SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING REGENERATIVE ENERGY IN A VEHICLE

Abstract

A regenerative energy notification, associated with regenerative energy generated in response to a vehicle's braking using a regenerative braking system, is received by the vehicle's electronic brake control module (EBCM). The vehicle battery system receives a state of charge (SOC) of a high-voltage (HV) battery. A determination is made as to whether the HV battery's SOC is greater than a low SOC threshold. A command is issued to a vehicle integration control module (VICM) to direct the regenerative energy from a vehicle electric motor, acting as a regenerative energy generator, to power at least one of the vehicle's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, a vehicle battery cooling system, and at least one vehicle accessory system, based on the determination.

Description

[0001] The technical field generally concerns vehicles and specifically relates to systems and procedures for managing renewable energy in a vehicle.

[0002] Many vehicles incorporate regenerative braking systems. A regenerative braking system captures the vehicle's kinetic energy generated during braking and converts it into electrical energy. This converted electrical energy is called regenerative energy.

[0003] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide systems and methods for managing a vehicle's renewable energy. Other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the following detailed description and the attached claims in conjunction with the attached drawings and the preceding technical field and background.

[0004] DE 10 2010 034 672 A1 describes a device and a method for energy management in an electrical system of a motor vehicle, wherein the electrical system comprises at least one traction battery, at least one control unit and at least one electric machine, wherein electrical energy can be generated with the at least one electric machine in a recuperation mode, wherein the at least one control unit regulates a state of charge of the at least one traction battery to a target state of charge, wherein the target state of charge is lower than a maximum state of charge of the at least one traction battery, and wherein a difference between the maximum state of charge and the target state of charge is determined as a function of the kinetic energy of the motor vehicle.

[0005] DE 10 2013 012 164 A1 describes a traction battery system for an electrically powered vehicle with a high-voltage battery, a temperature control device for temperature control of the high-voltage battery, a temperature measuring device for detecting a temperature of the high-voltage battery or an ambient temperature of the high-voltage battery, a battery control device, and an electric heating device for directly or indirectly heating the high-voltage battery, wherein the battery control device is configured to direct electric current generated by recuperative braking below a predefinable threshold temperature of the high-voltage battery or the environment of the high-voltage battery to the heating device.

[0006] The object of the invention can be considered to be to provide a regenerative energy management system that optimizes regenerative energy through recuperative braking.

[0007] According to the invention, a regenerative energy management system for a vehicle comprises at least one processor and at least one memory that is communicatively coupled to the at least one processor. The at least one memory contains instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: receive a regenerative energy notification associated with regenerative energy generated in response to braking of the vehicle using a regenerative braking system from an electronic brake control module (EBCM) of the vehicle; receive a state of charge (SOC) of a high-voltage (HV) battery of a vehicle battery system from the vehicle battery system; and determine whether the SOC of the HV battery is greater than a low SOC threshold.and issue an initial command to a vehicle integration control module (VICM) to direct the regenerative energy from a vehicle electric motor acting as a regenerative energy generator to power at least one of a vehicle's heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system, vehicle battery cooling system and at least one vehicle accessory system based on the determination.

[0008] According to the invention, the at least one memory further includes instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: receive an ambient air temperature from a sensor system of the vehicle; determine whether the ambient air temperature is lower than a low ambient air temperature threshold or higher than a high ambient air temperature threshold, wherein the high ambient air temperature threshold is higher than the low ambient air temperature threshold; and issue the first command to the VICM to direct the regenerative energy from the vehicle electric motor, which operates as a regenerative energy generator, to power the vehicle's HVAC system based on the determination.

[0009] According to the invention, the at least one memory further includes instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: make a first determination as to whether the ambient air temperature is greater than the low air temperature threshold and less than the high ambient air temperature threshold; make a second determination as to whether the state of charge (SOC) of the high-voltage battery is greater than a high SOC threshold, wherein the high SOC threshold is greater than the low SOC threshold; make a third determination as to whether a battery temperature of the vehicle battery system is greater than a battery temperature threshold;and to issue the first command to the VICM to direct the regenerative energy from the vehicle electric motor, which acts as a regenerative energy generator, to power the vehicle battery cooling system based on the first, second, and third determinations.

[0010] In one embodiment, the low SOC threshold is 10%, the high SOC threshold is 90%, and the battery temperature threshold is 30°C.

[0011] In one embodiment, the at least one memory further includes instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: make the first determination regarding whether the ambient air temperature is greater than the low air temperature threshold and less than the high ambient air temperature threshold; make the second determination regarding whether the state of charge (SOC) of the high-voltage battery is greater than the high SOC threshold; make a fourth determination regarding whether the battery temperature of the vehicle battery system is less than the battery temperature threshold; and issue the first command to the vehicle electric motor (VICM) to direct the regenerative energy from the vehicle electric motor, which operates as a regenerative energy generator, to power the at least one vehicle accessory system based on the first, second, and fourth determinations.

[0012] In one embodiment, the at least one memory further includes instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: make a fifth determination regarding whether the ambient air temperature is greater than the low air temperature threshold and less than the high ambient air temperature threshold; make a sixth determination regarding whether the state of charge (SOC) of the high-voltage battery is less than a high SOC threshold, wherein the high SOC threshold is greater than the low SOC threshold; and issue a second instruction to the vehicle electric motor (VICM) to direct the regenerative energy from the vehicle electric motor, which acts as a regenerative energy generator, to the vehicle battery system in order to recharge at least one of the high-voltage battery and one low-voltage battery (LV battery) of the vehicle battery system based on the fifth and sixth determinations.

[0013] In one embodiment, the at least one memory further includes instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: determine whether the SOC of the HV battery is less than the low SOC threshold; and issue a third instruction to the VICM to direct the regenerative energy from the vehicle electric motor, which acts as a regenerative energy generator, to the vehicle battery system in order to recharge the HV battery based on the determination.

[0014] According to the invention, a method for managing regenerative energy in a vehicle comprises: receiving, at a controller, a regenerative energy notification associated with regenerative energy generated in response to braking of the vehicle using a regenerative braking system, from an electronic brake control module (EBCM) of the vehicle; receiving, at the controller, a state of charge (SOC) of a high-voltage (HV) battery of a vehicle battery system from the vehicle battery system; determining, by the controller, whether the SOC of the HV battery is greater than a low SOC threshold;and output, by controlling a first command to a vehicle integration control module (VICM) to direct the regenerative energy from a vehicle electric motor acting as a regenerative energy generator to power at least one of a vehicle's heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system, vehicle battery cooling system and at least one vehicle accessory system based on the determination.

[0015] According to the invention, the method further comprises: receiving, at the controller, an ambient air temperature from a sensor system of the vehicle; determining, by the controller, whether the ambient air temperature is lower than a low ambient air temperature threshold or higher than a high ambient air temperature threshold, wherein the high ambient air temperature threshold is higher than the low ambient air temperature threshold; and issuing, by the controller, the first command to the VICM to direct the regenerative energy from the vehicle electric motor, which operates as a regenerative energy generator, to power the vehicle's HVAC system based on the determination.

[0016] According to the invention, the method further comprises: making a first determination, by the controller, regarding whether the ambient air temperature is greater than the low air temperature threshold and less than the high ambient air temperature threshold; making a second determination, by the controller, regarding whether the state of charge (SOC) of the high-voltage battery is greater than a high SOC threshold, wherein the high SOC threshold is greater than the low SOC threshold; making a third determination, by the controller, regarding whether a battery temperature of the vehicle battery system is greater than a battery temperature threshold; and issuing the first command, by the controller, to the vehicle battery cooling system to direct the regenerative energy from the vehicle electric motor, which operates as a regenerative energy generator, to power the vehicle battery cooling system based on the first, second, and third determinations.

[0017] In one embodiment, the low SOC threshold is 10%, the high SOC threshold is 90%, and the battery temperature threshold is 30°C.

[0018] In one embodiment, the method further includes: making, by control, a first determination regarding whether the ambient air temperature is greater than the low air temperature threshold and less than the high ambient air temperature threshold; making, by control, a second determination regarding whether the state of charge (SOC) of the high-voltage battery is greater than the high SOC threshold; making, by control, a fourth determination regarding whether the battery temperature of the vehicle battery system is less than the battery temperature threshold; and issuing, by control, a first command to the vehicle electric motor (VICM) to direct the regenerative energy from the vehicle electric motor, operating as a regenerative energy generator, to power the at least one vehicle accessory system based on the first, second, and fourth determinations.

[0019] In one embodiment, the method further includes: making, by the controller, a fifth determination regarding whether the ambient air temperature is greater than the low air temperature threshold and less than the high ambient air temperature threshold; making a sixth determination, by the controller, regarding whether the state of charge (SOC) of the high-voltage battery is less than a high SOC threshold, wherein the high SOC threshold is greater than the low SOC threshold; and issuing a second command, by the controller, to the vehicle electric motor (VICM) to direct the regenerative energy from the vehicle electric motor, operating as a regenerative energy generator, to the vehicle battery system to recharge at least one of the high-voltage battery and one low-voltage battery (LV battery) of the vehicle battery system based on the fifth and sixth determinations.

[0020] In one embodiment, the method further includes: determining, by means of the control, whether the SOC of the HV battery is less than the low SOC threshold; and issuing, by means of the control, a third command to the VICM to direct the regenerative energy from the vehicle electric motor, which acts as a regenerative energy generator, to the vehicle battery system in order to recharge the HV battery based on the determination.

[0021] In one application, a vehicle incorporates a regenerative energy management system according to the invention.

[0022] The exemplary embodiments are described below in conjunction with the following drawing figures, where the same reference numerals denote the same elements and where: Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle that includes a regenerative energy management system according to at least one embodiment; Fig. 2 a functional block diagram of a controller that includes a regenerative energy management system according to at least one embodiment; and Fig. 3 is a flowchart representation of an exemplary method for managing renewable energy according to at least one embodiment.

[0023] As used herein, the term module refers to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated or group) and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit and / or other suitable components that provide the functionality described.

[0024] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be described herein with respect to functional and / or logical block components and various processing steps. It is understood that such block components can be implemented by any number of hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, an embodiment of the present disclosure may employ various integrated circuit components, such as memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, lookup tables, or the like, which can perform a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices.Furthermore, the person skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present disclosure can be practiced in connection with any number of systems and that the systems described herein are merely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques relating to signal processing, data transmission, signaling, control, and other functional aspects of the systems (and the individual operating components of the systems) may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and / or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may exist in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] With reference to Fig. Figure 1 shows a functional block diagram of a vehicle 10 incorporating a regenerative energy management system 100 according to at least one embodiment. The vehicle 10 generally includes a chassis 12, a body 14, front wheels 16, and rear wheels 18. While the vehicle 10 is depicted as a passenger car in the illustrated embodiment, it can be other types of vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, and motorhomes (RVs). In various embodiments, the body 14 is mounted on the chassis 12 and essentially encloses components of the vehicle 10. The body 14 and the chassis 12 can together form a frame. The wheels 16 and 18 are rotatably coupled to the chassis 12 near respective corners of the body 14.

[0027] In various embodiments, the vehicle 10 is an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle that is automatically controlled to transport passengers and / or cargo from one place to another. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the vehicle 10 is a so-called Level Two, Level Three, Level Four, or Level Five automation system. Level Two automation means that the vehicle assists the driver with various driving tasks under driver supervision. Level Three automation means that, under certain circumstances, the vehicle can take over all driving functions. All major functions are automated, including braking, steering, and accelerating. At this level, the driver can disengage completely until the vehicle instructs the driver otherwise.A Level Four system specifies "high automation," which refers to the driving-mode-specific performance of an automated driving system in all aspects of the dynamic driving task, even if a human driver does not respond appropriately to a request for intervention. A Level Five system specifies "full automation," which refers to the full-time performance of an automated driving system in all aspects of the dynamic driving task under all road and environmental conditions that can be managed by a human driver. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle 10 does not exhibit any automation capability.

[0028] As shown, the vehicle 10 generally includes a drive system 20, a transmission system 22, a steering system 24, a braking system 26, a sensor system 28, an actuator system 30, at least one data storage device 32, at least one controller 34, and a communication system 36. The controller 34 is configured to implement an automated driving system (ADS). The drive system 20 is configured to generate power to propel the vehicle. In at least one embodiment, the drive system 20 includes an internal combustion engine (ICE). In various embodiments, the drive system 20 includes an electric machine, such as a traction motor, a fuel cell propulsion system, and / or any other type of drive configuration. The transmission system 22 is configured to transmit power from the drive system 20 to the vehicle wheels 16, 18 according to selectable speed ratios.According to various embodiments, the transmission system 22 can include a multi-speed automatic transmission, a continuously variable transmission, or another suitable transmission. The braking system 26 is configured to provide a braking torque to the vehicle wheels 16 and 18. In various embodiments, the braking system 26 can include friction brakes, brake-by-wire, a regenerative braking system such as an electric motor, and / or other suitable braking systems. In at least one embodiment, at least one electric motor / generator is connected to at least one axle via mechanical shafts and gears for regenerative braking.

[0029] The steering system 24 is configured to influence the position of the vehicle wheels 16. Although, for illustrative purposes, it is shown in some embodiments considered within the scope of this disclosure as including a steering wheel and steering column, the steering system 24 may not include a steering wheel and / or steering column. The steering system 24 includes a steering column coupled, for example, via a rack and pinion or other mechanism (not shown), to an axle 50 associated with the front wheels 16. Alternatively, the steering system 24 may include a steer-by-wire system comprising actuators associated with each of the front wheels 16.

[0030] The sensor system 28 includes one or more detection devices 40a-40n that detect observable conditions of the external environment and / or the internal environment of the vehicle 10. The detection devices 40a-40n may include, among others, radars, lidar, global positioning systems, optical cameras, thermal imaging cameras, ultrasonic sensors, a steering wheel sensor, and / or other sensors.

[0031] The vehicle dynamics sensors provide vehicle dynamics data, including longitudinal speed, yaw rate, lateral acceleration, longitudinal acceleration, etc. The vehicle dynamics sensors may include wheel sensors that measure information relating to one or more wheels of the vehicle 10. In one embodiment, the wheel sensors comprise wheel speed sensors coupled to each of the wheels 16, 18 of the vehicle 10. Furthermore, the vehicle dynamics sensors may include one or more accelerometers (provided as part of an inertial measurement unit (IMU)) that measure information relating to the acceleration of the vehicle 10. In various embodiments, the accelerometers measure one or more acceleration values ​​for the vehicle 10, including lateral and longitudinal acceleration and yaw rate.In at least one embodiment, the vehicle dynamics sensors provide vehicle position and vehicle movement data.

[0032] The actuator system 30 includes one or more actuator devices 42a-42n that control one or more vehicle features, such as, among others, one or more vehicle wheels 16, 18, the drive system 20, the transmission system 22, the steering system 24, and the braking system 26. In various embodiments, the vehicle features may further include interior and / or exterior vehicle features, such as, among others, doors, a trunk, and cabin features such as air, music, lighting, etc. (not numbered).

[0033] The communication system 36 is configured to wirelessly communicate information to and from other entities 48, such as, among others, other vehicles (vehicle-to-vehicle communication, "V2V" communication), infrastructure (vehicle-to-infrastructure "V2I" communication), remote systems, and / or personal devices. In one exemplary embodiment, the communication system 36 is a wireless communication system configured to communicate via a wireless local area network (WLAN) using IEEE 802.11 standards or using cellular data communication. However, additional or alternative communication methods, such as a dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) channel, are also considered within the scope of this disclosure.DSRC channels refer to one-way or two-way short-range to medium-range wireless communication channels specifically designed for automotive use and a corresponding set of protocols and standards.

[0034] The data storage device 32 stores data for use in the ADS of the vehicle 10. In various embodiments, the data storage device 32 stores defined maps of the navigable environment. In various embodiments, the defined maps can be predefined by and received from a remote system. For example, the defined maps can be compiled by the remote system and communicated to the vehicle 10 (wirelessly and / or via a wired connection) and stored in the data storage device 32. It is understood that the data storage device 32 can be part of the controller 34, separate from the controller 34, or part of the controller 34 and part of a separate system.

[0035] The controller 34 includes at least one processor 44 and a computer-readable storage device or computer-readable storage medium 46. The processor 44 can be any custom or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the controller 34, a microprocessor-based semiconductor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), a macroprocessor, any combination thereof, or generally any device for executing instructions. The computer-readable storage device or computer-readable storage medium 46 can, for example, include volatile and non-volatile storage in read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM).KAM is a persistent or non-volatile memory that can be used to store various operating variables while the processor 44 is powered off. The computer-readable memory device or computer-readable storage medium 46 can be implemented using any number of known memory devices, such as PROMs (programmable read-only memory), EPROMs (electrical PROMs), EEPROMs (electrically erasable PROMs), flash memory, or any other electrical, magnetic, optical, or combined memory devices capable of storing data, some of which are executable instructions used by the controller 34 to control the vehicle 10. In at least one embodiment, the computer-readable memory device 46 is at least one memory configured to store the regenerative energy management system 100.

[0036] The instructions can include one or more separate programs, each comprising an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. When executed by the processor 44, the instructions receive and process signals from the sensor system 28, perform logic, calculations, procedures, and / or algorithms to automatically control the components of the vehicle 10, and generate control signals to the actuator system 30 to automatically control the components of the vehicle 10 based on the logic, calculations, procedures, and / or algorithms. Although in Fig. While only one controller 34 is shown in Figure 1, embodiments of the vehicle 10 may include any number of controllers 34 that communicate via any suitable communication medium or combination of communication media and that interact to process the sensor signals, perform logic, calculations, procedures and / or algorithms, and generate control signals to automatically control features of the vehicle 10. In various embodiments, the controller(s) 34 are configured to implement ADS.

[0037] With reference to Fig. Figure 2 shows a functional block diagram of a controller 34, which includes a regenerative energy management system 100 according to at least one embodiment. The controller 34 includes at least one processor 44 and at least one memory 46. The at least one processor 44 is a programmable device containing one or more instructions that are stored in or assigned to the at least one memory 46. The at least one memory 46 contains instructions that the at least one processor 44 is configured to execute. The at least one memory 46 contains an embodiment of the regenerative energy management system 100.

[0038] The controller 34 is configured to communicate with an electronic brake control module (EBCM) 200, a vehicle battery system 202, a sensor system 28, and a vehicle integration control module (VICM) 204. The EBCM 200 is configured to manage the vehicle 10's brake system 26. The brake system 26 is configured to provide braking torque to the vehicle wheels 16 and 18. The brake system 26 includes a friction brake system and a regenerative brake system. The vehicle battery system 202 includes a high-voltage (HV) battery 206 and a low-voltage (LV) battery 208. The sensor system 28 includes an ambient air temperature sensor. The VICM 204 is configured to communicate with a vehicle electric motor 210.

[0039] The vehicle electric motor 210 is a component of the drive system 20 and is configured to power the vehicle 10. When the regenerative braking system is used, the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle 10 is absorbed by the vehicle electric motor 210. The vehicle electric motor 210 then acts as a generator, converting the kinetic energy into regenerative energy (electrical energy). The vehicle electric motor 210 reverses its function from supplying power to drive the vehicle wheels 16, 18 to acting as a generator that produces regenerative energy when at least part of the braking is implemented via the regenerative braking system. The vehicle electric motor 210 is electrically coupled to the HV battery 206 and the LV battery 208 of the vehicle battery system 202, a vehicle battery cooling system 212, a heating, ventilation and cooling system (HVAC system) of a vehicle 214 and one or more vehicle accessory systems 216.The vehicle electric motor 210 is configured to distribute the regenerative energy to the HV battery 204 and the LV battery 206 of the vehicle battery system 202, a vehicle battery cooling system 212, a heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system of a vehicle 214 and one or more vehicle accessory systems 216 in response to a control strategy implemented by the regenerative energy management system 100.

[0040] The regenerative energy management system 100 is configured to manage the distribution of the regenerative energy generated by the vehicle electric motor 210 when the vehicle electric motor 210 is operating as a generator. The regenerative energy management system 100 is configured to direct the regenerative energy to the high-voltage battery 204 and the low-voltage battery 206 of the vehicle battery system 202, the vehicle battery cooling system 212, the vehicle's HVAC system 214, and one or more vehicle accessory systems 216. The controller 34 may include additional components that facilitate the operation of the regenerative energy management system 100. The operation of the regenerative energy management system 100 is described in more detail below. In at least one embodiment, the controller 34 may be referred to as the regenerative energy management system 100.

[0041] The low-voltage battery 206, the vehicle battery cooling system 212, the HVAC system 214, and one or more vehicle accessory systems 216 (i.e., non-traction loads) typically draw electrical power from the high-voltage battery 204. During regenerative braking, the electrical power returned by the vehicle electric motor 210 in generation mode can be used to selectively reduce the high-voltage battery draw of these systems, allowing them to temporarily increase power during the regenerative braking period and charge the high-voltage battery 204. The selection of one or more of these options is determined by an optimal energy management strategy, which identifies the most efficient combination. The optimal energy management strategy is implemented by the regenerative energy management system 100.

[0042] With reference to Fig. Figure 3 shows a flowchart representation of an exemplary method 300 for managing renewable energy according to at least one embodiment. The method 300 is described with reference to an exemplary implementation of an embodiment of a renewable energy management system 100. As can be seen from the disclosure, the order of operation within the method 300 is not limited to sequential execution, as shown in Figure 3. Fig. 3 illustrates, but can be carried out in one or more different sequences as required and in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0043] In 302, an EBCM 200 initiates the braking of a vehicle 10 using a regenerative braking system of the braking system 26. In at least one embodiment, the EBCM 200 coordinates the initiation of braking of the vehicle 10 in response to a detected brake pedal position of the vehicle 10's brake pedal. In at least one embodiment, the EBCM 200 coordinates the initiation of braking of the vehicle 10 in response to a detected change in the accelerator pedal position of the vehicle 10's accelerator pedal. For example, the detected change in accelerator pedal position may be associated with releasing the accelerator pedal, resulting in a deceleration of the vehicle 10. In at least one embodiment, the EBCM 200 coordinates the initiation of braking of the vehicle 10 in response to a detected retraction of a regeneration-on-demand paddle on a steering wheel 24 of the vehicle 10.In at least one embodiment, the EBCM 200 coordinates the initiation of braking of the vehicle 10 in response to the detection of a combination of a change in the accelerator pedal position and a retraction of the regeneration-on-demand paddle on the steering wheel 24.

[0044] The braking system 26 includes a friction braking system and a regenerative braking system. When braking is initiated in response to the detection of an obstacle where the vehicle 10 is at risk of contact, the EBCM 200 coordinates the braking of the vehicle 10 using only the friction braking system. No regenerative energy is generated by the vehicle's electric motor 200 when only the friction braking system is used and the procedure 300 is not implemented.

[0045] If braking is initiated in a situation where there is no risk of contact between the vehicle 10 and an obstacle, the EBCM 200 coordinates the braking of the vehicle 10 using the regenerative braking system or a combination of the friction braking system and the regenerative braking system, and procedure 300 proceeds to 304. Since the regenerative braking system is used, the vehicle's electric motor 200 operates as a generator of regenerative energy.

[0046] At 304, the regenerative energy management system 100 receives a regenerative energy notification indicating that regenerative energy is being generated by the vehicle's electric motor 210. The EBCM 200 generates and transmits the regenerative energy notification to the controller 34, which includes the regenerative energy management system 100, when the regenerative braking system is used during braking of the vehicle 10.

[0047] At 306, the regenerative energy management system 100 receives a state of charge (SOC) of the high-voltage battery 206 from the vehicle battery system 202. At 308, the regenerative energy management system 100 determines whether the SOC of the high-voltage battery 206 is greater than a low SOC threshold. An example of a low SOC threshold is 10%.

[0048] When the regenerative energy management system 100 determines that the SOC of the HV battery 206 is not greater than the low SOC threshold (i.e., the SOC of the HV battery 206 is less than the low SOC threshold), the regenerative energy management system 100 issues a command to the VICM 204 to direct the regenerative energy from the vehicle electric motor 210, which operates as a regenerative energy generator, to charge the HV battery 206 of the vehicle battery system 202 at 310.

[0049] When the regenerative energy management system 100 determines that the state of charge (SOC) of the high-voltage battery 206 is greater than the low SOC threshold, the regenerative energy management system 100 determines at 312 whether the ambient air temperature is lower than a low ambient air temperature threshold or greater than a high ambient air temperature threshold. The high ambient air temperature threshold is higher than the low ambient air temperature threshold. The regenerative energy management system 100 receives the ambient air temperature from the sensor system 28 of the vehicle 10. The sensor system 28 includes an ambient air temperature sensor configured to detect the ambient air temperature outside the vehicle 10.

[0050] An ambient air temperature lower than the low ambient air temperature threshold indicates that the interior temperature inside the vehicle 10 may fall below a comfort level temperature for the vehicle occupants, and the vehicle HVAC system 214's heating system will be automatically activated to heat the interior environment. If the regenerative energy management system 100 determines that the ambient air temperature is lower than the low ambient air temperature threshold, the regenerative energy management system 100 at 314 issues a command to the VICM 204 to direct the regenerative energy from the vehicle electric motor 210, which acts as a regenerative energy generator, to power the vehicle HVAC system 214 to heat the interior environment using the vehicle HVAC system 214's heating system.

[0051] An ambient air temperature exceeding the high ambient air temperature threshold indicates that the interior temperature inside the vehicle 10 may exceed a comfort level temperature for the vehicle occupants, and the vehicle's HVAC system 214 cooling system will be automatically activated to cool the interior environment. If the regenerative energy management system 100 determines that the ambient air temperature is greater than the high ambient air temperature threshold, the regenerative energy management system 100 at 314 issues a command to the VICM 204 to direct the regenerative energy from the vehicle electric motor 210, which acts as a regenerative energy generator, to power the vehicle's HVAC system 214 to cool the interior environment using the vehicle's HVAC system 214 cooling system.

[0052] If the regenerative energy management system 100 determines that the ambient air temperature is higher than the low ambient air temperature threshold and lower than the high ambient air temperature threshold, the regenerative energy management system 100 determines at 316 whether the state of charge (SOC) of the high-voltage battery 206 of the vehicle battery system 202 is higher than a high SOC threshold. The high SOC threshold is higher than the low SOC threshold. An example of the high SOC threshold is 90%.

[0053] In at least one embodiment, when the regenerative energy management system 100 determines that the SOC of the HV battery 206 of the vehicle battery system 202 is not greater than the high SOC threshold (i.e., the SOC of the HV battery 206 is less than the high SOC threshold), the regenerative energy management system 100 issues a command at 318 to the VICM 204 to direct the regenerative energy from the vehicle electric motor 210, which operates as a regenerative energy generator, to a low-voltage battery 208 of the vehicle battery system 202.

[0054] In at least one embodiment, when the regenerative energy management system 100 determines that the SOC of the HV battery 206 of the vehicle battery system 202 is not greater than the high SOC threshold (i.e., the SOC of the HV battery 206 is less than the high SOC threshold), the regenerative energy management system 100 issues a command at 318 to the VICM 204 to direct the regenerative energy from the vehicle electric motor 210, which operates as a regenerative energy generator, to the HV battery 206 of the vehicle battery system 202.

[0055] In at least one embodiment, when the regenerative energy management system 100 determines that the SOC of the HV battery 206 of the vehicle battery system 202 is not greater than the high SOC threshold (i.e., the SOC of the HV battery 206 is less than the high SOC threshold), the regenerative energy management system 100 issues a command at 318 to the VICM 204 to direct the regenerative energy from the vehicle electric motor 210, which operates as a regenerative energy generator, to direct the regenerative energy to both the LV battery 208 and the HV battery 206 of the vehicle battery system 202.

[0056] If the regenerative energy management system 100 determines that the state of charge (SOC) of the high-voltage (HV) battery 206 is greater than the high SOC threshold, the regenerative energy management system 100 determines at 320 whether a battery temperature of the vehicle battery system 202 is greater than a battery temperature threshold. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle battery system 202 includes the HV battery 206. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle battery system 202 includes the low-voltage (LV) battery 208. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle battery system 202 includes both the HV battery 206 and the LV battery 208. The regenerative energy management system 100 receives the battery temperature from at least one battery temperature sensor of the vehicle battery system 202. An example of a battery temperature threshold is 30 °C.

[0057] When the regenerative energy management system 100 determines that the battery temperature of the vehicle battery system 202 is greater than the battery temperature threshold, the regenerative energy management system 100 issues a command at 322 to the VICM 204 to direct the regenerative energy from the vehicle electric motor 210, which operates as a regenerative energy generator, to power a vehicle battery cooling system 212. The vehicle battery cooling system 212 is configured to automatically cool the vehicle battery system 202 when the battery temperature of the vehicle battery system 202 rises above the battery temperature threshold.

[0058] When the regenerative energy management system 100 determines that the battery temperature of the vehicle battery system 202 is not greater than the battery temperature threshold (i.e., the battery temperature of the vehicle battery system 202 is less than the battery temperature threshold), the regenerative energy management system 100 issues a command at 324 to the VICM 204 to direct the regenerative energy from the vehicle electric motor 210, which operates as a regenerative energy generator, to power at least one vehicle accessory system 216. Examples of vehicle accessory systems include, but are not limited to, power windows, power door locks, an infotainment system, heated seats, a navigation system, and vehicle display systems.

Claims

[1] Regenerative energy management system (100) for a vehicle (10), comprising: at least one processor (44); and at least one memory (46) that is communicatively coupled to the at least one processor (44), wherein the at least one memory (46) comprises instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor (44), cause the at least one processor (44) to: a regenerative energy notification associated with regenerative energy generated in response to braking of the vehicle (10) using a regenerative braking system, to be received by an electronic brake control module, EBCM (200), of the vehicle (10); to receive a state of charge, SOC, of ​​a high-voltage battery, HV battery (206), of a vehicle battery system (202) from the vehicle battery system (202); to determine whether the SOC of the HV battery (206) is greater than a low SOC threshold; and to issue a first command to a vehicle integration control module, VICM (204), to direct the regenerative energy from a vehicle electric motor (210) operating as a regenerative energy generator to power at least one of a vehicle heating, ventilation and cooling system, HVAC system (214), a vehicle battery cooling system (212) and at least one vehicle accessory system (216) based on the determination; wherein the at least one memory (46) further comprises instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor (44), cause the at least one processor (44) to: to receive an ambient air temperature from a sensor system (28) of the vehicle (10); to determine whether the ambient air temperature is lower than a low ambient air temperature threshold or higher than a high ambient air temperature threshold, where the high ambient air temperature threshold is higher than the low ambient air temperature threshold; to issue the first command to the VICM (204) to direct the regenerative energy from the vehicle electric motor (210), which operates as a regenerative energy generator, to power the vehicle's HVAC system (214) based on the determination; and wherein the at least one memory (46) further comprises instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor (44), cause the at least one processor (44) to: to make an initial determination as to whether the ambient air temperature is higher than the low air temperature threshold and lower than the high ambient air temperature threshold; a second determination regarding whether the SOC of the HV battery (206) is greater than a high SOC threshold, wherein the high SOC threshold is higher than the low SOC threshold; a third determination regarding whether a battery temperature of the vehicle battery system (202) is greater than a battery temperature threshold; and to issue the first command to the VICM (204) to direct the regenerative energy from the vehicle electric motor (210), which operates as a regenerative energy generator, to power the vehicle battery cooling system (212) based on the first, second and third determination. [2] Regenerative energy management system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the low SOC threshold is 10%, the high SOC threshold is 90% and the battery temperature threshold is 30°C. [3] Regenerative energy management system according to (100) claim 1, wherein the at least one memory (46) further comprises instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor (44), cause the at least one processor (44) to: the first determination to be made as to whether the ambient air temperature is greater than the low air temperature threshold and lower than the high ambient air temperature threshold; the second determination regarding whether the SOC of the HV battery (206) is greater than the high SOC threshold; a fourth determination regarding whether the battery temperature of the vehicle battery system (202) is lower than the battery temperature threshold; and issuing the first command to the VICM (204) to direct the regenerative energy from the vehicle electric motor (210) operating as a regenerative energy generator to power the at least one vehicle accessory system (216) based on the first, second and fourth determinations. [4] Regenerative energy management system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one memory (46) further comprises instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor (44), cause the at least one processor (44) to: a fifth determination regarding whether the ambient air temperature is higher than the low air temperature threshold and lower than the high ambient air temperature threshold; a sixth determination regarding whether the SOC of the HV battery (206) is lower than a high SOC threshold, wherein the high SOC threshold is greater than the low SOC threshold; and a second command to the VICM (204) to direct the regenerative energy from the vehicle electric motor (210), which operates as a regenerative energy generator, to the vehicle battery system (202) to recharge at least one of the HV battery (206) and one low voltage battery, LV battery (208), of the vehicle battery system (202) based on the fifth and sixth determinations. [5] Regenerative energy management system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one memory (46) further comprises instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor (44), cause the at least one processor (44) to: to determine whether the SOC of the HV battery (206) is lower than the low SOC threshold; and a third command to the VICM (204) to direct the regenerative energy from the vehicle electric motor (210), which acts as a regenerative energy generator, to the vehicle battery system (202) to recharge the HV battery (206) based on the determination. [6] Method (300) for managing renewable energy in a vehicle (10), comprising: Received, at a controller (34), a regenerative energy notification associated with regenerative energy generated in response to braking of the vehicle (10) using a regenerative braking system, by an electronic brake control module, EBCM (200), of the vehicle (10); Receiving, at the controller (34), a state of charge (SOC) of a high-voltage battery (HV battery) (206) of a vehicle battery system (202) from the vehicle battery system (202); Determining, by the controller (34), whether the SOC of the HV battery (206) is greater than a low SOC threshold; and Output, by means of the control (34), a first command to a vehicle integration control module, VICM (204), to direct the regenerative energy from a vehicle electric motor (210) operating as a regenerative energy generator to power at least one of a heating, ventilation and cooling system, HVAC system, of a vehicle (214), a vehicle battery cooling system (212) and at least one vehicle accessory system (216) based on the determination; Received at the control unit (34), an ambient air temperature from a sensor system (28) of the vehicle (10); Determine, by means of the control (34), whether the ambient air temperature is lower than a low ambient air temperature threshold or higher than a high ambient air temperature threshold, wherein the high ambient air temperature threshold is higher than the low ambient air temperature threshold; and Output, through the control (34), of the first command to the VICM (204) to direct the regenerative energy from the vehicle electric motor (210), which operates as a regenerative energy generator, to supply energy to the vehicle's HVAC system (214) based on the determination; Making an initial determination, by means of the control (34), as to whether the ambient air temperature is greater than the low air temperature threshold and lower than the high ambient air temperature threshold; Making a second determination, by the controller (34), as to whether the SOC of the HV battery (206) is greater than a high SOC threshold, wherein the high SOC threshold is higher than the low SOC threshold; Making a third determination, by means of the control (34), as to whether a battery temperature of the vehicle battery system (202) is greater than a battery temperature threshold; and Issuing the first command, by the controller (34), to the VICM (204) to direct the regenerative energy from the vehicle electric motor (210), which operates as a regenerative energy generator, to supply energy to the vehicle battery cooling system (212) based on the first, second and third determination.

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