System and method for preconditioning the battery of a hybrid or electric vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (100) for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle (1), the system comprising: a conditioning module (110) which is designed to thermally precondition a drive energy storage unit (12) of the hybrid or electric vehicle (10) prior to a charging process; and a control module (120) which is designed to: - determine at least one temporal and / or locational property related to an external temperature; - determine, based on at least one charging criterion, whether a fast charging process of the drive energy storage unit (12) is potentially imminent; - output, via a user interface (20), a user notification (NH) to a user of the hybrid or electric vehicle (10) relating to preconditioning of the drive energy storage unit (12), or initiate output of the user notification (NH), if it is determined that a fast charging process of the drive energy storage unit (12) is potentially imminent and the at least one temporal and / or locational property corresponds to a reference; and - control the conditioning module (110) to perform the preconditioning of the drive energy storage unit (12).

Description

[0001] System and method for preconditioning the battery of a hybrid or electric vehicle

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a system for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle, a hybrid or electric vehicle having such a system, a method for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle, and a storage medium for carrying out the method. In particular, the present disclosure relates to thermal management of a drive energy storage device of the hybrid or electric vehicle, such as the thermal management of a high-voltage storage device.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] Hybrid or electric vehicles are powered by an electric motor, with the necessary electrical energy stored, for example, in a high-voltage battery. The high-voltage battery can be charged at a home charging station or at a dedicated gas station. Short charging times are often advantageous for the user, allowing the hybrid or electric vehicle to be ready for use again quickly. A long service life of the high-voltage battery is also desirable.

[0005] Disclosure of the invention

[0006] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle, a hybrid or electric vehicle having such a system, a method for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle, and a storage medium for carrying out the method, which can shorten a charging time of the drive energy storage device, increase a service life of the drive energy storage device, and / or increase a range of the hybrid or electric vehicle.

[0007] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims. According to an independent aspect of the present disclosure, a system for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle is specified. The system comprises a conditioning module configured to thermally precondition a drive energy storage device of the hybrid or electric vehicle before a charging process; and a control module.The control module is configured to determine at least one time and / or location property related to an outside temperature; to determine, based on at least one charging criterion, whether a rapid charging process of the drive energy storage device is potentially imminent; to output a user notification to a user of the hybrid or electric vehicle regarding preconditioning of the drive energy storage device via a user interface or to initiate the output of the user notification if it is determined that a rapid charging process of the drive energy storage device is potentially imminent and the at least one time and / or location property corresponds to a reference; and to control the conditioning module for the preconditioning of the drive energy storage device.

[0008] According to the invention, a prediction is made as to whether a rapid charging process is imminent. If this is the case and a specific time and / or location criterion, such as winter time and / or high altitude, is met, information about preconditioning is provided to the user. In one example, the user can be informed that it would be advisable to perform preconditioning due to the low outside temperature. The user can then start or confirm the preconditioning by making a corresponding user input. In another example, preconditioning can start automatically, and the user is simply informed.

[0009] This ensures that the drive energy storage device has an optimal temperature for the rapid charging process upon reaching a rapid charging station, even if the user has, for example, deactivated an automatic preconditioning function or forgets the preconditioning. As a result, a short charging time and high charging power can be achieved. According to embodiments, the hybrid or electric vehicle can be a pure electric vehicle (BEV) or a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV). However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and fuel cells or other combinations with an electric drive are conceivable.

[0010] Hybrid or electric vehicles contain electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries) that can be connected to a charging station and charged via a charging device on the hybrid or electric vehicle. Various charging technologies can be used to charge the electrical energy storage devices of such hybrid or electric vehicles. With AC charging, the device that converts the alternating current to direct current for charging the electrical energy storage device is located in the vehicle. With DC charging, however, the conversion of the alternating current takes place directly in the charging station.

[0011] The term “fast charging process” as used in the present disclosure refers to DC charging in which the fast charging station itself converts the alternating current into direct current and transmits the direct current with low losses to the drive energy storage device of the hybrid or electric vehicle.

[0012] In some embodiments, the fast charging station can implement the so-called IU charging method. This initially involves charging with a constant current until approximately 80% of the charging capacity is reached. After that, the fast charging station uses a constant voltage. This enables particularly short charging times and high charging performance.

[0013] The term “thermal preconditioning,” as used in the context of the present disclosure, refers to setting a temperature of the drive energy storage device to a target temperature by heating or cooling. The target temperature corresponds to a temperature that is optimal for charging the drive energy storage device, for example with regard to charging time, charging power, and / or load on the drive energy storage device during the charging process. Preferably, the control module is configured to determine (e.g., based on the at least one charging criterion) a time for the start of the preconditioning of the drive energy storage device. The time can be determined such that upon reaching the rapid charging station, the temperature of the drive energy storage device has reached the target temperature, i.e.that when the fast charging station is reached, optimal fast charging can be carried out in terms of charging time, charging power and / or load on the drive energy storage device.

[0014] Preferably, the control module is configured to determine a time for outputting the user notification. In some embodiments, the time for outputting the user notification may be before, on, or after the start of preconditioning of the drive energy storage device.

[0015] Preferably, the control module is configured to issue the user notification to the user of the hybrid or electric vehicle before the start of the journey, at the start of the journey or after the start of the journey, or to initiate the issue of the user notification before the start of the journey, at the start of the journey or after the start of the journey.

[0016] The user notification is issued via the user interface when it is determined that a rapid charging process of the drive energy storage device is potentially imminent and the at least one time and / or location property corresponds to a reference, in particular a reference time and / or a reference location.

[0017] Preferably, the time property relates to, or is, a season. In particular, the reference can be a winter time or a winter. The winter time can correspond to a calendar winter (e.g., depending on the country or region) or can be suitably defined by the vehicle manufacturer (e.g., depending on the country or region).

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, the time property refers to, or is, a date. In particular, the reference can be a date of standard time, such as a winter month. Standard time can correspond to a calendar winter (e.g., country- or region-dependent) or can be suitably defined by the vehicle manufacturer (e.g., country- or region-dependent).

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, the location property relates to, or is, a geoposition of the hybrid or electric vehicle. In particular, different outside temperatures can be characteristic for different geopositions, so that a rough inference about temperature conditions can be drawn based on the geoposition of the hybrid or electric vehicle and optionally a date. The reference can thus be a specific location or area for which a certain outside temperature is characteristic, for example, at this time of year.

[0020] The control module uses the at least one charging criterion to estimate whether a rapid charging process may be imminent. Preferably, the at least one charging criterion is selected from the group consisting of, or including, a state of charge (SoC) of the drive energy storage device, a route destination, a travel route, a departure time, a travel history, and user behavior.

[0021] The charge level of the drive energy storage system can indicate that a rapid charging process is imminent. In particular, a low charge level can indicate an imminent rapid charging process.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, a route destination can provide an indication that a rapid charging process will take place soon. For example, a type of route destination, such as a petrol station or charging point, can indicate an imminent rapid charging process. Similarly, a distance to the route destination can indicate an imminent rapid charging process, particularly taking into account the current charge level of the drive energy storage device. The route destination can be a route destination already entered into a navigation system by the user, or can be recognized by the system, for example, based on a trip history (e.g. regular trips to a petrol station or charging point). Additionally or alternatively, a trip route can provide an indication that a rapid charging process will take place soon. For example, the trip route can lead past a rapid charging station frequently used by the user.The route can be a route already entered by the user into a navigation system, or can be recognized by the system based on a trip history (e.g. regular trips along a specific route with a gas station or charging point).

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, a departure time can indicate that a rapid charging session is about to begin. For example, the departure time can be a time at which the user usually drives to a gas station or charging station to perform a rapid charging session. The departure time can be a departure time already entered by the user into a navigation system, or it can be detected by the system, for example, based on a driving history (e.g., regular trips at a specific time).

[0024] In addition or alternatively, a trip history may provide an indication that a rapid charge is about to occur. For example, the trip history may indicate that the user typically performs a rapid charge at a specific time and / or location, and / or that the user exclusively performs rapid charge whenever possible.

[0025] In addition or alternatively, user behavior can provide an indication that a fast-charging session is about to begin. This user behavior can be learned using machine learning, for example, such as regular trips to a specific fast-charging station.

[0026] However, the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, and other charging criteria may be used to predict or forecast an impending rapid charging process. Preferably, the control module is configured to output the user notification to the user of the hybrid or electric vehicle or to initiate the output of the user notification when (i) it is determined that a rapid charging process of the drive energy storage device is potentially imminent, (ii) the at least one time and / or location property corresponds to the reference, and (iii) the outside temperature is equal to or less than a threshold value. The threshold value may, for example, be 10°C or less or 0°C or less.

[0027] Preferably, the control module is configured to control the conditioning module for preconditioning the drive energy storage device when a corresponding user input is received at the user interface in response to the user prompt. In other words, the user can manually start the preconditioning of the drive energy storage device. If the user input to confirm or start the preconditioning of the drive energy storage device is not received, or if a user input to reject the preconditioning of the drive energy storage device is received, preconditioning of the drive energy storage device cannot take place.

[0028] Preferably, the control module is configured to automatically control the conditioning module for preconditioning the drive energy storage device when it is determined that a rapid charging process of the drive energy storage device is potentially imminent and the at least one time and / or location property corresponds to a reference. In this case, the user notification can indicate that the preconditioning of the drive energy storage device has been started automatically. In other words, the user can merely be informed about the preconditioning or the start of the preconditioning of the drive energy storage device without having approved the preconditioning or having started it themselves.

[0029] In some embodiments, the control module may be configured to automatically activate the conditioning module for preconditioning the drive energy storage device if it is determined, with a confidence equal to or greater than a confidence threshold, that a rapid charging process of the drive energy storage device is potentially imminent. The confidence threshold may, for example, be 70% or more, 80% or more, or 90% or more.

[0030] Preferably, the control module is configured to determine, before the start of the journey, whether a temperature of the drive energy storage device before or at the start of the journey is equal to or less than a first threshold value or equal to or greater than a second threshold value; and to output the user notification to the user of the hybrid or electric vehicle or to initiate the output of the user notification if it is determined that the temperature of the drive energy storage device before or at the start of the journey is equal to or less than the first threshold value or equal to or greater than the second threshold value.

[0031] If the temperature of the drive energy storage device is too low or too high before or at the start of the journey, the fast charging capability of the drive energy storage device is restricted. If the fast charging capability is restricted to more than a certain extent before or at the start of the journey, it may not be possible, for example, to sufficiently precondition the drive energy storage device (i.e. heating or cooling) in the period between the start of the journey and reaching a fast charging station in order to ensure a target temperature and thus optimal fast charging capability upon reaching the fast charging station. By analyzing such a restriction of the fast charging capability at an early point in time, preconditioning can begin in good time before the start of the journey, ensuring that optimal fast charging capability, in particular a corresponding target temperature of the drive energy storage device, is available upon reaching the fast charging station.

[0032] In some embodiments, the control module can be configured to output the user notification to the user of the hybrid or electric vehicle or to initiate the output of the user notification if it is determined that the temperature of the drive energy storage device before or at the start of the journey is equal to or less than the first threshold value or equal to or greater than the second threshold value, and if a state of charge of the drive energy storage device before or at the start of the journey and / or upon reaching the rapid charging station is within a predetermined range. The predetermined range can, for example, be a range in which rapid charging with a constant current is possible and / or particularly efficient. The predetermined range can, for example, be 20% to 80% of the charging capacity.

[0033] Preferably, the control module is configured to output the user notification to the user of the hybrid or electric vehicle or to initiate the output of the user notification when a travel time and / or distance to a charging option is equal to or less than a threshold. For example, for short distances, it may not be possible to adequately precondition the drive energy storage device (i.e., heating or cooling) in the period between the start of the journey and reaching a rapid charging station to ensure a target temperature and thus optimal rapid charging capability upon reaching the rapid charging station.By analyzing the travel time and / or distance at an early stage, preconditioning can begin in good time before the start of the journey, so that it can be ensured that optimal fast charging capability, in particular a corresponding target temperature of the drive energy storage system, is available when the fast charging station is reached.

[0034] Preferably, the user interface is provided on the vehicle side. In particular, the control module can be configured to output the user notification to the user of the hybrid or electric vehicle or to initiate the output of the user notification when the user, such as the driver, is inside the hybrid or electric vehicle.

[0035] The vehicle-side user interface can comprise at least one output device for outputting the user instruction and optionally at least one input device for receiving user inputs. The vehicle-side user interface can be, for example, a central information output and information input device of an infotainment system, such as a head unit or a pillar-to-pillar display. Preferably, the user interface is permanently installed in the vehicle. The at least one output device can comprise at least one display device and / or at least one loudspeaker. The at least one display device can comprise a display, in particular an LCD display, a plasma display, or an OLED display.Additionally or alternatively, the at least one display device may comprise a projection device which is configured to display information directly in the driver's field of vision, in particular to project it onto a windshield.

[0036] The at least one input device may comprise a touch-sensitive input device, such as a touch pad, and / or a tactile input device, such as a switch (e.g. push switch and / or rotary switch) or other mechanically actuatable key elements.

[0037] Preferably, the vehicle-side user interface comprises, or is, a touchscreen that provides the at least one output device and the at least one input device.

[0038] In other embodiments, the user interface may be a mobile device of the user. In particular, the control module may be configured to output the user notification to the user of the hybrid or electric vehicle or to initiate the output of the user notification when the user, such as the driver, is outside the hybrid or electric vehicle.

[0039] Preferably, the mobile device is communicatively connected to the hybrid or electric vehicle in order to execute the functionalities of the system according to the invention. The mobile device can communicate directly with the hybrid or electric vehicle wirelessly or via a wired connection, or indirectly wirelessly via a server connection (e.g., cloud) and / or a mobile network (e.g., LTE network or 5G network). Preferably, the output of the user notification and the receipt of the user input are carried out by an application or app installed on the mobile device.

[0040] Preferably, the user notification includes or is a push notification.

[0041] The term mobile device includes in particular smartphones, but also other mobile telephones or cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet PCs and all current and future electronic devices that are equipped with technology for running apps.

[0042] The mobile terminal may comprise at least one output device for outputting the user instruction and at least one input device for receiving the user input.

[0043] The at least one output device may comprise at least one display device and / or at least one loudspeaker. The at least one display device may comprise a display, in particular an LCD display, a plasma display, or an OLED display.

[0044] The at least one input device may comprise a touch-sensitive input device, such as a touch pad, and / or a tactile input device, such as a switch (e.g. push switch and / or rotary switch) or other mechanically actuatable key elements.

[0045] In some embodiments, the mobile terminal may comprise a touchscreen that provides the at least one output device and the at least one input device. According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a hybrid or electric vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, is specified. The hybrid or electric vehicle comprises the system for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] The hybrid or electric vehicle may, according to embodiments, be a pure electric vehicle (BEV) or a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV).

[0047] The term "vehicle" includes cars, trucks, buses, mobile homes, motorcycles, etc., used to transport people, goods, etc. In particular, the term includes motor vehicles used to transport people.

[0048] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a method for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle is provided.The method comprises determining, by a control module of the hybrid or electric vehicle, a time and / or location property that is related to an outside temperature; determining, by the control module, based on at least one charging criterion, whether a rapid charging process of a drive energy storage device of the hybrid or electric vehicle is potentially imminent; outputting, by a user interface, a user indication to a user of the hybrid or electric vehicle with regard to preconditioning of the drive energy storage device if it is determined that a rapid charging process of the drive energy storage device is potentially imminent and the at least one time and / or location property corresponds to a reference; and starting, by a conditioning module of the hybrid or electric vehicle, the preconditioning of the drive energy storage device.

[0049] The method for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle can implement the aspects of the system for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle described in this document. According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a software (SW) program is provided. The SW program can be configured to be executed on one or more processors and thereby to carry out the method for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle described in this document.

[0050] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided. The storage medium may comprise a software program configured to be executed on one or more processors and thereby to carry out the method described in this document for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle.

[0051] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, software with program code is provided. The software is configured to carry out the method for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle when the software runs on one or more software-controlled devices.

[0052] According to another independent aspect of the present disclosure, a system for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle is provided. The system includes one or more processors; and at least one memory connected to the one or more processors and containing instructions executable by the one or more processors to perform the method for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle described in this document.

[0053] A processor or processor module is a programmable computing unit, i.e. a machine or an electronic circuit that controls other elements according to given instructions and thereby drives an algorithm (process).

[0054] Short description of the drawings

[0055] Embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated in the figures and are described in more detail below. Figure 1 schematically shows a hybrid or electric vehicle with a system for operating the hybrid or electric vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 2A schematically shows a user interface according to embodiments of the present disclosure,

[0057] Figure 2B schematically shows a user interface according to further embodiments of the present disclosure,

[0058] Figure 3 schematically shows a process for preconditioning a drive energy storage device of a hybrid or electric vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure, and

[0059] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a method for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0060] Embodiments of the disclosure

[0061] In the following, unless otherwise stated, the same reference symbols are used for identical and equivalent elements.

[0062] Figure 1 schematically shows a hybrid or electric vehicle 10 with a system 100 for operating the hybrid or electric vehicle 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2A schematically shows a user interface 20 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2B schematically shows a user interface 20 according to further embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0063] The system 100 is illustrated as being implemented in the vehicle 10. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and a distributed system is also conceivable in which at least some components and / or functionalities are implemented outside the vehicle 10, for example, in a backend.

[0064] The hybrid or electric vehicle 10 may, according to embodiments, be a pure electric vehicle (BEV) or a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV).

[0065] The system 100 includes a conditioning module 110 configured to thermally precondition a drive energy storage device 12 of the hybrid or electric vehicle 10 before a charging process; and a control module 120.The control module 120 is configured to determine at least one time and / or location property related to an outside temperature at the hybrid or electric vehicle 10; to determine, based on at least one charging criterion, whether a rapid charging process of the drive energy storage device 12 is potentially imminent; to output a user notification NH to a user of the hybrid or electric vehicle 10 regarding preconditioning of the drive energy storage device 12 via a user interface 20 or to initiate the output of the user notification NH if it is determined that a rapid charging process of the drive energy storage device 12 is potentially imminent and the at least one time and / or location property corresponds to a reference; and to control the conditioning module 110 for the preconditioning of the drive energy storage device 12.

[0066] In the example of Figure 1, the user interface 20 is a mobile device belonging to the user. The mobile device 20 can be used, for example, for communication with the user when the user is outside the hybrid or electric vehicle 10.

[0067] The mobile terminal 20 can be communicatively connected to the hybrid or electric vehicle 10 via a communication connection KV in order to execute the functionalities of the system 100. The mobile terminal 20 can communicate directly with the hybrid or electric vehicle 10 wirelessly or via a wired connection, or indirectly wirelessly via a server connection (e.g., cloud) and / or a mobile network (e.g., LTE network or 5G network).

[0068] In some embodiments, the user notification NH and optionally a user input NE are output by an application or app installed on the mobile device 20. The user notification NH can, for example, include or be a push notification.

[0069] However, the present disclosure is not limited to the mobile device, and in other embodiments, the user interface may be provided on the vehicle side. The vehicle-side user interface may be used, for example, for communication with the user when the user is located in the hybrid or electric vehicle 10.

[0070] In some embodiments, the control module 120 is configured to determine (e.g., based on the at least one charging criterion) a time for the start of preconditioning of the drive energy storage device 12. The time can be determined such that, upon reaching the rapid charging station, the temperature of the drive energy storage device 12 has reached the target temperature, ie, upon reaching the rapid charging station, optimal rapid charging can be performed with regard to charging time, charging power, and / or load on the drive energy storage device.

[0071] In some embodiments, the control module 120 is configured to determine a time for outputting the user notification NH. In some embodiments, the time for outputting the user notification NH can be before, at, or after the start of preconditioning of the drive energy storage device. Additionally or alternatively, the user notification NH can be output to the user of the hybrid or electric vehicle 10 before, at, or after the start of the trip.

[0072] The user notification is output via the user interface 20 when it is determined that a rapid charging process of the drive energy storage device 12 is potentially imminent and the at least one time and / or location property corresponds to a reference, in particular a reference time and / or a reference location.

[0073] Preferably, the time property relates to, or is, a season. In particular, the reference can be a winter time or a winter. Additionally or alternatively, the time property relates to, or is a date. In particular, the reference can be a winter time date, such as a winter month. Additionally or alternatively, the location property relates to, or is a geoposition of the hybrid or electric vehicle. In particular, different outside temperatures can be characteristic of different geopositions, so that a rough conclusion about temperature conditions can be drawn based on the geoposition of the hybrid or electric vehicle and optionally a date.

[0074] The control module 120 uses the at least one charging criterion to estimate whether a rapid charging process may be imminent. The at least one charging criterion may, for example, include or relate to a state of charge of the drive energy storage device 12 and / or a route destination and / or a travel route and / or a departure time and / or a travel history and / or user behavior.

[0075] The charge level of the drive energy storage device 12 can indicate that a rapid charging process is about to begin. In particular, a low charge level can indicate an imminent rapid charging process.

[0076] Additionally or alternatively, a route destination can provide an indication that a rapid charging process will take place soon. For example, a type of route destination, such as a gas station or charging point, can indicate an imminent rapid charging process. Similarly, a distance to the route destination can indicate an imminent rapid charging process, particularly taking into account the current charge level of the drive energy storage device 12. The route destination can be a route destination already entered into a navigation system by the user, or can be recognized by the system 100, for example, based on a trip history (e.g., regular trips to a gas station or charging point). Additionally or alternatively, a trip route can provide an indication that a rapid charging process will take place soon. For example, the trip route can lead past a rapid charging station frequently used by the user.The route may be a route already entered by the user into a navigation system, or may be recognized by the system 100, for example, based on a trip history (e.g., regular trips along a specific route with a gas station or charging point).

[0077] Additionally or alternatively, a departure time can provide an indication that a rapid charging session is about to occur. For example, the departure time can be a time at which the user usually drives to a gas station or charging station to perform a rapid charging session. The departure time can be a departure time already entered by the user into a navigation system, or it can be detected by system 100, for example, based on a driving history (e.g., regular trips at a specific time).

[0078] In addition or alternatively, a trip history may provide an indication that a rapid charge is about to occur. For example, the trip history may indicate that the user typically performs a rapid charge at a specific time and / or location, and / or that the user exclusively performs rapid charge whenever possible.

[0079] In addition or alternatively, user behavior can provide an indication that a fast-charging session is about to begin. This user behavior can be learned using machine learning, for example, such as regular trips to a specific fast-charging station.

[0080] Preferably, the control module 120 is configured to output the user notification NH to the user of the hybrid or electric vehicle 10 or to cause the output of the user notification NH when (i) it is determined that a rapid charging process of the drive energy storage device 12 is potentially imminent, (ii) the at least one time and / or location property corresponds to the reference, and (iii) the outside temperature is equal to or less than a threshold value.

[0081] Preferably, the control module 120 is configured to control the conditioning module 110 for preconditioning the drive energy storage device 12 when a corresponding user input NE is received at the user interface 20 in response to the user instruction NH, as shown in Figure 2A. In other words, the user can manually start the preconditioning of the drive energy storage device 12. If the user input NE to confirm or start the preconditioning of the drive energy storage device 12 is not made, or if a user input is made to reject the preconditioning of the drive energy storage device 12 ("no" in Figure 2A), no preconditioning of the drive energy storage device 12 can take place.

[0082] In other embodiments, the control module 120 can be configured to automatically control the conditioning module 110 for the preconditioning of the drive energy storage device 12 or to automatically start the preconditioning of the drive energy storage device 12 if it is determined that a rapid charging process of the drive energy storage device 12 is potentially imminent and the at least one time and / or location property corresponds to a reference. In this case, the user notification NH can indicate that the preconditioning of the drive energy storage device 12 has been started automatically, as shown in Figure 2B. In other words, the user can merely be informed about the preconditioning or the start of the preconditioning of the drive energy storage device 12, without having approved the preconditioning or having started it themselves.

[0083] In some embodiments, the control module 120 may be configured to automatically control the conditioning module 110 for preconditioning the drive energy storage device 12 when it is determined, with a confidence equal to or greater than a confidence threshold, that a rapid charging operation of the drive energy storage device 12 is potentially imminent. The confidence threshold may be, for example, 70% or more, 80% or more, or 90% or more.Preferably, the control module 120 is further configured to determine, before the start of the journey, whether a temperature of the drive energy storage device 12 before or at the start of the journey is equal to or less than a first threshold value or equal to or greater than a second threshold value; and to output the user notification NH to the user of the hybrid or electric vehicle 10 or to initiate the output of the user notification NH if it is determined that the temperature of the drive energy storage device 12 before or at the start of the journey is equal to or less than the first threshold value or equal to or greater than the second threshold value.

[0084] If the temperature of the drive energy storage device 12 is too low or too high before or at the start of the journey, the rapid charging capability of the drive energy storage device 12 is limited. If the rapid charging capability is limited more than a certain degree before or at the start of the journey, it may not be possible, for example, to adequately precondition the drive energy storage device 12 (i.e., heat or cool) in the period between the start of the journey and reaching a rapid charging station in order to ensure a target temperature and thus optimal rapid charging capability upon reaching the rapid charging station.By analyzing such a limitation of the fast charging capability at an early point in time, the preconditioning can begin in good time before the start of the journey, so that it can be ensured that an optimal fast charging capability, in particular a corresponding target temperature of the drive energy storage device 12, is available when the fast charging station is reached.

[0085] In some embodiments, the control module 120 may be configured to output the user notification NH to the user of the hybrid or electric vehicle 10 or to cause the output of the user notification NH if it is determined that the temperature of the drive energy storage device 12 before or at the start of the journey is equal to or less than the first threshold value or equal to or greater than the second threshold value, and if a state of charge of the drive energy storage device 12 before or at the start of the journey and / or upon reaching the rapid charging station is within a predetermined range. The predetermined range may, for example, be a range in which rapid charging with a constant current is possible and / or particularly efficient. The predetermined range may, for example, be 20% to 80% of the charging capacity.

[0086] Preferably, the control module 120 is configured to output the user notification NH to the user of the hybrid or electric vehicle 10 or to initiate the output of the user notification NH if a travel time and / or travel distance to a charging option is equal to or less than a threshold. For example, for short distances, it may not be possible to adequately precondition the drive energy storage device 12 (i.e., heating or cooling) in the period between the start of the journey and reaching a rapid charging station in order to ensure a target temperature and thus optimal rapid charging capability upon reaching the rapid charging station.By analyzing the travel time and / or distance at an early point in time, preconditioning can begin in good time before the start of the journey, so that it can be ensured that optimal rapid charging capability, in particular a corresponding target temperature of the drive energy storage device 12, is available upon reaching the rapid charging station.

[0087] Figure 3 schematically shows a process for preconditioning a drive energy storage device of a hybrid or electric vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0088] In Block A, a wide variety of information is collected and provided that enables a prediction of whether a fast-charging process is imminent. Examples of information include, but are not limited to, the user's position (e.g., inside or outside the hybrid or electric vehicle), historical user behavior, user actions in / on the hybrid or electric vehicle (e.g., entering a destination into the navigation system, entering a destination into an app, opening a tailgate, etc.), and / or fleet data from a vehicle fleet. In Block B, a charging station database is analyzed with regard to a vehicle position. For example, fast-charging stations in a specific area surrounding the hybrid or electric vehicle can be determined or identified.

[0089] Based on the information from blocks A and B, a prediction of a fast-charging process can be made in block C. In particular, a probability of fast charging can be determined, as well as a route to a likely fast-charging station, a travel time to the fast-charging station, and a departure time to the fast-charging station.

[0090] In block D, the information from block C can be used to estimate the temperature and state of charge of the drive energy storage system at the end of the trip. This can be done using time and / or location properties from block INF that are related to the outside temperature. The time and / or location properties can, for example, relate to or be winter time and / or a geolocation.

[0091] In block E, the performance of the preconditioning is assessed, such as a performance forecast for heating or cooling the drive energy storage system. This can be done using time and / or location properties from block INF that are related to an outside temperature. The time and / or location properties can, for example, relate to or be winter time and / or a geolocation.

[0092] In block F, the current temperature of the drive energy storage is determined.

[0093] In block G, the information from blocks D (temperature and state of charge at the end of the journey), E (preconditioning performance), and F (current temperature of the drive energy storage system) can be used to determine a status related to a fast charging process. The status can, for example, indicate immediate fast charging readiness, fast charging readiness upon arrival at the fast charging station, a time required for preconditioning during the journey, and a time required for preconditioning before the journey while stationary. The status can also indicate an energy requirement for preconditioning.

[0094] In block H, the user interface can be controlled to inform the user about the preconditioning so that the drive energy storage is in an optimal thermal state when reaching the fast charging station.

[0095] In block K, for example, a push notification can be sent to the user's mobile device to request the user to confirm or allow the start of preconditioning. Such a request to confirm preconditioning can occur, for example, if an automatic preconditioning function is deactivated.

[0096] In block L, preconditioning can start automatically, whereby the user can be informed of the preconditioning, for example, via a push notification. Such automatic preconditioning can occur, for example, if an automatic preconditioning function is activated and it has been determined with sufficiently high confidence that a rapid charging process is imminent. However, it may be possible to deactivate the prediction-based automatic function if a threshold of false positives is exceeded, i.e., if a rapid charging process is predicted but this does not take place. For this purpose, a counter can be used, for example, which compares activation of the function with subsequent charging events. Too many activations without subsequent rapid charging can then lead to deactivation of the automatic function.

[0097] In block M, preconditioning can start automatically in good time before the start of the journey, or the user can be prompted to confirm preconditioning in good time before the start of the journey if it is determined that the time required for preconditioning exceeds the travel time to the rapid charging station. If the user is already in the vehicle, customer interaction regarding preconditioning can take place in block N via a user interface integrated into the vehicle.

[0098] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of a method 400 for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 400 may be implemented by appropriate software executable by one or more processors (e.g., a CPU).

[0099] The method 400 comprises, in block 410, determining, by a control module of the hybrid or electric vehicle, a time and / or location property that is related to an outside temperature; in block 420, determining, by the control module, based on at least one charging criterion, whether a rapid charging process of a drive energy storage device of the hybrid or electric vehicle is potentially imminent; in block 430, outputting, by a user interface, a user notification to a user of the hybrid or electric vehicle regarding a preconditioning of the drive energy storage device if it is determined that a rapid charging process of the drive energy storage device is potentially imminent and the at least one time and / or location property corresponds to a reference; and in block 440, starting, by a conditioning module of the hybrid or electric vehicle, the preconditioning of the drive energy storage device.

[0100] According to the invention, it is predicted whether a rapid charging process is imminent. If this is the case and a specific time and / or location criterion such as winter time and / or high altitude is met, information on preconditioning is provided to the user. In one example, the user can be informed that it would be advisable to carry out preconditioning due to the low outside temperature. The user can then start or confirm the preconditioning by making a corresponding user input. In another example, preconditioning can start automatically and the user is merely informed of this. This can ensure that the drive energy storage device has an optimal temperature for the rapid charging process upon reaching a rapid charging station, even if the user has, for example, deactivated an automatic preconditioning function or forgets to carry out the preconditioning.As a result, a short charging time and high charging performance can be achieved.

[0101] Although the invention has been illustrated and explained in detail by means of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exist. It is also clear that the embodiments mentioned by way of example are truly only examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope, possible applications, or configuration of the invention in any way.Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanations in the description.

Claims

Patent claims 1. System (100) for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle (10), comprising: a conditioning module (HO) configured to to thermally precondition the drive energy storage device (12) of the hybrid or electric vehicle (10) before a charging process; a control module (120) that is configured to: determine at least one time and / or location property that is related to an outside temperature; to determine, based on at least one charging criterion, whether a rapid charging process of the drive energy storage device (12) is potentially imminent; to output a user notification (NH) to a user of the hybrid or electric vehicle (10) regarding a preconditioning of the drive energy storage device (12) via a user interface (20) or to initiate the output of the user notification (NH) if it is determined that a rapid charging process of the drive energy storage device (12) is potentially imminent and the at least one time and / or location property corresponds to a reference; and to control the conditioning module (HO) for the preconditioning of the drive energy storage device (12).

2. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the at least one time and / or location property relates to: a season, in particular wherein the reference is a winter time; and / or a date, in particular wherein the reference is a date in winter time; and / or a geoposition of the hybrid or electric vehicle (10).

3. System (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one charging criterion comprises or relates to a state of charge of the drive energy storage device (12) and / or a route destination and / or a travel route and / or a departure time and / or a travel history and / or a user behavior.

4. System (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control module (120) is configured to output the user notification (NH) to the user of the hybrid or electric vehicle (10) or to cause the output of the user notification (NH) when (i) it is determined that a rapid charging process of the drive energy storage device (12) is potentially imminent, (ii) the at least one time and / or location property corresponds to the reference and (iii) the outside temperature is equal to or less than a threshold value.

5. System (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control module (120) is configured to control the conditioning module (110) for the preconditioning of the drive energy storage device (12) when a corresponding user input (NE) is received at the user interface (20) in response to the user indication (NH).

6. System (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control module (120) is configured to automatically control the conditioning module (110) for the preconditioning of the drive energy store (12), and wherein the user notification (NH) indicates that the preconditioning of the drive energy store (12) has been or will be started automatically, in particular wherein the control module (120) is configured to automatically control the conditioning module (110) for the preconditioning of the drive energy store (12) if it is determined with a confidence that is equal to or greater than a confidence threshold that a rapid charging process of the drive energy store (12) is potentially imminent.

7. System (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: the user interface is provided on the vehicle side, and wherein the control module (120) is configured to output the user notification (NH) to the user of the hybrid or electric vehicle (10) or to initiate the output of the user notification (NH) when the user is inside the hybrid or electric vehicle (10), in particular wherein the user interface comprises a central Information device of an infotainment system of the hybrid or electric vehicle (10), or the user interface is a mobile terminal (20) of the user, and wherein the control module (120) is configured to output the user notification (NH) to the user of the hybrid or electric vehicle (10) or to initiate the output of the user notification (NH) when the user is outside the hybrid or electric vehicle (10), in particular wherein the user notification (NH) comprises or is a push notification.

8. Hybrid or electric vehicle (10), in particular a motor vehicle, comprising the system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A method (400) for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle (10), comprising: Determining (410), by a control module (120) of the hybrid or electric vehicle (10), a time and / or location characteristic related to an outside temperature; Determining (420), by the control module (120), based on at least one charging criterion, whether a rapid charging process of a drive energy storage device (12) of the hybrid or electric vehicle (10) is potentially imminent; Outputting (430), through a user interface (20), a user notification (NH) to a user of the hybrid or electric vehicle (10) with regard to a preconditioning of the drive energy storage device (12) when it is determined that a rapid charging process of the drive energy storage device (12) is potentially imminent and the at least one time and / or location property corresponds to a reference; and Starting (440), by a conditioning module (110) of the hybrid or electric vehicle (10), the preconditioning of the drive energy storage device (12).

10. A storage medium comprising a software program configured to be executed on one or more processors and thereby to carry out the method (400) according to claim 9.

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