Method, device, computer program product and computer-readable storage medium for adapting a vehicle's charging strategy and vehicle

Abstract

A procedure for adapting a vehicle's charging strategy is described. This procedure provides hazard information representative of a hazard at a specific location within the vehicle. Based on this hazard information, the vehicle's current charging strategy is adjusted.

Description

[0001] A method for adapting a vehicle's charging strategy is described. Furthermore, a device for adapting a vehicle's charging strategy is described. Additionally, a computer program is described. Furthermore, a computer-readable storage medium is described. Finally, a vehicle is described.

[0002] Modern electric vehicles boast long ranges and exceptional reliability. One way to increase the lifespan of electric vehicle high-voltage batteries is to limit the charging power and / or the amount of energy that can be recharged.

[0003] One task to be solved is to contribute to increasing the mobility of vehicles.

[0004] This task is solved by the method and the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments, implementations, and further developments are the subject of the respective dependent patent claims.

[0005] First, the procedure for adapting a vehicle's charging strategy is explained.

[0006] The vehicle is, in particular, a battery electric vehicle (BEV) with a high-voltage storage system. During the proceedings, the vehicle is connected to a charging station.

[0007] The process provides hazard information that is representative of a hazard at a specific location within the vehicle. Based on this hazard information, the vehicle's current loading strategy is adjusted.

[0008] The position can be the current position of the vehicle. Alternatively, the position can also be a future position, for example, after reaching a navigation destination.

[0009] In rare extreme situations, increased mobility can be advantageous. According to the procedure, the vehicle is informed via a communication channel that it is in a danger zone, allowing it to react by adjusting its charging strategy.

[0010] This can increase mobility, allowing the driver of the vehicle to leave the danger zone as quickly as possible.

[0011] Hazard information can be provided via a radio link, for example by a vehicle manufacturer and / or weather service and / or by a government agency, such as the German Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Relief. Alternatively or additionally, the hazard information can also be provided by the vehicle's sensors and / or by a charging station to which the vehicle is connected.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the method, adjusting the loading strategy includes one or more of the following adjustments: -Increasing charging power above a maximum value stored in the vehicle, -Increase of the maximum charge level and associated voltage limit set in the vehicle during the charging process, - Increase of the maximum charge level stored in the vehicle and the associated voltage limit during the charging process, -Adjusting a set desired charging start time with the charging cable already plugged in.

[0013] The maximum charging power value stored in the vehicle is, in particular, a maximum charging power value specified by the manufacturer of the vehicle / high-voltage storage system.

[0014] The set maximum state of charge is specifically a maximum state of charge set by a driver. The state of charge is also referred to as State of Charge (SOC) in English.

[0015] The maximum state of charge stored in the vehicle is, in particular, a maximum state of charge specified by the manufacturer of the vehicle or the high-voltage storage system.

[0016] Adjusting a set desired charging start time with the charging cable already plugged in includes, in particular, starting the charging process immediately instead of at the desired charging start time.

[0017] The adjustments described above allow the vehicle to be mobilized more quickly, enabling the driver to leave the dangerous situation quickly.

[0018] Depending on the severity of the hazardous situation, different measures are conceivable. In particular, increasing the charging power beyond the maximum value stored in the vehicle, as well as increasing the maximum state of charge and the associated voltage limit stored in the vehicle, can lead to a reduction in the lifespan of the high-voltage battery. Therefore, these measures should only be chosen in specific / acute hazardous situations.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the method, the hazard information includes one or more of the following information: - a severe weather warning, - a flood warning, - a fire warning, - a war warning.

[0020] The dangers described above, such as severe weather, flooding, fire, especially forest fires and / or war, may indicate that the location of the vehicle should be left as quickly as possible.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the method, the hazard information additionally includes time information that is representative of a time corresponding to the hazard.

[0022] This allows for a more accurate assessment of the danger. For example, it indicates approximately when a forest fire will reach the vehicle, so it is clear when the vehicle must leave its current location at the latest.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the method, information is sent to a driver to adjust the current charging strategy.

[0024] This allows the driver to be alerted to the danger on the one hand, and also to the fact that the vehicle's charging strategy has been adjusted on the other.

[0025] The information can be sent via an app, SMS and / or email, for example.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the method, the current charging strategy is only adjusted if consent information is received that is representative of the driver's consent to the adjustment of the current charging strategy.

[0027] This allows the driver to influence whether the charging strategy is actually adjusted. This can be particularly useful for measures that affect the lifespan of the high-voltage battery. The consent information is received via the same channel used to transmit the information for adjusting the current charging strategy.

[0028] The invention is further characterized by a device, wherein the device is configured to carry out the described method or an embodiment of the method.

[0029] The invention is further characterized by the device comprising a vehicle.

[0030] Furthermore, a computer program product is specified, comprising instructions which, when the computer program is executed by a computer, cause it to perform the procedure described herein.

[0031] Furthermore, a computer-readable storage medium is specified on which the computer program described here is stored.

[0032] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the schematic drawing.

[0033] It shows: Fig. 1. A flowchart for adjusting a vehicle's charging strategy.

[0034] The Fig.Figure 1 shows a flowchart of a program for adapting a vehicle's charging strategy.

[0035] The vehicle is specifically a battery electric vehicle (BEV) with a high-voltage battery. During the execution of the program, the vehicle is connected to a charging station.

[0036] The program can be executed, for example, using a control device 10.

[0037] The control device 10 is located in the vehicle. Alternatively, the control device 10 can also be located in the charging station.

[0038] The control device 10 comprises, in particular, a processing unit, a program and data memory, and, for example, one or more communication interfaces. The program and data memory and / or the processing unit and / or the communication interfaces can be integrated into a single unit and / or distributed across multiple units.

[0039] The control device 10 can also be described as a device for adapting a vehicle's charging strategy.

[0040] The program and data memory of the control device 10 contains, in particular, the program for adapting a vehicle's charging strategy.

[0041] The program is started in step S1, in which variables can be initialized if necessary.

[0042] In step S3, hazard information is provided that is representative of a hazard at a specific location on the vehicle.

[0043] Hazard information can be provided via a radio link, for example by a vehicle manufacturer and / or weather service and / or a government agency. Alternatively or additionally, the hazard information can also be provided by the vehicle's sensors and / or by a charging station to which the vehicle is connected.

[0044] The position of the vehicle is, in particular, a location / coordinate where the vehicle is located and / or an area in which the vehicle is located.

[0045] For example, the vehicle is only sent hazard information relevant to its position. Alternatively or additionally, the control device can evaluate whether the hazard information is relevant to the vehicle's position. The position can be determined using a suitable positioning system, such as the Global Positioning System (GPS).

[0046] The hazard information includes, for example, a severe weather warning and / or a flood warning and / or a fire warning and / or a war warning.

[0047] The hazard information can optionally include additional time information that is representative of a time corresponding to the hazard. For example, it indicates when a forest fire will approximately reach the vehicle, so that it is clear when the vehicle must leave its current location at the latest.

[0048] In step S5, depending on the hazard information, the vehicle's current charging strategy is adapted and, for example, the vehicle is charged with the adapted charging strategy.

[0049] Adjusting the charging strategy includes, for example, increasing the charging power above a maximum value stored in the vehicle. This maximum charging power value is, in particular, a maximum value specified by the vehicle / high-voltage battery manufacturer.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally, adjusting the charging strategy includes, for example, increasing a maximum state of charge and the associated voltage limit set in the vehicle during the charging process. The set maximum state of charge is, in particular, a maximum state of charge set by the driver.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, adjusting the charging strategy includes, for example, increasing a maximum state of charge stored in the vehicle and the associated voltage limit during the charging process. The maximum state of charge stored in the vehicle is, in particular, a maximum state of charge specified by the manufacturer of the vehicle or the high-voltage battery.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally, adjusting the charging strategy includes, for example, adjusting a preset desired charging start time when the charging cable is already plugged in. Specifically, adjusting a preset desired charging start time when the charging cable is already plugged in means starting the charging process immediately instead of at the preset time.

[0053] Optionally, before step S5 is executed, a driver is sent information to adjust the current charging strategy. This information can be sent, for example, via an app, SMS, and / or email.

[0054] Optionally, step S5 is only executed if consent information is received that is representative of the driver's agreement to adjust the current charging strategy. Specifically, the consent information is received via the same channel used to send the information regarding the adjustment of the current charging strategy.

[0055] In step S7, the program is terminated and can be restarted in step S1 if necessary. Reference symbol list S1-S7 steps 10 Control device

Claims

[1] Method for adapting a vehicle's charging strategy, in which - hazard information is provided that is representative of a hazard at a location on the vehicle, - depending on the hazard information, the vehicle's current charging strategy is adapted. [2] The method of claim 1, wherein the adjustment of the charging strategy comprises one or more of the following adjustments: -Increasing charging power above a maximum value stored in the vehicle, -Increase of the maximum charge level and associated voltage limit set in the vehicle during the charging process, - Increase of the maximum charge level stored in the vehicle and the associated voltage limit during the charging process, -Adjusting a set desired charging start time with the charging cable already plugged in. [3] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hazard information comprises one or more of the following information: - a severe weather warning, - a flood warning, - a fire warning, - a war warning. [4] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hazard information additionally includes time information that is representative of a time corresponding to the hazard. [5] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a driver is sent information to adjust the current charging strategy. [6] Method according to claim 5, wherein the current charging strategy is only adjusted if consent information is received that is representative of the driver's consent to the adjustment of the current charging strategy. [7] Device, wherein the device is configured to perform the method according to any of the preceding claims. [8] Vehicle comprising the device according to claim 7. [9] Computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause it to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6. [10] Computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause it to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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