JP7200618B2 - Vehicle battery temperature controller - Google Patents

Description

The disclosure herein relates to vehicle battery temperature control devices.

Patent Literature 1 discloses an air conditioner that adjusts the temperature of a battery mounted on a vehicle. With this technology, the vehicle's air conditioner can be used to control the temperature of the battery. The contents of the prior art documents listed as prior art are incorporated by reference as descriptions of technical elements in this specification.

JP 2017-178930 A

When adjusting the temperature of the battery, it is necessary to consider the noise emitted by the battery temperature controller. In this respect, or in other respects not mentioned, there is a need for further improvements in vehicle air conditioners.

One object of the disclosure is to provide a vehicle battery temperature control device with reduced noise for regulating battery temperature.

Another disclosed object is to provide a battery temperature control device for a vehicle in which the noise for regulating the temperature of the battery is suppressed to an acceptable level in the ambient environment in which the vehicle is located.

The battery temperature control device disclosed herein comprises a battery (3) mounted on a vehicle (2) and a compressor (35) for compressing a refrigerant to directly or indirectly regulate the temperature of the battery. It comprises a refrigerating cycle (31) and a temperature control device (51) for controlling the refrigerating cycle so as to maintain the temperature of the battery within an appropriate temperature range. Acquisition means (171, 471) for acquiring, setting means (172, 173, 174, 175, 472) for setting the upper limit rotation speed of the compressor based on the ambient environment information acquired by the acquisition means, and setting Operating means (176) for adjusting the temperature of the battery by operating the compressor below the upper limit rotation speed set by the means, and local charging facilities that can charge the battery without limiting the rotation speed of the compressor. Guiding means (280) for guiding persons and vehicles .

According to the disclosed vehicle battery temperature control device, the upper limit rotation speed of the compressor is set according to the ambient environment information. Furthermore, the compressor is operated below the upper limit rotation speed, and the temperature of the battery is adjusted. Therefore, the compressor generates noise according to the ambient environment information. Therefore, the noise generated by the compressor is suppressed according to the ambient environment information.

The multiple aspects disclosed in this specification employ different technical means to achieve their respective objectives. Reference numerals in parentheses described in the claims and this section are intended to exemplify the correspondence with portions of the embodiments described later, and are not intended to limit the technical scope. Objects, features, and advantages disclosed in this specification will become clearer with reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram showing an electric system; FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing charging processing; It is a graph which sets the permissible noise level at night. It is a graph which sets the allowable noise level in the daytime. It is a graph which sets an upper limit number of rotations from an allowable noise level. It is a flow chart which shows guidance control of a 2nd embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing discharge control of the third embodiment; It is a block diagram which shows 4th Embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing charging processing; It is a graph which sets an upper limit number of rotations from background noise.

A number of embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In several embodiments, functionally and/or structurally corresponding and/or related parts may be labeled with the same reference numerals or reference numerals differing by one hundred or more places. For corresponding and/or associated parts, reference can be made to the description of other embodiments.

First Embodiment In FIG. 1, an electric system 1 has a battery 3 (BATT) mounted on a vehicle 2 . The battery 3 is charged by power supplied from a charging facility. The battery 3 and the charging facility are electrically connected by a cable 5 and a connector 6, for example. The battery 3 and the charging facility may be electrically connected wirelessly by electromagnetic coupling. The battery 3 supplies electric power to electrical equipment such as the electric motor of the vehicle 2 by discharging. Battery 3 is also called the power source of vehicle 2 .

The term vehicle 2 should be interpreted broadly. Vehicles 2 include electric vehicles, amusement machines, or simulation machines. Electric vehicles include ground vehicles, watercraft, and aircraft. Ground vehicles are called by various names such as electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The battery 3 provides a power source for running the vehicle 2 .

The charging station 4 is located at the main storage location for the vehicle 2 or where the vehicle 2 is placed for extended periods of time. The charging facility 4 is often installed in a user's residence or a business office (including a store) used by the user. Such charging equipment 4 may be installed in various areas. The charging facility 4 is installed, for example, in a quiet residential area, a noisy urban area, a suburban area with few people, a parking lot along an expressway, or the like.

Battery 3 is a secondary battery. Battery 3 is, for example, a lithium ion battery. Battery 3 often has a proper temperature range. When the battery 3 is a lithium ion battery, the temperature of the battery 3 is required to be maintained within a range of 0° C. or higher and 50° C. or lower, for example. The lower limit of the appropriate temperature range may range from -10°C to +10°C. The upper limit of the appropriate temperature range may be in the range of about 45°C to 60°C.

It is desirable that the temperature of the battery 3 be maintained within an appropriate temperature range during charging. It is desirable that the temperature of the battery 3 is maintained within the proper temperature range even during discharging. The battery 3 often generates heat as it is charged and discharged. In this case, the battery 3 is cooled in order to charge and discharge the battery 3 efficiently. Also, in cold regions or in winter when the environmental temperature is low, the temperature of the battery 3 may fall below the proper temperature range. In this case, the battery 3 is heated in order to charge and discharge the battery 3 efficiently.

FIG. 2 shows power system 10 and climate control system 20 in vehicle 2 . The power system 10 has a battery 3, a charging circuit 7 (CHCT), an inverter circuit 8 (INV), and a motor 9 (MT). The charging circuit 7 is located in the vehicle 2, or the charging station, or distributed therewith. The inverter circuit 8 converts the power supplied from the battery 3 and supplies it to the electric motor 9 . The inverter circuit 8 converts the DC power supplied from the battery 3 into AC power and adjusts its frequency, current and voltage. The electric motor 9 drives, for example, drive wheels of the vehicle.

The temperature control system 20 provides a vehicle battery temperature control device. The temperature control system 20 provides an air conditioner system 30 and a battery temperature control system 40 . Air conditioning system 30 provides vehicle air conditioning. The air conditioning system 30 air-conditions the passenger compartment of the vehicle 2 . Battery temperature regulation system 40 regulates the temperature of at least battery 3 . Battery temperature control system 40 may control the temperature of other devices in power system 10 . The battery temperature regulation system 40 regulates the temperature of the inverter circuit 8 and/or the electric motor 9, for example.

The air conditioning system 30 has a refrigeration cycle 31 . The refrigerating cycle 31 provides a circulation passage through which the refrigerant 32 circulates. The refrigeration cycle 31 provides low temperature and/or high temperature to the user. The refrigerating cycle 31 is also called a heat pump cycle. The refrigeration cycle 31 is a vapor compression refrigeration cycle that compresses vapor of the refrigerant 32 . The refrigeration cycle 31 produces heat transfer by means of a refrigerant 32 that undergoes a phase change.

The refrigerating cycle 31 includes an indoor heat exchanger 33 on the use side and an outdoor heat exchanger 34 on the non-use side. The refrigeration cycle 31 includes a compressor 35 (COM) and a pressure reducer 36 . The refrigerating cycle 31 includes a valve mechanism such as a four-way valve and a passage for switching between cooling operation and heating operation. Compressor 35 compresses refrigerant 32 . Compressor 35 is an electric compressor in this embodiment. Compressor 35 is driven by electric motor 37 (M). Motor 37 is powered by battery 3 or another battery. Compressor 35 may be driven by an internal combustion engine.

When the refrigerating cycle 31 is in cooling operation, the indoor heat exchanger 33 functions as an evaporator. In this case, the outdoor heat exchanger 34 functions as a condenser. The refrigerant 32 is compressed in the compressor 35, radiates heat in the outdoor heat exchanger 34, is condensed, is decompressed in the pressure reducer 36, evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger 33, and absorbs heat. The indoor heat exchanger 33 cools air for air conditioning.

When the refrigerating cycle 31 is operated for heating, the indoor heat exchanger 33 functions as a condenser. In this case, the outdoor heat exchanger 34 functions as an evaporator. The refrigerant 32 is compressed in the compressor 35, radiates heat in the indoor heat exchanger 33, is condensed, is decompressed in the pressure reducer 36, evaporates in the outdoor heat exchanger 34, and absorbs heat. The indoor heat exchanger 33 heats indoor air.

The battery temperature control system 40 has a medium passage 41 . The medium passage 41 provides a passage through which the heat medium 42 circulates. The medium passage 41 is thermally coupled with at least the battery 3 . In other words, the heat medium 42 is thermally coupled with at least the battery 3 . A thermal coupling is provided between the heat carrier 42 and the components of the battery 3 or between the heat carrier 42 and the air in the container in which the battery 3 is installed. Thermal coupling may be provided by media passage 41 surrounding battery 3 . Thermal coupling may be provided by passing the media passageway 41 through the wall adjacent to the battery 3 . As a result, at least the temperature of the battery 3 is adjusted by adjusting the temperature of the heat medium 42 . Furthermore, the medium passage 41 and the heat medium 42 may be thermally coupled with the inverter circuit 8 and/or the electric motor 9 . In this case, the temperature of the inverter circuit 8 and/or the electric motor 9 is adjusted in addition to the battery 3 . The medium passage 41 has a pump 43 . The pump 43 circulates the heat medium 42 through the medium passage 41 .

Air conditioning system 30 includes additional coolant passages 44 for regulating the temperature of heat medium 42 . The additional refrigerant passage 44 is a refrigerant passage provided in parallel with the components of the refrigeration cycle 31 . In the illustrated example, the additional refrigerant passage 44 is provided in parallel with the indoor heat exchanger 33 . The additional refrigerant passage 44 has an additional heat exchanger 45 . Additional heat exchanger 45 provides heat exchange between refrigerant 32 and heat medium 42 . Additional heat exchanger 45 regulates the temperature of heat medium 42 . The additional heat exchanger 45 indirectly adjusts the temperature of the battery 3 via the heat medium 42 . Thermal medium 42 provides a thermal buffer. The additional heat exchanger 45 may directly adjust the temperature of the battery 3 without using the heat medium 42 .

The additional refrigerant passage 44 has a blocking mechanism for the additional system that substantially stops the temperature control function of the additional heat exchanger 45 . The shut-off mechanism has a first shut-off valve 46 and a second shut-off valve 47 . The blocking mechanism blocks the flow of refrigerant 32 in additional refrigerant passage 44 . When utilizing the temperature control function provided by the additional heat exchanger 45, the blocking mechanism allows the flow of refrigerant. When stopping the temperature control function by the additional heat exchanger 45, the cutoff mechanism cuts off the flow of the refrigerant. Only one of the first shutoff valve 46 and the second shutoff valve 47 may be provided.

As a result, the refrigerating cycle 31 directly or indirectly regulates the temperature of the battery 3 . The refrigeration cycle 31 can provide both temperature control capability for air conditioning and temperature control capability for the battery 3 . Note that the refrigeration cycle 31 provides only temperature control capability for air conditioning when temperature control of the battery 3 is not required. The refrigeration cycle 31 only provides the temperature regulation capability of the battery 3 when air conditioning is not required. The refrigerating cycle 31 has an air-conditioning cutoff mechanism that substantially stops the temperature control function of the indoor heat exchanger 33 . The shut-off mechanism has a third shut-off valve 48 and a fourth shut-off valve 49 . The blocking mechanism blocks the flow of refrigerant 32 in refrigerating cycle 31 . Only one of the third shutoff valve 48 and the fourth shutoff valve 49 may be provided. In this embodiment, the shutoff mechanism is provided by a plurality of shutoff valves 46, 47, 48, 49, but the shutoff mechanism may be provided by a three-way valve provided at the branch portion of the refrigerant passage.

The vehicle 2 is equipped with a temperature control device 51 (CNT). Temperature controller 51 controls power system 10 and temperature control system 20 . The temperature control device 51 is also called a charging control device. The temperature control device 51 controls the charging current to the battery 3 by controlling the charging circuit 7, for example. The temperature control device 51 controls the discharge current from the battery 3 by controlling the inverter circuit 8, for example. The temperature control device 51 controls indoor air conditioning by the air conditioning system 30 by controlling the electric motor 37 and the pressure reducer 36, for example. The temperature control device 51 controls the temperature of the battery 3 by controlling the first shutoff valve 46 , the second shutoff valve 47 and the pump 43 in addition to the air conditioning system 30 , for example. In this case, the air conditioning system 30 also functions as a system that adjusts the temperature of the battery 3 . As a result, the temperature control device 51 controls the refrigerating cycle 31 so as to maintain the temperature of the battery 3 within the proper temperature range.

The vehicle 2 is equipped with a navigation control device 52 (NAVI). Navigation controller 52 displays the current position of vehicle 2 on a map. The navigation controller 52 provides at least current position information of the vehicle 2 to the temperature controller 51 . The navigation controller 52 provides an ambient environment input for inputting the ambient environment. Furthermore, the navigation control device 52 provides the user of the vehicle 2 with location information of charging facilities 4 suitable for use. The navigation controller 52 assists the vehicle 2 in moving to the location of the charging facility 4 if desired by the user. Specifically, the user is guided to move the vehicle 2 to the position of the charging facility 4 . For example, when the user requests quick charging, the navigation control device 52 displays the positions of charging facilities 4 capable of quick charging.

The temperature control device 51 and the navigation control device 52 in this specification may also be called an electronic control unit (ECU). A control device, or control system, is provided by (a) an algorithm as a plurality of logics called if-then-else form, or (b) a trained model tuned by machine learning, such as an algorithm as a neural network. .

The controller is provided by a control system including at least one computer. A control system may include multiple computers linked by data communication devices. A computer includes at least one processor that is hardware (hardware processor). A hardware processor may be provided by (i), (ii), or (iii) below.

(i) the hardware processor may be at least one processor core executing a program stored in at least one memory; In this case, the computer is provided by at least one memory and at least one processor core. The processor core is called CPU: Central Processing Unit, GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, RISC-CPU, or the like. Memory is also called a storage medium. A memory is a non-transitory and tangible storage medium that non-temporarily stores "programs and/or data" readable by a processor. A storage medium is provided by a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or the like. The program may be distributed alone or as a storage medium storing the program.

(ii) a hardware processor may be a hardware logic circuit; In this case, the computer is provided by digital circuits containing a large number of programmed logic units (gate circuits). A digital circuit is also called a logic circuit array, for example, ASIC: Application-Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, PGA: Programmable Gate Array, CPLD: Complex Programmable Logic Device. A digital circuit may include a memory that stores programs and/or data. Computers may be provided by analog circuits. Computers may be provided by a combination of digital and analog circuits.

(iii) The hardware processor may be a combination of (i) above and (ii) above. (i) and (ii) are located on different chips or on a common chip. In these cases, part (ii) is also called an accelerator.

Controllers, signal sources, and controlled objects provide a variety of elements. At least some of those elements may be referred to as blocks, modules, or sections. Moreover, the elements included in the control system are called functional means only if they are intentional.

The controller and techniques described in this disclosure may be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions embodied by the computer program. may be Alternatively, the controls and techniques described in this disclosure may be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by configuring the processor with one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the control units and techniques described in this disclosure are implemented by a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions and a processor configured by one or more hardware logic circuits. It may also be implemented by one or more dedicated computers configured in combination. The computer program may also be stored as computer-executable instructions on a computer-readable non-transitional tangible recording medium.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of charging control provided by the temperature control device 51 . The charging process 170 is started when charging conditions are met. A charging condition may include, for example, that a power connection has been established between the vehicle and the charging facility 4 . When the charging condition is satisfied, the temperature control device 51 inputs the surrounding environment in step 171 . The ambient environment includes at least current location information. The current position information indicates the allowable noise level. The permissible noise level indicates the permissible noise level at the current time from the viewpoint of a person who is a user at the current position. Step 171 provides acquisition means for acquiring ambient environment information indicative of the environment surrounding the vehicle 2 .

The current position indicates the current area, such as residential areas, urban areas, suburban areas, and highways. Residential areas exhibit low acceptable noise levels. That is, in residential areas, the acceptable noise level is relatively low and the vehicle 2 is required to be quiet. A highway means, for example, a parking facility on the side of a highway. A highway presents a high acceptable noise level. That is, on the side of a highway, the permissible noise level is relatively high and the vehicle 2 is permitted to generate loud noise. Urban and/or suburban areas represent acceptable noise levels intermediate between residential areas and highways.

Areas identified by the current location may be classified into more types. For example, it is possible to classify an office district, a commercial district, an industrial district, a park area, an area with many passers-by, an area with few passers-by, and the like. Also, the current location may identify an area based on regulations and rules established by administrative organizations such as local governments. For example, in nature parks and pastures where a low acceptable noise level is required to limit the impact on animals.

The time indicates the current time zone, for example nighttime and daytime. Nighttime indicates a low acceptable noise level. That is, at night, the acceptable noise level is relatively low and the vehicle 2 is required to be quiet. Daytime indicates a high acceptable noise level. That is, during the daytime, the permissible noise level is relatively high, and the vehicle 2 is permitted to make a lot of noise.

The time period identified by the current time may be further classified into more ranges. For example, classification such as early morning, daytime, nighttime, and late night is possible. Also, the time may identify a time zone based on regulations and rules established by an administrative organization such as a local government. For example, there is a case where noise is restricted in a specific residential area even during the daytime.

At step 172, the temperature control device 51 sets the allowable noise level from the current position and time. In this step, the allowable noise level is set from the surrounding environment in which the vehicle 2 is placed.

4 and 5 show setting characteristics of the allowable noise level according to the current position. In this example, the allowable noise level is set in advance according to the region to which the current position belongs. For example, in residential areas only a low noise level A is permissible. For example, in highway installations, a high noise level D is permissible.

FIG. 4 shows the setting characteristics SL1 when the current time is nighttime. FIG. 5 shows setting specification SL2 when the current time is daytime. The permissible noise level in the daytime is set higher, that is, louder than the permissible noise level in the nighttime. That is, louder noise is allowed during the day than at night.

The set characteristics illustrated in FIGS. 4 and/or 5 can be set by functions or maps stored in the memory of temperature controller 51 . Also, the setting characteristics may be variably set. For example, the navigation control device 52 changes the setting characteristics based on regulations and rules established by administrative organizations such as local governments.

Returning to FIG. 2, in step 173, the temperature control device 51 sets the upper limit rotation speed of the compressor 35, that is, the upper limit rotation speed of the electric motor 37, based on the allowable noise level. This step limits the maximum noise that can be generated by the temperature control system 20 to below an acceptable noise level. The maximum noise level is defined by the upper limit rotation speed of the compressor 35 , that is, the upper limit rotation speed of the electric motor 37 .

FIG. 6 shows the setting characteristic SL3 of the upper limit rotation speed according to the allowable noise level. For example, at a low allowable noise level A, the upper limit rotation speed Nc is set to the lowest rotation speed Ncmin. For example, at a high allowable noise level D, the upper limit rotation speed Nc is set to the highest rotation speed Ncmax.

The set characteristics illustrated in FIG. 6 can be set by functions or maps stored in the memory of temperature control device 51 . Also, the setting characteristics may be variably set. For example, the navigation control device 52 changes the setting characteristics based on regulations and rules established by administrative organizations such as local governments.

Returning to FIG. 2, at step 174, the temperature control device 51 determines whether or not the battery protection condition is satisfied. As a battery protection condition, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction from the user or the temperature of the battery 3 has reached a high temperature. The temperature control device 51 uses the maximum capacity of the refrigerating cycle 31 to adjust the temperature of the battery 3 without limiting the rotational speed of the compressor 35 when instructed or when a high temperature is detected.

The temperature control device 51 has an input device for inputting a user's command. An input device is provided by a switch or a touch panel. The user's command is a command as to whether or not to intentionally invalidate the allowable noise level. By inputting this command to the temperature control device 51 depending on the situation, the user cancels the restriction on the upper limit rotation speed in steps 172 and 173 .

The high temperature can be a predetermined range near the upper limit of the proper temperature range. When the temperature of the battery 3 reaches the upper limit range, the restriction on the upper limit rotational speed in steps 172 and 173 is lifted.

If a command or high temperature is detected, processing proceeds to step 175 . If the command and high temperature are not detected, the process skips step 175 and proceeds to step 176 .

At step 175, the temperature control device 51 cancels the upper limit rotation speed. When going through step 175, the upper limit rotation speed is cancelled. In this case, the compressor 35 and the electric motor 37 are operated at a rotation speed corresponding to the load of the refrigeration cycle 31 without being restricted by the upper limit rotation speed. At step 175, the temperature control device 51 may set an upper limit number of rotations at which noise is not limited. For example, an upper limit rotation speed may be set to meet both the heat load for air conditioning and the heat load for adjusting the battery temperature.

Steps 172, 173, 174 and 175 provide setting means for setting the upper limit rotation speed of the compressor 35 based on the ambient environment information obtained by the obtaining means. Step 172 provides noise setting means for setting the allowable noise level from the ambient environment information based on the setting characteristic SL1 which relates the ambient environment information to the allowable noise level allowed for the vehicle 2 . Step 173 provides rotation speed setting means for setting the upper limit rotation speed from the allowable noise level based on the setting characteristic SL2 that associates the set allowable noise level and the upper limit rotation speed. Step 174 provides determination means for determining whether a predetermined battery protection condition has been met. Steps 172, 173, and 175 set the upper limit rotation speed so as to suppress the noise of the compressor 35 when the battery protection condition is not satisfied, and set the upper limit rotation speed so as to protect the battery 3 when the battery protection condition is satisfied. A setting means for setting the upper limit rotation speed is provided.

The temperature controller 51 controls the temperature in the room and/or the temperature of the battery 3 via the temperature control system 20 in step 176 . That is, the temperature control device 51 performs air conditioning control and/or battery temperature adjustment. The refrigerating cycle 31 is required to generate a predetermined air conditioning capacity so as to control the indoor temperature to the target temperature. At the same time, in order to maintain the temperature of the battery 3 within an appropriate temperature range, the refrigeration cycle 31 is required to generate a predetermined battery temperature control capability. Therefore, the compressor 35 and the electric motor 37 are required to operate at a rotation speed that can provide the air conditioning capability and the battery temperature control capability. However, in this embodiment, the compressor 35 and the electric motor 37 are operated below the upper limit rotation speed. In most cases, when charging the battery 3, the air conditioning capacity is zero (0). Therefore, the capacity of the refrigeration cycle 31 supplied at the upper limit rotation speed or less is consumed as the battery temperature control capacity. Step 176 provides operating means for operating the compressor 35 at a speed equal to or lower than the upper limit rotation speed set by the setting means and adjusting the temperature of the battery 3 .

Temperature controller 51 adjusts the charging current in step 177 . Here, the charging current is adjusted so that the temperature of the battery 3 is maintained within the proper temperature range even with the battery temperature adjustment capability supplied at the upper limit rotation speed. The temperature control device 51 switches, for example, between rapid charging and normal charging. When the temperature of the battery 3 cannot be maintained within the proper temperature range with the battery temperature control capability supplied at the upper limit rotation speed or less, the temperature control device 51 reduces the charging current to suppress the heat generation of the battery 3 . On the other hand, if the temperature of the battery 3 can be maintained within the proper temperature range with the battery temperature regulation capability provided at or below the upper rotational speed limit, the temperature control device 51 allows the available charging current and keeps the battery 3 relatively low. Charge faster. That is, during the charging process, the vehicle 2 may give priority to quietness between quietness and charging speed, and reduce the charging speed.

Temperature controller 51 evaluates the charge level of battery 3 at step 178 . The charge level can be evaluated by calculating the remaining capacity of the battery 3, for example. The remaining capacity is evaluated, for example, by an index called SOC (State Of Charge).

At step 179, the temperature control device 51 determines whether charging of the battery 3 has been completed. The temperature control device 51, for example, determines whether the charge level has reached a predetermined full charge level. If charging is not complete, processing returns to step 174 . If charging is complete, the process ends. In time, the user disconnects the power connection between the vehicle and charging facility 4 . Thus, a series of charging processes is completed.

According to the embodiment described above, noise around the vehicle 2 can be suppressed while the vehicle 2 is being charged. Moreover, since the allowable noise level is set according to the current position of the vehicle 2 and the current time, it is possible to perform fast charging while suppressing noise. Furthermore, in response to a user's command, restrictions on battery temperature control capability can be lifted. Moreover, the battery temperature adjustment capability is supplied from the refrigeration cycle 31 that is also used as an air conditioner. Therefore, the temperature control function of the air conditioner of the vehicle 2 can be effectively used.

Second Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment. In the above embodiment, noise in the charging facility 4 selected by the user is suppressed. In addition, this embodiment guides the user and vehicle 2 to achieve the charging speed desired by the user. In this embodiment, the configurations of FIGS. 1 and 2 are utilized and the charging process 170 of FIG. 3 is performed.

FIG. 7 shows an induction process 280 performed by temperature controller 51 . The same reference numerals are assigned to the same processes as in FIG. Guidance process 280 provides a means of guiding users and vehicles 2 to local charging facilities 4 where batteries 3 can be charged without limiting compressor 35 rpm.

In step 281, the temperature control device 51 acquires the charging speed information requested by the user by inputting the user's command. The user inputs charging speed information, for example, whether to request quick charging or normal charging.

At step 282, the temperature control device 51 determines whether or not the user's instruction is for quick charging. If the user requests quick charging, the process proceeds to step 283 . If the user does not request quick charging, the process ends. Guidance to a specific location is not performed if normal charging is desired instead of quick charging. In this case, it is considered that the user does not require fast charging. Therefore, the charging process 170 of the first embodiment provides charging control that suppresses noise while maintaining the temperature of the battery 3 within an appropriate temperature range.

At step 283, the temperature control device 51 provides guidance processing by the navigation control device 52 to guide the user and the vehicle 2 to a place where the noise of quick charging is acceptable. Guidance processing can include, for example, display processing for displaying on a map the location of charging facility 4 where noise from quick charging is permitted, and route guidance processing for providing route guidance to that location. In step 283, based on the current time and the area where the charging facility 4 capable of quick charging is installed, the charging facility 4 in the area where the noise generated by the vehicle 2 due to quick charging at the current time is allowed. is executed.

Temperature controller 51 determines at step 284 whether vehicle 2 has completed movement. If vehicle 2 has not completed movement, processing returns to step 283 . When the movement of the vehicle 2 is completed, the process ends.

According to this embodiment, induction process 280 is performed in addition to charging process 170 according to the preceding embodiment. Accordingly, the vehicle 2 can be guided to an area where the noise generated by the temperature adjustment of the battery 3 is allowed. This increases the number of cases where it is possible to meet the user's request.

Third Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment. In the above embodiment, the temperature of the battery 3 is adjusted when the battery 3 is charged. In addition to this, in this embodiment, the temperature of the battery 3 is also adjusted when the battery 3 is discharged, that is, when the electric motor 9 is driven by the battery 3 . Moreover, the upper limit rotation speed of the compressor 35 for adjusting the temperature of the battery 3 is restricted. The upper limit number of revolutions is limited according to the surrounding environment so that the noise caused by the operation of the compressor 35 is suppressed to an allowable noise level or less. This embodiment also utilizes the configuration of FIGS. In this embodiment, the charging/discharging process 370 of FIG. 8 is performed instead of FIG.

In FIG. 8, the same processes as in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the above description can be referred to. In this embodiment, the temperature of the battery 3 is adjusted not only when the battery 3 is charged, but also when the battery 3 is discharged. When the battery 3 discharges, it is assumed that the vehicle 2 is being used by the user and that the user is using the air conditioner. In this case, in order to avoid irreparable damage to the battery 3, it is considered that temperature control of the battery 3 should be prioritized over temperature control for air conditioning in many cases. The temperature control device 51 controls the refrigeration cycle 31 so as to adjust the temperature of the battery 3 even when the battery 3 is discharged.

After step 176, temperature controller 51 executes step 376a. In step 376a, the temperature control device 51 gives priority to the temperature adjustment capability of the battery 3 over the temperature adjustment capability for air conditioning, and limits the air conditioning capability. Specifically, the temperature control device 51 reduces the amount of refrigerant supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 33 and increases the amount of refrigerant supplied to the additional heat exchanger 45 . Alternatively, the temperature control device 51 reduces the amount of air blown to the indoor heat exchanger 33 . As a result, the ability of the additional heat exchanger 45 to adjust the temperature of the heat medium 42 is improved, and the temperature of the battery 3 is adjusted within the proper temperature range. Step 376a provides an air conditioning limiter that limits the temperature control capability for air conditioning and provides battery 3 temperature control capability.

The temperature controller 51 adjusts the charge/discharge current of the battery 3 in step 377 . When the battery 3 is charged, in many cases, the battery 3 is charged without using an air conditioner, so the entire temperature control capability of the refrigeration cycle 31 is used for temperature control of the battery 3. can do. On the other hand, when the battery 3 discharges, it is considered that the air conditioner is also used in many cases. Therefore, the charging/discharging current is limited and the heat generation of the battery 3 is suppressed so as to provide the minimum air conditioning capacity. At step 379, the temperature control device 51 determines whether or not the charging/discharging is finished. At step 379, the process ends when the charge level of the battery 3 reaches the full charge level or when the charge level of the battery 3 drops to the lower limit discharge level.

According to this embodiment, noise around the vehicle 2 can be suppressed even when the battery 3 is discharged. For example, noise can be suppressed when the vehicle 2 stops temporarily, travels in a traffic jam, or travels normally. Moreover, since the allowable noise level is set according to the current position of the vehicle 2 and the current time, it is possible to perform discharge while suppressing noise. Furthermore, in response to a user's command, restrictions on battery temperature control capability can be lifted. Moreover, the battery temperature adjustment capability is supplied from the refrigeration cycle 31 that is also used as an air conditioner. Therefore, the temperature control function of the air conditioner of the vehicle 2 can be effectively used.

Fourth Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment. In the above embodiment, the navigation control device 52 provides current location information. Alternatively, in this embodiment background noise information at the current location is provided by microphone 453 . In this embodiment, the configuration of Figure 1 is utilized.

FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of this embodiment. The same processes as in FIG. 2 are given the same reference numerals, and the above description can be referred to. Vehicle 2 has a microphone 453 . A microphone 453 detects sounds around the vehicle 2 . Ambient sounds are also background noise. Temperature control device 51 acquires background noise information from microphone 453 . Microphone 453 provides one of the ambient environment inputs for inputting ambient environment information. The noise emitted by the vehicle 2 may be hidden, ie masked, by the background noise at the current location. In this case, the noise emanating from the vehicle 2 can be considered acceptable up to the background noise. The microphone 453 is also called detection means.

FIG. 10 shows a charging process 470 performed by temperature control device 51 . The same processing as in FIG. 3 is given the same reference numerals, and the above description can be referred to. The temperature controller 51 inputs the ambient environment at step 471 . In this embodiment, background noise is obtained from the microphone 453 as the ambient environment.

At step 472, the temperature control device 51 sets the upper limit rotation speed from the background noise. In this embodiment, the upper limit rotation speed is set directly from the background noise without going through the process of setting the allowable noise level.

FIG. 11 shows the setting characteristic SL4 of the upper limit rotation speed according to the background noise. Here, the higher the background noise, the higher the upper limit rotation speed is set. For example, in downtown areas where background noise is relatively high, or in industrial areas, a high upper rpm limit is acceptable. On the other hand, in mountainous areas where background noise is relatively small and in park areas, a low upper limit speed is set. As a result, the noise for adjusting the temperature of the battery 3 is limited to the extent that it is masked by the background noise.

Other Embodiments The disclosures in this specification, drawings, etc. are not limited to the illustrated embodiments. The disclosure encompasses the illustrated embodiments and variations thereon by those skilled in the art. For example, the disclosure is not limited to the combinations of parts and/or elements shown in the embodiments. The disclosure can be implemented in various combinations. The disclosure can have additional parts that can be added to the embodiments. The disclosure encompasses omitting parts and/or elements of the embodiments. The disclosure encompasses permutations or combinations of parts and/or elements between one embodiment and another. The disclosed technical scope is not limited to the description of the embodiments. The disclosed technical scope is indicated by the description of the claims, and should be understood to include all modifications within the meaning and range of equivalents to the description of the claims.

The disclosure in the specification, drawings, etc. is not limited by the description in the claims. The disclosure in the specification, drawings, etc. encompasses the technical ideas described in the claims, and extends to more diverse and broader technical ideas than the technical ideas described in the claims. Therefore, various technical ideas can be extracted from the disclosure of the specification, drawings, etc., without being bound by the scope of claims.

In the embodiment described above, the battery temperature control system 40 has the medium passage 41 . Alternatively, without the medium passage 41 , the additional heat exchanger 45 may adjust the temperature of the battery 3 directly without the heat medium 42 . In this case, the additional heat exchanger 45 directly regulates the temperature of the components of the battery 3 or the air temperature in the container in which the battery 3 is installed.

In the above embodiments, the vehicle 2 is equipped with a navigation control 52 or a microphone 453 to detect the surrounding environment. Alternatively, vehicle 2 may include both navigation controls 52 and microphone 453, utilizing both as ambient environment detectors. Also, the navigation control device 52 and/or the microphone 453 may be provided by a portable information terminal such as a user's mobile phone or smart phone. The ambient environment detector may be provided by an input device such as a user operated switch. In this case, the user directly inputs and sets the desired allowable noise level. The temperature control device 51 acquires the allowable noise level by detecting the user's operation.

In the first to third embodiments described above, the allowable noise level is set from the acquired ambient environment information, and the upper limit rotation speed is set from the allowable noise level. In this case, various allowable noise levels can be set according to the region of the current position, and various upper limit rotation speeds can be set accordingly. Alternatively, as in the fourth embodiment, the upper limit rotation speed may be set directly from the ambient environment information. The direct setting characteristics contribute to reducing the arithmetic processing load in the temperature control device 51 .

The multiple embodiments described above can be used in combination with each other. For example, the guiding process 280 in the second embodiment may be combined with the third embodiment or the fourth embodiment. Also, the microphone 453 in the fourth embodiment can be combined with any one of the first to third embodiments. In the multiple embodiments described above, an additional refrigerant passage 44 is added as an additional system. In addition to this, other additional systems may be added. For example, additional systems with heat exchangers for cold storage may also be provided in parallel. In addition, in the multiple embodiments described above, the refrigeration cycle 31 is used both for air conditioning and for battery temperature control. Alternatively, the refrigerating cycle 31 may be dedicated to battery temperature control. Also in this case, excessive noise accompanying the operation of the refrigerating cycle 31 is suppressed.

1 electric system, 2 vehicle, 3 battery, 4 charging facility,
5 cable, 6 connector, 7 charging circuit,
8 inverter circuit, 9 electric motor, 10 electric power system,
20 temperature control system,
30 air conditioning system, 31 refrigeration cycle,
32 refrigerant, 33 indoor heat exchanger, 34 outdoor heat exchanger,
35 compressor, 36 pressure reducer, 37 electric motor,
40 battery temperature control system, 41 medium passage, 42 heat medium,
43 pump, 44 additional refrigerant passage, 45 additional heat exchanger,
46 first shutoff valve, 47 second shutoff valve,
51 temperature controller, 52 navigation controller,
170 charge treatment, 280 induction treatment, 370 charge/discharge treatment,
453 microphone, 470 charging process.

Claims (9)

a battery (3) mounted on a vehicle (2);
a refrigeration cycle (31) comprising a compressor (35) for compressing a refrigerant and directly or indirectly regulating the temperature of the battery;
A temperature control device (51) that controls the refrigeration cycle so as to maintain the temperature of the battery within an appropriate temperature range,
The temperature control device is
Acquisition means (171, 471) for acquiring surrounding environment information indicating the surrounding environment of the vehicle;
setting means (172, 173, 174, 175, 472) for setting the upper limit rotation speed of the compressor based on the ambient environment information acquired by the acquisition means;
an operating means (176) for operating the compressor at a speed equal to or lower than the upper limit rotation speed set by the setting means and adjusting the temperature of the battery ;
A vehicle battery temperature control apparatus comprising guiding means (280) for guiding a user and said vehicle to a local charging facility where said battery can be charged without limiting the number of revolutions of said compressor . Between the refrigeration cycle and the battery,
a medium passage (41) through which a heat medium (42) thermally coupled with the battery circulates;
A vehicle battery temperature control system according to claim 1, comprising an additional heat exchanger (45) for providing heat exchange between said refrigeration cycle refrigerant (32) and said heat transfer medium. The setting means
noise setting means (172) for setting the allowable noise level from the ambient environment information based on a setting characteristic (SL1) that associates the ambient environment information with the allowable noise level allowed for the vehicle;
A rotation speed setting means (173) for setting the upper limit rotation speed from the allowable noise level based on a setting characteristic (SL2) that associates the set allowable noise level and the upper limit rotation speed. The vehicle battery temperature control device according to claim 2. 3. The setting means (472) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the setting means (472) sets the upper limit rotation speed from the surrounding environment information based on a setting characteristic (SL4) that associates the surrounding environment information and the upper limit rotation speed. vehicle battery temperature controller. The temperature control device further comprises:
A determination means (174) for determining whether or not a predetermined battery protection condition has been established,
The setting means sets the upper limit rotational speed so as to suppress noise of the compressor when the battery protection condition is not satisfied, and sets the upper limit rotation speed so as to protect the battery when the battery protection condition is satisfied. 5. The vehicle battery temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the upper limit rotation speed is set. 6. The vehicle battery temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the temperature control device controls the refrigeration cycle so as to control the temperature of the battery even when the battery is discharged. the refrigeration cycle can provide both temperature regulation capability for air conditioning and temperature regulation capability for the battery;
7. A vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the temperature control device comprises air conditioning limiting means (376a) for limiting the temperature regulation capability for the air conditioning and for providing the temperature regulation capability of the battery. Battery temperature controller. In addition, it has an ambient environment detector that detects the surrounding environment,
the ambient environment detector includes a navigation controller (52) that displays the current position of the vehicle on a map;
8. The vehicle battery temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein said temperature control device acquires current position information from said navigation control device. In addition, it has an ambient environment detector that detects the surrounding environment,
the ambient environment detector includes a microphone (453) for detecting ambient sounds of the vehicle;
9. The vehicle battery temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the temperature control device acquires background noise information from the microphone.

Images