DE102013225748A1 - Mobile unit and method for using an electrochemical energy store as needed - Google Patents

Abstract

A mobile unit and a method for the demand-oriented use of an electrochemical energy store (1) are proposed. The method comprises the steps: signaling an increased demand for mobilizing energy resources of the electrochemical energy store (1), and / or determining a temperature value, in particular of the electrochemical energy store (1), and / or the electrical power requirement (current / voltage) and / or the calendar age and in response thereto - changing a information technology for the electrochemical energy storage (1) predefined usable state window (2).

Description

State of the art

The present invention relates to a mobile unit and to a method for using an electrochemical energy store as needed. In particular, the present invention relates to improvements in the exploitation of technically usable capacity ranges in energy storage devices whose usable (charging) status windows are limited in terms of information technology.

Electrochemical energy storage devices provide infrastructure-independent power supply to electrical and electronic devices (e.g., electronic communications and computing devices, electrically powered vehicles, and tools, etc.). In electric and hybrid vehicles battery systems are installed whose full capacity is deliberately limited for life reasons. This is usually done by means of a window, which is referred to in the context of the present invention as a usable state window. If the window boundaries are defined by state of charge (SOC) characteristics, it is also possible to speak of an SOC window. This may for example be between 10% and 90% of the nominal energy content of the electrochemical energy store. The limitation of the usable state window has the background that an almost complete charging or discharging has a negative effect on the life of the electrochemical energy storage device. Due to the limitation of the status window, however, the customer has less energy available for the driving task than the energy storage device would basically be able to provide in technical terms.

The SOC window is usually limited by the manufacturer so that the expected life or warranty period is achieved with a sufficiently high probability. In this case, a balance is made between the service life of the system to be achieved and the guarantee period to be granted. If necessary, appropriate provisions must be formed for this purpose. Depending on the risk, these recovery costs are very high or the granted SOC window (and thus the nominal range of the vehicle) is correspondingly smaller.

US 2009/0184833 discloses a device for controlling the state of charge.

DE 103 38 003 A1 discloses a battery system and method for monitoring battery condition. For this purpose, a temperature measurement is proposed. In addition, it is disclosed that there is a dependency between a residual life and a parasitic capacity.

US 2013/0024306 discloses a device for communication between a charging infrastructure and a vehicle. This is aimed in particular at the use of favorable night tariffs.

DE 10 2005 026 583 A1 discloses an indication of the condition of different characteristics of a battery, which also includes a battery remaining life.

In addition, leasing models for electric vehicles or their batteries have already been launched on the market.

In the context of computer processors, it is also known to permit temporary operation of components within extended specifications. In central processing units (CPUs), for example, a temporarily increased clock is enabled as a so-called "turbo mode".

The solutions known in the prior art do not utilize the theoretically available capacity of electrochemical energy storage to a satisfactory extent. It is therefore an object of the present invention to be able to use the silent resources of an electrochemical energy store as appropriate to the situation.

Disclosure of the invention

The above-mentioned object is achieved by a method for the demand-oriented use of an electrochemical energy store and by an inventively designed means of transport. The method according to the invention realizes the step of signaling an increased demand for mobilizing energy resources of the electrochemical energy store. The electrochemical energy store may be designed, for example, as a traction battery of an electrically drivable means of locomotion, as an energy cell of an electronic data processing device or a machine tool. For the sake of simplicity, the invention is explained below in particular with reference to the example of a means of locomotion without its application being limited thereto.

The increased need to mobilize the stored energy may be, for example, that the lower limit of the useable state window is under current and / or according to a predefined intended application. In the simplest case, signaling can take place in the case of an "empty" electrochemical energy store, whereby the user of the energy store is informed that the generally usable capacity range of the memory has been exhausted. In connection with a planned route, the The aim of the signaling is that the current "fill level" of the energy store does not make it possible or unlikely to achieve the goal using generally available resources. The signaling can also be carried out in such a way that, regardless of a current state of charge of the energy store, target achievement is not assured or not possible even when the charge is complete. In response thereto, an information technology for the electrochemical energy storage predefined usable state window is changed according to the invention. For example, the limits set by data technology are extended in response to the signaling. In this way, the target achievement can be made possible, although an increased wear of the electrochemical energy storage could be the result. In this context, it can also be pointed out that the warranty granted by the manufacturer may be impaired by the use of problematic states of the electrochemical energy storage device. According to the invention, a further possibility is proposed to expand the range of the information technology for the electrochemical energy storage predefined usable state range. For this purpose, one or more indication values of the battery condition (eg desired charging / discharging rate, operating temperature or distribution, calendar age or similar) are determined. In the case of the temperature, a temperature value can also be determined which, for example, can correlate with a temperature of the electrochemical energy store. Since the temperature of the electrochemical energy store or the temperature of its surroundings can have a significant influence on which state areas use of the electrochemical energy store causes increased wear thereof, a predefined change of the usable state window can take place in response to predefined temperature values. In this way, the present invention enables the more flexible and needs-based use of an electrochemical energy store.

The dependent claims show preferred developments of the invention.

The signaling may preferably be in response to a user input, which the user makes, for example, by a central input unit (man-machine interface, MMI). Such central user interfaces can serve, for example, for operating a navigation system. In this context, the user input may be the definition of an intended route destination. After analyzing the predefined route, the on-board computer or a computer assigned to the electrochemical energy store can determine whether the information-technically predefined useable status window can be achieved in consideration of a current or a possible state of charge. If the current state of charge or the information-technically predefined maximum state is not suitable for this purpose, the signaling according to the invention is carried out, for example, by issuing an acoustic and / or visual message. In response, the user can confirm the inventive change of the information-technically predefined usable state window, insert an intermediate destination for charging the energy store or change the selected destination. If only the current state of charge, but not the maximum possible state of charge prevents target achievement, a charging process can be carried out before the planned journey is undertaken. In this way, the user is involved in deciding the consequences of mobilizing increased energy resources.

Preferably, a message may be sent from the transportation means comprising the electrochemical energy storage device to a stationary information processing unit (e.g., a server). The message may include information for evaluating the consequences of altering the information technically predefined useable state window. In this way, the stationary information processing unit can process the information and determine consequences of the change. For example, a usage history of the electrochemical energy store, a business model according to which the electrochemical energy store is used, environmental data (e.g., a temperature along a predefined path), and other constraints may be considered. If appropriate, even alternatives can be pointed out, which obviate a change according to the invention of the information-technically predefined usable state window for the intended scenario. In this way, the decision as to whether the change of the status window is required or economically sensible in the present case can be made on the basis of the information present being removed.

In order to notify the user of the information and / or consequences of the changed state window or breastfeeding of the increased energy requirement by changing the status window, the stationary information processing unit can send a message in the form of a signal to the user (or to a communication terminal and / or his means of transportation). The signal may include options that are presented to the user for selection. Of course, the options can also be selected automatically based on a predefined user profile to relieve the user. In this way the user gets the best possible results The route planning supports when there is an increased need to mobilize the energy resources of its electrochemical energy storage.

Preferably, the agreement of the user can be obtained with one or the other consequence by an explicit utterance of the user. For example, the user may be presented with changed warranty conditions and / or an altered expected remaining service life and / or a monetary amount to be paid to compensate for the overuse. Similar to accepting changed conditions of use, the particular option, and in particular the changing of the status window according to the invention, can be made dependent on the consent of the user. In this way, the transparency with regard to possible or assured consequences in the event of extreme usage scenarios of electrochemical energy stores for the user is increased.

If a temperature value is determined by which the wear of the electrochemical energy store is influenced as a function of its charge state, a model for the lifetime of an electrochemical energy store can be used, by means of which suitable target variables for changing the state window are determined. The model may be parameterized, for example, and / or include temperature value ranges to which discrete charge state ranges are deposited. In particular, above 40 ° C battery temperature, an electric power of the battery can be limited to limit the wear ("accelerated aging").

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is proposed a traveling means which also realizes the advantages attainable in connection with the above-mentioned method. The means of locomotion can be designed, for example, as a vehicle and comprise an electrochemical energy store as a traction battery. The means of locomotion further comprises a battery management system (BMS), which is set up for monitoring the electrochemical energy store. Furthermore, a user interface is provided by means of which a signaling of an increased demand for mobilizing energy resources of the electrochemical energy store can take place. This signaling can be done on the one hand by the user, on the other hand to the user. According to the invention, the battery management system is set up to change a usable state window predefined in terms of information technology for the electrochemical energy store in response to the signaling. As stated in connection with the method according to the invention, a temperature determination unit can also be used for determining a temperature value, the temperature value being relevant for the wear during operation of the electrochemical energy store. The temperature determination unit makes possible an alternative reason for changing the usable state window which is predefined in terms of information technology for the electrochemical energy store. Also, the means of transport according to the invention realized in this way the features, combinations of features and advantages of the method according to the invention, so that may be made to avoid repetition of the above statements.

Preferably, the means of transportation further comprises a communication unit configured to send a message to a stationary information processing unit (e.g., a server). The examination of the consequences of a change in the state window according to the invention can thus be carried out using a broader database. In addition, a signal generated and received by the stationary information processing unit can be used by the communication unit for submitting options and consequences for the user. The transparency to the user of possible or definitive consequences as well as options selected increase user acceptance in implementing the present invention.

In addition, the means of transportation may include a data storage device in which a usage history and / or boundary conditions of a usage contract and / or a number of remaining possible changes of the status window are stored. In this way, useful information may be used in carrying out the method according to the invention independently of data communication with a stationary information processing unit.

In principle, it should be noted that the electrochemical energy store could also be used for other purposes or exclusively for other purposes, without the advantages of the method according to the invention being omitted. For example, the electrochemical energy store can be designed to supply a mobile communication device and / or a mobile data processing device.

The region of the electrochemical energy store designated in the context of the present invention as a predefinable usable state window is in any case available to the user in its initial state. In other words, the status window becomes unchanged be defined such that the user is signaled at the lower limit of a charge state of 0% and at the upper limit of a state of charge of 100% remaining energy or remaining charge. These limits are not to be confused with physically physically possible charge or energy removal or absorption, in the direction of which the status window can be extended according to the invention.

In other words, the invention provides for flexibly controlling the usable SOC range, for example of traction batteries, as a function of the usage profile, or for making the regular unusable energy content of traction batteries accessible to the user in certain situations. The SOC range is specified by the manufacturer for an electric vehicle. This is done by defining limits set by information technology, weighing the system lifetime to be achieved, the warranty period to be granted and the nominal range of the electric vehicle. A possible configuration is also that the user receives a credit or an extended warranty if he agrees with the restriction of the SOC window to a smaller (wear-prone) area. In this context, for example, reduced acquisition costs or other incentives could be offered.

In particular, in the case of a so-called "stoppage" due to reaching a lower limit of the predefined state window, it may be economical for the user to accept increased wear (possibly in conjunction with a corresponding charge), rather than a towing company or mobile energy storage request, by which he could continue the trip as planned. Also avoiding a toll road (but shorter) route at the expense of increased wear or increased user charges due to an increased need to mobilize energy resources of the electrochemical energy storage can be an attractive scenario for the user.

The use of an inventively extended state window can be coupled with a life-time model implemented in the battery management system. Depending on the current system state (e.g., a temperature of the electrochemical energy store or its environment), the generally available capacity could be dynamically adjusted. In addition, a dynamic adaptation of the maximum possible charging / discharging power as a function of the unchanged or changed state range is conceivable in order to keep the lifetime disadvantage as low as possible. In other words, the change of the predefined usable state window as a function of charging / discharging power can be made and charged or remunerated.

To determine the stress of the electrochemical energy storage indicators can be recorded and evaluated during operation, which may also be transmitted to the manufacturer. These indicators may include, for example, a charge / discharge rate, an operating temperature range, charge / discharge levels (SOC), a calendar age, or the like. be. For this purpose, a model for the life prediction is used, which can be operated either in the vehicle or on a server of a manufacturer / supplier. Due to the use-equivalent billing or compensation of the battery load, there is an increased cost transparency both on the manufacturer side as well as on the customer side. The business model also allows for financial savings in moderate handling of the electrochemical energy storage or in the use of a vehicle equipped with the electrochemical energy storage.

Brief description of the drawings

Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

1 a schematic view for visualizing the boundaries of an information technology predefined usable state window;

2 a schematic visualization of a first situation in which an increased demand for mobilizing energy resources of the electrochemical energy storage occurs;

3 a schematic view of a situation in which an alternative state with increased demand for mobilization of energy resources of the electrochemical energy storage occurs;

4 a schematic visualization of the influence of a temperature value; and

5 a flowchart illustrating steps of an embodiment of a method according to the invention.

Embodiments of the invention

1 shows a battery 1 as an electrochemical energy store, in which schematically the upper limit 2a as well as the lower limit 2 B an information technology predefined usable state window 2 a physical one fundamentally possible state solid 3 are faced. Visible are the limits 2a . 2 B of the status window 2 within the physically possible state window 3 , whereby one compared to the physically possible state window 3 lower SOC range is available. The illustrated limitation of the status window 2 allows a significant increase in the life of the battery 1 by adding wear-promoting SOC areas beyond the limits 2a . 2 B generally avoided.

2 shows in conjunction with 1 presented battery 1 whose current state of charge SOC with the lower limit 2 B of the information technology predefined usable state window 2 corresponds. In other words, the generally usable energy or charge capacity of the battery is exhausted. One with the battery 1 powered vehicle would be a "lying down", provided the information technology predefined useable status window 2 not according to the invention by lowering the lower limit 2 B changed (expanded). According to the invention, for example, the achievement of a nearby charging station would be made possible without the user of the battery 1 would need a costly towing service.

3 shows a schematic view of components of a system according to the invention within a means of transport (not shown). The current state of charge SOC is located in an upper area of the information-technically predefined usable state window 2 , About a sensor line is the battery 1 to a battery management system 5 connected to the battery 1 supervised. For example, the battery management system 5 the current SOC as well as the current state of the status window 2 know. In addition, a thermometer 6 as a temperature detection unit on the battery 1 arranged and information technology with the battery management system 5 connected. In addition, a human-machine interface 7 comprising a satellite-based navigation receiver to the battery management system 5 connected. In the human-machine interface 7 is an intended route from point A to point B recognizable. Via a wireless communication link is the battery management system 5 with a server 4 connected as a stationary information processing unit. With the server 4 can the battery management system 5 determine current information about the planned route AB and thus decide whether the current SOC of the battery 1 would enable an expected achievement of objectives. In addition, in the server 4 stored data with regard to past changes in the information-technically predefined useable status window 2 and possible consequences as well as options through the server 4 to the battery management system 5 be sent. This can be a corresponding optical representation in the man-machine interface 7 cause. For example, the user decides the area of the information-technically predefined usable state window 2 in the direction of higher states of charge SOC to go to the distance AB without stopping, he may be prompted to enter his agreement with a corresponding fee or with the consequence of a reduced remaining life of the battery 1 be confronted. Provided that by means of thermometers 6 determined temperature in these areas suggests increased wear, the additional fee to be raised is higher or lost the remaining life of the battery 1 higher.

4 shows a schematic diagram of the influence of a determined temperature value θ on the shift of the boundaries of the information technology predefined usable state window 2 , Will be a battery (shown on the left) 1 Information technology on a first usable state window 2 predefined, on the basis of a model for a temperature dependence, a change in the temperature value θ can lead to the information-technically predefined usable state window 2 is changed, so that the changed state window 2 ' results. Recognizable is the upper limit 2a ' above and the lower limit 2 B' below the original status window 2 arranged. The upper limit 2a ' is shifted less toward higher SOC at high temperatures than at lower temperatures. At the lower limit 2 B' the wear is not so relevant, however, the electricity supply capacity (and thus the performance) decreases at low temperatures and at low SOCs. The border 2 B' So at lower temperatures you would move less towards a lower SOC to get the performance. Unless the performance restrictions are accepted by the driver in terms of a limp home (limp home) operation. In addition, a processing of the charge / discharge rate (ie, possibly limiting the mileage) or the calendar age (ie possibly lower allowable additional range) is possible.

5 1 is a flowchart illustrating steps of an embodiment of a method according to the invention. In step 100 the user defines a travel project for his electrically driven vehicle. In response, the navigation system determines in step 200 an increased need to mobilize energy resources of the electrochemical energy storage, since the current state of charge a target achievement without interim recharging not possible. To further determine the expected wear of the electrochemical energy storage is in step 300 determines the temperature of the energy storage and the ambient temperature along the intended itinerary. All present to determine the wear of the electrochemical energy storage variables in step 400 sent to a stationary server. This identifies consequences of different scenarios and associated options, which can be found in step 500 be sent from the stationary server to the energy storage and presented to the user for selection. In step 600 the consent of the user is obtained with at least one option or with the associated consequences. After the consent of the user is in step 700 the so far information-technically predefined useable state window of the electrochemical energy storage device is changed in order to prepare the demand-oriented use of the electrochemical energy storage unit according to the invention.

Although the aspects and advantageous embodiments of the invention have been described in detail with reference to the embodiments explained in connection with the accompanying drawings, modifications and combinations of features of the illustrated embodiments are possible for the skilled person, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the scope of protection the appended claims are defined.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 battery

2

 Information-technically predefined useable status window

2 '

 changed information technology predefined useable status window

2a

 upper limit

2a '

 changed upper limit

2 B

 lower limit

2 B'

 changed lower limit

3

 physically usable status window

4

 server

5

 Battery management system

6

 thermometer

7

 Human-machine interface

100-700

 steps

FROM

 predefined route

θ

 temperature value

SOC

 SOC

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 patent literature

• US 2009/0184833 [0004]
• DE 10338003 A1 [0005]
• US 2013/0024306 [0006]
• DE 102005026583 A1 [0007]

Claims (12)

Method for the demand-oriented use of an electrochemical energy store ( 1 ) comprising the steps of: signaling ( 200 ) an increased need to mobilize energy resources of the electrochemical energy store ( 1 ), and / or - determining ( 300 ) of a temperature value (θ), in particular of the electrochemical energy store ( 1 ), and in response - change ( 700 ) an information technology for the electrochemical energy storage ( 1 ) predefined usable status window ( 2 ). The method of claim 1, wherein the signaling ( 200 ) in response to a user input, in particular by means of a human-machine interface ( 3 ) of an electrically driven means of transport takes place. The method of claim 1 or 2 further comprising the step of sending ( 500 ) a message from an electrochemical energy store ( 1 ) to a stationary information processing unit ( 4 ), with which of the stationary information processing unit ( 4 ) Information to evaluate the consequences of changing ( 700 ) to provide. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step in response to the signaling ( 200 ) - Send ( 400 ) one of a stationary information processing unit ( 4 ) generated by means of which the user a consequence of an operation of the electrochemical energy store ( 1 ) in the extended status window ( 2 ' ) is communicated. Method according to one of claims 3 or 4, further comprising the step of catching up ( 600 ) Consent of the user with the consequence, in particular by issuing a request to the user. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step in response to the determining ( 300 ) of the temperature value (θ) - use of a battery life model defined depending on the temperature value (θ) for estimating a suitable target variable for changing ( 700 ) of the status window ( 2 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of - predefining ( 100 ) of an imminent use scenario, in particular of a travel project, by a user of the electrochemical energy store ( 1 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims wherein The change defines the status window as a function of a maximum possible charge / discharge power and / or The change is evaluated in accordance with a subsequently applied charging and / or discharging capacity characteristic and / or - the change is evaluated depending on the calendar age of the battery and / or The maximum possible charging / discharging power is limited depending on the extension of the status window, e.g. to compensate for the resulting life-cycle disadvantages. Mobile unit comprising - an electrochemical energy store ( 1 ), - a battery management system ( 5 ) for monitoring the electrochemical energy store ( 1 ) - an input unit for signaling ( 200 ) an increased need to mobilize energy resources of the electrochemical energy store ( 1 ), and / or - a temperature determination unit ( 6 ) for determining ( 300 ) of a temperature value (θ), in particular of the electrochemical energy store ( 1 ), the battery management system ( 5 ), - an information technology for the electrochemical energy storage ( 1 ) predefined useable state window in response to signaling ( 200 ) and / or determining ( 300 ) to change ( 700 ). Mobile unit according to claim 9, further comprising - a communication unit which is set up to send a message to a stationary information processing unit and / or - one of a stationary information processing unit ( 4 ) generated by which the user a consequence of an operation of the electrochemical energy storage ( 1 ) in the extended status window ( 2 ' ) is communicated to receive. Mobile unit according to one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the information technology for the electrochemical energy storage ( 1 ) predefined status windows ( 2 ) is in any case usable for the user. Mobile unit according to one of claims 9 to 11, which is configured as an electrically drivable means of locomotion, in particular road vehicle, wherein the electrochemical energy store ( 1 ) is a traction battery of the electrically driven means of transport.

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