DE102008043398A1 - Method for operating generator utilized for generating electricity in hybrid vehicle, involves operating generator depending on electrical energy quantity to be produced during operation of vehicle on predetermined driving route - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves determining an energy requirement to be expected for operating a vehicle on a predetermined driving route, where the driving route is divided into multiple sections. An electrical energy quantity to be expected is determined depending on the energy requirement to be expected during operation of vehicle on the predetermined driving route. A generator is operated depending on the electrical energy quantity to be produced during operation of vehicle on predetermined driving route. An independent claim is also included for a programmatically arranged device for guiding a computer program to implement a method for operating a generator.

Description

State of the art

The The present invention relates to the field of electrical generation Energy in vehicles.

To generate electrical energy in vehicles motor-driven generators are used, which may be multi-phase, as in the document DE 10 2007 002 272 is described. To control such generators generator controls are used, which are not designed adaptive, so that a power consumption is directly coupled to a state of charge of a vehicle battery and thus to a vehicle-actual state. Usually, the generator is driven permanently by a V-belt and generates by friction an efficiency reduction in the drive train, which has a negative effect on an overall energy balance. Modern generator controls therefore suspend the charging of the vehicle battery under full load by decoupling the generator from the drive by the V-belt, whereby friction losses can be reduced. The vehicle battery is loaded in this case in a partial load range, for example only when braking. In addition, by regenerative braking, so-called recuperation, electrical energy can be fed into the vehicle battery. A disadvantage of the known generator controls, however, is that they always allow an anticipated energy management based on an actual state of the vehicle.

Disclosure of the invention

The Invention is based on the knowledge that a forward-looking Energy management based on a route-dependent expected energy demand can be performed. Consequently Already in advance, lane sections with elevated traffic can be used or be identified with reduced energy requirements, so that the generator preferably on route sections with lower energy consumption used for energy production and on routes with increased Energy demand, for example, on slopes, is not charged.

In this way, it is possible, for example, the generator control in particular for so-called plug-in hybrid vehicles, which can be supplied stationary with electrical energy to adapt. Assuming that a CO ₂ balance in the plug-in mode is more favorable than in the mobile generation of electrical energy by means of the vehicle generator, an overall lower CO ₂ load can be achieved by means of an adaptive generator control, because with sufficient energy reserves mobile power generation can be dispensed with.

According to one Aspect, the invention relates to a method for operating a Generator of a vehicle with determining an expected energy demand for operating the vehicle on a predetermined route, Determining an amount of electrical energy to be generated in operation of the vehicle on this route depending on the expected energy demand and operation of the generator in Dependence on the amount of electrical energy to be generated when operating the vehicle on the predetermined route. The operation of the vehicle on the predetermined route includes For example, driving on the route and / or operating the arranged in the vehicle electrical energy consumers such as for example, an air conditioning system. The expected energy requirement to operate the vehicle on the predetermined route sets Therefore, for example, together from the energy needs, which for motorized movement of the vehicle on this route is needed, and the electrical energy needed to supply electric vehicle consumer. If the generator, for example powered by combustion engine, so increases the production the electrical energy the internal combustion engine energy demand, resulting in increased fuel consumption and thus leads to a radius reduction. On more energy-intensive For this reason, electrical energy can only be stretched, for example be generated by the recuperation.

According to one Embodiment will be the predetermined route in a Plurality of legs, d. H. Track sections, subdivided, wherein for each leg to be generated electrical Amount of energy is determined. This can be done in an advantageous manner be determined in advance, which sub-section for generating electrical Energy due to the respective or total expected energy demand for example, is particularly suitable or unsuitable.

According to one Embodiment becomes the amount of electric power to be generated determined as a function of a state of charge of a vehicle battery. This can advantageously only that amount of electrical energy be determined and generated, which is necessary, for example, for example, a destination at which the vehicle battery, for example be charged stationary and inexpensive can reach. The minimum permitted state of charge of the vehicle battery can in anticipation of favorable for charging the battery Sections temporarily under the conventional, fixed threshold value of the battery state of charge.

According to one Another embodiment, the electric to be generated Generated amount of energy when driving on the route and in one Vehicle battery stored. This will be done in an advantageous manner Ensures that the amount of electrical energy only when driving pre-determined and energy-efficient routes, which can be downhill, for example, generated and used for charging the battery, for example.

According to one Embodiment is the expected energy consumption in Dependence on the route characteristics, for example depending on a route length or from a route gradient or from a route profile, certainly. As a result, the energy demand can be advantageous based on the Actual properties of the route anticipatory be determined.

According to one Embodiment may, for example, the predetermined route based on navigation data, which, for example, a starting point and may include a destination, or electronically stored driving routes are determined. Thus, in an advantageous manner Ensures that the relevant route of the actual corresponds to driving route.

According to one Embodiment is the expected energy requirement up to achieve a final destination over the predetermined route determined. In this case, the generator is advantageously for generating electrical energy operated only when the to be generated electrical energy amount higher than one in a vehicle battery stored energy is. Thus, in an advantageous manner ensures that the generator is only charged if additional electrical energy is needed.

According to one Embodiment becomes the amount of electric power to be generated generated only if the expected energy demand a predetermined Threshold falls below. This ensures that the electrical energy is generated, for example, only if that Vehicle, for example, due to the driving situation, in the example Column traffic with uniform speed in the partial load range, with a reduced energy requirement can be operated.

According to one Embodiment may additionally be dependent from the expected energy demand, a vehicle air resistance be controlled, which allows in an advantageous manner For example, the vehicle air resistance is for cooling of the engine only increase when the total energy demand for example, does not exceed a predetermined threshold.

According to one Another embodiment may for controlling the vehicle air resistance Cooling air supply to the vehicle engine, for example by a control of the cooling air dampers to be controlled.

According to one Aspect, the invention relates to a method for controlling a vehicle air resistance depending on an expected energy requirement for operating a vehicle on a predetermined route. For this purpose, as described above, the expected energy consumption determined for operating the vehicle, wherein the predetermined driving distance as described above also in a plurality of partial sections can be divided. The vehicle air resistance can, for example controlled by a control of cooling air flaps, which preferably only increase the cooling air supply, if the expected energy demand when driving the predetermined Driving distance less than an example predefinable threshold is. The maximum permitted oil temperature can be expected of favorable for the supply of cooling air Temporary sections over the conventional, fixed threshold value of the oil temperature are laid.

According to one Aspect relates to the invention a programmatically furnished Device which is designed to execute a computer program at least one of the methods according to the invention perform.

Other embodiments of the invention will be made with reference to FIGS 1 which illustrates a flowchart of a method of operating a generator of a vehicle.

In step 101 It is determined what energy is expected to operate the vehicle on a predetermined route. In step 103 an amount of electrical energy to be generated is determined, which must be determined when operating the vehicle on the predetermined route, for example, depending on the expected energy demand. In step 105 the generator is operated in dependence on the amount of electrical energy to be generated in particular when operating the vehicle on the predetermined route. For this purpose, the generator can be additionally loaded, for example, to generate electrical energy. In addition, the generator can be operated in an unloaded state, in which no electrical energy is generated.

Especially for plug-in hybrid vehicles is advantageous in that the ratio between the charging power during the plug-in phase and a sum of this charging power as well the charging power can be maximized while driving. That can do it be achieved that the vehicle battery during the Ride as little as possible and get started the plug-in phase, for example, as low as possible Charge state has. Advantageously, it is achieved that the power take-off by the generator not only at full load or partial load situations, but also through an active energy management can be regulated. For example, by ei ne Determination of the expected, remaining energy requirement and through targeted planning of the charging cycles on particularly suitable Track sections realized several consumption-reducing benefits become. Therefore, for example, in a distribution of charging cycles be detected on suitable sections, which section, d. H. Which part of the route, not suitable for charging the vehicle battery is. For this section, for example, too a lower threshold for a minimum state of charge the vehicle battery can be selected if the further route profile allows more favorable conditions for charging the vehicle battery. This concept is also advantageous in vehicles with a generator decoupling, because the generator for unfavorable sections, for example decoupled from a drive train or down-regulated and for example can be operated at idle. The route profiles can for example, using navigation devices or stored information, which, for example, in an electronic Database can be provided.

About that In addition, a reduction of the charging cycles is taken into account external power supply during the plug-in phase. For example, by means of adaptive generator control for expected plug-in time a state of charge of the vehicle battery be sought, which a minimum state of charge as possible is close. This ensures that a total power of the generator while driving can be reduced, resulting in a reduction in fuel consumption while driving, because loading the Vehicle battery to a more efficient, stationary energy source is relocated.

For the calculation of the electric power to be generated by the generator Energy can, for example, a residual demand for electrical energy be determined by the arrival of suitable parameters. For example, is a difference from a current state of charge the vehicle battery minus a residual requirement of electrical Energy and minus a minimum allowable Charge state of a vehicle battery negative, so should the energy loss be fed while driving in the vehicle battery. It is preferable to ensure that at any time Charge state is guaranteed, which is above the minimum State of charge of the vehicle battery is to damage to avoid the vehicle battery.

According to the invention, first of all the route to the destination can be subdivided into sections by means of suitable parameters which, for example, can be classified as suitable, critical or unsuitable for charging the vehicle battery. In this case, less critical sections are preferably considered for charging the vehicle battery, as long as an energy loss can be generated by the generator on these sections. For example, a route profile with a distribution between motorway sections, country lanes or city sections, for example using a navigation device, can be used as a parameter for determining the remaining energy requirement up to the destination arrival. In addition, can be used as a parameter, a height profile of the route, which can provide information about an expected full load, for example, depending on a type of road, of gradients or traffic delays. Furthermore, to complete the height profile, a road network can be stored in an electronic memory. In addition, a consumption of a currently switched-on electrical consumer, which can be identified by means of energy management, can be used as a parameter. Furthermore, a typical driving behavior of the driver and the associated average consumption can be taken into account while at the same time taking into account the associated use of the electrical consumers. This information can be determined, for example, by means of a navigation device, a speed signal or an acceleration measurement, which can be carried out, for example, by means of an ESP control unit (ESP: electronic stabilization program). In addition, climate parameters which have an influence on a cooling or heating power can be taken into account as parameters. This information can be determined, for example, using a control unit of an air conditioning system. Furthermore, a weather influence and an associated use of the rain wiper or the rear window heating can be taken into account as parameters. Furthermore, a number of passengers affects the remaining energy requirement, which can be determined for example by means of a seat occupancy detection in an airbag control unit. As a parameter can also have a remaining travel time until to the destination, which can be determined by a navigation device, are used. In order to determine the remaining energy requirement, a query can also be carried out as to whether a plug-in phase is provided after a destination arrival. Such a query can just be carried out using a navigation device or a mobile connection. In addition, traffic disruptions, such as standstill or stop-and-go times, which have an impact on electrical consumption, can be taken into account. These traffic disturbances can be determined, for example, by means of a TMC-capable device (TMC: Traffic Message Channel), possibly supported by a vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

suitable Track sections for charging the vehicle battery can also identified by appropriate parameters. For this count, for example, the route profile, the height profile, Track sections with speed limit or sections of track with traffic disruptions. When considering the route profile are for example highway driving at a constant speed especially suitable for charging the battery. City trips with one high full load and stop-and-go traffic are often unsuitable because they are related to an increased energy requirement. When considering the height profile of a Ride this is beneficial in the guise of digitized Map material deposited, wherein for charging the vehicle battery particular gradient can be exploited. If route sections with speed limit are considered, For example, this information can also be used as map material be deposited electronically. In addition, that can Behavior of the driver can be learned to make a more accurate forecast regarding a driving behavior of the driver, whereby suitable for generating electrical energy track sections can also be identified.

to Increase the reliability and effectiveness of the inventive concept can be a driver-related Determination of the energy requirement required to be carried out. Driver-related behavioral profiles, for example, can be used for this purpose stored on a memory arranged in a vehicle key memory become. Recurring routes are particularly well suited to determine the residual energy requirement and to capture driver-specific Behavioral profiles. For example, the actual exceeds Energy demand the calculated or detected energy demand, so can for example, by means of conventional generator control of the generator permanently coupled to a drive train for energy production to prevent a vehicle standstill. It can any miscalculations will be used automatically to discarded the Adapt driver profiles accordingly. Furthermore, the determination of energy needs continuously and a basis for Form generator control.

The Consumption reduction by the above-described adaptive Generator control can depend, for example, on the driving and / or the driver's consumption behavior. So For example, a state of charge of the vehicle battery as well as the achieved reduction of consumption when reaching the target a display of, for example, a combination instrument displayed be, which makes the driver on the success of the consumption-reducing Measures is informed. Is also an example Use of a switched-on electrical consumer is questionable which, for example, when setting an air conditioner in consideration the climatic conditions or an air damper control the air conditioning or when using a rear window heater If the case may be, the driver may be notified by a behavioral notice an ad for further optimization of energy consumption be stimulated.

Another advantage of the inventive concept is the shifting of the production of electrical energy for vehicles to sources of the highest possible efficiency. Ideally, the energy recovery takes place for charging the vehicle battery, for example in a plug-in mode by using renewable energy sources. In addition, the concept according to the invention contributes to a reduction in CO ₂ emissions, with a contribution to meeting future CO ₂ emission limits. Furthermore, networking of resources available in the vehicle is used to determine the aforementioned parameters, so that no additional hardware expenditure is to be expected. If necessary, storage space for height profiles can be provided, this storage space being provided in conventional navigation devices in any case. The method according to the invention can be carried out automatically so that a number of interfaces between a driver and the vehicle can be reduced.

The aforementioned parameters for the identification of suitable sections for energy generation are also suitable for optimizing air resistance, which is caused for example by a supply of cooling air to the engine. For example, a control of cooling air dampers to optimize the air resistance can be adapted specifically to the detected sections of the route. Therefore, it is not absolutely necessary, for example, that only the engine oil temperature must be decisive for regulating the air supply. Because it can certainly be accepted even higher temperatures, if a route profile, for example, associated with current traffic news promises at a subsequent time a more favorable for the increased supply of cooling air time. Thus, further phases with an optimized air resistance can be extended over a longer period in the full load range, whereby a further reduction in fuel consumption is achieved.

About that In addition or alternatively, the aforementioned parameters centrally provided by a server. That's the way it is, for example possible via GSM (GSM: Global System for Mobile Communications) or UMTS (UMTS: Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) one Establish communication link, which stretch relevant data be made available centrally. This allows the Space to be stored in the vehicle can be reduced.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 102007002272 [0002]

Claims (14)

A method of operating a generator of a vehicle, comprising: determining ( 101 ) an expected energy demand for operating the vehicle on a predetermined route; Determine ( 103 ) an amount of electric power to be generated when operating the vehicle on the predetermined driving route depending on the expected energy demand; and operating ( 105 ) of the generator as a function of the amount of electrical energy to be generated when operating the vehicle on the predetermined route. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined Route divided into a plurality of sections and where for each section an amount of electrical energy to be generated is determined. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined driving distance in a plurality of partial sections is subdivided and where for each leg an expected Energy requirement for operating the vehicle on this section determined is, depending on each leg the expected energy demand in particular by means of the amount of electrical energy to be generated by the generator is determined. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of electrical energy to be generated in dependence is determined by a state of charge of a vehicle battery. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of electrical energy to be generated when driving the Generated route and stored in a vehicle battery. Method according to one of the preceding claims, where the expected energy demand is an energy requirement for driving the vehicle route and / or consumption of vehicle electrical consumers, in particular a consumption of an air conditioning system comprises. Method according to one of the preceding claims, the expected energy demand depending on the route, in particular depending on a Route length or from a route gradient or from a route profile, or from electronic travel route data is determined. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined route based on navigation data or electronically stored routes is determined. Method according to one of the preceding claims, where the expected energy demand until reaching a final target the predetermined driving distance is determined and wherein the generator for Generating electrical energy is only operated when the amount of electrical energy to be generated higher than one in a stored amount of energy is a vehicle battery. Method according to one of the preceding claims, where the expected energy demand is also dependent a specific driver profile is determined, which is suitable stored and by means of frequently recurring routes is optimized. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of electric energy to be generated is generated if the expected energy requirement exceeds a predetermined threshold. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further depending on the expected energy consumption and consequent cooling demand a vehicle air resistance is controlled. Method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein for the control the vehicle air resistance, a cooling air supply to the vehicle engine, in particular by a control of cooling air flaps, is controlled. Programmed device, which is designed to run a computer program Method according to one of the claims 1 to 13.