Method and device for controlling the use of an energy converter powering a traction battery of an electric vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for monitoring the usage of a power converter (102) supplying a traction battery (101) of an electric vehicle (10). Specifically, the method is implemented by at least one processor (105) and comprises receiving initial data representing a usage history of the power converter from a meter onboard the electric vehicle configured to measure a set of power converter parameters; determining at least one power converter usage index based on the initial data and weighting coefficients; and controlling the display of graphic content representing at least one power converter usage index on a screen (106) onboard the electric vehicle. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for controlling the use of an energy converter powering a traction battery of an electric vehicle. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a control system for the use of an energy converter supplying a traction battery of an electric vehicle, in particular of the automobile type. Technological background

[0002] The electrical energy needs of a vehicle are met by one or more batteries on board the vehicle, in particular by a traction battery that provides the energy necessary for the vehicle's movement. In order to increase driving range, it is necessary to store large quantities of energy in a traction battery, but increasing the capacity of the traction battery leads to an increase in its mass. Thus, an electric vehicle's total mass increases as its driving range increases, using equivalent technology.

[0003] The weight gain resulting from an increase in the capacity of a traction battery degrades the road behavior of the vehicle carrying this traction battery and promotes excessive wear of mechanical parts such as brakes.

[0004] Furthermore, the maximum range of the electric vehicle is not necessary for everyday use. Indeed, electric vehicle users typically travel short distances, and greater range is only needed occasionally, for example, for vacations. Therefore, to temporarily increase the electric vehicle's range, range extender solutions are available. A range extender generates electricity to recharge the traction battery, for example, from a fossil fuel source. This type of range extender is called a power converter; examples include a combustion engine driving a shaft connected to an alternator, a turbogenerator as described in document FR3134847, or a Stirling engine.Such a power converter then complements charging via a charging station, for example, but the energy generated by the power converter is generally less clean than that available at the charging station, as the power converter uses fossil fuel. This is why it would be preferable to encourage users to charge their electric vehicles at a charging station rather than using the power converter whenever possible. Summary of the present invention

[0005] One object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the technological background described above.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to control the use of an energy converter powering a traction battery of an electric vehicle.

[0007] A third object of the invention is to inform a user of the level of use of the energy converter of an electric vehicle.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for controlling the use of an energy converter powering a traction battery of an electric vehicle, the method being implemented by at least one processor and comprising the following steps: - receiving initial data representative of a history of use of the energy converter from a meter on board the electric vehicle configured to measure a set of parameters of the energy converter; - determination of at least one energy converter utilization index based on initial data and weighting coefficients; - control of display of graphic content representative of at least one energy converter usage index on a screen embedded in the electric vehicle.

[0009] Thus, a user receives information relating to the use of the energy converter via the usage indicators displayed on the screen on board the electric vehicle and is thus able to take them into consideration to control the use of this energy converter, for example through a human-machine interface on board the electric vehicle.

[0010] According to one variant of the method, the parameters of the energy converter belong to a set of parameters comprising: - a typical activation time of the power converter, and - a current distance traveled since an activation of the energy converter.

[0011] Such parameters make it possible to quantify the use of the energy converter and thus to quantify an environmental impact or a financial impact related to the use of this energy converter.

[0012] According to a further embodiment of the method, a usage index is representative of: - an activation duration of the energy converter over a determined time period, and / or - a distance traveled by the electric vehicle when the energy converter is activated over the time period, and / or - a number of activations of the energy converter over the time period.

[0013] The previously quantified impact is thus integrated over a time period and makes it possible to obtain a balance, for example monthly or annual, linked to the use of the energy converter over this time period.

[0014] According to another variant of the method, a usage index is determined by the following function: I = A + Bt + Cn + Dd, With : • 'I' the usage index, • 'A', 'B', 'C' and 'D' are the weighting coefficients, • the duration of activation of the energy converter over the determined time period, - 'of the distance traveled by the electric vehicle when the energy converter is activated over the time period, and - 'n' the number of activations of the energy converter over the time period.

[0015] According to yet another variant, the process further comprises the following steps: - Receiving second data points representing the state of charge of the traction battery and third data points representing the distance to be travelled, - Determining the range of the electric vehicle based on the second data points, the control of displaying graphic content being a function of the result of a comparison of the autonomy to the distance to be traveled.

[0016] If the remaining range is less than the distance to be covered, the electric vehicle's traction battery needs to be recharged to reach the destination. The display is therefore based on this recharging need and alerts the electric vehicle driver so that they can choose a charging mode for the electric vehicle's traction battery, taking into account, in particular, at least one energy converter usage indicator.

[0017] According to an additional variant of the method, the control of displaying the graphic content is a function of receiving fourth data representing a request to activate the energy converter.

[0018] According to yet another embodiment, the method further comprises the following steps: - receiving fifth data points representative of a characteristic of a fuel powering the energy converter, and - adjustment of weighting coefficients based on fifths of data.

[0019] By adjusting the weighting coefficients, at least one energy converter utilization index is dependent on the type of fuel powering the energy converter. The electric vehicle driver is thus made aware of the type of fuel used through the reading of this at least one energy converter usage index.

[0020] According to a further variant of the process, the characteristic of the fuel is a calorific value.

[0021] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a control device for the use of an energy converter powering a traction battery of an electric vehicle, the device comprising a memory associated with at least one processor configured for the implementation of the steps of the process as described according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0022] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to an electric vehicle comprising a device as described above according to the second aspect of the invention or a dashboard as described above according to the third aspect of the invention.

[0023] According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a computer program which includes instructions adapted for the execution of the steps of the process according to the first aspect of the invention, in particular when the computer program is executed by at least one processor.

[0024] Such a computer program may use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or an intermediate code between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

[0025] According to a sixth aspect, the invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the process according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0026] On the one hand, the recording medium can be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium can include a storage means, such as a ROM, a CD-ROM or a microelectronic circuit-type ROM, or a magnetic recording means or a hard disk drive.

[0027] On the other hand, this recording medium can also be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, such a signal being able to be transmitted via an electrical or optical cable, by conventional or radio frequency, by self-directing laser beam, or by other means. The computer program according to the invention can, in particular, be downloaded onto an Internet-type network.

[0028] Alternatively, the recording medium may be an integrated circuit in which the computer program is incorporated, the integrated circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the process in question. Brief description of the figures

[0029] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the particular and non-limiting embodiments of the present invention below, with reference to the attached Figures 1 to 4, in which:

[0030] [Fig.1] schematically illustrates an electric vehicle, according to a particular embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a device for controlling the use of a energy converter powering a traction battery of the electric vehicle of the [Fig.1], according to a particular embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] [Fig.3] illustrates a flowchart of the different stages of a control process the use of an energy converter powering a traction battery of the electric vehicle of [Fig. 1], according to a particular embodiment of the present invention; and

[0033] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates a screen embedded in the electric vehicle of the [Fig. 1], according to a particular embodiment of the present invention. Description of embodiments

[0034] A method and device for controlling the use of an energy converter supplying a traction battery of an electric vehicle will now be described in what follows with joint reference to Figures 1 to 4. The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the description that follows.

[0035] The terms "first," "second" (or "firsts," "seconds"), etc., are used in this document by arbitrary convention to allow for the identification and distinction of different elements (such as operations, means, etc.) implemented in the embodiments described below. Such elements may be distinct or correspond to a single element, depending on the embodiment.

[0036] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the invention, a method for monitoring the usage of an energy converter powering a traction battery of an electric vehicle. The method is implemented by at least one processor and comprises receiving initial data representing a usage history of the energy converter from a meter onboard the electric vehicle configured to measure a set of energy converter parameters, determining at least one energy converter usage index based on the initial data and weighting coefficients, and controlling the display of graphic content representing at least one energy converter usage index on a screen onboard the electric vehicle.

[0037] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an electric vehicle 10, according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] The electric vehicle 10 corresponds for example to a motor vehicle, for example an electric motor vehicle comprising one or more electric motors, the electric motor having the function of propelling the electric vehicle 10.

[0039] The electric vehicle 10 is not limited to a motor vehicle but extends to any type of land vehicle with an electric motor.

[0040] The electric vehicle 10 carries a traction battery 101. The term "battery" is used to designate a battery pack comprising one or more batteries, each battery comprising one or more electrical accumulators.

[0041] The battery 101 corresponds, for example, to an electric accumulator designed to supply electrical energy to the vehicle, in particular to power at least one traction motor of the electric vehicle 10. Such a traction motor corresponds, for example, to a motor connected to a gearbox, a drive shaft or a wheel of the electric vehicle 10. The battery 101 corresponds, for example, to a lead-acid battery or a nickel-aluminum hydride battery, these batteries being designed to quickly supply a large amount of current and to be quickly recharged.

[0042] A BMS 104 (from the English "Battery Management System" or in French "Système de contrôle des batteries") is, for example, associated or coupled to the traction battery 101. A BMS 104 makes it possible to obtain or measure one or more parameters of the traction battery at a determined time instant, such as for example: - the voltage: total or of each cell of the battery; - the stored energy: total or of each cell of the battery; - temperature: average temperature, coolant inlet temperature, coolant outlet temperature, temperature of each battery cell; - the state of charge, called SOC (from the English "State of Charge") or depth of discharge, called DOD (from the English "Depth of Discharge"), indicating the battery's charge level; - the state of health, called SOH (from the English "State Of Health"); - the current (intensity in amperes) in the battery or out of the battery; and / or - the internal resistance of the battery: ohmic resistance and ionic resistance.

[0043] To recharge the traction battery 101, the electric vehicle 10 includes a charging socket 108 allowing the traction battery 101 to be charged from a mains socket or an electric vehicle charging station, in particular via an electrical cable. During the charging of the traction battery 101 via the charging socket 108, the electrical energy required is that supplied by the electrical network powering the mains socket or the charging station, the environmental impact of this energy is known and communicated by the energy supplier.

[0044] The electric vehicle 10 also includes an energy converter 102, which is powered by fuel contained in a tank of the electric vehicle 10 and provides electrical energy to the traction battery 101. Such an energy converter 102, also known as a range extender, generates electrical energy from a fuel derived from a fossil fuel, for example from gasoline, ethanol, diesel and / or natural gas, from a synthetic fuel also called electrofuel or "e-fuel", or even from hydrogen. It should be noted that, according to one particular embodiment, several fuels are accepted or even mixed in the tank, as some energy converters are compatible with several types of fuel.The energy converter is, for example, a turbogenerator as presented in document FR3134847, the invention however not being limited to this type of energy converter and extending to any type of energy converter, for example an internal combustion generator or a fuel cell known to those skilled in the art.

[0045] The energy converter 102 is in particular connected to a counter 103 configured to measure a set of parameters of the energy converter 102, for example parameters belonging to a set of parameters including: - a current activation time of the energy converter 102, expressed in seconds (s), minutes (min) or hours (h), - a current distance traveled by the electric vehicle 10 since an activation of the energy converter 102, expressed in meters (m) or kilometers (km), - an electrical current at the output of the energy converter 102, expressed in amperes (A), - a quantity of energy supplied by the energy converter 102, expressed in watt-hours (Wh), - a calorific value, also called LHV for "Lower Heating Value", associated with a fuel powering the energy converter 102, expressed in megajoules per kilogram (MJ / kg).

[0046] Note that the calorific value is, for example, measured from a temperature at the outlet of a combustion chamber or from a difference between an outlet temperature and an inlet temperature of the combustion chamber and from a quantity or volume of fuel injected into this combustion chamber.

[0047] According to a particular embodiment, the electric vehicle 10 carries a communication unit 107 corresponding, for example, to a communication box of the type telematic control unit (TCU), BTA (Autonomous Telematics Box), or BSRF (Radio Frequency Servicing Box). Such a unit is advantageously connected to one or more antennas to, for example, transmit and / or receive data to and / or from a remote device, for example, a remote server in the cloud, or a mobile communication device, via a wireless link, according to OTA (Over The Air) technology, for example. The wireless link is based, for example, on one or more wireless communication protocols such as: • Bluetooth®, • Wi-Fi® (based on IEEE 802.11), • LTE (from the English "Long-Term Evolution" or in French "Evolution à long terme"), • LTE-Advanced (or in French LTE-avancé), • 3GPP (from the English "3rd Generation Partnership Project" or in French "Projet de partenariat de 3ème génération") of fourth generation or fifth generation, called 3GPP 4G or 5G, or . • NFC (from the English “Near Field Communication” or in French “Communication champ proche”).

[0048] The electric vehicle 10 or the computer 105 receives from the remote device, for example, data relating to a contract or subscription associated with the electric vehicle 10, which allows billing for services from which the user of the electric vehicle 10 benefits. Among these services are, for example, the provision of an annual distance that can be traveled by the electric vehicle 10 or the maintenance of the electric vehicle 10, including that of the energy converter 102.

[0049] According to a particular embodiment, the electric vehicle 10 carries, for example in its passenger compartment, a screen 106 and a computer configured to control the display of content(s) of a graphic Human Machine Interface, known as HMI, on the screen 106. The computer corresponds, for example, to the computer of an infotainment system, known as an IVI computer (from the English "In-Vehicle Infotainment" or in French "Infodivertissement étoilé") of the vehicle.

[0050] The screen 106 is, for example, touch-sensitive and corresponds, for example, to an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), TFT (Thin-Film Transistor), or OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode). The screen 106 is, for example, arranged in the center of the dashboard, for example above a central front panel. Of course, the screen position is not limited to this example; the screen can be arranged in any position, for example on the central front panel.

[0051] The screen 106 allows content to be displayed for, for example, the driver and / or passengers of the electric vehicle 10. The screen 106 is also configured to allow the driver and / or passengers of the electric vehicle 10 to interact with one or more systems embedded in the electric vehicle 10 via an HMI displayed on the screen 106. For example, the screen 106 allows control of the infotainment system, also called the IVI (In-Vehicle Infotainment) system of the electric vehicle 10, as well as, for example, the use of the power converter 102 supplying the traction battery 101 of the electric vehicle 10, as described below.

[0052] According to a particular embodiment, the BMS 104 associated with the battery 101, the control unit 103 associated with the power converter 102, the control unit 105, the display 106, and the communication unit 107 are advantageously connected via a wired network, for example, a CAN (Controller Area Network), CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate), FlexRay (according to ISO 17458), or Ethernet (according to ISO / IEC 802.3) type network. According to an alternative embodiment, the communication unit 103 and the BMS system are connected via the wired network through the control unit 102.

[0053] A process for controlling the use of the energy converter 102 supplying the traction battery 101 of the electric vehicle 10 is implemented, for example, by the computer 105.

[0054] In a first operation, initial data representing a usage history of the energy converter 102 are received from the counter 103, this counter 103 being configured to measure a set of parameters of the energy converter 102 as described above. Thus, this initial data corresponds to the parameters of the acquired parameter set, for example, over a determined time period.

[0055] The determined time period corresponds, for example, to a calendar year, that is to say that the parameters are measured and integrated from a determined date, for example from January 1, from an anniversary date of the entry into service of the electric vehicle 10, or from an anniversary date of a lease or maintenance contract associated with the electric vehicle 10. The time period is, for example, entered by a user of the electric vehicle 10 via the HMI, or received from the remote server, and recorded in a memory accessible to the computer 105.

[0056] According to a particular embodiment, different time periods are associated with different parameters of the parameter set. Indeed, the number of kilometers traveled by the electric vehicle 10 when the energy converter is activated is, for example, tracked: • over a calendar year in order to determine an annual balance of fuel consumption or consumption of tariff metering units of the energy converter 102, and • since the introduction of the electric vehicle 10 in order to plan maintenance operations on the energy converter 102.

[0057] In a second operation, at least one utilization index of the energy converter 102 is determined based on the initial data and weighting coefficients. A utilization index is, for example, representative of: - the activation time of the energy converter over a specified time period, and / or - a distance traveled by the electric vehicle 10 when the energy converter is activated over the time period, and / or - a number of activations of the energy converter over the time period.

[0058] Weighting coefficients can, for example, be used to determine a cost function. This cost function then allows us to: • plan a maintenance operation, and / or • estimate energy consumption, and / or • estimate an environmental impact such as the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) released, and / or • to bill for services associated with the energy converter 102.

[0059] According to a particular embodiment, a usage index is determined by the following function: I = A + Bt + Cn + Dd, With : • 'I' the usage index, • 'A', 'B', 'C' and 'D' are the weighting coefficients, • the duration of activation of the energy converter over the determined time period, - 'of the distance traveled by the electric vehicle 10 when the energy converter is activated over the time period, and - 'n' the number of activations of the energy converter over the time period.

[0060] This usage index is used, for example, to bill a user of the electric vehicle 10 for the use of the energy converter 102. Indeed, since the energy converter 102 uses a fuel, for example a fossil fuel, it emits emissions can be polluting. It is therefore preferable to recharge the traction battery 101 of the electric vehicle 10 via an electric charging station or a mains socket. Indeed, the energy supplied by an electric charging station or a mains socket is generally cleaner; that is to say, the production of one kilowatt-hour (IkWh) received from the electricity grid releases fewer pollutants than the production of one kilowatt-hour (IkWh) received from the energy converter 102. In order to raise user awareness of this issue, the use of the energy converter 102 is, for example, billed using the cost function defined previously.

[0061] According to the function described above, a user is then billed each time the energy converter 102 is activated, as well as for each kilometer traveled and each minute elapsed while the energy converter 102 is activated. This billing then encourages the user to recharge the electric vehicle 10 via an electric charging station or a mains socket for both economic and environmental reasons.

[0062] According to a particular embodiment, fifth data points representing a characteristic of a fuel supplying the energy converter are received in a third operation, and the weighting coefficients are adjusted in a fourth operation based on these fifth data points. The fuel characteristic is, for example, a calorific value that is measured when the energy converter 102 is active. This calorific value is, for example, determined by comparing the air temperature on the intake and exhaust sides of the energy converter 102 to the quantity of fuel injected.In other versions, the fuel type is entered by the user, for example when refueling the electric vehicle 10 by entering the quantity and type of fuel added to the tank via the HMI. This allows the computer 105 to determine a proportion of each fuel present in the tank, based in particular on the remaining quantity of a previously used fuel, or even determined by measuring the level of a chemical component, for example, the octane rating of the fuel. It is then possible to adjust the usage index based on the fuel data.

[0063] In a fifth operation, the display of graphic content representative of at least one energy converter usage index is controlled on the screen 106 mounted in the electric vehicle 10.

[0064] Figure 4 schematically illustrates the screen 106 installed in the electric vehicle 10. The graphic content 106a comprises a first graphic object 106b representing the previously determined usage index and, for example, a graphic object 106c representing a unit associated with the usage index, for example, a monetary unit if the usage index represents a cost. If the usage index is representative of a rate or a percentage, so graphic object 106c represents for example the symbol '%'.

[0065] According to a particular embodiment, a second set of data representing the state of charge of the traction battery 101 and a third set of data representing the distance to be traveled are received in a sixth operation. The range of the electric vehicle 10 is then determined in a seventh operation based on the second set of data, and the display of the graphic content 106a is controlled according to the result of a comparison of the range to the distance to be traveled. For example, the graphic content 106a is displayed only if the range is less than the distance to be traveled, or its formatting differs depending on the result of the comparison so as to make the graphic content 106a more visible when the range is less than the distance to be traveled and, conversely, less visible when the range is greater than the distance to be traveled.According to one variant, the range is displayed on screen 106 and represented by a graphic object 106h associated with a graphic object 106i representing a pictogram synonymous with range. Similarly, the distance to travel is displayed on screen 106 and represented by a graphic object 106f associated with a graphic object 106g representing a pictogram synonymous with distance to travel, the distance to travel being, for example, received from a navigation system embedded in the electric vehicle 10.

[0066] According to another particular embodiment, the display control of the graphic content is a function of receiving fourth data representing a request to activate the energy converter 102. The graphic content 106a is then only visible when the energy converter 102 is activated. Activation is, for example, performed via the HMI, with a graphic object 106d serving as an activation button displayed on the screen 106 and associated with a pictogram 106e representing the energy converter 102. Thus, the user is able to activate the energy converter 102 from, for example, the driver's seat and to see the usage index during this activation.According to one variant, the user presses the graphic object 106d to activate the energy converter 102, the activation request is then received and the graphic content 106a is displayed so that the user can become aware of the usage index, the user then presses the graphic object 106d a second time to validate the activation of the energy converter 102.

[0067] Thus, with the present invention, a user is able to know the energy converter's utilization index via the display of the graphic content associated with this utilization index on the screen embedded in the electric vehicle and to activate or deactivate the energy converter according to this utilization index. The user is then aware of the financial or environmental impact of activating the energy converter and is then encouraged to use it only when there is a real need and difficulty in recharging the traction battery of the electric vehicle via a charging station or a mains socket.

[0068] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a control device for the use of an energy converter supplying a traction battery of an electric vehicle, for example, the energy converter 102 supplying the traction battery 101 of the electric vehicle 10 of Figure 1, according to a particular embodiment of the present invention. Device 2 corresponds, for example, to the computer 105 of the electric vehicle 10.

[0069] Device 2 is, for example, configured to implement the operations of the process described opposite Figures 1 and 4 and / or the steps of the process described opposite [Fig. 3]. Examples of such a device 2 include, but are not limited to, a server, a computer, a computing device, embedded electronic equipment such as a vehicle's on-board computer, an electronic control unit such as an ECU, a telematic control unit (TCU), a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop computer, or a combination of several of the above-listed elements. The elements of device 2, individually or in combination, may be integrated into a single integrated circuit, into several integrated circuits, and / or into discrete components.Device 2 can be implemented in the form of electronic circuits or software (or computer) modules, or a combination of electronic circuits and software modules. In various specific embodiments, Device 2 is coupled in communication with other similar devices or systems, for example via a communication bus or through dedicated input / output ports.

[0070] The device 2 comprises one (or more) processor(s) 20 configured to execute instructions for carrying out the steps of the process and / or for executing instructions from the software embedded in the device 2. The processor 20 may include integrated memory, an input / output interface, and various circuits known to those skilled in the art. The device 2 further comprises at least one memory 21, for example, volatile and / or non-volatile memory, and / or includes a memory storage device that may include volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM, ROM, PROM, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, flash, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0071] The computer code of the embedded software(s) including the instructions to be loaded and executed by the processor is for example stored on memory 21.

[0072] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 2 comprises a block 22 of interface elements for communicating with external devices, for example, a remote server or the cloud, a vehicle communication system, a computer, or a TCU. The interface elements of block 22 comprise one or more of the following interfaces: • radio frequency RF interface, for example of type Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi®, LTE (from the English "Long-Term Evolution" or in French "Evolution à long terme"), LTE-Advanced (or in French LTE-avancé), 3GPP 5G; • USB interface (from the English "Universal Serial Bus" or "Universal Serial Bus" in French); • HDMI interface (from the English "High Definition Multimedia Interface", or "High Definition Multimedia Interface" in French).

[0073] Data is for example loaded to device 2 via the interface of block 22 using a 4G (or LTE Advanced according to 3GPP release 10 - version 10) or 5G network.

[0074] According to another particular embodiment, the device 2 includes a communication interface 23 which enables communication with other devices, such as for example the GPS-type location system, the mobile communication system (GSM, GPRS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE, LTE-V, ITS G5) or the radars of the radar system via a communication channel 230. The communication interface 23 corresponds for example to a transmitter configured to transmit and receive information and / or data via the communication channel 230.Communication interface 23 corresponds for example to a wired network of type CAN (Controller Area Network), CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate), Ethernet Automotive, FlexRay (according to ISO 17458 standard) or Ethernet (according to ISO / IEC 802.3 standard).

[0075] According to a further particular embodiment, the device 2 can provide output signals to one or more external devices, such as a display screen 106, one or more speakers and / or other peripherals via output interfaces not shown respectively.

[0076] Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart of the various steps in a method for controlling the use of an energy converter 102 supplying a traction battery 101 of an electric vehicle 10, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The method is advantageously implemented in the electric vehicle 10, for example, by the computer 105 or the device 2 of Figure 2.

[0077] In a first step 31, initial data representative of a usage history of the energy converter 102 are received from a meter 103 mounted in the electric vehicle 10.

[0078] In a second step 32, at least one energy converter utilization index 102 is determined based on the first data and weighting coefficients.

[0079] In a third step 33, the display of graphic content representative of at least one energy converter usage index on a screen 106 embedded in the electric vehicle 10.

[0080] The use of the energy converter 102 of the electric vehicle 10 is controlled.

[0081] The invention also relates to an electric vehicle comprising the computer 105 or the device 2 of [Fig.2].

Claims

Demands

1. Method for monitoring the use of an energy converter (102) supplying a traction battery (101) of an electric vehicle (10), said method being implemented by at least one processor (105) and comprising the following steps: - receiving (31) initial data representative of a usage history of the energy converter (102) from a meter (103) on-board in the electric vehicle (10) and configured to measure a set of parameters of the energy converter (102); - determining (32) at least one usage index of the energy converter (102) based on the initial data and weighting coefficients; - controlling (33) the display of graphic content (106a) representative of at least one usage index of the energy converter (102) on a screen (106) on-board in the electric vehicle (10).

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said parameters of the energy converter (102) belong to a set of parameters comprising: - a current activation time of the energy converter (102), and - a current distance traveled since an activation of the energy converter (102).

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein a usage index is representative of: - an activation time of the energy converter (102) over a determined time period, and / or - a distance traveled by the electric vehicle (10) when the energy converter (102) is activated over the time period, and / or - a number of activations of the energy converter (102) over the time period.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein a utilization index is determined by the following function: I = A + Bt + Cn + Dd, where: • 'I' is the utilization index, • 'A', 'B', 'C' and 'D' are the weighting coefficients, • 't' is the duration of activation of the energy converter (102) over the determined time period, - 'd' is the distance traveled by the electric vehicle (10) when the energy converter (102) is activated over the time period, and - 'n' is the number of activations of the energy converter (102) over the time period.

5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising the following steps: - receiving second data representing a state of charge of the traction battery (101) and third data representing a distance to be covered, - determining the range of the electric vehicle (10) as a function of the second data, the control (33) of displaying the graphic content (106a) being a function of the result of a comparison of the range to the distance to be covered.

6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control (33) for displaying the graphic content (106a) is a function of receiving fourth data representing a request to activate the energy converter (102).

7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising the following steps: - receiving fifth data points representative of a characteristic of a fuel supplying the energy converter (102), and - adjusting the weighting coefficients according to the fifth data points.

8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the characteristic of the fuel is a calorific value.

9. Device (2) for controlling the use of an energy converter supplying a traction battery of an electric vehicle, said device comprising a memory (21) associated with at least one processor (20) configured for carrying out the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Electric vehicle (10) comprising device (2) according to claim 9.

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