DE102021003966A1 - Modular energy supply system for an electrically powered vehicle and energy module for a modular energy supply system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular energy supply system (100) for an electrically driven vehicle (10), comprising at least one receiving unit (14) with at least one energy module (30) for providing electrical energy for an electrical drive system (24) of the vehicle (10), wherein the at least one receiving unit (14) is arranged on the vehicle (10) or on a trailer (12) coupled to the vehicle (10), the energy module (30) having at least one electrical interface for energy transmission and communication with the vehicle (10) and / or another energy module (30) arranged in a receiving unit (14), and wherein the energy module (30) is designed to be ready for connection and exchangeable. The invention further relates to an energy module (30) for a modular energy supply system (100) for an electrical Powered vehicle (10) for providing electrical energy for an electrical drive system (24) of the vehicle (1st floor) 0).

Description

The invention relates to a modular energy supply system for an electrically driven vehicle and an energy module for a modular energy supply system for an electrically driven vehicle for providing electrical energy for an electrical drive system of the vehicle.

The increasing electrification of commercial vehicles poses new challenges for operators. Two main branches are currently emerging. On the one hand, battery-electric (BEV) vehicles and, on the other hand, vehicles with fuel cells for energy supply (FCEV) are being developed. Both concepts have advantages and disadvantages and present the operators with different challenges in everyday operation. Battery electric vehicles are more efficient, but also have a higher weight and longer charging times. Vehicles with fuel cells have a shorter refueling time and thus shorter downtimes or longer operating times, but also a lower efficiency.

There are first applications with battery exchange systems for trucks. However, these are intended for permanent energy supply. A truck drives to a changing station, swaps the batteries on the vehicle there and drives on. The disadvantage of this system is that the truck only has a certain range in the vicinity of these charging stations and this can also fluctuate greatly depending on the weather, load and traffic situation. The operator must also always calculate precisely whether he will come to the next exchange station with the load and the current conditions in his area or whether the load has to be reduced.

the DE 10 2019 110 317 A1 discloses a modular range extender system for an electrically powered motor vehicle, which comprises a plurality of basic fuel cell modules, each having a plurality of fuel cells connected in series and interfaces for supplying hydrogen and air and for discharging water and residual gas. Furthermore, the modular range extender system comprises a media supply device which is designed to supply air and hydrogen via the interfaces to the basic fuel cell modules and to discharge water and residual gas from the basic fuel cell modules via the interfaces. To provide different powers and / or voltages, different numbers of the basic fuel cell modules can be electrically connected to one another in different series and / or parallel connections and can be configured with the media supply device to form respective variants of a range extender.

One object of the invention is to create a modular energy supply system for an electrically driven vehicle which has greater flexibility.

A further object is to create an energy module for a modular energy supply system for an electrically driven vehicle which has greater flexibility.

The aforementioned objects are achieved with the features of the independent claims.

Favorable configurations and advantages of the invention emerge from the further claims, the description and the drawing.

According to one aspect of the invention, a modular energy supply system for an electrically driven vehicle is proposed, comprising at least one receiving unit with at least one energy module for providing electrical energy for an electric drive system of the vehicle, the at least one receiving unit on the vehicle or on one coupled to the vehicle Trailer is arranged. The energy module has at least one electrical interface for energy transmission and communication with the vehicle and / or another energy module arranged in a receiving unit. The energy module is ready for connection and is designed to be exchangeable.

The modular energy supply system advantageously enables a flexible increase in the range of electrically powered vehicles, in particular commercial vehicles such as trucks, by using energy modules in the form of additional batteries, fuel cells, or possibly combustion units, for example on or in a trailer. Electrical energy is provided for the towing vehicle, not for self-propulsion on the trailer.

The aim of the modular energy supply system is to provide every customer / user with the optimal energy module for them. This gives the customer the choice of which type of additional energy he needs and can select it depending on the purpose in the form of a so-called "plug & play" module, install the standardized energy module or uninstall it again.

The limited range of battery electric vehicles or fuel cell vehicles in which the power or the buffer battery is too small can be circumvented advantageously by the modular energy supply system.

The range can be flexibly increased through the use of additional batteries and / or fuel cell modules, and in exceptional situations also combustion units as power units. This can be done either through additional battery capacity or the creation / use of mobile charging technology on or on the trailer for flexible, plug & play-capable recharging while driving or operating the vehicle.

The user of the truck can flexibly equip his battery-electric truck with additional electrical energy according to current needs. This can either be done with additional batteries in order to increase the available energy and generate more range, or in order to supply additional consumers, for example for cooling, heating and the like. The charging times can be shortened by introducing charged battery modules. A shortening of downtimes or an increase in the range can be achieved through the use of modules that generate electrical energy, such as, for example, fuel cells, possibly internal combustion engines as power units. This means that the user can quickly adapt his battery-electric truck with the appropriate energy modules to a changed use due to changed requirements.

The proposed modular energy supply system allows operators the greatest possible flexibility by providing additional energy capacity. This can be done using additional batteries, fuel cells including a hydrogen tank, possibly also diesel units in special situations, depending on the energy source, or using a combination of these as a modular solution. These energy modules can be mounted in special receiving units as depots in the area of the trailer, for example a semi-trailer. Energy modules can also be installed and operated on the loading area of the vehicle or trailer if required. In this way, depending on the type of energy module, the battery capacity can be expanded or energy can be generated. Connection, operation and securing can advantageously meet the applicable legal requirements. Legal requirements also include topics such as, is this module a load or part of the trailer, what requirements for security, fire protection, signal exchange or toll information must be reported and the like.

For example, the electrical connection can be made via a cable permanently installed on the energy module, including fuse protection and monitoring. On the other hand, it is possible, for example, to transfer energy via a (rapid) charging device arranged on the vehicle side, which is also used for normal charging when the vehicle is at a standstill. This can be arranged in the rear area on the outside of the truck driver's cab. The increased flexibility with regard to range, energy generation or energy storage and downtimes can increase the acceptance of environmentally friendly electric drives.

The energy modules themselves are advantageously configured ready for connection, regardless of the content of the module, that is, regardless of whether it is a battery module, a fuel cell module or a power unit module with an internal combustion engine. The energy modules can be flexibly exchanged as required.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the energy supply system, the at least one energy module can comprise at least one battery module and / or at least one fuel cell module and / or at least one power unit module.

The modular energy supply system includes ready-to-connect energy modules. For example, a battery module can include the necessary safety device, charging interface and charging logic. A fuel cell module can include the hydrogen tank, the necessary safety device, charging interface and charging logic. A generator set module with an internal combustion engine can, for example, comprise a complete diesel generator set with a fuel tank.

The energy modules can thus advantageously have the interfaces to the vehicle and / or to other energy modules that are required for safe operation.

A battery module can have an interface to the vehicle and / or to a fuel cell module for safe operation, including the charging logic, loading / unloading device, control and signal exchange, and safety devices.

A fuel cell module can be an interface have between vehicle and battery module for safe operation, including the charging logic, loading / unloading device, control and signal exchange, exhaust / supply air, water drainage, and safety devices.

A power unit module, for example with a diesel unit, can have an interface between the vehicle and the battery module for safe operation, including the charging logic, loading / unloading device, control and signal exchange, exhaust / supply air, and safety devices.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the energy supply system, at least two identical or two different energy modules can be arranged in the at least one receiving unit. Alternatively or additionally, at least two different energy modules can be arranged in at least two receiving units. In this way, a favorable flexibility can be achieved, so that depending on the requirements for the range of the vehicle or the availability of charging stations or petrol stations on the route to be traveled, the appropriate energy modules can be put together in order to be able to fulfill the driving order. Depending on the design of the energy module, the use of a single module or parts of the module can also make sense if the technical requirements are met.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the energy supply system, the at least one receiving unit can be arranged in a cargo space of the vehicle and / or of the trailer. Alternatively or additionally, a partition, in particular a mobile, load-safe partition, can be provided between the receiving unit and the cargo space. The loading space of the vehicle and / or the trailer, for example a semi-trailer, can be designed from the outset for the operation of the energy modules and constructed accordingly. This means that the cargo space already meets the requirements for the subsequent integration of the energy modules, including official approval and system interfaces such as signal lines, control lines, power lines. In this way, the energy modules can be flexibly installed and removed at any time.

The loading area can advantageously be secured by introducing a mobile partition. When the energy modules are used, the partition is used between the charge and the energy module for mutual protection and meets any legal requirements.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the energy supply system, the at least one receiving unit can be arranged in a stowage space of the vehicle and / or the trailer. In particular, the stowage space of the vehicle and / or the trailer can be arranged in the area of a chassis of the vehicle and / or the trailer. The energy modules can, for example, either be accommodated in the cargo area of the trailer or alternatively below the cargo area in the area of the storage spaces, depending on the customer's requirements or the design of the trailer.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the energy supply system, an electrical connection of the electrical interface for energy transmission and communication can be designed as a line permanently installed on the energy module. In this way, the electrical connection can conveniently take place via a cable permanently installed on the energy module, including fuse protection and monitoring.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the energy supply system, the vehicle can have a charging interface. In particular, the charging interface can be arranged in a rear area on the outside of a driver's cab of the vehicle. Energy can be transferred between the energy module and the vehicle via the charging interface. In this way, the energy transfer is advantageously possible via a (quick) charging device arranged on the vehicle side, which is also used for normal charging when the vehicle is at a standstill.

According to a further aspect of the invention, an energy module for a modular energy supply system for an electrically driven vehicle is proposed for providing electrical energy for an electrical drive system of the vehicle, wherein the energy module can be arranged in a receiving unit which is on the vehicle or on one coupled to the vehicle Trailer is arranged. The energy module comprises at least one electrical interface for energy transmission and communication with the vehicle and / or another energy module arranged in a receiving unit. The energy module is ready for connection and is designed to be exchangeable.

The energy module can be mounted in special receiving units as depots in the area of the trailer, for example a semi-trailer. The energy module can also be installed and operated on the loading area of the vehicle or trailer if required. In this way, depending on the type of energy module, the battery capacity can be expanded or energy can be generated. Connection, operation and securing can advantageously meet the applicable legal requirements. For example, the electrical connection can be made via a cable permanently installed on the energy module, including fuse protection and monitoring.

The energy module itself is advantageously configured ready for connection, regardless of the content of the module, that is, regardless of whether it is a battery module, a fuel cell module or a power unit module. The energy module can be exchanged flexibly as required.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the energy module can comprise at least one battery module and / or at least one fuel cell module and / or at least one power unit module.

The ready-to-connect energy module can include a battery module, for example the necessary safety device, charging interface and charging logic. A fuel cell module can include the hydrogen tank, the necessary safety device, charging interface and charging logic. A generator set module can, for example, comprise a complete diesel generator set with a fuel tank.

The energy modules can thus advantageously have the interfaces to the vehicle and / or to other energy modules that are required for safe operation.

A battery module can have an interface to the vehicle and / or to a fuel cell module for safe operation, including the charging logic, loading / unloading device, control and signal exchange, and safety devices.

A fuel cell module can have an interface between the vehicle and the battery module for safe operation, including the charging logic, loading / unloading device, control and signal exchange, exhaust / supply air, water drainage and safety devices.

A power unit module, for example with a diesel unit, can have an interface between the vehicle and the battery module for safe operation, including the charging logic, loading / unloading device, control and signal exchange, exhaust / supply air, and safety devices.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the energy module, an electrical connection of the electrical interface for energy transmission and communication can be designed as a permanently installed line. In this way, the electrical connection can conveniently take place via a cable permanently installed on the energy module, including fuse protection and monitoring.

Further advantages emerge from the following description of the drawings. An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing. The drawing, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines modularen Energieversorgungssystems für ein elektrisch angetriebenes Fahrzeug in einer Seitenansicht des Fahrzeugs, mit drei Aufnahmeeinheiten für Energiemodule zum Bereitstellen elektrischer Energie für ein elektrisches Antriebssystem des Fahrzeugs nach einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• 2 einen Querschnitt durch einen Anhänger mit einem Energiemodul nach einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• 3 einen Querschnitt durch einen Anhänger mit zwei gleichen Energiemodulen nach einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• 4 einen Querschnitt durch einen Anhänger mit zwei unterschiedlichen Energiemodulen nach einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.

It shows:

• 1 a schematic representation of a modular energy supply system for an electrically driven vehicle in a side view of the vehicle, with three receiving units for energy modules for providing electrical energy for an electrical drive system of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention;
• 2 a cross section through a trailer with an energy module according to a further embodiment of the invention;
• 3 a cross section through a trailer with two identical energy modules according to a further embodiment of the invention;
• 4th a cross section through a trailer with two different energy modules according to a further embodiment of the invention.

In the figure, the same or similar components are numbered with the same reference numerals. The figure shows only an example and is not to be understood as restrictive.

1 shows a schematic representation of a modular energy supply system 100 for an electrically powered vehicle 10 in a side view of the vehicle 10 , with three recording units 14th for energy modules 30th for providing electrical energy for an electrical drive system 24 of the vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the invention.

A truck is shown in side view with a tractor unit as the vehicle 10 and a semi-trailer as a coupled trailer 12th . The trailer 12th has recording units 14th for energy modules 30th for providing electrical energy for an electrical drive system 24 of the vehicle 10 on.

The energy modules 30th can in recording units 14th be arranged, which on the vehicle 10 or on one with the vehicle 10 coupled trailer 12th is arranged.

The energy modules 30th have at least one electrical interface for power transmission and communication with the vehicle 10 and / or another in a receiving unit 14th arranged energy module 30th on. An electrical connection of the electrical interface for energy transmission and communication can be as on the energy module 30th be permanently installed line. In this way, the electrical connection can advantageously be made via the cable permanently installed on the energy module, including fuse protection and monitoring. The energy modules 30th are designed to be ready for connection and interchangeable in this way.

A recording unit 14th is in the hold 16 of the trailer 12th arranged and two recording units 14th , each of which is an example of battery modules 32 as energy modules 30th are under the loading area in the area of the chassis of the trailer 12th arranged.

A recording unit 14th can for example in a storage space 20th of the vehicle 10 and / or the trailer 12th be arranged. In particular, the storage space 20th of the vehicle 10 and / or the trailer 12th , as in the embodiment in 1 , in the area of the chassis of the vehicle 10 and / or the trailer 12th be arranged.

In the hold 16 of the trailer 12th can be a partition 18th , especially a mobile, load-safe partition 18th , between acquisition unit 14th and cargo space 16 be provided. The partition 18th becomes when using the energy modules 30th between charge and energy module 30th used for mutual protection and meets any legal requirements.

The hold 16 of the vehicle 10 and / or the trailer 12th , here as a semi-trailer, can be used to operate the energy modules from the outset 30th designed and constructed accordingly. With that the hold shows 16 already the prerequisites for the later integration of the energy modules 30th including the official approval and system interfaces such as signal lines, control lines, power lines. The energy modules 30th can thus be flexibly installed and expanded at any time.

The modular energy supply system 100 thus enables a flexible increase in the range of the vehicle 10 through the use of energy modules 30th in the form of additional batteries, fuel cells, or possibly combustion units as power units, for example on or in the trailer 12th . Electrical energy is used for the towing vehicle 10 provided, not for self-propulsion on the trailer 12th .

The user of the vehicle 10 can flexibly equip its battery-electric truck with additional electrical energy according to current needs. Either with additional batteries via battery modules 32 to increase the available energy and generate more range, or to supply additional consumers, for example for cooling, heating and the like. The charging times can be shortened by introducing charged battery modules 32 . A shortening of downtimes or an increase in the range through the use of electrical energy-generating modules such as fuel cell modules 34 , possibly generator modules 36 with internal combustion engines. This means that due to changing requirements, the user can use his battery-electric truck with the appropriate energy modules 30th adapt to a changed use.

The energy modules 30th themselves are advantageously designed to be ready for connection, regardless of the content of the module, that is, regardless of whether it is a battery module 32 , a fuel cell module 34 or a generator set module 36 acts. The energy modules 30th can be exchanged flexibly as required.

The vehicle 10 has a charging interface 22nd on, which is in a rear area on the outside of a driver's cab 26th of the vehicle 10 is arranged. The energy transfer between the energy module 30th and vehicle 10 can be done so via the charging interface 22nd take place. For connection between the recording unit 14th in the hold 16 of the trailer 12th can, for example, the connection line 38 which between trailers 12th and charging interface 22nd is arranged to serve. The energy transfer via the (fast) charging device arranged on the vehicle side is advantageous 22nd possible, which is also possible for normal charging while the vehicle is at a standstill 10 is being used.

An energy module 30th can for example as a battery module 32 or a fuel cell module 34 or a generator set module 36 be designed with an internal combustion engine.

The modular energy supply system 100 includes ready-to-connect energy modules 30th . The energy modules can thus advantageously provide the interfaces to the vehicle that are required for safe operation 10 and / or to other energy modules 30th exhibit.

A battery module 32 can therefore be an interface to the vehicle 10 and / or to a fuel cell module 34 for safe operation, including the loading logic, loading / unloading device, control and signal exchange, as well as safety devices.

A fuel cell module 34 can be an interface between vehicle 10 and battery module 32 for safe operation, including the charging logic, Loading / unloading device, control and signal exchange, exhaust / supply air, water drainage and safety devices.

A generator set module 36 , for example with a diesel generator set, an interface between vehicle 10 and battery module 32 for safe operation, including the loading logic, loading / unloading device, control and signal exchange, exhaust / supply air, as well as safety devices.

the 2 until 4th each show a cross section through the receiving unit 14th of the trailer 12th with a different number and nature of energy modules 30th .

In the embodiment in 2 is in the receiving unit 14th a transverse battery module 32 arranged. The embodiment in 3 has two battery modules arranged side by side 32 while the embodiment in 4th a battery module 32 and a fuel cell module 34 having.

So can advantageously in a receiving unit 14th at least two similar or two different energy modules 30th be arranged. On can in two recording units 14th at least two energy modules of the same type 30th , as in the embodiment in 1 , or two different energy modules 30th be arranged. This is how energy modules of the same type are operated 30th in a modular energy supply system 100 possible, but also the operation of different energy modules 30th .

In this way, a favorable flexibility can be achieved, so that depending on the requirements for the range of the vehicle 10 or depending on the availability of charging stations or petrol stations on the route to be traveled, the appropriate energy modules 30th can be put together in order to also be able to fulfill the transport order.

List of reference symbols

10

vehicle

12th

pendant

14th

Recording unit

16

Hold

18th

partition wall

20th

Storage space

22nd

Charging interface

24

electric drive system

26th

Driver's cab

30th

Energy module

32

Battery module

34

Fuel cell module

36

Generator module

38

Connecting line

100

Transport system

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 102019110317 A1 [0004]

Claims (10)

A modular power supply system (100) for an electrically powered vehicle (10), comprising - At least one receiving unit (14) with at least one energy module (30) for providing electrical energy for an electric drive system (24) of the vehicle (10), the at least one receiving unit (14) on the vehicle (10) or on one with the The trailer (12) coupled to the vehicle (10) is arranged, the energy module (30) having at least one electrical interface for energy transmission and communication with the vehicle (10) and / or another energy module (30) arranged in a receiving unit (14), wherein the energy module (30) is designed to be ready for connection and exchangeable. Energy supply system according to Claim 1 wherein the at least one energy module (30) comprises at least one battery module (32) and / or at least one fuel cell module (34) and / or at least one power unit module (36). Energy supply system according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein at least two identical or two different energy modules (30) are arranged in the at least one receiving unit (14) and / or at least two different energy modules (30) are arranged in at least two receiving units (14). Energy supply system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one receiving unit (14) is arranged in a loading space (16) of the vehicle (10) and / or the trailer (12) and / or wherein a partition (18), in particular a mobile, load-safe Partition wall (18) is provided between receiving unit (14) and cargo space (16). Energy supply system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one receiving unit (14) is arranged in a storage space (20) of the vehicle (10) and / or the trailer (12), in particular wherein the storage space (20) of the vehicle (10) and / or of the trailer (12) is arranged in the area of a chassis of the vehicle (10) and / or of the trailer (12). Energy supply system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an electrical connection of the electrical interface for energy transmission and communication is designed as a line permanently installed on the energy module (30). Energy supply system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle (10) has a charging interface (22), in particular wherein the charging interface (22) is arranged in a rear area on the outside of a driver's cab (26) of the vehicle (10), with an energy transfer between Energy module (30) and vehicle (10) via the charging interface (22). Energy module (30) for a modular energy supply system (100) for an electrically powered vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims for providing electrical energy for an electrical drive system (24) of the vehicle (10), the energy module (30) in a receiving unit (14) can be arranged, which is arranged on the vehicle (10) or on a trailer (12) coupled to the vehicle (10), comprising at least one electrical interface for energy transmission and communication with the vehicle (10) and / or another energy module (30) arranged in a receiving unit (14), wherein the energy module (30) is designed to be ready for connection and exchangeable. Energy module Claim 8 , comprising at least one battery module (32) and / or at least one fuel cell module (34) and / or at least one power unit module (36). Energy module Claim 8 or 9 , wherein an electrical connection of the electrical interface for energy transmission and communication is designed as a permanently installed line.

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