Method for component monitoring for a vehicle, in particular a utility vehicle, computer program and / or computer-readable medium, control device and vehicle, in particular a utility vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for component monitoring for a vehicle (200a), in particular a utility vehicle (200b), comprising a fuel cell system (210) having continuous-flow machine (215) with a component (217), and a control device (250) for controlling the continuous-flow machine (215), wherein the method (100) comprises the following steps: detecting (110) sensor data (220) relating to the component (217) using a sensor device (216); determining (120) a comparison variable (221) using the control device (250), taking the sensor data (220) into account; comparing (130) the sensor data (220) with the comparison variable (221) and determining (130') an event variable (222) that can be characterised by the sensor data (220) and relating to the component (217) based on the comparison (130); and outputting (140) the event variable (222) according to the event variable (222).

Description

[0001] Method for component monitoring for a vehicle, in particular commercial vehicle, computer program and / or computer-readable medium, control unit and vehicle, in particular commercial vehicle

[0002] The invention relates to a method for component monitoring for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, comprising a fuel cell system having a turbomachine with a component and a control unit for controlling the turbomachine. The invention also relates to a computer program and / or computer-readable medium, a control unit for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, for controlling a turbomachine of a fuel cell system, and a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, comprising a fuel cell system having a turbomachine, a sensor device, and a control unit.

[0003] Monitoring components of a vehicle, particularly a commercial vehicle, is known in the art. For example, monitoring involves acquiring, recording, processing, evaluating, and / or outputting data using a sensor. Monitoring can be performed by a control unit of a vehicle, particularly a commercial vehicle.

[0004] Furthermore, so-called fleet management systems (FMS) are known from the prior art. In these systems, data for monitoring a component is transmitted to a server external to the vehicle, evaluated, and optionally, data is transmitted from the server to the vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle. Based on this data, the condition of the vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, can be monitored and / or its operation, in particular a commercial vehicle, can be regulated and / or improved.

[0005] With a fleet management system, it is possible to make route planning dependent on wear estimates, maintenance, and / or repairs of the vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle. US 9,056,556 B1 discloses a system and method for managing an energy storage system for a vehicle. The energy storage system may include a battery system for a vehicle, such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle. Vehicles may be in a group or fleet. The management system may be configured to use data and information available from data sources via a network or from instrumentation / sensors for vehicle systems.Data and information could be used in a system to manage the configuration and operation of the energy storage system and components, manage / control component inventory and usage / lifecycle, and / or be aggregated / analyzed in an analytics function for the system and components. Predictive control of the battery system can be implemented by a management system using data sources external to the vehicle.

[0006] However, components of the vehicle, especially commercial vehicles, can have different life and / or maintenance cycles and react with varying sensitivity to influences measurable by sensors, which can affect the performance and / or wear of the component.

[0007] In a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, with a fuel cell system, monitoring a cost-intensive component of the fuel cell system can be important for a vehicle operator and / or fleet operator for reliable and economical operation of the vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle.

[0008] Such fuel cell systems are known from the prior art. In these fuel cell systems, a compressor is used to draw in air, compress it, and feed it to a fuel cell inlet on the cathode side of the fuel cell to carry out the fuel cell reaction. The compressed mixture of substances passes through the stack(s) of the fuel cell system. The mixture of substances remaining after the reaction has completed exits as a gaseous fluid stream from a fuel cell outlet on the cathode side of the fuel cell assembly. This fluid stream typically still has an excess pressure compared to the ambient air and is therefore used in most fuel cell systems as a back pressure to influence the reactant balance in the fuel cell assembly and / or to drive an expander shaft of an expander.In the expander, the mixture of substances exiting the outlet side can be expanded to ambient pressure, and the energy delivered to the expander shaft is usually converted into electrical energy if the expander is connected to a generator.

[0009] The invention is therefore based on the object of enriching the state of the art and providing an improved method for component monitoring. In particular, the invention can solve the problem of reliably, specifically, and effectively monitoring a component of a fuel cell system.

[0010] This object is achieved by a method according to claim 1 and the subject matter according to the further independent claims. The subclaims specify preferred developments of the invention.

[0011] According to the invention, a method for component monitoring for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, is provided, comprising a fuel cell system having a turbomachine with a component and a control unit for controlling the turbomachine. The method comprises: acquiring sensor data relating to the component by a sensor device; determining a comparison variable by the control unit taking into account the sensor data; comparing the sensor data with the comparison variable and determining, based on the comparison, an event variable that can be characterized by the sensor data and relates to the component; and outputting the event variable as a function of the event variable.

[0012] The vehicle, especially a commercial vehicle, is referred to below as the "vehicle." It was recognized that a turbomachine, i.e., a compressor and / or an expander, is a cost-intensive component of the fuel cell system and thus of the vehicle. The method therefore proposes the targeted monitoring of the turbomachine or the component of the turbomachine.

[0013] The sensor device can comprise a sensor of the turbomachine and / or a sensor of the vehicle. This allows sensor data, for example an electrical current of a power electronics unit, an electrical voltage of the power electronics unit, an air humidity and / or water quantity in a stage of the turbomachine, a speed of a rotor, a coolant temperature, a pressure and / or a force on a bearing, to be recorded. The sensor data are representative of an actual state of the turbomachine measured by the sensor device or of the component of the turbomachine and / or of a quantity relevant to the operation of the turbomachine. The actual state of the turbomachine can be characterized, for example, by the speed of the rotor of the turbomachine.The relevant variables for the operation of the turbomachine can be, for example, an ambient temperature and / or an acceleration acting on the turbomachine and / or a pressure acting on a bearing of the turbomachine. Based on the sensor data, an influence on the operation and / or wear of the turbomachine can be determined.

[0014] For this purpose, the control unit determines the reference variable for comparing the reference variable with the sensor variable. The reference variable is a variable that characterizes the turbomachine and / or its operation under predetermined conditions. The reference variable corresponds, for example, to sensor data recorded under normal conditions. This makes the reference variable comparable with the sensor data. For example, the reference variable and the sensor data each contain a comparable temperature. The reference variable is determined by the control unit. For this purpose, the reference variable is stored in the control unit, for example.

[0015] The event size is determined by comparing the sensor data with the reference value. The event size characterizes the comparison between the actual state of the component and the reference value, for example, a normal condition. The event size thus provides information about an event affecting the component and / or its operation, leading to a deviation between the actual state according to the sensor data and the reference value according to the predetermined condition, for example, normal operation. The event size can include a difference between the reference value and the sensor data and / or depend on the difference.

[0016] The event size is output depending on the event size. It was recognized that not every possible event size indicates a negative impact on the component. Therefore, not every possible event size needs to be output.

[0017] The event size can be used to optimize the operating strategy and / or for maintenance of the turbomachine. At the same time, the targeted output of a predetermined event size provides a solution for how efficiently the event size can be output, for example, to transmit the intended or desired event sizes when storage space is limited and / or data rates are low.

[0018] The method preferably comprises storing the event size as a function of the event size. This allows the event sizes to be stored before outputting in order to output a plurality of event sizes simultaneously, for example, as needed and / or triggered by a request. Storing can also enable processing of the event size, for example, summing the event sizes to output a sum of the event sizes. This allows, for example, a summed value to be calculated that enables an estimate of the maintenance requirement.

[0019] Preferably, the storage is performed depending on a first predetermined threshold condition relating to the event size. This enables the event size to be output only if the event size carries relevant information. For example, the event size can be compared with a threshold value defining the first threshold condition. If the event size is greater than the threshold value, the first threshold condition is met and the event size is stored. Otherwise, if the event size is less than the threshold value, the first threshold condition is not met and the event size is not stored and, for example, discarded. The threshold condition can be predetermined by the manufacturer of the turbomachine in order to characterize a controlled operation of the turbomachine.

[0020] Preferably, the first predetermined threshold condition comprises a first threshold, wherein the first threshold is user-selectable. This allows a user of the turbomachine to optionally adjust the first threshold within a predetermined interval. This allows the turbomachine and the fuel cell system to be specifically tuned. By limiting the interval, excessive wear and / or damage to the turbomachine is avoided.

[0021] Preferably, the event size is discarded depending on a second predetermined threshold condition relating to the event size. This enables the event size to be output only if the event size carries relevant information. For example, the event size can be compared with a second threshold defining the second threshold condition. If the event size is smaller than the second threshold, the second threshold condition is met and the event size is discarded. Otherwise, if the event size is larger than the second threshold, the first threshold condition is not met and the event size is not discarded, i.e., for example, stored and / or further processed. The second threshold condition can be predetermined by the manufacturer of the turbomachine in order to characterize a controlled operation of the turbomachine. The second threshold can be equal to the first threshold.

[0022] Preferably, output occurs when a predetermined number of event variables is stored. Output can thus occur, for example, when a relevant number of event variables with relevant events has been determined. The number of event variables can be output together and / or optionally processed. The number can be predetermined, for example, by a memory capacity of the control unit. A ring buffer configured to store the number of events can thus be used. Output occurs when the number is reached. After output, the ring buffer can be deleted.

[0023] The method preferably comprises outputting a delete signal to delete the stored event variables. This allows the stored event variables to be deleted after output to free up memory in the control unit. For example, this allows the implementation of a ring buffer.

[0024] Preferably, the output occurs internally in the vehicle. In other words, the output occurs on a vehicle-side component. This makes it possible to regulate the turbomachine, the fuel cell system, and / or the vehicle in order to reduce further events that have a negative impact on the turbomachine. In other words, it is possible to adapt the operating strategy of an overall system comprising the turbomachine. For example, a haulage company uses several commercial vehicles with different fuel cell systems. Furthermore, the electrical energy storage devices of the commercial vehicles have different capacities, which can significantly influence the dynamics of the “commercial vehicle” system. The fuel cell system can evaluate the system dynamics as critical or non-critical for the components of the turbomachine using the output from the control unit.This allows the fuel cell system to be controlled in such a way that the occurrence of critical system dynamics is reduced. Optionally, the vehicle's control unit can output the information to a driver and / or vehicle user. Additionally or alternatively, the output is sent to an external server. This allows the output to be sent to a fleet management system.

[0025] The event variable preferably comprises component information for identifying the component and / or control information for controlling the component. The event variable can comprise multiple pieces of information. The event variable can comprise information relating to the event or the comparison. The event variable advantageously comprises the component information if the control unit monitors multiple components. Additionally or alternatively, the event variable comprises control information for initiating control of the turbomachine, the fuel cell system, and / or the vehicle.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the invention, a computer program and / or computer-readable medium is provided. The computer program and / or computer-readable medium comprises instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method described here and / or the steps of the method described here. The computer program and / or computer-readable medium may comprise instructions to perform steps of the method described as optional and / or advantageous in order to achieve a corresponding technical effect.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the invention, a control unit for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, is provided for controlling a turbomachine comprising a component of a fuel cell system. The control unit is configured to carry out the method described here. The control unit can be configured to carry out steps of the method described as optional and / or advantageous in order to achieve a corresponding technical effect. The control unit can be a control unit of the turbomachine. The control unit can thus be advantageously designed with regard to the turbomachine. The control unit can be a control unit of the fuel cell system with the turbomachine in order to acquire comprehensive information for operating the fuel cell system and to be able to advantageously regulate the fuel cell system.The control unit may be a control unit of the vehicle in order to collect comprehensive information on the operation of the vehicle and to be able to control the vehicle advantageously.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the invention, a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, is provided. The vehicle comprises a fuel cell system having a turbomachine, a sensor device, and the control unit described here. The vehicle and / or the control unit can be configured to perform steps of the method described as optional and / or advantageous in order to achieve a corresponding technical effect.

[0029] Further advantages and features of the invention as well as its technical effects emerge from the figures and the description of the preferred embodiments shown in the figures.

[0030] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a sequence of a method according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0031] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle 200a, in particular commercial vehicle 200b, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0032] The vehicle 200a, in particular the commercial vehicle 200b, is referred to below as the vehicle 200a, 200b. The vehicle 200a, 200b is, for example, a land vehicle or a watercraft.

[0033] The vehicle 200a, 200b has a fuel cell system 210, an energy storage device 260, and an electric drive 130. The fuel cell system 210 is configured to provide electrical energy 65 to the energy storage device 260. The energy storage device 260 is, for example, a rechargeable energy storage device 260 and serves as a buffer battery for buffering electrical energy 65. The energy storage device 260 is connected to the electric drive 230 to supply the electric drive 230 with electrical energy 65 so that the electric drive 230 can drive the vehicle 200a, 200b. In addition, the fuel cell system 210 is connected to the electric drive 230 for the direct provision of electrical energy 65.

[0034] The fuel cell system 210 comprises two turbomachines 215 and a fuel cell 10 with a cathode-side fuel cell inlet 11 and a cathode-side fuel cell outlet 13. One turbomachine 215 is designed as a compressor 75 and is fluidly connected to the fuel cell inlet 11 for supplying air to the fuel cell system 10. Another turbomachine 50 is designed as an expander 70 and is fluidly connected to the fuel cell outlet 13 for discharging an exhaust gas stream from the fuel cell system 10.

[0035] The compressor 75 has a component 217 of the turbomachine 215. The component 75 is, for example, a rotatably mounted impeller, a cooling arrangement, a bearing for supporting a shaft, and / or power electronics or an inverter. The expander 70 (not shown) also has such a component 217.

[0036] A sensor device 216 is provided for monitoring components 217. Sensor device 216 can be a sensor device 216 of the respective turbomachine 215, the fuel cell system 210, and / or the vehicle 200a, 200b. Sensor device 216 can be a combination of vehicle sensors and, for example, compressor sensors. Sensor device 216 is configured to acquire sensor data 220 relating to component 217. Sensor data 220 is, for example, an electrical current of power electronics, an electrical voltage of the power electronics, an air humidity and / or water quantity in a stage of one of the turbomachines 215, a rotational speed of a rotor, a coolant temperature, a pressure, and / or a force on a bearing. In an embodiment not shown, sensor device 216 has multiple and optionally different sensors to monitor multiple components 270.

[0037] According to Figure 1, a control unit 250 is provided for evaluating the sensor data 220. The control unit 250 comprises a processor 251 for processing information, a memory 252 for storing information, and a communication device 270. The control unit 250 can be a control unit 250 of the respective turbomachine 215 and / or of the vehicle 200a, 200b (not shown). In the embodiment shown, the control unit 250 is a control unit 250 of the fuel cell system 210 and is configured to transmit control information 228 to the fuel cell system 210. The control unit 250 is configured to receive and evaluate the sensor data 220. In particular, a comparison variable 221 for comparing 130 the sensor data 220 with the comparison variable 221 is stored in the memory 252. The comparison value 221 is stored in particular in a table, a so-called look-up table, in the memory 252.Processor 251 retrieves a corresponding comparison variable based on sensor data 220 in order to determine, through comparison 130, an event variable 222 that can be characterized by sensor data 220 and relates to component 217. To determine 130' event variable 222, control unit 250 compares comparison variable 221 with sensor data 220. The event variable may, for example, include a difference between comparison variable 221 and sensor data 220 and / or an indicator. For example, the indicator may indicate a deviation between comparison variable 221 and sensor data 220.

[0038] The event size 222 is stored as a function of the event size 222 (not shown). For this purpose, a first threshold condition 224 with a first threshold 226 defining the threshold condition 224 and, analogously, a second threshold condition 225 are stored in the memory 252. The storage 135 is performed when the event size 222 satisfies the first predetermined threshold condition 224. The event size 222 is discarded when the event size 222 satisfies a second predetermined threshold condition 225. In addition, a user can define one or more further threshold conditions and / or thresholds by input and / or programming in order to save and / or discard the event size 222.The stored event variables 222 can be processed and output. After output, the stored event variables 222 can be deleted to free up storage capacity and enable the storage of additional event variables 222 (ring buffer). This allows the user, a vehicle operator, and / or a fleet operator to specifically monitor events defined by the threshold conditions and / or threshold values.

[0039] For example, in order to provide an indication of the condition of the compressor 75, a service life and / or time counter can be used for power electronics. For a new compressor 75, the service life starts at 1 and is reduced by the output of the events stored in the memory 252, i.e., when the first threshold condition 224 is met. This means that initially, an event size 222 of 1 is stored for the power electronics. For each event, when the event size 222 is stored, the value is subtracted from the counter by a predetermined value, for example 0.02, which is representative of a reduction in the service life of the compressor 75, and the new counter is stored. This value can be read out either by reading the control unit 250 in a workshop and / or by a connection via the communication device 270 from the external server 300.This value cannot be overwritten and / or changed in order to provide reliable information about the service life. Even if the first threshold 225 is determined by the user, output occurs according to a manufacturer-specified threshold 225.

[0040] The communication device 270 is configured to output the event variable 222 to an external server 300. For this purpose, the communication device 270 can be configured for communication via a wireless local area network (WLAN) and / or via a mobile network, in particular 4G (LTE) and / or 5G. The event variable 222 includes component information 223 for identifying the component 217. The server 300 provides a fleet management system. This allows the status of the component 217 to be monitored. In an embodiment not shown, the server 300 sends information for control purposes to the communication device 270.

[0041] The communication device 270 is configured to output the event variable 222 with control information 228 for controlling the component 217 to the fuel cell system 210 within the vehicle. The control of the component 217 can be performed directly and / or indirectly by adjusting operating parameters of the fuel cell system 210.

[0042] The processor 251 is configured to initiate a deletion signal 227 for deleting the stored event variables 222 from the memory 252. This enables the memory 252 to store additional sensor data 220. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a sequence of a method 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The method 100 is a method 100 for component monitoring for a vehicle 200a, in particular a commercial vehicle 200b, with a fuel cell system 210 having a turbomachine 215 with a component 217 and a control unit 250 for controlling the turbomachine 215. Such a vehicle 200a, 200b is described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 2 is described with reference to Figure 1 and its description.

[0043] The method 100 comprises: detecting 110 sensor data 220 relating to the component 217 of the turbomachine 215 by a sensor device 216.

[0044] A comparison value 221 is determined 120 by the control unit 250 taking into account the sensor data 220.

[0045] A comparison 130 of the sensor data 220 with the comparison variable 221 takes place and a determination 130' of an event variable 222 that can be characterized by the sensor data 220 and relates to the component 217 is carried out on the basis of the comparison 130.

[0046] The event size 222 is stored 135 depending on the event size 222. The storage 135 is performed if the event size 222 satisfies a first predetermined threshold condition 224. The first predetermined threshold condition 224 includes a first threshold 226, wherein the first threshold 226 is user-selectable. The event size 222 is discarded if the event size 222 satisfies a second predetermined threshold condition 225.

[0047] The event size 222 is output 140 depending on the event size 222. The output 140 occurs when a predetermined number N of event sizes 222 is stored. The output 140 occurs internally within the vehicle and / or to a server 200 external to the vehicle. A deletion signal 227 is output 145 to delete the stored event sizes 222.

[0048] Reference symbol (part of the description)

[0049] 10 fuel cell

[0050] 11 Fuel cell inlet

[0051] 13 Fuel cell output

[0052] 65 electric current

[0053] 70 expanders

[0054] 75 compressor

[0055] 100 procedures

[0056] 110 Capture

[0057] 120 Determining a comparison value

[0058] 130 Compare

[0059] 130' Determining an event size

[0060] 140 Outputting the event size

[0061] 145 Outputting a delete signal

[0062] 200a vehicle

[0063] 200b commercial vehicle

[0064] 210 fuel cell system

[0065] 215 Turbomachine

[0066] 216 Sensor device

[0067] 217 Component

[0068] 220 sensor data

[0069] 221 Comparison size

[0070] 222 Negative event

[0071] 223 Component information

[0072] 224 first threshold condition

[0073] 225 second threshold condition

[0074] 226 first threshold

[0075] 227 extinguishing signal

[0076] 228 Rule information

[0077] 250 Control unit 251 Processor

[0078] 252 memory

[0079] 230 electric drive

[0080] 260 Energy storage device

[0081] 270 Communication device

[0082] 300 servers

[0083] N number

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method (100) for component monitoring for a vehicle (200a), in particular a commercial vehicle (200b), with a fuel cell system (210) having a turbomachine (215) with a component (217) and a control unit (250) for controlling the turbomachine (215), the method (100) comprising: - detecting (110) sensor data (220) relating to the component (217) by a sensor device (216); - determining (120) a comparison variable (221) by the control unit (250) taking into account the sensor data (220); - comparing (130) the sensor data (220) with the comparison variable (221) and determining (130') an event variable (222) that can be characterized by the sensor data (220) and that relates to the component (217) based on the comparison (130); and - Outputting (140) the event size (222) depending on the event size (222).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method (100) comprises: - Storing (135) the event size (222) depending on the event size (222).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the storing (135) is carried out in dependence on a first predetermined threshold condition (224) relating to the event size (222).

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the first predetermined threshold condition (224) comprises a first threshold (226), wherein the first threshold (226) is user-selectable.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the event size (222) is discarded as a function of a second predetermined threshold condition (225) relating to the event size (222).

6. Method according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the outputting (140) occurs when a predetermined number (N) of event variables (222) is stored.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the method (100) comprises: - Outputting (145) a deletion signal (227) for deleting the stored event variables (222).

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the output (140) takes place internally in the vehicle and / or to a server (200) external to the vehicle.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the event variable (222) comprises component information (223) for identifying the component (217) and / or control information (228) for controlling the component (217).

10. Computer program and / or computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when the program or instructions are executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method (100) and / or the steps of the method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Control unit (250) for a vehicle (200a), in particular a commercial vehicle (200b), for controlling a turbomachine (215) of a fuel cell system (210) comprising a component (217), wherein the control unit (250) is configured to carry out the method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

12. Vehicle (200a), in particular commercial vehicle (200b), with a fuel cell system (210) having a turbomachine (215), a sensor device (216) and a control unit (250) according to claim 11. REVISED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP

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