Method for operating a production plant

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a production plant (1) for producing products (2) which are implemented as electrical energy stores or have at least one electrical energy store, in particular motor vehicles, wherein at least one device (4) of the production plant (1) is supplied with current from the electrical energy store of the product (2) in a provision state of at least one product (2) produced by means of the production plant (1).

Description

[0001] Procedure for operating a production plant

[0002] The invention relates to a method for operating a production plant for the manufacture of products which are designed as electrical energy storage devices or have at least one electrical energy storage device, in particular motor vehicles.

[0003] Methods for operating production plants for the manufacture of products, for example motor vehicles, are generally known from the prior art. In order to operate such production plants as energy-efficiently and environmentally friendly as possible, it is known that energy storage devices can be used in a supply network of the production plant to store electrical energy generated, for example, by a charging device, in particular a photovoltaic system, of the production plant. Since the energy required to operate the production plant is comparatively large, an appropriately dimensioned energy storage device is necessary for storage. If the generated electrical energy is also to be stored in the form of electrical energy, the provision of such an electrical energy storage device becomes very complex and expensive.Furthermore, when purchasing, it should be noted that the electrical energy storage device ages and can therefore decrease in performance or capacity over the course of the production plant's operation and may need to be replaced after a certain service life.

[0004] Alternatives are known in which the electrical energy is at least partially converted into thermal energy by feeding the electrical energy into a so-called heat storage device, for example by heating a temperature control medium of the heat storage device. Furthermore, the energy temporarily stored in this way cannot be stored for an indefinite period of time, so that in addition to the losses that arise when converting the electrical energy into thermal energy, further losses are to be expected, possibly due to cooling of the temperature control medium, in particular if there is a longer period of time between the electrical energy being fed into the heat storage device and its withdrawal. The object of the invention is to provide a method for operating a production plant that is improved compared to this, in which the energy supply to the production plant is improved.

[0005] The object is achieved by a method according to claim 1. The dependent claims relate to possible embodiments.

[0006] As described, the invention relates to a method for operating a production plant for the manufacture of products that are designed as electrical energy storage devices or have at least one electrical energy storage device, in particular motor vehicles. In other words, the method is used to control the production plant or to operate the production plant in order to manufacture products that have an electrical energy storage device, in particular motor vehicles or that are electrical energy storage devices. Products that are electrical energy storage devices or are designed as such are understood to be, in particular, so-called battery modules. In the context of the description, an electrical energy storage device is understood to be, in particular, a so-called high-voltage storage device, which is provided, for example, as a traction battery for motor vehicles.In other words, the production plant is used to manufacture products that have such an electrical energy storage device or to manufacture battery modules that are such an electrical energy storage device or into which the electrical energy storage device is integrated.

[0007] The invention is based on the finding that at least one production plant device of the production plant is supplied with power from the electrical energy storage device of the product in a ready state of at least one product manufactured by means of the production plant. In other words, in the ready state of the product, i.e. of the manufactured energy storage device or of the manufactured motor vehicle which has the energy storage device, power is provided which can be used to operate the at least one production plant device of the production plant. A production plant device of the production plant is fundamentally understood to mean any electrical consumers of the production plant, in particular operating systems, for example machines, robots, temperature control devices, lighting devices, computing devices, control devices, and the like. The above list is not exhaustive.

[0008] Advantageously, a dedicated electrical energy storage device of the production plant, which remains in the production plant for its entire service life, can thus be dispensed with, since the products manufactured by the production plant can be used, in particular temporarily, as electrical energy storage devices after production. In other words, the invention proposes that the products manufactured by the production plant be used for a certain period of time as electrical energy storage devices to supply the production plant with electricity. This is made possible, in particular, by the fact that the manufactured products are designed for bidirectional charging or bidirectional charging processes, i.e., that they are designed to provide electrical energy to the supply grid and to receive electrical energy from the supply grid.

[0009] Accordingly, the production plant has at least one charging device, for example a charging station, which is also designed for bidirectional energy exchange with the electrical energy storage devices of the products, i.e. it can charge and discharge the electrical energy storage device of the manufactured product. When the electrical energy storage device is discharged, the current from the electrical energy storage device is used to operate the production plant. Since the products are specifically used for only a certain period of time and are then delivered, negative influences on the electrical energy storage device, in particular with regard to aging, are negligible. Furthermore, the comparatively high outlay for the provision, storage and maintenance of a dedicated electrical energy storage device for the production plant is unnecessary.

[0010] The method can provide for the at least one energy storage device to be at least partially charged in at least one charging process by a charging device, in particular a photovoltaic charging device, of the production plant, and at least partially discharged in at least one discharging process. For example, the at least one electrical energy storage device of the product can initially be charged after production by means of the charging device, in particular solar-powered. For this purpose, the charging device of the production plant can have a photovoltaic charging device which generates solar-powered electrical energy in order to charge the at least one electrical energy storage device. After charging, any further charging and discharging processes of the at least one electrical energy storage device are generally possible in order to provide power to the at least one production plant device.to supply them with power from the product's electrical energy storage device. In principle, any number of charging and discharging cycles can be performed until the product is delivered, i.e., for the period during which the product is used as an electrical energy storage device for the production facility.

[0011] For example, a certain number of manufactured products, such as a specific batch or all manufactured products, can be used as electrical energy storage for the production facility for a specific period of time. The storage capacity of the electrical energy supply of the production facility is thus determined, for example, from the individual storage capacities of the respective electrical energy storage devices of the manufactured products that are used to supply electrical energy in the ready state. Ultimately, each electrical energy storage device of a manufactured product used to power the production facility can be integrated into the production facility's supply grid, so that the individual electrical energy storage devices contribute their storage capacity to the total capacity of the supply grid.

[0012] As described above, the production plant is fundamentally designed to manufacture products having at least one electrical energy storage device. In one embodiment of the method, the production plant can be operated for the manufacture of motor vehicles with electrical energy storage devices and / or for the manufacture of electrical energy storage devices as products, or can be designed for such an operating mode. The production plant can thus be set up as a battery plant or as a plant for the manufacture of motor vehicles, in particular electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles. As described, such products, for example motor vehicles or battery storage devices, can be used to supply energy to the production plant until they are delivered, for example to the end customer or dealer.

[0013] The method can be further developed such that the at least one product, in particular prior to delivery, is stored for a storage period in a storage unit of the production facility in order to supply the at least one production facility device with power. The storage unit can, for example, be a section or parcel of a parking lot or parking facility, for example a parking space or parking area in a parking garage or underground car park or the like. If the product is a battery storage device, storage in a shelving device or other storage device is also possible.If the product is stored in the storage unit for the storage period, for example temporarily stored until the product is transported away from the production plant, the electrical energy storage device of the product is electrically connected to the supply network, in particular a HV network, of the production plant, in particular integrated into it.

[0014] As already described, it is possible to use specific batches in the form of a batch model, so that, for example, products manufactured on specific days, days of the week, calendar days, or the like are initially used as electrical energy storage devices for the production plant until their delivery. A rolling model can also be provided, so that, for example, products manufactured and used as electrical energy storage devices for the production plant are replaced by subsequently manufactured products when the storage period of the previously manufactured products has expired.

[0015] The method can further provide for the described storage period to be determined based on loading information of the at least one product, in particular based on the freight type. Advantageously, all data relating to the products is available during operation of the production facility, including their loading information, which at least describes when the product is delivered or transported away. This allows the storage period to be determined, since the product can be used as an electrical energy storage device for the production facility until the product needs to be prepared for transport or delivery.

[0016] This can be determined, for example, depending on the type of freight, whereby the type of freight describes how the product is delivered or transported. The type of freight can, for example, distinguish between delivery ex works, transport by truck, transport by train, or transport by ship. Since the aforementioned types of freight usually differ in terms of the availability periods, i.e. how long a product is stored temporarily by the production facility until it is picked up for transport, different usage times as an electrical energy storage device for the production facility are possible. The loading information can also be used to determine whether a manufactured product should be delivered immediately. In this case, the use as an electrical energy storage device for the production facility can be foregone and instead the fastest possible delivery can be preferred.For example, products with a longer delivery time or residence time in the production facility may be preferred.

[0017] According to a further refinement, the storage period can be determined based on a minimum storage time. Since the electrical energy storage devices of the product(s) usually have to be charged first using the production facility's charging device, it makes sense to only do this for products that can be used as electrical energy storage devices for the production facility for at least the minimum storage period.

[0018] In the described method, it can further be provided that the at least one energy storage device of the product is charged or discharged to a transport charge level for delivery and / or transport, in particular depending on the loading information. On the one hand, this can be used to specifically set a transport charge level of the at least one energy storage device that the electrical energy storage device should have for delivery or transport. The loading information can in particular specify the type of freight, whereby prevailing legal conditions can be taken into account if necessary. If there are specifications for certain types of freight that limit a maximum charge level of the electrical energy storage device, it can be ensured that the electrical energy storage device of the product has been charged or discharged to the transport charge level defined thereby at the time of delivery or transport.

[0019] If, for example, the motor vehicle is picked up directly by the end customer, the transport charge level can also be set to almost fully charged or fully charged, for example, in a range of 80% to 100% of the maximum charge level, to increase the end customer's convenience. If, in particular for a different type of freight, such as shipping, other limits apply to the maximum charge level, for example, a maximum of 20%, the product's electrical energy storage device can also be discharged, for example, if it is charged above the transport charge level prior to transport in its function, particularly in the standby state, as an electrical energy storage device for the production plant.

[0020] Furthermore, the method can provide for at least one operating parameter of the energy storage device to be recorded during the ready state, in particular at least one charging process and / or discharging process, and for quality information to be determined for the at least one energy storage device. In other words, the at least one energy storage device of the product can be subjected to a quality inspection while it is being used as an electrical energy storage device for the production plant. Instead of randomly checking individual electrical energy storage devices of the products for their quality during production, for example, all electrical energy storage devices of the manufactured products that are used as electrical energy storage devices in the production plant can be inspected.

[0021] For this purpose, for example, the charging cycles, in particular charging processes and / or discharging processes, of the energy storage device can be monitored and checked for irregularities. For example, charging currents and discharging currents can be monitored. A measurement report can then be output for each individual electrical energy storage device. For example, a charging current and / or a discharging current can be recorded over the operation of the at least one electrical energy storage device of a manufactured product in the ready-to-use state and compared with target values. If an irregularity in an electrical energy storage device is detected in the ready-to-use state, the manufactured product, in particular the electrical energy storage device, can be subjected to rework if necessary.This increases the quality assurance of the manufactured products during the ready-to-use state, so that separate quality assurance of the electrical energy storage devices can be dispensed with if necessary, or defects in electrical energy storage devices of manufactured products, which would otherwise only be discovered after commissioning by the customer, can be reduced or prevented. According to a further embodiment of the method, it can be provided that the at least one energy storage device is certified based on a charging type, in particular solar power, and / or the quality information. In other words, certification of the manufactured product can be based on operation in the ready-to-use state. For example, the certification can be based on the charging type, in particular certifying to the customer that a certain charging type was used, in particular that the electrical energy storage device of the product was charged using solar power.Furthermore, the certification can certify the quality information, i.e. that the electrical energy storage of the product was tested during the delivery state.

[0022] The method can further provide for at least one electrical energy storage device to be discharged, in particular based on energy balance information, in order to heat a heat storage device. The heat storage device can be provided optionally, for example, to absorb excess energy that cannot be absorbed by the electrical energy storage devices of the products. Likewise, it is possible, for example when a larger batch of products is awaiting delivery and their transport charge level is below the current charge level, to discharge the electrical energy storage devices of the products to the transport charge level as quickly as possible and to use the electrical energy to heat the heat storage device.

[0023] In other words, any excess capacity that may arise in the supply grid can be buffered. A thermal energy storage device can be used as a heat storage device, in particular, and has a temperature control medium that can be heated using electrical energy from the production plant's supply grid. Liquids, such as water, or solids, such as sand, can be used as temperature control media. The energy balance information can, for example, take into account current or future consumption and yields. For this purpose, the production plant can, for example, determine how much energy the total of all the production plant equipment will consume and how much electrical energy will be generated by the charging device, such as a photovoltaic charging device. For this purpose, weather data and the like, specifically in the form of so-called "intelligent metering," can be used.

[0024] In addition to the method, the invention relates to a production plant for the manufacture of products that are designed as electrical energy storage devices or have at least one electrical energy storage device, in particular motor vehicles, comprising at least one, in particular solar-powered, bidirectional charging structure and a control device configured to supply at least one production plant device of the production plant with power from the electrical energy storage device of the product in a ready state of at least one product manufactured by the production plant. In other words, the control device of the production plant is configured to carry out the method described above.

[0025] All advantages, details, designs and / or features described with regard to the process are fully transferable to the production plant.

[0026] The invention is explained using exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures. The figures are schematic representations and show:

[0027] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a production plant according to an embodiment; and

[0028] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a flow chart of a method for operating a production plant according to an embodiment.

[0029] Fig. 1 shows a production plant 1 for the manufacture of products 2 which have electrical energy storage devices or are designed as electrical energy storage devices. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the production plant 1 can be designed, for example, for the manufacture of motor vehicles which have electrical energy storage devices, or the production plant 1 can be designed for the manufacture of battery storage devices for such motor vehicles. Purely by way of example, Fig. 1 shows that three products 2 manufactured by means of the production plant 1 are stored in storage units 3 on the part of the production plant 1. The products 2 can, for example, be stored in the storage units 3 until they are delivered or transported away and thus leave the production plant 1. In an embodiment with battery storage devices, the storage units 3 can be receiving devices or shelving devices.If the production facility 1 produces motor vehicles as products 2, the storage units 3 can also be designed as parking spaces or parking lots.

[0030] Fig. 1 schematically shows the readiness state of the products 2, in which the electrical energy storage devices of the products 2 of an exemplary production facility 4 provide electrical energy to the production facility 1, i.e., the production facility 4 is supplied with power from the electrical energy storage devices of the products 2. Although only three products 2 are shown as an example, any other number of products 2 can be operated in the readiness state in corresponding storage units 3, for example, several hundred products 2.

[0031] The production plant 1 has a charging device 5 for controlling the charging and discharging processes of the electrical energy storage devices of the products 2, which charging device is designed, for example, as a photovoltaic charging device or is coupled by means of such a device. The charging device has connections (not shown), for example charging stations, on the storage units 3. The charging device 5 ultimately forms a supply network for the production plant 1, from which the production plant 1 can be supplied with electrical energy, for example an HV network. The total capacity of the supply network is determined by the individual capacities of the electrical energy storage devices of the products 2 or these contribute to it. Optionally, the supply network can be expanded by a dedicated energy storage device (not shown in detail), for example an electrical energy storage device or a thermal energy storage device.

[0032] Furthermore, a control device 6 of the production plant 1 is shown, which is connected to the charging device 5 for control purposes. The control device 6 can, for example, control charging and discharging processes, in particular based on energy balance information that takes current or future consumption and yield into account. Advantageously, it is thus possible to temporarily use the manufactured products 2 for the electrical energy supply of the production plant 1, in particular until they are delivered or transported away. This may completely eliminate the need for a dedicated electrical energy storage device for the operation of the production plant 1, or such a device can at least be dimensioned smaller.

[0033] A method for operating a production plant 1, which can be carried out, for example, by the control device 6 in Fig. 1, is explained below with reference to the block diagram of Fig. 2.

[0034] As described, the method for operating the production plant 1 can start in a block 7, in which at least one product 2 is manufactured. In a block 8, it can be determined whether the product 2 can be used temporarily as an electrical energy storage device for the production plant 1. For this purpose, for example, loading information for the product 2 can be taken into account, which in particular indicates when the product 2 will be delivered or transported away. From this, a potential storage period can be determined for which the product 2 can be stored in the ready state, in particular in a storage unit 3, before delivery or transport is due. In particular, in block 8, it is taken into account that the potential storage time or the potential storage period exceeds a minimum storage time in order to increase the efficiency of the use of the product 2 orto prevent a product 2 from being placed in the standby state even though it is already scheduled for delivery or as quickly as possible. Such products 2 can be accelerated through the delivery process without being used as electrical energy storage for production facility 1.

[0035] If the loading information indicates that the potential storage period exceeds the minimum storage time, the readiness state can be executed in a block 9. For example, the electrical energy storage device of the product 2, which can be accommodated in the storage unit 3, is first charged using the charging device 5, in particular a photovoltaic charging device. Subsequently, in the readiness state, charging cycles and discharging cycles of the energy storage device of the product 2 can be carried out as needed in the supply network of the production plant 1. Optionally, a branch can be made to a block 10, in which quality assurance of the electrical energy storage device is carried out. For example, the charging cycles and / or discharging cycles of the energy storage device can be monitored, for example, charging currents and / or discharging currents can be recorded.If the electrical energy storage device behaves within the target values ​​during operation in the ready-to-use state, a certification of the electrical energy storage device of product 2 can then be carried out. In other words, it can be certified that the electrical energy storage device of product 2 has been tested for the ready-to-use state and found to be "OK". If quality assurance in block 10 reveals a defect in the electrical energy storage device of one of the products 2, this can be remedied by production facility 1, for example by branching back to block 7 where the electrical energy storage device can be reworked in the production facility. This means that defects in products 2, which are usually only identified during commissioning by the customer, can be detected and remedied before delivery.

[0036] If, during operation of the production plant 1, an electrical excess capacity occurs in the supply network that cannot be absorbed by the electrical energy storage devices of the products 2, it is optionally possible to branch from block 9 to block 11, in which, for example, an additional heat storage device can be charged, in particular by heating the temperature control medium of the heat storage device using electrical energy generated by the charging device 5 or stored in the electrical energy storage device of the products 2. Likewise, for example, if the energy stored in the electrical energy storage devices is insufficient to operate the production plant device 4, thermal energy can be drawn from the heat storage device 11. Alternatively, electrical energy can be drawn from an external supply network if required. Such charging and discharging processes, in particular also of the heat storage device, can be controlled by the control device 6.

[0037] When the readiness state or storage period ends, the energy storage devices of products 2 can be transferred to a transport charge state in block 12. For this purpose, the charge state of the electrical energy storage devices of products 2 can be specified, for example, based on the loading information described above. For example, there may be legal requirements that limit the maximum charge state of the electrical energy storage devices. This can vary depending on the type of freight; for example, it may be different for a factory pickup than for transport by truck, rail, or ship.In block 12, the charge level of the energy storage device of product 2 is specifically adjusted to the transport charge level, for example, fully charged when product 2 is picked up by a user at production facility 1 or discharged to a defined transport charge level if the current charge level is above the transport charge level and the type of freight requires this.

[0038] In this case, electrical energy can in turn be drawn from the heat storage device or transferred to the heat storage device, particularly when a large number of electrical energy storage devices have to be discharged at short notice in order to be brought into the transport charge state. The transport or delivery of the products 2 can then be carried out in block 13. The storage units 3 that become available in this process can be filled with newly manufactured products 2 from the production plant 1. In other words, it is possible to branch off from block 13 back to block 7 as soon as the storage units 3 become available and newly manufactured products 2 can be brought into the ready state. The changeover of the products 2 takes place in particular in an overlapping manner so that there is always sufficient capacity in the supply network.

[0039] Since the newly manufactured products 2 are thus only used for a short time, for example, several days, as electrical energy storage for the production facility 1, the need for a dedicated energy storage device for the production facility 1 can be met, or such a device can be dispensed with, or at least made smaller. Since the described use of the products 2 in the production facility 1 is comparatively short-term, no impact on the service life of the products 2 is to be expected. Advantageously, the products 2 can be used by the production facility 1 as energy storage devices during their usually unused interim storage, where they can be checked for quality and specifically prepared for transport or delivery.

[0040] The advantages, details, and features described with reference to the exemplary embodiments can be combined with one another as desired, are interchangeable, and are transferable to one another. As described, the control device 6 can execute the method explained with reference to Fig. 2 in all details and with all features.

[0041] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0042] 1 production facility

[0043] 2 Product 3 Storage unit

[0044] 4 Production plant setup

[0045] 5 Charging device

[0046] 6 Control device

[0047] 7-13 Blocks

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Method for operating a production plant (1) for the manufacture of products (2) which are designed as electrical energy storage devices or have at least one electrical energy storage device, in particular motor vehicles, characterized in that at least one production plant device (4) of the production plant (1) is supplied with power from the electrical energy storage device of the product (2) in a ready state of at least one product (2) manufactured by means of the production plant (1).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one electrical energy storage device is at least partially charged in at least one charging process by a charging device (5), in particular a photovoltaic charging device (5), of the production plant (1), and at least partially discharged in at least one discharging process.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the production plant (1) is operated for the manufacture of motor vehicles with electrical energy storage devices and / or for the manufacture of electrical energy storage devices as products (2).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one product (2), in particular before delivery, is stored for a storage period in a storage unit (3) of the production plant (1) in order to supply the at least one production plant device (4) with power.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the storage period is determined based on loading information of the at least one product (2), in particular based on the type of freight.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one energy storage device of the product (2) is charged or discharged to a transport charge state for delivery and / or transport, in particular depending on the loading information.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one operating parameter of the energy storage device is detected during the ready state, in particular at least one charging process and / or discharging process, and quality information for the at least one energy storage device is determined.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one energy storage device is certified based on a charging type, in particular solar power, and / or the quality information.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in particular based on energy balance information, at least one electrical energy storage device is discharged in order to heat up a heat storage device.

10. Production plant (1) for the manufacture of products (2) which are designed as electrical energy stores or have at least one electrical energy store, in particular motor vehicles, comprising at least one, in particular solar-powered, bidirectional charging device (5) and a control device (6) which is designed to supply at least one production plant device (4) of the production plant (1) with power from the electrical energy store of the product (2) in a ready state of at least one product (2) manufactured by means of the production plant (1).

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