Method of controlling operation of an electrical system of a vehicle, computer program, computer-readable medium, control arrangement, and vehicle

Abstract

A method (100) of controlling operation of an electrical system (1) of a vehicle (2) is disclosed, wherein the electrical system (1) comprises a number of vehicle components (c1 - c8), and a control unit (22) controllable to supply electric current to each of the number of vehicle components (c1 - c8). The method (100) comprises the step of limiting (140) electric current supplied to one or more of the number of vehicle components (c1 - c8) if the total electric current supply (Is) to the number of vehicle components (c1 - c8) exceeds an upper threshold value (TU) and a temperature estimate (tE) of the control unit (22) is above a threshold temperature (Tt). The present disclosure further relates to a computer program, a computer-readable medium (200), a control arrangement (21), and a vehicle (2).

Description

[0001] Method of Controlling Operation of an Electrical System of a Vehicle, Computer Program, Computer-Readable Medium, Control Arrangement, and Vehicle

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a method of controlling operation of an electrical system of a vehicle. The present disclosure further relates to a computer program, a computer- readable medium, a control arrangement configured to control operation of an electrical system of a vehicle, as well as a vehicle comprising a control arrangement.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Modern vehicles comprise numerous components that require electrical power for their operation. Vehicles typically comprise a low voltage Direct Current (DC) electrical system configured to supply electricity to a number of low voltage components. Purely as examples, such low voltage components may include lighting, infotainment systems, driving aid systems, heating arrangements, and the like. A low voltage DC electrical system, as referred to herein, has a nominal voltage within the so-called Voltage Class A, usually abbreviated VGA, namely a nominal voltage lower than 60 volts.

[0006] An electrically powered vehicle typically also comprises a high voltage DC system in addition to a low voltage DC system. A high voltage DC electrical system, as referred to herein, has a nominal voltage within the so-called Voltage Class B, usually abbreviated VCB, namely a nominal voltage equal to, or higher than, 60 volts. The high voltage DC system is typically configured to supply electricity to a number of high voltage components. Purely as examples, such high voltage components may include electric propulsion machines, fan motors, electric inverters, and the like.

[0007] Electrical systems of vehicles normally comprise a number of control units each controllable to supply electric current to a number of vehicle components of the vehicle. Such centralized control can lead to challenges in the electrical architecture of the vehicle, particularly in the design and management of connectors and wiring. One problem is the heat generation in connectors and wiring. If these components become excessively warm, there is a heightened risk of damage, which can compromise the vehicle's safety and efficiency.

[0008] Normally, not all outputs of a control unit are utilized simultaneously. However, in some instances, a large number of outputs of a control unit may be utilized to supply electric current to components of the vehicle which may cause problems with heat generation in the control unit and associated connectors and wiring.

[0009] One way to combat this problem is to dimension the control unit and the associated connectors and wiring based on the worst-case scenario, i.e., such that a low amount of heat is generated in the control unit and the associated connectors and wiring even when each output of the control unit is utilized for supplying electric current to a component of the vehicle. However, such solutions result in expensive and bulky control units, and expensive and bulky associated connectors and wiring, which increase overall vehicle cost and complexity.

[0010] Furthermore, a common problem in modern vehicles is packing problems of various parts, components, and systems into the limited confines of the vehicle's structure. The routing of electrical wiring causes similar problems, and large sized control units, connectors, and wires can exacerbate these packing problems, as bulky arrangements take up more space and restrict the efficient placement of other parts, components, and systems of the vehicle.

[0011] SUMMARY

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least alleviate, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. The object is achieved by the subject-matter of the appended independent claim(s).

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the object is achieved by a method of controlling operation of an electrical system of a vehicle, wherein the electrical system comprises a number of vehicle components, and a control unit controllable to supply electric current to each of the number of vehicle components. The method comprises the step of:

[0014] - limiting electric current supplied to one or more of the number of vehicle components if the total electric current supply to the number of vehicle components exceeds an upper threshold value and a temperature estimate of the control unit, and / or a temperature estimate of wiring and / or connectors associated with the control unit, is above a threshold temperature.

[0015] Thereby, a method is provided capable of avoiding overheating of the control unit and associated connectors and wiring in an efficient manner. This is because limiting of the electric current supplied to one or more of the number of vehicle components limits the generation of heat in the control unit and the associated connectors and wiring in an efficient manner. As a further result, the method provides conditions for circumventing over-dimensioning of the control unit and the associated connectors and wiring for handling scenarios in which the control unit is controlled to supply electric current simultaneously to each of, or a large proportion of, the number of vehicle components. In other words, due to the features of the method, the control unit, along with the associated connectors and wiring, do not need to be dimensioned to handle situations where the control unit supplies electric current to a large number of vehicle components. Thereby, conditions are provided for a less costly and less bulky control unit and less costly and expensive associated connectors and wiring. As a further result, a method is provided capable of alleviating packing problems in vehicles.

[0016] Accordingly, a method is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, step of limiting electric current supplied to one or more of the number of vehicle components if the total electric current supply to the number of vehicle components exceeds an upper threshold value and a temperature estimate of wiring and / or connectors associated with the control unit is above the threshold temperature.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, step of limiting electric current supplied to one or more of the number of vehicle components if the total electric current supply to the number of vehicle components exceeds an upper threshold value and a temperature estimate of the ambient air temperature is above a threshold temperature.

[0019] Optionally, the method comprises the step of:

[0020] - determining a desired total current reduction amount, and

[0021] - limiting electric current supplied to the one or more vehicle components to achieve a reduction in the total electric current supply that is equal to, or greater than, the desired total current reduction amount.

[0022] Thereby, conditions are provided for avoiding overheating and circumventing overdimensioning of the control unit and associated connectors and wiring while providing conditions for not significantly impairing functionality of the vehicle by the limitation of electric current supplied to the one or more vehicle components.

[0023] Optionally, the step of determining the desired total current reduction amount comprises: determining the desired total current reduction amount based on the magnitude by which the total electric current supply exceeds the upper threshold value.

[0024] Thereby, an adaptive method is provided capable of avoiding overheating and circumventing over-dimensioning of the control unit and associated connectors and wiring in an efficient manner.

[0025] Optionally, the method comprises the step of:

[0026] - setting the upper threshold value based on the size of the temperature estimate.

[0027] Thereby, an adaptive method is provided capable of further avoiding overheating and circumventing over-dimensioning of the control unit and associated connectors and wiring in an efficient manner.

[0028] The setting of the upper threshold value may be performed in a continuous manner. Thus, the upper threshold value may be continuously adjusted based on the size of the temperature estimate. Thereby a very adaptive method is provided capable of further avoiding overheating is provided.

[0029] Optionally, the method comprises the step of, if the temperature estimate of the control unit is above a lower threshold temperature and the total electric current supply rises above a lower threshold value, which is lower than the upper threshold value:

[0030] - limiting electric current supplied to the one or more of the number of vehicle components if the total electric current supply to the number of vehicle components remains above the lower threshold value after a predetermined time period.

[0031] Thereby, a method is provided capable of avoiding overheating and circumventing the need for over-dimensioning of the control unit and associated connectors and wiring while providing conditions for not significantly impairing functionality of the vehicle. This is because the method allows the total electric current supply to exceed the lower threshold value during time periods shorter than the predetermined time period.

[0032] Purely as examples, the predetermined time period may be a short predetermined time period lasting less than a minute but more than one second. According to some embodiments, the predetermined time period may be within the range of 1 - 20 seconds, or may be within the range of 2.5 - 7 seconds. Optionally, the method comprises the steps of:

[0033] - providing a priority sequence for the number of vehicle components,

[0034] - selecting one or more of the number of vehicle components based on the priority sequence, and

[0035] - limiting electric current supplied to the selected one or more vehicle components.

[0036] Thereby, a method is provided having conditions for minimizing the impairment of vehicle functionality while preventing overheating and circumventing the need for over-dimensioning of the control unit and associated connectors and wiring.

[0037] Optionally, the step of selecting one or more of the number of vehicle components comprises:

[0038] - selecting one or more of the number of vehicle components having the lowest priority in the priority sequence.

[0039] Thereby, a method is provided having improved conditions for minimizing the impairment of vehicle functionality while preventing overheating and circumventing the need for overdimensioning of the control unit and associated connectors and wiring.

[0040] Optionally, the method comprises the steps of:

[0041] - determining a current operational state of the vehicle, and wherein the step of providing the priority sequence comprises:

[0042] - providing the priority sequence based on the current operational state of the vehicle.

[0043] Thereby, an adaptive method is provided having conditions for minimizing the impairment of vehicle functionality in different operational states of the vehicle while preventing overheating and circumventing the need for over-dimensioning of the control unit and associated connectors and wiring.

[0044] Optionally, the step of limiting electric current supplied to the one or more of the number of vehicle components comprises:

[0045] - disabling supply of electric current to at least one of the one or more vehicle components.

[0046] Thereby, an effective limitation is provided of the total electric current supply from the control unit. Optionally, the electrical system comprises a temperature sensor configured to measure a current temperature of the control unit, and wherein the method comprises:

[0047] - obtaining the temperature estimate based on data from the temperature sensor.

[0048] Thereby, a method is provided capable of efficiently preventing overheating of the control unit and associated connectors and wiring. This is because the step of limiting electric current is based on a temperature estimate obtained from data of a temperature sensor configured to measure a current temperature of the control unit. Accordingly, in this manner, overheating of the control unit can be obtained in a more precise manner.

[0049] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the object is achieved by a computer program comprising instructions to cause the control arrangement according to the second aspect of the present disclosure to execute the steps of the method according to some embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure. Since the computer program comprises instructions to cause the control arrangement to carry out the method according to some embodiments described herein, a computer program is provided which provides conditions for overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

[0050] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the object is achieved by a computer- readable medium having stored thereon the computer program according to the second aspect of the present disclosure. Since the computer-readable medium comprises instructions to cause the control arrangement to carry out the method according to some embodiments described herein, a computer-readable medium is provided which provides conditions for overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

[0051] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the object is achieved by a control arrangement configured to control operation of an electrical system of a vehicle, wherein the electrical system comprises a number of vehicle components, and a control unit controllable to supply electric current to each of the number of vehicle components. The control arrangement is configured to:

[0052] - limit electric current supplied to one or more of the number of vehicle components if the total electric current supply to the number of vehicle components exceeds an upper threshold value and a temperature estimate of the control unit, and / or a temperature estimate of wiring and / or connectors associated with the control unit, is above a threshold temperature. Thereby, a control arrangement is provided capable of avoiding overheating of the control unit and associated connectors and wiring in an efficient manner. This is because limiting of the electric current supplied to one or more of the number of vehicle components limits the generation of heat in the contact unit and the associated connectors and wiring in an efficient manner.

[0053] As a further result, the control arrangement provides conditions for circumventing overdimensioning of the control unit and the associated connectors and wiring for handling scenarios in which the control unit is controlled to supply electric current simultaneously to each of, or a large proportion of, the number of vehicle components. In other words, the control unit, along with the associated connectors and wiring, do not need to be dimensioned to handle situations where the control unit supplies electric current to a large number of vehicle components due to the control performed by the control arrangement. Thereby, conditions are provided for a less costly and less bulky control unit and less costly and expensive associated connectors and wiring. As a further result, a control arrangement is provided capable of alleviating packing problems in vehicles.

[0054] Accordingly, a control arrangement is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

[0055] The control arrangement may alternatively or additionally be configured to limit electric current supplied to one or more of the number of vehicle components if the total electric current supply from the control unit to the number of vehicle components exceeds an upper threshold value and a temperature estimate of wiring and / or connectors associated with the control unit is above a threshold temperature.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally the control arrangement may be configured to limit electric current supplied to one or more of the number of vehicle components if the total electric current supply from the control unit to the number of vehicle components exceeds an upper threshold value and a temperature estimate of the ambient air temperature is above a threshold temperature.

[0057] It will be appreciated that the various embodiments described for the method are all combinable with the control arrangement as described herein. That is, the control arrangement according to the fourth aspect of the invention may be configured to perform any one of the method steps of the method according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0058] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the object is achieved by a vehicle comprising an electrical system, the electrical system comprising a number of vehicle components, and a control unit configured to control supply of electric current to each of the number of vehicle components, and wherein the vehicle comprises a control arrangement according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure.

[0059] Since the vehicle comprises a control arrangement according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

[0060] Optionally, the vehicle is a heavy wheeled vehicle, such as a truck or a bus. Thereby, a heavy wheeled vehicle is provided having at least some of the above-mentioned advantages.

[0061] Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following detailed description.

[0062] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] Various aspects of the present disclosure, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the example embodiments discussed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0064] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle according to some embodiments,

[0065] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a control unit as connected to a number of vehicle components of the vehicle illustrated in Fig. 1 ,

[0066] Fig. 3 illustrates a graph with a horizontal axis indicating a temperature estimate of the control unit and a vertical axis indicating a total electric current supply to the number of vehicle components,

[0067] Fig. 4 illustrates a prioritization matrix according to some embodiments,

[0068] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a method of controlling operation of an electrical system of a vehicle, and

[0069] Fig. 6 illustrates a computer-readable medium.

[0070] DETAILED DESCRIPTION Aspects of the present disclosure will now be described more fully. Like reference signs refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail for brevity and / or clarity.

[0071] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle 2 according to some embodiments. According to the illustrated embodiments, the vehicle 2 is a truck, i.e. , a type of heavy road vehicle, as well as a type of heavy commercial vehicle. According to further embodiments, the vehicle 2, as referred to herein, may be another type of heavy or lighter type of manned or unmanned vehicle for land-based propulsion such as a lorry, a bus, a construction vehicle, a tractor, a dumper, a car, or the like.

[0072] The vehicle 2 comprises a transmission 3 and a power source 5. The power source 5 is operably connected to driven wheels 27 of the vehicle 2 via the transmission 3. In other words, the power source 5 is configured to provide motive power to the vehicle 2 via the transmission 3 and the driven wheels 27 of the vehicle 2. According to the illustrated embodiments, the vehicle 2 comprises two driven wheels 27 which constitute rear-wheels of the vehicle 2. The vehicle 2 further comprises two non-driven wheels 27’, which according to the illustrated embodiments constitute front-wheels of the vehicle 2. However, according to further embodiments, the vehicle 2 may comprise another configuration of driven and nondriven wheels.

[0073] According to the illustrated embodiments, the power source 5 is an electric propulsion machine. Moreover, according to the illustrated embodiments, the vehicle 2 is a pure electric vehicle comprising the electric propulsion machine as the only means of providing motive power to the vehicle 2 and no internal combustion engine. However, according to further embodiments, the vehicle 2 may be a so called hybrid electric vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine in addition to the electric propulsion machine for providing motive power to the vehicle 2.

[0074] According to the illustrated embodiments, the vehicle 2 comprises an electrical energy storage system 18 configured to store electrical energy. The power source 5 is configured to operate using electricity from the electrical energy storage system 18. The electrical energy storage system 18 may comprise a number of battery packs each comprising a number of rechargeable battery cells, such as lithium-ion battery cells, lithium polymer battery cells, lithium iron phosphate battery cells, or the like. As an alternative, or in addition, the vehicle 2 may comprise a pressure tank, such as a cryogenic pressure tank, configured to store hydrogen gas. According to such embodiments, the vehicle 2 may comprise one or more fuel cells configured to generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen from the pressure tank and oxygen. The power source 5 of the vehicle 2 may be configured to operate using electricity from such one or more fuel cells.

[0075] However, according to some further embodiments of the present disclosure, the power source 5, as referred to herein, is an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine may be a diesel engine, i.e. a type of compression ignition engine. The internal combustion engine may thus be configured to operate on diesel or a diesel-like fuel, such as biodiesel, biomass to liquid (BTL), or gas to liquid (GTL) diesel. According to further embodiments, the internal combustion engine may be an Otto engine with a spark-ignition device, wherein the Otto engine is configured to run on petrol, alcohol, a gaseous fuel, or combinations thereof. Alcohol, such as ethanol, can be derived from renewable biomass.

[0076] According to the illustrated embodiments, the vehicle 2 comprises an electrical system 1 configured to supply electricity to a number of vehicle components c1 - c8. According to the illustrated embodiments, the electrical system 1 is a low voltage DC electrical system having a nominal voltage within the so-called Voltage Class A, usually abbreviated VGA, namely a nominal voltage lower than 60 volts. Therefore, the electrical system 1 , as referred to herein, may also be referred to as a low voltage DC electrical system or a VGA electrical system of the vehicle 2. Likewise, the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 may also be referred to as a number of low voltage vehicle components or a number of VGA components.

[0077] According to the example embodiments depicted in Fig. 1 the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 comprises high beam lights c1, low beams lights c2, cornering lights c3, work lights c4, hazard lights c5, c5', a windshield wiper motor c6, brake lights c7, and daytime running lights c8. These particular vehicle components c1 - c8 have been provided purely as examples and the number of vehicle components c1 - c8, as referred to herein, may alternatively or additionally comprise one or more other types of components, as is further explained herein.

[0078] The vehicle 2 further comprises a control unit 22 configured to control supply of electric current to each of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8. The operating principle of the control unit 22 according to embodiments herein is further explained in detail with reference to Fig. 2 - Fig. 5 below.

[0079] According to the illustrated embodiments, the vehicle 2 further comprises a high voltage DC electrical system 10 having a nominal voltage within the so-called Voltage Class B, usually abbreviated VCB, namely a nominal voltage equal to, or higher than, 60 volts. Therefore, the high voltage DC electrical system 10 may also be referred to as a VCB electrical system of the vehicle 2. The high voltage DC electrical system 10 is configured to transfer electricity between a number of high voltage electrical components. The number of electric components may also be referred to as a number of VCB components. According to the illustrated embodiments, the number of high voltage electrical components comprise the power source 5 and the electrical energy storage system 18 of the vehicle 2 but may additionally or alternatively comprise one or more further components such as a fan motor, a pump motor, a retarder, an inverter, or the like.

[0080] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates the control unit 22 as connected to the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 of the vehicle 2 illustrated in Fig. 1. Below, simultaneous reference is made to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, if not indicated otherwise.

[0081] The control unit 22 is controllable to supply electric current to each of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8. In more detail, the control unit 22 is controllable to supply electric current from an electric power supply 24 to each of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8. In other words, each of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 is configured to operate using electricity supplied to the vehicle component c1 - c8 via the control unit 22.

[0082] The electric power supply 24 may be electrically connected to a battery, a generator, or the like of the vehicle 2. Such a battery and / or generator may be comprised in the electrical system 1 of the vehicle 2. The battery may comprise a number of rechargeable battery cells, such as lead-acid battery cells, lithium-ion battery cells, lithium polymer battery cells, lithium iron phosphate battery cells, or the like. In the schematic illustration of Fig. 2, the control unit 22 is connected to the electric power supply 24 via a wiring 31 and a connector 33. The wiring 31 may also be referred to as an electric supply cable.

[0083] The control unit 22 may comprise a number of switches controllable between a closed state, to supply electric current from the electric power supply 24 to a vehicle component c1 - c8, and an open state, to cancel / hinder / stop supply of current from the electric power supply 24 to a vehicle component c1 - c8. Each of such switches may thus be electrically connected to a vehicle component c1 - c8 such that the supply of electricity to the vehicle component c1 - c8 can be controlled by controlling the opening state of the switch. Moreover, as schematically indicated with dotted lines in Fig. 2, each of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 is electrically connected to the control unit 22 via wiring. The control unit 22 may possibly also comprise a connector between each such wire and the control unit 22. These wires and connectors have not been provided with reference signs in Fig. 2 for reasons of brevity and clarity. Likewise, the above-mentioned number of switches is not indicated in Fig.

[0084] 2 for reasons of brevity and clarity.

[0085] According to embodiments herein, the vehicle 2 comprises a control arrangement 21 configured to control operation of the electrical system 1 of a vehicle 2. According to the illustrated embodiments, the control arrangement 21 is part of the control unit 22. However, according to further embodiments, the control arrangement 21, as referred to herein, may be separate from the control unit 22 and may be operably connected to the control unit 22, for example via a number of electrical control wires, or other types of means for transferring control signals. The control arrangement 21 may also be operably connected to other parts of the electrical system 1 as is further explained herein.

[0086] The control arrangement 21 may be configured to control electric current supplied from the control unit 22 to the one or more of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 based on information from one or more input units arranged in a driver environment 55 of the vehicle 2, and / or from one or more other control systems or devices of the vehicle 2. The following is explained with reference to the example embodiments depicted in Fig. 1 in order to describe the operating principle of the control unit 22 according to some embodiments. During nighttime driving on a highway, the low beams lights c2 may be constantly on. The high beams lights c1 may be activated based on information from an actuator arranged in the driver environment 55 or based on information from an automatic high beam control system of the vehicle 2. Likewise, the windshield wiper motor c6 may be activated based on information from an actuator arranged in the driver environment 55 or based on information from an automatic windshield wiper system of the vehicle 2.

[0087] The terms “activating” and “on” used above means that the control arrangement 21 is configured to cause the control unit 22 to supply electric current to a vehicle component c1, c2, c6 being “activated” or “on”. As is clear from this simple example, it is rare for all vehicle components C1 - C8 to be simultaneously supplied with electric current from the control unit 22. However, at least according to the illustrated embodiments, the control unit 22 can be controlled to perform a simultaneous supply of electric current to each of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8. Moreover, as is clearly expressed above, the vehicle components c1 - c8 depicted in Fig. 1 are only provided as examples and the control unit 22 may alternatively or additionally be controllable to supply electric current to one or more other types of vehicle components. According to embodiments herein, the control arrangement 21 is configured to limit electric current supplied to one or more of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 if the total electric current supply from the control unit 22 to the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 exceeds an upper threshold value and a temperature estimate of the control unit 22 is above a threshold temperature. In this manner, overheating of the control unit 22, the connector 33, and the wiring 31 can be avoided in an efficient manner, as is further explained in detail herein. Moreover, the control performed by the control arrangement 21 provides conditions for circumventing over-dimensioning of the control unit 22 and the associated connectors 33 and wiring 31 for handling scenarios in which the control unit 22 is controlled to supply electric current simultaneously to each of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8.

[0088] Since overheating of the control unit 22 and the associated connectors 33 and wiring 31 is of concern here a temperature estimate of the associated connectors 33 and / or wiring 31 may alternatively or additionally be used in the control. Thus, the control arrangement 21 may be configured to limit electric current supplied to one or more of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 if the total electric current supply from the control unit 22 to the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 exceeds an upper threshold value and a temperature estimate of wiring 31 and / or connectors 33 associated with the control unit 22 is above a threshold temperature.

[0089] Furthermore, a temperature estimate of the ambient temperature may alternatively or additionally be used in the control, since the temperature of the ambient air surrounding the control unit 22 and the associated connectors 33 and wiring 31 may also indicate overheating of the control unit 22 and the associated connectors 33 and wiring 31.

[0090] Thus, the control arrangement 21 may be configured to limit electric current supplied to one or more of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 if the total electric current supply from the control unit 22 to the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 exceeds an upper threshold value and a temperature estimate of the ambient air temperature is above a threshold temperature.

[0091] Thus, the temperature estimate of the control unit 22 referred to above may include or comprise a temperature estimate of the associated connectors 33 and / or the wiring 31 and / or the ambient air temperature. This is since these parameters may be used as indication of a risk of overheating as well. According to the illustrated embodiments, the electrical system 1 comprises a temperature sensor 26 configured to measure a current temperature of the control unit 22. The temperature sensor 26 is in heat exchanging contact with a part of the control unit 22. According to these embodiments, the control arrangement 21 is configured to obtain the temperature estimate based on data from the temperature sensor 26. The control arrangement 21 may be configured to determine or estimate the temperature estimate based on data from the temperature sensor 26. According to further embodiments, the control arrangement 21 may be configured to obtain the temperature estimate in another manner, such as by determining or estimating the temperature estimate based on other type of data, such as ambient temperature data, data from another type of temperature sensor than depicted in Fig. 2, data representative of a previous total electric current supply from the control unit 22 to the number of vehicle components c1 - c8, or the like.

[0092] Fig. 3 illustrates a graph with a horizontal axis indicating the temperature estimate tE of the control unit 22 and a vertical axis indicating the total electric current supply Is to the number of vehicle components c1 - c8. Below, simultaneous reference is made to Fig. 1 - Fig. 3, if not indicated otherwise.

[0093] In Fig. 3, the threshold temperature Tt and the upper threshold value Til are indicated. As can be seen in Fig. 3, according to the illustrated embodiments, the upper threshold value Til is set based on the size of the temperature estimate tE. In more detail, in these embodiments, the upper threshold value Til is set based on the size of the temperature estimate tE such that the upper threshold value Til increases with reducing temperature estimates tE and decreases with increasing temperature estimates tE. The upper threshold value Til may be set continuously such that it may follow the changes of the size of the temperature estimate tE closely. With continuously is herein meant that the upper threshold value Til is changed or updated repeatedly in real time or at short intervals.

[0094] Moreover, in Fig. 3, a lower threshold temperature Tt’ and a lower threshold value TL are indicated. The threshold temperature Tt, as referred to herein, may also be referred to as an upper threshold temperature Tt. As also can be seen in Fig. 3, according to the illustrated embodiments, the lower threshold value TL is set based on the size of the temperature estimate tE. In more detail, in these embodiments, the lower threshold value TL is set based on the size of the temperature estimate tE such that the lower threshold value TL increases with reducing temperature estimates tE and decreases with increasing temperature estimates tE. As is evident from Fig. 3, the lower threshold value TL is lower than the upper threshold value Til. Likewise, according to the illustrated embodiments, the lower threshold temperature Tt’ is lower than the threshold temperature Tt.

[0095] As mentioned, the control arrangement 21 is configured to limit electric current supplied to one or more of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 if the total electric current supply Is to the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 exceeds the upper threshold value Til and the temperature estimate tE of the control unit 22 is above the threshold temperature Tt.

[0096] A first example condition e1 is indicated in Fig. 3. In the first example condition e1 , the temperature estimate tE is relatively low and the total electric current supply Is to the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 is relatively high. However, the total electric current supply Is is lower than each of the lower and upper threshold values Til, TL. Therefore, the control arrangement 21 does not perform a limitation of the electric current supplied from the control unit 22 to one or more of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 in the first example condition e1.

[0097] Moreover, as can be seen in Fig. 3, the lower and upper threshold values Til, TL are set such that no limitation is made by the control arrangement 21 if the temperature estimate tE is below a lower bound t1 of the lower threshold value TL regardless of the size of the total electric current supply Is. The operating principle of the control arrangement 21 based on the lower threshold value TL is further explained in detail below.

[0098] A second example condition e2 is also indicated in Fig. 3. In the second example condition e2, the temperature estimate tE is above the threshold temperature Tt and the total electric current supply Is is above the upper threshold value TU. According to the illustrated embodiments, the control arrangement 21 is configured to determine a desired total current reduction amount based on the magnitude ml by which the total electric current supply Is exceeds the upper threshold value TU, and to limit the electric current supplied to the one or more vehicle components c1 - c8 to achieve a reduction in the total electric current supply Is that is equal to, or greater than, the desired total current reduction amount.

[0099] According to further embodiments, the desired total current reduction amount may be determined in another manner. For example, the desired total current reduction amount may be determined based on a preset value, or other type of input data.

[0100] Furthermore, a third example condition e3 is also indicated in Fig. 3. In the third example condition e3, the temperature estimate tE of the control unit 22 is above the lower threshold temperature Tt’ and the total electric current supply Is has increased above a lower threshold value TL.

[0101] According to these embodiments, the control arrangement 21 is configured to, if the temperature estimate tE of the control unit 22 is above the lower threshold temperature Tt’ and the total electric current supply Is rises above a lower threshold value TL, limit electric current supplied to the one or more of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 if the total electric current supply Is to the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 remains above the lower threshold value TL after a predetermined time period. In other words, according to these embodiments, the control arrangement 21 is configured to wait during the predetermined time period before limiting the electric current supplied to the one or more of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 if the temperature estimate tE of the control unit 22 is above the lower threshold temperature Tt’ and the total electric current supply Is rises above a lower threshold value TL.

[0102] Accordingly, in this manner, the total electric current supply Is is allowed to exceed the lower threshold value TL during time periods shorter than the predetermined time period. The predetermined time period may be a short predetermined time period lasting less than a minute but more than one second. According to some embodiments, the predetermined time period may be within the range of 1 - 20 seconds or may be within the range of 2.5 - 7 seconds. Thereby, moderately high supply of electric current from the control unit 22 is allowed during shorter time periods which can be determined to have a low impact on the lifespan of the control unit 22, and the associated connectors 33 and wiring 31. As understood from the above described, the functionality of the vehicle 2 can be maintained by allowing the total electric current supply Is to surpass the lower threshold value TL during time periods shorter than the predetermined time period.

[0103] The control arrangement 21 may be configured to determine a desired total current reduction amount based on the magnitude m2 by which the total electric current supply Is exceeds the lower threshold value TL, and may be configured to, at the end of the above mentioned predetermined time period, limit the electric current supplied to the one or more vehicle components c1 - c8 to achieve a reduction in the total electric current supply Is that is equal to, or greater than, the desired total current reduction amount. Also in these embodiments, the desired total current reduction amount may be determined in another manner. For example, the desired total current reduction amount may be determined based on a preset value, or on other type of input data. A lower bound t2 of the upper threshold value Til is indicated in Fig. 3. As understood from the above described, the lower and upper threshold values Til, TL are set such that no limitation is made by the control arrangement 21 during the predetermined time period regardless of the size of the total electric current supply Is if the temperature estimate tE is below the lower bound t2 of the upper threshold value Til.

[0104] Fig. 4 illustrates a prioritization matrix according to some embodiments. Below, simultaneous reference is made to Fig. 1 - Fig. 4, if not indicated otherwise. The prioritization matrix in Fig. 4 shows example priority sequences ps1 , ps2, ps3 for the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 useable at different operational states os1, os2, os3 of the vehicle 2. In each priority sequence ps1, ps2, ps3, the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 are organized from left to right, indicating a progression from low priority LP to high priority HP. The progression of priority may be based on safety aspects of the vehicle 2 and / or on operational aspects of the vehicle 2.

[0105] In the example of the prioritization matrix according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 4, a first operational state os1 corresponds to highway driving, a second operational state os2 corresponds to city driving, and a third operational state os3 corresponds to stationary work. The wording stationary work as used herein refers to situations where the vehicle 2 is stationary, i.e. , at standstill, and work is, or is to, be performed by or at the vehicle 2. Again, these different operational states have only been provided as examples.

[0106] According to the illustrated embodiments, the control arrangement 21 is configured to determine a current operational state os1, os2, os3 of the vehicle 2. The control arrangement 21 may be configured to determine the current operational state os1 , os2, os3 of the vehicle 2 based on data from one or more other types of arrangements and systems of the vehicle 2, such as from a vehicle speed measuring arrangement, a brake arrangement, such as a parking brake arrangement, a vehicle positioning system, and an at least partially autonomous driving system of the vehicle 2.

[0107] The control arrangement 21 may be configured to provide the priority sequence ps1 , ps2, ps3 based on the current operational state os1, os2, os3 of the vehicle 2. The control arrangement 21 may be configured to provide the priority sequence ps1, ps2, ps3 from a memory of the control arrangement 21. Different priority sequences ps1, ps2, ps3 may be preprogramed into the memory, and / or may be saved into the memory based on data from another device or system of the vehicle 2 or from an external sender. Moreover, one or more of the priority sequences ps1, ps2, ps3 may be adaptable or adjustable based on data obtained from another device or system of the vehicle 2, such as an input unit, for example arranged in the driver environment 55 of the vehicle 2.

[0108] Different priority sequences ps1 , ps2, ps3 saved in the memory of the control arrangement 21 may be assigned to different operational state os1, os2, os3 of the vehicle 2. In such embodiments, the control arrangement 21 may be configured to select a priority sequence ps1 , ps2, ps3 assigned to a determined current operational state os1 , os2, os3 of the vehicle 2. That is, the control arrangement 21 may be configured to determine a current operational state os1 , os2, os3 of the vehicle 2 and select a priority sequence ps1 , ps2, ps3 assigned to the determined current operational state os1, os2, os3.

[0109] In other words, according to the example of the prioritization matrix according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 4, the control arrangement 21 may be configured to select the first priority sequence ps1 if the determined current operational state os1 corresponds to highway driving, select the second priority sequence ps2 if the determined current operational state os2 corresponds to city driving, and select the third priority sequence ps3 if the determined current operational state os3 corresponds to stationary work.

[0110] Moreover, according to these embodiments, the control arrangement 21 may be configured to limit electric current supplied from the control unit 22 by selecting one or more of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 based on the priority sequence ps1 , ps2, ps3, and limit the electric current supplied to the selected one or more vehicle components c1 - c8. In these embodiments, the control arrangement 21 is configured to select one or more of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 having the lowest priority in the priority sequence ps1, ps2, ps3.

[0111] According to some embodiments, data indicating the electric current draw during normal operation may be assigned to each of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8. The control arrangement 21 may be configured to select one or more of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 having the lowest priority in the priority sequence ps1, ps2, ps3 based on such data to achieve a reduction in the total electric current supply Is that is equal to, or greater than, the desired total current reduction amount.

[0112] As an example, if the control arrangement 21 determines the current operational state os3 correspond to stationary work, the control arrangement 21 may select the third priority sequence p3 depicted in Fig. 4. In this situation, if the total electric current supply Is to the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 exceeds the upper threshold value Til and the temperature estimate tE of the control unit 22 is above the threshold temperature Tt, the control arrangement 21 may determine a desired total current reduction amount based on the magnitude ml by which the total electric current supply Is exceeds the upper threshold value Til.

[0113] In this example, if the magnitude ml by which the total electric current supply Is exceeds the upper threshold value Til is 7 amperes, the control arrangement 21 may determine the desired total current reduction amount to correspond to 8 amperes. Moreover, in this example, the electric current draw during normal operation of the cornering lights c3 is 2 amperes and the electric current draw during normal operation of the low beams lights c2 is 7 amperes. Moreover, as seen in Fig. 4, in this example, the cornering lights c3 and low beams lights c2 have a lower priority than the remaining vehicle components c1, c3 - c8 in the third priority sequence ps3. Therefore, in this example, the control arrangement 21 may limit electric current supplied from the control unit 22 by disabling supply of electric current to the cornering lights c3 and low beams lights c2. In this manner, a reduction in the total electric current supply Is of 9 amperes is achieved, which is greater than the desired total current reduction amount of 8 amperes.

[0114] Accordingly, the control arrangement 21 may be configured to select one or more of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 based on the priority sequence ps1, ps2, ps3 and the data indicating the electric current draw during normal operation assigned to each of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 such that a disabling of supply of electric current to selected vehicle components c1 - c8 results in a reduction in the total electric current supply Is from the control unit 22 that is equal to, or greater than, the desired total current reduction amount.

[0115] According to some further embodiments, the control arrangement 21 may be configured to start a limiting procedure of electric current supplied from control unit 22 by performing a disabling of electric current supplied to a vehicle component c3, c4 having the lowest priority LP in a priority sequence ps1, ps2, ps3. If the disabling does not result in a reduction in the total electric current supply Is from the control unit 22 that is equal to, or greater than, the desired total current reduction amount, the control arrangement 21 may then disable electric current supplied to the next vehicle component c1 , c2, c3 in the priority sequence ps1, ps2, ps3 until the total electric current supply Is from the control unit 22 becomes equal to or greater than the desired total current reduction amount. As explained above, the control arrangement 21 may be configured to limit electric current supplied to the one or more of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 by disabling / stopping supply of electric current to at least one of the one or more vehicle components c1 - c8. Alternatively, or additionally, the control arrangement 21 may be configured to limit electric current supplied to the one or more of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 by applying a partial restriction / limitation of the supply of electric current to at least one of the one or more vehicle components c1 - c8.

[0116] As clearly expressed herein, the particular vehicle components c1 - c8 depicted in Fig. 1 , and referred to above, have only been provided as examples. The number of vehicle components c1 - c8, as referred to herein, may alternatively or additionally comprise one or more other types of components. Again, purely as examples, these may for example include an electric pump motor, a fan motor, a display, interior lightening, a signal horn, a seat heating arrangement, a window defroster, or the like. In embodiments in which the number of vehicle components comprises a seat heating arrangement and a window defroster, the seat heating arrangement may be assigned a lower priority in a priority sequence than the window defroster because a reduced or cancelled operation of the window defroster can be assumed to have a greater negative impact on the operational safety of the vehicle 2 than a reduced or cancelled operation of the seat heating arrangement.

[0117] As pointed out above, according to the illustrated embodiments, the control unit 22 is part of a low voltage DC electrical system having a nominal voltage within the so-called Voltage Class A, usually abbreviated VGA, namely a nominal voltage lower than 60 volts. However, according to further embodiments, the control unit 22, as referred to herein, may be part of the high voltage DC electrical system 10 of the vehicle 2, i.e. , an electrical system having a nominal voltage within the so-called Voltage Class B, usually abbreviated VCB, namely a nominal voltage equal to, or higher than, 60 volts. Obviously, in such embodiments, each of the number of vehicle components, as referred to herein, may be a high voltage vehicle component having a nominal voltage equal to, or higher than, 60 volts. Moreover, according to such embodiments, the control arrangement 21 may be configured to perform the herein described limitation of electric current supplied to one or more of such number of high voltage vehicle components if the total electric current supply to the number of high voltage vehicle components exceeds an upper threshold value and a temperature estimate of the control unit 22 is above a threshold temperature. Furthermore, the number of high voltage vehicle components may be organized into priority sequencies utilized by the control arrangement 21 in the control of the operation of the control unit 22 according to descriptions herein. According to the example embodiments depicted in Fig. 1, the vehicle 2 comprises one control unit 22. However, the vehicle 2 may comprise a plurality of control units each controllable to supply electric current to a number of vehicle components. The control arrangement 21, as referred to herein, may be configured to limit electric current supplied from two or more of such plurality of control units in the herein described manner.

[0118] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a method 100 of controlling operation of an electrical system of a vehicle. The vehicle may be a vehicle 2 according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig.

[0119] 1, i.e. , a vehicle 2 comprising an electrical system 1 explained with reference to Fig. 2 - Fig. 4. Therefore, below, simultaneous reference is made to Fig. 1 - Fig. 5, if not indicated otherwise.

[0120] The method 100 is a method of controlling operation of an electrical system 1 of a vehicle 2, wherein the electrical system 1 comprises a number of vehicle components c1 - c8, and a control unit 22 controllable to supply electric current to each of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8. The method 100 comprises the step of:

[0121] - limiting 140 electric current supplied to one or more of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 if the total electric current supply Is to the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 exceeds an upper threshold value Til and a temperature estimate tE of the control unit 22 is above the threshold temperature Tt.

[0122] Alternatively or additionally, step of limiting 140 electric current supplied to one or more of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 if the total electric current supply Is to the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 exceeds an upper threshold value Til and a temperature estimate of wiring 31 and / or connectors 33 associated with the control unit 22 is above the threshold temperature Tt.

[0123] Alternatively or additionally, step of limiting 140 electric current supplied to one or more of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 if the total electric current supply Is to the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 exceeds an upper threshold value Til and a temperature estimate of the ambient air temperature is above a threshold temperature Tt.

[0124] According to some embodiments, the electrical system 1 comprises a temperature sensor 26 configured to measure a current temperature of the control unit 22. According to such embodiments, the method 100 may comprise: obtaining 101 the temperature estimate tE based on data from the temperature sensor 26.

[0125] According to further embodiments, the temperature estimate tE may be obtained in another manner.

[0126] According to some embodiments, the method 100 may comprise the steps of:

[0127] - inputting the total electric current supply Is to the number of vehicle components c1 - c8,

[0128] - comparing the inputted total electric current supply Is with the upper threshold value Til,

[0129] - comparing the obtained temperature estimate tE with the threshold temperature Tt, and

[0130] - limiting 140’ electric current supplied to one or more of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 if the inputted total electric current supply Is to the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 exceeds the upper threshold value Til and the obtained temperature estimate tE of the control unit 22 is above a threshold temperature Tt.

[0131] Moreover, as indicated in Fig. 5, the method 100 may comprise the step of:

[0132] - determining 110 a desired total current reduction amount, and

[0133] - limiting 141 electric current supplied to the one or more vehicle components c1 - c8 to achieve a reduction in the total electric current supply Is that is equal to, or greater than, the desired total current reduction amount.

[0134] Furthermore, as indicated in Fig. 5, the step of determining 110 the desired total current reduction amount may comprise:

[0135] - determining 112 the desired total current reduction amount based on the magnitude ml by which the total electric current supply Is exceeds the upper threshold value Til.

[0136] Moreover, as indicated in Fig. 5, the method 100 may comprise the step of:

[0137] - setting 105 the upper threshold value Til based on the size of the temperature estimate tE.

[0138] According to some embodiments, the method 100 comprises the step of, if the temperature estimate tE of the control unit 22 is above a lower threshold temperature Tt’ and the total electric current supply Is rises above a lower threshold value TL, which is lower than the upper threshold value Til:

[0139] - limiting 143 electric current supplied to the one or more of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 if the total electric current supply Is to the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 remains above the lower threshold value TL after a predetermined time period.

[0140] Moreover, as indicated in Fig. 5, the method 100 may comprise the step of:

[0141] - providing 120 a priority sequence ps1, ps2, ps3 for the number of vehicle components c1

[0142] - c8,

[0143] - selecting 130 one or more of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 based on the priority sequence ps1 , ps2, ps3, and

[0144] - limiting 145 electric current supplied to the selected one or more vehicle components c1

[0145] - c8.

[0146] Furthermore, as indicated in Fig. 5, the step of selecting 130 one or more of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 comprises:

[0147] - selecting 131 one or more of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 having the lowest priority in the priority sequence ps1, ps2, ps3.

[0148] According to some embodiments, the method 100 comprises the steps of:

[0149] - determining 103 a current operational state os1 , os2, os3 of the vehicle 2, and wherein the step of providing 120 the priority sequence ps1, ps2, ps3 comprises:

[0150] - providing 122 the priority sequence ps1, ps2, ps3 based on the current operational state os1 , os2, os3 of the vehicle 2.

[0151] Moreover, according to some embodiments, the step of limiting 140 electric current supplied to the one or more of the number of vehicle components c1 - c8 comprises:

[0152] - disabling 147 supply of electric current to at least one of the one or more vehicle components c1 - c8.

[0153] It will be appreciated that the various embodiments described for the method 100 are all combinable with the control arrangement 21 as described herein. That is, the control arrangement 21 may be configured to perform any one of the method steps 101 , 103, 105, 110, 112, 120, 122, 130, 131 , 140, 140’, 141, 143, 145, and 147.

[0154] Fig. 6 illustrates a computer-readable medium 200 comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. According to some embodiments, the computer- readable medium 200 comprises a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method 100 according to some embodiments. The computer may be comprised in the control arrangement 21.

[0155] One skilled in the art will appreciate that the method 100 of controlling operation of an electrical system 1 of a vehicle 2 may be implemented by programmed instructions. These programmed instructions are typically constituted by a computer program, which, when it is executed in the control arrangement 21 , ensures that the control arrangement 21 carries out the desired control, such as the method steps 101 , 103, 105, 110, 112, 120, 122, 130, 131 , 140, 140’, 141 , 143, 145, and 147 described herein. The computer program is usually part of a computer program product which comprises a suitable digital storage medium on which the computer program is stored, such as the computer-readable medium 200 illustrated in Fig. 6. In other words, the computer program product may be a computer readable medium 200 and the computer program may be stored in the computer readable medium 200.

[0156] The control arrangement 21 may comprise a computer which may take the form of substantially any suitable type of hardware or hardware / firmware device implemented using processing circuity such as, but not limited to, a processor, Central Processing Unit (CPU), a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a circuit for digital signal processing (digital signal processor, DSP), a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a System-on-Chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit, or any other device capable of electronically performing operations in a defined manner, or other processing logic that may interpret and execute instructions. The herein utilised expression “computer” may represent a processing circuitry comprising a plurality of processing circuits, such as, e.g., any, some or all of the ones mentioned above.

[0157] The control arrangement 21 may further comprise a memory unit, wherein the computer may be connected to the memory unit, which may provide the computer with, for example, stored program code and / or stored data which the computer may need to enable it to do calculations. The computer may also be adapted to store partial or final results of calculations in the memory unit. The memory unit may comprise a physical device utilised to store data or programs, i.e. , sequences of instructions, on a temporary or permanent basis. According to some embodiments, the memory unit may comprise integrated circuits comprising silicon-based transistors. The memory unit may comprise e.g. a memory card, a flash memory, a USB memory, a hard disc, or another similar volatile or non-volatile storage unit for storing data such as e.g. ROM (Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read- Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable PROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM), etc. in different embodiments.

[0158] The control arrangement 21 is connected to components of the vehicle 2 for receiving and / or sending input and output signals. These input and output signals may comprise waveforms, pulses, or other attributes which the input signal receiving devices can detect as information and which can be converted to signals processable by the control arrangement 21. These signals may then be supplied to the computer. One or more output signal sending devices may be arranged to convert calculation results from the computer to output signals for conveying to other parts of the vehicle's control system and / or the component or components for which the signals are intended. Each of the connections to the respective components of the vehicle 2 for receiving and sending input and output signals may take the form of one or more from among a cable, a data bus, e.g. a CAN (controller area network) bus, a MOST (media orientated systems transport) bus or some other bus configuration, or a wireless connection.

[0159] In the embodiments illustrated, the vehicle 2 comprises a control arrangement 21 but might alternatively be implemented wholly or partly in two or more control arrangements, two or more control arrangements, or two or more control units.

[0160] Control systems in modern vehicles generally comprise a communication bus system consisting of one or more communication buses for connecting a number of electronic control units (ECUs), or controllers, to various components on board the vehicle. Such a control system may comprise a large number of control units and taking care of a specific function may be shared between two or more of them. Vehicles and engines of the type here concerned are therefore often provided with significantly more control arrangements than depicted in Fig. 1 , as one skilled in the art will surely appreciate.

[0161] The computer-readable medium 200 may be provided for instance in the form of a data carrier carrying computer program code for performing at least some of the method steps 101, 103, 105, 110, 112, 120, 122, 130, 131, 140, 140’, 141, 143, 145, and 147 according to some embodiments of the method 100 when being loaded into one or more computers of the control arrangement 21. The data carrier may be, e.g. a CD ROM disc, as is illustrated in Fig. 6, or a ROM (read-only memory), a PROM (programable read-only memory), an EPROM (erasable PROM), a flash memory, an EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), a hard disc, a memory stick, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device or any other appropriate medium such as a disk or tape that may hold machine readable data in a non-transitory manner. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the computer-readable medium 200 may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a tangible electronic, magnetic, optical, infrared, electromagnetic, and / or semiconductor system, apparatus, and / or device. The computer-readable medium 200 may furthermore be provided as computer program code on a server and may be downloaded to the control arrangement 21 remotely, e.g., over an Internet or an intranet connection, or via other wired or wireless communication systems.

[0162] It is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and that the invention is defined only by the appended independent claims. A person skilled in the art will realize that the example embodiments may be modified, and that different features of the example embodiments may be combined to create embodiments other than those described herein, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended independent claims.

[0163] As used herein, the term "comprising" or "comprises" is open-ended, and includes one or more stated features, elements, steps, components, or functions but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, components, functions, or groups thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method (100) of controlling operation of an electrical system (1) of a vehicle (2), wherein the electrical system (1) comprises: a number of vehicle components (c1 - c8), and a control unit (22) controllable to supply electric current to each of the number of vehicle components (c1 - c8), wherein the method (100) comprises the step of: limiting (140) electric current supplied to one or more of the number of vehicle components (c1 - c8) if the total electric current supply (Is) to the number of vehicle components (c1 - c8) exceeds an upper threshold value (Til) and a temperature estimate (tE) of the control unit (22), and / or a temperature estimate (tE) of wiring and / or connectors associated with the control unit (22), is above a threshold temperature (Tt).

2. The method (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the method (100) comprises the step of: determining (110) a desired total current reduction amount, and limiting (141) electric current supplied to the one or more vehicle components (c1 - c8) to achieve a reduction in the total electric current supply (Is) that is equal to or greater than the desired total current reduction amount.

3. The method (100) according to claim 2, wherein the step of determining (110) the desired total current reduction amount comprises: determining (112) the desired total current reduction amount based on the magnitude (ml) by which the total electric current supply (Is) exceeds the upper threshold value (TU).

4. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method (100) comprises the step of: setting (105) the upper threshold value (TU) based on the size of the temperature estimate (tE).

5. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method (100) comprises the step of, if the temperature estimate (tE) of the control unit (22) is above a lower threshold temperature (Tt’) and the total electric current supply (Is) rises above a lower threshold value (TL), which is lower than the upper threshold value (TU): limiting (143) electric current supplied to the one or more of the number of vehicle components (c1 - c8) if the total electric current supply (Is) to the number of vehiclecomponents (c1 - c8) remains above the lower threshold value (TL) after a predetermined time period.

6. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method (100) comprises the steps of: providing (120) a priority sequence (ps1 , ps2, ps3) for the number of vehicle components (c1 - c8), selecting (130) one or more of the number of vehicle components (c1 - c8) based on the priority sequence (ps1 , ps2, ps3), and limiting (145) electric current supplied to the selected one or more vehicle components (c1 - c8).

7. The method (100) according to claim 6, wherein the step of selecting (130) one or more of the number of vehicle components (c1 - c8) comprises: selecting (131) one or more of the number of vehicle components (c1 - c8) having the lowest priority in the priority sequence (ps1 , ps2, ps3).

8. The method (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the method (100) comprises the steps of: determining (103) a current operational state (os1 , os2, os3) of the vehicle (2), and wherein the step of providing (120) the priority sequence (ps1 , ps2, ps3) comprises: providing (122) the priority sequence (ps1 , ps2, ps3) based on the current operational state (os1 , os2, os3) of the vehicle (2).

9. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of limiting (140) electric current supplied to the one or more of the number of vehicle components (c1 - c8) comprises: disabling (147) supply of electric current to at least one of the one or more vehicle components (c1 - c8).

10. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical system (1) comprises a temperature sensor (26) configured to measure a current temperature of the control unit (22), and wherein the method (100) comprises: obtaining (101) the temperature estimate (tE) based on data from the temperature sensor (26).

11. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method (100) according to any one of the claims 1 - 10.

12. A computer-readable medium (200) comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method (100) according to any one of the claims 1 - 10.

13. A control arrangement (21) configured to control operation of an electrical system (1) of a vehicle (2), wherein the electrical system (1) comprises: a number of vehicle components (c1 - c8), and a control unit (22) controllable to supply electric current to each of the number of vehicle components (c1 - c8), wherein the control arrangement (21) is configured to: limit electric current supplied to one or more of the number of vehicle components(c1 - c8) if the total electric current supply (Is) to the number of vehicle components (c1 - c8) exceeds an upper threshold value (Til) and a temperature estimate (tE) of the control unit (22), and / or a temperature estimate (tE) of wiring and / or connectors associated with the control unit (22), is above a threshold temperature (Tt).

14. A vehicle (2) comprising an electrical system (1), the electrical system (1) comprising: a number of vehicle components (c1 - c8), and a control unit (22) configured to control supply of electric current to each of the number of vehicle components (c1 - c8), and wherein the vehicle (2) comprises a control arrangement (21) according to claim 13.

15. The vehicle (2) according to claim 14, wherein the vehicle (2) is a heavy wheeled vehicle, such as a truck or a bus.

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