Energy consumption management system for an electric vehicle, vehicle and associated method

Abstract

System for managing the energy consumption of an electric vehicle, associated vehicle and method The present invention relates to a system for managing the energy consumption of an electric vehicle during a journey, the system comprising: - an energy allocation module configured to calculate and allocate to each of the zones of the vehicle a maximum quantity of energy for the zone for the journey, each maximum quantity of energy being calculated as a function of a total quantity of energy available at the start of the journey, an estimated quantity of energy necessary for the completion of the journey, and a key for distributing the energy between the zones, - for each zone, a zone energy tracking module configured to: * track the quantity of energy consumed in said zone and * when the monitored quantity of consumed energy reaches the maximum quantity of energy allocated to said zone,apply a restriction on further energy consumption in said area. Figure for abstract: 1,

Description

Title of the invention: System for managing the energy consumption of an electric vehicle, associated vehicle and method

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for managing the energy consumption of an electric vehicle during a journey; the vehicle comprising an electrical power supply device capable of powering an electric motor for driving drive wheels, at least two zones, each zone being occupied by an occupant during the journey and comprising at least one energy consuming system capable of being powered by the electrical power supply device, and such a management system.

[0002] Indeed, in addition to the electric motor, the power supply device supplies all of the energy-consuming systems arranged at the level of each occupant. Each energy-consuming system is, for example, a heating device, a multimedia device, an electronic device charging device, a lighting device, and / or a seat massage device.

[0003] The energy consumption of these systems reduces the amount of energy available for completing the journey and thus increases the risk of not having enough energy available to power the electric motor until the end of the journey.

[0004] For this purpose, it is known to have a central control system allowing the driver to control all of the energy-consuming systems and to monitor the energy consumption of the vehicle.

[0005] However, such a system does not give complete satisfaction.

[0006] Indeed, with such a system, only the driver of the vehicle is responsible for the energy consumption during the journey and must ensure that there is enough energy until the end of the journey.

[0007] The aim of the invention is then to propose an energy consumption management system allowing better energy management during the journey.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a system for managing the energy consumption of an electric vehicle during a journey, the system being intended to be mounted on the vehicle, the electric vehicle comprising an electrical power supply device, an electric motor and drive wheels, the electrical power supply device being capable of powering the electric motor to drive the drive wheels, the vehicle comprising at least two distinct zones, each zone being occupied by at least one occupant during the journey and comprising at least one energy-consuming system capable of being powered by the electrical power supply device, the zones corresponding to a driver zone occupied by a driver and at least one passenger area occupied by at least one passenger,

[0009] the system comprising:

[0010] - a configured energy allocation module:

[0011] * to determine a total quantity of available energy suitable for being supplied by the electric vehicle power supply device at the start of the journey;

[0012] * to estimate the amount of energy required by the electric motor for the rea route planning, and

[0013] * to calculate and allocate to each zone a maximum quantity of energy specific to be provided by the power supply device for the area for the journey, each maximum amount of energy being calculated based on the total amount of energy available, the estimated amount of energy required to complete the journey, and a key for distributing the energy between the areas,

[0014] - for each zone, a zone energy monitoring module configured to:

[0015] * monitor the amount of energy consumed in said area, by all of the energy-consuming systems in the area, over time during said journey; and

[0016] * when the quantity of energy consumed followed, since the start of the journey, reaches the maximum amount of energy allocated to said area, apply a restriction on further energy consumption in said area.

[0017] According to different embodiments, the energy consumption management system comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0018] - each zone energy tracking module is further configured to optimize the energy consumption of the zone over time during said journey, so that an optimization criterion is met, the optimization criterion being met if a predictive change in energy consumption in the zone remains lower than the maximum amount of energy allocated to said zone;

[0019] - the energy allocation module is configured to identify the corresponding zone to the driver zone and to identify the zones corresponding to the passenger zones, the energy distribution key depending on the driver or passenger characteristics of the zones, preferably so that the maximum amount of energy allocated to the driver zone is greater than the maximum amount of energy allocated to each passenger zone;

[0020] - each zone energy monitoring module is configured to issue an alert, at destination of the occupant of the zone, if the difference between the maximum amount of energy allocated to the zone and the amount of energy consumed tracked in the zone since the start of the journey is less than a predefined threshold;

[0021] - the system further comprises an energy transfer module configured to reduce the maximum amount of energy allocated to a first of said zones by a amount of energy to be transferred and to increase the maximum amount of energy allocated to a second of said zones by said amount of energy to be transferred;

[0022] - the energy allocation module is configured to re-estimate, during the journey, the quantity of energy required to complete the journey, and to recalculate and allocate to each zone, an updated maximum quantity of energy based on the total quantity of energy available, the re-estimated quantity of energy required for the journey, and the energy distribution key;

[0023] - the energy allocation module is configured to obtain, for each zone, a profile of the occupant of the area, the profile obtained comprising at least one piece of identity data of the occupant and preferably further comprising a history of management of the energy consumption of the occupant during previous journey(s) of the vehicle, the energy distribution key depending on the profiles obtained;

[0024] - the system comprises a central system of the vehicle, the central system comprising an occupant profile database and being configured to acquire, for each zone, an occupant identification characteristic, to search the acquired identification characteristic in the database, and to deduce therefrom the occupant profile of the zone, the energy allocation module being connected to the central system of the vehicle and being able to obtain the occupant profile by communication with the central system.

[0025] The invention also relates to an electric vehicle capable of making a journey, the vehicle comprising:

[0026] - an electric motor;

[0027] - drive wheels;

[0028] - an electrical power supply device suitable for powering the electric motor for drive the drive wheels;

[0029] - at least two zones, each zone being occupied by an occupant during the journey and comprising at least one energy consuming system capable of being powered by the electrical power supply device, the zones corresponding to a driver zone occupied by a driver and to at least one passenger zone occupied by a passenger; and

[0030] - an energy consumption management system as described above.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the vehicle optionally comprises the following characteristic: each energy consuming system is chosen from the group comprising: an individual zone heating device, an individual zone ventilation device, a multimedia device, an electronic device charging device, an individual zone lighting device, and / or a zone seat massage device.

[0032] The invention also relates to a method for managing consumption. energy consumption of an electric vehicle during a journey, the method being implemented by the energy consumption management system as defined above, the electric vehicle comprising an electrical power supply device, an electric motor and drive wheels, the electrical power supply device being capable of powering the electric motor to drive the drive wheels, the vehicle comprising at least two distinct zones, each zone being occupied by an occupant during the journey and comprising at least one energy consuming system capable of being powered by the electrical power supply device, the zones corresponding to a driver zone occupied by a driver and at least one passenger zone occupied by a passenger, the method comprising an allocation step comprising:

[0033] - the determination of a total quantity of available energy suitable for being supplied by the electric vehicle's power supply device until the end of the journey;

[0034] - the estimation of a quantity of energy necessary for the electric motor for the rea route planning;

[0035] - the calculation and allocation to each zone of a maximum quantity of energy specific to be provided by the power supply device for the area for the journey, each maximum amount of energy being calculated based on the total amount of energy available, the estimated amount of energy required to complete the journey, and a key for distributing the energy between the areas;

[0036] the method further comprising, for each zone, a step of monitoring the zone comprising:

[0037] - monitoring the quantity of energy consumed in said zone, by all of the energy-consuming systems, over time during said journey; and

[0038] - applying a restriction on subsequent energy consumption in said zone, when the quantity of energy consumed monitored, since the start of the journey, reaches the maximum quantity of energy allocated to said zone.

[0039] The invention also relates to a computer program comprising software instructions which, when executed by a computer, implement a management assistance method, as defined above.

[0040] The invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0041] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of an electric vehicle comprising several distinct zones and a vehicle energy consumption management system; and

[0042] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a flowchart of a consumption management process energy of the vehicle of [Fig.l], the process being implemented by the system of energy consumption management.

[0043] An example of a vehicle 10 according to the invention is illustrated in [Fig.l], the illustrated vehicle 10 being a car.

[0044] More broadly, those skilled in the art will understand that the vehicle 10 is understood in the broad sense as a vehicle 10 allowing a driver, also called a pilot, as well as in addition one or more passengers, to move. The vehicle 10 is then typically chosen from the group consisting of: a motor vehicle, such as a car, a bus or a truck; and a railway vehicle, such as a train or a tram.

[0045] The vehicle 10 is capable of making at least one journey between a starting point and an arrival point.

[0046] The vehicle 10 comprises an electric motor 16, drive wheels 18 and an electrical power supply device 20.

[0047] The vehicle 10 also comprises, for example, non-driven wheels.

[0048] In [Fig.l], an electric vehicle 10 comprises at least two distinct zones 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D and an energy consumption management system 14.

[0049] As an optional addition, the vehicle 10 also comprises at least one central energy consuming system. Each central energy consuming system is configured to implement a function affecting all of the occupants of the vehicle 10, such as for example a central heating device, a central ventilation device or a radio.

[0050] Each drive wheel 18 designates a wheel which receives the power from the electric motor 16 to allow the vehicle 10 to move on the land or railway track.

[0051] In the example of [Fig.l], the vehicle 10 comprises two drive wheels 18 located at the front of the vehicle 10 and on either side of the vehicle 10.

[0052] Here and in the remainder of the description, the terms “front” and “rear” are defined according to the direction of movement of the vehicle.

[0053] In the example of [Fig.l], the vehicle 10 further comprises two non-driven wheels (not shown) located at the rear of the vehicle 10 and on either side of the vehicle 10.

[0054] The electric motor 16 corresponds to an electromechanical device configured to convert electrical energy supplied by the power supply device 20 into power for rotating the drive wheels 18.

[0055] The power of the electric motor is preferably greater than or equal to 15 kW.

[0056] The electrical power supply device 20 is suitable for powering the electric motor 16 to drive the drive wheels 18.

[0057] The power supply device 20 typically comprises a battery 22. For example, battery 22 is arranged under a rear passenger seat. For example, battery 22 is a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery.

[0058] The capacity of the power supply device 20 is preferably greater than or equal to 40 kWh.

[0059] For example, the power supply device 20 further comprises a charging socket intended to be connected to an external charging device for charging the battery 22.

[0060] In addition, the power supply device 20 comprises, for example, a converter, an auxiliary battery and / or an inverter.

[0061] In addition or alternatively, the power supply device 20 comprises a fuel cell or any other source of electrical energy.

[0062] The power supply device 20 is connected to the energy consumption management system 14.

[0063] In the example of [Fig.l], the vehicle 10 comprises four distinct zones 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D typically corresponding to four seats of the vehicle 10. The definition of the distinct zones 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D is not limited to the respective seats of a vehicle but represents, for example, a row of seats or a free space.

[0064] The zones 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D are distinct from one another, and are therefore not superimposed on one another. The zones 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D are preferably disjointed from one another. The zones 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D are advantageously adjacent to one another to form overall a total zone corresponding substantially at least to the interior of the vehicle 10.

[0065] In the example of [Fig.l], each zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D is occupied by an occupant during the journey.

[0066] Alternatively, in the case where a zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D comprises several seats or places, the occupant is optionally a group comprising several people.

[0067] Each zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D corresponds to a driver zone 12A occupied by a driver and to at least one passenger zone 12B, 12C, 12D occupied by at least one passenger, preferably occupied by a single passenger.

[0068] In the example of [Fig.l], the vehicle 10 has three passenger zones 12B, 12C, 12D. Each passenger zone 12B, 12C, 12D is occupied by a single passenger.

[0069] Alternatively, a passenger zone 12B, 12C, 12D is occupied by several passengers.

[0070] Each zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D comprises at least one energy consuming system 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F capable of being powered by the electrical power supply device 20.

[0071] Each zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D also comprises at least one control device 26 configured to control each energy consuming system 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F of the respective zone.

[0072] Preferably, each zone also comprises a display device 27. The display device 27 comprises a screen. For example, the screen of the display device 27 of each area of ​​the rear row is fixed to the back of the front seats and, the screen of the display device 27 of each area of ​​the front row is fixed on a center console.

[0073] Each zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D preferably comprises at least two, advantageously at least three, better still at least four, even better still at least five energy consuming systems 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F, each capable of being powered by the electrical power supply device 20.

[0074] In the example of [Fig.l], each zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D comprises six energy consuming systems 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F.

[0075] Preferably, the zones comprise the same number and the same energy consuming systems 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F.

[0076] Alternatively, the energy consuming systems 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F included in each zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D are different from one zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D to another.

[0077] Each energy consuming system 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F has at least two operating modes, preferably at least three operating modes.

[0078] At least one of the operating modes corresponds to an off mode in which the energy consuming system 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F is not operational, the energy consumption of the energy consuming system 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F then being zero over time.

[0079] Preferably, at least one of the operating modes corresponds to a nominal mode, in which the energy consuming system 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F is nominally operational and implements a function, the energy consuming system consuming energy over time to implement the function.

[0080] Preferably, at least one of the operating modes corresponds to a degraded mode, in which the energy consuming system 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F is operational and implements a function in a degraded manner, the energy consuming system consuming energy over time to implement the function in a degraded manner. The energy consuming system 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F consumes more energy in the nominal mode than in the degraded mode.

[0081] At least one of the energy consuming systems 24A is for example an individual heating device for the zone. The function implemented is then the individual heating of the zone. The individual heating device for the zone 24A comprises for example a heated seat, a heated steering wheel and / or a device for heating and air conditioning of ambient air.

[0082] At least one of the energy-consuming systems 24B is, for example, an individual ventilation device for the zone. The function implemented is then the individual ventilation of the zone.

[0083] At least one of the energy-consuming systems 24C is, for example, a multimedia device. The function implemented is, for example, the broadcasting of at least one multimedia content.

[0084] The multimedia device 24C comprises for example a speaker, such as a speaker integrated into a seat 14 or even into a rising trim, jack, USB-C or HDMI connectors.

[0085] The degraded operating mode for the multimedia device 24C then comprises, for example, a reduced volume of the sound broadcast by the multimedia device 24C.

[0086] Alternatively, the multimedia device 24C is a screen broadcasting infotainment content. The multimedia device 24C is for example included in the display device 27. The degraded operating mode for the multimedia device then comprises for example reduced brightness of the screen.

[0087] The 24C multimedia devices are for example connected to a communication system. The connection is a physical connection, for example wired; or a wireless connection, for example radioelectric.

[0088] At least one of the energy-consuming systems 24D is, for example, an electronic device charging device. The implemented function is, for example, the charging of an electronic device.

[0089] The 24D electronic device charging device comprises, for example, a USB connector, a cigarette lighter and / or a power outlet.

[0090] At least one of the energy-consuming systems 24E is, for example, an individual lighting device for the area. The implemented function is, for example, the lighting of at least one region of the area. The degraded operating mode for the individual lighting device then comprises, for example, reduced lighting brightness.

[0091] At least one of the energy-consuming systems 24F is, for example, a seat massage device for the zone. The function implemented is, for example, the performance of a massage for the occupant of the zone.

[0092] Any other energy-consuming system is conceivable within the scope of the invention.

[0093] The control device 26 of each zone is configured to control the operating mode of each energy consuming system 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F of the zone.

[0094] The control device 26 of each zone comprises for example a screen touch screen allowing the occupant of the respective zone to control each energy consuming system 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F of the zone. For example, the control device 26 is for example included in the display device 27, the screen of the control device 26 and the display device 27 then being identical.

[0095] Alternatively, the control device 26 comprises, for example, a plurality of control members. Each control member is associated respectively with one of the energy-consuming systems 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F. For example, the control device 26 comprises a wheel for adjusting the temperature of the heating device 24A and / or a switch for activating the lighting device 24E.

[0096] Alternatively, each control device 26 includes a voice control system configured to control each energy consuming system 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F based on instructions spoken aloud by the occupant.

[0097] The energy consumption management system 14 is connected to each zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D. For example, the energy consumption management system 14 is connected to the control device 26 of each zone.

[0098] The energy consumption management system 14 comprises an energy allocation module 28, and for each zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, a zone energy monitoring module 30A, 30B, 30C and 30D.

[0099] Preferably, the energy consumption management system 14 further comprises an energy transfer module 32.

[0100] In the example of [Fig. 1], the energy consumption management system 14 comprises a processing unit 34 comprising for example a memory 36 and a processor 38 associated with the memory 36.

[0101] In the example of [Fig.l], the energy allocation module 28, each zone energy monitoring module 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, and the energy transfer module 32 are each produced in the form of software, or a software brick, stored in the memory 36 and executable by the processor 38.

[0102] When the energy consumption management system 14 is implemented in the form of one or more software programs, i.e. in the form of a computer program, it is also capable of being recorded on a medium, not shown, that is readable by a computer. The computer-readable medium is, for example, a medium capable of storing electronic instructions and of being coupled to a bus of a computer system. The computer program comprising software instructions is then stored on the readable medium.

[0103] For example, each of said medium and / or memory 36 is a disk optical, magneto-optical disk, ROM memory, RAM memory, any type of non-volatile memory (e.g. EPROM, EEPROM, FLASH, NVRAM), magnetic card or optical card.

[0104] In a variant not shown, the energy allocation module 28, each zone energy tracking module 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, and the energy transfer module 32 are each produced in the form of a programmable logic component, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or in the form of a dedicated integrated circuit, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0105] The energy allocation module 28 is configured to determine a total quantity of energy PO capable of being supplied by the electrical power supply device 20 of the vehicle 10 at the start of the journey, also called the “capacity” of the vehicle.

[0106] The total amount of PO energy is typically between 40 kWh and 100 kWh.

[0107] The energy allocation module 28 is further configured to estimate the quantity of energy PI required by the electric motor 16 to complete the journey.

[0108] In other words, the estimated quantity of energy PI corresponds for example to the quantity of energy which would be consumed during the journey if no energy consuming system 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F is activated during the entire journey.

[0109] For this purpose, the energy allocation module 28 is for example connected to a navigation system which is configured to take as input information characteristic of the journey. The energy allocation module 28 is then configured to estimate the quantity of energy PI required by the electric motor 16 for the completion of the journey, based on a route determined by the navigation system from the information characteristic of the journey and for example from a geographical map stored in the memory 36. The information characteristic of the journey includes for example the starting point, the arrival point, the weather and / or journey options. The journey options make it possible for example to determine whether the journey passes through at least one portion of motorway.

[0110] The characteristic information of the journey is for example defined by the driver of the vehicle 10 via the control device 26 of the driver zone 12A.

[0111] Alternatively, the characteristic information of the journey is for example defined by the driver of the vehicle 10 via an external device connected to the vehicle 10 such as a telephone.

[0112] The navigation system is for example integrated into the energy consumption management system 14 of the vehicle 10 or integrated into an external device connected to the vehicle 10 such as a telephone.

[0113] The estimated energy quantity PI depends mainly on the number of kilometers separating the starting point and the arrival point of the journey. For example, the estimated energy quantity PI corresponds to a relationship between an average consumption per kilometer of the vehicle 10 and the number of kilometers separating the starting point and the arrival point of the journey.

[0114] The average consumption of the vehicle 10 is typically between 10 kWh and 25 kWh per 100 km.

[0115] As an optional addition, the energy allocation module 28 is configured to issue an alert, for example to the driver, if the estimated quantity of energy PI is greater than the total quantity of energy PO.

[0116] Indeed, if the estimated quantity of energy PI is greater than the total quantity of energy PO, the journey cannot be completed without recharging the electrical power supply device 20.

[0117] The alert is for example transmitted to the driver via the display device 27 of the driver zone 12A using a predefined graphic element.

[0118] The energy allocation module 28 is further configured to calculate and allocate to each zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D a maximum quantity of energy suitable for being supplied by the electrical power supply device 20 for the zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D for the journey.

[0119] The maximum amount of energy allocated to a zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D corresponds to the amount of energy consumed by the energy consuming systems 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F of said zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D during the entire journey.

[0120] Each maximum amount of energy is calculated as a function of the total amount of available energy PO, the estimated amount of energy required to complete the path PI, and a key for distributing the energy between the zones 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the energy allocation module 28 is for example configured to determine a quantity of energy to be distributed P2 between all of the zones 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D for the journey, the quantity of energy to be distributed P2 satisfying the equation:

[0122] P2 = PO-P1

[0123] Alternatively, the quantity of energy to be distributed P2 also depends on a safety margin P3. The safety margin P3 makes it possible to ensure that even if the entire quantity of energy to be distributed P2 is consumed, the power supply device 20 still has a sufficient energy reserve. The quantity of energy to be distributed P2 then satisfies the equation:

[0124] P2 = PO-P1-P3

[0125] Alternatively, the safety margin P3 corresponds to an estimate of the quantity of energy consumed by each central energy consuming system.

[0126] The energy allocation module 28 is also configured to distribute the quantity of energy to be distributed P2 between the zones 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D according to the energy distribution key.

[0127] The energy distribution key depends on input parameters and determines a distribution function of the quantity of energy to be distributed P2 depending on said input parameters.

[0128] As explained in more detail below, the energy distribution key may depend on input parameters including the number of zones occupied by occupants, whether the zones are drivers or passengers, the occupant profile, the occupant's energy consumption management history, and / or the driver's possible eco-driving.

[0129] The energy distribution key depends for example on the number of occupied zones 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D. Said number then forms one of the input parameters of the energy distribution key.

[0130] For example, the energy distribution key is such that each maximum amount of energy allocated is equal to the ratio between the amount of energy available P2 and the number of zones 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D occupied.

[0131] According to a preferred embodiment, the energy allocation module is configured to identify the zone corresponding to the driver zone 12A and to identify the zones corresponding to the passenger zones 12B, 12C, 12D. The driver or passenger characters of the zones then form one of the input parameters of the distribution key.

[0132] Preferably, the energy distribution key is such that the maximum amount of energy allocated to the driver zone 12A is greater than the maximum amount of energy allocated to each passenger zone 12B, 12C, 12D. Thus, the driver has more energy for the journey than the passengers.

[0133] According to a preferred embodiment, the energy allocation module 28 is further configured to obtain, for each zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, a profile of the occupant of the zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D. Each profile obtained then forms one of the input parameters of the energy distribution key.

[0134] The profile obtained includes at least one piece of identity data of the occupant.

[0135] The energy distribution key thus depends on this identity data, the quantity maximum energy allocated to the zone then depending on this identity data.

[0136] For example, the energy allocation module 28 is connected to a central system of the vehicle and is then able to obtain the profile of the occupant by communication with the central system.

[0137] The central system of the vehicle comprises in this example a database of occupant profiles stored in a memory. The central system is then configured to acquire, for each zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, an identification characteristic of the occupant and to search for the acquired identification characteristic in the database to deduce the profile of the occupant of the zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D.

[0138] The occupant identification characteristic is for example acquired by manual entry on a human-machine interface. For example, each occupant enters his or her name on the human-machine interface, the entered name forming the identification characteristic. The human-machine interface is for example included in the control device 26 of each zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D.

[0139] Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle 10 comprises a facial and / or voice recognition device connected to the energy allocation module 28. The facial and / or voice recognition device comprises, for example, a camera and / or a microphone and a facial and / or voice recognition module capable of identifying the occupants of the vehicle 10. The central system is then configured to acquire the identification characteristic of the occupant via the facial and / or voice recognition device.

[0140] Alternatively or additionally, the occupant identification characteristic is acquired by recognizing and locating a personal mobile phone of the occupant. The central system is then configured to connect to the personal mobile phone of each occupant, determine their position in the vehicle 10, in other words the zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D where they are located, and deduce the identification characteristic therefrom. The connection is a physical connection, for example wired; or a wireless connection, for example a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection.

[0141] Preferably, the profile obtained from the occupant further comprises a history of management of the energy consumption of the occupant during previous journey(s) of the vehicle 10. In other words, if an occupant has already made at least one journey of the vehicle 10, the history of management of the energy consumption of the occupant's profile comprises, for example, each quantity of energy allocated to him and each quantity of energy actually consumed by the occupant during the previous journey(s).

[0142] According to this aspect, the occupant's energy consumption management history then forms one of the input parameters of the energy distribution key. The energy distribution key is for example capable of allocating to an occupant, who has not reached his allocated amount of energy during previous journey(s), a greater amount of energy than the other occupants for the current journey.

[0143] Thus, an occupant who has previously saved energy is rewarded for the current journey by having more energy available for the current journey.

[0144] As an optional addition, for the driver zone 12A, the energy allocation module 28 is configured to determine eco-driving data indicating that the driver is adopting ecological driving. The profile obtained from the driver is then modified by the energy allocation module 28 to include said eco-driving data.

[0145] For example, the energy allocation module 28 is configured to determine that the driver is adopting ecological driving if for at least one previous journey, the total quantity of energy consumed by the electric motor 16 for carrying out said previous journey was less than the estimated quantity of energy required PI at the start of this previous journey.

[0146] By way of example, the total quantity of energy consumed by the electric motor 16 for carrying out said journey is typically less than the estimated quantity of energy required PI, if the driver reduces his speed, avoids sudden braking and restarting, etc.

[0147] Preferably, the eco-driving data then forms one of the input parameters of the energy distribution key. The energy distribution key is preferably such that the maximum amount of energy allocated to the driver zone 12A if the driver adopts ecological driving is greater than the maximum amount of energy allocated to the driver zone 12A if the driver does not adopt ecological driving.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the energy allocation module 28 is configured to re-estimate, during the journey, the quantity of energy PI' necessary to complete the journey.

[0149] Indeed, unforeseen events may lead to the modification of the route and / or of parameters influencing the consumption of the electric motor 16. By unforeseen event, we mean for example a closed road, a change in weather, and / or traffic jams.

[0150] The energy allocation module 28 is then configured to recalculate and allocate to each zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, an updated maximum quantity of energy.

[0151] For example, the energy allocation module 28 is configured to update each maximum amount of energy allocated periodically during the journey, at regular intervals. For example, the regular interval is expressed in distance traveled and is for example greater than or equal to 10 km traveled and / or less than or equal to 150 km. Alternatively, the regular interval is expressed in duration, and is for example greater than or equal to 30 min and / or less than or equal to 2 hours.

[0152] According to another example, the energy allocation module 28 is configured to update each maximum allocated energy quantity when a modification of the path is detected.

[0153] The updated maximum amount of energy is calculated based on the total amount of available energy PO, the re-estimated amount of energy required for the path PI', and the energy distribution key.

[0154] The updated maximum energy amount allocated of each zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D is either greater than the initial maximum energy amount or less than the initial maximum energy amount allocated.

[0155] Thus, all occupants are impacted by the update. For example, if the journey is extended (by a closed or blocked road for example), the re-estimated quantity of energy required for the journey PI' is greater than the previous estimated quantity of energy required for the journey PL. For all zones 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D of the vehicle 10, the updated maximum quantity of energy allocated will be less than the maximum quantity of energy initially allocated.

[0156] The energy allocation module 28 is further configured to control the display of the maximum amount of energy allocated to each zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, for example via the display device 27 visible to the occupant of the zone.

[0157] Each zone energy tracking module 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D is configured to track the amount of energy consumed in the respective zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, by all of the energy consuming systems 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F of the zone, over time during the journey.

[0158] The amount of energy consumed in the respective zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, by each energy consuming system 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F depends mainly on the operating mode of each system 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F and the time of use in said operating mode.

[0159] At the start of the journey, the amount of energy consumed in each zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D is zero. The amount of energy consumed in each zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D increases as the journey progresses when at least one energy-consuming system 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F is activated.

[0160] In addition, each zone energy monitoring module 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D is configured to control the display of the quantity of energy consumed in the respective zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, by each energy consuming system 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F, for example via the display device 27 visible to the occupant of the zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D.

[0161] When the quantity of consumed energy tracked since the start of the journey reaches the maximum quantity of energy allocated to the zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, the zone energy tracking module 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D of said zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D is configured to apply a restriction on the subsequent energy consumption in zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D.

[0162] The zone energy tracking module 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D is then connected to the control device 26 of the respective zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D to implement the restriction.

[0163] The zone energy monitoring module 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D is then configured to apply the restriction by switching at least one of the energy consuming systems 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F, and preferably each consuming system 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F, to an operating mode different from the nominal mode.

[0164] Preferably, the restriction prevents any further energy consumption in said zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D. The zone energy monitoring module is then configured to apply the restriction by switching each energy consuming system 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F to the off mode.

[0165] Alternatively, the restriction limits the use of each energy consuming system 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F to one or more predefined operating modes. The zone energy monitoring module 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D is then configured to apply the restriction by switching each energy consuming system 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F to the off mode or the degraded mode. The occupant can still use certain consuming systems but in a restricted manner. In this variant, the zone energy monitoring module thus, for example, switches the speaker of the multimedia device 24C to a reduced volume and / or the screen of the multimedia device 24C to a reduced brightness.

[0166] As an optional addition, each zone energy monitoring module 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D is configured to transmit an alert to the occupant of the zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, if the difference between the maximum amount of energy allocated to the zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D and the amount of energy consumed monitored since the start of the journey is less than a predefined threshold.

[0167] For example, the threshold corresponds to a percentage of the maximum amount of energy allocated to the zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D. Typically, the threshold is substantially equal to 10% of the maximum amount of energy.

[0168] The alert is for example displayed on the display device 27 of the zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D and represented by a predefined graphic element. Alternatively, the alert is transmitted via a loudspeaker.

[0169] As a further optional addition, each zone energy monitoring module 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D is further configured to optimize the energy consumption of the zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D over time during the journey, so that an optimization criterion is met.

[0170] According to this optional addition, each zone energy monitoring module 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D is then configured to adjust the operating modes of each consumer system 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F of zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D so that the optimization criterion is met.

[0171] The optimization criterion requires that the quantity of energy consumed during travel in zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D be less than the maximum quantity of energy allocated to said zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D.

[0172] Alternatively, each zone energy monitoring module 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D is configured to determine a predictive evolution of the quantity of energy consumed based on a predictive model. The predictive model is stored in the memory 36. The predictive model depends for example on the current operating modes of each consumer system 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F and optionally on the consumption history of the profile obtained from the occupant. In particular, the predictive model forecasts the future evolution of the consumption by taking into account the current operating modes (for example speaker on, screen on, lighting on) to estimate the future consumption of the zone.

[0173] According to this variant, the optimization criterion requires that the evolution of the quantity of energy consumed over time be such that the determined predictive evolution remains lower than the maximum quantity of energy allocated to said zone.

[0174] In the context of the invention, it is possible to transfer a portion of the maximum quantity of energy allocated from one of the zones 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D to the other, for example at the initiative of one of the occupants.

[0175] To do this, the energy transfer module 32 is configured to reduce the maximum amount of energy allocated to a first of said zones 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D by an amount of energy to be transferred and to increase the maximum amount of energy allocated to a second of said zones 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D by said amount of energy to be transferred.

[0176] The quantity of energy to be transferred is for example defined by the occupant of the first zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D.

[0177] For example, if the occupant of the second zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D has consumed the entire maximum amount of energy initially allocated, the occupant of the first zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D optionally transfers an amount of energy to the second zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D.

[0178] The amount of energy to be transferred is less than the difference between the maximum amount of energy allocated to the first zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D and the amount of energy consumed in the first zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D at the time of the transfer.

[0179] A method for managing the energy consumption of the vehicle 10 during a path will now be described, with reference to [Fig.2]. The method is implemented by the energy consumption management system 14 described above.

[0180] To illustrate the method, we consider an example of vehicle 10 according to [Fig.l] having an average consumption of 20kWh per 100 km making a journey of 400km with a driver and three passengers. The vehicle having a capacity of 100 kWh.

[0181] The method comprises an allocation step 100 implemented by the energy allocation module 28 and for each zone a monitoring step 110 implemented by each zone energy monitoring module 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D.

[0182] The allocation step 100 is preferably implemented by the energy allocation module 28. All the functions of the energy allocation module 28 defined above are thus transposed in the form of a sub-step in the method, independently of any implementation of the module.

[0183] The allocation step 100 is typically performed initially before the start of the journey.

[0184] The allocation step 100 comprises a first sub-step 120, during which the energy allocation module 28 determines the total quantity of available energy PO capable of being supplied by the electrical power supply device 20 of the vehicle 10 until the end of the journey.

[0185] According to the example, the energy allocation module 28 determines a total quantity of available energy PO equal to 100 kWh.

[0186] The first sub-step 120 is followed by a sub-step 130, during which the energy allocation module 28 estimates the quantity of energy PI required by the electric motor 16 to complete the journey.

[0187] According to the example, the estimated quantity of energy required PI is equal to 80kWh.

[0188] The allocation step 100 comprises a final sub-step 140, during which the energy allocation module 28 calculates and allocates to each zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D a maximum quantity of energy suitable for being supplied by the electrical power supply device 20 for the zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D for the journey, according to an energy distribution key.

[0189] According to the example, the energy allocation module 28 begins by determining the quantity of energy to be distributed P2. Here, the quantity of energy to be distributed P2 verifies the equation [Math 2] and is then equal to 10 kWh.

[0190] In the example, the energy distribution key depends on the number of occupied zones (four here) and the driver or passenger nature of each zone (one driver zone and three passenger zones here).

[0191] For example, the energy allocation module then allocates a maximum energy quantity of 4 kWh to the conductor zone 12A and a maximum energy quantity of 2 kWh to each passenger zone 12B, 12C, 12D.

[0192] The allocation step 100 is followed by the monitoring step 110.

[0193] The tracking step 110 is preferably implemented by each zone energy tracking module 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D. All the functions of each zone energy tracking module defined above are thus transposed in the form of a sub-step in the method, independently of any implementation of these modules.

[0194] The tracking step 110 is implemented for each zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D simultaneously throughout the journey.

[0195] The tracking step 110 comprises a sub-step 150, during which the zone energy tracking module 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D of the zone tracks the amount of energy consumed in the zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D over time during the journey.

[0196] Optionally, each zone energy monitoring module 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D optimizes the energy consumption of the zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D over time during said journey, so that the optimization criterion is met.

[0197] When the quantity of energy consumed tracked, since the start of the journey, reaches the maximum quantity of energy allocated to said zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, the tracking step 110 comprises a sub-step 160, during which the zone energy tracking module applies the restriction on subsequent energy consumption in said zone.

[0198] In other words, when a passenger has consumed the 2 kWh of energy allocated to him, a restriction applies to the subsequent energy consumption for the corresponding passenger zone 12B, 12C, 12D, and likewise for the driver zone 12A.

[0199] Alternatively, the allocation step 100 is repeated during the journey to update the maximum energy quantities allocated to each zone 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D. For example, the allocation step 100 is repeated periodically during the journey. According to another example, the allocation step 100 is repeated when a modification of the journey is detected.

[0200] Thanks to the previously described characteristics, each occupant is responsible for his or her energy consumption. The driver is not the only one to manage the amount of energy available in the power supply arrangement 20.

[0201] In addition, the management system 14 adds a fun aspect to the management of energy consumption.

Claims

Claims

1. System for managing the energy consumption (14) of an electric vehicle (10) during a journey, the system (14) being intended to be on board the vehicle (10), the electric vehicle (10) comprising an electrical power supply device (20), an electric motor (16) and drive wheels (18), the electrical power supply device (20) being capable of powering the electric motor (16) to drive the drive wheels (20), the vehicle (10) comprising at least two distinct zones (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D), each zone (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D) being occupied by at least one occupant during the journey and comprising at least one energy consuming system (24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F) capable of being powered by the electrical power supply device (20), the zones (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D) corresponding to a driver zone (12A) occupied by a driver and to at least one passenger zone (12B, 12C, 12C) occupied by at least one passenger,the system (14) comprising:, - an energy allocation module (28) configured: * to determine a total quantity of available energy (PO) capable of being supplied by the electrical power supply device (20) of the electric vehicle (10) at the start of the journey; * to estimate the amount of energy required (PI) by the electric motor (16) to complete the journey, and * to calculate and allocate to each zone (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D) a maximum quantity of energy suitable for being supplied by the power supply device (20) for the zone (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D) for the journey, each maximum quantity of energy being calculated as a function of the total quantity of energy available (PO), the estimated quantity of energy necessary for the completion of the journey (PI), and a key for distributing the energy between the zones (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D), - for each zone (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D), a zone energy monitoring module (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D) configured to: * monitor the amount of energy consumed in said zone (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D), by all the energy-consuming systems (24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F) of the zone, over time during said journey; and * when the quantity of energy consumed is monitored, since the beginning of the path, reaches the maximum amount of energy allocated to said zone (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D), apply a restriction on further energy consumption in said zone (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D).

2. The system (14) of claim 1, wherein each zone energy tracking module (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D) is further configured to optimize the energy consumption of the zone (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D) over time during said journey, so that an optimization criterion is met, the optimization criterion being met if a predictive evolution of an energy consumption in the zone (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D) remains less than the maximum amount of energy allocated to said zone.

3. System (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy allocation module (28) is configured to identify the zone corresponding to the driver zone (12A) and to identify the zones corresponding to the passenger zones (12B, 12C, 12D), the energy distribution key depending on the driver or passenger characters of the zones, preferably so that the maximum amount of energy allocated to the driver zone (12A) is greater than the maximum amount of energy allocated to each passenger zone (12B, 12C, 12D).

4. The system (14) of any preceding claim, wherein each zone energy tracking module (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D) is configured to issue an alert, to the occupant of the zone (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D), if the difference between the maximum amount of energy allocated to the zone (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D) and the amount of energy consumed tracked in the zone (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D) since the start of the journey is less than a predefined threshold.

5. The system (14) of any preceding claim, further comprising an energy transfer module (32) configured to reduce the maximum amount of energy allocated to a first of said zones (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D) by an amount of energy to be transferred and to increase the maximum amount of energy allocated to a second of said zones (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D) by said amount of energy to be transferred.

6. System (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the energy allocation module (28) is configured to reestimate, during the journey, the quantity of energy (PT) necessary to complete the journey, and to recalculate and allocate to each zone (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D), an updated maximum energy quantity based on the total amount of energy available (PO), the reestimated amount of energy required for the journey (PT), and the energy distribution key.

7. System (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the energy allocation module (28) is configured to obtain, for each zone (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D), a profile of the occupant of the zone (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D), the profile obtained comprising at least one item of identity data of the occupant and preferably further comprising a history of management of the energy consumption of the occupant during previous journey(s) of the vehicle (10), the energy distribution key depending on the profiles obtained.

8. System (14) according to claim 7, comprising a central system of the vehicle, the central system comprising a database of occupant profiles and being configured to acquire, for each zone (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D), an identification characteristic of the occupant, to search the acquired identification characteristic in the database, and to deduce therefrom the profile of the occupant of the zone (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D), the energy allocation module (28) being connected to the central system of the vehicle and being adapted to obtain the profile of the occupant by communication with the central system.

9. Electric vehicle (10) suitable for traveling, the vehicle (10) comprising: - an electric motor (16); - drive wheels (18); - an electrical power supply device (20) suitable for powering the electric motor (16) to drive the drive wheels (18); - at least two zones (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D), each zone (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D) being occupied by an occupant during the journey and comprising at least one energy consuming system (24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F) capable of being powered by the electrical power supply device (20), the zones (24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F) corresponding to a driver zone (12A) occupied by a driver and to at least one passenger zone (12B, 12C, 12D) occupied by a passenger; and - an energy consumption management system (14) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. The vehicle (10) of claim 9, wherein each power consuming system (24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F) is selected from the group consisting of: an individual zone heater (24A), an individual zone ventilator (24B), a multimedia device (24C), an electronic device charging device (24D), an individual zone lighting device (24E), and / or an area seat massage device (24F).

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