DE102020200117A1 - Device with a control device and method for controlling an energy supply of the device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (100) having: - at least one energy source (3) for providing electrical energy, - at least two consumers (1, 2) of electrical energy and - an electronic control device (4) for controlling a supply of the at least two consumers (1, 2) with electrical energy from the at least one energy source (3), the electronic control device (4) being set up to supply the at least two consumers (1, 2) with electrical energy based on a hardware, firmware and / or software control, depending on a measured and / or determined from existing technical parameters of the at least one energy source (3), in particular calculated, state of the at least one energy source (3), whereby the hardware, firmware and / or software control is set up for an external intervention for a follow-up control.

Description

The invention relates to a control device and a method for controlling an energy supply of a device. The invention also relates to a device with such a control device.

The present invention is used in particular in connection with such devices which themselves have an energy source for providing electrical energy and at least two consumers of electrical energy. The question arises as to how the at least two consumers are supplied with electrical energy from the at least one energy source.

In the simplest case known from the prior art, the supply of the at least two consumers with electrical energy follows Ohm's law and possibly other fundamental laws of physics, i.e. there is essentially no control of the energy supply of the at least two consumers. The inventors have recognized that such a system for supplying energy is inadequate for many applications, in particular when the energy requirement of the at least two consumers cannot (no longer) or cannot (no longer) completely be covered by the energy source. Such a situation exists, for example, if the power that can be delivered by the energy source is less than the sum of the nominal power of the consumers, or if the energy source only has a certain (residual) amount of energy, especially if this (residual) amount of energy is a certain percentage falls below the maximum energy capacity of the energy source. The inventors have also recognized that with such a device the energy supply to the consumers breaks down in an uncontrolled manner and, under certain circumstances, unpredictably.

Devices with at least one energy source, at least two consumers and one control device are also known from the prior art, in which the control device controls a supply of the at least two consumers with electrical energy from the at least one energy source.

Against this background, it is an object of the invention to provide an alternative control device, an alternative device with such a control device or an alternative control method, in particular an improved control device, an improved device with such a control device or an improved control method.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a control device, a device with a control device and by a method having the features according to the respective independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

• - wenigstens eine Energiequelle zum Bereitstellen von elektrischer Energie,
• - wenigstens zwei Verbraucher von elektrischer Energie und
• - eine elektronische Steuervorrichtung zum Steuern einer Versorgung der wenigstens zwei Verbraucher mit elektrischer Energie von der wenigstens einen Energiequelle,

wobei die elektronische Steuervorrichtung dazu eingerichtet ist, die Versorgung der wenigstens zwei Verbraucher mit elektrischer Energie basierend auf einer hardware-, firmware- und/oder softwaretechnischen Regelung, in Abhängigkeit eines gemessenen und/oder aus vorliegenden technischen Parametern der wenigstens einen Energiequelle ermittelten, insbesondere errechneten, Zustands der wenigstens einen Energiequelle, zu regeln,
wobei die hardware-, firmware- und/oder softwaretechnische Regelung für einen externen Eingriff für eine Folgeregelung eingerichtet ist.A device according to the invention has:

• - at least one energy source for providing electrical energy,
• - At least two consumers of electrical energy and
• - An electronic control device for controlling a supply of the at least two consumers with electrical energy from the at least one energy source,

wherein the electronic control device is set up to supply the at least two consumers with electrical energy based on a hardware, firmware and / or software control, depending on a measured and / or determined from existing technical parameters of the at least one energy source, in particular calculated To regulate the state of the at least one energy source,
wherein the hardware, firmware and / or software control is set up for an external intervention for a follow-up control.

The term “state” can in particular be understood to mean whether or to what extent the at least one energy source can supply the at least two consumers with electrical energy. In this context, it can also be taken into account how long or up to what point in time is to be expected that the at least one energy source can supply the at least two consumers with (sufficient) electrical energy.

A measured technical parameter can be determined by direct measurement, for example the output voltage of a battery (if the energy source has or is, for example, a battery). The term “measured technical parameters” preferably also includes parameters that are indirectly determined, but nonetheless based on a measurement. For example, a remaining amount of energy in a battery can be determined by measuring the output voltage (and possibly in combination with other measured or existing parameters).

The measurement of a parameter does not necessarily have to take place on or in the device itself. Such a measurement can namely also be carried out by an external device which interacts with the device according to the invention. If the device is a vehicle, for example, the position of the vehicle and thus possibly a distance covered by the vehicle can be detected by an external device, for example by a satellite-supported positioning system or by sensors in the vicinity of the vehicle.

An existing technical parameter can be understood to mean, in particular, parameters that result from a data sheet of the energy source or that are otherwise already known. This can include, for example, the maximum energy content of a battery, the maximum output voltage of a battery or solar cell or the maximum filling quantity of a tank of a fuel cell, etc.

In the present case, a hardware, firmware and / or software control is preferably understood to be a control that is or is defined by or with the assistance of hardware, firmware and / or software.

In the present case, an external intervention is preferably understood to mean that the intervention is not carried out, caused or triggered by the device itself.

A follow-up control is preferably understood to mean that it is at least partially or completely defined how the supply of the at least two consumers with electrical energy is to be controlled. The subsequent regulation then has priority over the regulation. However, it is possible that aspects of the regulation remain under the follow-up regulation. For example, the follow-up regulation can provide that parts of the regulation are overridden, but otherwise (continue to) proceed according to the regulation.

According to one embodiment, the intervention comprises the transmission of an instruction, the device having means for receiving the instruction from a further device or a user so that the follow-up regulation is proceeded, in particular executed.

The means for receiving the instruction can for example have a wired or wireless interface via which the instruction can be transmitted to the device. The interface can be designed so that a user can communicate directly with the device (in particular can transmit an instruction to it), for example in the form of an input keyboard or even just a single switch, sensor or the like. However, the interface can also be designed in such a way that a user can only communicate with the device indirectly, that is to say with the aid of a further device. Such a further device can be, for example, a remote control, a smartphone or some other input device.

However, the transmission of an instruction does not necessarily have to come from a user or be explicitly initiated, but can be carried out by a further device without the participation of a user, for example if the further device detects that one or more criteria are met.

After execution, the instruction can specify the follow-up control. In particular, the instruction can contain in detail the steps or the like to be carried out according to the subsequent regulation. In this case, the device can proceed according to the follow-up regulation, even if the follow-up regulation of the device was not known or not fully known until the instruction was received. Alternatively, the follow-up regulation can have been stored beforehand, in particular in the device or in such a way that the device has access to the follow-up regulation, and the device is set up to be prompted by the instruction to proceed according to the follow-up regulation. In this case, the instruction does not have to specify the follow-up regulation (with individual steps, etc.) in detail because the follow-up regulation was known to the device before the instruction was received or the device had access to the follow-up regulation. This alternative has the particular advantage that the instruction can be very brief.

According to one embodiment, at least one technical parameter of the at least one energy source is a remaining amount of energy, in particular a usable amount of energy, an emergency reserve, a capacity, a state of charge, an age and / or an aging state of the at least one energy source.

In this way, the device can be operated, for example, in such a way that, at a stage in which it can be foreseen that the energy source can only (completely) supply the at least two consumers with energy for a comparatively short time, only those of the at least two consumers with electrical energy Energy are supplied that carry out important or essential functions, while other loads that do not carry out any important or essential functions are not (no longer) or not (no longer) fully supplied with electrical energy.

According to one embodiment, the electronic control device is set up to also take into account at least one measured and / or present technical parameter of at least one of the at least two consumers, preferably several or all consumers, when regulating the supply of the at least two consumers with electrical energy.

In this way, for example, a first consumer, which in comparison to a second consumer loads the energy source less, can be preferably supplied with electrical energy compared to the second consumer. In the present case, the term “comparatively less load” can in particular be understood to mean that the consumer in question is or can be operated with a lower voltage and / or current strength compared to another consumer and / or that the consumer in question is operated in comparison to a other consumer has a lower power consumption. Furthermore, in the present case, the term “preferably operate” is or can be understood to mean that the consumer in question is operated with the voltage and / or current intensity and / or power that it “wants”, while another consumer is operated with a lower voltage and / or amperage and / or power as “desired” by him. In addition or as an alternative, this term can also be understood to mean that the consumer in question is operated for a longer period of time than another consumer. This can mean, for example, that the consumer in question is only switched off later than another consumer and / or that the consumer in question is operated continuously, while another consumer is operated intermittently. In this way it can be achieved, for example, that at least some functions of the totality of the consumers are retained for as long as possible.

• - eine Batterie
• - ein Photovoltaik-Modul
• - eine Brennstoffzelle
• - ein durch Verbrennung angetriebener Generator
• - ein durch Wind- oder Wasserkraft angetriebener Generator
• - ein durch Solarenergie angetriebener Generator.

According to one embodiment, the at least one energy source has at least two units, which are set up in particular to provide different voltages, and / or wherein the at least one energy source has at least one of the following:

• - a battery
• - a photovoltaic module
• - a fuel cell
• - a generator powered by combustion
• - a generator powered by wind or water power
• - a solar powered generator.

1. 1. Eine erste Einheit kann für den „Normalbetrieb“ der Vorrichtung vorgesehen sein, während eine zweite Einheit als Reserve dient, beispielsweise wenn bei der ersten Einheit eine Fehlfunktion auftritt oder diese die Versorgung der Verbraucher nicht mehr (vollständig) sicherstellen kann.
2. 2. Ein erster Verbraucher kann durch eine erste Einheit mit elektrischer Energie versorgt werden und ein zweiter Verbraucher durch eine zweite Einheit.
3. 3. Insbesondere wenn die wenigstens zwei Einheiten verschiedene Spannungen bereitstellen, kann die Steuervorrichtung durch geeignetes Steuern bzw. Schalten sicherstellen, dass die Verbraucher mit einer für sie geeigneten (unterschiedlichen) Spannung versorgt werden.
4. 4. Durch die Steuervorrichtung können die wenigstens zwei Einheiten in Serie geschaltet werden, wobei wiederum durch die Steuervorrichtung die durch die Serienschaltung erhöhte Spannung wenigstens einem Verbraucher zugeführt werden kann. Dabei kann die Steuervorrichtung sicherstellen, dass einem anderen Verbraucher beispielsweise die Spannung von nur einer Einheit zugeführt wird. insbesondere wenn die wenigstens zwei Einheiten verschiedene Spannungen bereitstellen können, kann die Flexibilität weiter erhöht werden.
5. 5. Wenn die Energiequelle mehr als zwei Einheiten aufweist, kann die Flexibilität analog zu den vorangehenden Beispielen noch weiter erhöht werden.

Because the at least one energy source has at least two units, the flexibility of the device can be increased. This flexibility can manifest itself in a number of ways. Some examples are listed here:

1. 1. A first unit can be provided for “normal operation” of the device, while a second unit serves as a reserve, for example if a malfunction occurs in the first unit or if it can no longer (completely) ensure the supply of the consumer.
2. 2. A first consumer can be supplied with electrical energy by a first unit and a second consumer by a second unit.
3. 3. In particular if the at least two units provide different voltages, the control device can ensure by suitable control or switching that the loads are supplied with a (different) voltage that is suitable for them.
4. 4. The at least two units can be connected in series by the control device, the voltage increased by the series connection in turn at least by the control device can be fed to a consumer. In this case, the control device can ensure that, for example, the voltage from only one unit is fed to another consumer. in particular if the at least two units can provide different voltages, the flexibility can be increased further.
5. 5. If the energy source has more than two units, the flexibility can be increased even further, analogously to the preceding examples.

The invention is used in particular with the above-mentioned types of energy source (battery, photovoltaic module, fuel cell or the above-mentioned types of generators) because the voltage, amperage, power, amount of energy and / or amount of charge are generally limited here.

According to one embodiment, the device has no permanent, in particular no, electrical connection to a public power supply network and / or represents a self-sufficient system, in particular a mobile system, in particular a portable system, and / or the maximum possible electrical power of the device is at most 1MW , especially less than 500kW, less than 200kW, less than 100kW, less than 50kW, less than 20kW, less than 10kW, less than 5kW, less than 2kW, less than 1kW, less than 500W, less than 200W, less than 100W, less than 50W, less than 20W, less than 10W, less than 5W, less than 2W or less than 1W, and / or the maximum achievable electrical power of the device is at least 1W, in particular at least 2W, in particular at least 5W, in particular at least 10W, in particular at least 20W, in particular at least 50W, in particular at least 100W, in particular at least 200W, in particular at least 500W, in particular at least 1kW, in particular at least 2kW, in particular at least 5kW, in particular at least 10kW, in particular at least 20kW, in particular at least 50kW, in particular at least 100kW, in particular at least 200kW, in particular at least 500kW, in particular at least 1MW.

A device without a permanent electrical connection to a public power supply network can be, for example, a rechargeable battery or fuel cell that can be connected to a public power supply network for recharging. Under certain circumstances, however, it can also be an energy source that in principle has a permanent electrical connection to a public power supply network, but that this connection is interrupted by a switch or the like and / or with a wired connection to a public power supply network , but this or this is not permanently under tension.

A device without an electrical connection to a public power supply network can, for example, be a vehicle, in particular an aircraft, in particular a drone, or be part of such, and can, for example, obtain the required energy from a photovoltaic module, in particular without ever using a public power grid to be connected. The device can also represent an autarkic system, in particular a mobile system, in particular a portable system. The boundaries to the examples mentioned above are fluid. An example of a self-sufficient system is therefore not only a vehicle, but also, for example, a stationary device, such as a local power supply network that is not connected to a public power supply network, for example a small island or a small (in particular remote) settlement, research station, etc.

A mobile system not only includes a vehicle (for transporting people or goods), but also drones that, for example, only carry a camera but are not primarily intended to transport the camera from a first location to a second location. A mobile system also includes any other devices that are not essentially rigidly attached relative to their surroundings. This also includes portable systems, such as a laptop computer, a tablet device or a smartphone, or generally a device that can be carried by a person.

With regard to the performance data listed above, the present invention preferably does not relate to large or very large systems such as a power plant, but rather to medium-sized, small or very small devices.

According to one embodiment, the control device is set up to be supplied with electrical energy from the at least one energy source.

According to this embodiment, it is therefore not necessary to provide a further energy source that supplies the control device.

According to one embodiment, the device has means for determining a voltage and / or a current at at least one point, in particular at two or more points, of the device, the device in particular having means for communicating determined voltages and / or currents to the control device , in particular to a microcontroller of the control device, in particular via a UART interface or a CAN bus.

By means of the means for determining a voltage and / or a current, the device can be monitored in a suitable manner or can monitor itself. In this way, in particular, conclusions can be drawn about technical parameters of the energy source and / or the consumer or their state. Likewise, anomalies or malfunctions of the device can possibly be recognized in this way.

The points at which a voltage and / or a current can be determined can be, for example, points on or in the electrical lines to the at least two consumers, in particular at a suitable point for each of the at least two consumers, so that a voltage and / or current measurement and / or the monitoring of a state for each of the at least two consumers can in particular take place separately.

The means for determining a voltage and / or a current can furthermore be designed such that they can themselves carry out a specific measure in response to a voltage and / or current measurement, for example the interruption of an electrical connection by a switch or the like. Additionally or alternatively, however, as mentioned above, the device can also have means for communicating determined voltages and / or currents to the control device. In this way, the determined voltages and / or currents can be processed by the control device and, if necessary, stored, and the control device can initiate suitable measures on the voltage or current information, for example the interruption of an electrical connection, for example to one or more of the loads, or can de-energize certain areas of the device.

According to one embodiment, the at least one energy source has at least one battery and the control is set up to protect the at least one battery from deep discharge and / or to protect the at least two consumers from overvoltages when the battery is being charged.

In this way, the service life of the battery and / or the consumer or the device as a whole can possibly be extended. Likewise, in this embodiment it can also be ensured that important or essential functions of the device are maintained for as long as possible, for example by switching off one or more of the loads, while avoiding or at least reducing the risk of deep discharge of the battery.

• - ein Bestromen der wenigstens zwei Verbraucher so vorzunehmen, dass die maximale Stärke des insgesamt benötigten Stroms reduziert wird, und/oder
• - ein Bestromen der wenigstens zwei Verbraucher zeitversetzt vorzunehmen, und/oder
• - einen Anstieg eines Stroms zum Bestromen wenigstens eines der wenigstens zwei Verbraucher zu verlangsamen.

After execution, the control is set up,

• - to energize the at least two consumers in such a way that the maximum strength of the total current required is reduced, and / or
• - to energize the at least two consumers with a time delay, and / or
• - to slow down an increase in a current for energizing at least one of the at least two consumers.

Such a regulation can be implemented, for example, by suitable switches or other electronic components. By means of such a control, the device can in turn be operated as gently as possible and its service life can be extended if necessary.

According to one embodiment, the device has a switching means for applying voltage to the at least two consumers and / or for energizing the at least two consumers, in particular wherein the switching means has at least one solid-state relay and / or at least one reed contact.

By means of the switching means, in particular the control device can determine which consumer is supplied with energy and when. Low-loss switching means, for example those mentioned above, are suitable for this purpose.

According to one embodiment, the device has at least one sensor, in particular at least one water sensor, the at least one sensor being set up to detect a potentially harmful event for the device, in particular a short circuit or the presence of water, and in particular wherein the control device is set up, in response to the detection of a potentially harmful event, to change, in particular to reduce, in particular to interrupt the supply of electrical energy to the at least two consumers or at least a sub-area of the device.

In this way, the device can be operated as safely as possible, in particular an operation that protects the device and / or a user or generally the environment / environment of the device from harmful events.

• - wenigstens eine Energiequelle zum Bereitstellen von elektrischer Energie,
• - wenigstens zwei Verbraucher von elektrischer Energie und
• - eine elektronische Steuervorrichtung zum Steuern einer Versorgung der wenigstens zwei Verbraucher mit elektrischer Energie von der wenigstens einen Energiequelle,

wobei die elektronische Steuervorrichtung dazu eingerichtet ist, die Versorgung der wenigstens zwei Verbraucher mit elektrischer Energie basierend auf einer hardware-, firmware- und/oder softwaretechnischen Regelung, in Abhängigkeit eines gemessenen und/oder aus vorliegenden technischen Parametern der wenigstens einen Energiequelle ermittelten, insbesondere errechneten, Zustands der wenigstens einen Energiequelle, zu regeln,
wobei die Vorrichtung dazu eingerichtet ist, den gemessenen und/oder ermittelten, insbesondere errechneten, Zustand der wenigstens einen Energiequelle mittels einer UART-Schnittstelle oder über einen CAN-Bus zu erfassen.A second aspect of the invention relates to a device comprising:

• - at least one energy source for providing electrical energy,
• - At least two consumers of electrical energy and
• - An electronic control device for controlling a supply of the at least two consumers with electrical energy from the at least one energy source,

wherein the electronic control device is set up to supply the at least two consumers with electrical energy based on a hardware, firmware and / or software control, depending on a measured and / or determined from existing technical parameters of the at least one energy source, in particular calculated To regulate the state of the at least one energy source,
wherein the device is set up to record the measured and / or ascertained, in particular calculated, state of the at least one energy source by means of a UART interface or via a CAN bus.

By using a UART interface or a CAN bus, the state of the at least one energy source can be recorded or monitored in a particularly advantageous manner. The acquired information can then be used by the control device.

A third aspect of the invention relates to a control device for use in one of the devices described above.

A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a method for controlling a device, the device having at least one energy source for providing electrical energy and at least two consumers of electrical energy, the method electronically controlling a supply of the at least two consumers with electrical energy from the has at least one energy source, the method supplying the at least two consumers with electrical energy based on a hardware, firmware and / or software control, depending on a measured and / or determined from existing technical parameters of the at least one energy source, in particular calculated , State of the at least one energy source, performs,
wherein the hardware, firmware and / or software control is set up for an external intervention for a follow-up control.

The explanations presented in relation to a device according to the invention and their advantages also apply accordingly to a control device according to the invention and a method according to the invention, and vice versa.

Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. All of 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 figures can be used not only in the respectively specified combination, but also in other combinations or on their own.

• 1 zeigt, zumindest teilweise schematisch, ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;
• 2 zeigt, zumindest teilweise schematisch, ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung; und
• 3 zeigt ein Ablaufdiagramm eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.

The invention will now be explained in more detail using at least one exemplary embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

• 1 shows, at least partially schematically, an embodiment of a device according to the invention;
• 2 shows, at least partially schematically, a further embodiment of a device according to the invention; and
• 3 shows a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the invention.

1 shows, at least partially schematically, an embodiment of a device according to the invention. It shows 1 in particular components of the device and electrical connections between them.

The device 100 assigns a first consumer 1 of electrical energy and a second consumer 2 of electrical energy. In addition, the device 100 a source of energy 3 for providing electrical energy and an electronic control device 4th for controlling a supply of consumers 1 and 2 with electrical energy from the energy source 3 on.

In the example shown, the energy source 3 two electrical connections 31 and 32 on. If the energy source 3 is a battery, this can be, for example, the (plus and minus) poles of the battery. As a variant of this, the energy source 3 also have further electrical connections. It can also be the energy source 3 if necessary, provide an alternating voltage.

The basic structure of the in 1 The circuit shown provides that the consumer 1 and 2 as well as the control device 4th are connected in parallel to each other and are supplied by electrical lines (shown as solid, straight lines) so that the voltage between the connections 31 and 32 the energy source 3 applies, also (essentially) to the consumers 1 and 2 and the control device 4th is present. The consumers 1 and 2 and the control device 4th are thus from the energy source 3 supplied with electrical energy.

In the example shown, there is in or on each feed line to the consumers 1 or. 2 a switching means 11 or. 21 (hereinafter also referred to as “switch” for short) and an ammeter 13th or. 23 arranged. These are each in series with the consumers 1 or. 2 arranged so that the switch 11 or. 21 the flow of electricity to the consumers 1 or. 2 can interrupt and the ammeters 13th or. 23 the amperage in the lines to the consumers 1 or. 2 can measure.

The switches 11 or. 21 are through further electrical lines 12th and 22nd with the control device 4th connected so that the control device 4th the switches 11 or. 21 can operate to supply the consumer 1 or. 2 to control with electrical energy. To this end, the control device 4th a microcontroller 40 have, according to a scheme, the switch 11 and 21 can operate. The regulation can essentially be implemented by hardware and / or as firmware or software regulation, for example in a data memory 41 be stored on the microcontroller 40 Has access. Internal connections of the control device 4th are not shown for the sake of clarity.

The regulation can be permanent or changeable. An interface, for example, can be used to change the regulation 42 serve, for example a keyboard in or on the control device 4th , or a wireless or wired interface via which a user can change the control, if necessary with the aid of a further device (e.g. computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone).

The electricity meters 13th and 23 are through further electrical lines 14th or. 24 with the control device 4th connected. Through this the measuring devices 13th and 23 Measured values to the control device 4th to transfer.

Furthermore, the in 1 The device shown is a tension meter 45 on that the tension between the poles 31 and 32 the energy source can determine. Also from the measuring device 45 The voltage determined can be made via a further electrical connection 46 to the control device 4th be transmitted.

The measuring devices 13th , 23 and 45 can serve or contribute to information about the state of consumers 1 or. 2 or the energy source 3 to obtain. The control device 4th can then be based on the regulation and as a function of a state of the energy source 3 and possibly also the consumer 1 and 2 which state can result from the transmitted measured values, the supply of the consumers 1 and 2 with electrical energy from the energy source 3 Taxes.

The device 100 or the control is set up for an external intervention so that the device 100 , in particular the control device 4th , the supply of at least two consumers 1 and 2 can control with electrical energy according to a sequence control. The interface 42 (or possibly another, not shown interface) are used. Via the interface 42 can send an instruction to the device 100 , in particular the control device 4th , be transmitted. The follow-up regulation can be specified in this instruction, ie the instruction can explicitly contain all the details of the follow-up regulation that are provided by the device 100 are required to proceed according to the follow-up regulation. In particular, it can be specified in the instruction which consumer is supplied with energy when and / or how. The voltage, amperage or power can be specified. Additionally or alternatively, the instruction can contain criteria on the basis of which the control device 4th can manage the energy supply of one or more consumers.

Alternatively, the follow-up control can be carried out in advance, at least partially, in the device 100 , especially in the control device 4th , especially in the data store 41 or in an additional data store 43 , be filed. Also the previous storage in an external data memory (not shown) to which the control device 4th Has access is conceivable.

In this case, the instruction does not have to contain all the details of the follow-up regulation, but the control device can 4th merely instructing them to proceed according to the (previously stored and thus already known) subsequent regulation.

According to a variant, the device 100 a sensor 50 on that with the control device 4th can communicate, especially connected to it, as in 1 shown. The sensor 50 For example, it can detect events or operating conditions relevant to the device 100 or parts thereof or could be harmful to a user or the environment of the device or the environment. The occurrence of a short circuit in the device is only two of the many examples here 100 or the (unexpected) appearance of water on or in the device 100 called. After receiving a corresponding signal from the sensor 50 can the control device 4th at least part of the device 100 De-energize, for example by turning the switch 11 and or 21 opens to the flow of electricity through the consumer 1 and or 2 to prevent.

Different variants or further developments of the in 1 device shown 100 are possible within the scope of the invention. Some of these are briefly described below.

According to a variant, the device 100 not an assigned switch for each consumer. In the in 1 example shown could only be the switch 11 be present, but not the switch 21 . The consumer 2 would then for so long with energy from the energy source 3 supplied as long as the energy source 3 can maintain the energy supply. The energy supply for the consumer 1 is, however, as described above, via the switch 11 by the control device 4th controlled.

In a further variant, one or more of the measuring devices could 13th and 23 be waived. The control device 4th In such a case, the energy supply of the consumer would be 1 and or 2 accomplish according to the regulation or follow-up regulation without measuring values for the individual current branches of the consumer 1 or. 2 to be delivered.

According to a further variant, the device 100 additionally or alternatively have further / other measuring devices. For this purpose, voltage measuring devices would come into consideration, in particular, which measure the voltage at (or between) suitable points in the circuit and send corresponding measured values to the control device 4th pass on.

In other variants, you could even use the voltmeter 45 be waived. In such a case, the regulation and / or follow-up regulation of the energy supply to the consumer could be based on the technical parameters of the energy source 3 based. For example, a relevant technical parameter could be the energy source 3 already be known from a data sheet or something similar. For example, it can be known in advance how high the total energy content of the energy source is 3 is (for example in the case of a battery or a generator filled with a certain amount of fuel), so that the control device 4th based on this information and, for example, the previous operating time of the device 100 and the power consumption of the consumer can determine, in particular calculate, the state of the energy source.

According to a further variant, the state can be determined or calculated or at least estimated by external means. If the device 100 For example, a vehicle (or part of such a vehicle) can be determined, for example, by a satellite-based positioning system or by sensors in the vicinity of the vehicle, which distance the vehicle has covered. From this, if necessary, the remaining range of the vehicle can be estimated and a corresponding signal can be sent to the device 100 be transmitted. The control device can use the information contained in this signal when controlling the energy supply to the consumer 1 and 2 consider.

2 FIG. 11 shows a further embodiment based on the in FIG 1 embodiment shown builds. In the 2 The circuit shown consists essentially of two halves. The right half is larger and shown in more detail than the left for better clarity. In the 2 straight lines shown, for example between the reference numerals 37 and 63, are again electrically conductive connections. The points shown in black 35 to 37 and 61 to 65 serve only for a clear description and can be conventional electrical connection points at which several, in particular three or more, electrical lines are linked.

The energy source in the example of 2 two units 33 and 34 on. These can be, for example, individual batteries, which together can, however, be viewed as (one) energy source. Between the points 35 and 36 lies that of the first unit 33 provided voltage V1, between the points 36 and 37 that of the second unit 34 voltage provided V2. Between the points 35 and 37 is the sum of the two units 33 and 34 provided voltages, V1 + V2. The same applies to points 61, 62 and 63.

In the 2 The circuit shown in turn has a control device 4th on, which is supplied with energy here by the first unit V1. Alternatively, it could be from the second unit 34 be energized, or to the points 35 and 37 connected so that it is supplied with the sum of the voltages V1 + V2.

2 also shows a consumer 1 between points 64 and 65. Reference numeral 71 represents a switch between points 61 and 64, switch 72 between points 62 and 64, switch 73 between points 62 and 65, and switch 74 between points 63 and 65. These can be like the switches 11 and 21 in 1 by the control device 4th can be controlled, in particular opened and closed. In 2 This control is only indicated for switches 71 and 72 by arrows, but can be carried out in the same way for switches 73 and 74.

• Abkürzungen:
  • Schalterstellung 0 = Schalter offen
  • Schalterstellung 1 = Schalter geschlossen

Stellung der Schalter Potential am Punkt 64 Potential am Punkt 65 Spannung am Verbraucher 1 71 72 73 74 1 0 1 0 0 V V1 V1 0 1 0 1 V1 V1 + V2 V2 1 0 0 1 0 V V1 + V2 V1 + V2 0 0 0 0 floating floating 0 V Accept the points 35 and 61 are at the potential 0, the points 36 and 62 at potential V1 and the points 37 and 63 at potential V1 + V2, results for the potential at points 64 and 65 or for that at the consumer 1 applied voltage at different positions of the switch 71 to 74 the following:

• Abbreviations:
  • Switch position 0 = switch open
  • Switch position 1 = Switch closed

Position of the switch Potential at point 64 Potential at point 65 Voltage at consumer 1 71 72 73 74 1 0 1 0 0 V V1 V1 0 1 0 1 V1 V1 + V2 V2 1 0 0 1 0 V V1 + V2 V1 + V2 0 0 0 0 floating floating 0 V

It should be noted that switches 71 and 72 should not be closed at the same time, otherwise a short circuit will result. Accordingly, switches 73 and 74 should not be closed at the same time.

The in 2 The circuit shown can be used by the consumer 1 thus be supplied with four different voltages, namely 0 V, V1, V2 or V1 + V2. In particular, if the voltages V1 and V2 are different, this results in an advantageous flexibility.

The left half of the in 2 The circuit shown can be designed analogously to the right half, as shown in FIG 2 by dashed lines and the consumer 2 is indicated. The control device (shown in the right half) 4th can control switches (not shown) in the left half of the circuit in a corresponding manner. An additional control device in the left half is not necessary.

The in 2 The circuit shown, it is particularly possible to use the consumer 1 and 2 to be supplied with energy independently of one another, in particular by applying different voltages to the consumers 1 and 2 .

Within the scope of the invention, the circuit can in principle be expanded as required by adding further consumers and / or further energy sources or units of an energy source. In order to utilize the entire flexibility, the required number of electrical connections can be increased significantly when using more than two consumers and in particular more than two energy sources / units of an energy source. With the aid of the present description, however, a suitable design of the circuit is in principle possible for the skilled person.

Measuring devices like those in 1 shown measuring devices 13th , 23 and 45 are in 2 not shown, but can be present at suitable locations or between suitable points.

3 shows a flow chart of a method according to the invention. After the start 90 of the method, the power is supplied to the consumers in a step 91 in accordance with the regulation. In a step 92 it is determined whether an external intervention has occurred. If this is not the case (93), the method returns to step 91, ie the control continues. If, on the other hand, it is determined in step 92 that an external intervention has occurred (94), the method proceeds to step 95. In step 95, the consumers are supplied with energy in accordance with the follow-up control. The method can then end (step 96). As an alternative, the method remains in step 95, that is, the method is in principle unlimited in accordance with the subsequent regulation. In practice, however, a further external intervention will be possible, for example, in order to end the method (step 96) or to reset the device, so that the method returns to step 91, as shown in FIG 3 is represented by a dashed arrow.

In embodiments according to the invention, measured values can be received from the various measuring devices, such as measuring devices, for example via a UART interface or a CAN bus 13th , 23 and 45 or the sensor 50 , to the control device 4th be transmitted.

In embodiments according to the invention, the various switches or switching means, such as the switches 11 , 21 and 71 to 74 , a solid-state relay or a reed contact.

In all exemplary embodiments, the switches can also be replaced by electronic devices that not only have two switching states (closed / open), but that allow a voltage and / or a current (current strength) to be varied, in particular a voltage applied to a consumer to be varied and / or varying a current flowing through a consumer.

Embodiments according to the invention are particularly suitable for devices in which the energy supply is subject to a restriction. Such a restriction can be, for example, a time restriction, i.e. the energy supply cannot be guaranteed at all times or not to the full extent (example: photovoltaic cell at night). Such a restriction can also be expressed in terms of the amount of energy or voltage or current strength or power available (example: battery). By means of embodiments according to the invention, the energy supply to the consumer can be controlled in a targeted manner in view of the possible restrictions, normally by means of the hardware, firmware and / or software control. Embodiments of the invention, however, allow a deviation from this regulation in that this regulation is set up for an external intervention for a follow-up regulation.

Two specific examples of regulation and follow-up regulation are explained below, it being understood that other embodiments according to the invention can differ (significantly) from these.

example 1

The device comprises a drone driven by an electric motor, which is equipped with a camera. Based on the in the 1 or 2 The circuits shown is, for example, the motor of the consumer 1 and the consumer camera 2 . In this example, the regulation specifies that both the motor and the camera are supplied with energy up to a certain discharge state of the on-board energy source (here, for example, a battery). The regulation also stipulates that if the remaining amount of energy in the battery falls below a certain level (which may depend on the distance to a support point where the battery can be recharged), only the motor is operated, but not the camera (or that the camera is only operated intermittently). In this way it can be ensured that the amount of energy remaining in the battery is sufficient so that the drone can return to the base, preferably also while avoiding deep discharge of the battery.

An external intervention (for example by operating personnel, possibly by wireless transmission) can now consist in the fact that the power supply for the camera is not switched off, for example because the camera is to record an important event. Such an event could, for example, be a natural event (e.g. volcanic eruption). The risk of deep discharge of the battery or even the crash of the drone is accepted, for example if the recording of the event by the camera (and the timely transmission of the recordings to a recipient) is seen as more important than conserving battery operation or than the drone itself.

Example 2

In this example the device is, for example, a road vehicle that is electrically powered. In this example, the equipment of this vehicle also includes an interior heater.

According to the regulation, not only the motor is used as a consumer until the battery is discharged to a certain extent 1 , but also the interior heating as a consumer 2 operated if the ambient temperature so requires. It is now assumed that the vehicle has a sufficient amount of energy available to control a certain charging station while avoiding deep discharge, this amount of energy also being sufficient to operate the interior heating on the route to this charging station.

An external intervention can now consist in the vehicle being notified by corresponding external reporting services that the targeted charging station is not functional, for example due to flooding or a fire. The vehicle must now head for another, possibly further away, charging station. The follow-up regulation, according to which the vehicle must now operate, stipulates that the interior heating cannot be operated or cannot be operated to the full extent despite the corresponding outside temperatures, because otherwise the remaining amount of energy in the vehicle's battery cannot be used for the distance to be covered up to the (next remote) charging station is sufficient or because otherwise the battery is likely to be deeply discharged. The details of the follow-up control can be explicitly transmitted to the vehicle as part of the external intervention, or the follow-up control can also have been known to the vehicle in advance and, as part of the external intervention, the vehicle is instructed to switch off the energy supply to the consumers (engine and interior heating). to be carried out according to the follow-up regulation.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been described above, it should be understood that a large number of variations exist therefor. It should also be noted that the exemplary embodiments described represent only non-limiting examples, and it is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the devices and methods described here. Rather, the preceding description will provide the person skilled in the art with instructions for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes in the mode of operation and the arrangement of the elements described in an exemplary embodiment can be made without deviating from the claims in the appended claims the subject matter specified in each case and its legal equivalents are deviated from.

List of reference symbols

1, 2

consumer

3

Energy source

4th

Control device

11, 21

counter

12, 22

Supply lines for controlling the switches

13, 23

Measuring device

14, 24

Test leads from the gauges

31, 32

Electrical connections of the energy source

33, 34

Units of energy source

35, 36, 37

Electrical connection points

40

Microcontroller

41

Data memory (for control)

42

interface

43

Data storage (for succession planning)

45

Measuring device

46

Measurement line

50

sensor

61 to 65

Electrical connection points

71 to 74

counter

90 to 96

Procedural steps

100

contraption

Claims (16)

Device (100), comprising: - At least one energy source (3) for providing electrical energy, - At least two consumers (1, 2) of electrical energy and - An electronic control device (4) for controlling a supply of the at least two consumers (1, 2) with electrical energy from the at least one energy source (3), the electronic control device (4) being set up to supply the at least two consumers ( 1, 2) with electrical energy based on a hardware, firmware and / or software control, depending on a measured and / or calculated state of the at least one energy source (3) determined, in particular calculated, from existing technical parameters of the at least one energy source ( 3) to regulate, wherein the hardware, firmware and / or software control is set up for an external intervention for a follow-up control. Device (100) according to Claim 1 wherein the intervention comprises the transmission of an instruction and wherein the device (100) comprises means (42) for receiving the instruction from a further device or a user so that the follow-up regulation is proceeded, in particular executed. Device (100) according to Claim 2 , wherein the instruction specifies the follow-up regulation, or the follow-up regulation was previously stored, in particular in the device (100) or in such a way that the device (100) has access to the follow-up regulation and the device (100) is set up by the instruction to be made to proceed according to the follow-up regulation. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one technical parameter of the at least one energy source (3) is a remaining amount of energy, in particular a usable amount Amount of energy, an emergency reserve, a capacity, a state of charge, an age and / or an aging state of the at least one energy source (3). Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic control device (4) is set up to regulate the supply of the at least two consumers (1, 2) with electrical energy also at least one measured and / or present technical parameter at least one the at least two consumers (1, 2) to be taken into account. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one energy source (3) has at least two units (33, 34), which are set up in particular to provide different voltages, and / or wherein the at least one energy source (3) has at least one of the following: - a battery - a photovoltaic module - a fuel cell - a generator powered by combustion - a generator powered by wind or water power - a solar powered generator. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (100) has no permanent, in particular no, electrical connection to a public power supply network and / or represents an autarkic system, in particular a mobile system, in particular a portable system, and / or the maximum electrical power that can be produced by the device (100) is at most 1 MW, in particular less than 500kW, less than 200kW, less than 100kW, less than 50kW, less than 20kW, less than 10kW, less than 5kW, less than 2kW, less than 1kW, less than 500W, less than 200W, less than 100W, less than 50W, less than 20W, less than 10W, less than 5W, less than 2W or less than 1 W, and / or where the maximum achievable electrical power of the Device (100) at least 1 W, in particular at least 2W, in particular at least 5W, in particular at least 10W, in particular at least 20W, in particular at least 50W, in particular less At least 100W, in particular at least 200W, in particular at least 500W, in particular at least 1 kW, in particular at least 2kW, in particular at least 5kW, in particular at least 10kW, in particular at least 20kW, in particular at least 50kW, in particular at least 100kW, in particular at least 200kW, in particular at least 500kW, in particular at least 1MW. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (4) is set up to be supplied with electrical energy from the at least one energy source (3). Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (100) has means (13, 23, 45) for determining a voltage and / or a current at at least one point, in particular at two or more points, of the device (100) wherein the device (100) in particular has means (14, 24, 46) for communicating determined voltages and / or currents to the control device (4), in particular to a microcontroller (40) of the control device (4), in particular via a UART interface or a CAN bus. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one energy source (3) has at least one battery and wherein the control is set up to protect the at least one battery from deep discharge and / or to protect the at least two consumers (1, 2) To protect overvoltages when charging the battery. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control is set up - to energize the at least two consumers (1, 2) so that the maximum strength of the total current required is reduced, and / or - to energize the at least two consumers (1, 2) with a time delay, and / or - to slow down an increase in a current for energizing at least one of the at least two consumers (1, 2). Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (100) has a switching means (11, 21) for applying voltage to the at least two consumers (1, 2) and / or for energizing the at least two consumers (1, 2 ), in particular wherein the switching means (11, 21) has at least one solid-state relay and / or at least one reed contact. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (100) has at least one sensor (50), in particular at least one water sensor, wherein the at least one sensor (50) is set up, a potentially harmful event for the device (100) to detect, in particular a short circuit or the presence of water, and in particular where the control device (4) is set up, in response to the detection of a potentially harmful event, to supply the at least two consumers (1, 2) or at least a sub-area of the device ( 100) with electrical energy to change, in particular to reduce, in particular to interrupt. Device (100), comprising: - At least one energy source (3) for providing electrical energy, - At least two consumers (1, 2) of electrical energy and - An electronic control device (4) for controlling a supply of the at least two consumers (1, 2) with electrical energy from the at least one energy source (3), the electronic control device (4) being set up to supply the at least two consumers ( 1, 2) with electrical energy based on a hardware, firmware and / or software control, depending on a measured and / or calculated state of the at least one energy source (3) determined, in particular calculated, from existing technical parameters of the at least one energy source ( 3) to regulate, wherein the device (100) is set up to record the measured and / or determined, in particular calculated, state of the at least one energy source (3) by means of a UART interface or via a CAN bus. Control device (4) for use in a device (100) according to one of the preceding claims. Method for controlling a device (100), the device (100) having at least one energy source (3) for providing electrical energy and at least two consumers (1, 2) of electrical energy, wherein the method comprises an electronic control of a supply of the at least two consumers (1, 2) with electrical energy from the at least one energy source (3), wherein the method supplies the at least two consumers (1, 2) with electrical energy based on a hardware, firmware and / or software control, depending on a measured and / or determined from existing technical parameters of the at least one energy source (3) in particular the calculated state of the at least one energy source (3), wherein the hardware, firmware and / or software control is set up for an external intervention for a follow-up control.

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