FR3078836A1 - MULTIMODAL ELECTRIC REFRIGERATION SYSTEM FOR AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE, AND ELECTRIC VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (200) for recharging the batteries of an electric vehicle, said system (200) comprising: a first charging channel (202) comprising an electrical interface (2021) designed to receive an electrical connector, and - a second reloading lane (204) by pantograph; characterized in that it further comprises: - a contactor module (206) configured to connect said batteries (114) to one charging channel at a time, and - a control module (210) of said contactor module (206) for selecting a recharge channel from said recharge channels (202,204). It also relates to an electric vehicle, in particular of the electric bus type, implementing such a system.

Description

"Multimodal electric recharging system for an electric vehicle, and electric vehicle equipped with such a system"

The present invention relates to a multimodal electric recharging system for an electric vehicle. It also relates to an electric vehicle, in particular of the bus type, equipped with such a system.

The field of the invention is the field of on-board electric charging systems for an electric vehicle from one or more external electric energy sources, such as an electric charging station or an electric charging station.

State of the art

One of the most popular means of public transport is the bus because its installation does not require any specific infrastructure, such as railways, unlike trams.

To reduce pollution linked to public transport, especially in large cities, electric buses are increasingly popular. We are also witnessing the appearance and development of electric tram-buses. As a result, the number of electric land transport means is constantly increasing.

For electric buses powered by rechargeable batteries from an external source, electric recharging of the batteries is a key point. However, depending on the autonomy of the bus, the route to be traveled as well as traffic conditions, it may be necessary to make occasional recharges when using the bus, for example during a stop at a station passenger up / down. This type of punctual recharging is short-lived and complements a main, long-term recharging carried out when the bus is not used, for example at night, before a period of use of said bus.

However, the main recharging is carried out by a wired recharging channel requiring the bus to be connected to a terminal by a wired link. For obvious reasons, a one-time top-up cannot

- 2 be carried out by the same route. It is therefore necessary to provide a multimodal recharging system suitable for one-off recharging and for a main recharging, having better security and better efficiency, and making it possible to transfer, in a given period, a greater amount of energy during '' one-off recharging.

Another object of the invention is to propose a multimodal electric recharging system for an electric vehicle having better safety for its environment.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a multimodal electric recharging system for an electric vehicle having better efficiency.

Yet another object of the invention is to propose a multimodal electric recharging system for an electric vehicle making it possible to transfer, for a given period, a greater amount of energy during a punctual recharging.

Statement of the invention

The invention makes it possible to achieve at least one of these aims by an electric recharging system for the batteries of an electric vehicle, said system comprising:

a first recharging path comprising an electrical interface designed to receive an electrical connector, and

- a second reload by pantograph;

characterized in that it further comprises:

a contactor module configured to connect said batteries to a single charging channel at a time, and

a control module of said contactor module for selecting a recharging channel from said recharging channels.

Thus, the invention provides a recharging system comprising a first recharging path allowing recharging by a wired connection, this first recharging path being used

- 3 for the main recharging when the vehicle is not used, and before a period of use of the vehicle.

In addition, the system according to the invention provides a second pantograph recharging path which can be used for occasional recharges, for example at passenger descent / ascent stations. Such a second recharging path is safer, has fewer dangers and a higher yield, since the electrical contact is made at height and at a distance from the passengers. In addition, for a given duration, such a second recharging channel makes it possible to transfer a greater amount of energy compared to a recharging channel by induction for example.

In addition, the system according to the invention makes it possible to achieve safer and less dangerous recharging for the electric vehicle because it allows electric recharging by only one recharging path at a time, which makes it possible to avoid degrading the batteries. Indeed, the fact of charging a battery by several channels simultaneously presents the risk of not controlling the current flows, which can damage the battery.

According to a particular embodiment, the contactor module can comprise:

- first input contactors connected to the first recharging channel,

- second input contactors connected to the second recharging channel, and

- output contactors;

In this case, the input contactors, respectively the output contactors, can be controlled so that said output contactors are connected:

- the first input contactors, or

- the second input contactors, or

- no contactor.

The first input contactors, respectively the second input contactors, can comprise two contactors, one carrying the positive pole and the other the negative pole of the electrical signal.

- 4 The output contactors can include two contactors, one carrying the phase and the other neutral of the electrical signal.

The contactor module can include a means of checking the state of the contactors, reporting the state of each contactor.

Such a verification means may comprise a means for measuring voltage, respectively current, between on the one hand one, and in particular each, input contactor and on the other hand one, in particular each, output contactor.

It is thus possible to detect a malfunction at the level of the contactor module, for example burnt out contactors, or bonded contactors, as a function of the quantities measured, that is to say of the voltages and currents measured.

Advantageously, the first recharging path can comprise a sensor for the presence of an electrical connector coupled to the electrical interface.

In this case, the control module can communicate with said presence sensor.

It is then possible to quickly, simply and inexpensively detect a possibility of electric recharging by the first recharging path.

In addition, the first recharging path may include means for locking an electrical connector coupled to the electrical interface.

Such a locking means can be controlled by the control module.

Thus, the control module can lock a plug or an electrical outlet connected to the electrical interface of the first recharging channel in order to avoid inadvertent disconnection of said plug (or outlet) which may cause electrocution.

- 5 In addition, the first channel, or the electrical interface of the first channel, can be configured to carry out a communication by pilot wire, implementing a PLC technology (for “Line Carrier Current”) for example.

To do this, the first channel can comprise at least one electrical wire to carry out such a communication, and / or the electrical interface of the first channel can comprise at least one electrical connector to carry out such a communication.

In this case, the control module can produce a communication gateway, for the transmission and reception of signals through the electrical interface of the first recharging channel, in particular for the signals exchanged between on the one hand a charge management module (or the batteries to be recharged) and on the other hand an external source such as a charging station.

Such signals are generally exchanged to start / stop a charging phase, or a heating phase, to check the compatibility between the vehicle and the electrical source, etc.

Advantageously, the second recharging path may include a fixed electrical interface, intended to come into contact with a mobile pantograph fitted to a charging station.

In other words, in this case, the electrical interface of the second recharging channel is fixed and does not move. The mobile pantograph is provided on the side of the charging station.

Thus, the architecture of the vehicle is simplified and the height of the vehicle is reduced.

The system according to the invention, or the second recharging channel, may comprise a first wireless communication means, of a first type for detecting, wirelessly, the presence of a station capable of recharging by the second recharging lane, when approaching said station.

- 6 Such a first wireless communication means can be integrated into the control module, or be independent of said control module.

Such a first wireless communication means can be used to detect the presence of a charging station capable of recharging by the second recharging channel, by detecting a signal emitted by said station.

Optionally, such a first means of communication can be used to communicate with said charging station, for example in order to determine the compatibility of said station with the vehicle, identify the vehicle with said station, communicate to said station at least one characteristic of electric recharging such as recharging voltage, recharging current, etc.

Such a first means of communication can be a means of communication by radio wave, and in particular of the WiFi type.

The system according to the invention, or the second recharging channel may also comprise a second communication means, of a second type, for communicating with the charging station, when the vehicle is in said station, in particular in position loading.

Such a second wireless communication means can be an infrared type communication means. Such a means of communication makes it possible on the one hand to communicate with the charging station and on the other hand to ensure a relative positioning between the vehicle and the station.

Thus, it is possible to communicate with the charging station, and in particular with the mobile pantograph, while controlling the position of the vehicle with respect to said station, and in particular at said pantograph, with the second means of communication.

Advantageously, the control module can produce a communication gateway, between the vehicle and the charging station, for

- 7 the transmission and reception of signals for / during recharging by the second recharging channel.

According to another aspect of the same invention, an electric vehicle is proposed equipped with an electric recharging system according to the invention.

In particular, the electric vehicle according to the invention can be a ground electric vehicle for public transport, or vehicle for transporting people, such as a bus, a coach or a tram-bus.

The vehicle according to the invention may comprise one or more modules for storing electrical energy rechargeable from an external source, such as the mains.

Each rechargeable electric energy storage module can include one or more rechargeable batteries or supercapacitors.

In the present application, a “tram-bus” designates a land-based electric public transport vehicle mounted on wheels and which is recharged at each station, so as not to require heavy infrastructure such as rails, catenaries, on the roads. Such an electric vehicle is recharged at each station by means of charging elements of the station and a connector connecting said vehicle to said station.

Description of the figures and embodiments

Other advantages and characteristics will appear on examining the detailed description of an embodiment which is in no way limitative, and the attached drawings in which:

- FIGURE 1 is a schematic representation of a non-limiting example of an electric vehicle according to the invention;

- FIGURE 2 is a schematic representation of a non-limiting example of an electric recharging system according to the invention;

- FIGURE 3 is a schematic representation of the recharging system of FIGURE 2 in a charging configuration through a first recharging path; and

- FIGURE 4 is a schematic representation of the recharging system of FIGURE 2 in a charging configuration through another recharging path.

It is understood that the embodiments which will be described below are in no way limiting. One can in particular imagine variants of the invention comprising only a selection of characteristics described below, isolated from the other characteristics described, if this selection of characteristics is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from of the prior art. This selection comprises at least one preferably functional characteristic without structural details, or with only a part of the structural details if this part is only sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the state of the prior art.

In the figures, the elements common to several figures keep the same reference.

FIGURE 1 is a schematic representation of a non-limiting example of an electric vehicle according to the invention.

The electric vehicle 100 shown in FIGURE 1 is an electric bus comprising a passenger compartment delimited by a front wall 102, two longitudinal side walls 104 and 106, a rear wall 108, an upper wall 110 and a lower wall 112.

The electric bus comprises one or more electric motors (not shown), rechargeable modules 114i, said rear, for storing electrical energy, arranged on the side of the rear wall 108. The bus 100 further comprises modules 114 ₂ , called senior, storage

- 9 rechargeable electrical energy, placed in a housing arranged in the upper wall 110 of the bus 100.

The electric bus 100 is set in motion exclusively by the electric energy supplied by the rechargeable electric energy storage modules 114, which can be batteries or supercapacitors.

The rechargeable electrical energy storage modules 114 are recharged from an external electrical source.

To do this, the bus 100 is equipped with an electric recharging system making it possible to recharge the modules 114 either by a wired connection or by pantograph.

FIGURE 2 is a schematic representation of a nonlimiting example of a recharging system according to the invention, which can for example equip the bus 100 of FIGURE 1.

The recharging system 200, shown in FIGURE 2, is on board an electric vehicle, and enables electric recharging of an electric vehicle, for example of the vehicle 100 of FIGURE 1.

The system 200 comprises a first loading path 202 allowing electrical recharging by means of an electric cable connecting the vehicle to a charging station, and a second loading path 204 allowing electrical recharging by a pantograph, equipping a station load, and coming into contact with electric rails provided on the vehicle. Each of the two recharging channels has a positive pole and a negative pole.

The first recharging channel 202 comprises an electrical interface 202i, of the electrical outlet or plug type, designed to receive an electrical connector, of the electrical plug or outlet type, fitted to the end of an electrical cable. The electrical interface 202i comprises one or more contacts 202 ₂ used for communication by pilot wire. The first recharging channel 202, and in particular the electrical interface 202i, can also comprise any combination of the following means:

a means for detecting the presence of an electrical connector connected to said interface 202i,

a means for locking a connector in a position connected with the interface 202i,

- a button (not shown) for starting and / or stopping a charging operation,

- one or more temperature sensors, presence of a short circuit, etc. ;

not shown in FIGURE 2.

The second loading path 204 comprises electrical rails 204i against which a pantograph comes into contact to make an electrical connection.

The second channel 204 further comprises an infrared (IR) communication module 204 ₂ for communicating with a charging station, or with the pantograph of the charging station, when the vehicle is positioned for electric charging.

In addition, the second recharging channel 204 may include one or more temperature, short-circuit, etc. sensors, not shown in FIGURE 2.

The first recharging channel 202 and the second recharging channel 204 are both connected to a module 206, called a contactor module, disposed between said charging channels 202 and 204 and the batteries to be recharged from the vehicle, for example the modules 114 of the vehicle 100. The contactor module 206 makes it possible to connect both one and only one of the charging channels 202 and 204 to the batteries 114. In other words, the two charging channels 202 and 204 cannot be connected to batteries 114 at the same time.

The first recharging channel 202, and in particular the electrical interface 202i of the first recharging channel 202, is connected to the contactor module 206 by an electrical line 202 ₃ . The second recharging channel 204, and in particular the electrical rails 204i of the second recharging channel 202, is connected to the contactor module 206 by an electric line 204 ₃ .

- 11 Optionally, one or more power converters 208 can be arranged between the contactor module 206 and the batteries 114 to adapt the voltage, and / or the current, of the electrical signal received on the first recharging channel 202, and of the electrical signal received on the second recharging channel 204.

The recharging system 200 further comprises a control module 210 which controls the contactor module 206.

The recharging system 200 further comprises a wireless communication module 212 of WiFi type for detecting, and / or communicating with, a charging station equipped with a pantograph for carrying out a charge through the second recharging path 204.

The control module 210 performs a multitude of functions.

First of all, the control module 210 controls the contactor module 206 and indicates to it which charging path to connect to the modules 114. To do this, the control module 210 is connected to the contactor module by at least one communication line 214. The control module 210 can indicate to the contactor module 206 to connect the energy storage modules 114:

- at the first reloading route 202, or

- at the second recharging channel 204, or

- no recharging lane.

The control module 210 provides a communication gateway for all communications through the first recharging channel 202, between a charging station and the vehicle. In particular, the control module 210 provides a communication gateway between a charging station and:

- a charge management / supervision unit 216 located within the vehicle, and / or

- A vehicle management unit 218.

To do this, the control module 210 is connected to the first recharging channel 202 by at least one communication line 220. The communication line 220 also makes it possible to:

- receive the signals emitted by a connector presence sensor,

- order, or receive signals from, one or more sensors (temperature, presence of short, etc.), and

- order a locking means of a connector; equipping the first recharging channel 202, and in particular the electrical interface 202i.

The control module 210 provides a communication gateway for all communications through the second recharging channel 204, and in particular through the IR module. 204 ₂ , between a charging station and the vehicle. In particular, the control module 210 provides a communication gateway between a charging station and:

- the charge management / supervision unit 216 located within the vehicle, and / or

- the vehicle management unit 218.

To this end, the control module 210 is connected to the second recharging channel 204 by at least one communication line 222. The communication line (s) 222 can also be used to control or receive signals from one or more sensors (temperature sensor, short-circuit presence sensor, insulation sensor, etc.) equipping the second recharging channel 204.

FIGURE 3 is a schematic representation of the recharging system 200 in a charge configuration through the first recharging channel 202.

In FIGURE 3, the storage modules 114 are recharged by means of a charging terminal 302 connected to the first recharging channel 202, and

- 13 in particular at the electrical interface 202i of the first recharging channel 202, using an electrical cable 304.

For example, the cable 304 is provided with a connector, for example a male connector, or electrical outlet 306, coming to connect with an electrical plug constituting, or forming part of, the electrical interface 202i.

An example of a loading sequence implemented with the first recharging channel 202 can be as follows:

1. the control module 210 detects the insertion of the charging socket 306 and informs the vehicle, in particular the management / supervision unit 216;

2. the control module 210 opens a standardized communication session with the charging station 302 and ensures that it is compatible with the vehicle by exchanging different information, such as for example the operating voltage range, and by checking certain safety devices: presence of voltage, locking, detection of insulation fault, etc. ;

3. once compatibility has been established, the control module 210 serves as a gateway for the charging instructions which come from the charge management / supervision unit 216 and the responses from the charging station which indicates its limitations and its operating modes of dynamically;

4. when the user stops the load by pressing a load stop button, the control module 210 closes the communication session and unlocks the socket 306 after ensuring that there is no dangerous voltage.

FIGURE 4 is a schematic representation of the recharging system 200 in a charge configuration through the second recharging channel 204.

In FIGURE 4, the storage modules 114 are recharged by means of a charging station 402 connected to the second recharging channel 204,

- 14 and in particular to the electrical rails 204i of the second recharging channel 204, thanks to a pantograph 404.

The pantograph 404, and more generally the charging station 402, is provided with a Wifi communication module 406 for communicating with the vehicle when the latter approaches the station 402.

The pantograph 404, and more generally the charging station 402, is provided with an infrared communication module 408 for communicating with the vehicle when the latter is in the loading position in the station 402.

An example of a loading sequence implemented with the second recharging channel 204 can be as follows:

1. The control module 210 communicates in Wifi with the pantograph 404, and more generally with the station 402, as soon as the vehicle enters the approach area of the station to open a standardized communication session;

2. the vehicle is then positioned, or chocked, at a charging location predetermined by its driver;

3. The vehicle is exited from driving mode by the operator, and the parking brake is activated;

4. infrared communication is established between the pantograph 404 and the vehicle, using modules 408 and 204 ₂ ;

5. pressing a load launch button, possibly combined with the verification of one or more predetermined conditions, triggers the descent of the pantograph 404 until contact with the electrical rails 204i;

6. once in contact, a check is carried out to detect a possible insulation fault;

7. once the pantograph 404 is in place and compatibility established, the control module 210 serves as a gateway for the charging instructions which come from the management / supervision unit 216 and the responses from the charging station 402 which indicates its limitations and its operating modes dynamically;

8. when the driver stops the load by pressing a stop button, which can be that of step 5, the load box 210 closes the communication transfer and ensures that the pantograph returns to its initial position.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described.

Claims (12)

1. System (200) for electrically recharging the batteries (114) of an electric vehicle (100), said system (200) comprising: a first recharging channel (202) comprising an electrical interface (202i) designed to receive an electrical connector (306), and - a second recharging channel (204) by pantograph (404); characterized in that it further comprises: a contactor module (206) configured to connect said batteries (114) to a single recharging channel at a time, and a control module (210) of said contactor module (206) for selecting a recharging channel from said recharging channels (202,204). 2. System (200) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the contactor module (206) comprises: - first input contactors connected to the first recharging channel (202), - second input contactors connected to the second recharging channel (204), and - output contactors; said input contactors, respectively output contactors, being controlled so that said output contactors are connected: - the first input contactors, or - the second input contactors, or - no contactor. 3. System (200) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the contactor module (206) comprises means for checking the state of the contactors, reporting the state of each contactor. 4. System (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first recharging channel (202) comprises a sensor for the presence of an electrical connector coupled to the electrical interface, the control module (210 ) communicating with said presence sensor. 5. System (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first recharging channel (202) comprises means for locking an electrical connector (306) coupled to the electrical interface (202i) controlled by said control module (210). 6. System (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control module (210) provides a communication gateway, for transmitting and receiving signals through the electrical interface (202i ) of the first recharging channel (202). 7. System (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second recharging channel (204) comprises a fixed electrical interface (204i), intended to come into contact with a mobile pantograph (404) equipping a station load (402). 8. System (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a first means (212) of wireless communication for detecting in a wireless manner a station (402) capable of achieving recharging by the second recharging lane (204), when approaching said station (402). 9. System (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second recharging channel (204) comprises means (204 ₂ ) for infrared communication with a station (402) capable of carrying out charging by the second recharging channel (204), when the vehicle (100) is in said station (402). 10. System (200) according to any one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the control module (210) provides a communication gateway, for the transmission and reception of signals for / during recharging by the second recharging channel (204). 11. Electric vehicle (100) comprising a recharging system (200) according to any one of the preceding claims. 5 12. Electric vehicle (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it is a terrestrial electric vehicle of public transport such as a bus, a coach or a tram-bus. 1/2