DE102022122669A1 - Method for optimizing electrical energy consumption in a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for optimizing electrical energy consumption in a vehicle (10), comprising the steps:
- Retrieving operating information stored and/or determined during operation from at least one electrical consumer (12) in a vehicle (10);
- Determining consumption information for the at least one electrical consumer (12) based on the operating information;
- Creating at least one proposal for energy saving based on the specific consumption information, the proposal comprising a change to a target operation of at least one of the electrical consumers (12) or the electrical consumer (12);
- Outputting at least part of the specific consumption information and at least one energy saving suggestion; and
- Requesting user input to optionally implement the suggestion.

Description

The invention relates to a method for optimizing electrical energy consumption in a vehicle.

The topics of energy efficiency and sustainability are playing an increasingly important role in the field of transport, for example passenger transport, especially in the context of the use of energy-intensive vehicle and/or customer functions (hereinafter simply referred to as “vehicle functions”) during or in a journey Parking phase between two trips.

When driving and when parking, it is desirable to have an overview of how much electrical energy is required to carry out individual vehicle functions.

However, conventional vehicles usually do not have the technical means to provide users with an overview of the electrical energy consumption of the individual vehicle functions.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a method which shows a user of a vehicle an energy overview in a technically simple manner.

• - Abrufen von hinterlegten und/oder während eines Betriebs ermittelten Betriebsinformationen von zumindest einem elektrischen Verbraucher in einem Fahrzeug;
• - Bestimmen von Verbrauchsinformationen für den zumindest einen elektrischen Verbraucher anhand der Betriebsinformationen;
• - Erstellen zumindest eines Vorschlages zur Energieeinsparung basierend auf den bestimmten Verbrauchsinformationen, wobei der Vorschlag eine Änderung eines Sollbetriebes zumindest eines der elektrischen Verbraucher bzw. des elektrischen Verbrauchers umfasst;
• - Ausgeben zumindest eines Teils der bestimmten Verbrauchsinformationen sowie des zumindest einen Vorschlags zur Energieeinsparung; und
• - Anfordern einer Nutzereingabe zum wahlweisen Umsetzen des Vorschlags.

The object is achieved according to the invention by a method for optimizing electrical energy consumption in a vehicle, comprising the steps:

• - Retrieving operating information stored and/or determined during operation from at least one electrical consumer in a vehicle;
• - Determining consumption information for the at least one electrical consumer based on the operating information;
• - Creating at least one proposal for energy saving based on the specific consumption information, the proposal comprising a change to a target operation of at least one of the electrical consumers or the electrical consumer;
• - Outputting at least part of the specific consumption information and at least one energy saving suggestion; and
• - Requesting user input to optionally implement the suggestion.

By analyzing energy consumption and outputting consumption information, a user gains insight into their energetic behavior when using the vehicle. In other words, the energetic behavior when using the vehicle becomes transparent for the user. Based on this, user-specific energy saving measures can be determined and offered for selection. This gives the user the opportunity to save energy without having to forego vehicle functions that they consider important. As a result of saving electrical energy, for example, (charging) costs and/or emissions during vehicle operation can be reduced and/or the range and/or service life of the vehicle can be increased. Consequently, the energy efficiency of vehicle use increases. In this way, the user can make their behavior more sustainable and efficient while at the same time maintaining a high level of comfort when using the vehicle.

In particular, it is possible for the user to receive information about which vehicle function requires a particularly large amount of energy and how the user can reduce the (respective) energy consumption, i.e. use certain vehicle functions differently or, for example, some vehicle functions only in combination with other vehicle functions or currently not used in combination with other vehicle functions.

In a variant of the method, it can be provided that a current user of the vehicle is recognized, with the specific consumption information exclusively comprising energy consumption values of electrical consumption caused by the (current) user, so that the suggestion for energy saving is user-specific. The user can be recognized, for example, by loading a driver profile when starting the vehicle and/or by automatically recognizing a seat and/or steering wheel setting. It is also conceivable that a user is recognized via a vehicle-integrated camera and/or via a device they are carrying, for example a key or a smartphone. A biometric characteristic can also be recorded and evaluated to recognize the user. By recognizing the user, user-specific consumption information can be created, stored and accessed when the user uses the vehicle again. This improves the customizability of at least one energy saving suggestion.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the proposal for energy saving includes a proposal for changing an operating mode, the operating mode specifying a target operation for one or a plurality of the electrical consumers. In a first operating mode (welcome mode) you can For example, light functions and/or sound functions can be provided in the vehicle interior and/or in the exterior of the vehicle, which welcome the driver and/or serve aesthetic purposes. In a second operating mode (energy saving mode), no such light and/or sound functions are provided. By suggesting a change from the first to the second operating mode, electrical energy can be saved in a technically simple manner without the user having to specifically select and/or deactivate individual functions.

Alternatively, it can also be provided that the proposal for energy saving includes a proposal for a target operation and/or a deactivation of an individual electrical consumer. For example, a vehicle can be equipped with a light carpet function that illuminates the surface in an area of the vehicle near the door when a vehicle door is opened. It is conceivable that a proposal to save energy involves selectively deactivating this function. This allows a user to specifically decide which functions they would like to continue to use, which they would like to restrict and which they would like to deactivate completely.

It is also conceivable that an individual energy profile is created for a user based on the consumption information. In particular, the creation of at least one suggestion for energy saving can also be based on the individual energy profile. In this context, it is conceivable that the individual energy profile is loaded when the user begins using the vehicle and/or is saved when use ends. This means that suggestions for energy savings can be created that are even better tailored to the respective user.

• - Ausgeben einer Push-und/oder Pullbenachrichtigung, wenn ein Verbrauch zumindest eines elektrischen Verbrauchers einen vorgegebenen Schwellenwert überschreitet.

In a further embodiment of the method, the following additional step is provided:

• - Issuing a push and/or pull notification when consumption of at least one electrical consumer exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

The push and/or pull notification can be displayed graphically, for example, on a vehicle display or a display in the vehicle or external to the vehicle on a terminal device, e.g. a smartphone, a tablet or a computer.

The push and/or pull notification can, for example, alert a user to the fact that one or more vehicle functions consume a particularly large amount of electrical energy and therefore offer high savings potential.

It is also conceivable that by means of the push and/or pull notification a user is informed or reminded of the possibility of saving energy, in particular about the energy saving modes provided.

Furthermore, a push and/or pull notification can be used to inform a user about energy savings already achieved and/or associated cost savings and/or CO2 savings, in particular at regular intervals, for example weekly and/or monthly and/or annually.

In principle, it is possible for the user to set how regularly they receive push notifications, i.e. at what intervals.

It is also intended that the user can always access the relevant information manually, for example via pull notification, if he would like to receive up-to-date information on a daily basis. Of course, it is also fundamentally possible to obtain information at any other time or at any interval.

In an embodiment variant that is technically easy to implement, the operating information can be retrieved from a server structure external to the vehicle, in particular a cloud and/or generally the vehicle backend. Alternatively or additionally, the operating information can be obtained from a vehicle-internal memory and/or a vehicle telematics system.

The operating information is preferably data that was generated in a previous operating period, the data relating to vehicle operation while driving or in a parked state.

In a further embodiment of the method, it is provided that when outputting the at least part of the consumption information and the at least one proposal for energy saving over an operating period, costs and/or vehicle emissions caused over the operating period and/or in a future operating period are expected when the proposal is accepted costs that can be saved and/or vehicle emissions that are likely to be saved in a future operating period if the proposal is accepted and/or a range extension that is likely to be achievable in a future operating period if the proposal is accepted. This gives a user an overview of relevant information, in particular operating and/or consumption information. This can, among other things, serve as the basis for a decision about the possible acceptance or rejection of at least one energy saving proposal.

In order to improve user-friendliness and/or intuitive operation, a screen can be provided on which, among other things, at least some of the specific consumption information and the at least one suggestion for energy saving are output, the screen being a terminal device screen, in particular a screen of a smartphone, or a screen that is permanently integrated into the vehicle.

In this context, it is also conceivable that information about the technical effects and/or effects of the electrical consumer(s) is displayed on the screen. This allows a user to better assess the consequences of a possible deactivation of the consumer(s). This allows the user to make an informed decision about possible acceptance or rejection of at least one energy saving suggestion.

Preferably, the consumption information includes energy consumption values of the at least one electrical consumer while the vehicle is stationary. It has been shown that in modern vehicles, non-essential vehicle functions that consume electrical energy are often used during standstill times, for example during a parking phase. Examples of this include light carpet functions, sound functions and/or climate control functions. The energy saving potential during the downtime is correspondingly high.

In a further embodiment of the method it is provided that the target operation of at least one of the electrical consumers included in the energy saving proposal is dependent on a position of the vehicle and/or on a distance of a user and/or object from the vehicle. For example, a user can specify that certain vehicle functions should only be used in certain locations or should be deactivated. This expands energy saving opportunities and generally improves user control.

Basically, the vehicle is a motor vehicle, in particular an at least partially electrically operated motor vehicle such as a hybrid motor vehicle or an electric vehicle, i.e. a fully electric vehicle.

• - 1 eine schematische Ansicht eines Fahrzeugs mit einem Endgerät eines Nutzers;
• - 2 eine schematische Ansicht eines Innenraums des Fahrzeugs aus 1; und
• - 3 eine schematische Ansicht von Verfahrensschritten eines Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.

Further features and advantages of the invention emerge from the following description and from the following drawings, to which reference is made. Shown in the drawings:

• - 1 a schematic view of a vehicle with a user's terminal;
• - 2 a schematic view of an interior of the vehicle 1 ; and
• - 3 a schematic view of method steps of an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention.

1 schematically shows a vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 is a conventional passenger car, for example an electric vehicle.

The vehicle 10 includes a plurality of electrical consumers 12. These are in particular front lights 14, rear lights 16, an audio system 18 and projectors 20, which are designed to project a light pattern (light carpet 24) onto the floor when a vehicle door 22 is opened. The vehicle 10 also has a control unit 26, a memory 28 and a GPS system 30. Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle 10 can also have several control units (not shown), each of which can, for example, control individual vehicle functions such as light and/or sound functions.

In particular, the control unit(s) 26 and the memory 28 can be part of a vehicle telematics system 32, by means of which, among other things, the consumers 12 are controlled and/or operating information from the consumers 12 is recorded.

In 1 A terminal device 34 is also shown, for example a smartphone, a smartwatch or a key, through which a nearby user can be recognized.

In the exemplary embodiment, the control unit 26 of the vehicle 10 is designed and set up to carry out vehicle functions when the terminal 34 is within a certain radius around the vehicle 10.

For example, the control unit 26 can cause the vehicle door 22 to be unlocked when the terminal 34 is in an environmental area less than five meters away from the vehicle 10 or the user approaches the vehicle 10 accordingly.

In the exemplary embodiment, a so-called “welcome” staging is also provided, in which the control unit 26 controls the front lights 14, the rear lights 16 and the projectors 20 for the Light carpet 24 (dimmed or partially) activated when the user approaches the vehicle 10 with the terminal 34 by less than ten meters, i.e. the terminal 34 is at a distance of less than ten meters from the vehicle 10.

2 shows a schematic view of an interior 36 of the vehicle 10. A screen 38, for example a touchscreen, and controls 40 for controlling and/or setting vehicle functions are provided in the interior 36. In particular, it is conceivable that a user can use the control elements 40 and/or the touchscreen to make, among other things, inputs and/or specifications that are implemented by the control unit 26 when executing vehicle functions and/or when controlling the consumers 12.

In the exemplary embodiment, the control unit 26 is designed and set up to execute a program which causes the control unit 26 to carry out a method for optimizing electrical energy consumption of the vehicle 10, which will be referred to below.

3 shows schematically the process steps of the process. This is described below.

In the exemplary embodiment, the vehicle 10 is parked in a garage in the immediate vicinity of a home of the user, for example the vehicle owner.

This means that the user, who regularly carries the terminal 34 with him, repeatedly approaches the vehicle 10 by less than ten meters when moving around the house and thereby triggers the welcome staging unnoticed. As a result, there is increased electrical energy consumption during parking.

It is conceivable that the repeated activations of the front lights 14, rear lights 16 and projectors 20 when executing the welcome staging are stored as operating information in the memory 28 of the vehicle. Operating information can be, for example, an activation period and a power required during the activation period.

In a first step S1 of the method, the control unit 26 retrieves this stored operating information of the electrical consumers 12 from the memory 28.

Alternatively or additionally, the operating information can also be stored in a server structure external to the vehicle and/or the vehicle telematics system 32 and retrieved from this.

In a second step S2 of the method, the control unit 26 uses the operating information to determine consumption information, for example a consumed amount of energy in watt hours, for at least one of the majority of electrical consumers 12, in particular the front lights 14, rear lights 16 and / or projectors 20.

In an optional step (not shown) it can be provided that an individual energy profile is created for the user based on the consumption information.

In the third step S3 of the method, the control unit 26 determines four suggestions for energy saving based on the previously determined consumption information and/or the individual energy profile.

A first proposal envisages completely deactivating the “Welcome” display in order to reduce electrical consumption in the future.

According to a second proposal, the “Welcome” display is only triggered when the terminal 34 approaches the vehicle 10 within a radius of less than three meters.

A third proposal envisages triggering the “Welcome” display only when the vehicle 10 is not near the user's home. In this context, it is particularly conceivable that the GPS system 30 is accessed in order to determine the position of the vehicle 10.

According to a fourth proposal, it is provided to activate an energy saving mode, which limits the use of one or more of the consumers 12 in a parked state and/or completely prevents their activation.

In the exemplary embodiment, the four suggestions for energy saving are based exclusively on consumption information of the front lights 14, rear lights 16 and projectors 20, the operation of which was caused by the user carrying the terminal device as part of the “Welcome” staging. Therefore, the four suggestions for energy saving are user-specific.

Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that one or more of the suggestions are user-independent are pending. In this context, it is conceivable that the proposal or proposals are created based on total energy consumption information.

In a fourth step S4 of the method, the four suggestions for energy saving as well as at least some of the specific consumption information are output.

It is possible that the output is done by displaying on the screen 38. Alternatively or additionally, a display of the terminal 34 can also serve as an output means. An acoustic output via the audio system 18 is also conceivable.

In 2 the output is shown schematically by displays on the screen 38. The display on the screen 38 can take place in particular when the user gets back into the vehicle 10 after parking and repeatedly unintentionally activating the “Welcome” display.

In the exemplary embodiment, the four suggestions for energy saving are displayed on the screen 38 in a first screen area 42 and part of the consumption information in a second screen area 44. In addition, the display includes costs and/or vehicle emissions caused by the “Welcome” staging during an operating period, for example during the parking period, and/or costs and/or vehicle emissions likely to be saved in a future operating period if one of the proposals is adopted and/or or a likely achievable range extension.

Furthermore, the display also includes information about the consumer(s) 12 affected by one or more of the suggestions or about the expected effects of accepting one of the suggestions. In this context, it can be displayed on the screen 38 in a third screen area 46, for example, which of the consumers 12 are completely or partially deactivated when the energy saving mode is activated. This allows the user to better assess the consequences of their decision.

In an optional fifth step S5 of the method, it can be provided that a push notification 48 is triggered when consumption of at least one electrical consumer 12 exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The push notification 48 can be displayed, for example, on the terminal 34 or on the screen 38.

By means of the push notification 48, the user can, for example, be made aware that he or she may unintentionally or unconsciously trigger vehicle functions that cause increased electrical energy consumption.

In particular, it is conceivable that the push notification 48 refers to and/or contains the suggestions for energy saving issued in step S4.

In a sixth step S6 of the method, the control unit 26 requests user input to selectively implement at least one of the suggestions. This can be done, for example, by displaying corresponding selection fields 50 on the screen 38.

If the user accepts one or more of the suggestions, this can reduce electrical energy consumption and thus save (charging) costs and/or emissions and/or increase the range.

It is also conceivable that a set operating mode is maintained and/or adjusted through a user input or acceptance of a suggestion.

If one or more of the vehicle functions is particularly important to the user, he or she can also specifically decide against accepting a suggestion that involves deactivating and/or restricting said functions. The user can thus make his behavior more sustainable and/or specifically deactivate vehicle functions that are not important to him individually, without having to forego functions that are important to him.

Claims (10)

Method for optimizing electrical energy consumption in a vehicle (10), comprising the steps: - retrieving operating information stored and/or determined during operation from at least one electrical consumer (12) in a vehicle (10); - Determining consumption information for the at least one electrical consumer (12) based on the operating information; - Creating at least one proposal for energy saving based on the specific consumption information, the proposal comprising a change to a target operation of at least one of the electrical consumers (12) or the electrical consumer (12); - Spend at least part of the specified Consumption information and at least one energy saving suggestion; and - requesting user input to selectively implement the suggestion. Procedure according to Claim 1 , wherein a current user of the vehicle (10) is recognized, and wherein the specific consumption information exclusively includes energy consumption values of electrical consumption caused by the user, so that the energy saving suggestion is user-specific. Procedure according to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the proposal for energy saving includes a proposal for changing an operating mode, the operating mode specifying a target operation for one or a plurality of the electrical consumers (12). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the proposal for energy saving comprises a proposal for a target operation and/or a deactivation of an individual electrical consumer (12) or a plurality of electrical consumers (12). Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the step: - Issuing a push and/or pull notification (48) when consumption of at least one electrical consumer (12) exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating information is retrieved from a vehicle-external server structure and/or a vehicle-internal memory (28) and/or a vehicle telematics system (32). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein when outputting the at least part of the consumption information and the at least one proposal for energy saving over an operating period costs and/or vehicle emissions caused over the operating period and/or costs expected to be saved in a future operating period upon acceptance of the proposal and/or vehicle emissions that are likely to be saved in a future operating period if the proposal is accepted and/or a range extension that is likely to be achieved in a future operating period if the proposal is accepted are output, in particular displayed on a screen (38). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a screen (38) is provided on which, among other things, the at least some of the specific consumption information and the at least one suggestion for energy saving are output, the screen (38) being a terminal device screen or a fixed one in the vehicle (10) integrated screen (38). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the consumption information includes energy consumption values of the at least one electrical consumer (12) during a standstill of the vehicle (10). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the target operation included in the proposal for energy saving at least one of the electrical consumers (12) or the electrical consumer (12) from a position of the vehicle (10) and / or from a distance of a user and / or Object, in particular a terminal (34), is dependent on the vehicle (10).

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