DE102017004690A1 - System for optimizing pollutant emissions from hybrid vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for optimizing pollutant emissions from hybrid vehicles (2). The system comprises an internal combustion engine (3), an electric motor (4), a battery (41) for supplying the electric motor (4) with electrical energy, a locating module (5) for determining a current location of the hybrid vehicle (2) and a control unit ( 6). The control unit (6) has a mode control module (62) for determining whether the current location is in a zone that may only be traveled on particularly low-emission vehicles, an identification module (62) for determining whether the current location in a zone, which may be used only with particularly low-emission vehicles, is a state of charge module (63) for determining a current state of charge of the battery, if the current location is in the zone, a range estimation unit (64) for estimating a necessary battery charge, which must have the battery in order for the hybrid vehicle to pass through the zone purely in the first mode, and a comparator (65) for determining whether the current state of charge is greater than or equal to the required battery charge. The mode control module (61) is configured to automatically switch to the first mode if the current state of charge is greater than or equal to the required battery charge. The controller further includes a control module (66) for initiating an appropriate action to optimize pollutant emissions of the hybrid vehicle if the current state of charge is less than the required battery charge.

Description

The invention relates to a system for optimizing pollutant emissions of a hybrid vehicle, wherein the hybrid vehicle is automatically switched to an electric driving mode when it is in a zone that may be traveled only with particularly low-emission vehicles, such as an environmental zone, and the battery of the hybrid vehicle is sufficiently charged.

In order to improve the quality of the air, regulations are increasingly enacted whereby certain zones, especially in inner cities, may only be driven on vehicles with a particularly low level of pollution. At the same time, combustion engines in ordinary vehicles are distinguished from electric motors by the high range that can be achieved.

From the publication EP 2 153 175 B1 For example, a navigation system is known which assists the user of a vehicle in finding a route to a destination, avoiding zones which are not permitted to be traveled by the vehicle.

Object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a cost-effective system for optimizing the pollutant emissions of a hybrid vehicle to allow a user of a hybrid vehicle as possible to drive a zone that may be used only with particularly low-emission vehicles.

According to one embodiment of the invention, this object is achieved by a system for optimizing pollutant emissions of a hybrid vehicle with an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, a battery for feeding the electric motor with electrical energy, which is electrically connected to the electric motor, a locating module for determining a current location the hybrid vehicle; and a controller. The control unit in this case has a mode control module for controlling a vehicle operation in a first mode, during which the internal combustion engine is switched off and the electric motor drives the hybrid vehicle, and a second mode, during which the internal combustion engine is switched on, an identification module for determining whether the current location in a zone , which may be used only with particularly low-emission vehicles, is located, and a state of charge module for determining a current state of charge of the battery, if the current location is in the zone on. The controller further includes a range estimation unit for estimating a necessary battery charge that the battery must have to allow the hybrid vehicle to pass through the zone purely electrically, and a comparator for determining whether the current state of charge is greater than or equal to the required battery charge. The mode control module is designed for automatically switching to the first mode if the current state of charge is greater than or equal to the required battery charge. The controller further includes a control module for initiating appropriate action to optimize pollutant emissions of the hybrid vehicle if the current state of charge is less than the required battery charge.

Usually, a navigation system assists a user in determining a route to his destination, which leads around zones that may be traveled only with particularly low-emission vehicles. For example, if the user's destination is within such a zone, a navigation system will guide the user to a nearest parking space outside the zone. For this purpose, vehicles usually have navigation systems with digital map data. Some vehicles have camera systems in conjunction with sign recognition software, which can detect an imminent entry into a zone that is restricted to low-emission vehicles. For example, an "environmental zone" in Germany may only be used by vehicles that meet certain upper limits for the particulate matter emitted. In turn, a "low emission zone" may only be used against payment of a substantial fee by vehicles that exceed certain upper limits for the particulate matter emitted. In addition, the introduction of a "Zero Emission Zone", which may only be used with completely emission-free vehicles, is being discussed.

A hybrid vehicle may ordinarily be operated in an emission-free first vehicle mode during which the engine is turned off and the electric motor drives the hybrid vehicle. A hybrid vehicle can also be operated in a second mode during which the internal combustion engine is switched on. For example, in operation in the second mode, the hybrid vehicle may be driven by the engine, driven in common by the engine and the electric motor, or driven by the electric motor, wherein the electric motor is powered by the engine by means of a generator with electrical energy. There are also versions of hybrid vehicles in which several variants of the second mode are implemented, among which, for example, the user can choose. If it can be ensured that a hybrid vehicle in a zone which may only be driven on vehicles that are completely emission-free does not emit any pollutants, it is conceivable that the hybrid vehicle may also drive in such a zone. So far, the Users of a hybrid vehicle usually have the ability to manually switch the hybrid vehicle to an electric drive mode. However, the hybrid vehicle should be switched to an electric driving mode only when the state of charge of the battery is sufficiently large. The necessary battery charge can be estimated, for example, based on digital map data. A necessary battery charge may be the battery charge required to allow the hybrid vehicle to leave the zone by the shortest route; the battery charge needed to allow the hybrid vehicle to leave the zone in a current direction of travel, or the battery charge needed to allow the hybrid vehicle to cross the zone completely. When the navigation system has received a destination from the user and issued a route, the required battery charge may also be the battery charge needed for the hybrid vehicle to follow the route until it has left the zone.

The basic idea is to automatically switch the hybrid vehicle to the emission-free first driving mode on the basis of a comparison of the current state of charge of the battery and the estimate of a battery charge required for purely electric driving through the zone, if the current state of charge of the battery is greater than or equal to the estimated necessary battery charge or to initiate a suitable action to optimize the emissions of the hybrid vehicle if the current state of charge is less than the estimated necessary battery charge to optimize the total pollutant emissions of the hybrid vehicle.

Characterized in that the system for optimizing a pollutant emissions of a hybrid vehicle, if the hybrid vehicle is located in a zone which may be traveled only with particularly low-emission vehicles, determines a current state of charge of the battery and estimates a necessary purely electric driving through the zone battery charge , and automatically switches the hybrid vehicle in an emission-free first driving mode, if the current state of charge is greater than the necessary battery charge, the pollutant emissions of the hybrid vehicle within the zone can be cost-effectively optimized.

Initiating a suitable action to optimize the pollutant emissions of the hybrid vehicle means that one or more actions are initiated which allow compliance with restrictions on a zone that may only be traveled on vehicles with particularly low-emission vehicles. For example, an action may reduce a necessary battery charge for driving around the zone without emissions, increase the state of charge of the battery, or alert the user to initiate such an action themselves.

With such a system, it is therefore possible that a user may drive a zone with a hybrid vehicle, which may be used only with particularly low-emission, especially only emission-free, vehicles, without the user the disadvantages of a pure electric vehicle, such as short range or high costs, would have to accept.

In one embodiment, the control module may be configured to output a message to a user of the hybrid vehicle if the current state of charge is less than the required battery charge. By having the system configured to inform the user of insufficient battery charge, the system has the advantage of alerting a user to the situation and taking appropriate action to minimize emissions. For example, a user may refrain from driving through the zone. Alternatively, in response to the message, the user may seek to charge the battery, or reduce the power consumption of the motor vehicle, for example by driving more fuel efficiently or shutting down electrical accessories, increasing the vehicle's electrical range and optimizing emissions.

According to a further embodiment, the control module may be configured to throttle a maximum speed of the electric motor in order to increase an electric range of the hybrid vehicle if the current state of charge is less than the required battery charge. If the estimated battery charge required for purely electrical passage through the zone is greater than the current state of charge of the battery, the zone may still be able to travel purely electrically or largely electrically if the required battery charge can be reduced. The energy required by a vehicle to traverse a certain distance s at a velocity v is proportional to the square of the velocity v ² . If the maximum speed of the electric motor throttled, consequently, the same route can be traversed with a significant reduced battery charge. In addition, or instead, the energy requirement can also be reduced by throttling the power consumed by additional consumers. For example, the system can throttle or turn off an air conditioner, a seat heater, a steering wheel heater, a music system, or an interior light. By having the system designed to reduce the energy requirements of the hybrid vehicle, the system may re-charge the battery after initiating this action and, if the current state of charge is greater than the required battery charge, switch the hybrid vehicle to the emission-free first driving mode.

According to another embodiment, the system may include a navigation system and the control module may be configured to output a route to a nearest battery charging station if the current state of charge is less than the required battery charge. The locations of battery charging stations can be stored in digital map data stored in the navigation system. In addition or instead, the locations of battery charging stations can also be accessed via a network connection, for example via the Internet by means of an LTE connection, in which case information about the occupancy status and maintenance status of the battery charging station can also be transmitted. A battery charging station may be free or chargeable, in either case the battery charging station may be freely usable or may require membership in an organization. User preferences and membership in organizations may be stored in the system or may be requested by the user as needed. The control module may also be configured to output via the navigation system a route to a nearest available battery charging station, or to issue the user with a selection of a plurality of available battery charging stations in the environment. The navigation system may output a route by voice instructions, arrow signals, a map display or a combination thereof via a public address system, a navigation screen, a combo device or a headup display.

According to a further embodiment, the control module may be configured to switch off the vehicle if the current state of charge is less than the required battery charge. Depending on the specific legislation, it may make sense for the system to switch off the hybrid vehicle if it is not possible to operate in the zone purely by electricity. For example, a system designed in this way could impose a condition for the permission of certain hybrid vehicles to drive on zones that can only be driven on emission-free vehicles. The user is encouraged to avoid such a situation by ensuring timely sufficient battery charge. If it comes to switching off the hybrid vehicle in the zone, because the state of charge of the battery is smaller than the necessary battery charge, the user can charge the hybrid vehicle with mobile charging devices, so he can leave the zone purely electrically again. Such mobile charging devices are for example also used in the case that in a pure electric vehicle, the state of charge of the battery is not sufficient to reach a battery charging station. Alternatively, the user can haul the hybrid vehicle by means of another vehicle to a battery charging station in order to charge the battery of the hybrid vehicle so that he can leave the zone purely electrically again. By having the system configured to shut down the hybrid vehicle, if the current state of charge is less than the required battery charge, the hybrid vehicle will appear within the zone as a pure electric vehicle and thus may also be granted the same privileges.

According to another embodiment, the navigation system may be configured to receive a destination from a user of the hybrid vehicle and output a route to the user, and the control module may be configured to output via the navigation system an alternative route in which the zone is avoided, if the current one State of charge is less than the necessary battery charge. If the zone is just on the way to a user's destination, it may make sense to drive around the zone. This avoids the problem that the zone may only be traveled on vehicles with particularly low-emission vehicles. However, it may also make sense to choose an alternative route, which leads through the zone, but only to a smaller extent than the fastest route, if thereby the battery charge necessary for purely electric driving through the zone is smaller than the current state of charge of the battery. Even if the user's destination is in the zone, an alternative route passing through the zone can only be found to a lesser extent than the fastest route. By virtue of the system issuing an alternative route whose portion passing through the zone can be passed purely electrically, the pollutant emissions of the hybrid vehicle can be optimized so that the user can reach a target quickly and at the same time the hybrid vehicle no longer discharges pollutants , as is allowed when driving on the zone.

According to a further embodiment, the control device may further comprise a map module in which digital map data are stored, and the identification module may determine based on the digital map data whether the current location is in a zone that may only be traveled on particularly low-emission vehicles , Usually, vehicles have a map module in which digital map data is stored to facilitate navigation functions. To this end, and in addition, the digital map data typically includes point of interest (POI) information, such as locations of airports, gas stations, or battery charging stations, and boundaries of, for example, cities, countries, or speed zones. Likewise, the Digital map data, the boundaries of zones that may be used only with particularly low-emission vehicles, have. Based on such digital map data and location data determined by a positioning module, for example a satellite positioning module, the identification module can determine whether or not the current location is in a zone which may only be traveled on particularly low-emission vehicles. Digital map data may be updated, for example, by map updates in a shop, online map updates via a wireless network connection, map updates on a disk such as a CD, a DVD, or a USB stick. Thus, it can be ensured that changes in the zones are reflected in the digital map data. The fact that the identification module determines based on the map module, whether the current location is in such a zone, can be particularly reliable and easily determined whether the current location is in such a zone.

According to a further embodiment, the control unit may further comprise a camera module for taking pictures of an environment of the hybrid vehicle, and the identification module may determine based on the images taken by the camera module, whether the current location in a zone, which are traveled only with particularly low-emission vehicles may, lies. Usually such zones are indicated with special signs. Camera systems in vehicles are commonly used for multiple tasks, such as adaptive cruise control, collision assistants, night vision assistants, and sign recognition. The camera module can continuously analyze the environment in front of the vehicle to output recognized signs to the user. In this context, it is possible to obtain information as to when the hybrid vehicle enters or leaves a zone which is only allowed to be driven on particularly low-emission vehicles. By virtue of the fact that the identification module based on the camera module determines whether the current location is in such a zone, it can be determined particularly flexibly and simply by means of components already integrated in ordinary motor vehicles, whether the current location is in such a zone.

Further embodiments may include embodiments in which the identification module determines whether the current location is in such a zone based on vehicle-to-vehicle communication, for example by a system in another vehicle sending a corresponding signal to the identification module, or wherein the identification module based on vehicle-to-X communication determines whether the current location is within such a zone, for example by a digital sign sending a corresponding signal to the identification module. In further embodiments, the identification module operates, for example, on the basis of wireless networks, acoustic signals, on-road signalers, or a combination thereof.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, a hybrid vehicle is also specified which has a system described above.

Due to the fact that the hybrid vehicle has a system for optimizing its emission of pollutants, the hybrid vehicle has the advantage that a user with the hybrid vehicle may possibly drive on a zone which may only be driven on particularly low-emission, in particular emission-free, vehicles without the user would have to accept the disadvantages of a purely electric vehicle, such as low range or high costs.

1. 1. Verfahren zum Optimieren eines Schadstoffausstoßes eines Hybridfahrzeugs mit einer Brennkraftmaschine, einem Elektromotor, einer Batterie zur Speisung des Elektromotors mit elektrischer Energie, und einem Modussteuermodul, das einen Fahrzeugbetrieb in einem ersten Modus, währenddessen die Brennkraftmaschine ausgeschaltet ist und der Elektromotor das Hybridfahrzeug antreibt, und einem zweiten Modus, währenddessen die Brennkraftmaschine angeschaltet ist, steuert, wobei das Verfahren folgende Schritte aufweist:
   • Ermitteln eines aktuellen Standorts des Hybridfahrzeugs;
   • Bestimmen, ob der aktuelle Standort in einer Zone, welche nur mit besonders schadstoffarmen Fahrzeugen befahren werden darf, liegt;
   • Falls der aktuelle Standort in der Zone liegt, Ermitteln eines aktuellen Ladezustands der Batterie;
   • Schätzen einer nötigen Batterieladung, welche die Batterie aufweisen muss, damit das Hybridfahrzeug die Zone rein in dem ersten Modus durchfahren kann;
   • Bestimmen, ob der aktuelle Ladezustand größer oder gleich der nötigen Batterieladung ist; und
   • Falls der aktuelle Ladezustand größer oder gleich der nötigen Batterieladung ist, automatisches Umschalten auf den ersten Modus durch das Modussteuermodul; sowie Falls der aktuelle Ladezustand kleiner als die nötige Batterieladung ist, Einleiten einer geeigneten Aktion um den Schadstoffausstoß des Hybridfahrzeugs zu optimieren.
2. 2. Verfahren nach Ziffer 1, wobei das Einleiten einer geeigneten Aktion das Ausgeben einer Meldung an einen Benutzer des Hybridfahrzeugs umfasst.
3. 3. Verfahren nach Ziffer 1 oder 2, wobei das Einleiten einer geeigneten Aktion das Drosseln einer Maximalgeschwindigkeit des Elektromotors umfasst, um eine elektrische Reichweite des Hybridfahrzeugs zu erhöhen.
4. 4. Verfahren nach einer der Ziffern 1 bis 3, wobei das Einleiten einer geeigneten Aktion das Ausgeben einer Route zu einer nächstgelegenen Batterieladestation umfasst.
5. 5. Verfahren nach einer der Ziffern 1 bis 4, wobei das Einleiten einer geeigneten Aktion ein Abschalten des Fahrzeugs umfasst.
6. 6. Verfahren nach einer der Ziffern 1 bis 5, wobei das Verfahren vor dem Ermitteln des aktuellen Standorts ein Empfangen eines Ziels von einem Benutzer des Hybridfahrzeugs und ein Ausgeben einer Route von dem aktuellen Standort zu dem Ziel an den Benutzer umfasst, und wobei das Einleiten einer geeigneten Aktion ein Ausgeben einer alternativen Route, bei welcher die Zone gemieden wird, umfasst.
7. 7. Verfahren nach einer der Ziffern 1 bis 6, wobei das Bestimmen, ob der aktuelle Standort in einer Zone, welche nur mit besonders schadstoffarmen Fahrzeugen befahren werden darf, liegt, basierend auf digitalen Kartendaten erfolgt.
8. 8. Verfahren nach einer der Ziffern 1 bis 6, wobei das Bestimmen, ob der aktuelle Standort in einer Zone, welche nur mit besonders schadstoffarmen Fahrzeugen befahren werden darf, liegt, basierend auf Kameradaten erfolgt.

A system for optimizing pollutant emissions according to one of the aforementioned embodiments may be operated by one of the following numerically numbered methods for optimizing pollutant emissions of a hybrid vehicle. Back references indicate that the process in question can also be carried out as a subcombination of the aforementioned general process steps.

1. A method for optimizing pollutant emissions of a hybrid vehicle having an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, a battery for supplying electric power to the electric motor, and a mode control module that operates vehicle operation in a first mode while the internal combustion engine is off and the electric motor drives the hybrid vehicle, and a second mode during which the internal combustion engine is switched on, the method comprising the following steps:
   • Determining a current location of the hybrid vehicle;
   • Determining whether the current location is in a zone that may only be used on particularly low-emission vehicles;
   • If the current location is within the zone, determining a current state of charge of the battery;
   • Estimating a necessary battery charge that the battery must have to allow the hybrid vehicle to traverse the zone purely in the first mode;
   • Determining whether the current state of charge is greater than or equal to the required battery charge; and
   • If the current state of charge is greater than or equal to the required battery charge, automatic switching to the first mode by the mode control module; and if the current state of charge is less than the required battery charge, initiating an appropriate action to optimize the emissions of the hybrid vehicle.
2. 2. Procedure according to paragraph 1 wherein initiating an appropriate action comprises issuing a message to a user of the hybrid vehicle.
3. 3. Procedure according to paragraph 1 or 2 wherein initiating an appropriate action includes throttling a maximum speed of the electric motor to increase an electric range of the hybrid vehicle.
4. 4. Method according to one of the numbers 1 to 3 wherein initiating an appropriate action includes issuing a route to a nearest battery charging station.
5. 5. Procedure according to one of the numbers 1 to 4 wherein initiating an appropriate action includes turning off the vehicle.
6. 6. Procedure according to one of the numbers 1 to 5 wherein, prior to determining the current location, the method includes receiving a destination from a user of the hybrid vehicle and outputting a route from the current location to the destination to the user, and wherein initiating an appropriate action includes issuing an alternative route which the zone is avoided comprises.
7. 7. Method according to one of the numbers 1 to 6 wherein determining whether the current location is in a zone that may only be traveled with particularly low-emission vehicles is based on digital map data.
8. 8. Procedure according to one of the numbers 1 to 6 wherein determining whether the current location is in a zone that may be traveled only with particularly low-emission vehicles is based on camera data.

In summary, it can be stated that the present invention provides a cost-effective system for optimizing the pollutant emissions of a hybrid vehicle, and a hybrid vehicle is provided with such a system with which a hybrid vehicle can obtain the permission to drive in a zone which only has particularly low emissions, in particular only with emission-free, vehicles may be driven.
In particular, with the system of a hybrid vehicle pollutant emissions in city centers can be optimized without having to do without the high range and comfort of an internal combustion engine.

• 1 zeigt schematisch ein Blockschaltbild eines Systems zum Optimieren eines Schadstoffausstoßes eines Hybridfahrzeugs gemäß Ausführungsformen der Erfindung;
• 2 zeigt ein Flussdiagramm eines Verfahrens zum Optimieren eines Schadstoffausstoßes eines Hybridfahrzeugs, wie es von einem System gemäß Ausführungsformen der Erfindung ausgeführt werden kann.

The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures.

• 1 12 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a system for optimizing emissions of a hybrid vehicle according to embodiments of the invention;
• 2 FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of a method of optimizing emissions of a hybrid vehicle as may be performed by a system according to embodiments of the invention.

1 shows a schematic block diagram of a system 1 for optimizing pollutant emissions of a hybrid vehicle according to embodiments of the invention.

In particular shows 1 a system 1 for optimizing pollutant emissions of a hybrid vehicle 2 with an internal combustion engine, that is an internal combustion engine 3 an electric motor 4 , and a battery 41 for feeding the electric motor 4 with electrical energy.

Ordinary systems for optimizing pollutant emissions of a hybrid vehicle include a controller configured to use the electric motor simultaneously with the engine to allow the engine to operate at a favorable operating point and to allow the battery to store as much electrical energy as possible from a recuperation system. A zone that may only be driven on vehicles with particularly low-emission or emission-free vehicles may not be used on a standard hybrid vehicle. On the other hand, it is conceivable that the zone may be driven by a hybrid vehicle if it is possible to ensure emission-free operation in the zone.

According to the embodiments of the 1 instructs the system 1 Here is a location module 5 for determining a current location of the hybrid vehicle 2 and a controller 6 on, with the control unit 6 a mode control module 61 for controlling a vehicle operation in a first mode during which the internal combustion engine is turned off and the electric motor 4 the hybrid vehicle 2 drives, and a second mode, while the internal combustion engine 3 is turned on, an identification module 62 for determining whether the current location is in a zone which may only be used on particularly low-emission vehicles, is a charge state module 63 for determining a current state of charge of the battery 41 if the current location is in the zone, a range estimator 64 to estimate a necessary battery charge, which is the battery 41 so that the hybrid vehicle "can pass through the zone purely electrically, and a comparator 65 for determining whether the current state of charge is greater than or equal to the required battery charge. Here is the mode control module 61 configured to automatically switch to the first mode if the current state of charge is greater than or equal to the required battery charge. Next, the controller 6 a control module 66 to initiate a suitable action to optimize the pollutant emissions of the hybrid vehicle if the current state of charge is less than the required battery charge.

By doing that, the mode control module 61 is configured to switch to the first mode, if the current state of charge is greater than or equal to the necessary battery charge, it can be ensured that the hybrid vehicle 2 is driven purely electrically, if that is possible. Because of the control module 66 is designed to initiate a suitable action for optimizing the pollutant emissions of the hybrid vehicle, if the current state of charge is smaller than the required battery charge, then it can be ensured that the hybrid vehicle does not emit too many pollutants, if a switch to purely electrical operation will not be possible should.

Initiating a suitable action to optimize the pollutant emissions of the hybrid vehicle means that one or more actions are initiated which allow compliance with restrictions on a zone that may only be traveled on vehicles with particularly low-emission vehicles. For example, an action may reduce a necessary battery charge for driving around the zone without emissions, increase the state of charge of the battery, or alert the user to initiate such an action themselves.

The control module 66 is configured to output a message to a user of the hybrid vehicle if the current state of charge is less than the required battery charge. A message to a user may include an audible signal, a voice message, a visual message, or a haptic signal. The message may include information about the current state of charge of the battery, the required battery charge for emission-free driving through the zone, the current location of the hybrid vehicle, the limits of the zone, which may be traveled only with particularly low-emission vehicles, and recommended actions.

The control module 66 is further configured to throttle the maximum speed of the electric motor to increase an electric range of the hybrid vehicle, if the current state of charge is smaller than the necessary battery charge. The energy required by a vehicle to traverse a certain distance s at a velocity v is proportional to the square of the velocity v ² . If the maximum speed of the electric motor throttled, consequently, the same route can be traversed with a significant reduced battery charge. In addition or instead, the energy requirement can also be reduced by throttling the power of secondary consumers. For example, the system can throttle or turn off an air conditioner, a seat heater, a steering wheel heater, a music system, or an interior light.

The system 1 according to the embodiments of 1 also has a navigation system 51 on, with the control module 66 is formed via the navigation system 51 to issue a route to a nearest battery charging station if the current state of charge is less than the required battery charge. The locations of battery charging stations can be stored in digital map data stored in a map module 67 are stored. In addition or instead, the locations of battery charging stations can also be accessed via a network connection, for example via the Internet by means of an LTE connection, in which case information about the occupancy status and maintenance status of the battery charging station can also be transmitted. A battery charging station may be free or chargeable, in either case the battery charging station may be freely usable or may require membership in an organization. User preferences and membership in organizations may be stored in the system or may be requested by the user as needed. It can control module 66 be configured to output a route to a nearest available battery charging station, or to issue the user with a selection of several available battery charging stations in the area.

The control module 66 is also also trained, the hybrid vehicle 2 switch off if the current state of charge is less than the necessary battery charge. The shutdown can be immediate, for example when the hybrid vehicle 2 is at a standstill and was first turned on, or with a lead time to allow the user to drive the hybrid vehicle 2 can shut off safely. Instead or in addition, the turning on of the vehicle can be prevented.

As 1 shows is the navigation system 51 also for receiving a destination from a user of the hybrid vehicle 2 and for issuing a route from the current location to the destination to the user. Here is the control module 66 trained via the navigation system 51 to issue an alternative route in which the zone is avoided if the current state of charge is less than the required battery charge. The route may be a quickest route to the destination or a shortest route to the destination. The navigation system 51 can incorporate other route criteria in the calculation of the route, such as traffic reports, energy consumption or the availability of battery charging stations. In particular, the navigation system 51 a presence of zones, which may be traveled only with particularly low-emission vehicles, flow, for example, by the route preferably does not lead through such zones. For example, the alternate route may not pass through the zone at all, or only a short portion of the alternative route may pass through the zone, such that the battery charge necessary for zero-emission driving through the zone is less than the current state of charge of the battery. By doing that, the controller 6 a navigation system 51 and the control module 66 for issuing an alternative route in the event that the current state of charge is less than the required battery charge is formed, the user of the hybrid vehicle 2 reach a destination comfortably, without the hybrid vehicle 2 in the zone emits more pollutants than is allowed when driving on the zone.

Next it can be seen that the control unit 6 a map module 67 in which digital map data is stored. This is the identification module 62 designed based on the digital map data to determine whether the current location in a zone that may be used only with particularly low-emission vehicles is located. In that the identification module 62 Based on the digital map data determines whether the current location is in such a zone, it can be particularly reliable and easily determined whether the current location is in such a zone.

Next it can be seen that the control unit 6 a camera module 68 for taking pictures of an environment of the hybrid vehicle 2 having. This is the identification module 62 formed based on the through the camera module 68 recorded images to determine whether the current location in a zone, which may be used only with particularly low-emission vehicles, is located. In that the identification module 62 based on the images determines whether the current location is in such a zone, can be very flexible and easily determined whether the current location is in such a zone.

2 FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of a method of optimizing emissions of a hybrid vehicle as may be performed by a system according to embodiments of the invention.

As 2 shows, the method has the following steps: first, in one step 71 a current location is determined. In a further step 72 It is determined whether the current location is in a zone that may be used only with particularly low-emission vehicles. This can be determined, for example, from digital map data stored in a map module or from camera data provided by a camera module. If the current location is not in a zone, the procedure returns to step 71 back and the steps 71 and 72 are repeatedly executed. If the current location is in a zone, the procedure goes to step 73 in which a current state of charge of the battery is determined. In a further step 74 a necessary battery charge is estimated, which must have the battery so that the hybrid vehicle can pass through the zone purely electrically. The necessary battery charge may be the battery charge which the battery must have in order for the hybrid vehicle to leave the zone in the shortest possible way purely electrically, or for the hybrid vehicle to be able to pass completely through the zone, or for the hybrid vehicle to be able to traverse the zone along a predetermined route , The required battery charge can be estimated from a consumption history, digital map data, traffic data, temperature data and other data. In a next step 75 determines whether the current state of charge is greater than or equal to the necessary battery charge. If the current state of charge is greater than or equal to the required battery charge, the procedure goes to step 76 in which the hybrid vehicle is automatically switched to a first mode during which the engine is turned off and the electric motor drives the hybrid vehicle. If the current state of charge is less than the necessary battery charge, the method moves in one step 77 in which a suitable action is taken to optimize the pollutant emissions of the hybrid vehicle. After a step 77 the procedure returns to step 71 back.

The step 77 may include outputting a message to a user of the hybrid vehicle, throttling the maximum speed of the electric motor to increase an electric range of the hybrid vehicle, outputting a route to a nearest battery charging station, or turning off the vehicle.

Next shows 2 the steps 78 and 79 , wherein in the step 78 a destination is received by a user of the hybrid vehicle, whereupon in the step 79 a route is issued to the user. This way can step 77 In that an appropriate action is initiated to optimize the emissions of the hybrid vehicle, include that an alternative route, in which the zone is avoided, is output to the user.

Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been shown in the foregoing description, various changes and modifications may be made. The above embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing description provides those skilled in the art with a scheme for practicing at least one example embodiment, which may make numerous changes in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the appended claims and their legal equivalents ,

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

System for optimizing pollutant emissions

2

hybrid vehicle

3

Internal combustion engine

4

electric motor

41

battery

5

locating module

51

navigation system

6

control unit

61

Mode control module

62

identification module

63

SOC module

64

Range estimation unit

65

comparator

66

control module

67

card module

68

camera module

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

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Cited patent literature

• EP 2153175 B1 [0003]

Claims (9)

A system (1) for optimizing pollutant emissions of a hybrid vehicle (2), comprising: an internal combustion engine (3); an electric motor (4); a battery (41) for supplying the electric motor (4) with electrical energy; a locating module (5) for determining a current location of the hybrid vehicle (2); and a control unit (6), the control unit comprising: a mode control module (61) for controlling a vehicle operation in a first mode during which the internal combustion engine is turned off and the electric motor drives the hybrid vehicle, and a second mode during which the internal combustion engine is turned on; an identification module (62) for determining whether the current location is in a zone that may only be traveled on particularly low-emission vehicles; a state of charge module (63) for determining a current state of charge of the battery if the current location is in the zone; a range estimation unit (64) for estimating a necessary battery charge that the battery must have to allow the hybrid vehicle to traverse the zone purely in the first mode; a comparator (65) for determining whether the current state of charge is greater than or equal to the required battery charge; wherein the mode control module (61) is adapted to automatically switch to the first mode if the current state of charge is greater than or equal to the required battery charge; and wherein the controller (6) further comprises a control module (66) for initiating an appropriate action to optimize emissions of the hybrid vehicle if the current state of charge is less than the required battery charge. System after Claim 1 wherein the control module (66) is adapted to issue a message to a user of the hybrid vehicle if the current state of charge is less than the required battery charge. System after Claim 1 or 2 wherein the control module (66) is adapted to throttle the maximum speed of the electric motor to increase an electric range of the hybrid vehicle if the current state of charge is less than the required battery charge. System according to one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein the system further comprises a navigation system (51), and wherein the control module (66) is adapted to output via the navigation system (51) a route to a nearest battery charging station if the current state of charge is less than the necessary battery charge. System according to one of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the control module (66) is configured to switch off the vehicle if the current state of charge is less than the required battery charge. System after Claim 4 or 5 wherein the navigation system (51) is configured to receive a destination from a user of the hybrid vehicle and to output a route from the current location to the destination to the user, and wherein the control module (66) is configured to perform an alternative route via the navigation system (12). 51) in which the zone is avoided if the current state of charge is less than the necessary battery charge. System according to one of Claims 1 to 6 wherein the system further comprises a map module (68) in which digital map data is stored, and wherein the identification module (62) determines based on the digital map data whether the current location is in a zone traveled by only low-emission vehicles may, lies. System according to one of Claims 1 to 6 wherein the system further comprises a camera module (69) for capturing images of an environment of the hybrid vehicle (2), and wherein the identification module (62) determines whether the current location is in a zone based on the images captured by the camera module (68) , which may be used only with particularly low-pollution vehicles, is located. A hybrid vehicle having a system (1) for optimizing pollutant emissions according to any one of Claims 1 to 8th having.

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