DE102011107900A1 - Control device for determining maximum available electrical charge current, has logic unit which formats and compares received desired values with received signals for determining value of maximum available electrical charge current - Google Patents

Abstract

A reference value input receiver (5) receives the reference values of power supply device. A signal input receiver (4) receives the signal of loading cable. A pilot signal source (3) generates and adjusts the duty cycle of pilot signal for transmitting maximum available electrical charge current intensity to the vehicle. A current value output delivery device (7) sends the value using maximum available charge current. A logic unit (2) formats and compares the received desired values with received signals for determining value of maximum available electrical charge current. An independent claim is included for method for determining maximum available electrical charge current.

Description

The present invention relates to a device and in particular to a control device for determining a maximum available electric charging current when charging an energy storage unit of a vehicle operable with electrical energy according to claim 1 and to a method for determining the maximum available electric charging current according to to claim 11, taking into account and on the basis of IEC 61851 ,

For the loading of electric vehicles, for example, find the international Standards IEC 61851-1 (Edition 2.0, 11/2010) such as IEC 62196-1 (Edition 1.0, 04/2003 ) Use, which describe the basic structure and the course of a charging process with the instances preferably involved in this process, namely the vehicle or the electric vehicle and the charging infrastructure or the electric filling station or the charging system or the charging station.

An important component of these standards mentioned above is the functionality of the individual instances with each other, d. that is, an electric vehicle communicates the power demand required for charging to the charging infrastructure as well as the charging cable disposed between the electric vehicle and the charging infrastructure has its maximum rated current, ie. H. the current carrying capacity of the charging cable, communicates with the charging infrastructure.

In the transmission or communication of the power requirement of the electric vehicle to the charging infrastructure, different and already largely standardized methods are used in the prior art, while for the transmission of the maximum permissible cable current in the Standard IEC 61851-1 described functionality of proximity detection / current coding is used.

Furthermore, in this standard, the procedure for the communication or transmission of the maximum available for the charging current from the charging infrastructure using a so-called pilot signal is described to the electric vehicle.

However, this standard does not disclose a method or procedure in which form and by which means a charging infrastructure is provided with this information and neither are general conditions, for example to determine the maximum charging current available for an electric vehicle, and what those conditions would be.

In addition to the parameters already listed, such. As the energy requirements of the energy storage of the electric vehicle or the maximum rated current of the charging cable, there are possibly other parameters that affect, for example, the amount of offered by the charging infrastructure maximum available charging current.

Depending on the structure of the charging infrastructure and the corresponding business model, such parameters or influencing factors may include, for example, the utilization of the supply network to which the charging infrastructure is connected and / or the contractual parameters such as the end customer and / or the charging system provider and / or the technical equipment of the charging infrastructure how the cable cross sections or the protection and / or (overload) load situations occurring locally in or on the charging infrastructure are.

Accordingly, a mechanism or a method with a corresponding device is needed, which involves the partly static and partly dynamic influencing factors in the signaling of the maximum available charging current for the electric vehicle.

In the general state of the art, proprietary, complex communication processes are usually used for this, which compare the energy requirements of the electric vehicle with downstream entities via long-distance traffic interfaces and thus generate target values for the current signaling of the charging infrastructure to the electric vehicle.

However, such adjustment methods for many, preferably structurally simple design embodiments of charging systems, such. As a wall box (Wallbox) too complex and expensive, especially in view of the increasing popularity of compact charging infrastructure.

From the general state of the art are also compact control units for the charging infrastructure or the charging station known, but also have no way for a simple configuration, for example, the setpoint specification for the current signaling of the charging infrastructure to the electric vehicle. In other words, such control devices represent device variants formed only in the production or production with different already preset desired values. As a result, there is a need for users or end users of such controllers to use a variety of different device variants.

In addition, no control units for the charging infrastructure are known, which can signal or forward information on the current charging situation in a simple manner.

Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to provide a control device and a method by means of which the maximum available charging current when charging especially operable with electrical energy vehicles individually for each vehicle and each charging cable, taking into account and on the basis of IEC 61851 and the current charging situation can be determined without having to communicate with downstream authorities via long-distance traffic interfaces.

This object is achieved by the present invention by means of a control device according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 11.

Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

Accordingly, a control device for determining a maximum available electric charging current when charging a usable for storing electrical energy, which is a product of the current and a voltage with a time difference usable energy storage unit of a vehicle operable with the electric power, the control device during a charging process of the energy storage unit of the vehicle substantially with the vehicle and a power supply providing energy supply device is connected at least signal transmission technology.

The control device according to the invention, which takes into account a rated current strength of a charging cable which can be used for transmitting the electrical energy between the vehicle and the energy supply device and a substantially current maximum available current intensity of the energy supply device in determining the maximum available electric charging current, has at least one setpoint input receiving device for receiving desired values of the energy supply device, at least one signal input receiving device for receiving signals of the charging cable, at least one pilot signal source for generating and adapting a duty cycle of a pilot signal for transmitting the determined maximum available electric charging current to the vehicle, at least one current value output sending device for sending a value via the determined maximum available charging current, and at least one logic unit for formatting and comparing the received setpoint values with the received signals for determining a value of a maximum available electric charging current intensity.

The present invention relates in particular to vehicles which can be operated with electrical energy and whose motors or machines can either be driven in the form of a hybrid vehicle by means of other energy sources or else can only be operated with electrical energy.

Such vehicles are, for example, passenger cars, trucks, buses, trains, trams, ships or boats, two-wheelers or even aircraft, such as aircraft, etc.

The control device according to the invention is preferably a substantially compact control device, which constitutes a component in a charging infrastructure or a charging station. The charging infrastructure makes it possible to connect a vehicle which can be operated with electrical energy to an external power supply network or a power supply device which can provide the vehicle with electrical energy for charging the energy storage unit.

Accordingly, the controller receives, for example, signals or information from the external power supply device as well, such. B. also from the vehicle to be charged or to be charged energy storage unit of the vehicle, which stores the electrical energy and the provided with electrical energy-operated machine on demand, or the charging cable, which is connected for the transmission of electrical energy between the external power supply or power source and the vehicle to be charged.

The electrical energy itself is therefore preferably not passed through the control device during the transmission from the external power supply device to the energy storage unit of the vehicle. The control device preferably receives and transmits only data or signals or information and determines and regulates the current flow and in particular the maximum available charge current strength from the external power supply device to the vehicle to be charged.

For this purpose, the control device advantageously has a plurality of devices, such as at least one setpoint input receiving device, which receives the setpoint values or data or signals of the energy supply device or the external power supply device.

Such desired values are, for example, the charging current that can currently be set by the energy supply device, which is dependent on z. B. the utilization of the power grid, the corresponding of the customer, d. H. the prioritized electricity or energy provider as well as the energy generation type prioritized by the customer.

That is, if the customer who wants to charge his vehicle and in particular the energy storage unit of the vehicle with electrical energy is a customer of a special energy provider XY, for example, obtains electrical energy only from renewable energy sources, it may be an energy supply bottleneck this For example, energy suppliers come to certain times of the day, so that each customer only a reduced charging current than z. B. in the evening or night hours can be provided.

The setpoint input receiving device is preferably designed as a digital input and preferably as at least two digital inputs. That is, the signal received via the setpoint input receiving means from the external power supply is binary coded at the inputs before being sent to the controller and in particular a logic unit of the controller, for example, according to a preferred embodiment, two setpoint input receiver inputs having the following coding are executed: Setpoint specification 2 Setpoint specification 1 electricity Inactive Inactive 13A Inactive active 20 A active Inactive 32 A active active 63 a

Thus, according to the table above, the maximum available current might be 63A, for example, if both inputs are active.

The values transmitted by the external power supply device to the control device form at this moment, i. H. without consideration of further instances, the current maximum available charge current for charging the vehicle of the customer.

However, this essentially changes continuously and is therefore requested by the control device or transmitted to the control device essentially continuously and in particular after defined time intervals.

However, there are far more instances when loading the vehicle than to consider the power supply device.

Consequently, the control device also has a signal input receiving device, by means of which signals of the charging cable used for the transmission of electrical energy or of the electric current between the energy supply device and the vehicle to be charged are transmitted to the control device.

This means that the maximum nominal current strength of the charging cable is preferably transmitted to the control device and preferably to a logic unit of the control device by means of resistance coding of the charging cable. Accordingly, the control device not only detects whether a charging cable is connected to the charging station (proximity detection), but also has the rated current strength of this connected charging cable.

An inquiry as to whether a charging cable is connected to the charging station is advantageously carried out essentially continuously so as not to release the charging process or to interrupt or terminate it substantially immediately upon detection of a charging cable not connected to the charging station.

In addition, the control device has at least one pilot signal source for generating and adapting a duty cycle of a pilot signal for transmitting the determined maximum available electric charge current intensity to the vehicle. This means that at least from the values transmitted to the control device, such as the nominal current strength of the charging cable and the nominal values of the energy supply device, the control device preferably has the maximum available electrical charging current or a value which represents the maximum available electrical charging current. can determine this value is also to be transmitted to the vehicle to be loaded itself and in particular the vehicle control device. For this purpose, the pilot signal or in particular the duty cycle of the pilot signal is changed or adjusted in dependence on the determined maximum available electric charging current and by means of the pilot signal source, which preferably serves to generate a pilot signal for detecting a vehicle to be charged arranged on the charging cable to sent the vehicle to be loaded.

Consequently, it can be determined, for example via the corresponding vehicle control device, how long z. B. a charge of the energy storage unit due to the maximum available electric charging current persists. This charging time is preferably continuously changed or recalculated, since the determined maximum available electric charging current intensity can change substantially continuously.

Furthermore, the control device has a current value output sending device which, for example, the value of the determined maximum available charging current, which is denoted by "I _max " and preferably from a difference between the determined nominal current strength of the charging cable "I _Prox " and the determined maximum of the power supply device available adjustable current strength "I _Soll " calculated, a vehicle to be loaded and / or a power supply device provider, etc. provides.

The current value output sending device preferably consists of a digital output or of preferably two digital outputs, via which the signal of the maximum available charging current is coded in binary form with, for example, the following coding: Current current 1 Current flow 2 electricity Inactive Inactive 13A Inactive active 20 A active Inactive 32 A active active 63 a

Again, it is conceivable that the number of outputs of Stromwertausgangsversandeinrichtung may vary, so that three and more outputs can be used, whereby a better resolution of the signaling can be achieved.

By means of a logic unit or a sequential control system, the control device first of all formats the received signals, data, information into a data format that is comparable to one another in a next step according to preferably the following calculation rule: I _max = min (I _Prox , I _set ) to compare with each other.

In a preferred embodiment, the control device further comprises at least the pilot signal source for generating a pilot signal for detecting a connection of the vehicle to the charging cable.

In other words, a signal with a duty factor of preferably 100%, preferably via a power supply signal transmitting merely information or signals or via a pilot signal source input or output of the control device, preferably via the charging cable in the direction of a vehicle to be charged is sent to detect a voltage and in particular an output voltage. When the output voltage changes, the control device and in particular the logic unit of the control device is informed about the pilot signal source, for example a connection of a vehicle to be charged to the charging cable. Preferably, a charging process for charging an energy storage unit of a vehicle does not begin until a vehicle connected to the charging cable has been detected for charging.

However, it is also conceivable; that, for example, information about the calculated maximum available charging current intensity is transmitted to the vehicle and in particular to a control device of the vehicle by means of, for example, a pulse width modulation of the duty cycle or of the pulse duty factor of the signal. In response to such a signal, the vehicle may then notify the charging infrastructure or the charging station that it is ready to receive the charging current.

Accordingly, a communication between the charging station and in particular the control device or the logic unit of the control device and the vehicle preferably via the pilot signal source.

In a further preferred embodiment, the control device further comprises a release signal input receiving means for receiving release signals.

Such release signals are obtained, for example, by inputting a numerical code or PIN to a corresponding input device, such as a keypad of the charging station or a biometric pin, such as a fingerprint or an iris scan on a corresponding sensor of the charging station, or by entering a chip card or a key (Key) generated at a reading device of the charging station. Furthermore, it is conceivable that release signals are transmitted via RFID, Bluetooth or other wireless transmission variants from the vehicle and in particular the vehicle control device to the corresponding control device and in particular the release signal input receiving device of the control device.

The release signals are preferably used to identify a user of the charging station as a customer registered for the use of the charging station and to allow loading of a vehicle to be charged or an energy storage unit of the vehicle to be loaded or to prevent it from occurring in the case of an unregistered user.

In addition to the customer-specific data, such as name, address, etc., the release data also transmits the data on the energy provider and the type of energy favored or prioritized by the customer. For example, it may also be stored on the chip card of the customer that the latter preferably wishes to receive converted electrical energy of the energy provider XY from renewable energy sources and only in an emergency if, for example, the energy provider XY can not muster sufficient energy or current to charge the vehicle Energy provided by the energy provider ZZ is to be used for charging the vehicle.

The control device preferably also has a signal output sending device for sending a charging cable recognition signal.

That is, when a signal of a charging cable connected to the charging station is received via the signal input receiving device, the signal output sending device, which preferably represents a digital output, is activated. Accordingly, the signal output sending means is deactivated when the signal input receiving means detects a lack of a charging cable.

The signal output shipping device, for example, upon activation activates a corresponding signal to a plug locking device of the charging station, through which a connection element, which receives the charging cable and preferably a plug element of the charging cable, in such a way is locked, that removal of the charging cable by hand, ie by the customer, is prevented during the charging process.

Furthermore, the control device advantageously has a charging signal output sending device for sending a charging signal.

The charging signal output shipping device is preferably listed as a digital output, which activates, for example, a load contactor or contactor of the charging station, in order to allow a current flow of an electric charging current from the external power supply device via the charging cable to the vehicle to be charged.

Upon completion of the charging process, the charging signal output sending device is preferably deactivated. As a result, the charging process is substantially uniquely associated with the "active" or "non-active" state of the charging signal output shipping device.

In a further preferred embodiment, the logic unit of the control device has at least one input signal formatting device for formatting the received signals and setpoint values into an essentially comparable data format.

Accordingly, the input signal formatting device or formatting device is a component of the logic unit to which all signals, data or information transmitted to the control device are supplied in order to format them into a data format comparable to one another.

Furthermore, the logic unit preferably has at least one accounting and comparison device for determining a value of the maximum available electric charge current intensity from the formatted data.

The billing and comparison device, which is preferably a component of the logic unit, is switched in such a manner according to the input signal formatting device that the billing and comparison device only receives the data or signals already formatted by the input signal formatter in order, by means of a mathematical comparison between the setpoint value, ie the currently maximum available current strength of the energy supply device (I _setpoint ) and the value with respect to the rated current strength of the charging cable (I _Prox ) a maximum possible available charging current intensity (I _max ) according to preferably the following mathematical calculation rule: I _max - min (I _Prox , I _set ) to investigate.

It is furthermore conceivable that the logic unit has at least one output signal generation device for generating an output signal from the determined value for the maximum available electric charge current intensity.

In order to be able to distribute the output signal generated by the output signal generation device to the corresponding shipping devices of the control device for starting a charging process, the logic unit of the control device preferably has at least one output signal distribution device.

This output signal distribution device operates as a kind of router to distribute the generated output signal to the corresponding signal outputs, from where the signal is used, for example, to activate a plug lock or to close or close a load contactor, etc.

The control device, which is preferably a compact component of a charging station or the charging infrastructure for charging a vehicle operable with electrical energy, can operate autonomously in the charging station (standalone) to receive the signals of the vehicle, the charging cable and / or the power supply device and evaluate, as a result, to implement appropriate measures for charging the vehicle or the energy storage unit of the vehicle.

However, it is also conceivable that the control device together with one of the control device preferably higher-level example programmable logic such. B. a (memory) programmable controller (PLC) acts.

Further, a method for determining a maximum available electric charging current in charging an electric energy storage device usable for storing the electric power, which is a product of the electric current and a voltage having a time difference, by an electric power is used Providing power supply device, claimed by means of a during a charging of the energy storage unit of the vehicle substantially with the vehicle and the power supply device at least signal transmission technically connected control device.

According to the inventive method, at least nominal values of the energy supply device with respect to a maximum available current through at least one Sollwerteingangsempfangseinrichtung and signals of a usable for transporting electric power charging cable with respect to a rated current through at least one signal input receiving device to a logic unit of the controller sent, the logic unit of a whole the received set values and signals a value for the maximum available electrical charging current determined and transmitted this value via at least one pilot signal source by adjusting or changing a duty cycle of a pilot signal generated by the pilot signal source to the vehicle to be charged.

Accordingly, the logic unit and preferably the accounting and comparison device of the logic unit of the control device determines from the signals and values transmitted to the logic unit and in particular the input signal formatting device of the logic unit of the control device with the aid of the following essentially mathematical comparison operation or arithmetic operation or rule: I _max = min (I _Prox , I _set ) the maximum available charging current intensity I _max , by comparing the rated current strength of the charging cable (I _Prox ) with the available current strength of the power supply device (I _Soll ), wherein the smaller value of the values I _Prox or I _Soll the maximum available Charging current I _max results.

In a preferred embodiment, the logic unit triggers a measurement of an output voltage of a pilot signal source usable for generating a pilot signal for detecting a connection of the vehicle to the charging cable and in turn transmits the results of the measured output voltage to the logic unit.

The logic unit activates the pilot signal source for a measurement of the output voltage preferably with a duty cycle = 100%.

By changing the output voltage, the logic unit is consequently informed that a vehicle has been connected to the charging cable and accordingly to the charging station.

According to the method according to the invention, the logic unit preferably transmits the determined value for the maximum available electrical charging current intensity by changing a duty cycle of the pilot signal source to the vehicle to be charged.

As a result, as already mentioned above, it is conceivable that the customer or vehicle driver as well as the vehicle control device can be informed as to which maximum charge current is currently available and how long the charging time until full charge of the energy storage unit of the vehicle is.

This allows the customer to decide, for example, whether he wants to allow a full charge of the energy storage unit of the vehicle or, for example, for lack of time would like to allow only a percentage charge of the energy storage unit of the vehicle. The customer can enter this, for example, via an input device, which is connected to the vehicle control device, or also via an input device of the release device of the charging station. The vehicle control device or the control device of the charging station could then interrupt charging of the energy storage unit of the vehicle after a certain charging time or amount of charge or charge quantity. An interruption of the charge of the energy storage unit of the vehicle via the vehicle control device would then be communicated to the control device of the charging station and in particular the logic unit of the control device of the charging infrastructure or the charging station, so that the control device could cause deactivation of the contactor and opening the connector lock.

Preferably, the logic unit determines the value for the maximum available electrical charging current substantially continuously during a charging process.

In other words, all the required data, such as the nominal current strength of the energy supply device and / or the rated current strength of the charging cable and / or the information relating to the charging capacity of the energy storage unit of the vehicle, etc., are queried substantially continuously by the control device or transmitted to it. so that it determines the value of the maximum available charge current intensity substantially continuously and in particular at defined time intervals in order to adjust the charging current intensity during the charging process of the vehicle steadily, d. H. reduce or increase as required to ensure optimum and fastest possible charging of the vehicle energy storage unit.

Further advantages, objects and features of the present invention will be explained with reference to the following description attached drawing in which z. Example, the structure of an embodiment of the control device according to the invention and their arrangement is shown in a charging infrastructure.

Components which at least substantially coincide in the figures with respect to their function may in this case be identified by the same reference symbols, these components not having to be identified and explained in all figures.

In the figures show:

1 a block diagram of an embodiment of the control device according to the invention;

2 a flow chart for setpoint specification;

3 a schematic diagram of the arrangement and use of an embodiment of the control device according to the invention in a charging infrastructure without additional logic; and

4 a schematic diagram of the arrangement and use of an embodiment of the control device according to the invention in a charging infrastructure with additional logic.

1 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the control device according to the invention 1 which is a logic 2 or logic unit 2 or a sequence control 2 , a signal input receiving device 4 for charging cable identification, a pilot signal source 3 , a setpoint input receiving device 5 with at least two digital inputs, a release signal input receiving means 6 and a current value output shipping device 7 with at least two digital outputs, a signal output dispatcher 8th and a charging signal output sending device 9 having.

The control device 1 For example, it can be present as a compact and consequently self-sufficient device, ie as a correspondingly central control element of a charging infrastructure (not shown here) or of a charging station or charging station, also called EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment).

The logic unit 2 preferably receives continuously during the charging process or even before or at the beginning of the charging process signals or data or information from the individual signal or control inputs or the control input receiving devices 5 and or 6 and or 4 and or 3 for example, the nominal values of the charging current of the power supply device, the nominal current strength of the charging cable, the activation or deactivation of the charging process with respect to the release signals, the insertion or arrangement of the charging cable, etc.

The setpoint input receiving device 5 preferably consists of at least two digital inputs. The desired value or the nominal value data or the nominal value information of the energy supply device, which via the setpoint input receiving device 5 to the logic unit 2 be transmitted are applied to the digital inputs of the setpoint input receiver 5 binary coded, wherein, for example, according to one embodiment, two inputs are implemented with the following coding: Setpoint specification 2 Setpoint specification 1 electricity Inactive Inactive 13A Inactive active 20 A active Inactive 32 A active active 63 a

Thus, according to the table above, the maximum available current might be, for example, 63A.

The current varies depending on, for example, the utilization of the power grid. Also individually selectable by the customer factors, such as the current or

Energy suppliers or the type of production of electrical energy (nuclear or renewable energy sources) influence the available power of the energy supply device.

It is also possible that the number of inputs varies, i. h., Instead of two inputs and three, four or more inputs can be used so as to achieve a better resolution of the setpoint specification of the power supply device.

Another control input or a further control input receiving device is the enable signal input receiving device 6 which information about activation of the load release to the logic unit 2 transmitted. For this purpose, the enable signal input receiving device must be activated, for example, by the input of a numerical PIN or code, a chip card or the like, for example.

This means that the customer or the user of the charging infrastructure or the charging station can verify as authorized by the input to corresponding input devices or devices as authorized for use of the charging station. To register the authorized user, for example, the entry of a numerical or biometric PINs, the input of a corresponding information and data contained chip card or a corresponding key (keys), etc.

An authorized user is a user of the charging station or charging infrastructure, which has authorized to use the charging station with a corresponding energy provider for a corresponding form of energy. When entering the corresponding release data, the charging station and in particular the control device of the charging station, the specific features of the authorized user are transmitted, so that the user receives only the energy of the energy supplier, for which he is authorized and for which the user pays.

Deactivation of the enable signal input receiver 6 during the charging process leads, for example, to a termination of the charging process.

About the signal receiving device 4 for receiving signals of the charging cable, which is arranged between the charging infrastructure or the charging station and the vehicle to be charged in order to be able to transmit electrical energy from the power supply device to the energy storage unit of the vehicle, are referred to IEC 61851 the control device 1 and in particular the logic unit 2 the control device 1 Signals via a connection of the charging cable (proximity detection) and information about the rated current, ie the current carrying capacity of the charging cable transmitted by means of a resistance coding of the charging cable.

D. h., That the control device 1 not only get information whether a charging cable has been attached to the charging station and in particular at a defined slot of the charging station, but also values on which rated current strength the charging cable has, ie, which maximum current can be transported via the charging cable, without a Damage to the charging cable.

Furthermore, preferably after a plugging in of a charging cable has been detected at the charging station, a pilot signal source is used 3 or a pilot signal source device 3 , which according to the Standard IEC 61851-1 is an element which is a signal generator 3a for generating a pilot signal IEC 61851 has a pilot signal with a duty cycle of preferably 100% sent via the charging cable to the vehicle to be charged in order to detect a vehicle attached to the charging or arranged vehicle can.

The duty factor is defined according to DIN IEC 60469-1 as the ratio of the pulse duration to the pulse period duration for a periodic train of pulses. By varying the duty cycle can also change the arithmetic mean of the voltage.

If no vehicle is arranged on the charging cable, there is no change in the load state of the output voltage. Otherwise, a vehicle to be charged arranged on the charging cable is detected.

That is, that by means of the pilot signal source 3 a measurement of the output voltage of the pilot signal source 2 with a feedback via an AC-DC converter (A / D converter) 3b to the logic unit 2 takes place to corresponding signals or data or events or information for the logic unit 2 to make available.

After receiving the signals or the data or the information relating to the connection of a charging cable, its rated current, the connection of a vehicle to be charged to the charging cable, the nominal current levels of the power supply device and the release authorization of the user, which via the corresponding signal input receiving means 4 to 6 or the pilot signal source 3 to the logic unit 2 transmitted, evaluates the logic unit 2 Among other things, these signals or a portion of the signals to determine the maximum available charging current I _max and on the other hand by means of this evaluation result, the pilot signal source 3 be controlled such that, for example, the manipulated variable or the parameter for the duty cycle of the pilot signal is adjusted to tell the vehicle, which can be made available at the latest available charging current.

In response to such a changed signal, it is possible for the vehicle to notify the charging station that it is ready to receive the charging current and thus for the charging process.

A variable parameter of the pilot signal source 3 ie the duty cycle can be from the logic unit 2 , preferably permanently or continuously, depending on the determined maximum available charging current strength can be changed. For even the maximum available charging current intensity is substantially permanent or continuous by the control device 1 and in particular the logic unit 2 the control device 1 from essentially continuously received during the charging process signals or data or information determined.

The signal outputs 7 or the current value output shipping device 7 , which preferably has two digital outputs, serves to display or to transmit the current maximum available charging current. The indication of the ascertained value of the maximum available charging current intensity is binary coded via the outputs, so that four values can be displayed, for example, via two outputs, so that the existing "terminals" can be used efficiently.

An embodiment with, for example, two digital outputs preferably has the following coding: Current flow 2 Current current 1 electricity Inactive Inactive 13A Inactive active 20 A active Inactive 32 A active active 63 a

Alternatively, a purely analog output (eg 0 ... 10 V) of the determined value of the maximum available charging current intensity is conceivable, whereby, however, the use of expensive Special components in the charging station or the control device 1 and / or possibly additionally arranged programmable logic would be required.

However, here too, the number of outputs can vary in order to achieve a better resolution of the signaling, for example, by a larger number of outputs.

One application finds the current value output shipping device 7 For example, in connection with an additional integrated in a charging station programmable logic (not shown here), there to the feedback to the on the setpoint input receiving device 5 to give received signals.

Even with a self-sufficient arrangement of the control device 1 in a corresponding charging station (not shown here) is the application of Stromwertausgangsversandeinrichtung 7 possible to indicate, inter alia, at the charging station via, for example, corresponding display devices, such as lighting elements or numerical displays, etc., the current state or the currently available charging current.

Another signal output is the (charging cable detection) signal output sending device 8th for sending a charging cable detection signal, which is also preferably designed as a digital output. Will a charging cable from the signal input receiving device 4 detected, so the signal output shipping device 8th activated. Otherwise, the signal output shipping device 8th or the output 8th disabled.

When the signal output shipping device 8th has been activated, thereby, for example, a connector lock (not shown) can be activated, which locks or fixes the charging cable connected to the charging station with the charging station that prevents removal of the charging cable from the charging station by, for example, the user of the charging station during the charging process becomes.

The signal output 9 for the charging process or the charging signal output shipping device 9 for the charging process is also preferably designed as a digital output and is activated as soon as a charging process, for example, the logic unit 2 is started. The charging signal output shipping device 9 transmits, for example, corresponding signals to a data transmission associated with the control device load contactor (not shown), which by activation a current flow with a defined charging current from the power supply device (not shown here) via the charging cable (not shown here) the electric vehicle (not here shown) or the vehicle to be loaded available. Will the charging from the logic unit 2 finished, so the charging signal output shipping device 9 deactivated, whereby preferably also the load contactor is deactivated, so that no electric charging current can flow more from the power supply device to the vehicle to be charged. The term of the charging process is therefore clearly the state of the charging signal output shipping device 9 assigned.

According to the 1 has the logic unit 2 a variety of facilities or units 2a to 2d on, by means of which the logic unit transmitted signals can be formatted, evaluated and sent to trigger corresponding events.

All of these are the logic unit 2 transmitted or from the logic unit 2 received signals or data or information of the individual signal or control input receiving devices 3 . 4 . 5 and 6 in an input signal formatter 2a which formats or configures the individual signals or data or information which may have different formatting into a data format that is comparable to one another and preferably uniform, in order to make these individual signals or data or information comparable with one another.

Accordingly, the logic unit receives 2 among other desired values of the local power supply network or the energy supply device (not shown here) via the setpoint input receiving device 5 and / or data of the electric vehicle via the pilot signal source 3 and / or signals of the charging cable, such as the rated current through the signal input receiving device 4 , These data must be in a comparable data format so that the input signal formatter 2a these signals or data or information formatted into a corresponding uniform data format to the formatted data A in a next step of an accounting and comparison device 2 B the logic unit 2 to make available.

The signals representing the logic unit 2 for example via the enable signal receiving device 6 and / or the signal receiving device 4 with respect to detecting a connection of a charging cable and / or via the pilot signal source 3 concerning the detection of a connection of a vehicle to be loaded on the charging cable, inform the logic unit 2 essentially about whether, for example, a charging cable has been connected to the charging station or a vehicle has been connected to the charging cable and whether a release for charging has taken place. Such signals need not necessarily be formatted since they are preferably not used for comparison with other data or signals. In particular, for determining or calculating the maximum available charging current strength such signals are not used. However, it is necessary that these signals are present, otherwise the charging process can not be started, for example, if no charging cable has been attached to the charging station.

Thus, it is conceivable that these data or signals to the input signal formatting device 2a However, in this case, the data is not formatted into a defined and preferably uniform data format, but configured so that a kind of "true" or "false" (true or false) signal can be passed.

That is, for example, if the signals are that a charging cable is connected to the charging station and a vehicle is connected to the charging cable and a user authorizes the permission to charge the vehicle, the three received signals become "true". Signal ("true") B formatted or configured so that charging of the electric vehicle could be made possible regardless of the maximum available charging current to be determined yet. That is, a "true" signal is preferably generated only when all three signals of the devices 3 . 4 and 6 to the logic unit 2 the control device 1 and more particularly to the input signal formatter 2a the logic unit 2 been transmitted.

If, on the other hand, a signal, for example the signal that a charging cable has been connected, is not sent to the logic unit 2 transferred because z. B. no charging cable was plugged into a corresponding slot of the charging station, so the input signal formatting device can not output a "true" signal, but must send a "false" signal ("false"), so that in spite of the determined maximum available Charging current charging the energy storage unit of the vehicle can not be enabled.

Provided that the signals required to activate the charging of the logic unit 2 are transmitted by the input signal formatter 2a generated "true" signal B of the billing and comparison device 2 B the logic unit 2 transmit, which for example on the basis of this incoming signal B performs the calculation or the comparison of the formatted values A to determine the minimum value, ie the minimum value A "of the total transmitted comparison values A, which determines the value for the maximum available charge current strength A '(I _max ) forms.

If this minimum value A 'and consequently the maximum available charging current intensity A' (I _max ) are determined, this value is sent to an output signal generation device together with the "true" signal B. 2c transmit, which from the data or values A 'and B, the corresponding signals to be transmitted A''generates, thus the signal A''by means of an output signal distribution means 2d to the individual signal output dispatch devices 7 . 8th and 9 to send.

When the signal output senders 7 . 8th and 9 Receive the signal A ', a charging process under defined conditions, ie with a determined maximum available charging current intensity I _{max can be} started.

The output signal distribution device 2d thus acts as a kind of router to each signal output dispatch facilities 7 . 8th and 9 to transmit a corresponding signal.

In the 2 is an exemplary flowchart for determining the setpoint specification shown, with this illustrated flow preferably from the logic unit 2 ( 1 ) is controlled.

In a first step S01, a preferably continuous monitoring takes place as to whether a charging cable is arranged in a corresponding charging cable plug-in device of the charging station, so that via a signal input receiving device for charging cable recognition, as in FIG 1 with the reference number 4 represented, a corresponding signal can be received. In other words, if a charging cable is plugged into a corresponding charging cable plug-in device of the charging station, this may be a type of charging cable recognition device, such as a light barrier or a mechanical interlock or a electrotechnical element (not shown here), etc., whereby a corresponding signal to the signal input receiving means (not shown here) for receiving signals of the charging cable (not shown here) is sent. The signal input receiving device then transmits the corresponding signal to the control device (not shown here) and preferably the logic unit (not shown here) of the control device. In other words, when detecting a connection of a charging cable to the charging station, the entire system transitions from the initial state "charging cable not plugged in" into a next state "charging cable plugged in".

Subsequently, in a subsequent step S02, the logic unit is activated 2 (please refer 1 ) the pilot signal source 3 (please refer 1 ) for sending a pilot signal with a duty cycle parameter of 100% via the charging cable in order to detect a plugging or a connection of a loadable vehicle or an energy storage unit to be charged to the charging cable.

The output voltage of the pilot signal source is then preferably measured continuously. If a change or a change of the load state of the pilot signal to the state A, B or C, according to the IEC 61851 detected, there is a change from the state "charging cable infected" in the next state "vehicle connected".

If the vehicle to be charged or the energy storage unit to be charged is connected to the charging cable, the maximum available charging current intensity is determined in step S03 by means of the logic unit of the control unit by determining the minimum value of the rated current strength of the charging cable (detected via the resistance coding of the charging cable according to FIG Table B.3 of Standard IEC61851-1 Ed.2 ) and the current strength of the energy supply device (determined via the coded setpoint specification from the control inputs "Setpoint input 1" and "Setpoint input 2").

Thereafter, the duty cycle parameter of the pilot signal source is changed such that the vehicle connected to the charging station or the charging infrastructure signaled the maximum available charging current or the vehicle information about this maximum available charging current can be transmitted.

The signaling of the maximum available charging current intensity to the vehicle or the charging station etc. preferably takes place continuously. This means that the maximum available charging current intensity is also determined essentially continuously.

As soon as the measurement of the output voltage of the pilot signal source detects a change in the load state to state C or D, the entire system is changed to the "load" state.

In the state of loading, the logic unit activates the charging signal output sending device in step S04 9 (please refer 1 ) for sending a charging signal, for example, to activate a load contactor (not shown here).

Even during the charging process of the vehicle via the signal input receiving device 4 (please refer 1 ) and via the setpoint input receiving device 5 (please refer 1 ) incoming signals or data or information substantially continuously detected in the logic unit and therefore their minimum value substantially continuously determined in order to calculate the maximum available charging current preferably also continuously, so that the charging power when charging the energy storage unit of As a result, the vehicle can also be continuously adjusted or regulated.

In the 3 is a schematic diagram of the arrangement and use of an embodiment of the control device according to the invention 1 in a charging infrastructure 10 without any additional programmable logic (PLC) listed.

A vehicle to be loaded 11 is via a charging cable 12 with a charging plug 13 the charging infrastructure 1 or the charging station 1 connected. Detects the charging plug 13 an insertion of the charging cable 12 Thus, a signal is sent to the controller in step S10 1 transmitted. Via a signal input receiving device (not shown here) of the control device 1 is preferably continuously checked whether the charging cable 12 in the charging plug 13 is plugged in. That is, if the charging cable 12 from the charging plug 13 is removed, the signal input receiving means for receiving signals of the charging cable receives 12 consequently no signal from the charging cable 12 more and transmitted accordingly no signal to the logic unit 2 the control device 1 or transmits a corresponding signal that no charging cable 12 more to the charging plug 13 the charging station 10 is arranged on the logic unit 2 the control device 1 , The logic unit 2 then transmits another signal to the charging signal output shipping device (not shown here), which, for example, a deactivation of a load contactor 18 and thus causes the interruption or termination of the charging process.

A locking of the charging cable itself preferably takes place shortly before the beginning or at the beginning of the charging process, ie at the time of activation or shortly before the activation of the load contactor 18 instead, so that, as shown in step S11, the controller 1 , when detecting one on the charging plug 13 infected charging cable 12 as well as when detecting one with the charging cable 12 connected vehicle 11 a corresponding signal to the charging plug 13 sends, causing the charging cable 12 preferably in the charging connector 13 is locked that a removal of the charging cable 12 during the charging process is preferably not possible.

In addition, it may be necessary that, for example, via a release signal input receiving means of the control device 1 a release signal, triggered by the input of a key 14 , a chipcard, a numeric or biometric PIN or the like in a corresponding input device 15 the charging infrastructure 1 , receives, through which the charging process can be activated. This means that only an authorized user, for example, who contractually obtains a supply of electrical energy via this charging infrastructure 1 or this charging station 1 energy provider has agreed to use electrical energy from this charging infrastructure 1 may relate.

However, it is also possible that the maximum available charging current is limited by appropriate restriction modalities, for example, if the user wants to obtain only charging electricity from renewable energy to charge his vehicle, but such supply networks are already busy at the time of the desired charging process.

It is also conceivable that billing or payment systems via such release devices and in particular the release signal input receiving device 6 (please refer 1 ) of the control device 1 can be controlled.

Became one in the charging plug 13 inserted charging cable 12 and a corresponding with the charging cable 12 connected vehicle 11 detected as well as the release for loading by the release signal input receiving means of the control device 1 signaled, the vehicle and advantageously the energy storage unit of the vehicle could be charged with electrical energy. However, in order to avoid damage to the charging cable and / or the energy storage unit of the vehicle, however, the maximum available charging current for charging the vehicle must first be determined.

The values For determining the maximum available charge current strength, the controller relates 1 as already mentioned above, preferably via the signal input receiving device 4 (please refer 1 ) for receiving signals of the charging cable 12 to the maximum charging power or the rated current of the charging cable 12 about using the resistance coding of the charging cable 12 to be able to determine, and the setpoint input receiving device 5 (please refer 1 ) for receiving the set values of the power supply device 16 to the current maximum available power of the power supply device 16 to be able to determine.

About a pilot signal source 3 (please refer 1 ) of the control device 1 As shown in step S12, a pilot signal is sent to the vehicle 11 or the charging cable 12 sent by the vehicle 11 in step S13 can be loaded such that by a state change to the states C and / or D of the control device 1 a wanted loading of the vehicle 11 is shown. Thereafter, preferably the above-described procedure for querying the maximum possible charging current.

By means of this information, the control device 1 and preferably the logic unit 2 the control device 1 determine the minimum value of the charging power, so as to determine the maximum available charging current I _max , without the charging cable 12 or the energy storage unit of the electric vehicle 11 be damaged during charging, for example, by too high charging currents.

The electrical current or the electrical energy, which from the power supply device 16 or the external or local power supply network 16 can, for example, to determine the current energy consumption or electricity consumption via an optional counter 17 like a smart meter 17 or an intelligent counter 17 to the loader 18 be directed.

Electric power is preferably also via a power supply 19 passed, which is the current in the control device 1 feeds. The digital control inputs arranged there 5 or the setpoint input receiving device 5 the control device 1 for setpoint specification (see 1 ) can by connecting to or to the power supply 19 for example, according to the above-mentioned first coding table for input signals for both inputs "activated" means, whereby the setpoint is thus set to 63 A.

The logic unit 2 links all incoming signals or values or information, as in the 1 described with each other to determine a corresponding minimum value, which represents the maximum available charging current I _max as the nominal value.

Are all others after IEC 61851 necessary conditions for charging the electric vehicle 11 is satisfied, via the output signal "charging", sent by the charging signal output dispatch device of the control device 1 , the load contactor 18 activated or turned on, so that an electric charging current from the power supply device 16 over the charging cable 12 to the vehicle 11 and in particular up to the energy storage unit (not shown here) of the vehicle 11 can flow.

When the charging process is completed, the power supply between the power supply device 16 and the vehicle 11 interrupted by the controller 1 the load contactor 18 deactivated again, ie the switch reopens, so that no more charging current through the load contactor 18 can flow.

Thereafter, in a step S14, the connector lock is deactivated, so that the charging cable 12 from the charging plug 13 can be pulled out.

In the 4 is similar to the 3 a schematic diagram of the arrangement and use of an embodiment of the control device according to the invention 1 in a charging infrastructure 10 however, with additional, programmable logic 20 (PLC) shown.

This programmable logic 20 is the controller 1 so preceded by some of the above-mentioned functions or queries from this logic 20 instead of the controller 1 yourself can be taken over.

This is how the programmable logic determines 20 which, for example, for configuration or programming with the Internet 21 connected to the power supply device 16 currently maximum available current I _max due to, for example, corresponding restriction criteria, which by the user via a release device and in particular a release signal input receiving device 5 (please refer 1 ) of the control device 1 be transmitted.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the programmable logic 20 controls the locking or unlocking of the connector as well as the activation of the load contactor 18 and therefore the loading of the vehicle 11 However, the control device 1 continue to perform its tasks, such as receiving and sending defined input and output signals, such that the programmable logic 20 preferably only serves as a signal converter, if z. B. one of the power of the controller 1 exceeding higher power via the load contactor 18 should be directed, or even if the actuators to be controlled, for example, other than by the control device 1 have supported time response. Consequently, the control device is further responsible for the detection and transmission of defined signals, while the programmable logic 20 uses these signals to, for example, the load contactor 18 to switch.

As a result, it is possible that the control device according to the invention, on the one hand, together with a programmable logic 20 which, for example, additional information, such. B. can record or process the input variables for a charging process and / or perform payment or billing operations and / or determine and monitor the temperature level of the charging station, possibly to limit the current output in case of overload by changing the control inputs to setpoint specification, arranged in a corresponding charging station and can be connected to this data technology or monitored as a self-sufficient device in the charging station all the necessary queries and operations, controls and regulates.

The Applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided that they are novel individually or in combination with respect to the prior art.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

control device

2

logic unit

2a

Input formatting means

2 B

Billing / comparator

2c

Output signal generating means

2d

Output signal distributor

3

Pilot signal source

3a

signal generator

3b

Power converter

4

Signal input receiver

5

Setpoint input receiver

6

Enable signal input receiver

7

Current value output mailer

8th

Signal output mailer

9

Ladesignaleusgangsversandeinrichtung

10

Charging current infrastructure / charging station

11

vehicle

12

charge cable

13

charging plug

14

Key / Chip Card / PIN

15

input device

16

Power supply means

17

optional counter

18

load contactor

19

measuring device

20

programmable logic

21

Internet

A

formatted data

A '

Minimum value / maximum available charging current

A ''

generated output signal

B

true / false signal

S01

Charging cable detection

S02

Switching on the pilot signal source

S03

Determining the maximum available charging current

S04

load

S10

Charging cable detection

S11

connector lock

S12

Pilot signal transmission from the control device

S13

Pilot signal transmission to the controller

S14

Put deblocking

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited non-patent literature

• IEC 61851 [0001]
• Standards IEC 61851-1 (Edition 2.0, 11/2010) [0002]
• IEC 62196-1 (Edition 1.0, 04/2003 [0002]
• Standard IEC 61851-1 [0004]
• IEC 61851 [0014]
• IEC 61851 [0094]
• Standard IEC 61851-1 [0096]
• IEC 61851 [0096]
• DIN IEC 60469-1 [0097]
• IEC 61851 [0126]
• Standard IEC61851-1 Ed.2 [0127]
• IEC 61851 [0146]

Claims (15)

Control device ( 1 ) for determining a maximum available electric charging current intensity (A ') when charging an energy storage unit of a vehicle which can be operated with the electrical energy, for use in storing electrical energy, which is a product of the current intensity and a voltage having a time difference ( 11 ), wherein the control device ( 1 ) during a charging process of the energy storage unit of the vehicle ( 11 ) substantially with the vehicle ( 11 ) and an electrical energy supply device ( 16 ) is at least signal transmission technology connected, characterized in that the control device ( 1 ), which has a nominal current intensity for transmitting the electrical energy between the vehicle ( 11 ) and the power supply device ( 16 ) usable charging cable ( 12 ) and a maximum available power of the power supply device ( 16 ) taken into account in determining the maximum available electric charging current intensity (A '), - at least one setpoint input receiving device ( 5 ) for receiving set values of the power supply device ( 16 ); At least one signal input receiving device ( 4 ) for receiving signals of the charging cable ( 12 ); At least one pilot signal source ( 3 ) for generating and adjusting a duty cycle of a pilot signal for transmitting the determined maximum available electric charging current intensity (K) to the vehicle ( 11 ); At least one current value output sending device ( 7 ) for sending a value over the determined maximum available charging current (A '); and at least one logic unit ( 2 ) for formatting and comparing the received set values with the received signals to determine a value of a maximum available electric charging current (A '). Control device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the control device ( 1 ) at least the pilot signal source ( 3 ) for generating a pilot signal for detecting a connection of the vehicle ( 11 ) to the charging cable ( 12 ) having. Control device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the control device ( 1 ) further comprising enable signal input receiving means (14) 6 ) for receiving enable signals. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device ( 1 ) further comprises a signal output dispatch device ( 8th ) for sending a charging cable detection signal. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device ( 1 ) a charging signal output shipping device ( 9 ) for sending a charge signal. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the logic unit ( 2 ) at least one input signal formatting device ( 2a ) for formatting the received signals and setpoints into a data format comparable to each other. Control device according to claim 6, characterized in that the logic unit ( 2 ) at least one accounting and comparison device ( 2 B ) for determining a value of the maximum available electric charging current (A ') from the formatted data. Control device according to claim 7, characterized in that the logic unit ( 2 ) has at least one output signal generating means (2c) for generating an output signal from the determined value for the maximum available electric charging current intensity (A '). Control device according to claim 8, characterized in that the logic unit ( 2 ) at least one output signal distribution device ( 2d ) for distributing the output signal to appropriate shipping facilities ( 7 . 8th . 9 ) of the control device ( 1 ) for starting a charging process. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device ( 1 ) a component of a charging station ( 10 ). A method of determining a maximum available electric charging current (A ') when charging an energy storage unit of a vehicle operable by electrical energy for storing the electrical energy, which is a product of the current intensity and a voltage with a time difference ( 11 ) provided by an electrical energy supply device ( 16 ) by means of a during a charging process of the energy storage unit of the vehicle ( 11 ) substantially with the vehicle ( 11 ) and the power supply device ( 16 ) at least signal transmission technically connected control device ( 1 ), characterized in that at least nominal values of the energy supply device ( 16 ) with respect to a maximum available current through at least one setpoint input receiving device ( 5 ) and signals of a usable for the transport of electrical energy charging cable ( 12 ) with respect to a nominal current intensity via at least one signal input receiving device ( 4 ) to a logic unit ( 2 ) of the control device ( 1 ), the logic unit ( 2 ) determines a value for the maximum available electrical charging current intensity (A ') from a set of the received nominal values and signals, and this value is determined via at least one pilot signal source (A). 3 ) by adapting or changing a duty cycle of a by the pilot signal source ( 3 ) generated pilot signal to the vehicle to be loaded ( 11 ) transmitted. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the logic unit ( 2 ) a measurement of an output voltage of the pilot signal source usable for generating a pilot signal ( 3 ) for detecting a connection of the vehicle ( 11 ) to the charging cable ( 12 ), with results of the measured output voltage to the logic unit ( 2 ). Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the logic unit ( 2 ) activates the pilot signal source for a measurement of the output voltage with a duty cycle = 100%. Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the logic unit ( 2 ) determines the value for the maximum available electric charging current intensity (A ') according to the rule I _max = min (I _Prox , I _setpoint ). Method according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the logic unit ( 2 ) determines the value for the maximum available electric charging current intensity (A ') substantially continuously during a charging process.

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