Fast charging mode for long journeys

Abstract

Fast charging system for a rechargeable energy storage system, comprising: a fast charging prediction system that identifies an emerging fast charging event for the rechargeable energy storage system; an environmental control system coupled to the energy storage system that regulates a temperature environment of the energy storage system depending on a first operating profile, wherein said temperature environment is used to set a temperature of the energy storage system as a first setpoint temperature of a standard operating temperature;and a manager for setting a second operating profile for the environmental control system depending on the impending fast-charging event, wherein the second operating profile uses the temperature environment to set the said temperature of the energy storage system to a second temperature above the standard operating temperature, wherein the energy storage system is arranged in an electric vehicle with an electric drive motor and furthermore includes a navigation system for locating a position of a fast-charging station along a route of travel of the electric vehicle within a running operating range, while the temperature environment operates with said first operating profile, wherein the fast-charging prediction system then identifies the fast-charging event when the electric vehicle approaches the position within a predetermined distance and a maximum driving range of the electric vehicle is smaller than a predetermined range.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the charging of battery cells of a rechargeable battery module and in particular, but not exclusively, to efficient fast charging of battery cells of a rechargeable battery module. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be understood as prior art simply by virtue of its mention therein. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section, or linked to the subject matter of the background section, should not be understood as having been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter of the background section merely represents various proposals, which may themselves constitute inventions.

[0003] Fast charging of battery cells is improved when the battery cells are warmer than typical ambient and / or standard operating temperature. Battery cells are often cooled during operation and kept at a reduced temperature. This is counterproductive for fast charging conditions and can unnecessarily consume resources for counterproductive cooling of the battery cells.

[0004] A system and a procedure are needed to identify an upcoming fast charge or fast charge opportunity in advance and to use this information to prepare the battery cells for fast charging. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A system and method for identifying an impending fast charge or fast charge opportunity in advance and using this information to prepare the battery cells for fast charging is disclosed.

[0006] The following summary of the invention is intended to facilitate understanding of the technical features relating to the fast charging of battery cells and is not meant to provide a complete description of the invention. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the invention can only be obtained by referring to the complete description, claims, drawings, and the summary as a whole. The invention is applicable not only to battery cell modules for electric vehicles but also to other arrangements and uses of battery cells.

[0007] A fast-charging system for a rechargeable energy storage system comprises a fast-charging prediction system that identifies an impending fast-charging event for the rechargeable energy storage system; an environmental control system coupled to the energy storage system that regulates the temperature environment of the energy storage system based on a first operating profile, using the temperature environment to regulate the temperature of the energy storage system to a first setpoint temperature of a standard operating temperature; and a manager that specifies a second operating profile for the environmental control system based on the impending fast-charging event, the second operating profile using the temperature environment to set the temperature of the energy storage system to a second temperature above the standard operating temperature.

[0008] A fast-charging procedure for an energy storage system comprises: a) identifying an impending fast-charging event for the rechargeable energy storage system; b) controlling a temperature environment for the energy storage system based on a first operating profile, which controls the temperature environment to set the temperature of the energy storage system to a first target temperature as a standard operating temperature; and c) setting a second operating profile for the environmental control system based on the impending fast-charging event, wherein the second operating profile uses the temperature environment to set the temperature to a second temperature above the standard operating temperature.

[0009] A charging system for a rechargeable energy storage system of an electric vehicle with an electric drive motor comprises a fast-charging prediction system that indicates an impending event to the rechargeable energy control system, wherein the charging prediction system predicts a fast-charging event and a non-fast-charging event for the impending charging; an environmental control system coupled with the energy storage system that controls the temperature environment of the energy storage system based on a first operating profile, utilizing the temperature environment to set the temperature of the energy storage system to a first target temperature of a standard operating temperature; and a manager that sets a second operating profile for the environmental control system based on the impending fast-charging event.specifies, whereby the second operating profile uses the temperature environment to set the temperature of the energy storage system to a second temperature above the standard operating temperature if the upcoming charging event includes the fast charging event, whereas, on the other hand, the manager maintains the first operating profile for the environmental control system if the upcoming charging event includes the non-fast charging event.

[0010] All embodiments described herein may be used individually or in other combinations. Inventions contained in this description may also include embodiments that are only partially mentioned or addressed in this brief summary, or not mentioned or addressed at all. Other modified embodiments of the invention may be motivated by various deficiencies of the prior art that are discussed or addressed at one or more points in the description, without the embodiments of the invention necessarily addressing any of these deficiencies. In other words, different embodiments of the invention may address different deficiencies that may be mentioned in the description. Some embodiments may address only some deficiencies, or only one deficiencies, discussed in the description, and some embodiments may not address any of these deficiencies at all.

[0011] Other features, uses and advantages of the invention will become apparent from studying the present disclosure including the description, drawings and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The accompanying drawings, in which identical reference numerals are provided for identical or functionally similar elements in the different views and form part of the description, further illustrate the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

[0013] Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of an electric motor system in a preferred embodiment of the invention; and

[0014] Fig. 2 represents a flowchart for a process that is carried out by the management system according to Fig. 1 can be implemented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The invention provides a system and a method for identifying an impending fast charge or fast-charging opportunity in advance and using this information to prepare the battery cells for fast charging. The following description is intended to enable a person skilled in the art to use the invention and is written in the context of a patent application and in accordance with its requirements.

[0016] Various modifications of the preferred embodiment and the described general principles and features will be obvious to those skilled in the art. The present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown, but is to be understood as falling within the broadest scope of protection that is consistent with the principles and features described herein.

[0017] In the following text, the terms “energy storage arrangement”, “battery”, “cell”, “battery cell module” and “battery cell pack”, “electrical double-layer capacitor” and “ultracapacitor” may be used interchangeably (unless the context indicates otherwise) and refer to any variant from a multitude of different variants of various rechargeable configurations and cell chemistries, and are not limited to lithium-ion (e.g., lithium iron phosphate, lithium cobalt oxide, other lithium metal oxides, etc.), lithium-ion polymer, nickel-metal hydride, nickel-cadmium, nickel-hydrogen, nickel-zinc, silver-zinc or other rechargeable high-energy storage types / configurations.

[0018] Embodiments of the invention are applicable to systems that have electric motors in general, and in particular for vehicles that employ multiphase electric induction motors powered by energy from an energy storage system comprising one or more battery cell modules arranged in a battery pack. Electric vehicles (EVs) include vehicles that utilize one or more sources of stored energy to supply electrical energy to the vehicle, with the electrical energy being used at least partially to provide energy for propelling the vehicle. Electric vehicles can include vehicles designed for transporting people, goods, or for performing specialized tasks. For example, electric vehicles can include passenger cars, trucks, and recreational watercraft such as boats.Furthermore, electric vehicles include specialized vehicles such as forklifts for lifting and moving loads, vehicles with conveyor belts for moving objects, such as mobile conveyor belt vehicles for loading and unloading baggage onto and off aircraft, and specialized equipment in areas where exhaust fumes from typical gasoline, diesel, or propane-powered equipment can cause accidents, such as in underground mining. In several cases, electric vehicles are designed and capable of operating on public highways as licensed automobiles, both as passenger vehicles and as trucks.

[0019] Generally, an electric vehicle, in some form or other, includes a device or devices capable of storing energy and supplying electrical energy to the vehicle. This electrical energy can be used, at least partially, to power the vehicle. In some cases, electrical energy is used to provide all the energy required for the vehicle's functions, including propulsion. In many cases, the source of stored energy is a rechargeable battery pack. In various configurations, a rechargeable battery pack comprises several individual rechargeable battery cells that are electrically connected to form a rechargeable battery pack.

[0020] This description details various charging rates. Among energy storage systems, there are charging stations (sometimes referred to as EV charging stations, electric charging points, and the like) that provide electrical energy for EV charging. The rate at which the energy storage system accepts electrical energy is often specified according to a standard established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). For example, the terms slow charging and fast charging are defined here, which is relevant to some embodiments of the present invention insofar as standard charging is further broken down (into non-fast charging – e.g., Mode 1 or Mode 2) and fast charging (e.g., Mode 3 or higher). Charging stations are typically expected to provide predetermined, quantified charging rates; sometimes, a charging station may be capable of providing either fast charging and slow charging (or both).A fast charging event prediction identifies the availability of fast charging rates at a fast charging station.

[0021] In other contexts, fast charging and non-fast charging are related to the lifetime effects of charging on the energy storage system. The rate at which electrical energy is applied to the energy storage system can influence its lifetime performance. In this context, a non-fast charging rate is one in which battery lifetime is extended by maintaining the cell temperature below a standard operating temperature, while fast charging is one in which battery lifetime is extended by maintaining the temperature above the standard operating temperature. In a charging rate range where lifetime performance is not strictly dependent on the charging temperature, a management system can maintain the standard target operating temperature if that target temperature requires the least amount of energy.

[0022] While charging at higher temperatures lowers impedance, other effects also come into play. When charging at typical rates (non-fast charging rates), the temperature for optimal lifetime performance is below the standard operating temperature during driving. Therefore, for these charging scenarios, the management system would require the battery pack temperature to be lowered before charging. However, as the charging rate increases, the benefits of raising the temperature become more pronounced, and there is a point at which the management system preferentially heats the energy storage system to maintain lifetime performance.

[0023] In this context, the "class" of charging that is predicted as a fast-charging rate is therefore a rate at which it is necessary to increase the cell temperature to protect the cell's cycle life. The temperature of the energy storage system is adjusted according to the predicted charging rate of an upcoming charging event. This typically means that when a fast-charging rate is imminent, the temperature of the energy storage system must be raised above the standard operating temperature. Depending on the type of charging station and the available charging rates, quantifying the charging rates means that in most cases, the management system will be in either a heating mode for an upcoming fast-charging mode or a cooling mode for an upcoming standard charging mode.The implementation described here does not involve a dynamically changing response to the charging rate (some implementations do this), but rather the mode is selected by the management system based on the current or expected value of the charging rate. For this process, for example, a summary table of the charging rate as a function of temperature could be used, with several different target temperatures corresponding to different charging rates.

[0024] The standard operating temperature varies depending on many factors, but for a particular implementation, it is a predetermined value based on a set of assumptions. This standard operating temperature forms a reference point that is used when carrying out the present invention.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a representative electric motor system 100as a preferred embodiment of the invention. To simplify the explanation, the system is 100 The system is described below in the context of an electric vehicle. However, it should be understood that the system can also be part of a different device or system instead of an electric vehicle. 100 includes an energy storage system (ESS) 105 , which includes a vehicle drive battery or similar and at least one drive motor 110 includes the conversion of energy into mechanical motion, such as rotational motion. ESS 105 ESS comprises various components assigned to transfer energy to and from the vehicle's drive battery in various examples, including safety components, cooling components, heating components, rectifiers, and the like. 105It can be implemented in various embodiments and comprise many different components, but for the purposes of this example, ESS comprises a drive battery, an ultracapacitor, or the like. Thus, the present subject matter is not intended to be limited to the configurations disclosed here, because other configurations are possible and fall within the scope of the invention.

[0026] The ESS drive battery 105 This example includes one or more lithium-ion batteries. In some examples, the battery includes lithium-ion batteries connected in parallel and / or in series. Some examples include cylindrical lithium-ion batteries. In some cases, ESS includes 105 One or more batteries compatible with the 18650 battery standard, and the present subject matter is not limited to such batteries. Some examples include hundreds or thousands of interconnected batteries. The ESS105 In some examples, the intended drive battery provides a voltage of approximately 390 volts.

[0027] Furthermore, the system includes 100 an energy converter 115 The energy converter 115 converts energy from the ESS 105 in for the engine 110 usable energy. In some cases, energy flows from the motor. 110 to ESS 105 via the energy converter 115 ESS 115 transfers energy to the energy converter 115 , which transfers the energy from the motor 110 converts usable energy to power the electric vehicle. Motor 110 It can also generate energy, which can be used for energy conversion. 115 is transferred. In these cases, the energy converter transforms the energy. 115 the energy transferred from the motor 110 in energy, which is in ESS 105 can be stored. The energy converter 115It includes semiconductor power devices, such as transistors. These transistors may include one or more field-effect transistors. In some cases, metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors may be used. Some examples include one or more insulated bipolar gate transistors. As such, the power converter includes 115 In some examples, switching elements are configured to draw direct current (DC) energy from the ESS. 105 to receive and supply multi-phase (three-phase) alternating current (AC) to the power motor 110 to be delivered. A rotary movement of the motor. 110 Power is transmitted via a gearbox to one or more wheels of the EV via one or more shafts.

[0028] A management system 120 sees a regulation for one or more ESS 105 and energy converters 115In some cases, the management system is coupled with a vehicle system that monitors safety (e.g., an impact sensor). In some examples, the management system 120 equipped with one or more driver inputs (e.g., a speed controller, usually referred to as a throttle, although the present subject matter is not limited to the presence of an actual throttle). The management system 120 is configured to deliver power to one or more ESS 105 and to the energy converter 115 to regulate.

[0029] Some details of the management system 120The system includes a navigation system with additional trip planning features and a map system for identifying various destinations and points of interest, as well as related information regarding direction, range, travel time, and the like, from a current location to various destinations and points of interest. For the purposes of this invention, points of interest include the home location, one or more destinations, specific waypoints, and fast-charging stations. The management system 120 can collect all or part of this information automatically / autonomously, semi-automatically, or manually.

[0030] An energy connection 125 controls an external energy source 130 a charging station, for example, to absorb energy and transfer it to the ESS 105 via the energy converter 115to communicate. In some examples, the charging station converts energy from a single-phase 110 V AC power source into energy supplied by the ESS. 105 Storable energy. In additional examples, the charging station converts energy from a 220 V AC power source into storable energy via the ESS. 105 Storable energy. Some implementations use single-phase voltage lines, while others use multi-phase voltage lines. Fig. Figure 1 shows an implementation where the energy converter 115 Energy from an external power source 130 into one from the ESS 105 converts storable energy.

[0031] The ESS described here 105 includes cooling systems and a temperature control device to maintain the ESS 105 at a desired operating temperature. The system 100 includes environmental control 135, which controls the cooling system and the temperature control device. The ambient control 135 can be integrated into the management system 120 be integrated.

[0032] It can be an external energy source 130 It is integrated into the charging device, sometimes referred to as an EV charging station, electric vehicle charging point, charging point, or electric vehicle refueling device (EVSE). Different power levels (sometimes called charging modes) exist for this charging device. These power levels are sometimes related to different charging speeds: Level 1 is a relatively slow charging stage that operates at 110 V AC, like a charger found in many private homes. Charging Level 2 involves charging at 240 V AC, and Charging Level 3 involves charging at 500 V DC (sometimes referred to as DC fast charging).

[0033] In typical operation, the user connects the external power source 130 with the energy connection 125 , to load the ESS 105 to initiate. How long does it take to load the ESS? 105 The time it takes to reach the desired charge level depends on various factors, including the status of the ESS. 105 (i.e., from the state of charge (SOC), cell temperature, cell chemistry, etc.) and from the charge level of the external energy source 130 Depending on other factors, there is a conditioning period for the ESS. 105 before initiating the loading process. What about the system? 100 The effects during this conditioning period can depend on several actual-time factors described here. A major influence on which systems need to be configured depends on the charging station's intended charging level.

[0034] For example, the ESS will be fast-charging 105improved when the cells of the ESS 105 They are warmer than at the standard operating temperature. During operation, the ESS cells 105 The cells are cooled and kept within an operating temperature range that does not exceed a setpoint temperature (e.g., 40°C). Preferably, during fast charging, the cells are kept at a minimum of 10°C above the standard operating temperature, with a preferred setpoint temperature of 40°C. This temperature is generally above the operating temperature range. Therefore, the ESS must 105 recreating (by actively heating the ESS) 105 or passively allowing a temperature increase of the ESS 105 The operating temperature can be adjusted until this fast-charging temperature is reached. However, in some cases, cooling is necessary or desirable to reach the temperature favorable for fast charging (and / or standard non-fast charging).

[0035] The management system120 It advantageously anticipates whether fast charging should be used and prepares the ESS 105 The system anticipates this in advance, ensuring the battery is closer to the desired fast-charging temperature when the user wants to initiate fast charging. Several mechanisms exist by which the fast-charging system can anticipate this situation and / or prepare the ESS for fast charging.

[0036] Anticipating an upcoming fast-charging event can be determined in various ways. For the purposes of this explanation, the management system operates 120 The EV, using an operating profile for cooling, heating, charging, discharging, and the like, prior to this determination. If the management system 120 When the system detects that a fast charging event is imminent, it switches on 120Depending on the EV's operating states, a pre-fast-charging profile is used for cooling, heating, charging, discharging, and the like. The prevailing operating conditions and the imminent fast-charging event determine the aggressiveness level of the fast-charging profile. The following examples describe various methods for determining that a fast-charging event is imminent, as well as different fast-charging profiles. Unless otherwise indicated, different methods of determination can be adapted to the various pre-fast-charging profiles.

[0037] Fig. 2 shows a flowchart for a process 200 , which is achieved through the management system 120 after Fig. 1 can be implemented. The process 200 begins with a test in step 205to determine whether a fast charging event is imminent. This determination can be based on deduction / induction of stored operator actions and route / schedule history, as well as the past history of fast charging events and locations, and can be derived from a memory coordinated with current locations / destinations, the analysis of a SOC of the ESS. 105 in conjunction with navigation data that relates the locations of fast charging stations to the current vehicle location, and similar data. The process 200 leads back to step in a loop 205 , if the test is in step 205 is negative. If the test in step 205 If it is positive, the process progresses. 200 Continue to step 210 , to set parameters for the upcoming fast-charging event. The management system 120When determining the upcoming fast charging event, it can take into account how urgent the event is, as well as other parameters that can be used when setting / implementing the pre-fast charging profile.

[0038] After step 210 does the process lead 200 Step 215 through to activate the EV's operating modes. Process 200 caused in the step 215The EV begins anticipating the upcoming fast-charging event by using the fast-charging profile instead of the operating profile. Of course, the fast-charging profile can be integrated into the operating profile to perform the specific operating steps described here. These explanations differentiate between an operating mode and the fast-charging mode in that the fast-charging mode causes the EV to operate in a different mode than the one used for standard driving conditions. In this example, a significant difference lies in the environmental control. 135 on an increase in the temperature of the ESS battery cells 105 to raise the temperature above the standard operating temperature and, in particular, to allow the battery cells to reach an ideal fast-charging temperature. The ideal fast-charging temperature depends on many factors, including the state of charge (SOC) of the ESS battery cells. 105, of the cumulative energy flow of the ESS battery cells 105 The optimal fast-charging temperature depends on several factors, including the direct current resistance of the battery cells, the energy coming from and flowing into the external power source, the ambient temperature of the external power source, and the desired fast-charging duration, etc. In this example, an optimal fast-charging temperature is 45 + / - 10°C.

[0039] Step 215 causes the switch to the pre-fast charge profile at an appropriate time, the appropriate time being based on the time required to implement the parameters of the pre-fast charge profile to the level of aggressiveness in the implementation, and when the fast charge event occurs or is scheduled to occur.

[0040] process 200 tests in step 220 , which is on step 215This indicates whether the fast charging event has been initiated or aborted. The management system 120 It can automatically detect when the fast charging event begins or is canceled. If the test is in step 220 If the result is negative, the process continues. 200 to step 225 and continues to operate the EV using the pre-fast-charging profile. Some implementations of the management system 120 They operate in or near real-time mode and adjust the pre-fast-charging profile based on ongoing information about temperature, state of charge (SOC), driving range / time to initiate the fast-charging event, and similar factors. After step 225 the process returns 200 to step 220return to check if the fast load event was initiated / canceled. Some implementations do not need to perform a query test, but may implement it as a break based on the initiation / canceling of the fast load event.

[0041] If the fast charging event is initiated or canceled, the test proceeds to step 220 affirmative, whereupon the process then proceeds step 230 executes step 230 Switches the EV's operation from the pre-fast-charging profile, for example, to the operating profile. After step 230 the process returns 200 to the step 205 back to monitor another upcoming fast charging event.

[0042] The following example scenarios include representative determinations and pre-fast charging profiles. Example 1:

[0043] At any point during operation, the EV user specifies a plan to perform a fast charge soon after the current driving operation is completed. At this point, the management system implements the plan. 120 the pre-fast charging profile and causes the EV to begin a mode in which an environmental control target is set. 135 The goal is to keep the cell temperature as close as possible to the ideal fast-charging temperature. This can be achieved in several ways, namely: delaying HVAC events, reducing the cooling flow rate in the ESS 105 with mechanical device, using energy to heat the ESS 105 during the journey, and the like.

[0044] It would also be beneficial for the management system. 120to incorporate into its work the approximate distance in miles to the fast-charging station (or other parameters that could be used to estimate how long it would take to reach the fast-charging station). This would allow for a more aggressive approach to battery preparation as the vehicle approaches the charging station. The management system 120 It can also take into account the remaining area of ​​the vehicle in relation to the fast charging station. The management system 120 is able to use this information to set parameters of the pre-fast charging profile to determine how much energy the ESS uses 105 how much is consumed and how aggressively the ESS is used 105can be heated. (For example, if the EV has a significant amount of remaining range and is within a predetermined distance of the fast charging station, the pre-fast charging profile can cause the EV to use additional energy solely for heating the ESS.) 105 to be used before arrival at the fast charging station). Example 2:

[0045] Before a trip begins, the driver indicates that the trip has a long / extensive driving range. Fast charging locations are displayed on a map by the navigation system using GPS or other geological services (manually or automatically). This enhances the management system. 120 enabled to determine when to switch profiles as the EV approaches the identified locations.

[0046] In some situations, fast charging may not be available when needed. In such situations, e.g., at a hotel, motel, or other overnight charging locations that do not have fast charging capabilities, the charging locations can be identified as "normal" charging locations. The management system 120 It does not activate profiles for non-fast charging locations. Example 3:

[0047] After the journey and connection to a charger, the management system selects 120 a correct charging temperature based on communication with the charging system (e.g., available charging rate, projected charging time, etc.) the management system 120 It can also predict which charging station will be most likely when the state of charge (SOC) drops to a certain level, in order to prepare for fast charging or standard charging accordingly (e.g., the home management system says 120When driving 200 miles away, anticipate using fast charging if a fast charger is known within X miles and the SOC is decreasing, or wait for standard charging if the SOC is decreasing and the vehicle is approaching its usual charging location, which has a site charger. Example 4:

[0048] Profile switching via the management system 120This feature is not limited to changes initiated while driving, but is also available during other standard operating procedures to access the time management of a predefined fast-charging sequence. Upon initiating a fast-charging event, the driver selects the required state of charge (SOC) and the time needed to reach that SOC. Naturally, this will often be for the greatest possible range, as quickly as possible. At other times, if flexibility allows, various "mid-range" charging sequences can be requested. In such cases, the management system can 120 react smarter in that the time to prepare the ESS 105 to be used. For example, if the driver requests 80% SOC within 2 hours, the management system 120 capable of achieving the optimal combination of preheating the ESS 105to determine and use a lower charging rate to meet the appointment. Similarly, the driver can identify this need in the form of a range at a specific time (e.g., 80-mile range at 3 pm). Driver identification can be done directly through a user interface of the management system. 120 to be done, or the management system 120 can derive this information from a schedule or calendar used by the management system 120 accessible or stored therein. Example 5:

[0049] Charging at a sufficiently high rate heats the ESS. 105 due to joule heating. Some pre-fast charge profiles maintain ambient and standard operating temperatures and gradually increase the fast charge current, taking advantage of joule heating to minimize additional heat generation. The management system 120can provide for the etching of the battery at the beginning of a fast charging process using short pulses.

[0050] The management system 120 In a preferred embodiment, the management system comprises a computer system with a processor and memory that stores computer program instructions implementing one or more of the described processes and features. In some embodiments, the management system includes... 120 a user interface.

[0051] The systems and methods described above are presented in general terms to clarify details of preferred embodiments of the invention. Numerous specific details are provided in the description, such as examples of components and / or methods, to facilitate a complete understanding of the embodiments. Some features and advantages of the invention are realized in such embodiments and are not necessary in every case. However, a person skilled in the art will recognize that an embodiment of the invention can be implemented without one or more specific details or with other devices, systems, arrangements, methods, components, materials, parts, and / or the like. In other cases, well-known structures, materials, or procedures are not described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the embodiments of the invention.

[0052] The reference in this description to “a single embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “a specific embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is provided in at least one embodiment of the invention and not necessarily in all embodiments. Thus, expressions such as “in a single embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in a specific embodiment” at different points in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the various features, structures, or characteristics of a specific embodiment of the invention can be combined in any way with those of one or more other embodiments.It is understood that other variants and modifications of the embodiments of the inventions described and explained here are possible in light of the given teaching and are to be considered as part of the core and scope of protection of the invention.

[0053] It should also be noted that one or more of the elements shown in the drawings may be implemented in a separate or integrated manner, or even in some cases removed or omitted as unusable if this is useful in a particular application.

[0054] Furthermore, any signal arrow in the drawings is to be understood as illustrative only and not as restrictive, unless specifically noted otherwise. Furthermore, the term "or" is generally to be understood as "and / or" unless otherwise indicated. Combinations of components or steps are also considered specified when the terminology regarding the ability to separate or combine is unclear.

[0055] In the description and claims, "ein," "eine," and "der, die, das" encompass multiple references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, in this description and claims, "in" is to be understood as "therein" and "an," unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0056] The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention, including those described in the abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the disclosed subject matter. While specific embodiments and examples of the invention are described merely for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications within the core and scope of the invention are possible, as a person skilled in the art will recognize. As indicated, these modifications of the invention can be made in light of the foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention and are to be included within the core and scope of the invention.

[0057] While the invention is described with reference to particular embodiments, the preceding disclosure encompasses a wide range of modifications, various adaptations, and substitutions. It should be noted that in some cases, certain features of the invention can be employed without correspondingly applying other features and without deviating from the scope and core concept of the invention. Therefore, many modifications can be made to adapt a specialized situation or material to the essential core concept and scope of the invention. The invention is not intended to be limited to specific terms designated as the best embodiment in the claims or the description of the specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all embodiments and equivalents that fall within the scope of the accompanying claims.Thus, the scope of protection of the invention is defined exclusively by the attached claims.

Claims

[1] Fast charging system for a rechargeable energy storage system, comprising: a fast-charging prediction system that identifies an emerging fast-charging event for the rechargeable energy storage system; an environmental control system coupled to the energy storage system, which regulates a temperature environment of the energy storage system depending on a first operating profile, wherein said temperature environment is used to set a temperature of the energy storage system as a first setpoint temperature of a standard operating temperature; and a manager to set a second operating profile for the environmental control system depending on the upcoming fast charging event, wherein the second operating profile uses the temperature environment to set the said temperature of the energy control system to a second temperature above the standard operating temperature. [2] Fast charging system according to claim 1, wherein the second temperature is in a range between 35°C and 55°C. [3] Fast charging system according to claim 1, wherein the first temperature is less than 40°C and wherein the second temperature is in the range of a fast charging temperature less than 55°C, wherein the lower fast charging temperature is greater than 35°C and than the first temperature. [4] Fast charging system according to claim 1, wherein the temperature environment comprises an HVAC with a temperature reduction characteristic for the energy storage system after activation by the environmental control system, and wherein the second operating profile delays the activation when the temperature of the energy storage system is set. [5] Fast charging system according to claim 1, wherein the temperature environment has a heat exchanger with a coolant which has a temperature reduction characteristic for the energy storage system depending on a coolant flow rate specified by the ambient control system, and wherein the second operating profile reduces the coolant flow rate to adjust the temperature of the energy storage system. [6] Fast charging system according to claim 1, wherein the temperature environment has a variable isolation threshold with a temperature boost characteristic for the energy storage system after activation by the environmental control system, and wherein the second operating profile activates the temperature of the energy storage system. [7] Fast charging system according to claim 1, wherein the fast charging prediction system comprises a user interface for receiving user input, the fast charging prediction system identifying the impending fast charging event depending on the user input. [8] Fast charging system according to claim 1, wherein the energy storage system is arranged in an electric vehicle with an electric drive motor and further comprises a navigation system for locating a position of a fast charging station along a route of travel of the electric vehicle within a running operating area, while the temperature environment operates with said first operating profile. [9] Fast charging system according to claim 8, wherein the fast charging prediction system identifies the fast charging event when the electric vehicle approaches the position within a predetermined distance and a maximum driving range of the electric vehicle is smaller than a predetermined range. [10] Fast charging method for an energy storage system, comprising a) Identifying an upcoming fast-charging event for the rechargeable energy storage system; b) Controlling the temperature environment of the energy storage system depending on a first operating profile, using the temperature environment to set the temperature of the energy storage system to a first target temperature as a standard operating temperature; and c) Setting a second operating profile for the environmental control system depending on the upcoming fast charging event, wherein the second operating profile uses the temperature environment to set the temperature to a second temperature above the said standard operating temperature. [11] Fast charging method according to claim 10, wherein the identification step a) comprises responding to a user input by hand, which indicates the emerging fast charging event. [12] Fast charging method according to claim 10, wherein the identification step a) comprises an automatic response using a computer system when the electric vehicle approaches a position of a fast charging station within a predetermined distance and a maximum driving range of the electric vehicle is smaller than the predetermined range. [13] Charging system for a rechargeable energy storage system of an electric vehicle with an electric drive motor, comprising: a charging prediction system that identifies an upcoming charging event for the rechargeable energy storage system, wherein the charging prediction system predicts whether the upcoming charging event will be a fast charging event or a non-fast charging event; an environmental control system coupled to the energy storage system, which regulates a temperature environment of the energy control system depending on a first operating profile, which sets the temperature environment to a first target temperature of a standard operating temperature; and a manager that specifies a second operating profile for the environmental control system depending on the upcoming fast charging event, wherein the second operating profile uses the temperature environment to set the temperature of the energy control system to a second temperature above the standard operating temperature if the upcoming charging event includes the fast charging event, on the other hand, the manager maintains the other operating profile for the environmental control system if the upcoming charging event includes the said non-fast charging event. [14] Charging system according to claim 13, wherein the second temperature is in a range of 35°C to 55°C. [15] Charging system according to claim 13, wherein the first temperature is less than 40°C and the second temperature is in a fast-charging temperature range less than 55°C, the lower fast-charging temperature being greater than 35°C and than the first temperature. [16] Charging system according to claim 13, wherein the temperature environment comprises an HVAC with a temperature reduction characteristic for the energy storage system after activation by the environmental control system and wherein the second operating profile delays the activation when the temperature of the second energy storage system is set. [17] Charging system according to claim 13, wherein the temperature environment comprises a heat exchanger with a coolant which has a temperature reduction characteristic for the energy storage system depending on a coolant flow rate specified by the ambient control system, and wherein the second operating profile reduces the coolant flow rate to adjust the temperature of the energy storage system. [18] Charging system according to claim 13, wherein the temperature environment has a variable isolation threshold with a temperature boost characteristic for the energy storage system after activation by the environmental control system and wherein the second operating profile causes the activation to set the temperature of the energy storage system. [19] Charging system according to claim 13, wherein the fast charging prediction system has a user interface which receives a user input, wherein the fast charging prediction system identifies the impending fast charging event depending on the user input.