Method and system for managing batteries in a vehicle - Patents.com

Abstract

A method and system (100) for managing a set of batteries (110) in a vehicle (150) includes a battery management unit (120) for each of the batteries (110), a communication module for enabling communication within and with the system (100), and a vehicle monitoring unit (140). The battery management units (122, 124) monitor the respective batteries (112, 114). The vehicle monitoring unit (140) receives and monitors system information data including vehicle information data from the vehicle 150 and battery information data related to battery parameters of each of the batteries. The vehicle monitoring unit (140) is configured to generate a fault prognostic user message based on a comparison of the system information data with predetermined standard acceptable system information values. A server (160) is configured to process the stored system information to generate a fault prediction user message. The user message is communicated to a user, who is free to take action.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to systems and methods for managing batteries in vehicles, and more particularly in vehicles that are at least partially electrically powered, such as electric or hybrid vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002] Nowadays, technological developments and research are directed towards producing environmentally friendly vehicles with a view to reducing fossil fuels. Therefore, electric vehicles are a better option as they are pollution-free and reliable in terms of linear performance. Pollution has become a major concern and electric vehicles are a great relief as they are much better for the environment. While vehicles with combustion engines that run on fuels such as diesel or gasoline burn fuel and emit harmful gases, electric vehicles produce less greenhouse gases and air pollution.

[0003] It is not surprising that gasoline / diesel vehicles are being replaced by electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles. Hybrid vehicles run on both a combustion engine and a battery depending on the power needs while driving. An EV mainly consists of a battery, a vehicle control unit (VCU), a motor control unit (MCU), a motor, and a wiring harness. The battery plays a key role in vehicle performance, weight, and cost.

[0004] A battery mainly consists of cells, interconnects, and a BMS (battery management system). Today, various types of batteries are commercially available. The battery selection is primarily based on the capacity and operating voltage of the battery that can meet the vehicle requirements when arranged in a specific configuration, which is selected based on the size of the battery pack. Battery size and weight play an important role in the vehicle weight and cost, and battery capacity determines the vehicle's driving range.

[0005] Battery life depends on the life of the battery, which in turn depends on the discharge and charge rate. It is well known that the battery is the major cost of an electric vehicle and the vehicle warranty mainly depends on the battery life. Therefore, it is very important to monitor the battery health and make users aware of their battery health.

[0006] Battery management systems that estimate a battery life based on a first status of the battery and a second status of the battery and display the estimated battery life to a user are known in the art. Such systems only display the estimated battery life, and more is still desired from such systems.

[0007] Furthermore, battery management systems are available in the prior art that consider battery parameters and vehicle parameters to identify a limited number of battery health issues. These systems are also available that can take very limited preventative measures themselves according to the identified issues. These systems function as black boxes, and users are not notified in real time about preventative measures they can take to maintain better battery health.

[0008] While the prior art attempts to provide battery management systems, it can be recognized that these systems provided have limitations in application and in terms of the automatic preventative and corrective measures that can be taken after a problem is identified. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a battery management system for electrically powered vehicles that addresses at least the aforementioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a battery management system for managing a set of batteries in a vehicle. The battery management system includes a set of battery management units, a communication module, and a vehicle monitoring unit. The set of battery management units includes a battery management unit for each battery in the set of batteries. Each battery management unit manages a corresponding respective battery in the set of batteries. The communication module enables communication with and within the battery management system. The vehicle monitoring units receive and monitor system information data including vehicle information data from the vehicle and battery information data associated with each battery in the set of batteries from the respective battery management units. The system information data is received using the communication module. The vehicle monitoring units are configured to generate a user message based on a comparison of the system information data with predetermined standard acceptable system information values. The user message is communicated to a user of the vehicle.

[0011] In one embodiment, the battery management system includes a remote server for storing system information data, the battery information data including battery parameter values ​​associated with the battery, and the vehicle information data including vehicle parameter values ​​associated with the vehicle, and the vehicle monitoring unit sends the system information data to the remote server at predetermined server time intervals to be stored.

[0012] In one embodiment, the battery management unit is configured to monitor the battery and communicate battery information to the vehicle monitoring unit at predetermined vehicle time intervals.

[0013] In one embodiment, the vehicle monitoring unit is configured to generate a warning signal based on a comparison of the system information data received by the vehicle monitoring unit with predetermined standard acceptable system information values.

[0014] In another embodiment, the server is configured to generate a warning signal based on a comparison of the system information data stored at the server with predetermined standard acceptable system information values, the warning signal being communicated to a user of the vehicle.

[0015] In one embodiment, the communication module comprises a cluster communication module for communicating the warning signal to a user via a cluster display of the vehicle, the communication being in the form of a user message displayed on a display unit that is read by the user.

[0016] In one embodiment, the user message is a message selected from a set of pre-defined messages based on the warning signal generated and communicated by the vehicle monitoring unit to the cluster communication module, and the user takes action based on the user message.

[0017] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for managing batteries in a vehicle. Each battery has a battery management unit. The vehicle has a vehicle monitoring unit. The method includes receiving battery information, receiving vehicle information, generating a real-time fault estimation based on the received information, and providing a user message regarding the fault estimation. The method includes receiving battery information via the battery management unit. The battery information includes battery parameters related to a battery condition. The battery information is received by the vehicle monitoring unit. The method includes receiving vehicle information via the vehicle monitoring unit. The vehicle information includes vehicle parameters related to a vehicle operating condition. The method includes generating a real-time fault estimation based on a comparison of the received information via the vehicle monitoring unit with predetermined threshold parameter values. The user message regarding the fault estimation is displayed to a user via an instrument console.

[0018] In one embodiment, the method includes transmitting, via the vehicle monitoring unit, battery information and vehicle information at predetermined time intervals to a remote server, which stores the battery information and vehicle information so received.

[0019] In one embodiment, the method includes generating, via a telematics unit, a fault prediction based on stored battery information and stored vehicle information, the stored information including parameters related to vehicle driving patterns, battery charging patterns, loads on the vehicle, etc.

[0020] Reference will now be made to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. While the invention will generally be described in the context of these embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a system for managing a set of batteries in a vehicle, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart diagram of a method for managing a battery in a vehicle, according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The present invention relates to a method and system for managing batteries in a vehicle, and more particularly to a method and system for managing batteries in a vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered.

[0023] 1 illustrates a system 100 for managing a set of batteries 110 in a vehicle 150, according to one embodiment of the present invention. A user 190 of the vehicle 150 is also shown. The number of batteries in the set of batteries 110 may vary depending on the embodiment and is dependent on the vehicle power requirements.

[0024] The battery management system 100 includes a set of battery management units 120, a communication module 130, and a vehicle monitoring unit 140. The set of battery management units 120 includes one dedicated battery management unit (122, 124) for each battery (112, 114) in the set of batteries 110. The battery management units 120 manage each battery (112, 114). For example, the battery management unit 122 manages the battery 112, and the battery management unit 124 manages the battery 114. The communication module 130 enables communication within the battery management system 100 for various units and subsystems of the battery management system 100, such as the battery management units 120 and the vehicle monitoring unit 140. The communication module 130 also enables communication between the battery management system 100 and external devices, such as a host computer, a vehicle user 190, and the like. The vehicle monitoring unit 140 receives and monitors system information data, including vehicle information data from a vehicle 150. Battery information data is associated with each of the batteries (112 and 114) in the set of batteries 110 and is received from the respective battery management units (122 and 124). System information data is transmitted and received using the communications module 130. The vehicle monitoring unit 140 is configured to generate a user signal message based on a comparison of the system information data with predetermined standard acceptable system information values. The user signal message is communicated to a user.

[0025] In one embodiment, battery management system 100 includes a remote server 160 for storing system information data relating to vehicle information and battery information. The battery information data includes battery parameter values ​​associated with battery 110. The vehicle information data includes vehicle parameter values ​​associated with vehicle 150.

[0026] In one embodiment, the vehicle monitoring unit 140 sends system information data to the remote server 160 at predetermined server time intervals for storage.

[0027] The system information data stored on the remote server 160 is accessible by repair personnel or the owner of the vehicle 150 regardless of the vehicle's location and condition.

[0028] In one embodiment, the battery management unit 140 is configured to monitor and control the battery 110 and communicate battery information to the vehicle monitoring unit 140 at predetermined vehicle-time intervals. The battery information includes parameters of the battery 110, such as voltage, current, and temperature. The battery management unit 110 sends battery information related to such parameters to the vehicle monitoring unit 140 at predetermined vehicle-time intervals. In one embodiment, the predetermined vehicle-time interval is on the order of a few seconds. In another exemplary embodiment, the predetermined vehicle-time interval is on the order of several hundred seconds.

[0029] In one embodiment, the battery management unit 140 is configured to communicate a battery warning to the vehicle monitoring unit 140 based on a comparison of the battery information with a predetermined threshold. For example, the battery management unit 120 monitors the temperature of the battery 110, and when the temperature of the battery 112 exceeds the predetermined threshold of 60 degrees, the battery management unit 120 communicates a battery warning to the vehicle monitoring unit.

[0030] In one embodiment, the vehicle monitoring unit 140 is configured to generate a warning signal based on a battery warning and a comparison of the system information data received by the vehicle monitoring unit 140 with predetermined standard acceptable system information values, wherein the warning signal generated by the vehicle monitoring unit 140 is related to a real-time fault estimation in the vehicle based on the system information being received over a predetermined vehicle duration interval.

[0031] The system information data includes battery information data, vehicle information data, and other similar parameter values ​​that affect vehicle performance and battery health. The vehicle information data relates to data related to motor parameters of the vehicle's motor, TPS data, ignition data, charging data, etc. The vehicle information data also includes data related to the number of times the battery is fast charged, the frequency of fast charging, the user's driving patterns, etc. Predetermined standard acceptable system information values ​​relate to values ​​of these parameters that are accepted as standards for optimal vehicle and battery performance. The predetermined standard acceptable system information values ​​are customizable and set in the system 100.

[0032] In one embodiment, server 160 is configured to process the stored system information and generate a warning signal based on a comparison of the processed and stored system information data with predetermined standard acceptable system information values. The warning signal is communicated to user 190. Here, the warning signal generated by server 160 relates to a fault prediction in the vehicle based on the stored system information, which is historical data related to battery usage and vehicle driving patterns.

[0033] In one embodiment, the communication module comprises a cluster communication module for communicating a warning signal to a user via a cluster display of vehicle 150. The communication is in the form of a user message. The user message is displayed on a display unit to be read by the user. In one embodiment, the cluster communication module is a remotely connected mobile device to display the user message. For example, if vehicle 150 has been idle for months and the battery has drained itself, user 190 can be alerted about this remotely via the communication network on his or her mobile device and is free to take immediate action or delay action depending on the situation.

[0034] In one embodiment, the user message is a message selected from a set of pre-defined messages based on the generated warning signal. The user 190 is then free to take action according to the user message. Taking action is at the discretion of the user 190, who may or may not take action depending on the situation.

[0035] 2 is a flowchart diagram of a method 200 for managing batteries 110 in vehicles 150, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Each of the batteries 110 has a battery management unit 120. The batteries (112 and 114) have battery management units (122 and 124), respectively. The vehicle 150 has a vehicle monitoring unit 140. The method 200 includes steps 202, 204, 210, and 214. In step 202, the method includes receiving, by the vehicle monitoring unit 140, battery information including battery parameters related to battery status via the battery management units (122, 124) of the batteries (112, 114).

[0036] At step 204, the method 200 includes receiving vehicle information from the vehicle via the vehicle monitoring unit 140. The vehicle information includes vehicle parameters related to vehicle operating conditions.

[0037] At step 210, the method 200 includes generating, via the vehicle monitoring unit 140, a real-time fault estimate based on a comparison of the received information with predetermined parameter values.

[0038] In step 214, the method 200 includes providing a user message regarding the real-time fault estimation to a user via the instrument cluster.

[0039] Below is an example of a real-time user message: a. "The battery is too hot. Fast charging will not be possible." b. "The battery temperature is rising due to continued driving in Power mode. Fast charging is not possible unless you drive in Eco mode." c. "Battery error. Do not drive the vehicle."

[0040] In one embodiment, method 200 includes steps 206 and 208. In step 206, method 200 includes sending, via vehicle monitoring unit 140, battery information and vehicle information to remote server 160 at predetermined time intervals.

[0041] At step 208 , the method 200 includes, via the remote server 160 , storing the battery information and vehicle information thus received at the remote server 160 .

[0042] In one embodiment, method 200 includes step 212. In step 212, method 200 includes generating, via a telematics unit, a fault prediction based on stored battery information and stored vehicle information. In various embodiments, the stored information includes parameters related to vehicle driving patterns, battery charging patterns, and loads on the vehicle. Here, the warning signal generated by the telematics unit is related to a fault prediction in the vehicle based on stored system information, which is historical data related to battery usage and vehicle driving patterns.

[0043] Advantageously, the system and method for managing batteries provided by the present invention allows users to monitor and maintain battery health in real time and make discretionary decisions regarding preventative or corrective measures. The present invention reduces the rate of battery capacity degradation, thereby enhancing vehicle performance.

[0044] Furthermore, the present invention allows for longer battery life because problems associated with overheating due to frequent charging, deep battery discharge, and rough battery use are identified in real time and communicated to the user, who is free to take appropriate action.

[0045] While the present invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A battery management system (100) for managing a set of batteries (110) in a vehicle (150), comprising: a. a set of battery management units (120) including a battery management unit (122, 124) for each battery (112, 114) in the set of batteries (110), the battery management unit (120) managing each battery (112, 114) in the set of batteries (110); b. a communication module (130) for enabling communication with and within said battery management system (100); c. a vehicle monitoring unit (140), said vehicle monitoring unit (140) receiving and monitoring system information data including vehicle information data from said vehicle (150) and battery information data associated with each of said batteries in said set of batteries (110) from said respective battery management units (120), said system information data being received using said communication module (130), said vehicle monitoring unit (140) being configured to generate a user message based on a comparison of said system information data with predetermined standard acceptable system information values, said user message being communicated to a user; A battery management system (100) comprising:

2. 2. The battery management system of claim 1, further comprising: a remote server for storing the system information data, the battery information data including battery parameter values ​​associated with the battery, and the vehicle information data including vehicle parameter values ​​associated with the vehicle.

3. The battery management system (100) of claim 2, wherein the vehicle monitoring unit (140) sends the system information data to the remote server (160) at predetermined server time intervals for storage.

4. 4. The battery management system (100) of claim 3, wherein the battery management unit (140) is configured to monitor and control the battery and to communicate the battery information to the vehicle monitoring unit (140) at predetermined vehicle-time intervals.

5. The battery management system (100) of claim 4, wherein the battery management unit (140) is configured to communicate a battery alert to the vehicle monitoring unit (140) based on a comparison of the battery information to a predetermined threshold.

6. 6. The battery management system (100) of claim 5, wherein the vehicle monitoring unit (140) is configured to generate a warning signal based on the battery warning and a comparison of the system information data received by the vehicle monitoring unit (140) with the predetermined standard acceptable system information value.

7. 7. The battery management system of claim 6, wherein the server is configured to process the stored system information and generate the warning signal based on a comparison of the processed and stored system information data with the predetermined standard acceptable system information values, and the warning signal is communicated to the user.

8. 8. The battery management system of claim 7, wherein the communication module comprises a cluster communication module for communicating the warning signal to the user via a cluster display of the vehicle, the communication being in the form of the user message, the user message being displayed on a display unit to be read by the user.

9. 9. The battery management system (100) of claim 8, wherein the user message is selected from a set of pre-defined messages based on the generated warning signal, and the user takes action based on the user message.

10. A method (200) for managing batteries in a vehicle, each of the batteries having a battery management unit, the vehicle having a vehicle monitoring unit (140), the method (200) comprising: Step 202: receiving battery information including battery parameters related to a battery state via the battery management unit (122, 124) of the battery (112, 114), the battery information being received by the vehicle monitoring unit (140); Step 204: receiving vehicle information from the vehicle via the vehicle monitoring unit (140), the vehicle information including vehicle parameters related to vehicle operating conditions; Step 210: generating a real-time fault estimation based on a comparison of the information received via the vehicle monitoring unit (140) with predetermined parameter values; and Step 214: Providing a user message regarding the real-time fault estimation to a user via an instrument cluster. The method (200).

11. Step 206: sending the battery information and the vehicle information to a remote server (160) via the vehicle monitoring unit (140) at predetermined time intervals; and Step 208: storing the battery information and the vehicle information thus received via the remote server (160) at the remote server (160). The method of claim 10, comprising:

12. Step 212: Generating, via a telematics unit, a fault prediction based on the stored battery information and the stored vehicle information, the stored information including parameters related to vehicle driving patterns, battery charging patterns, and loads on the vehicle. The method of claim 11 , comprising:

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