehicle's energy consumption can be limited when there is a shortage of renewable energy; when there is a surplus of renewable energy, the vehicle's energy consumption does not need to be limited.

[0014] The proposed charging control method leads to an increased positive feeling of independence, freedom, autonomy, and self-determination for the user. Particularly in volatile energy markets and geopolitical risks regarding energy supply, the greatest possible electricity self-sufficiency when charging the vehicle is desirable to ensure personal mobility.

[0015] The increased independence from expensive public charging stations allows the vehicle to be charged at optimal cost. The risk of public charging stations being occupied by others or being defective can be avoided.

[0016] In sunny weather, the power grids are sometimes overloaded due to the high amount of solar power. With the proposed charging control method, the surplus renewable energy from the photovoltaic system can be used more to charge the vehicle and less to be fed into the grid. The charging control method thus contributes significantly to the stability of the grid infrastructure.

[0017] To adjust the energy consumption of the vehicle's equipment, a number of measures can be taken, for example: This allows the drive to reduce power and lower switching thresholds.

[0018] Cooling and especially heating have a significant impact on fuel consumption. A temporary reduction in thermal comfort can result in energy savings. Heating or ventilation in unoccupied seats can be switched off. A higher proportion of recirculated air can be selected for ventilation. Seat, steering wheel, and surface climate control can be reduced or switched off.

[0019] Massage and ambient lighting can be reduced or turned off. Displays can be turned off or their brightness reduced when not in use. The radio can be turned off.

[0020] Active aerodynamics can, for example, be set to an eco mode, for example by lowering the chassis.

[0021] An energy-efficient route selection can be made.

[0022] The daytime running lights can be switched off in countries where this is permitted.

[0023] In this way, the remaining range of the vehicle can be advantageously extended so that the charging station can still be reached using renewable energy.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, the predicted availability of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system by the at least one charging device can include electrical energy stored in a battery storage unit of the photovoltaic system. In the event of a surplus of renewable energy, this energy can advantageously be temporarily stored in the battery storage unit of the photovoltaic system. This energy is additionally available during the vehicle charging process.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, a driving profile of the vehicle can be selected depending on the predicted availability of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system by the at least one charging device and a determined remaining range of the vehicle upon arrival at the location of the at least one charging device. Various driving modes, such as Eco mode or Sport mode, are state of the art in vehicles. In Eco mode, for example, the operating strategy of the drivetrain is changed to save energy. This can further extend the remaining range of the vehicle.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, the remaining range of the vehicle can be determined based on a destination entered into the vehicle's navigation system or a destination estimated by an artificial intelligence method. The driver either enters the destination directly into the navigation system or the destination is estimated using an intelligent algorithm, for example, by pattern recognition based on past regularly recurring trips, such as between home and work, based on the driver's calendar entries, or the like.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, if the remaining range is sufficient until arrival at the location of the at least one charging device: if there is an excess of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system, the vehicle cannot be put into energy-saving mode. If there is no excess of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system and the battery storage of the photovoltaic system is full, the vehicle cannot be put into energy-saving mode. If there is no excess of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system and the battery storage of the photovoltaic system is empty, the vehicle can be put into energy-saving mode. If the remaining range is barely sufficient until arrival at the location of the at least one charging device, so much energy can be saved in the vehicle's devices that intermediate charging until arrival at the location of the at least one charging device is avoided.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, measures in the vehicle's energy-saving mode can be prioritized depending on the vehicle's remaining range. Measures to reduce energy consumption can, for example, include reducing the drive's power. Switching thresholds can be lowered. Cooling and especially heating have a significant impact on consumption. A temporary reduction in thermal comfort can result in energy savings. The heating or ventilation in unoccupied seats can be switched off. A higher proportion of recirculated air can be selected for ventilation. Seat, steering wheel, and surface climate control can be reduced or switched off. Massage and ambient lighting can be reduced or switched off. Displays can be switched off or their brightness can be reduced when not in use. The radio can be switched off.Active aerodynamics can be set to an eco mode, for example, by lowering the suspension. Energy-efficient routes can be selected. Daytime running lights can be deactivated in countries where this is permitted. Depending on the criticality of the remaining range, energy-saving measures can be escalated.

[0029] The measures can be conveniently prioritized by the driver of the vehicle.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, if the vehicle is connected to the charging device and the vehicle's battery storage is full, the vehicle can be preconditioned when a departure is imminent and there is an excess of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system. If there is no excess of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system and the battery storage of the photovoltaic system is full, the vehicle can be preconditioned depending on the capacity of the battery storage of the photovoltaic system. If there is no excess of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system and the battery storage of the photovoltaic system is empty, the vehicle cannot be preconditioned.If no departure is planned, the vehicle cannot be preconditioned if there is a surplus of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system, or if there is no surplus of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system and the photovoltaic system's battery storage is full. If there is no surplus of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system and the photovoltaic system's battery storage is empty, the vehicle can be discharged bidirectionally and recharged if there is a surplus of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system. This ensures that the vehicle can be charged with renewable energy as cost-effectively as possible.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, the availability of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system can be predicted by the at least one charging device using a weather forecast. This allows future developments in the availability of renewable energy to be incorporated into the charging control system.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, addresses of one or more charging stations powered by a photovoltaic system can be stored in the vehicle. This advantageously allows for prioritization of charging stations depending on the available amount of renewable energy and the vehicle's route.

[0033] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, in the event of insufficient or faulty communication between the vehicle and the at least one charging device, the availability of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system can be estimated by the at least one charging device. This can be done, for example, using information on the installed peak power of the photovoltaic system, the orientation of the solar modules, and weather forecasts.

[0034] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0035] It shows: Fig. 1 an overview of an adaptation of an energy consumption of an electrically operated vehicle to a predicted availability of renewable energy from a photovoltaic system by at least one charging device according to the method according to the invention.

[0036] The figure shows only an example and is not to be understood as limiting.

[0037] Fig. 1 shows an overview of an adaptation of an energy consumption of an electrically operated vehicle to a predicted availability of renewable energy from a photovoltaic system by at least one charging device according to the method according to the invention.

[0038] In the method for controlling a charging process of an electrically operated vehicle, communication is established between the vehicle and at least one charging device that is electrically powered by the photovoltaic system. For this purpose, the vehicle can select a charging device from various addresses of one or more charging devices that are electrically powered by a photovoltaic system and that are stored in the vehicle.

[0039] If communication between the vehicle and the at least one charging device is lacking or faulty, the availability of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system can be estimated by the at least one charging device. This can be done, for example, using information about the installed peak power of the photovoltaic system, the orientation of the solar modules, and weather forecasts.

[0040] The energy consumption of the vehicle's equipment is then adjusted to the predicted availability of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system by the charging device. The predicted availability of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system by the charging device can also include electrical energy stored in a battery storage system of the photovoltaic system.

[0041] Furthermore, the availability of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system can also be predicted using a weather forecast.

[0042] A vehicle's driving profile can be selected based on the predicted availability of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system by the charging device, as well as a determined remaining range of the vehicle upon arrival at the location of at least one charging device. The remaining range of the vehicle can be determined based on a destination entered into the vehicle's navigation system or a destination estimated by an artificial intelligence method.

[0043] The overview in Fig. 1 represents a driving situation of the vehicle in state 1, while state 2 represents a situation in which the vehicle is parked at a charging facility, in particular a private charging facility, and the vehicle's battery storage is fully charged.

[0044] First, driving condition 1 will be described.

[0045] If it is determined that the vehicle's remaining range is sufficient to safely reach the photovoltaic system (state 11) and that charging with a surplus of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system (state 3), possibly also from the photovoltaic system's battery storage, will be possible, all comfort functions and, if desired, a sport mode of the vehicle are activated in step S110. The driver can indulge in an energy-intensive journey while still remaining self-sufficient, knowing that the system intelligently anticipates a surplus of renewable energy. The energy generously consumed during the journey can be covered upon arrival with the surplus renewable energy. Intermediate charging with purchased external power is not necessary.

[0046] Even if there is no surplus of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system, but the battery storage of the photovoltaic system is fully charged (state 4), an energy-intensive driving mode can be selected in step S112.

[0047] If, however, it is detected that the remaining range is short (state 12) and charging with a surplus of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system (state 3) or from the battery storage of the photovoltaic system (state 4) will be possible at the time of arrival, the energy-saving mode is activated in the vehicle in step S120, and convenience functions are deactivated or reduced. This is intended to prevent public interim charging or reduce it to a minimum. As much of the energy to be recharged as possible should come from the surplus renewable energy in order to maximize self-sufficiency.

[0048] If there is no surplus of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system and the battery storage of the photovoltaic system is empty (state 5), in step S114 an attempt is made to save as much energy as possible in the vehicle's equipment so that intermediate charging can be avoided until arrival at the location of the charging facility.

[0049] The measures in the vehicle's energy-saving mode can be advantageously prioritized depending on the vehicle's remaining range.

[0050] In another version in the lower part of the overview in Fig. 1 describes how state 2 of parking is also used for self-sufficiency optimization when controlling the vehicle's charging process.

[0051] For example, any surplus of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system (state 3) can also be used if the vehicle with an already fully charged battery storage is connected to the charging facility, especially a private one.

[0052] If it is anticipated that the customer will be leaving soon (state 21), for example, through pattern recognition in driving behavior, calendar entries, or the like, the vehicle cabin can be preconditioned in step S210 using electricity from the surplus renewable energy. This reduces the air conditioning load during the journey, as the vehicle already sets off with the desired interior temperature. As a result, the remaining range increases and the risk of public charging decreases. This also increases the vehicle's electricity self-sufficiency when charging.

[0053] If there is no surplus of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system, but the battery storage of the photovoltaic system is fully charged (state 4), the vehicle can be preconditioned in step S212 depending on a capacity of the battery storage of the photovoltaic system, and possibly a weather forecast.

[0054] If there is no surplus of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system and the battery storage of the photovoltaic system is empty (state 5), the vehicle is not preconditioned in step S214.

[0055] If no departure is planned soon (state 22), then in step S220 the vehicle is not preconditioned either when there is a surplus of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system (state 3) or when there is no surplus of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system and the battery storage of the photovoltaic system is full (state 4).

[0056] If there is no surplus of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system and the battery storage of the photovoltaic system is empty (state 5), the vehicle can be discharged bidirectionally in step S222 and later recharged when there is a surplus of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system. List of reference symbols 1 Driving 2 parking spaces 3 Surplus photovoltaic energy 4 no surplus photovoltaic energy; battery storage full 5 no surplus photovoltaic energy; battery storage empty 11 Remaining range is sufficient 12 Remaining range is barely enough 21 Departure is imminent 22 no departure planned S110 no power saving mode S112 no power saving mode S114 Power saving mode S120 Energy saving to prevent intermediate charging S210 Preconditioning S212 Preconditioning depending on battery storage capacity S214 no preconditioning S220 no preconditioning S222 Bidirectional discharge and recharge in case of excess photovoltaic energy QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 4 122 752 A1

[0003] DE 10 2022 108 574 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Method for controlling a charging process of an electrically operable vehicle, comprising at least Establishing communication between the vehicle and at least one charging device which is electrically powered by a photovoltaic system; Adapting an energy consumption of the vehicle's equipment to a predicted availability of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system by the at least one charging device. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the predicted availability of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system by the at least one charging device comprises electrical energy stored in a battery storage device of the photovoltaic system. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a driving profile of the vehicle is selected as a function of the predicted availability of regenerative energy from the photovoltaic system by the at least one charging device and a determined remaining range of the vehicle upon arrival of the vehicle at the location of the at least one charging device. [4] Method according to claim 3, wherein the remaining range of the vehicle is determined based on a destination entered into a navigation system of the vehicle or a destination estimated by an artificial intelligence method. [5] Method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, if the remaining range is sufficient until arrival at the location of the at least one charging device: If there is a surplus of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system, the vehicle is not set to energy-saving mode; If there is no surplus of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system and the battery storage of the photovoltaic system is full, the vehicle will not be set to energy saving mode; If there is no surplus of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system and the battery storage of the photovoltaic system is empty, the vehicle is set to an energy-saving mode; and if the remaining range until arrival at the location of at least one charging facility is barely sufficient, so much energy is saved in the vehicle's facilities that intermediate charging until arrival at the location of at least one charging facility is avoided. [6] Method according to claim 5, wherein measures in the energy saving mode of the vehicle are prioritized depending on the remaining range of the vehicle. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the vehicle is connected to the charging device and the battery storage of the vehicle is full, when a departure is imminent: If there is a surplus of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system, the vehicle is preconditioned; If there is no surplus of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system and the battery storage of the photovoltaic system is full, the vehicle is preconditioned depending on the capacity of the battery storage of the photovoltaic system; If there is no surplus of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system and the battery storage of the photovoltaic system is empty, the vehicle is not preconditioned; and if no departure is planned: if there is a surplus of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system or if there is no surplus of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system and the battery storage of the photovoltaic system is full, the vehicle is not preconditioned; If there is no surplus of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system and the battery storage of the photovoltaic system is empty, the vehicle is discharged bidirectionally and is recharged if there is a surplus of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system. [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the availability of renewable energy from the photovoltaic system is predicted by the at least one charging device by means of a weather forecast. [9] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein addresses of one or more charging devices which are electrically powered by a photovoltaic system are stored in the vehicle. [10] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the event of insufficient or faulty communication between the vehicle and the at least one charging device, the availability of regenerative energy from the photovoltaic system is estimated by the at least one charging device.