Air conditioning control device

Abstract

To suppress waste of energy efficiency while suppressing deterioration of comfort as control for cooling by an air conditioner when sleeping in a vehicle and so on.SOLUTION: An air-conditioning control device performs operation control setting of an air conditioner when utilizing, for only a timer set time, the air conditioner by an on-vehicle battery, and performs processing for estimating a temperature of the on-vehicle battery at an end point of the timer setting time by utilization of the air conditioner by a set operation control setting. Further, when the estimated temperature of the on-vehicle battery is higher than a set battery cooling start temperature, the operation control setting of the air conditioner is changed to a lower power consumption setting.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning control device for controlling an air conditioning device mounted on a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 listed below discloses technology relating to a vehicle system that can suppress temperature changes in the battery and prevent deterioration of battery performance even when the vehicle is parked and stopped continuously for a predetermined period of time or longer. Patent Document 2 listed below discloses a technology relating to a vehicle air conditioner that prevents the battery from running out without impairing the comfort of the user when riding in the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-248966 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-338673 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, in vehicles such as electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), when sleeping in the car, the air conditioner (hereinafter referred to as "air conditioner") may be used to lower the temperature inside the car, so that the passenger can sleep peacefully and peacefully. This may mean that the air conditioner is powered by the onboard battery (hereinafter simply referred to as "battery") rather than by the internal combustion engine, which can cause the battery to self-heat depending on the power consumption, causing the battery temperature to rise.

[0005] In such cases, it is necessary to operate the battery cooling fan to cool the battery in order to prevent battery deterioration, but this causes the hot air exhausted from the battery cooling to flow into the vehicle cabin, raising the temperature inside the vehicle and reducing passenger comfort. Furthermore, in order to lower the vehicle's temperature, the cooling capacity of the air conditioner is increased, which increases the air conditioner's power consumption. This increases the heat generated by the battery, and the battery's exhaust heat is repeatedly circulated inside the vehicle, resulting in a decrease in comfort and a waste of energy.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention proposes a technology that can maintain passenger comfort and prevent energy waste when cooling a vehicle by operating an air conditioner using a battery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An air conditioning control device in one embodiment of the present invention is an air conditioning control device that controls an air conditioning device of a vehicle, and is equipped with one or more processors and one or more storage media on which a program executed by the one or more processors is stored, the program including one or more instructions that cause the one or more processors to perform the following processes when the air conditioning device is operated using an onboard battery for a timer set time: setting operation control settings for the air conditioning device; estimating the temperature of the onboard battery at the end of the timer set time when the air conditioning device is operated using the set operation control settings; and, if the estimated temperature of the onboard battery is higher than the set battery cooling start temperature, changing the operation control settings of the air conditioning device to a setting with less power consumption. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, when an air conditioner is operated using a battery for cooling, the battery cooling can be minimized as much as possible, thereby maintaining passenger comfort and preventing energy waste. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of a control configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 4 is a flowchart of normal air conditioning control and battery cooling processing. [Figure 3] 3 is a flowchart of an air conditioning control process according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 3 is a flowchart of an air conditioning control process according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of end-of-life battery temperature estimation according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a change in air conditioner operation control setting according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a battery life estimation according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a battery life estimation according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] <Vehicle control configuration> FIG. 1 shows an example of a control configuration installed in a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment. It should be noted that an electric vehicle that runs on a motor is assumed as the vehicle 1. However, the vehicle 1 to which the technology of the present invention can be applied is not limited to electric vehicles, and may also be a vehicle with another power configuration, such as an HEV that uses an internal combustion engine and a motor.

[0011] The vehicle 1 has, as control functions, a motor control unit 4, a transmission control unit 5, a steering control unit 6, a brake control unit 7, a battery control unit 8, an air conditioning control unit 9, a communication control unit 10, a display / sound control unit 11, etc. Each of these control functions is configured with a microcomputer (processor) having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and is connected to one another via a bus 15 so as to be able to communicate data with one another.

[0012] The vehicle 1 also includes devices such as an air conditioner (air conditioning unit) 20, a display unit 21, a sound output unit 22, and an operation unit 25, as well as an occupant-related sensor unit 23, a temperature sensor 26, and a battery-related sensor unit 24 as various detection functions. The vehicle also includes an on-board battery unit 30 that supplies power supply voltage to the vehicle's drive motor.

[0013] 1 shows the main control configuration of the vehicle 1, and various other configurations are also provided. Also, not all of the configurations shown in FIG. 1 are necessarily provided.

[0014] The motor control unit 4 controls the operation of the motor generator by controlling a motor drive unit (not shown) according to the motor's required driving force. The motor drive unit is configured as an electric circuit unit having a drive circuit for the motor generator. Based on the motor's required driving force, the motor control unit 4 issues an instruction to the motor drive unit to cause the motor generator to rotate in a powered manner when the motor generator should be rotated in a powered manner, and issues an instruction to the motor drive unit to cause the motor generator to rotate in a regenerative manner when the motor generator should be rotated in a regenerative manner. The motor control unit 4 also limits the output of the motor generator according to information such as the state of charge (SOC) of a traction battery (battery 31 in the on-board battery unit 30) provided in the vehicle 1 as a power source for the motor generator.

[0015] The transmission control unit 5 controls various actuators provided as transmission-related actuators (not shown) based on detection signals from predetermined sensors provided in the vehicle 1, operation input information from operators, etc. Examples of transmission-related actuators provided include a gear shift actuator for controlling gear shifts in an automatic transmission of the vehicle 1, and a forward / reverse switching actuator for controlling the operation of a forward / reverse switching mechanism.

[0016] The steering control unit 6 controls the steering angle by controlling the drive of a steering actuator (not shown) (for example, an actuator such as a power steering motor that is provided so that the steering angle can be changed) based on the driver's steering operation or the like.

[0017] The brake control unit 7 controls various actuators provided as brake-related actuators (not shown) based on detection signals from predetermined sensors provided in the vehicle 1, operation input information from an operator, etc. The brake-related actuators provided include various brake-related actuators, such as a hydraulic pressure control actuator for controlling the output hydraulic pressure from the brake booster to the master cylinder and the hydraulic pressure in the brake fluid piping.

[0018] The battery control unit 8 controls the on-board battery unit 30, for example, by controlling the execution of battery cooling operations. The battery control unit 8 also calculates the State of Health (SOH), an index that represents the deterioration state and health of the battery, and manages the time of "storage deterioration" and "cycle deterioration" for that purpose. The SOH, "storage deterioration," and "cycle deterioration" will be described later. The battery control unit 8 also calculates the SOC and provides it to the motor control unit 4, for example. The vehicle-mounted battery unit 30 is composed of a battery 31 and its peripheral charge / discharge circuits, cooling mechanisms, and the like. The voltage state, internal resistance value, etc. of the battery 31 are detected by the sensors of the battery-related sensor section 24, and the battery control section 8 performs the above-mentioned processing in accordance with the various pieces of information detected by the battery-related sensor section 24.

[0019] The air conditioning control unit 9 controls a compressor that compresses air, an expansion valve, a blower fan, and the like that constitute the air conditioner 20, thereby realizing the cooling and heating function of the passenger compartment space of the vehicle 1. As will be described later, the air conditioning control unit 9 also controls the driving of the air conditioner for a timer set time in the car camping mode, for example.

[0020] The communication control unit 10 is a wireless communication processing unit that can perform wireless communication with an external organization of the vehicle 1, and performs communication with a server device of the external organization via a communication network such as the Internet. For example, the communication control unit 10 executes communication for a telematics service. The communication control unit 10 may also perform wireless communication such as vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

[0021] The display / sound control unit 11 controls various notifications for the occupants. That is, the display / sound control unit 11 controls the display unit 21, such as a display on the front console of the vehicle 1, and the sound output unit 22 to execute various displays and sound outputs. For example, the display / sound control unit 11 can control the output of displays and sounds for messages, warnings, etc.

[0022] The occupant-related sensor unit 23 is composed of various sensors arranged in various locations within the vehicle cabin and functions as a so-called health monitor that detects the condition of the occupant. For example, the occupant-related sensor unit 23 detects the body temperature, skin temperature, heart rate, sweating state, etc. of the occupant using a temperature sensor, vibration sensor, humidity sensor, or infrared sensor provided in the seat. The occupant-related sensor unit 23 may also be provided with a camera that captures images of the occupant within the vehicle cabin and a processor that analyzes the captured images to detect the health state of the occupant as a result of image analysis, or a configuration that analyzes audio obtained by a microphone.

[0023] The operation unit 25 collectively refers to switches, buttons, touch panels, touch pads, levers, etc., which are used by the occupant to perform various operations. In this example, the operation unit 25 is shown as an operation means for the occupant to perform operations related to the air conditioner 20, for example.

[0024] The temperature sensor 26 is provided to detect the temperature inside the vehicle cabin mainly for air conditioning control.

[0025] <Example of battery cooling during normal air conditioning control> Before describing the air conditioning control of the embodiment, an example of processing when battery cooling and driving of the air conditioner 20 are performed simultaneously will be described with reference to FIG.

[0026] 2, the air conditioning control unit 9 monitors the occupant's operation to instruct the air conditioner 20 to operate. When the occupant's operation to instruct the air conditioner to operate is detected, the air conditioning control unit 9 starts driving (cooling) the air conditioner 20 using the battery 31 as a power source in step S201.

[0027] While the air conditioner 20 is operating, the air conditioning control unit 9 determines whether the timer setting time has been reached in step S202. If the timer setting time set by the occupant has been reached, the air conditioning control unit 9 proceeds to step S203 and stops the operation of the air conditioner 20.

[0028] If battery cooling is not being performed during the time until the timer setting time is reached, the process proceeds to step S205 via step S204, where the battery temperature is determined. In this case, the battery control unit 8 determines whether the current temperature of the battery 31 is equal to or higher than the set battery cooling start temperature Tc.

[0029] When the air conditioner 20, which is powered by the battery 31, is in operation, the battery 31 generates heat in response to the power consumption, causing the temperature of the battery 31 to rise. If it is determined at a certain point in time in step S205 that the temperature of the battery 31 has reached or exceeded the battery cooling start temperature Tc, the battery control unit 8 proceeds to step S206 and starts battery cooling. That is, the battery cooling fan is operated to cool the battery 31.

[0030] During battery cooling, the battery control unit 8 proceeds from step S204 to step S207, and determines whether the battery 31 temperature has become lower than the battery cooling stop temperature Tce due to cooling. Note that the battery cooling stop temperature Tce may be equal to Tc, or Tce may not be equal to Tc.

[0031] If it is determined that the temperature of the battery 31 is lower than the battery cooling stop temperature Tce at a certain point in time, the battery control unit 8 proceeds from step S207 to step S208, and stops battery cooling.

[0032] When this process is performed, the temperature in the vehicle cabin temporarily rises due to the inflow of battery exhaust heat into the vehicle interior while the battery is being cooled, which increases the power consumption of the air conditioner 20. Power consumption also increases due to battery cooling, which in turn leads to an increase in the temperature of the battery 31.

[0033] <Processing example of embodiment> Therefore, in this embodiment, processing is performed to avoid such battery cooling as much as possible while the air conditioner is running, while still maintaining passenger comfort. In particular, in the embodiment, it is assumed that, when sleeping in a vehicle, the occupant sets a timer and turns on the air conditioner 20 (cooling). 3 and 4 show examples of processing by the air conditioning control unit 9. Note that "c1" and "c2" in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 indicate connections in the flowcharts.

[0034] In step S101, the air conditioning control unit 9 determines that both the occupant has turned on the air conditioner 20 and the overnight stay mode using the operation unit 25. This is because the air conditioning control unit 9 performs the processes in step S102 and thereafter when the occupant switches on the overnight stay mode, sets the timer, and operates the air conditioner 20.

[0035] When the operation of step S101 is detected, the air conditioning control unit 9 executes the processes of steps S102 to S107 as preparation processes for operating the air conditioner 20.

[0036] In step S102, the air conditioning control unit 9 calculates the expected power consumption We of the air conditioner 20. That is, it sets the operation control settings of the air conditioner 20 for the period leading up to the timer set time, and calculates the expected power consumption We under those operation control settings. Then, in step S103, the air conditioning control unit 9 estimates and calculates the temperature of the battery 31 at the end of the timer setting time (hereinafter referred to as battery temperature Te).

[0037] This will be explained using Figure 5. Figure 5 shows the changes in air conditioner power consumption [W], battery temperature [°C], and cabin temperature [°C] on a time axis. Time tm0 is the time when the air conditioner 20 starts operating, and time tm6, after the timer setting time E has elapsed, is the time when the air conditioner 20 stops operating. The air conditioning control unit 9 operates the air conditioner 20 so that the temperature inside the vehicle cabin (starting cabin temperature Ts) before the air conditioner 20 is operated (i.e., the current temperature) becomes the air conditioner set temperature Ta and maintains the air conditioner set temperature Ta, as detected by the temperature sensor 26.

[0038] In this case, for example, the air conditioning control unit 9 performs drive control as shown by the progress of air conditioner power consumption in Figure 5. The air conditioning control unit 9 sets the cooling intensity for the cooling periods tm0-tm1, tm1-tm2, and tm1-tm3 as shown in the figure, based on the starting room temperature Ts, the air conditioner set temperature Ta, and the timer set time E. For example, the cooling intensity is gradually reduced from strong cooling to medium cooling to weak cooling.

[0039] The air conditioning control unit 9 also sets the circulation period as, for example, blowing air between time points tm3 and tm4, weak cooling between time points tm4 and tm5, and blowing air between time points tm5 and tm6. The air conditioning control unit 9 performs, for example, such operation control settings for the air conditioner 20 and calculates the predicted power consumption We of the air conditioner 20 at the end of the timer setting time. This predicted power consumption We is the sum of the areas of the shaded areas in the air conditioner power consumption diagram.

[0040] The air conditioning control unit 9 then calculates the amount of current consumed by the air conditioner from the expected power consumption We and the battery voltage as follows: (Air conditioner current consumption) = (Estimated power consumption We) ÷ (Battery voltage) Furthermore, the air conditioning control unit 9 estimates the battery temperature Te at the end of the timer from the air conditioner current consumption and the battery internal resistance. (Battery temperature Te) = (Air conditioner current consumption)^2 x (Battery internal resistance) x (Battery specific heat) Note that "^2" indicates the square.

[0041] After performing the above processes in steps S102 and S103 in FIG. 3, the air conditioning control unit 9 determines in step S104 whether the battery temperature Te at the end of the timer is below the set battery cooling start temperature Tc.

[0042] When Te < Tc, the air-conditioning control unit 9 proceeds to step S110 and starts the operation of the air conditioner 20 using the battery 31 as a power source. Thereafter, the operation of the air conditioner 20 is controlled according to the operation control settings set at that time.

[0043] On the other hand, when Te ≥ Tc, it is predicted that battery cooling as described in FIG. 2 will be activated within the period until the timer set time. For example, in the case of the example in FIG. 5, the battery temperature reaches the battery cooling start temperature Tc during the period from time tm3 to tm4, and battery cooling is activated during this period. Therefore, the air-conditioning control unit 9 proceeds to step S105, determines whether the operation control settings can be reset, and if they can be reset, resets the motion control settings in step S106. In this case, the reset is performed so that the predicted power consumption We decreases.

[0044] For example, the predicted power consumption We' after resetting is We' = We × (1 - 0.1 × n) The motion control settings are reset as such. Here, "n" is the number of resets, and it is a counter value such that n = 1 for the first reset and n = 2 for the second reset. That is, for the first reset, operation control settings are performed so that the predicted power consumption We' that is 10% lower than the initially obtained predicted power consumption We is obtained. Also, if resets are performed after the second time, the predicted power consumption We' is gradually decreased.

[0045] Then, the air-conditioning control unit 9 returns to step S103, performs calculations based on the predicted power consumption We' after resetting, estimates the battery temperature Te at the timer end time, and checks whether Te < Tc in step S104. If Te < Tc still does not hold, resetting is performed again in step S106, and the processes of steps S103 and S104 are performed.

[0046] In one or more resettings, if Te < Tc, accordingly, the air conditioning control unit 9 proceeds to step S110 and starts the operation control of the air conditioner 20 according to the operation control settings set at that time.

[0047] For example, FIG. 6 shows a state where the estimated battery temperature Te at the end of the timer becomes Te < Tc by resetting the operation control settings so as to gradually decrease the cooling intensity during the cooling period. In this way, by performing the operation control settings of the air conditioner 20 so that the final battery temperature Te does not reach the battery cooling start temperature Tc, it is possible to prevent the battery cooling from being activated during the air conditioner operation period.

[0048] Note that even if the resetting is performed several times in step S106, Te may not become less than Tc, so the resetting is restricted in step S105. For example, in step S105, when the number of resettings n exceeds the specified number or the current battery temperature is equal to or higher than the battery cooling start temperature Tc, the air conditioning control unit 9 makes it impossible to reset and proceeds to step S109.

[0049] For example, when the indoor temperature Ts at the start is extremely high, even if the resetting is performed several times, Te may not become less than Tc, so the number of resettings is restricted. Also, if the current battery temperature is already equal to or higher than the battery cooling start temperature Tc, it is inevitable that the battery cooling will be performed during the air conditioner operation period. Alternatively, even if the power consumption by the air conditioner 20 is set to the minimum level (only blowing), Te may not become less than Tc. Therefore, in such a case as well, it is advisable to make it impossible to reset.

[0050] When it becomes impossible to reset as described above, the air conditioning control unit 9 performs a process of notifying the occupant in step S107 that the waste heat by the battery cooling is being performed during the operation of the air conditioner. For example, the air conditioning control unit 9 instructs the display / sound control unit 11 to execute the display of the above message or warning lamp and the sound output. After that, the air conditioning control unit 9 performs the operation control of the air conditioner 20 in step S110.

[0051] After starting the drive control of the air conditioner 20 as described above, the air conditioning control unit 9 determines in step S111 whether the timer set time has elapsed. If the time set by the occupant on the timer has elapsed, the air conditioning control unit 9 proceeds to step S112 and stops the operation of the air conditioner 20.

[0052] During the period until the timer set time is reached, the air conditioning control unit 9 acquires detection information from the occupant-related sensor unit 23 in step S120 and performs "too cold judgment" and "too hot judgment" as follows.

[0053] In step S120, the air conditioning control unit 9 determines whether the occupant is too cold, for example, based on changes in body temperature, skin temperature, heart rate, etc. In step S130, the air conditioning control unit 9 determines whether the passenger is too hot, for example, based on changes in the passenger's body temperature, skin temperature, heart rate, etc. In particular, if it is determined that the temperature is neither too cold nor too hot, the process returns to step S111, and the determination of the timer setting time, the determination of whether the temperature is too cold, and the determination of whether the temperature is too hot are repeated.

[0054] If it is determined at a certain point in time in step S120 that the vehicle interior temperature is too cold, the air conditioning control unit 9 proceeds to step S122 and starts control to raise the vehicle interior temperature. For example, the air conditioning control unit 9 controls the battery control unit 8 to alternate between cooling the battery and blowing air from the air conditioner 20 for a certain period of time. This circulates the battery waste heat inside the vehicle cabin, promoting a rise in the room temperature.

[0055] By utilizing the battery exhaust heat, the room temperature can be raised using the power consumption of the battery cooling fan and the power consumption of the air conditioner blower fan. Therefore, the power consumption can be lower than when raising the temperature by heating the air conditioner 20. The control of step S122 continues for the period during which it is determined in step S121 that the temperature is too cold.

[0056] If it is determined at a certain point in time in step S130 that the room is too cold, the air conditioning control unit 9 proceeds to step S131 and determines whether or not it is possible to execute control to lower the room temperature while allowing for battery degradation. For example, the air conditioning control unit 9 acquires the cumulative time of cycle deterioration and storage deterioration for each current temperature, and estimates the future lifespan based on the cumulative time. It then determines whether the estimated lifespan is less than the target lifespan. If the estimated lifespan is less than the target lifespan, it determines that it is possible to execute control to lower the room temperature while allowing for battery deterioration.

[0057] A target level of deterioration is determined in advance based on the SOH, which is an index of the battery deterioration state. For example, the following constants are predetermined for battery control: Battery warranty period (e.g. 7 years) Battery life target (e.g. SOH 0.8) Lifespan target for car camping (e.g. SOH 0.85) The SOH is the percentage of the full charge capacity at the time of degradation, with the initial full charge capacity taken as 100%. Therefore, the smaller the value, the more advanced the degradation.

[0058] Then, for each temperature, such as 25°C, 35°C, 45°C, and 55°C, the target SOH value for the expected usage over the seven-year warranty period is calculated in advance. Here, battery degradation can be classified into storage degradation and cycle degradation. Storage degradation occurs when the vehicle is parked, while cycle degradation occurs when the vehicle is running or the battery is being charged. For example, the battery control unit 8 constantly counts the cumulative time of such storage deterioration and the cumulative time of cycle deterioration.

[0059] Figure 7 shows, for example, the cumulative cycle deterioration time 50 and the cumulative storage deterioration time 60 for each year at each battery temperature (25°C and 55°C are shown here as examples), along with the corresponding SOH values. The figure shows the accumulated time up to the seventh year, but if the vehicle 1 has been in operation for five years, the accumulated time 50, 60 for each year up to the fifth year is managed and stored, for example, by the battery control unit 8.

[0060] If it is determined that it is too hot, the air conditioning control unit 9 uses this information to determine whether battery degradation is acceptable. Figure 8 shows the current SOH, predicted future SOH, and SOH as a lifespan target.

[0061] The cumulative times 50 and 60 shown as the current SOH and the predicted future SOH are summaries of the cumulative times for each temperature, as shown enlarged at the bottom. For example, in the cumulative cycle deterioration time 50, areas 50a, 50b, and 50c separated by dashed lines represent cumulative times at battery temperatures of 25°C, 35°C, and 45°C, respectively. Similarly, in the cumulative storage deterioration time 60, areas 60a, 60b, and 60c separated by dashed lines represent cumulative times at battery temperatures of 25°C, 35°C, and 45°C, respectively.

[0062] To determine whether battery deterioration is acceptable, the air conditioning control unit 9 first acquires the current SOH and the number of years the vehicle 1 has been in operation. Then, the accumulated time up to the present for each battery temperature is obtained as shown in Fig. 8. In Fig. 8, the operating years of vehicle 1 are assumed to be two years.

[0063] Next, the ratio of accumulated time for each battery temperature is kept the same, and an estimated SOH value after, say, seven years is obtained. Let's say the SOH is 0.87. Since this is not below the target value of 0.85, it is determined that the degradation is acceptable.

[0064] In such a case, the air conditioning control unit 9 proceeds to step S132 in FIG. 3 and performs control to lower the room temperature. In this case, the air conditioning control unit 9 calculates how much the proportion of the temperature range higher than the battery cooling start temperature Tc can be increased until the target life span is reached.

[0065] First, the cycle degradation allowance Cr and storage degradation allowance Hr are calculated from the difference between the current battery degradation state SOH and the target battery degradation value. For example, calculate the prediction for the case where the percentage of the accumulated time from the battery cooling start temperature Tc to the upper limit temperature is increased and other temperature distributions are reduced until the target SOH of 0.85 is reached, as shown in Figure 8. From the difference between this and the current battery degradation state SOH, calculate the cycle degradation allowance Cr and storage degradation allowance Hr.

[0066] Then, from the cycle deterioration allowance Cr, the allowable discharge time and allowable discharge battery temperature at which discharge is allowed when the battery temperature exceeds Tc are set. Also, the allowable storage temperature and allowable storage time after the battery temperature exceeds Tc when the timer expires are set from the allowable storage deterioration amount Hr.

[0067] Based on these calculation results, the air conditioning control unit 9 controls the air conditioner 20 to increase the cooling strength depending on the battery degradation state. Also, the battery cooling start temperature Tc is temporarily raised to temperature Tc' until the process is completed. In this case, the battery cooling start temperature Tc' is set to be equal to or higher than the allowable storage temperature. The time during which the air conditioner 20 can be operated to lower the vehicle interior temperature is set within a range of the allowable discharge time after the battery cooling start temperature Tc' is exceeded. During this time, the air conditioning control unit 9 monitors the health condition of the occupant based on the detected value of the occupant-related sensor unit 23, and adjusts the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 20.

[0068] As described above, when it is determined that the room is too hot, control is performed to lower the room temperature in accordance with the battery life determination. However, in step S131, it may be determined that there is no margin for battery deterioration. In this case, the air conditioning control unit 9 proceeds to step S140 in Fig. 4, and performs processing for when the temperature is too hot but the cooling performance of the air conditioner cannot be increased.

[0069] In step S140, the air conditioning control unit 9 acquires the health condition of the occupant based on the detected values ​​of the occupant-related sensor unit 23. For example, the body temperature, sweating level, heart rate, etc. are acquired. In step S141, the air conditioning control unit 9 determines whether or not a condition exists that requires a notification to be sent to the occupant. For example, it determines whether or not the body temperature or sweating level exceeds a threshold for determining whether or not to send a notification. The threshold in this case may be set as a warning level for heatstroke, for example.

[0070] If it is not determined that the state requires notification, the process returns to step S140. If it is determined that a notification is required, the air conditioning control unit 9 proceeds to step S142 and instructs the display / sound control unit 11 to notify the occupants. For example, it may notify the occupants of signs of heat stroke and display instructions such as hydration. It may also display a confirmation button on the touch panel and prompt the occupants to perform a predetermined operation. Of course, it may also be possible to notify the occupants by voice.

[0071] In step S143, the air conditioning control unit 9 determines whether the occupant has operated the confirmation button. If so, it determines that the occupant has recognized the risk of heat stroke or the like, and ends the notification process in step S144, returning to the loop including, for example, step S111 in FIG. 3.

[0072] On the other hand, if the occupant does not press the confirmation button in response to the notification after a certain period of time (for example, one to several minutes) has passed, the air conditioning control unit 9 proceeds to step S145 and performs notification intensification processing. For example, if the occupant is asleep and does not notice the notification, it determines that the occupant is at a risk of heatstroke and performs processing to wake the occupant up. Specifically, it instructs the display / sound control unit 11 to increase the volume of the notification sound. Alternatively, if the seat is equipped with a movable mechanism, it may control the seat movable mechanism to change the reclining state.

[0073] While performing the notification enhancement process in this way, the air conditioning control unit 9 determines whether or not the occupant has operated the confirmation button in step S146. If the operation has been performed, it determines that the occupant has noticed the notification, ends the notification process in step S144, and returns to the loop including, for example, step S111 in FIG. 3. On the other hand, if the occupant does not press the confirmation button in response to the notification after a certain period of time (for example, one to several minutes) has passed, the air conditioning control unit 9 proceeds to step S147 and instructs the communication control unit 10 to execute wireless communication to request rescue from an external emergency service, thereby enabling the occupant sleeping in the vehicle cabin to be rescued from a state of heatstroke.

[0074] As described above, if the temperature is determined to be too hot but cooling is not possible, notifications and communications are carried out to maintain the safety of the occupants.

[0075] <Effects of the embodiment> In the above embodiment, the air conditioning control unit 9 includes one or more processors and one or more storage media storing programs executed by the one or more processors. When the air conditioning control unit 9 operates the air conditioner 20 using the vehicle battery for a timer-set time period according to instructions included in the program, the air conditioning control unit 9 performs a process of setting the operation control of the air conditioner 20 and estimating the battery temperature Te at the end of the timer-set time period when the air conditioner operates according to the set operation control settings (see steps S102 and S103 in FIG. 3). Furthermore, if the estimated battery temperature Te is higher than the set battery cooling start temperature Tc, the air conditioning control unit 9 performs a process of changing the operation control settings of the air conditioner 20 to a setting that consumes less power (see steps S104 and S106).

[0076] This allows the air conditioner to be started without having to perform battery cooling before the timer setting time is reached. Therefore, when the air conditioner is operated by a timer setting, such as when sleeping in the car, the hot air exhausted from the battery cooling will not flow into the vehicle cabin, causing the temperature inside the vehicle to rise and making the occupants less comfortable. It also prevents the cooling capacity of the air conditioner from being increased to lower the room temperature, which increases the air conditioner's power consumption, promotes battery heat generation, and causes the battery exhaust heat to be circulated inside the vehicle cabin repeatedly. This allows passenger comfort to be maintained and also prevents waste of energy.

[0077] In some cases, it may not be possible to set the timer so that battery cooling is not required before the set time is reached. In such cases, the occupant is notified (see S107) so that the occupant can be aware of the situation.

[0078] In this embodiment, the operation control settings of the air conditioning control unit 9 are made based on the starting room temperature Ts, the air conditioner set temperature Ta, and the timer set time E, and the battery temperature Te at the end of the timer set time is estimated based on the expected power consumption We according to the set operation control settings. This enables highly accurate estimation of the battery temperature Te.

[0079] In this embodiment, the air conditioning control unit 9 determines whether the occupants are too cold while the air conditioner 20 is running, and if it determines that the occupants are too cold, it executes control to alternately cool the battery 31 and operate the air conditioner 20 to blow air for a certain period of time (see S121, S122). This allows the battery's exhaust heat to be circulated within the room, helping to raise the room temperature. It also consumes less power because it can be achieved with only the power consumed by the battery cooling fan and the air conditioning fan.

[0080] In this embodiment, the air conditioning control unit 9 determines whether the vehicle occupant is too hot while the air conditioner 20 is running, and if it determines that the vehicle is too hot, it determines whether battery deterioration is acceptable based on an estimate of the life of the battery 31, and if it is acceptable, executes control to lower the room temperature (see S130, S131, S132). This allows the air conditioning to be strengthened while taking into consideration the battery life, thereby maintaining passenger comfort and preventing unnecessary battery consumption.

[0081] In the embodiment, when the air conditioning control unit 9 determines that the battery deterioration is not tolerable based on the life estimation of the battery 31, it executes notification control in response to the detection of the state of the occupant. If the air conditioning is not increased due to battery life considerations, the system monitors the occupant's condition and performs necessary processing. For example, it may provide guidance or warnings to the occupant (see step S142 in Figure 4), or if the occupant does not respond, it may send a rescue request to the outside (see step S147). This maintains safety even if the temperature inside the vehicle becomes high, such as when the occupant is sleeping overnight. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1 vehicle 8 Battery control unit 9 Air conditioning control unit 10. Communication control section 11 Display / sound control section 20 Air conditioner (air conditioning unit) 21 Display section 22 Sound output section 23 Occupant-related sensor section 24 Battery-related sensor section 25 Control section 26 Temperature Sensor 30 Automotive battery section 31 Batteries

Claims

1. An air conditioning control device that controls an air conditioning device of a vehicle, one or more processors; one or more storage media storing a program to be executed by the one or more processors; The program includes one or more instructions: The instructions may cause the one or more processors to: a process of setting operation control of the air conditioner when the air conditioner is operated by an on-board battery for a timer set time, and estimating the temperature of the on-board battery at the end of the timer set time due to operation of the air conditioner according to the set operation control setting; If the estimated temperature of the vehicle battery is higher than a set battery cooling start temperature, a process of changing the operation control setting of the air conditioner to a setting with less power consumption is executed. Air conditioning control device.

2. The operation control setting of the air conditioner is performed based on the temperature of the vehicle compartment, the set temperature of the air conditioner, and the set time of the timer. The temperature of the vehicle battery at the end of the timer setting time is estimated based on the amount of power consumed by the air conditioner according to the set operation control setting. The air conditioning control device according to claim 1.

3. The instructions may cause the one or more processors to: While the air conditioner is operating, it is determined whether the vehicle occupant is too cold, and if it is determined that the vehicle occupant is too cold, control is executed to alternately cool the vehicle battery and operate the air conditioner to blow air for a certain period of time. The air conditioning control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The instructions may cause the one or more processors to: While the air conditioning system is operating, it is determined whether the vehicle is too hot for the occupants, and if it is determined that the vehicle is too hot, it is determined whether battery deterioration is acceptable based on the life expectancy of the vehicle battery, and if it is acceptable, it executes control to lower the room temperature. The air conditioning control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The instructions may cause the one or more processors to: When it is determined that the deterioration of the vehicle battery is not acceptable based on the lifespan estimation of the vehicle battery, notification control is executed in accordance with the detection of the state of the occupant. The air conditioning control device according to claim 4.

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