ENERGY STORAGE DEVICE, MOTOR VEHICLE OR SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM HAVING SUCH AN ENERGY STORAGE DEVICE AND USE OF SUCH AN ENERGY STORAGE DEVICE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an energy storage device, in particular for the starter of an internal combustion engine. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle or a monitoring system comprising such an energy storage device, as well as to the use of such an energy storage device.

[0002] It is known to monitor the operating status of lead-acid starter batteries, for example, via an electronic device at a battery terminal that communicates in real time with the vehicle's control unit. A variety of different values can be transmitted, in particular the temperature at the battery terminal, the voltage between the battery terminals, the current current drawn, or the capacity. It is also known to monitor the charge level of a starter battery via a stand-alone box that determines the current drawn or the current voltage. Such battery monitoring systems are difficult to install, costly, and offer only limited functionality.

[0003] In contrast to lead-acid starter batteries, starter batteries with lithium-based cells can be damaged if they are operated above or below a certain voltage level for medium and / or long periods. In field use, this can occur, for example, through deep discharging by consumers while stationary or overcharging due to an excessively high voltage regulator value in the alternator or due to a failure of the alternator's voltage regulator. Starter batteries with lithium-based cells are therefore subject to increased monitoring requirements to ensure long-term operational reliability. Likewise, starter batteries based on LiFePO4 have increased requirements for checking individual conditions, particularly non-operating conditions.

[0004] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to provide an energy storage device that enables improved monitoring or expanded monitoring functionality and / or testing with minimal cost and installation effort. Likewise, the object is to provide a monitoring system, a motor vehicle, a use of an energy storage device, and a method for monitoring an energy storage device. US 2017 / 144562 A1 discloses a prior art energy storage device with monitoring functionality.

[0005] This object is achieved by an energy storage device according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the respective dependent claims.

[0006] An energy storage device according to the invention is designed in particular for the starter of an internal combustion engine and comprises: at least one energy storage element, a data generation unit for detecting operating parameters of the energy storage device and for generating corresponding data, wherein the operating parameters of the energy storage element comprise at least the electrical current and / or the electrical voltage of the energy storage element, at least one separating device for reversibly separating an electrically conductive connection between the energy storage element and a power source and / or an electrically conductive connection between the energy storage element and a power receiver, and a data transmission unit for data transmission between the data generation unit and a data input / output device and between the data input / output device and the separating device, wherein the data input / output device is a smartphone,a tablet or an on-board computer of a vehicle with a screen and input elements, wherein the separating device is operable both as a function of data transmitted directly from the data generation unit to the separating device and as a function of data transmitted from the data transmission unit to the separating device, and the data input / output device (9) is designed to read out the operating parameters recorded by the data generation unit, wherein the energy storage device has a weight in the range of 0.5 to 5 kg, a capacity in the range of 30 to 1000 Wh and a nominal voltage in the range of 5 to 24 V, wherein the energy storage element is accommodated in a housing, wherein pressure equalization in the housing is realized via a membrane integrated in a housing cover, wherein the membrane is designed such thatthat it opens or dissolves at a temperature above 100°C and thus further increases the air flow.

[0007] With an energy storage device designed in this way, monitoring and / or checking of at least one energy storage element can be carried out with minimal effort. Furthermore, the data transmission unit allows the monitoring and / or checking functionality to be expanded with minimal effort, in particular, it can be individually adapted to the respective application.

[0008] For example, the energy storage device according to the invention allows the temperature of the energy storage element to be continuously monitored during operation, so that a so-called "thermal runaway" or lasting damage can be preventively avoided, in particular through additional safety functionality that can be provided with minimal effort through data transmission between the data transmission unit and the data input / output device. This makes it possible to warn the user, ideally in real time, or to initiate a safety function such as shutting down the engine or disconnecting or isolating the energy storage device from consumers or power sources, provided the determined conditions are outside a target range. Compared to a purely acoustic warning to the user, which can be overheard or ignored, this significantly increases operational reliability.

[0009] This advantageously expands the range of functions of the energy storage device, which in particular improves operational reliability and simplifies any testing and / or diagnostic processes. By reading out the operating states and recording certain operating parameters in real time while driving and evaluating the data, for example in the vehicle electronics, the vehicle engine can be switched off in the event of a detected fault or short circuit. The development of fire or damage to the starter battery with lithium-based cells can thus be prevented. Finally, the operating states or operating parameters can be read out and / or monitored using the data input / output device, such as a smartphone, or the on-board computer of the vehicle equipped with the energy storage device.For example, a user can receive a text message if the battery is discharged or if consumers are connected while stationary. This can reduce the risk of deep discharge and extend the service life, as the user can recharge the energy storage element or start the vehicle in a timely manner.

[0010] It may be advantageous if the energy storage device has at least one of the following features: The energy storage device has a weight in the range of 0.5 to 5 kg, preferably in the range of 1 to 3 kg, more preferably 1.1 kg, 1.9 kg or 2.6 kg. The energy storage device generates a maximum discharge current in the range of 200 to 2000 A, preferably in the range of 400 to 2000 A, more preferably 450 A, 750 A or 1050 A. The energy storage device has a capacity in the range of 30 to 1000 Wh, preferably in the range of 30 to 250 Wh, more preferably 99 Wh, 165 Wh or 231 Wh. The energy storage device has a nominal voltage in the range of 5 to 24 V, preferably in the range of 9 to 16 V, more preferably 13.2 V. The energy storage device has a maximum voltage in the range of 5 to 20 V, preferably in the range of 9 to 16 V, preferably 15.2 V.

[0011] However, it may also be useful if the energy storage element has at least one of the following features: The energy storage element comprises one or more energy storage cells, preferably a battery cell, preferably a secondary battery or accumulator cell or can cell. The energy storage element comprises one or more lithium accumulator cells. The energy storage element comprises one or more lithium iron phosphate accumulator cells. The energy storage element is designed as a starter accumulator, preferably for supplying a starter motor of an internal combustion engine. The energy storage element is designed as a starter accumulator for motor vehicles, in particular for use in motorsport vehicles. The energy storage element or at least one energy storage cell is cylindrical, cuboidal, or cubical, with the positive pole and the negative pole preferably being formed at different ends of the energy storage element.The energy storage element has an operating temperature range of -30°C to +60°C, preferably from 0°C to +40°C, more preferably from +15°C to +25°C. The energy storage element comprises a plurality of energy storage cells, which are preferably connected in parallel and / or in series. The energy storage element comprises a plurality of energy storage cells connected in series to form a cell pack. The energy storage element comprises a plurality of cell packs with energy storage cells connected in series, wherein the cell packs are connected in parallel to one another. The energy storage element comprises exactly 12 energy storage cells, wherein preferably 4 cells are connected in series to form a cell pack and more preferably 3 cell packs are connected in parallel.The energy storage element comprises exactly 20 energy storage cells, wherein preferably 4 cells are connected in series to form a cell pack and more preferably 5 cell packs are connected in parallel. The energy storage element comprises exactly 28 energy storage cells, wherein preferably 4 cells are connected in series to form a cell pack and more preferably 7 cell packs are connected in parallel. The energy storage element comprises exactly 20 energy storage cells, wherein preferably 5 cells are connected in series to form a cell pack and more preferably 4 cell packs are connected in parallel. The energy storage element comprises exactly 40 energy storage cells, wherein preferably 5 cells are connected in series to form a cell pack and more preferably 8 cell packs are connected in parallel.

[0012] Lithium-based battery cells are characterized, among other things, by their low heat generation during charging and their high power density. They are particularly well-suited for use as starter batteries. In conjunction with a monitoring device according to the invention, a high level of overall operational reliability can be achieved with advantageous performance. The stack-like arrangement of individual storage cells facilitates assembly and transport, as well as wiring and connection to the respective electronics.

[0013] It may be helpful if the separating device has at least one of the following features: The separation device comprises at least one electronic switch for the reversible separation of an electrically conductive connection between the energy storage element and a power source and / or an electrically conductive connection between the energy storage element and a power receiver, preferably at least one high-performance switch based on a MOSFET, preferably at least one separate electronic switch for each energy storage cell or each group / row of energy storage cells of the energy storage element, particularly preferably one electronic switch for the reversible separation of the respective energy storage cell or the respective group / row of energy storage cells from a power source and one electronic switch for the reversible separation of the respective energy storage cell or the respective group / row of energy storage cells from a power receiver.The separating device comprises a circuit board on which control electronics are implemented. The separating device comprises at least one electrically conductive molded part, for example a stamped and / or bent part, e.g. made of copper or brass, for conducting a current to and / or from the energy storage element, preferably at least one electrically conductive molded part for each energy storage cell or each group / row of energy storage cells of the energy storage element, in particular in each case one electrically conductive molded part for conducting a current from an electronic switch according to feature a to the respective energy storage cell or the respective group / row of energy storage cells and in each case one electrically conductive molded part for conducting a current from the respective energy storage cell or the respective group / row of energy storage cells to an electronic switch according to feature a.The separating device comprises a base plate, preferably made of fiber-reinforced plastic, on which the circuit board according to feature b and the at least one molded part according to feature c are arranged together. At least one, several, or each switch according to feature a is / are operable as a function of the first data signal and / or the second data signal and / or the third data signal and / or the fourth data signal of the data generation unit, wherein the respective electronic switch (3d, 3e) and the respective data signal preferably relate to the same energy storage cell or the same group / row of energy storage cells of the energy storage element. At least one, several, or each switch according to feature a is / are operable as a function of a data signal transmitted from the data transmission unit to the separating device.At least one, several, or each switch according to feature a is / are operable in response to a data signal transmitted from the data display unit to the isolating device. The isolating device is arranged on the cover of a housing of the energy storage device, or arranged in a corresponding receptacle in the cover of the housing of the energy storage device, or glued or screwed from the inside into the cover of the housing of the energy storage device.The separating device is configured to interrupt an electrically conductive connection between the energy storage element and a power receiver, for example in the form of a starter for an internal combustion engine, and to establish an electrically conductive connection between the energy storage element or the energy storage cell or the group / row of energy storage cells and another power receiver upon receiving a data signal from the data generation unit indicating an excessively low temperature of the energy storage element or an energy storage cell or a group / row of energy storage cells of the energy storage element.The isolating device is configured to establish an electrically conductive connection between the energy storage element and a power receiver, for example in the form of a starter for an internal combustion engine, upon receiving a data signal from the data generation unit that indicates a correct temperature of the energy storage element or an energy storage cell or a group / row of energy storage cells of the energy storage element. The isolating device is configured to interrupt an electrically conductive connection between the energy storage element and a power receiver, for example in the form of a starter for an internal combustion engine, upon receiving a first data signal from the data transmission unit, and to establish a second data signal from the data transmission unit.The separating device is configured to restore the electrically conductive connection after a separation of the electrically conductive connection upon receipt of a data signal from the data transmission unit or upon receipt of a data signal indicating the connection of a charger or the application of an initial voltage between the poles.

[0014] It may be useful if the data generation unit has at least one of the following features: The data generation unit is configured to detect at least one of the following operating parameters of the energy storage device and to generate corresponding data: ∘ The electrical voltage of the energy storage element, preferably the electrical voltage of an individual energy storage cell or a group / row of energy storage cells of the energy storage element, preferably the electrical voltage of each energy storage cell or each group / row of energy storage cells of the energy storage element. ∘ The electrical current of the energy storage element, preferably the electrical current of an individual energy storage cell or a group / row of energy storage cells of the energy storage element, preferably the electrical current of each energy storage cell or each group / row of energy storage cells of the energy storage element.∘ The temperature of the energy storage element, preferably the temperature of an individual energy storage cell or a group / row of energy storage cells of the energy storage element, preferably the temperature of each energy storage cell or each group / row of energy storage cells of the energy storage element. ∘ The pressure inside or in the surroundings of the energy storage device, in particular inside a housing of the energy storage device. ∘ The moisture content inside or in the surroundings of the energy storage device, in particular inside a housing of the energy storage device. ∘ The gas composition inside or in the surroundings of the energy storage device, in particular inside a housing of the energy storage device. ∘ An acceleration of the energy storage device (G-sensor). ∘ A location of the energy storage device (GPS sensor).The data generation unit is configured to generate a first data signal when at least one of the operating parameters lies within a corresponding operating parameter range, wherein the corresponding operating parameter range is preferably adjustable, preferably by means of the data input / output device, so that, among other things, in the event of severe deceleration (crash / accident) of the vehicle, a signal can be sent to the disconnecting device to immediately interrupt the power supply. The data generation unit is configured to generate a second data signal when at least one of the operating parameters lies outside a corresponding operating parameter range, wherein the corresponding operating parameter range is preferably adjustable, preferably by means of the data input / output device.The data generation unit is configured to generate a third data signal if at least one of the operating parameters lies below a corresponding operating parameter value, wherein the corresponding operating parameter value is preferably adjustable, preferably by means of the data input / output device. The data generation unit is configured to generate a fourth data signal if at least one of the operating parameters lies above a corresponding operating parameter value, wherein the corresponding operating parameter value is preferably adjustable, preferably by means of the data input / output device. The data generation unit is configured to monitor the operating state of the energy storage element, in particular for real-time monitoring.The data generation unit is configured to check individual states of the energy storage element, preferably to check a non-operating state, the delivery state, a state for diagnostic purposes, and / or a state in which the energy storage device is disconnected from a power source and / or a power receiver. The data generation unit is configured to detect faulty states of the energy storage element, preferably to detect critical voltage, current, temperature, pressure, humidity, and / or gas values, more preferably to detect respective maximum and / or minimum values. The data generation unit is configured to store detected data, in particular detected electrical voltages, currents, temperatures, pressures, humidity values, gas values, faulty states, maximum and / or minimum values.The data generation unit is configured to transmit acquired and / or stored data by means of the communication device. The data generation unit comprises a sensor for detecting the electrical voltage of the energy storage element and / or a device for detecting electrical currents, preferably a current sensor or shunt, and / or a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the energy storage element and / or a pressure sensor and / or a humidity sensor and / or a gas sensor, preferably for determining changes in the cell chemistry of the energy storage element and / or a location sensor, preferably a GPS sensor. The data generation unit comprises a memory unit for storing acquired data. The data generation unit comprises a data processing device for processing acquired and / or stored data.The data generation unit is configured to transmit recorded and / or stored data to a vehicle control system. The data generation unit is configured to transmit recorded and / or stored data by means of the communication device to a stationary or mobile terminal, in particular a smartphone, wherein information based on the data can be displayed in a user program installed on the terminal, preferably graphically and / or in text form. The data generation unit is configured to transmit recorded and / or stored data to a stationary or mobile monitoring system, preferably with a display. The data communicated via the data generation unit can be stored on a customer server, which enables expanded customer service. The data communicated via the data generation unit can serve as a database for remote maintenance orused for preventive error detection ("Internet of Things").

[0015] It may prove useful if the data transmission unit has at least one of the following features: The data transmission unit is configured for contactless signal and / or energy transmission. The data transmission unit is designed for contactless communication, preferably for contactless data transmission. The data transmission unit is designed to send and / or receive data. The data transmission unit is designed to supply and / or receive electrical energy. The data transmission unit is configured for data transmission using radio technology and / or light waves. The data transmission unit is configured for data transmission using RFID technology, near-field communication (NFC), Bluetooth, and / or WLAN. The data transmission unit is designed as an antenna for near-field communication (NFC), in particular as an NFC tag. The data transmission unit is designed for signal, data, and / or energy transmission using induction and / or magnetic coupling. The data transmission unit is designed as a reed switch.The data transmission unit is designed for secure data exchange, particularly for cryptographically secured data exchange. The data transmission unit is configured for active-passive and / or active-active (peer-to-peer) communication. The data transmission unit is configured for communication via CAN or LIN bus.

[0016] For example, it is possible to use a smartphone with a Bluetooth interface or a card reader with Bluetooth to read out all operating states of the installed energy storage element and thus obtain conclusions about the condition or previous use and / or to enter desired switching states of the monitoring device using an input device with a Bluetooth interface, for example to initiate a reset. Reading out the data can be advantageous, for example, in the event of a warranty claim or damage, as it allows misuse to be detected and clearly proven in a timely manner without great effort. In addition, the condition of the energy storage element can be determined without opening the energy storage device or requiring the labor-intensive connection of a corresponding diagnostic device. Costly plug connections can be dispensed with.

[0017] However, it can also be useful if the energy storage element is accommodated in a housing, wherein the data generation unit and / or the data transmission unit is / are preferably arranged within or on the housing, wherein pressure equalization in the housing is preferably achieved via a membrane integrated in the housing cover, wherein the membrane is preferably designed such that it opens or dissolves at a temperature above 100°C, thus further increasing the air throughput. This ensures a compact design, which facilitates transport and assembly or installation and increases operational reliability.

[0018] It may be useful for the data generation unit to be arranged between the energy storage element and a housing wall, preferably between the energy storage element and a cover of the housing, and / or for the housing to have a cover on the inside of which the data transmission unit is arranged. This allows for a compact overall design. At the same time, this enables secure attachment of the data generation unit and / or the data transmission unit.

[0019] It can prove helpful if the disconnecting device is designed separately from the energy storage element and / or arranged at a distance from the energy storage element and / or wherein the disconnecting device is integrated in the energy storage device, preferably arranged within a housing of the energy storage device. By means of such an energy storage device, a disconnection of the energy storage device can be initiated, for example, if the voltage is too high or too low, so that damage can be avoided. A disconnection can, for example, be automated or initiated by user input. This further improves operational reliability. Such a design can reduce the risk of vehicle theft with only minimal effort.

[0020] In particular, this allows the energy storage device or the energy storage element contained therein, and thus the vehicle, to be deactivated remotely, similar to an immobilizer. If the energy storage device is powered by the vehicle's alternator via power electronics, the isolating device designed as power electronics can disconnect it if necessary. According to the invention, the communication or the signal is transmitted via the data transmission unit. Such power electronics can be configured to transmit high currents over a longer period of time, e.g., 200A over >10sec, or peak currents over a very short period of time, e.g., 1000A over <1sec.

[0021] According to a further embodiment, the separating device is formed separately from the energy storage element and / or arranged at a distance from the energy storage element. The design flexibility for mounting the various components in or on a vehicle is thus increased. Likewise, the separating device can be integrated into the energy storage device, preferably arranged within a housing of the energy storage device, thereby ensuring an overall compact design.

[0022] A separation device, in particular for separating an energy storage device from a power source and / or a power receiver, can have power electronics and can be configured to interact with a data generation unit of an energy storage device and / or a stationary or mobile terminal in order to separate the energy storage device as a function of received and / or transmitted data.

[0023] A further aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle, in particular for motorsports, comprising an internal combustion engine, a starter motor, and an energy storage device according to one of the preceding embodiments. Such a vehicle has increased operational reliability and / or improved theft protection.

[0024] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a monitoring system comprising at least one energy storage device according to one of the preceding embodiments and a data input / output device for exchanging data with the data generation unit of the energy storage device. Such a monitoring system allows any safety functionalities to be advantageously provided by the data input / output device. For example, the respective operating state can be actively monitored by a user and / or trained monitoring personnel using the data input / output device. If any malfunctions are detected, safety measures can be actively initiated.For example, the user receives a notification on their smartphone as soon as the vehicle is moved or the alarm system is triggered, or as soon as power is drawn, and the energy storage device can then be deactivated remotely or independently by the system during the start-up process without prior activation.

[0025] A further aspect of the present invention relates to the use of an energy storage device according to one of the preceding embodiments as an energy storage device for motor vehicles, preferably in motorsports. Such an energy storage device is particularly advantageously suitable for use in motorsports, in particular due to its high power density and improved operational reliability.

[0026] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a method for monitoring an energy storage device, in which at least one operating parameter of the energy storage device is detected by means of a data generation unit and corresponding data is generated, which is transmitted to a data input / output device by means of a data transmission unit. By means of such a method, the energy storage device can advantageously be monitored and / or checked with little effort. By means of the data transmission between the data generation unit and external peripherals, the monitoring and / or checking functionality can also be expanded with little effort and, in particular, can be individually adapted to the respective application.

[0027] The invention is not limited to the expressly described embodiments. Further advantageous embodiments result from combinations of the features disclosed in the claims, the description, and the drawings. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing showing exemplary embodiments. Terms and definitions

[0028] The data acquisition unit according to the invention comprises, for example, at least one sensor for detecting at least one operating characteristic of the energy storage device and for generating corresponding data, preferably in digital form.

[0029] The data transmission unit according to the invention comprises, for example, a data interface. Data transmission can be carried out via wire or wirelessly (e.g., WLAN or Bluetooth).

[0030] The power source within the meaning of the invention includes, for example, the alternator of a vehicle, in particular the alternator of the vehicle equipped with the energy storage device. The power source is not part of the energy storage device.

[0031] The power receiver within the meaning of the invention is, for example, the starter of a vehicle's internal combustion engine, in particular the starter of the internal combustion engine of the vehicle equipped with the energy storage device. Additional line receivers may be consumers such as on-board electronics or integrated resistors for targeted energy extraction with the aim of increasing the temperature of the energy storage device or individual energy storage cells. The power receiver is not part of the energy storage device.

[0032] The data input / output device within the meaning of the invention is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet or an on-board computer of a vehicle with a screen and input elements, in particular the on-board computer of the vehicle equipped with the energy storage device.

[0033] The separating device according to the invention is, for example, a plate-shaped arrangement with a circuit board, MOSFETs and several molded parts, as shown in the figures. Short description of the characters:

[0034] They show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows a schematic plan view of an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of an energy storage device with a motor vehicle alternator connected thereto according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 shows, in view (a), a plan view of a disconnecting device of the energy storage device according to the invention, and in view (b), an enlarged detail C of view (a). Fig. 5 shows, in view (a), a sectional view of the disconnecting device according to Fig. 4 along line AA Fig. 4a and in view (b) an enlarged detail B of view (a). Fig. 6 shows a schematic diagram of the energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed description of the preferred embodiments:

[0035] Figure 1shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an energy storage device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The energy storage device 1 is designed in particular to power a starter motor of an internal combustion engine. The energy storage device 1 has at least one energy storage element 2, a data generation unit 4 for recording operating parameters of the energy storage device 1, in particular of the energy storage element of the energy storage device 1, and for generating corresponding data, preferably in digital form, and a data transmission unit 6 for data transmission between the data generation unit 4 and an external data input / output device 9 in the form of a smartphone or an external signal generator (switch / button) or via the vehicle communication system via CAN or LIN bus, via which, for example, sufficiently reliable, redundant communication or shutdown can be ensured.

[0036] Furthermore, the energy storage device 1 has a housing 8, which is preferably made of CFRP. The housing can also be equipped with a cover 10. The at least one energy storage element 2, the data generation unit 4, and the data transmission unit 6 are preferably arranged within the housing 8, which is closed by the cover 10. The housing 8 can also have a base plate 12, which can also be made of CFRP. The base plate 12 can protrude beyond the housing side walls. The housing interior is equipped with a foam 14 in which the energy storage element 2 is accommodated.

[0037] Preferably, a plurality of energy storage elements 2 are provided, which are more preferably designed as lithium battery cells. The data generation unit 4 is designed, for example, as electronics in the form of a circuit board arranged between the energy storage elements 2 and a housing base, preferably between the housing base and a foam layer beneath the energy storage elements 2. The data transmission unit 6 is preferably designed as an NFC antenna and arranged on the inside of the cover 10. The data generation unit 4 and the data transmission unit 6 can be connected to one another by a cable arrangement 16.

[0038] Like the Figures 1 and 2can be removed, the energy storage device 1 has poles 18, via which an electrical connection can be established between the energy storage elements 2 and a power source and / or a power receiver. The poles 18 are arranged on an outer side of the cover 10. The cover 10 further has a pressure equalization valve 20, through which any excess pressure that may arise in the interior of the housing can be equalized. In addition, excess pressure caused by outgassing of the battery cells in the event of overload can be released effectively and in a controlled manner in order to effectively prevent the housing from bursting explosively. The pressure equalization is achieved via a membrane that is integrated in the housing cover. The membrane is designed in such a way that it dissolves at elevated temperatures >100°C and thus further increases the air throughput.

[0039] A symbol 22, which refers to the data transmission unit 6, can also be arranged on the outside of the cover 10. In particular, the symbol 22 can illustrate the technology of the respective data transmission unit 6, for example, symbolize NFC technology.

[0040] Figure 3shows an energy storage device 1 with a motor vehicle alternator connected to it as the power source 5. A disconnecting device 3 is provided between the energy storage device 1 and the alternator 24, which is designed to disconnect the energy storage device 1 from the power source 5, such as the alternator, and / or a power receiver 7, such as a starter motor (not shown here). The disconnecting device 3 is designed to interact with the data generation unit 4 and / or with the data input / output device 9 via the data transmission unit 6. Depending on received and / or transmitted data, the disconnecting device 3 can disconnect the energy storage element 2 from the power source 5 and / or the power receiver 7. The disconnecting device 3 can be arranged as an external periphery or within the housing 8 of the energy storage device 1.

[0041] Furthermore, a device 28 for generating a voltage drop, which is preferably designed as a diode, can be arranged between the energy storage device 1 and the alternator 5. Such a device 28 can protect the energy storage elements 2 from excessive supply by the alternator 5, in particular if the alternator 5 continuously supplies too much power.

[0042] Finally, a device 30 for detecting electrical currents can be arranged between the energy storage device 1 and the alternator 5, which allows conclusions to be drawn about the charging capacity. The device 28 and / or the device 30 can both be configured as part of the data generation unit 4 and arranged within the housing 8. Likewise, the device 28 and / or the device 30 can be configured as an external peripheral.

[0043] An energy storage device 1 as described above can be used particularly advantageously as a starter battery for motorsports. With an energy storage device 1 designed in this way, monitoring and / or checking of at least one energy storage element 2 can be carried out with little effort. By transmitting data between the data generation unit 4 and the data input / output device 9 via the data transmission unit 6, the monitoring and / or checking functionality can also be expanded with little effort, in particular, it can be individually adapted to the respective application. Since the alternator is controlled differently in the automotive sector (loop-through / not loop-through), a separately switchable positive pole for relevant vehicle peripherals (e.g.fuel pump or ECU), which can be located inside or outside the housing and can be switched wirelessly or via a wired signal.

[0044] Figure 6shows a schematic diagram of the structure and operation of the energy storage device 1. The components of the energy storage device 1 are represented within a dashed rectangle by rectangular symbols with corresponding reference numerals. The data flows between the components of the energy storage device 1 and the data input / output device 9 are symbolized by arrows with solid lines. Arrows with dash-dotted lines indicate the electrically conductive connections between the energy storage element 2 and the power source 5, such as the alternator of a vehicle, or the power receiver 7, such as the vehicle's starter motor.Integrated into the connection between the energy storage element 2 and the power source 5 is a switch 3d, designed as a high-performance MOSFET-based switch, which, as part of the isolating device 3, can be actuated by the control electronics to selectively disconnect or establish the connection between the energy storage element 2 and the power source 5. Likewise, a switch 3e, designed as a high-performance MOSFET-based switch, is located between the energy storage element 2 and the power receiver 7. This switch 3e, as part of the isolating device 3, can be actuated by the control electronics to selectively disconnect or establish the connection between the energy storage element 2 and the power receiver 7. Preferably, corresponding switches 3d, 3e are located between each energy storage cell or group / row of energy storage cells and the power source 5 or the power receiver 7.

[0045] Therefore, the energy storage device 1 according to the invention comprises, in addition to intelligent control electronics with integrated sensors, an innovative load switch in the form of the disconnecting device 3, which, via the switches 3d, 3e, enables the battery cells used to be actively separated in the charging and discharging directions and, in addition, to measure the effective current.

[0046] This circuit, referred to as a battery management system (BMS), is designed specifically for an energy storage element 2 configured as a starter battery, with the goal of ensuring that the battery cells used never operate outside the specified operating range. For this purpose, operating parameters such as voltage, current, temperature of the energy storage device 1 or individual energy storage cells or groups / rows of energy storage cells, as well as mechanical load, the gas atmosphere, or the location of the energy storage device 1 are recorded by the data generation unit 4 and converted into corresponding digital data. Furthermore, all threshold values can be freely programmed, so that the disconnect device can be adapted to the specific application or the behavior of the vehicle and its battery control.Furthermore, the data determined from the limit values measured during operation can be used to adaptively program the disconnect device or to teach it itself. Furthermore, the threshold values can be subsequently uploaded using a vehicle-specific characteristic curve, ensuring that the disconnect device corresponds to the existing battery control system. The data can be uploaded, for example, via CAN / LIN bus or wirelessly via Bluetooth using a smartphone / tablet.

[0047] This "smart car battery" includes the following components / features: 1.) Load switch or disconnecting device 3

[0048] The disconnect device 3 is a high-performance electronic switch based on MOSFET, which is designed for low voltages in the range of 9V to 16V and high currents up to 200 A continuous current and 1200A peak.

[0049] To keep heat generation as low as possible, the power currents are transmitted directly via preformed parts 3b in the form of stamped and bent parts made of copper or brass, without having to be routed via a standard circuit board 3a. The circuit consists of a combination of a standard two-layer circuit board 3a on which the control electronics are implemented and several preformed parts 3b that transmit the high current and connect the electronic switches (MOSFETs). This combination eliminates the need for special and expensive circuit board technology, such as thick-film circuit boards or copper inlays, and allows for extremely powerful switches to be realized very cost-effectively, small, and lightweight. 2.) Remote maintenance of energy storage device 1:

[0050] In an advantageous embodiment, the energy storage device 1 offers the user the possibility of reading out all sensor data acquired via the data generation unit 4 in real time or historically via the data transmission unit 6 in the form of, for example, a WLAN / Bluetooth interface by means of an application program ("app") installed on the data input / output device 9 (e.g., mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet) and, if necessary, also displaying it graphically.

[0051] This now makes it possible to carry out remote maintenance for all products in the field in order to effectively detect the following scenarios and initiate countermeasures or to inform the user, for example via SMS, before damage occurs: Incorrect use of energy storage device 1 (e.g. incorrect charger) Faulty vehicle peripherals (e.g. defective alternator regulator) Inadequate installation of energy storage device 1 (e.g. too close to the engine or exhaust system) Faulty battery cells (voltage drop or delta of the individual cells)

[0052] In addition, the energy storage device 1 is also capable of locking itself permanently (faulty cells) or temporarily (wrong charger) and sending a corresponding error code to the user's APP.

[0053] For example, if the data generation unit 4 detects a fault in the entire energy storage device 1 based on the recorded operating parameters of the energy storage device 1 or generates a corresponding data signal, a connection between the energy storage element 2 and a power source 5 and / or a connection between the energy storage element 2 and a power receiver 7 is / are selectively severed via the separation device 3. This "intelligent control" does not require any action by the user or interaction between the energy storage device 1 and the data input / output device 9. However, corresponding information can be output to the data input / output device 9 via the data transmission unit 6.

[0054] If, for example, the data generation unit 4 detects faulty energy storage cells based on the recorded operating parameters of the energy storage device 1 or generates a corresponding data signal, a connection between the faulty energy storage cell(s) and a power source 5 and / or a connection between the faulty energy storage cell(s) and a power receiver 7 is / are selectively severed via the separation device 3, while a connection between the functional energy storage cell(s) and the power source 5 and / or a connection between the functional energy storage cell(s) and the power receiver 7 is / are established or maintained.Even with this "intelligent control", no action by the user or interaction of the energy storage device 1 with the data input / output device 9 is required, although, of course, corresponding information can also be output to the data input / output device 9.

[0055] Furthermore, all energy storage devices 1 can be read out and activated / deactivated via the interface within a radius of approximately 10 m, for example via BLE - Bluetooth Low Energy - or even further depending on the type of Bluetooth performance, which can be advantageous, for example, when reading out multiple applications or vehicles. 3.) Anti-theft function via wireless interface

[0056] In this country, many vehicles are now stolen without any tools using so-called sniffers, in which the code of the radio remote control is scanned or simply broken into and started by someone else.

[0057] For example, a password-protected "immobilizer" can be activated via the data transmission unit 6 via the data input / output device 9. This function continuously supplies the vehicle's consumers / sensors with power when stationary, but disables them during the start-up process. The "immobilizer" can be activated or deactivated as required. 4.) Protective function against cold / heat

[0058] Unlike conventional automotive starter batteries, lithium-iron batteries generate their own heat field under load, allowing them to start reliably even at low temperatures if sufficient energy is extracted shortly before the start-up process. This energy can be extracted via loads in the vehicle's electrical system or internally via resistors.

[0059] Using the approach described above, the energy storage device 1 can be activated before (via APP) or when (via voltage peak at the central locking device) the vehicle is opened, so that full starting power is always available immediately after entry, even in winter - until then, for example, it is permanently blocked for high energy consumption (starting process).

[0060] This means that the battery cells will be subjected to significantly less stress at low temperatures (< 10°C) than without prior heating, which increases the service life / number of cycles.

[0061] Likewise, it can effectively protect against heat or overheating or switch off, which prevents a "thermal runaway" (a common application of a BMS for storage batteries). 5.) Overload protection function

[0062] An integrated fuse can actively protect the battery cells against short circuits (a common application of a BMS for storage batteries).

[0063] However, in the described embodiment of the energy storage device 1, the current measurement is used for diagnosis in order to additionally protect the battery cells from overload: a.) Continuous current too high (too many consumers or damage to the alternator) --> Disconnect due to increased measured value at the temperature sensor b.) Starting current too high (starter battery undersized or starter defective / stuck) --> Disconnect due to increased measured value in the current measurement 6.) Integrated current measurement

[0064] The current in both directions (in the charging direction, or from the power source 5 to the energy storage element 2, and in the discharging direction, or from the energy storage element 2 to the power receiver 7) can be recorded approximately in real time via the voltage drop across the circuits (MOSFETs) or, more precisely, via an additional measuring resistor (commonly referred to as a "shunt"). This in turn makes it possible to view the charge level of the battery cells at any time via the data input / output device 9. The exact charge level of the battery cells determined in this way (commonly referred to as "SOC" (State Of Charge)) provides information about the remaining capacity. Furthermore, the measuring resistor can be used to precisely determine the nominal current currently being drawn, as well as the quiescent current of the loads / vehicle peripherals active when stationary. This allows a sufficiently accurate remaining runtime or service life of the battery cells to be determined and output via the data transmission unit. 7.) Networking of energy storage devices 1 with each other

[0065] The existing units of the energy storage device 1 are designed for 12V or 16V systems, but can also be operated in series.

[0066] To ensure that all units in a network operate at the same level, they can actively communicate with each other via the respective data transmission units 6 and thus effectively detect errors.

[0067] In a more advanced application, for example, the starter battery of a motorhome can communicate with the energy storage device 1 and thus provide reserves as intelligently as possible. List of reference symbols

[0068] 1Energy storage device 2Energy storage element 3Isolating device 3aPCB 3bMolded part 3cBottom plate 3dSwitch (between energy storage element and power source) 3eSwitch (between energy storage element and power receiver) 4Data generation unit 5Power source 6Data transmission unit 7Power receiver 8Housing 9Data input / output device 10Cover 12Bottom plate 14Foam 16Cable assembly 18Poles 20Pressure equalization valve 22Symbol 28Device for generating a voltage drop 30Device for detecting electrical currents

Claims

1. Energy storage device (1), in particular for the starter of an internal combustion engine, comprising: at least one energy storage element (2), a data generating unit (4) for acquiring operating parameters of said energy storage element (2) of said energy storage device (1) and generating corresponding data, where said operating parameters of said energy storage element (2) include at least the electrical current and / or the electrical voltage of said energy storage element (2), at least one separating device (3) for reversibly separating an electrically conductive connection between said energy storage element (2) and a power source (5) and / or an electrically conductive connection between said energy storage element (2) and a power receiver (7), and a data transmitting unit (6) for transmitting data between said data generating unit (4) and a data input / output device (9) and between said data input / output device (9) and said separating device (3), where said data input / output device (9) is a smartphone, a tablet or an on-board computer of a vehicle with a screen and input elements, where said separating device (3) can be actuated both depending on data which is transmitted directly from said data generating unit (4) to said separating device (3) and depending on data which is transmitted from said data transmitting unit (6) to said separating device (3), and said data input / output device (9) is configured read the operational parameters generated by said data generating device (4), wherein said energy storage device (1) has a weight in the range from 0.5 to 5 kg, a capacity in the range from 30 to 1000 Wh and a nominal voltage in the range from 5 to 24 V, wherein said energy storage element (2) is accommodated in a casing (8), where pressure equalization in said casing (8) is realized by way of a membrane integrated into a casing cover, where said membrane is configured such that it opens or disintegrates at a temperature above 100 °C and thus additionally increases the air throughput.

2. Energy storage device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said energy storage device (1) comprises the following feature: Said energy storage device (1) generates a maximum discharge current in the range from 200 to 2000 A.

3. Energy storage device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said energy storage element (2) comprises the following feature: Said energy storage element (2) comprises one or more energy storage cells.

4. Energy storage device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said separating device (3) comprises the following feature: Said separating device (3) comprises at least one electronic switch (3d, 3e) for reversibly separating an electrically conductive connection between said energy storage element (2) and a power source (5) and / or an electrically conductive connection between said energy storage element (2) and a power receiver (7).

5. Energy storage device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said data generating unit (4) comprises the following feature: Said data generating unit (4) is configured to acquire at least one of the following operating parameters of said energy storage device (1) and to generate corresponding data: i. The temperature of said energy storage element (2). ii. The pressure within or in the environment of said energy storage device (1). iii. The moisture within or in the environment of said energy storage device (1). iv. The gas composition within or in the environment of said energy storage device (1). v. Acceleration of said energy storage device (1). vi. Location of said energy storage device (1).

6. Energy storage device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said data transmitting unit (6) comprises the following feature: Said data transmitting unit (6) is configured for contactless signal and / or energy transmission.

7. Energy storage device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said data generating unit (4) is arranged between said energy storage element (2) and a casing wall.

8. Energy storage device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said separating device (3) is formed separately from said energy storage element (2) and / or is arranged spaced from said energy storage element (2) and / or where said separating device (3) is integrated into said energy storage device (1).

9. Motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine, a starter and an energy storage device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Monitoring system with at least one energy storage device (1) according to claim 1 to 8 and a data input / output device (9) for data exchange with said data generating unit (6) of said energy storage device (1).

11. Use of an energy storage device according to one of claims 1 to 8 as energy storage device for motor vehicles.