FR3101509A1 - Thermal management method, in particular for a motor vehicle, and associated control unit - Google Patents

Abstract

Method of thermal management, in particular for a motor vehicle, and corresponding control unit The invention relates to a method of thermal management in the event of detection of overheating of an electric heating device, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a plurality of resistive elements. configured to be electrically supplied according to a setpoint. According to the invention, said method comprises the following steps: - activate a first phase (P1) of gradual regulation of said setpoint according to a first direction of evolution, and reiterate the first phase (P1) of regulation, as long as the value d 'at least one parameter for monitoring an overheating (i_ (sub) system_max; R_ (sub) system; P_ (sub) system; T_ (sub) system) exceeds a corresponding detection threshold value (i_ (sub) system_max_lim_i ; R_ (sub) system_lim_i; P_ (sub) system_lim_i; T_ (sub) system_lim_i) representative of overheating, - otherwise, activate a second phase (P2) of regulation of said setpoint according to a second direction of evolution opposite to the direction evolution of the first phase (P1) of regulation. The invention also relates to a control unit for implementing such a method. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Thermal management method, in particular for a motor vehicle, and associated control unit

The invention relates to a method of thermal management in the event of an overheating of an electric heating device for heating a fluid. This is in particular an electric heating device intended to be fitted to a motor vehicle. In a non-limiting manner, the electric heating device can be configured to heat, for example, an air flow intended to pass through the heating device. The invention can be applied both to a high voltage electric heating device and to a low voltage electric heating device.

The invention applies in particular to a heating and/or ventilation and/or air conditioning installation for a motor vehicle comprising such a heating device.

A motor vehicle is commonly equipped with such a heating and/or ventilation and/or air conditioning installation which is intended to regulate the aerothermal parameters of a flow of air intended to be distributed in the passenger compartment, in particular the temperature of the air flow. To do this, the installation generally comprises one or more heat treatment devices, including in particular an electric heating device, otherwise called an electric radiator, for heating a fluid such as an air flow.

The electric heater includes electric heating modules. For example, electric heater modules can be arranged to be exposed directly to airflow passing through the electric heater.

According to a known solution, the heating modules comprise resistive elements, for example with a positive temperature coefficient (PTC), such as ceramics also called PTC stones.

These are elements whose resistive value varies greatly depending on the temperature. More specifically, the ohmic value of PTC resistive elements increases very rapidly beyond a predetermined temperature threshold.

The resistive elements can be powered by an on-board electrical voltage source, namely batteries. An electrical connector connected to the voltage source on board the vehicle can be provided to supply the electrical power necessary to supply the electrical heating device, in particular the resistive elements. In addition, the resistive elements are controlled by an electronic control unit which generally includes a power supply circuit. The power supply circuit is mounted for example on a printed circuit board.

Particularly in the case of a high-voltage electric heater, it can be a main heater of the vehicle, which can therefore be very powerful.

In the event of overheating, the device can reach at least one point a limit temperature for the correct operation of the system. The resistive elements with PTC effect serve as protection against strong overheating which can generate, for example, a fire, thus making it possible to guarantee the safety of the passengers.

However, certain components close to the electric heating device, such as for example plastic parts of the heating and/or ventilation and/or air conditioning installation, may be more sensitive in particular under certain conditions, for example in the case of a temperature high while the shutters of the heating and/or ventilation and/or air conditioning system are closed, voluntarily or due to an undetected mechanical failure.

It is therefore interesting to control the temperature of the electric heating device, in order to avoid degrading the surrounding components.

The object of the invention is to propose a thermal management solution in the event of detection of overheating of the electric heating device making it possible to at least partially avoid the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a thermal management method in the event of detection of overheating of an electric heating device, in particular for a motor vehicle, said device comprising a plurality of resistive elements configured to be electrically powered by a electrical voltage source, in which the electrical supply of at least a subset of resistive elements is controlled using a control signal by pulse width modulation as a function of a power setpoint , or temperature, or intensity of electric current, or resistance.

According to the invention, said method comprises the following steps:
- activating a first phase of gradual regulation of said setpoint according to a first direction of change, the first regulation phase comprising the following sub-steps: regulating said setpoint according to a first predefined step, for each regulated setpoint value, determining a value corresponding detection threshold of at least one parameter for monitoring overheating of at least one subset of resistive elements as a function of the regulated setpoint value, the detection threshold value being representative of overheating, at each iteration of the first regulation phase, measuring or calculating said at least one parameter for monitoring overheating of said at least one subset of resistive elements and comparing the measured or calculated value with the determined detection threshold value corresponding,
- repeating the first regulation phase, as long as the measured or calculated value of said at least one parameter for monitoring overheating of said at least one subset of resistive elements exceeds said determined detection threshold value,
- otherwise, activating a second phase of regulation of said setpoint, according to a second direction of evolution opposite to the direction of evolution of the first phase of regulation.

Preferably, the first phase is a downgrading phase, that is to say limiting said setpoint according to a first direction of change.

The first decommissioning or limitation phase includes the following sub-steps:
- limit said setpoint according to a first predefined step making it possible to reach a derating level i,
- for each limited setpoint value, determining a corresponding threshold value for detecting at least one parameter for monitoring overheating of at least one subset of resistive elements as a function of the limited setpoint value,
- at each iteration of the first derating or limitation phase, measuring or calculating said at least one parameter for monitoring overheating of said at least one subset of resistive elements and comparing the measured or calculated value with the value corresponding determined detection threshold.

The first derating or limitation phase is repeated as long as the measured or calculated value of said at least one parameter for monitoring overheating of said at least one subset of resistive elements exceeds said determined detection threshold value.

According to a preferred embodiment, said set point is a power set point.

Said method may further comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken separately or in combination.

Said at least one parameter for monitoring overheating of said at least one subset of resistive elements is preferably a function of the intensity of the electric current. It is for example chosen from: the electrical resistance of the resistive elements of said at least one subset, the intensity of the electric current flowing through the resistive elements of said at least one subset, a multiple or a power of the current intensity electricity running through the resistive elements.

Alternatively, said at least one parameter for monitoring overheating can be chosen from among the electrical power of the predefined number of resistive elements or even the temperature of the predefined number of resistive elements.

The second phase of regulation is preferably gradual and includes the following sub-steps:
- regulate said setpoint according to a second predefined step,
- for each regulated setpoint value, determining a corresponding detection threshold value of said at least one parameter for monitoring overheating of said at least one subset of resistive elements, the detection threshold value being representative of overheating , at each iteration of the second regulation phase, measuring or calculating said at least one parameter for monitoring overheating of said at least one subset of resistive elements and comparing the measured or calculated value with the detection threshold value determined corresponding,
- if said at least one parameter for monitoring measured or calculated overheating exceeds the determined detection threshold value, activating the first regulation phase again,
- if not, repeating the second phase of regulation of said setpoint.

Preferably, the second regulation phase is a setpoint increase or increase phase, comprising the following sub-steps:
- increase said setpoint according to a second predefined step,
for each increased set point value, determining a corresponding detection threshold value of said at least one parameter for monitoring overheating of said at least one subset of resistive elements, the detection threshold value being representative of overheating,
- at each iteration of the second rise phase, measuring or calculating said at least one parameter for monitoring overheating of said at least one subset of resistive elements and comparing the measured or calculated value with the detection threshold value determined corresponding,
- if said at least one parameter for monitoring measured or calculated overheating exceeds the determined detection threshold value, activating the first derating phase again, otherwise, repeating the second rise phase. In particular, the second phase of raising or increasing said setpoint can be repeated until the current setpoint is possibly reached. More precisely, it is the unlimited set point of the moment which can possibly be reached. This is in particular the setpoint request received from the control unit. This setpoint may optionally but not necessarily be the initial setpoint. According to another option, this setpoint may have changed and no longer be the initial setpoint.

The increase of said setpoint according to the second predefined step makes it possible in particular to reach an increase level j. In particular, if the second predefined step is equal to the first predefined step, the increase level j corresponds to a derating level i.

Said method may comprise a step for measuring the supply voltage, and the detection threshold value of said at least one parameter for monitoring overheating is also determined as a function of the measured supply voltage.

Said method may comprise the following steps:
- during the first regulation phase, comparing the regulated value of said setpoint with a setpoint limit value,
- if the regulated value of said setpoint reaches the setpoint limit value, generating a command to stop the electrical supply of said at least one subset of resistive elements for a predefined stoppage time.

A power resume command can be generated at the end of the preset shutdown time.

Alternatively, the electrical power supply resumption command may depend on a predefined criterion, such as the temperature of a support of the electrical power supply circuit of the resistive elements.

The resumption of the electrical supply of said at least one subset of resistive elements is controlled with a resumption setpoint fixed at a predetermined value less than or equal to a maximum authorized setpoint value.

The method may further comprise the following steps:
- raise the temperature of a support of the power supply circuit of the resistive elements,
- determining as a function of the temperature of said support recorded whether said at least one subset of resistive elements is in a state of minimal heating, and
- activating the first regulation phase when a minimum heating state of said at least one subset of resistive elements is determined.

In the absence of detection of a minimum heating state of said at least one subset of resistive elements, the first regulation phase is not activated and said method can be repeated from the start.

The temperature of said support is for example raised after stopping for a predefined period of the power supply of said at least one subset of resistive elements.

The power supply recovery command is generated with a recovery setpoint, if a minimum heating state of said at least one subset of resistive elements is determined according to the temperature of said raised support.

In the absence of detection of a minimum overheating state of said at least one subset of resistive elements, the power supply can start again with a maximum authorized setpoint.

According to a first embodiment, the temperature of said measured support is compared with a predefined limit temperature representative of a minimum heating of the electric heating device.

According to a second embodiment, the variation in temperature of the support of the power supply circuit of the resistive elements is monitored over a predefined period of time, for example over the predefined duration of shutdown of the power supply of said at least one sub -set of resistive elements, and compared with a predefined limit temperature variation representative of the minimum heating of the electric heating device.

According to a variant embodiment, the resistive elements are of the negative temperature coefficient type.

The resistive elements can be of the positive temperature coefficient type, the setpoint is for example a power setpoint. In this case, the first regulation phase is a derating phase during which said setpoint is gradually lowered according to the first predefined step, as long as the electrical resistance of the resistive elements of said at least one subassembly is strictly greater than the threshold value of detection determined in the first regulation phase or that the intensity of the electric current flowing through the resistive elements is strictly lower than the detection threshold value determined in the first regulation phase. The second regulation phase is a rise phase during which said set point is increased, when the electrical resistance of the resistive elements of said at least one subassembly is less than or equal to the detection threshold value determined in the second regulation phase or when the the intensity of the electric current is greater than or equal to the detection threshold value determined in the second regulation phase.

The first phase of regulation can be iterated according to a predefined period. The predefined period can be less than 10s, for example around 4s.

The second regulation phase can be iterated according to a predefined period. This predefined period can be the same as for the first regulation phase.

Said first and/or second predefined pitch can be constant.

The second predefined pitch may be equal to the first predefined pitch.

Alternatively, said first and/or second predefined pitch is variable. According to an exemplary embodiment, from a predefined number of iterations of the first regulation phase, the first predefined step is increased so as to accelerate the evolution of said setpoint and of said at least one parameter.

At least two subsets of distinct resistive elements are driven independently by pulse width modulation of the power supply, and for each subset, a detection threshold value of at least one parameter for the monitoring of Overheating is defined independently, depending on the nature and/or the number of resistive elements of the subassembly.

Prior to the activation of the first regulation phase, the overheating of at least one subset of resistive elements of the electric heating device is detected in a prior step when the measured or calculated value of said at least one parameter for the monitoring of overheating exceeds a predefined detection threshold value representative of overheating of the resistive elements of said at least one subassembly.

The invention also relates to a control unit for an electric heating device comprising a plurality of resistive elements configured to be electrically powered by an electric voltage source, the control unit being configured to generate a control signal by modulation of pulse width of the electrical power supply to the resistive elements as a function of a power setpoint, or of temperature, or of electrical current intensity, or of resistance. The control unit comprises at least one processing means for:
- activating a first phase of gradual regulation of said setpoint according to a first direction of change, the first regulation phase comprising the following sub-steps: regulating said setpoint according to a first predefined step, for each regulated setpoint value, determining a value corresponding detection threshold of at least one parameter for monitoring overheating of at least one subset of resistive elements as a function of the regulated setpoint value, the detection threshold value being representative of overheating, at each iteration of the first regulation phase, measuring or calculating said at least one parameter for monitoring overheating of said at least one subset of resistive elements and comparing the measured or calculated value with the determined detection threshold value corresponding,
- repeating the first regulation phase, as long as the measured or calculated value of said at least one parameter for monitoring overheating of said at least one subset of resistive elements exceeds said determined detection threshold value,
- otherwise, activating a second phase of regulation of said setpoint, according to a second direction of evolution opposite to the direction of evolution of the first phase of regulation.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings, among which:

shows a flowchart of different steps of the thermal management method, in particular of a first setpoint regulation phase according to the invention.

is a table of values representing an example of evolution of parameter threshold values as a function of the electrical power setpoint for a constant voltage.

shows a flowchart of different steps of the thermal management method, in particular of a second phase of setpoint regulation according to a direction of change opposite to the first regulation phase.

shows a flowchart of the different steps of the thermal management process in the event of a power cut to the resistive elements following the implementation of the first regulation phase.

shows an example of a flowchart of different preliminary steps of a method for detecting overheating before activating the first regulation phase of the thermal management method according to the invention.

In these figures, identical elements bear the same references.

The following achievements are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference is to the same embodiment, or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Simple features of different embodiments can also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

In the description, some elements can be indexed, such as first element or second element. In this case, it is a simple indexing to differentiate and name elements that are close but not identical. This indexing does not imply a priority of one element over another and such denominations can be easily interchanged without departing from the scope of the present description. Nor does this indexing imply an order in time.

The invention is in the field of an installation for heating and/or ventilation and/or air conditioning of an air flow (not represented in the figures), intended to equip a motor vehicle to regulate the aerothermal parameters of the flow of air distributed in one or more areas of the vehicle cabin.

The invention relates more particularly to an electric heating device, otherwise known as an electric radiator, for a motor vehicle, fitted in particular to such an installation. It is an electric fluid heating device. In a non-limiting manner, it may be a device for heating an air flow. Subsequently, the description is made with reference to an air flow, but the invention can be applied to another fluid.

In particular, it may be an electric heating device or a high-voltage radiator. "High voltage" defines for example a voltage higher than 90V or 120V. Alternatively, it may be a low voltage radiator.

The electric heating device is configured to transform electrical energy taken, for example, from the vehicle into thermal energy restored in a flow of air passing through the heating and/or ventilation and/or air conditioning installation.

The electric heating device may comprise a predefined number of heating modules. These heating modules can be arranged so as to be exposed directly to the flow of air passing through the electric heating device.

More precisely, the heating modules can comprise each of the resistive elements. The electrical heating device therefore comprises a plurality of resistive elements configured to be electrically powered by an electrical voltage source.

The resistive elements can be of the positive temperature coefficient (PTC) type. The resistive elements are for example produced in the form of PTC ceramics, for example known under the name of PTC stones. Alternatively, they may be resistive elements of the negative temperature coefficient (NTC) type.

The electric heating device generally further comprises an electronic control unit for controlling the heating modules. Such a control unit comprises one or more electronic and/or electrical components. The control unit comprises in particular an electrical supply circuit (not shown) for the resistive elements. The power supply circuit is mounted for example on an electrical circuit support such as a printed circuit board known by the acronym PCB in English for “Printed Circuit Board”.

By way of example, the power supply circuit comprises transistors (not shown), each allowing to authorize or not the passage of the current in a predefined number of heating modules.

The resistive elements are intended to be powered by an electrical power source (not shown), such as batteries, coming for example from the vehicle. The power supply of the resistive elements is controlled by pulse width modulation known by the acronym PWM or Pulse Width Modulation in English.

The control unit is configured to generate a control signal by pulse width modulation of the electric power supply of the resistive elements, in particular of at least a subset of resistive elements. Separate subsets of resistive elements can be independently driven by pulse width modulation. The electrical supply of the resistive elements, in particular of at least a subset of resistive elements forming a subsystem, can be done according to a setpoint.

According to a preferred embodiment, the setpoint is an electrical power setpoint P_(sub)system_target_0 (FIG. 1). The heater is closed loop controlled. As a variant, the electrical supply of the resistive elements can be done according to a temperature setpoint T_(sub)system_target_0. We can consider an alternative with an electric current intensity setpoint i_(sub)system_target_0 at constant voltage, or possibly with resistance R_(sub)system_target_0. The prefix "sub" is written in brackets to signify that the instruction concerns a subset of resistive elements, or respectively all of the resistive elements.

PROCESS
FIG. 1 schematically represents the steps of a thermal management method following detection of overheating of the electric heating device, of one or more subsets of resistive elements. This makes it possible in particular to act according to a specific strategy for different hot spots, for example when the electric heating device equips a heating and/or ventilation and/or so-called multi-zone air conditioning installation, and when in this case the heating modules can be dedicated to heating separate areas of the passenger compartment.

It is possible to implement such thermal management for all the resistive elements, or independently for each subset of resistive elements controlled by a transistor or several transistors. The strategy also varies according to the nature of the resistive elements, for example depending on whether they are resistive elements of the positive temperature coefficient PTC or negative CTN type.

At the start of the process, the resistive elements are controlled according to an initial setpoint which corresponds to the minimum between the setpoint received from the control unit controlling the resistive elements and a maximum authorized setpoint. By way of illustration, for a power setpoint, the initial power setpoint P_(sub)system_target_0 or maximum authorized is for example equal to 80% of a maximum power P_max.

The thermal management process is triggered when overheating is detected during a preliminary step E0. For example, overheating can be detected by monitoring the evolution of at least one parameter, advantageously a function of the intensity of the electric current, for monitoring overheating of the electric heating device, taking into account the setpoint of feed.

The parameter, when it is a function of the intensity of the electric current, can be the electric resistance of the predefined number of resistive elements R_system; R_subsystem, the electrical power of the predefined number of resistive elements P_system; P_subsystem, the intensity of the electric current traversing the predefined number of resistive elements i_system_max; i_subsystem_max. The parameter can also be a multiple or a power of the intensity of the electric current traversing the predefined number of resistive elements. Mention may be made, in a non-exhaustive manner, of the square or the cube of the intensity of the electric current, the double of the intensity of the electric current or even the ratio of the intensity of the electric current to the duty cycle of the control signal by modulation of pulse width.

The parameter can be dependent on the intensity of the electric current up to one variable, this is particularly the case of the electrical resistance of the predefined number of resistive elements R_system; R_subsystem or the intensity of the electric current traversing the predefined number of resistive elements i_system_max; i_subsystem_max, or a multiple or a power.

The parameter can also be dependent on the intensity of the electric current to within at least two variables, this is the case in particular of the electric power of the predefined number of resistive elements P_system; P_subsystem. The electric power is a function of the intensity of the electric current and it is defined by the product of the supply voltage, the intensity of the electric current, and in addition to the duty cycle.

Alternatively, the parameter may not be a function of the electric current intensity. We can cite for example the temperature of the predefined number of resistive elements T_system; T_subsystem.

In the rest of the description, the prefix "sub" is written between parentheses to signify that a parameter concerns a subset of resistive elements, or respectively all of the resistive elements.

Several parameters can be used in a complementary way for monitoring an overheating of the electric heating device.

Generally, when overheating is detected, the setpoint is gradually regulated in one direction, being increased or reduced as appropriate. This regulation is repeated until the real value read of the parameter(s) is no longer representative of overheating. In this case, the setpoint can be regulated in the other direction, advantageously also gradually, until it returns to the starting setpoint.

First phase of regulation
Thus, upon detection of overheating, a first phase P1 of gradual regulation of the setpoint according to a first direction of change is activated. This is in particular a derating or limitation phase, during which the setpoint is limited, lowered.

The first phase P1 comprises a step E1 for regulating, in particular limiting, the setpoint. For example, in the case of a power setpoint and PTC resistive elements, the regulation is done by lowering the power setpoint. It is therefore in this example a derating phase or "derating" in English of the power setpoint.

The regulation of the setpoint is done according to a first predefined step. This step is chosen according to a compromise between the inertia of the electric heating device and the desired reactivity.

The predefined pitch can be constant. It is for example of the order of the maximum authorized setpoint P_(sub)system_target_0; T_(sub)system_target_0; i_(sub)system_target_0; R_(sub)system_target_0. Thus, according to the example of regulation by derating of the setpoint such as the power setpoint, at each iteration of the derating phase, the power setpoint is lowered by of the maximum authorized set point, increasing by a factor at step E0 to a factor at the first iteration of the decommissioning phase, then in case of a second iteration of the decommissioning phase, then And so on.

Alternatively, the first pitch may be variable. According to an exemplary embodiment, from a predefined number of iterations of the first phase P1 of regulation, the first predefined step is increased so as to accelerate the evolution of the setpoint and of the chosen parameter. According to the previous case of a first phase of derating of the power setpoint, for example, the first predefined step can be quite low at the start and can increase with the iterations of the first phase of derating, so as to accelerate the reduction of the power setpoint for example and of the parameter chosen with larger steps.

At each regulation of order i, that is to say in this example at each limitation of the setpoint making it possible to reach a derating level i, the setpoint changes to a regulated / limited setpoint value P_(sub)system_target_i ; T_(sub)system_target_i; i_(sub)system_target_i; R_(sub)system_target_i.

The first regulation phase comprises a step E2 of determining a corresponding threshold value of one or more of the parameters mentioned above for monitoring overheating, such as the electrical resistance R_(sub)system, the electrical power P_( sub)system, the intensity of the electric current i_(sub)system_max, or even the temperature T_(sub)system of the resistive elements.

This threshold value can be determined for one or more subsystems, that is to say for one or more sets of heating modules controlled by one or more transistors, or for the whole system, that is to say the set of resistive elements for all heating modules. When thermal management is performed for a subassembly, the detection threshold value is denoted by R_subsystem_lim_i, P_subsystem_lim_i, i_subsystem_max_lim_i, T_subsystem_lim_i. For each independently driven sub-assembly, detection threshold values can be defined independently, depending on the nature of the parameter and the nature and/or the number of resistive elements of the sub-assembly. When it comes to thermal management for the whole system, the detection threshold value is denoted by R_system_lim_i, P_system_lim_i, i_system_max_lim_i, T_system _lim_i. In the following description, “sub” is put between brackets, to designate a value for a subset, respectively for all the resistive elements.

The detection threshold value is representative of overheating of the subsystem or the entire system. This threshold value is determined according to the regulated set point value P_(sub)system_target_i; T_(sub)system_target_i; i_(sub)system_target_i; R_(sub)system_target_i.

In particular, the detection threshold value of the chosen parameter can be defined according to the torque of the supply voltage U_battery and the regulated setpoint, thus offering a matrix of possible detection threshold values.

In this case, a step E1' can be implemented beforehand, in which the supply voltage U_battery is measured. This step E1' can be implemented by a voltage measurement sensor. The supply voltage U_battery can be constant.

The detection threshold value of one or more parameters can be read in a table based on the setpoint and possibly on the supply voltage U_battery, the table being stored in a command of the electric heating device.

Considering the case of a power setpoint for PTC resistive elements, an example of a table of detection threshold values i_(sub)system_max_lim_i, R_(sub)system_lim_i of parameters such as the intensity of the electric current, and the electric resistance , is given by way of illustration in FIG. 2. The table of values in FIG. 2 is given for a constant supply voltage of, for example, 306V, and considering that the maximum authorized initial power setpoint is at 80% of the power maximum P_max.

Considering the electric current intensity parameter, for the initial power setpoint, the detection threshold value i_(sub)system_max_lim_i is 15.7A. No derating of the setpoint has taken place, the derating level i is equal to 0.

During a first iteration of the derating phase, the power setpoint is lowered by , thus passing by a factor F of To , which corresponds for example to 75% of the maximum power P_max and the detection threshold value i_(sub)system_max_lim_i of the intensity of the corresponding electric current is 14.7A. The setpoint reaches the derating level i = 1.

If the power setpoint is lowered again, the factor F changes to , which corresponds for example to 70% of the maximum power P_max and the detection threshold value i_(sub)system_max_lim_i of the intensity of the corresponding electric current is 13.7A, the setpoint reaches the derating level i = 2, and and so on.

Considering this time the electrical resistance parameter, for the initial power setpoint, the detection threshold value R_(sub)system_lim_i is 19.5Ω. No derating of the setpoint has taken place, the derating level i is equal to 0.

During a first iteration of the derating phase, the power setpoint is lowered by , thus passing by a factor F of To , which corresponds for example to 75% of the maximum power P_max and the detection threshold value R_(sub)system_lim_i of corresponding electrical resistance is 20.8Ω. The setpoint reaches the derating level i = 1.

If the power setpoint is lowered again, the factor F changes to , which corresponds for example to 70% of the maximum power P_max and the detection threshold value R_(sub)system_lim_i of corresponding electrical resistance is 22.3Ω, the setpoint reaches the derating level i=2, and so on.

According to another alternative, it is possible for the detection threshold value of one or more parameters to be calculated by means of an algorithm (not described in more detail herein) stored in a control of the electric heating device.

Referring again to FIG. 1, during a step E3, the value of one or more of the parameters, can be read or calculated.

If the chosen parameter is the intensity of the electric current i_(sub)system_max, it is a question of raising in step E3 the intensity of current flowing through the resistive elements of a subsystem or even of all the elements resistors of the electric heater. This step can be implemented by a current measurement sensor. The current measured is for example the maximum instantaneous current or at the level of a peak, when the control signal by pulse width modulation is at 100%.

If the chosen parameter is a function of the electric current intensity i_(sub)system_max but different from this electric current intensity, step E3 includes a sub-step for measuring the current intensity flowing through the resistive elements. Subsequently, the value of the parameter can be calculated from the intensity of the electric current i_(sub)system_max. The supply voltage U_battery measured at step E1' can also be taken into account in calculating the value of the parameter. This calculation step can be implemented by a processing means such as a computer.

According to a first approach, the parameter can be the electrical resistance R_(sub)system. In this case at step E3, an electrical resistance value R_(sub)system is calculated from the supply voltage U_battery and the intensity of the electrical current i_(sub)system_max measured.

According to a second approach, the parameter can be the electrical power P_(sub)system. In this case at step E3, an electrical power value P_(sub)system can be calculated from the supply voltage U_battery and the intensity of the electrical current i_(sub)system_max measured. In particular, the electrical power P_(sub)system can be calculated by taking the product of the instantaneous electrical current intensity, the supply voltage and the duty cycle. In this case, the method comprises a sub-step for raising the duty cycle of the control signal by pulse width modulation.

According to yet a third approach, the parameter can be independent of the electric current intensity, such as the temperature T _(sub)system of the resistive elements. In this case, step E3 is a temperature measurement step for a subsystem, respectively for all of the resistive elements.

In step E4, the value of the parameter noted in step E3 of the electric current intensity i_(sub)system_max, or calculated in step E3 of the electric resistance R_(sub)system, or else of the electrical power P_(sub)system or temperature T_(sub)system is compared with the corresponding detection threshold value determined in step E2 i_(sub)system_max_lim_i, R_(sub)system_lim_i, P_(sub)system_lim_i , T_ (sub)system_lim_i.

This comparison step E4 can be carried out for one or more subsystems, that is to say for one or more sets of heating modules controlled by one or more transistors, or for the whole system, that is to say all resistive elements for all heating modules.

This comparison step E4 can be implemented by a processing means such as a comparator.

If the value of the parameter exceeds the corresponding detection threshold value, the first regulation phase P1 is repeated. This concerns steps E1 to E4 previously described. The detected value of the parameter may exceed the detection threshold value, being higher or lower, depending on the nature of this parameter and the nature of the resistive elements.

For example, in the case of PTC resistive elements, if the recorded value of the intensity of the electric current i_(sub)system_max flowing through the resistive elements is lower, more precisely strictly lower, than the detection threshold value i_(sub) system_max_lim_i, this means that the subsystem or the entire device is still overheated, and the first regulation phase P1 is repeated.

According to another example, in the case of PTC resistive elements, if the calculated value of the electrical resistance R_(sub)system of the resistive elements is greater, more precisely strictly greater than the detection threshold value R_(sub)system_lim_i determined in the first regulation phase, this means that the subsystem or the entire device is still overheated, and the first regulation phase P1 is repeated.

At each iteration i, the detection threshold value of the parameter is determined again according to the regulated value of the setpoint P_(sub)system_target_i; T_(sub)system_target_i; i_(sub)system_target_i; R_(sub)system_target_i.

The first regulation phase P1 is repeated as long as the value of the parameter for superheat monitoring i_(sub)system_max; R_(sub)system; P_(sub)system; T_(sub)system measured or calculated at each iteration i, exceeds the detection threshold value i_(sub)system_max_lim_i; R_(sub)system_lim_i; P_(sub)system_lim_i; T_(sub)system_lim_i determined corresponding.

For example, according to the previous examples of a power setpoint and PTC resistive elements, the power setpoint P_(sub)system_target_i is gradually lowered according to the first predefined step, for example by of the maximum setpoint authorized at each iteration i, as long as the intensity of the electric current i_(sub)system_max flowing through the resistive elements is lower than the detection threshold value i_(sub)system_max_lim_i, or as long as the electric resistance R_(sub )system of the resistive elements is greater than the detection threshold value R_(sub)system_lim_i.

In order to facilitate understanding and to illustrate an example of implementation of the first regulation phase P1, reference is made again to the non-limiting example of FIG. 2.

Considering the intensity of the electric current as the parameter for monitoring overheating, during the derating phase, after a first lowering of the power setpoint P_(sub)system_target_i to 75% of the maximum power P_max, the value of the intensity of the electric current is recorded and compared with the corresponding detection threshold value i_(sub)system_max_lim_i, in this example 14.7A. If the value of the electric current intensity detected is lower than the detection threshold value i_(sub)system_max_lim_i , the power setpoint is lowered again. In a purely illustrative arbitrary manner, if the value of the intensity of the electric current recorded is for example 14A whereas the threshold value is 14.7A, the derating phase is repeated.

The power setpoint P_(sub)system_target_i is therefore again lowered this time to 70% of the maximum power P_max and the corresponding detection threshold value i_(sub)system_max_lim_i is in this example 13.7A. Arbitrarily, purely illustrative, if the value of the intensity of the electric current is for example 13A while the threshold value is 13.7A, the derating phase is repeated again lowering the power setpoint P_(sub)system_target_i to 65% of the maximum power P_max then if necessary to 60% of the maximum power P_max, and so on.

Considering the electrical resistance as the parameter for superheat monitoring, during the derating phase, after a first lowering of the power setpoint P_(sub)system_target_i to 75% of the maximum power P_max, the value of the electrical resistance is calculated and compared with the corresponding detection threshold value R_(sub)system_lim_i, in this example 20.8Ω. If the value of the calculated electrical resistance is greater than the detection threshold value R_(sub)system_lim_i, the power setpoint is lowered again. In a purely illustrative arbitrary fashion, if the value of the calculated electrical resistance is for example 22Ω whereas the threshold value is 20.8Ω, the derating phase is repeated.

The power setpoint P_(sub)system_target_i is therefore again lowered this time to 70% of the maximum power P_max and the corresponding detection threshold value R_(sub)system_lim_i is in this example 22.3Ω. Arbitrarily, purely illustrative, if the value of the calculated electrical resistance is, for example, 23.5 Ω while the threshold value is 22.3 Ω, the derating phase is repeated again, lowering the power setpoint P_(sub)system_target_i at 65% of the maximum power P_max then if necessary at 60% of the maximum power P_max, and so on.

Referring again to FIG. 1, according to one option, the possible iterations i of the first regulation phase P1 can be limited.

This limitation can be a function of a setpoint limit value P_(sub)system_target_m; T_(sub)system_target_m; i_(sub)system_target_m; R_(sub)system_target_m. This means that if the regulated value of the setpoint reaches or exceeds the setpoint limit value, the first phase P1 is not repeated. In this case, the number of iterations i can vary from 1 to m, m corresponding to a maximum number of iterations (see figure 2).

The setpoint limit value can be predefined. For example, also referring to the table in FIG. 2, in the case of a first phase P1 of downgrading a power setpoint for PTC resistive elements and considering that the authorized initial power setpoint P_(sub) system_target_0, not limited, is at 80% of the maximum power P_max, the setpoint limit value P_(sub)system_target_m can be of the maximum authorized power setpoint, which corresponds for example to 20% of the maximum power P_max. In the particular example of a first phase of derating of the power setpoint according to a predefined constant step of of the maximum authorized setpoint, the power setpoint P_(sub)system_target_i can be lowered m times, which in this example corresponds to twelve times before reaching the limit value P_(sub)system_target_m.

If the regulated value of the setpoint P_(sub)system_target_i reaches this setpoint limit value P_(sub)system_target_m, i.e. if i = m, at the end of step E4, the first phase P1 is stopped and a command d the electrical power supply to the resistive elements can be stopped in step E5. The shutdown of the power supply can be for a predefined shutdown duration, which can be around 2 minutes, for example 130s.

Otherwise, if the regulated value of the setpoint P_(sub)system_target_i does not reach the setpoint limit value P_(sub)system_target_m, i.e. if i ≠ m, at the end of step E4, the steps E1 to E4 can be repeated.

According to an alternative, the setpoint limit value may not be predefined but may be calculated by means of an algorithm stored in a command of the electric heating device. Such an algorithm can in particular take into account the temperature of the electrical circuit support .

The first regulation phase P1 is advantageously iterated or reiterated according to a predefined period. The predefined period can be less than 10s, for example around 4s. This allows time for the heating device to react without being too slow.

Alternatively, the period may be variable. The period can depend for example on a degree of overheating. This degree of overheating can be absolute or a percentage between the parameter for actual overheating monitoring recorded and the detection threshold value, for example. The period can be inversely related to the degree of overheating, i.e. the higher the degree of overheating, the shorter the period.

Second phase of regulation
If, at the end of the comparison of step E4, the detected parameter does not exceed the corresponding detection threshold value, a second phase P2 of setpoint regulation can be activated. This is in particular a rise or increase phase, during which the setpoint is increased again.

Returning to the particular case of a heating device comprising PTC resistive elements, the first phase P1 is stopped and the second regulation phase P2 is activated, for example if the recorded value of the intensity of the electric current i_(sub) system_max traversing the resistive elements is greater than or equal to the detection threshold value i_(sub)system_max_lim_i, or according to another example, if the calculated value of the electrical resistance R_(sub)system of the resistive elements is less than or equal to the value detection threshold R_(sub)system_lim_i.

The regulation during the second phase P2 is done according to a second direction of evolution opposite to the direction of evolution of the first phase P1.

For example, according to the previous case of a power setpoint and PTC resistive elements, the power setpoint is raised during the second regulation phase P2.

The second phase P2 of regulation, in particular of rise or increase, is advantageously also gradual. Referring to Figure 3, the second regulation phase P2 may include a step E6 to regulate the setpoint according to the second predefined step. At each regulation of order j, the setpoint changes to a regulated / increased setpoint value P_(sub)system_target_j; T_(sub)system_target_j; i_(sub)system_target_j; R_(sub)system_target_ j, according to the second predefined step.

As before, this step is chosen according to a compromise between the inertia of the electric heating device and the desired reactivity. The second predefined pitch can be constant. It can be equal to the first predefined step. In this case, the index j is equal to the index i. The second predefined step is for example of the maximum authorized set point. Thus, according to the previous example, at each iteration j of the second rise phase P2, the power setpoint P_(sub)system_target_ j is raised by of the maximum authorized set point.

Each increase level j corresponds according to the example described to a derating level i with respect to the initial setpoint.

In particular, at the first iteration of the second regulation phase P2, the last setpoint value obtained during the first regulation phase P1 is regulated according to the second predefined step.

For example, in a purely illustrative arbitrary manner, taking the previous example and also referring to FIG. 2, if, after lowering the power setpoint P_(sub)system_target_i for example by the factor F corresponding to 60% of the maximum power P_max, the derating phase stops and the second rise phase P2 is activated, during a first iteration of step E6, the power setpoint is raised to the factor F corresponding for example to 65% of the maximum power P_max.

Alternatively, the second pitch can be variable.

The second regulation phase P2 further comprises a step E7 for determining a corresponding threshold value of the parameter chosen for monitoring overheating such as the electrical current intensity i_(sub)system_max_lim_j, or the electrical resistance R_ (sub)system_lim_ j , or the electrical power P_(sub)system_lim_ j , or even the temperature T_(sub)system_lim_ j of the resistive elements. This threshold value can be determined for one or more subsystems, that is to say for one or more sets of heating modules controlled by one or more transistors, or for the whole system, that is to say the set of resistive elements for all heating modules. It is representative of overheating of the subsystem or the entire system.

As before, this detection threshold value of the chosen parameter is determined as a function of the regulated setpoint value P_(sub)system_target_j; T_(sub)system_target_j; i_(sub)system_target_j; R_(sub)system_target_ j. In particular, it can be defined according to the torque of the supply voltage U_battery and the regulated setpoint.

The detection threshold value is again determined at each setpoint regulation.

As before, the detection threshold value of the parameter chosen for overheating monitoring can be read in a table based on the setpoint and possibly on the supply voltage U_battery, the table being stored in a command of the electric heating device. The example of detection threshold values given by way of illustration in FIG. 2 for a constant voltage U_battery of for example 306V, and considering that the maximum authorized power setpoint, not limited, is at 80% of the maximum power P_max, can also apply for the second phase P2.

According to another alternative, it is possible for the detection threshold value of the chosen parameter to be calculated by means of an algorithm (not described in more detail herein) stored in a control of the electric heating device.

At each iteration of the second regulation phase P2, after regulation of the setpoint, the value of the parameter for monitoring overheating, such as the electrical current intensity i_(sub)system_max, or the electrical resistance R_(sub )system, or the electrical power P_(sub)system, or even the temperature T_(sub)system can be measured or calculated during a step E8, as previously described with reference to step E3 of the first phase P1 of regulation.

In step E9, the value of the parameter noted in step E8 is compared with the corresponding detection threshold value determined in step E7. This comparison step E9 can be implemented by a processing means such as a comparator.

If the measured or calculated parameter for overheating monitoring exceeds the determined detection threshold value, the first phase P1 is activated again. This concerns steps E1 to E4 previously described with reference to Figure 1.

The actual measured or calculated value of the parameter may exceed the detection threshold value, being higher or lower, depending on the nature of this parameter and the nature of the resistive elements.

For example, in the case of PTC resistive elements, if the intensity of the electrical current i_(sub)system_max measured is strictly lower than the detection threshold value i_(sub)system_max_lim_j in the second regulation phase P2, this means that the subsystem or the entire device is still overheated and the first phase P1 must be iterated again. Otherwise, that is to say in the case of PTC resistive elements, if the intensity of the electric current i_(sub)system_max is greater than or equal to the detection threshold value i_(sub)system_max_lim_j determined, the second regulation phase P2 can be repeated.

According to another example, in the case of PTC resistive elements, if the calculated electrical resistance R_(sub)system is strictly greater than the detection threshold value R_(sub)system_lim_j determined in the second regulation phase, this means that the subsystem or the entire device is still overheated and the first phase P1 must be iterated again. Otherwise, i.e. in the case of PTC resistive elements, if
the electrical resistance R_(sub)system calculated is less than or equal to the detection threshold value R_(sub)system_lim_j determined, the second regulation phase P2 can be repeated.

In order to facilitate understanding and to illustrate an example of implementation of the second regulation phase P2, reference is also made to the non-limiting example of FIG. 2 for a power setpoint for PTC resistive elements, considering the voltage U_battery constant for example 306V, and considering that the maximum authorized power setpoint, not limited, is at 80% of the maximum power P_max.

Considering the intensity of the electric current as the parameter for monitoring overheating, starting from a power setpoint P_(sub)system_target_i lowered during the first derating phase to 60% of the maximum power P_max, the value of the intensity of the electric current is measured and compared with the corresponding detection threshold value i_(sub)system_max_lim_i, in this example 11.8A. If the value of the intensity of the electric current measured in step E8 is greater than or equal to the detection threshold value i_(sub)system_max_lim_i, the derating phase stops and the second rise phase P2 is activated. For example, in a purely illustrative arbitrary fashion, the value of the intensity of the electric current measured is 12A whereas the threshold value is 11.8A. The power setpoint has been raised to of the maximum authorized power setpoint corresponding for example to 65% of the maximum power P_max.

After this regulation of the power setpoint P_(sub)system_target_j, the value of the intensity of the electric current is again measured and compared with the corresponding detection threshold value i_(sub)system_max_lim_j, in this example 12.7A . If the value of the intensity of the electric current measured is lower than this new detection threshold value i_(sub)system_max_lim_j, for example if it is 12.3A, the first phase P1 is activated again and the power setpoint is lowered by passing again to 60% of the maximum power P_max.

On the contrary, if the value of the intensity of the electric current measured is greater than or equal to the new detection threshold value i_(sub)system_max_lim_j, for example if it is 13A, the second phase P2 can be repeated to increase the power setpoint P_(sub)system_target_j at 70% of the maximum power P_max, and so on.

As another example, this time considering the electrical resistance as the parameter for superheat monitoring, starting from a power setpoint P_(sub)system_target_i lowered during the first derating phase to 60% of the maximum power P_max, the value of the electrical resistance is calculated and compared to the corresponding R_(sub)system_lim_i detection threshold value, in this example 26Ω. If the value of the calculated electrical resistance is less than or equal to the detection threshold value R_(sub)system_lim_i, the derating phase stops and the second rise phase P2 is activated. For example, in a purely illustrative arbitrary manner, the calculated electrical resistance is 25Ω whereas the threshold value R_(sub)system_lim_i is 26Ω. The power setpoint has been raised to of the maximum authorized power setpoint corresponding for example to 65% of the maximum power P_max.

After this regulation of the power setpoint P_(sub)system_target_j, the value of the electrical resistance is again calculated and compared with the corresponding detection threshold value R_(sub)system_lim_j, in this example 24Ω. If the value of the calculated electrical resistance is greater than this new detection threshold value R_(sub)system_lim_j, for example if it is 24.5Ω, the first phase P1 is activated again and the power setpoint is lowered by passing again to 60% of the maximum power P_max.

On the contrary, if the value of the calculated electrical resistance is less than or equal to the new detection threshold value R_(sub)system_lim_j, for example if it is 23Ω, the second phase P2 can be repeated to increase the power setpoint P_(sub)system_target_j at 70% of the maximum power P_max, and so on.

As before, the possible iterations j of the second regulation phase P2 are limited. The second phase P2 of regulation can be repeated until reaching the maximum authorized setpoint value or unlimited setpoint of the moment, which may or may not be the initial value, for example until reaching the initial power setpoint value P_( sub)system_target_0 corresponding by way of non-limiting example to 80% of the maximum power P_max. The current setpoint may have changed in relation to the initial setpoint.

If the regulated value of the setpoint P_(sub)system_target_j reaches this current setpoint value, for example if j = 0, at the end of step E9, the second phase P2 and the thermal management strategy are stopped . The process is repeated from the beginning.

Otherwise, if the regulated value of the setpoint P_(sub)system_target_j does not reach the maximum authorized setpoint value or unlimited setpoint of the moment, i.e. if j ≠ 0, steps E6 to E9 can be repeated.

The second regulation phase P2 is advantageously iterated or reiterated according to a predefined period, which may be the same as for the first regulation phase P1.

recovery phase
Referring to FIG. 4, after the power supply to the resistive elements has been cut in step E5, in particular if, during an iteration of the first regulation phase P1, such as a derating or derating phase » in English, the regulated value of the setpoint, for example power P_(sub)system_target_i in figure 4, reaches the setpoint limit value, for example power P_(sub)system_target_m in figure 4, i.e. if i = m, the method may include a step for generating a command to resume the electrical power supply to the resistive elements.

The power supply resume command can be generated at the end of the predefined shutdown duration, which can be around 2 minutes, for example 130s.

Alternatively, the electrical power supply resumption command may be dependent on at least one predefined criterion. In this case, the method also comprises one or more steps for verifying such a criterion.

The criterion is for example the temperature of the electrical circuit support on which the electrical supply circuit of the resistive elements is mounted. In this case, during a step E11, the temperature T_PCB of the support of the power supply circuit of the resistive elements can be raised. The temperature of the electrical circuit support is detected, for example by a temperature sensor, such as a thermal probe with a negative temperature coefficient.

The method may comprise one or more steps to determine, depending on the temperature of the support T_PCB detected, whether the subset or subsets of resistive elements are in a state of minimal heating.

According to a first embodiment, the temperature of the support T_PCB recorded is compared in step E12 with a predefined limit temperature T_lim representative of a minimum heating. The predefined limit temperature T_lim is, by way of illustrative example, equal to or around 70°C.

If the temperature of the support T_PCB detected is lower than the predefined limit temperature T_lim, there is no minimum temperature rise detected, the first phase P1 of regulation is not activated again and the process can be repeated from the beginning. In the absence of detection of a state of minimal overheating, the power supply can restart with a setpoint corresponding to the minimum between the setpoint received from the control unit controlling the resistive elements and the maximum authorized setpoint.

The evolution of one or more of the parameters, advantageously a function of the intensity of electric current, such as the intensity of the electric current i_(sub)system_max, the electric resistance R_(sub)system, the electric power P_(sub )system, or even the temperature T_(sub)system of the resistive elements, can be monitored to detect overheating of resistive elements of the electric heater.

Conversely, if the temperature of the support T_PCB detected is greater than or equal to the predefined limit temperature T_lim, the method may comprise a step E13 in which the setpoint received from the control unit controlling the resistive elements is compared with a value predefined pick-up set point. Advantageously, this predefined recovery setpoint value is less than or equal to the maximum authorized setpoint value. This pick-up set point value is defined independently of the table of values of the parameter(s) for superheat monitoring. For example, in the case of a power setpoint, the pick-up power setpoint value can be 55% of the maximum power setpoint.

If the setpoint received from the control unit is lower than the pick-up setpoint, for example 55% of the maximum power setpoint (arrow Y), it is not necessary to regulate the setpoint according to the first phase P1 such as the power setpoint derating phase. The first regulation phase P1 is not activated again and the process can be repeated from the beginning, according to the instruction received from the control unit controlling the resistive elements.

Conversely, if the setpoint received from the control unit is greater than or equal to the pick-up setpoint value, for example 55% of the maximum power setpoint (arrow N), in this case the setpoint is limited to step E14 at this recovery setpoint value. The power supply to the resistive elements therefore starts again with a limited setpoint value, fixed at the predetermined recovery value and the first regulation phase P1 is activated again.

Subsequently, depending on the situation, it is possible that the regulation of the setpoint starts to rise again, that is to say according to the second phase P2 which corresponds to a rising phase in the particular examples described of power setpoint for the supply of PTC resistive elements, this is in particular if the system is sufficiently cold and ventilated. The regulation of the setpoint can also start again downwards, that is to say according to the first phase P1 which corresponds to a derating phase in the preceding examples.

According to a second embodiment, the temperature variation ΔT_PCB of the support of the power supply circuit of the resistive elements can be monitored over a predefined period of time, for example over the predefined duration of shutdown of the power supply of the resistive elements . In step E12, this variation in temperature ΔT_PCB of the support is compared with a predefined limit temperature variation ΔT_lim representative of the minimum heating of the electric heating device. The predefined limit temperature variation ΔT_lim is for example equal to -10° C. or approximately.

If the temperature variation is less than the predefined limit temperature variation, according to the previous example, if the temperature has dropped by 10°C or more, the temperature drop is considered sufficient and the first regulation phase P1 does not is not activated again. The process can be repeated from the beginning, according to the instruction received from the control unit controlling the resistive elements.

Conversely, if the temperature variation is greater than or equal to the predefined limit temperature variation, according to the previous example, if the temperature has not dropped by 10° C. or more, in step E13, the setpoint received from the control unit can be compared to the predefined pick-up setpoint value. As described above, if the setpoint received from the control unit is lower than the pick-up setpoint value (arrow Y), it is not necessary to regulate the setpoint according to the first phase P1. Otherwise, the setpoint is limited in step E14 to the recovery setpoint value, and the first regulation phase P1 is activated again.

Initial overheat detection
Furthermore, with reference to FIG. 5, prior to the activation of the first regulation phase P1, the detection of an overheating of at least a subset of resistive elements of the electric heating device, can be when the measured or calculated value of at least one parameter for monitoring overheating, such as the intensity of the electric current i_(sub)system_max, the electric resistance R_(sub)system, the electric power P_(sub )system, or even the temperature T_(sub)system of the resistive elements, exceeds a predefined detection threshold value representative of overheating of the resistive elements. To do this, the following steps can be implemented.

During a preliminary step, a condition of temperature or of sufficient temperature variation, of the electrical circuit support on which the electrical supply circuit of the resistive elements is mounted, can be checked in order to ensure that the resistive elements are in a state of minimal heating. This can be done similarly to steps E11 and E12 previously described.

During a step E100, the value of the chosen parameter can be measured or calculated for a subsystem, respectively for all the resistive elements.

By way of example, if the chosen parameter is the intensity of the electric current i_(sub)system_max, step E100 involves recording the intensity of the current flowing through the resistive elements of a subsystem or even of all the resistive elements of the electric heating device. This step can be implemented by a current measurement sensor. The current measured is for example the maximum instantaneous current or at the level of a peak, when the control signal by pulse width modulation is at 100%.

If the chosen parameter is a function of the electric current intensity i_(sub)system_max but different from this electric current intensity, step E100 includes a sub-step for measuring the current intensity flowing through the resistive elements. Subsequently, the value of the parameter can be calculated from the intensity of the electric current i_(sub)system_max. The supply voltage U_battery can be measured during a step E101 in order to also be taken into account in the parameter value calculation. This calculation step can be implemented by a processing means such as a computer.

According to a first approach, the parameter can be the electrical resistance R_(sub)system. In this case at step E100, an electrical resistance value R_(sub)system is calculated from the supply voltage U_battery and the intensity of the electrical current i_(sub)system_max measured.

According to a second approach, the parameter can be the electrical power P_(sub)system. In this case at step E100, an electrical power value P_(sub)system can be calculated from the supply voltage U_battery and the intensity of the electrical current i_(sub)system_max measured. In particular, the electrical power P_(sub)system can be calculated by taking the product of the instantaneous electrical current intensity, the supply voltage and the duty cycle. In this case, the method comprises a sub-step E102 to record the duty cycle of the control signal by pulse width modulation PWM_(sub)system.

According to yet a third approach, the parameter can be independent of the electric current intensity, such as the temperature T_(sub)system of the resistive elements. In this case, step E100 is a temperature measurement step for a subsystem, respectively for all of the resistive elements.

In step E103, the detected value of the chosen parameter can be compared with a detection threshold value of this parameter i_(sub)system_max_lim, R_(sub)system_lim, P_(sub)system_lim, T_(sub)system_lim, representative of overheating of the electric heater. This detection threshold value can be defined at least as a function of the setpoint, preferably the power setpoint. In particular, the detection threshold value is defined according to the torque of the supply voltage and the setpoint.

Overheating is detected based on the comparison result. More specifically, overheating of the device is detected if the real measured or calculated value of the parameter exceeds the defined detection threshold value, being higher or lower, depending on the nature of the parameter and the nature of the resistive elements.

By way of example, for resistive elements with a positive temperature coefficient PTC for example, there is detection of overheating (arrow Y), when the intensity of the electric current i_(sub)system_max flowing through the resistive elements is strictly lower than the detection threshold value i_(sub)system_max_lim, or when the electrical resistance R_(sub)system of the resistive elements is strictly greater than the detection threshold value R_(sub)system_lim. In this case, the first regulation phase P1 previously described is activated.

Conversely, if the intensity of the electrical current i_(sub)system_max is greater than or equal to the detection threshold value i_(sub)system_max_lim or if the electrical resistance R_(sub)system of the resistive elements is less than or equal at the detection threshold value R_(sub)system_lim, there is no overheating detected (arrow N) the first regulation phase P1 is not activated.

When the resistive elements are of the PTC negative temperature coefficient type, the ratios are reversed with respect to the PTC positive temperature coefficient resistive elements.

In the description above, the steps E0 to E14, E100 to E103, are indexed. It is a simple indexing to differentiate and name the different stages of the process. This indexing does not necessarily imply a priority of one step over another. The order of certain steps of this method can be reversed without departing from the scope of the present description. Nor does this indexing imply an order in time. Certain steps can for example be carried out at the same time.

CONTROL UNIT
The implementation of the thermal management method as described above can be done by a control unit (not shown in the figures). It is an electronic control unit. In particular, the thermal management method can be implemented by the control unit already provided for controlling the heating modules of the electric heating device and/or for detecting overheating.

The control unit comprises at least one processing means for implementing the steps of the thermal management method described above with reference to all the figures.

In general, the control unit may comprise one or more processing means such as a calculation means or microprocessor for activating, if overheating is detected beforehand, a first phase P1 of regulation of the setpoint according to a first direction of 'evolution. The processing means or means are also configured to activate a second phase P2 of regulation of the setpoint according to a second direction of evolution, when there is no longer any overheating detected after one or more iterations of the first phase P1 of regulation.

In particular, the control unit comprises one or more processing means for raising the power, or temperature, or electrical current intensity, or resistance setpoint, and for regulating the setpoint, for example by lowering or increasing it, depending on the regulation phase P1 or P2 in progress.

The control unit may include a comparator for comparing a user's setpoint request with a maximum authorized setpoint, or even with a predefined recovery setpoint following a stoppage of the electrical supply to the resistive elements.

The control unit comprises for example a voltage measurement sensor to measure or read the supply voltage U_battery.

The control unit may include, for example, a processing means for determining or raising the duty cycle of the control signal by pulse width modulation of the predefined number of resistive elements PWM_(sub)system.

The control unit comprises for example a current measurement sensor to measure or record the current i_(sub)system_max traversing the predefined number of resistive elements or even all of the resistive elements.

The control unit may further comprise at least one sensor for measuring at least one parameter for monitoring overheating of the electric heating device which is not a function of the intensity of the electric current traversing the predefined number of resistive elements i_(sub)system_max such as for example to measure the temperature of the predefined number of resistive elements T_(sub)system.

The control unit may further comprise one or more calculating means, for example for calculating the value of at least one parameter depending on the intensity of the electric current flowing through the predefined number of resistive elements i_(sub)system_max for monitoring overheating of the electric heating device, when this parameter is different from the electric current intensity. Such a calculation can be made in particular from the measurement of the current i_(sub)system_max and possibly the supply voltage U_battery, for example when it comes to the electrical resistance of the heating modules. R_(sub)system, or even depending on the value read of the duty cycle PWM_(sub)system, for example when it comes to the electrical power of the predefined number of resistive elements P_(sub)system.

The or other calculation means can also be configured to determine a threshold value for detecting the parameter, the threshold value being representative of overheating of the electric heating device and being defined according to the setpoint at each regulation, or as a variant depending on the torque of the supply voltage and the setpoint at each regulation of the latter during the first P1 or second P2 phase.

The control unit comprises for example at least one comparator to compare the value of the parameter measured or calculated, with the detection threshold value defined according to the regulated setpoint, possibly by coupling with the supply voltage U_battery.

This comparator or another comparator can be configured to compare a regulated setpoint value with a setpoint limit value not to be exceeded during the implementation of the first regulation phase P1.

The control unit may comprise a means of calculation or microprocessor to determine according to the results of the comparisons if there is overheating. In particular, the microprocessor can evaluate whether the measured or calculated value of the chosen parameter exceeds (by being higher or lower depending on the nature of the parameter and the resistive elements) the corresponding detection threshold value in order to detect whether the resistive elements are (still) overheated and activating or reiterating the first regulation phase P1. The microprocessor can evaluate when the measured or calculated value of the chosen parameter no longer exceeds (by being higher or lower depending on the nature of the parameter and the resistive elements) the corresponding detection threshold value in order to activate the second regulation phase P2.

The control unit may comprise another or the same calculation means or microprocessor for generating a command to stop the electrical power supply to the resistive elements for a predefined stoppage duration, when a regulated setpoint value reaches the value setpoint limit defined for the first regulation phase P1.

The control unit may also comprise at least one processing means for verifying whether a criterion of the electric heating device is representative of a state of minimal heating. For example, a temperature sensor can be provided for the support of the power supply circuit of the resistive elements. The control unit may include this additional temperature sensor. Such a temperature sensor can be placed on the printed circuit board PCB, for example by being soldered, brazed, or glued. This may be a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) temperature sensor whose electrical resistance decreases uniformly with temperature. Alternatively, it could be a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermal probe, the electrical resistance of which increases sharply with temperature.

The control unit can comprise for example a comparator to compare the temperature T_PCB of the electrical circuit support detected, respectively a variation in temperature ΔT_PCB, with a predefined threshold T_lim, respectively a variation in limit temperature ΔT_lim, corresponding to a minimum heating of the electric heater.

The or another calculation means or microprocessor can, depending on the results of the comparisons, reactivate the first regulation phase P1, advantageously according to a limited setpoint, when the temperature T_PCB or the temperature variation ΔT_PCB of the electrical circuit support corresponds to a heating minimal.

Thus, by gradually regulating the setpoint, for example of power, and by adapting to each regulation the threshold value of one or more first parameters, advantageously depending on the intensity of electric current, the method according to the invention makes it possible to act in real time in the event of overheating in order to prevent the electric heating device from reaching a critical temperature level which could damage certain surrounding components.

Claims (16)

Thermal management method in the event of detection of overheating of an electric heating device, in particular for a motor vehicle, said device comprising a plurality of resistive elements configured to be electrically powered by an electrical voltage source, in which the electrical power supply of at least one subset of resistive elements is controlled using a control signal by pulse width modulation as a function of a power setpoint (P_(sub)system_target_0), or temperature (T_(sub)system_target_0), or electric current intensity (i_(sub)system_target_0), or resistance (R_(sub)system_target_0), characterized in that said method comprises the following steps:

1. activating a first phase (P1) of gradual regulation of said setpoint according to a first direction of change, the first regulation phase comprising the following sub-steps:
   1. regulating said setpoint according to a first predefined step,
   2. for each regulated setpoint value (P_(sub)system_target_i; T_(sub)system_target_i; i_(sub)system_target_i; R_(sub)system_target_i), determine a corresponding detection threshold value (i_(sub)system_max_lim_i; R_(sub) system_lim_i; P_(sub)system_lim_i; T_(sub)system_lim_i) of at least one parameter for monitoring overheating of at least one subset of resistive elements as a function of the regulated setpoint value (P_( sub)system_target_i; T_(sub)system_target_i; i_(sub)system_target_i; R_(sub)system_target_i), the detection threshold value (i_(sub)system_max_lim_i; R_(sub)system_lim_i; P_(sub)system_lim_i; T_(sub )system_lim_i) being representative of overheating,
   3. at each iteration of the first regulation phase (P1), measuring or calculating said at least one parameter for monitoring overheating (i_(sub)system_max; R_(sub)system; P_(sub)system; T_(sub )system) of said at least one subset of resistive elements and compare the measured or calculated value with the detection threshold value (i_(sub)system_max_lim_i; R_(sub)system_lim_i; P_(sub)system_lim_i; T_(sub) system_lim_i) determined corresponding,
2. repeating the first regulation phase (P1), as long as the measured or calculated value of said at least one parameter for monitoring overheating of said at least one subset of resistive elements (i_(sub)system_max; R_(sub )system; P_(sub)system; T_(sub)system), exceeds said detection threshold value (i_(sub)system_max_lim_i; R_(sub)system_lim_i; P_(sub)system_lim_i; T_(sub)system_lim_i) determined,
   otherwise, activating a second phase (P2) of regulation of said setpoint (P_(sub)system_target_i; T_(sub)system_target_i; i_(sub)system_target_i; R_(sub)system_target_i), according to a second direction of change opposite to the direction evolution of the first phase (P1) of regulation.

Method according to the preceding claim, in which the first phase (P1) is a phase for downgrading said setpoint according to a first direction of change, comprising the following sub-steps:

1. limit said setpoint according to a first predefined step making it possible to reach a derating level i,
2. for each limited setpoint value (P_(sub)system_target_i; T_(sub)system_target_i; i_(sub)system_target_i; R_(sub)system_target_i), determine a corresponding detection threshold value (i_(sub)system_max_lim_i; R_(sub) system_lim_i; P_(sub)system_lim_i; T_(sub)system_lim_i) of at least one parameter for monitoring overheating of at least one subset of resistive elements as a function of the limited setpoint value (P_( sub)system_target_i; T_(sub)system_target_i; i_(sub)system_target_i; R_(sub)system_target_i),
3. at each iteration of the first derating phase (P1), measuring or calculating said at least one parameter for monitoring overheating (i_(sub)system_max; R_(sub)system; P_(sub)system; T_(sub )system) of said at least one subset of resistive elements and compare the measured or calculated value with the detection threshold value (i_(sub)system_max_lim_i; R_(sub)system_lim_i; P_(sub)system_lim_i; T_(sub) system_lim_i) determined corresponding.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which said at least one parameter for monitoring overheating of said at least one subset of resistive elements is a function of the intensity of the electric current (i_(sub)system_max) . Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the second phase (P2) of regulation is gradual and comprises the following sub-steps:

1. regulating said setpoint according to a second predefined step,
2. for each regulated setpoint value (P_(sub)system_target_j; T_(sub)system_target_j; i_(sub)system_target_j; R_(sub)system_target_j), determine a corresponding detection threshold value (i_(sub)system_max_lim_j R_(sub)system_lim_j; P_(sub)system_lim_j; T_(sub)system_lim_j) of said at least one parameter for monitoring overheating of said at least one subset of resistive elements, the threshold value of detection being representative of overheating,
3. at each iteration of the second phase (P2) of regulation, measuring or calculating said at least one parameter for monitoring overheating (i_(sub)system_max; R_(sub)system; P_(sub)system; T_(sub )system) of said at least one subset of resistive elements and compare the measured or calculated value with the detection threshold value (i_(sub)system_max_lim_j; R_(sub)system_lim_j; P_(sub)system_lim_j; T_ (sub)system_lim_ j) determined corresponding,
4. if said at least one parameter for monitoring measured or calculated overheating exceeds the determined detection threshold value (i_(sub)system_max_lim_j; R_(sub)system_lim_j; P_(sub)system_lim_j; T_(sub)system_lim_ j), activate the first regulation phase (P1) again,
   otherwise, repeating the second phase (P2) of regulating said setpoint (P_(sub)system_target_j; T_(sub)system_target_j; i_(sub)system_target_j; R_(sub)system_target_j).

Method according to the preceding claim, in which the second regulation phase (P2) is a rise phase comprising the following sub-steps:

1. increase said setpoint according to a second predefined step,
2. for each increased setpoint value (P_(sub)system_target_j; T_(sub)system_target_j; i_(sub)system_target_j; R_(sub)system_target_j), determining a corresponding detection threshold value (i_(sub)system_max_lim_j R_(sub)system_lim_j; P_(sub)system_lim_j; T_(sub)system_lim_j) of said at least one parameter for monitoring overheating of said at least one subset of resistive elements, the threshold value of detection being representative of overheating,
3. at each iteration of the second rise phase (P2), measuring or calculating said at least one parameter for monitoring overheating (i_(sub)system_max; R_(sub)system; P_(sub)system; T_(sub )system) of said at least one subset of resistive elements and compare the measured or calculated value with the detection threshold value (i_(sub)system_max_lim_j; R_(sub)system_lim_j; P_(sub)system_lim_j; T_ (sub)system_lim_ j) determined corresponding,
4. if said at least one parameter for monitoring measured or calculated overheating exceeds the determined detection threshold value (i_(sub)system_max_lim_j; R_(sub)system_lim_j; P_(sub)system_lim_j; T_(sub)system_lim_ j), reactivate the first phase (P1) of derating, otherwise, repeat the second phase (P2) of ascent.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a step for measuring the supply voltage (U_battery) and in which the detection threshold value (i_(sub)system_max_lim_i,j; R_(sub)system_lim_i,j; P_(sub )system_lim_i,j; T_(sub)system_lim_i,j) of said at least one parameter for monitoring overheating is also determined as a function of the measured supply voltage (U_battery). A method according to any preceding claim, comprising the steps of:

1. during the first regulation phase (P1), comparing the regulated value of said setpoint (P_(sub)system_target_i; T_(sub)system_target_i; i_(sub)system_target_i; R_(sub)system_target_i) with a setpoint limit value,
2. if the regulated value of said setpoint (P_(sub)system_target_i; T_(sub)system_target_i; i_(sub)system_target_i; R_(sub)system_target_i) reaches the setpoint limit value, generating a power supply shutdown command said at least one subset of resistive elements for a predefined shutdown time.

Method according to the preceding claim, comprising a step for generating a command to resume the electrical power supply of said at least one subset of resistive elements with a resume setpoint fixed at a predetermined value less than or equal to a maximum authorized value of setpoint (P_(sub)system_target_0; T_(sub)system_target_0; i_(sub)system_target_0; R_(sub)system_target_0). A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising the steps of:

1. take the temperature (T_PCB) of a support for the power supply circuit of the resistive elements,
2. determining as a function of the temperature (T_PCB) of said detected support whether said at least one subset of resistive elements is in a minimum overheating state, and
3. activating the first regulation phase (P1) when a minimum heating state of said at least one subset of resistive elements is determined.

A method according to claims 8 and 9, wherein:

1. the temperature (T_PCB) of said support is raised after stopping the electrical power supply of said at least one subset of resistive elements for a predefined duration, and
2. if a minimum heating state of said at least one subset of resistive elements is determined as a function of the temperature of said raised support, the electrical power supply recovery command is generated with a recovery setpoint.

A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the resistive elements are of the positive temperature coefficient type. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein:

1. the first regulation phase (P1) is a derating phase during which said setpoint is gradually lowered according to the first predefined step, as long as
   the electrical resistance (R_(sub)system) of the resistive elements of said at least one sub-assembly is strictly greater than the detection threshold value (R_(sub)system_lim_i) determined in the first regulation phase or that
   the intensity of the electric current (i_(sub)system_max) flowing through the resistive elements is strictly lower than the detection threshold value (i_(sub)system_max_lim_i) determined in the first regulation phase, and
2. the second phase (P2) of regulation is a rise phase during which said setpoint is increased, when
   the electrical resistance (R_(sub)system) of the resistive elements of said at least one sub-assembly is less than or equal to the detection threshold value (R_(sub)system_lim_ j) determined in the second regulation phase or that
   the intensity of the electric current (i_(sub)system_max) is greater than or equal to the detection threshold value (i_(sub)system_max_lim_j) determined in the second regulation phase.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first phase (P1) and/or second phase (P2) of regulation is iterated according to a predefined period. A method according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein said first and/or second predefined step is constant or variable. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein:

1. at least two distinct resistive element subassemblies are independently driven by pulse width modulation of the power supply, and wherein
2. for each subset, a detection threshold value is independently defined (i_(sub)system_max_lim_i,j; R_(sub)system_lim_i,j; P_(sub)system_lim_i,j; T_(sub)system_lim_i,j) d at least one parameter for monitoring overheating, depending on the nature and/or the number of the resistive elements of the subassembly.

Control unit for an electric heating device comprising a plurality of resistive elements configured to be electrically powered by an electric voltage source, the control unit being configured to generate a control signal by modulating the pulse width of the power supply to the resistive elements according to a power setpoint (P_(sub)system_target_0), or temperature (T_(sub)system_target_0), or electric current intensity (i_(sub)system_target_0), or resistor (R_(sub)system_target_0), characterized in that the control unit comprises at least one processing means for:

1. activating a first phase (P1) of gradual regulation of said setpoint according to a first direction of change, the first regulation phase comprising the following sub-steps:
   1. regulating said setpoint according to a first predefined step,
   2. for each regulated setpoint value (P_(sub)system_target_i; T_(sub)system_target_i; i_(sub)system_target_i; R_(sub)system_target_i), determine a corresponding detection threshold value (i_(sub)system_max_lim_i; R_(sub) system_lim_i; P_(sub)system_lim_i; T_(sub)system_lim_i) of at least one parameter for monitoring overheating of at least one subset of resistive elements as a function of the regulated setpoint value (P_( sub)system_target_i; T_(sub)system_target_i; i_(sub)system_target_i; R_(sub)system_target_i), the detection threshold value (i_(sub)system_max_lim_i; R_(sub)system_lim_i; P_(sub)system_lim_i; T_(sub )system_lim_i) being representative of overheating,
   3. at each iteration of the first regulation phase (P1), measuring or calculating said at least one parameter for monitoring overheating (i_(sub)system_max; R_(sub)system; P_(sub)system; T_(sub )system) of said at least one subset of resistive elements and compare the measured or calculated value with the detection threshold value (i_(sub)system_max_lim_i; R_(sub)system_lim_i; P_(sub)system_lim_i; T_(sub) system_lim_i) determined corresponding,
2. repeating the first regulation phase (P1), as long as the measured or calculated value of said at least one parameter for monitoring overheating of said at least one subset of resistive elements (i_(sub)system_max; R_(sub )system; P_(sub)system; T_(sub)system), exceeds said detection threshold value (i_(sub)system_max_lim_i; R_(sub)system_lim_i; P_(sub)system_lim_i; T_(sub)system_lim_i) determined,
   otherwise, activating a second phase (P2) of regulation of said setpoint (P_(sub)system_target_i; T_(sub)system_target_i; i_(sub)system_target_i; R_(sub)system_target_i), according to a second direction of change opposite to the direction evolution of the first phase (P1) of regulation.