DE102019008808A1 - Method for operating a vehicle fleet management system with thermal preconditioning of motor vehicles, as well as a vehicle fleet management system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a vehicle fleet management system (10) for at least one electrically operated first motor vehicle (12) and for an electrically operated second motor vehicle (14), in which at least a first state of charge (40) of the first motor vehicle (12) and a second state of charge (42) of the second motor vehicle (14) to an electronic computing device (16) of the fleet management system (10), the first motor vehicle (12) and the second motor vehicle (14) by means of a charging device (22) of the fleet management system (10) ) are loaded, and in which, depending on a usage input from a user (24) of the vehicle fleet management system (10) and depending on the state of charge (40, 42), one of the two motor vehicles (12, 14) for use by means of the electronic computing device (16 ) is selected, the selected motor vehicle (12, 14) by means of electrical energy from the charging device (22) is thermally preconditioned after the selection and before the use. The invention also relates to a vehicle fleet management system (10).

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a vehicle fleet management system for at least one electrically operated first motor vehicle and for an electrically operated second motor vehicle, according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a vehicle fleet management system.

Fleet management systems are already known from the prior art. Furthermore, electrically operated motor vehicles are already known from the prior art. In particular, a large number, in particular at least two, of motor vehicles can thus be accessed by means of the vehicle fleet management system. A possible user can use one of the motor vehicles, for example to reach a destination. The vehicle fleet management system can then be used to select a motor vehicle that can be made available to the user.

It is also known that thermal preconditioning, in particular, of electrically operated motor vehicles, plays a major role. The thermal preconditioning heats up, for example, in winter and cools down the vehicles at a charging station in summer, for example, so that the energy consumption for heating or cooling on the route can be reduced.

The DE 10 2013 221 891 A1 relates to a method and a system for booking a motor vehicle of a motor vehicle fleet used in car sharing or in a rental car. In this case, one or more motor vehicles available at or in the vicinity of the departure location are determined in response to a booking request comprising a departure location and a desired destination. The range that can be achieved with the vehicles is determined in each case and one or more booking offers are calculated depending on the determined range.

The object of the present invention is to create a method and a vehicle fleet management system by means of which the use of electronically operated motor vehicles in a vehicle fleet can be implemented in an improved manner.

This object is achieved by a method and by a vehicle fleet management system according to the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

One aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a fleet management system for at least one electrically operated first motor vehicle and for an electrically operated second motor vehicle, in which at least a first state of charge of a first electrical energy store of the first motor vehicle and a second state of charge of a second electrical energy store of the second motor vehicle to an electronic computing device of the fleet management system, the first motor vehicle and the second motor vehicle being charged by means of a charging device of the fleet management system, and in which, depending on a usage input from a user of the fleet management system and depending on the state of charge of one of the two motor vehicles for use by means of of the electronic computing device is selected.

It is provided that the selected motor vehicle is thermally preconditioned by means of electrical energy from the charging device after the selection and before it is used.

This enables the selected motor vehicle to be thermally preconditioned accordingly, so that the range for the selected motor vehicle can be improved. If, for example, none of the electric motor vehicles is able to cover the distance, electrical energy for heating or cooling the motor vehicle can be saved on the basis of the corresponding thermal preconditioning, so that the range can still be achieved on the basis of the preconditioning. This results in improved operation of the vehicle fleet management system or an improved use of the respective motor vehicles within the vehicle fleet management system.

In other words, the invention solves the problem that the heating or cooling of the motor vehicle plays a major role in electrically operated motor vehicles. Heating or air conditioning, for example, an interior of the electric motor vehicle entails high energy expenditure, which can have a negative effect on the range of the motor vehicle. Provision is now made for the selected motor vehicle of the fleet management system to be preconditioned during the charging process directly at the charging device, which can also be referred to as a charging station, before the electric motor vehicle is used. In other words, it is also provided in particular that the electric motor vehicle is temperature-controlled accordingly and that the motor vehicle can likewise be selected on the basis of a preconditioning state.

According to an advantageous embodiment, a destination is entered by the user as the usage input and depending on the Entered destination, the motor vehicle is selected. For example, a user of the motor vehicle can enter the corresponding destination via an application on a mobile terminal, for example an intelligent telephone, which can also be referred to as a smartphone. This makes it possible for the electronic computing device to be able to determine, for example, a distance to the destination or a route to the destination, and depending on this, the motor vehicle can then in turn be selected according to the state of charge.

It is also advantageous if the selected motor vehicle is heated or cooled as thermal preconditioning as a function of an outside temperature of the surroundings of the motor vehicle. In other words, depending on the outside temperature, either heating of the motor vehicle or cooling, for example air conditioning, of the motor vehicle can be implemented. An electric motor can be heated accordingly, if it is winter, for example, or an interior of the motor vehicle can preferably be preconditioned accordingly for the user. In particular, it can also be provided here that overheating of the interior takes place so that no heating is necessary during the driving time, as a result of which electrical energy can still be saved.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the fleet management system is provided for a third motor vehicle, the third motor vehicle being driven by means of an internal combustion engine, and a tank level of the third motor vehicle being transmitted to the electronic computing device and depending on the usage input, the first state of charge, the second State of charge and the tank level of one of the motor vehicles is selected by means of the electronic computing device. In other words, in addition to the at least two electrically operated motor vehicles, a third motor vehicle is also provided in the vehicle fleet, which, for example, has a diesel engine as an internal combustion engine. If it is then determined, for example, that neither of the two electrically operated motor vehicles has an appropriate range to reach the destination, the third motor vehicle can be used with the internal combustion engine. This makes it possible for the correspondingly suitable motor vehicle to be selected in a highly functional manner and as a function of the corresponding entered destination.

It has also proven to be advantageous if a usage time is entered by the user as the usage input and the motor vehicle is selected as a function of the usage time entered and the thermal preconditioning is carried out. For example, the usage time can be entered via an application in the smartphone. If, for example, the user chooses an immediate departure, the corresponding thermal preconditioning begins immediately after the usage input and after the selection of the motor vehicle. If, for example, a departure time in 30 minutes is selected by the user, the thermal preconditioning can only be carried out five minutes before departure, so that the corresponding energy can also be saved at the charging station or that the charging station can use the energy provided for charging the Energy storage can use. This means that the fleet management system can be operated according to the situation.

It has also proven to be advantageous if a further charging device at a destination of use is taken into account when selecting the motor vehicle. For example, a user can indicate whether there is a charging device for the motor vehicle at the destination. It is also possible that the electronic computing device searches for a further charging device in the vicinity of the destination as a function of the specified destination and takes into account that the motor vehicle can also be charged at the destination. It can also be provided that only the outward journey is taken into account as the route and, if there is a charging option on site, this can be approached autonomously, for example, so that a driver can get off at the destination and, for example, make an appointment while the motor vehicle autonomously makes its way to the charging device embarks. This allows the fleet management system to be operated in a highly flexible manner.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a required electrical energy in order to be able to carry out the use is determined by means of the electronic computing device, and the required electrical energy is compared with the first state of charge and the second state of charge, and both states of charge should have a higher electrical energy than the required electrical energy, that motor vehicle is selected which has the lower state of charge. In other words, the fleet management system decides which of the motor vehicles is to be used. The motor vehicle with the lowest state of charge is selected, but it still reaches the destination and, if necessary, can still make the return trip. The advantage of this strategy is that another user of the fleet management system may be able to cover an even greater distance with the remaining motor vehicle. The motor vehicles are thus used optimally.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, a reversing route of the motor vehicle is taken into account when selecting the motor vehicle. This enables both the outward journey and the return journey to be taken into account when selecting the motor vehicle, so that the user can reliably use the electrically operated motor vehicle.

It has also proven to be advantageous if at least the first motor vehicle and the second motor vehicle are provided as respective omnibuses. In particular, the buses are then preconditioned accordingly. This is due in particular to the fact that the energy expenditure for heating the buses is very high, especially in the case of buses, since the large doors in particular often open and close. A lot of electrical energy is therefore required to achieve a corresponding interior temperature inside the buses. It is therefore advisable, particularly in the case of buses, to carry out appropriate thermal preconditioning, in particular to heat the buses in winter.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a fleet management system for at least two electrically operated motor vehicles with at least one electronic computing device with at least one computer program, the fleet management system being designed to carry out a method according to the preceding aspect. In particular, the method is carried out by means of the vehicle fleet management system.

Advantageous embodiments of the method are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the vehicle fleet management system. For this purpose, the vehicle fleet management system has objective features which enable the method or an advantageous embodiment thereof to be carried out.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention emerge from the following description of a preferred exemplary embodiment and with reference to the drawing. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the single figure can be used not only in the specified combination, but also in other combinations or on their own, without the frame to leave the invention.

The single FIGURE shows a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a vehicle fleet management system.

Identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols in the figure

The single FIGURE shows a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a vehicle fleet management system 10 for at least two electrically powered vehicles 12th , 14th . In particular, the figure shows a first at least partially electrically operated motor vehicle 12th and a second at least partially electrically powered motor vehicle 14th . The fleet management system 10 also has an electronic computing device 16 which in particular has a computer program with means which, when executed on the electronic computing device 16 lead to carrying out a method according to the invention.

In the process of operating the fleet management system 10 for at least the electrically operated first motor vehicle 12th and the electrically powered second motor vehicle 14th becomes at least a first state of charge 40 a first electrical energy store 18th of the first motor vehicle 12th and a second state of charge 42 a second electrical energy store 20th of the second motor vehicle 14th to the electronic computing device 16 of the fleet management system, the first motor vehicle 12th and the second motor vehicle 14th by means of a charging device 22nd of the fleet management system. It is based on a usage input from a user 24 of the fleet management system 16 and depending on the state of charge 40 , 42 one of the two motor vehicles 12th , 14th for use by means of the electronic computing device 16 selected. It is provided that the selected motor vehicle 12th , 14th by means of electrical energy from the charging device 22nd thermally preconditioned after selection and before use.

In particular, the figure shows that the fleet management system 10 for a third motor vehicle 26th is provided, the third motor vehicle 26th an internal combustion engine 28 has, by means of which the third motor vehicle 26th is driven, and being a tank level 30th of the third motor vehicle 26th to the electronic computing device 16 is transmitted and depending on the usage input, the first state of charge 40 , the second state of charge 42 and the tank level 30th one of the motor vehicles 12th , 14th , 26th by means of the electronic computing device 16 is selected.

Furthermore, it can be provided in particular that a destination is used as the usage input 32 by the user 24 is entered and depending on the entered destination 32 the car 12th , 14th is selected. In particular, as Usage input also includes a usage period by the user 24 and, depending on the specified usage time, the vehicle 12th , 14th can be selected and the thermal preconditioning carried out.

Furthermore, it can also be provided, in particular, that as a function of an outside temperature of an environment 34 of motor vehicles 12th , 14th the selected motor vehicle 12th , 14th is heated or cooled as thermal preconditioning.

Furthermore, it can in particular be provided that a further charging device 36 at a destination 32 the use in the selection of the motor vehicle 12th , 14th is taken into account.

Provision can also be made for the electrical energy required to be able to carry out the use by means of the electronic computing device 16 is determined, and the required electrical energy with the first state of charge 40 and the second state of charge 42 is compared, and both states of charge should be 40 , 42 have a higher electrical energy than the required electrical energy, that motor vehicle 12th , 14th is selected which has the lower state of charge 40 , 42 having.

Furthermore, it can be provided that a reversing route of the motor vehicle 12th , 14th when choosing the motor vehicle 12th , 14th is taken into account.

The figure also shows in particular that at least the first motor vehicle 12th and the second motor vehicle 14th are provided as respective omnibuses.

In particular, heating plays an enormous role in electrically operated buses, since heating or air-conditioning the interior entails large amounts of energy that have a negative impact on the range of the motor vehicle 12th , 14th can affect. In buses and coaches, the frequent opening and closing of the relatively large doors, in particular, require large amounts of energy to maintain the interior temperature. It is therefore advantageous to use the motor vehicles 12th , 14th directly at the charging facilities 22nd , which can also be referred to as charging stations, are preconditioned during the charging process. In particular, this can also mean overheating of the interior, so that during operation of the motor vehicle 12th , 14th no additional heating is required.

It is therefore a fleet management system 10 proposed, which can also be referred to as a preconditioning system, for electric or diesel vehicles. The fleet management system 10 knows the state of charge 40 , 42 or the tank level 30th of motor vehicles 12th , 14th . The user 24 Who can be a driver or a fleet manager, for example, is decided on the basis of the charge status 40 , 42 and the potential for preconditioning, which of the motor vehicles 12th , 14th should be used. Preferably, however, the motor vehicle 12th , 14th with the lowest state of charge 40 , 42 , but which is still the destination 32 reached. When the charge level 40 , 42 reaching the destination 32 not possible, but thermal preconditioning can be used as an aid. This saves energy on the route and, if necessary, the motor vehicle can 12th , 14th the destination 32 still achieve. Once a motor vehicle 12th , 14th is selected, the thermal preconditioning is started when it reaches the destination 32 is needed.

In yet other words, it can be provided that the user 24 first selects the option of whether he prefers a diesel or an electric vehicle. This selection can be made, for example, on the charging device 22nd or via an application on a mobile device 38 respectively. In the following it is assumed that for financial or emotional reasons the electrically powered motor vehicles 12th , 14th should be used with preference. The fleet management system 10 , which is integrated in the charging system, recognizes the current state of charge 40 , 42 of the two electrically powered vehicles 12th , 14th and also the tank level 30th of the diesel vehicle. If now the user 24 has to leave unexpectedly, he can do this, for example, via the application in the fleet management system 10 notify. The user mentions in the message 24 the fleet management system 10 also the destination 32 and, if applicable, whether at the destination 32 a charging option is available. It can also be provided that the fleet management system 10 searches for charging options even in the target environment and includes this in the strategy. The fleet management system 10 decides based on the state of charge 40 , 42 which of the motor vehicles 12th , 14th should be used. It becomes the motor vehicle 12th , 14th with the lowest state of charge 40 , 42 selected, but still the destination 32 reached and, if necessary, can also make the return trip. The advantage of this is that another user may be able to use the remaining motor vehicle 12th , 14th to cover an even greater distance. Thus, the motor vehicles 12th , 14th used better. The affected motor vehicle 12th , 14th is then using the fleet management system 10 immediately made ready to go. This starts the thermal preconditioning in the affected motor vehicle 12th , 14th to optimize the range. If none of the electric vehicles 12th , 14th is able to do the Distance to cover, then the tank level 30th of the diesel vehicle is known and it can possibly be used by the user 24 it is recommended to use this.

In the present exemplary embodiment, buses are used in particular, and this can be implemented both in passenger cars and in truck fleets. It can also be provided that the fleet management system only takes into account the outward journey, if at the destination 32 there is a charging option. The motor vehicle can then use autonomous driving 12th , 14th at the destination 32 drive autonomously to the charging point while the user 24 completed his appointment at the location.

Overall, the invention shows a preconditioning strategy for several motor vehicles 12th , 14th .

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was 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.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102013221891 A1 [0004]

Claims (10)

Method for operating a fleet management system (10) for at least one electrically operated first motor vehicle (12) and for an electrically operated second motor vehicle (14), in which at least a first state of charge (40) of a first electrical energy store (18) of the first motor vehicle (12 ) and a second state of charge (42) of a second electrical energy store (20) of the second motor vehicle (14) are transmitted to an electronic computing device (16) of the fleet management system (10), the first motor vehicle (12) and the second motor vehicle (14) can be charged by means of a charging device (22) of the fleet management system (10), and in which one of the two motor vehicles (12, 12, 14) is selected for use by means of the electronic computing device (16), characterized in that s the selected motor vehicle (12, 14) is thermally preconditioned by means of electrical energy from the charging device (22) after the selection and before use. Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized in that a destination (32) is entered by the user (24) as the usage input and the motor vehicle (12, 14) is selected as a function of the entered destination (32). Procedure according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the selected motor vehicle (12, 14) is heated or cooled as thermal preconditioning as a function of an outside temperature of an environment (34) of the motor vehicles (12, 14). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle fleet management system (10) is provided for a third motor vehicle (26), the third motor vehicle (26) being driven by means of an internal combustion engine (28), and wherein a tank level (30) of the third motor vehicle (26) is transmitted to the electronic computing device (16), and depending on the usage input, the first state of charge (40), the second state of charge (42) and the tank level (30) of one of the motor vehicles (12, 14) by means of the electronic computing device (16) is selected. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a usage time is entered by the user (24) as usage input and, depending on the usage time entered, the motor vehicle (12, 14) is selected and the thermal preconditioning is carried out. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a further charging device (36) at a destination (32) of use is taken into account when selecting the motor vehicle (12, 14). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a required electrical energy in order to be able to carry out the use is determined by means of the electronic computing device (16), and the required electrical energy with the first state of charge (40) and the second state of charge ( 42) is compared, and if both states of charge (40, 42) have a higher electrical energy than the required electrical energy, that motor vehicle (12, 14) is selected which has the lower state of charge (40, 42). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a reversing distance of the motor vehicle (12, 14) is taken into account when selecting the motor vehicle (12, 14). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the first motor vehicle (12) and the second motor vehicle (14) are provided as respective omnibuses. Vehicle fleet management system (10) for at least two electrically operated motor vehicles (12, 14) with at least one electronic computing device (16) with at least one computer program, the vehicle fleet management system (10) for performing a method according to one of the Claims 1 to 9 is trained.

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