Method for low noise charging of a vehicle and vehicle

Abstract

The technology disclosed herein, in accordance with the present invention, relates to a method for charging at least one electric energy storage device of a motor vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: (i) detecting at least one information of a charging point selected for the charging process, and (ii) using this information to limit the maximum noise emissions that the motor vehicle or the energy storage device is allowed to emit during the charging process.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Battery-powered vehicles are known from the prior art. Such vehicles are charged at charging stations. Undesirable noise emissions may occur when the vehicle is being charged, especially in the case of fast charging. Noise emissions usually increase with the charging power. High charging powers are generally targeted, but the associated noise emissions may be unacceptable in some areas (residential areas, pedestrian areas, etc.) and are already unacceptable in other areas (e.g., industrial areas, etc.).

[0002] The priority of the technology disclosed herein is to reduce or eliminate at least one drawback of known solutions or to propose an alternative. In particular, the priority of the technology disclosed herein is to enable fast charging of a vehicle without significantly increasing noise emissions in areas sensitive to noise emissions, preferably by means that are simple, cheap and easy to implement. A further priority is achieved by the advantageous effects of the technology disclosed herein. The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0003] The technology disclosed herein includes, inter alia, a method for charging at least one electric energy storage device of a motor vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: - detecting at least one piece of information of a charging point selected for the charging process; and - using this information to limit the maximum noise emissions that a motor vehicle or energy storage device is allowed to emit during the charging process. It has the following characteristics.

[0004] According to this preferred embodiment, it may be assumed that the vehicle uses the maximum noise limit values ​​disclosed herein for closed-loop or open-loop control of the charging process, in particular for closed-loop or open-loop control of the cooling device of the electric energy storage device. For this purpose, for example, a signal indicating the maximum sound pressure limit level may be transmitted to a control device for the cooling device of the energy storage device, in which case this signal may cause, for example, a cooling fan or a cooling medium compressor to operate quietly enough so that the overall noise emissions of the vehicle or the energy storage device comply with a limit value specified (for example, by legal regulations). This may result in a reduction in cooling capacity. It may be assumed that the vehicle initiates or specifies a reduction in charging power or charging current when the cooling device is no longer able to provide sufficient cooling capacity for cooling the electric energy storage device.

[0005] The technology disclosed herein further includes a method for charging at least one electric energy storage device of a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: setting at least one maximum charging limit parameter for the vehicle to be charged for the charging process, the maximum charging limit parameter corresponding to the maximum noise emission of the vehicle or the energy storage device, thereby limiting the maximum noise emission emitted by the vehicle or the energy storage device during the charging process. The charging limit parameter may be a maximum charging output or a maximum charging current, depending on the purpose. The charging limit parameter can be set, for example, by a charging station or a server.

[0006] That is, in this embodiment, it is advantageously assumed that the vehicle does not use a maximum noise limit value for closed-loop or open-loop control of the cooling device and the charging power associated with the charging station, but rather the charging station itself directly or indirectly limits the charging power for the vehicle's charging process, thereby limiting the noise emissions of the vehicle or the energy storage device. In other words, in one step, the electrical charging power provided to the vehicle is limited by a set maximum noise emission, and in this case, the limitation of the charging power based on the maximum noise emission has a higher priority than other charging parameters that may allow a charging power higher than the limited charging power. In other words, with this method, the limitation of the charging power based on the maximum noise emission is preferably configured to override the charging power setting caused by other parameters of the charging station if this charging power setting allows a higher charging power.

[0007] For example, the vehicle may be a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a battery electric vehicle (BEV), or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). The vehicle may also be referred to as an electric vehicle.

[0008] An electrical energy storage device is a device for storing electrical energy, in particular for driving at least one electric (traction) drive machine. The energy storage device comprises at least one individual battery forming an electrochemical energy storage battery. Typically, several individual batteries are provided. For example, the energy storage device can be a high-voltage accumulator or a high-voltage battery.

[0009] A charging point is a charging device that can charge only one vehicle at a time. A charging station may have one or more charging points. Thus, a charging station that can charge multiple vehicles simultaneously includes multiple charging points. A charging station or charging point is preferably a stationary device.

[0010] The maximum noise radiation that a motor vehicle or an energy storage device is permitted to emit during the charging process is the maximum noise radiation that the motor vehicle or the energy storage device is permitted to emit during charging. In this context, noise or noise radiation is understood to mean, in particular, sounds that, depending on their type, volume, or duration, pose a danger, significant inconvenience, or significant burden to the general public or the surrounding environment. In a preferred embodiment, the maximum noise radiation can be limited by limiting the noise radiation emitted by the cooling device of the electrical energy storage device. The maximum noise radiation can be set or influenced, for example, by rules, standards, technical regulations, etc.

[0011] Preferably, in the method disclosed herein, the maximum noise emissions that a motor vehicle or energy storage device is permitted to emit are: - the day of the week when the car is charged, -The time of day when the car is being charged, and / or -The date the car is charged is limited in consideration of the following.

[0012] Advantageously, for example, some or all days can be divided into various time periods (all day, daytime, nighttime, late night), for which the maximum noise emissions of the motor vehicle or energy storage device can be limited with different strengths. Time periods may differ depending on the country or region. For example, the following time periods can be defined: ·All day: 06:00~22:00 ·Late night: 22:00~06:00 hours Daytime: 13:00~15:00 ·Night: 20:00~22:00

[0013] Alternatively or additionally, the maximum noise emission can be limited to different intensities for, for example, Sundays, public holidays and weekdays. The maximum noise emission can be limited to different intensities for each day of the week or even for each date. Time periods can also be defined differently for different days of the week.

[0014] Advantageously, noise emissions can thus be better adapted to possibly valid regulations and at the same time the highest possible charging power or the shortest possible charging time can be achieved.

[0015] Preferably, the method disclosed herein comprises the step of detecting an environmental value that is directly or indirectly indicative of noise emissions present in the environment, the environmental value being preferably used in limiting the maximum noise emissions that the motor vehicle or energy storage device is allowed to emit during the charging process.

[0016] The ambient value preferably represents the actual or predicted noise emissions at the location of the charging process not from the vehicle to be charged itself but from other noise sources. In this context, other noise sources are all noise sources that are not attributable to the vehicle to be charged. Other noise sources are, for example: the charging station itself or an adjacent charging station, another vehicle that is or is to be charged at another charging point of the charging station or at an adjacent charging station; and / or Other stationary equipment that emits sound is.

[0017] The concept of "adjacent", within the scope of the technology disclosed in this specification, includes a distance between two objects where the noise emissions of both objects are usually so slight that they are both perceptible, in particular a distance of less than 50 meters, or less than 20 meters, or less than 15 meters.

[0018] Advantageously, a microphone may be provided to detect noise sources, especially noise sources not attributable to the charging station itself. In a preferred embodiment, the noise emissions of the charging station and the vehicle to be charged by the charging station can be approximated based on the vehicle's power demand. Furthermore, the charging station can directly or indirectly limit the noise emissions of other vehicles, especially by one of the methods disclosed herein. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the charging station can ensure that the maximum set limit for noise emissions is maintained while simultaneously charging each vehicle as quickly as possible.

[0019] A direct communication connection, in particular a cabled or wireless connection, may be established between the vehicle and the charging station including the charging point. Any suitable cabled or wireless communication standard may be used for this purpose. In one embodiment, a communication device of the charging station conforming to the standard DIN SPEC 70121 (published in December 2014) and / or ISO 15118-1 (first published in 2013) or a standard based thereon transmits at least one piece of information to the vehicle.

[0020] It may also be assumed that indirect communication for the vehicle is established. For example, the vehicle can communicate with the charging station via at least one server (also referred to as a back-end server or back-end). The at least one server can be operated, for example, by the vehicle manufacturer, the charging station operator, or a third party. The at least one server is not provided in the vehicle or in the charging station.

[0021] The detection of the at least one piece of information from the charging point by the motor vehicle can essentially take place in any suitable manner.

[0022] One of the at least one pieces of information may be a maximum noise limit. The maximum noise limit directly or indirectly indicates the maximum noise radiation that the motor vehicle or the energy storage device is permitted to emit during the charging process. For example, the maximum noise limit may be the maximum sound pressure limit level detectable at a predetermined distance. Similarly, the maximum sound pressure averaged over time may be considered as the noise limit. Values ​​and measurement methods for detecting noise radiation and defining the maximum noise limit for the method disclosed herein are known to those skilled in the art, for example, from official regulations and technical standards. In a preferred embodiment, multiple maximum noise limits are provided. This is advantageous, in particular, when different noise limits are valid depending on the time of day and / or the date.

[0023] In other words, it may be advantageously assumed that the vehicle detects the maximum noise limit value directly or indirectly from the charging point and uses this maximum noise limit value for closed-loop or open-loop control of the charging process to limit noise emissions.

[0024] One piece of information from the at least one piece of information from the charging point may, for example, be an identification number of the charging point. Preferably, this identification number is an EVSEID identifier (Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Identification Number) used for the settlement of the respective charging point. Preferably, it may be envisaged that the identification number is used to determine a maximum noise limit. In a preferred embodiment, several maximum noise limits are determined. This is particularly advantageous if different noise limits are valid depending on the time of day and / or depending on the date.

[0025] In one embodiment, it may be assumed that the vehicle user or automobile selects a charging point (preferably already before arriving at the charging location), advantageously based on predetermined selection criteria, such as current or predicted availability of charging points, current or predicted maximum charging output, price, parking space size, preferred electricity supplier, distance / detours to a predetermined driving destination, etc.

[0026] In one embodiment, the maximum noise limit for the vehicle can be determined based on the identification number. Alternatively or additionally, it may be assumed that the vehicle receives the maximum noise limit wirelessly from at least one server, where the maximum noise limit was determined using the identification number.

[0027] In one embodiment, each identification number is assigned at least one maximum noise limit value. Advantageously, in addition to the identification number, further parameters can be taken into account. The maximum noise limit value can be determined, for example, on the basis of mathematical calculations, using the identification number or values ​​stored for the identification number. Advantageously, a multidimensional characteristic map is stored in the vehicle or on at least one server, in which various maximum noise limit values ​​are stored as a function of the identification number, preferably also as a function of other parameters. The further parameters can be, for example, the day, time and / or date the vehicle is being charged, and / or At least one environment value It may be.

[0028] Preferably, the set maximum charging limit parameter is determined taking into account each vehicle or vehicle type. Tests and / or simulations can be used to determine a correlation between charging parameters (e.g., charging current, charging power) and the noise emitted by the vehicle during charging for each vehicle or vehicle type. Vehicle classes may also be defined that all have substantially the same noise emission characteristics during charging. For example, the set maximum charging limit parameter may depend on one or more of the following parameters: · the day, time and / or date the vehicle is being charged; at least one environmental value, vehicle make or class, and / or - Ambient temperature during the charging process.

[0029] The maximum charging limit parameter may be stored together with the above parameters in a characteristic map stored on the server or in the charging station.

[0030] The technology disclosed herein relates in particular to a method for charging a plurality of vehicles at a plurality of charging points located adjacent to one another, in which the maximum noise emissions that the vehicle is allowed to emit during the charging process are limited in each of the vehicles by one of the methods disclosed herein, where the maximum noise limit and / or charging limit parameters are preferably: - the noise emissions emitted by several motor vehicles together, or - the noise emissions emitted by several vehicles and several charging points together, It has been selected so as not to exceed the limit values ​​for environmental noise emissions.

[0031] For example, if the noise emissions of all vehicles to be charged, and possibly all charging stations, would exceed the permissible environmental noise emission limits (e.g., limits of possibly existing noise regulations), then the noise emissions of some or all vehicles are preferably (further) limited. Various approaches are conceivable for limiting the noise emissions of individual vehicles.

[0032] For example, the noise emissions (and ultimately the charging output) of all vehicles can be limited by the same value. For example, if a 50 dB environmental noise emission limit must be observed in a residential area at night, and the noise emissions of other noise sources, such as the charging station itself or other stationary buildings, are negligible, then one of the methods disclosed herein can be used to charge individual vehicles at a single charging point so that the maximum noise emission of the vehicle or energy storage device during the charging process is limited to 50 dB. In contrast, if multiple vehicles are being charged simultaneously by the same charging station, the charging station reduces the maximum allowable noise emission of each vehicle to be charged so that the total environmental noise emission limit of 50 dB is again observed, while still allowing these vehicles to be charged as quickly as possible. For this purpose, the maximum noise emission limit of each individual vehicle can be reduced by a predetermined value.

[0033] It is also conceivable that the noise emissions of the individual vehicles are not all reduced by the same amount, as the reduction in noise emissions may be determined, for example, by the charging station based on other criteria, such as: (i) Maximizing the total charging output of the charging station, thereby reducing the area used for charging; or (ii) Equalize the charging power provided to various vehicles; These criteria are taken into account when carrying out the reduction so that the limit values ​​for ambient noise emissions are observed. Furthermore, the state of charge of the individual vehicles can be taken into account as a criterion for the reduction of the individual vehicles in order to determine which vehicles must have their noise emissions (additionally) reduced.

[0034] It is preferably envisaged that the method disclosed herein is not only performed to initiate a charging process, but is advantageously performed continuously or at regular intervals during charging, for example, when another vehicle is connected to another charging point of the charging station, the method disclosed herein is preferably performed again.

[0035] In other words, the technology disclosed herein relates to a method for charging an energy accumulator of a vehicle, the charging station being able to transmit, for example in DC charging standard PLC, at least the identification number of the charging point (charging station, charging stand, wall box, etc.) connected to the vehicle.

[0036] The vehicle can additionally receive directly from the charging point the noise limit value (ie the actual sound level limit or dB limit) allowed at this charging point or the maximum charging power corresponding to this sound.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle may determine the allowable noise limits for the identification number (and preferably based on other surrounding conditions such as time of day, day of the week and / or date), by: a) From the in Car list, or b) from a back-end server (B2V) communicating with the vehicle via a query on the identification number, from the list stored there; demand.

[0038] The list can store one or more characteristics of the charging point for the identification number of the charging point. In particular, the query at the backend server can include the actual surrounding conditions, such as the currently permitted additional noise level around the charging point, if the charging point or another location has calculated this noise. Thus, the maximum noise load at a vehicle to be charged or caused by multiple vehicles to be charged can also be set or maintained remotely, in particular dynamically.

[0039] The back-end server may be operated by, for example, the vehicle manufacturer, a charging point operator, or other information aggregator. Each vehicle may control its current draw so as not to exceed noise emission limits for this vehicle.

[0040] In one embodiment, the techniques disclosed herein may include the following steps: (1) Connect the vehicle to the charging point via a charging current connection. (2) Communication between charging points and vehicles. (3) Calculation of the noise limit values ​​actually in effect (e.g., method a) or b)). (4) Noise emission limits.

[0041] In some cases, steps (2)-(4) can be repeated if the ambient conditions around the vehicle are indeed changing. The trigger to repeat the flow can be initiated by the charging point directly or by a back-end server via communication.

[0042] To comply with noise regulations, the disclosed technology, especially in a back-end server-based solution, has the advantage that the total number of vehicles to be charged can be dynamically adapted to the real-time acceptability of the vehicles. For example, if one vehicle in one EVSE-ID is being charged with low acceptance and therefore low noise, the other vehicle can be allowed to generate more noise without violating noise regulations.

[0043] Preferably, the noise level around the vehicle can be determined, for example, by a microphone (e.g., a hands-free phone) installed in the vehicle. However, this noise level can also be detected in other ways. The determined noise level around the vehicle can, in one embodiment, be used to classify and monitor the surroundings, and in particular to monitor the vehicle's cooling system so that it always remains below the ambient noise level and still provides the cooling capacity required for charging. For example, a frequency image of the ambient noise can be detected. Furthermore, preferably, the vehicle user can adjust how much priority the cooling system's noise emissions should have and thus how they affect its charging output. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0044] [Figure 1] 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to the present invention.

[0045] The technique disclosed herein is described below with reference to FIG. 1. The method starts in step S100. In step S200, the vehicle detects the identification number of the charging point. This can be done, for example, via cabled communication. In step S300, the vehicle can determine the maximum noise limit based on the identification number, for example by receiving the noise limit corresponding to this identification number via a server query. It may also be assumed that the vehicle receives multiple noise limits associated with this identification number. For example, different noise limits may be transmitted for different time periods. Based on the received noise limit, in step S400, the maximum noise emissions emitted by the vehicle or the electrical energy storage device are limited. It may be assumed that these steps are repeated during charging.

[0046] For the sake of clarity and readability, the phrase "at least one" has been omitted in some places. When features of the technology disclosed herein are described in the singular or indefinite article, it is to be considered that the plural is also disclosed at the same time.

[0047] The above description of the present invention is used only to explain the present invention, not to limit the present invention. Within the scope of the present invention, various modifications and improvements are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention and its equivalents.

Claims

1. 1. A method for charging at least one electric energy storage device of a motor vehicle, comprising the steps of: detecting identification information associated with the charging point; using the identification information to determine a maximum noise limit value indicative of a maximum noise emission that the vehicle or the energy storage device is permitted to emit during a charging process; limiting the maximum noise emissions that the vehicle or the energy storage device is allowed to emit during the charging process based on the maximum noise limit; A method having the following.

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the maximum noise limit is determined for the vehicle.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle receives the maximum noise limit from a server.

4. 1. A method for charging at least one electric energy storage device of a motor vehicle, comprising the following steps: detecting identification information associated with the charging point; using the identification information to determine a maximum noise limit value indicative of a maximum noise emission that the vehicle or the energy storage device is permitted to emit during a charging process; The method includes a step of setting at least one maximum charging limit parameter corresponding to the maximum noise radiation in the vehicle to be charged for the charging process, for the purpose of limiting, by setting, the maximum noise radiation that is permitted to be emitted during the charging process based on the maximum noise limit value.

5. A method as described in claim 4, wherein based on the setting, the charging station itself directly or indirectly limits the charging output for the vehicle charging process, thereby limiting the noise emissions of the vehicle or energy storage device.

6. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the charge limit parameter is determined taking into account a vehicle make or vehicle class.

7. 7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the maximum noise emission is limited taking into account the day, time and / or date on which the vehicle is charged.

8. 8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of detecting at least one environmental value indicative of noise emissions present in the environment, said environmental value being used in limiting said maximum noise emissions.

9. 10. A method for charging a plurality of vehicles at a plurality of charging points, comprising the steps of: limiting, in each of the vehicles, a maximum noise emission that the vehicle is permitted to emit during a charging process by a method according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and determining a maximum noise limit value and / or a charging limit parameter by: the noise emissions emitted by said plurality of motor vehicles together; or noise emissions emitted by said plurality of vehicles and by said plurality of charging points together A method of selection that does not exceed the limit values ​​for environmental noise emissions.

10. 10. A motor vehicle equipped with at least one energy storage device, the motor vehicle being adapted to carry out at least one method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. 1. A motor vehicle having at least one energy storage device, The vehicle is Detecting identification information associated with the charging point; using the identification information to determine a maximum noise limit value indicative of the maximum noise emissions that the vehicle or the energy storage device is permitted to emit during a charging process; Limiting the maximum noise emissions that the vehicle or the energy storage device is allowed to emit during the charging process based on the maximum noise limit value. It is configured as follows: car.

12. A computer readable storage medium having stored thereon program instructions which, when executed by a microprocessor, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 9 to be carried out.

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