WO2022175149A1

WO2022175149A1 - Method for managing the heat of an electric battery of a vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2022175149A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/053200
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roland AKIKI; Samy Hammi; Bertrand Gessier; Stefan Karl; Richard COTTET
Original assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
Priority date: 2021-02-18
Filing date: 2022-02-10
Publication date: 2022-08-25

Abstract

The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a thermal management device (4) for an electric battery (2) of an electric or hybrid vehicle (1), said thermal management device (4) comprising at least one regulating means (6) for regulating the temperature of the electric battery (2), and a control module (8) configured so as to provide at least one temperature control command (A) to the regulating means (6), and being characterised in that the control module (8) comprises an acquisition means (10) for retrieving an identification parameter (PC, PR) of a driving profile, a database (12) in which at least one item of data (D) associated with a driving profile (1) is stored, and a computer module (14) that is configured so as to select a driving profile in the database according to the retrieved identification parameter and to generate a control command (A) of the regulating means (6) on the basis of the driving profile of the selected driver.

Description

THERMAL MANAGEMENT DEVICE FOR AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERY

The present invention relates to the field of electric vehicle batteries, in particular automobiles. More particularly, the invention relates to a device for thermal management of a vehicle electric battery, as well as an associated method for thermal management of such an electric battery.

The propulsion of an electric vehicle, or of a hybrid vehicle, is carried out entirely, or partially, by means of an electric motor which is supplied with electricity by at least one electric battery giving the vehicle an autonomy which can be of the order of several hundred kilometres.

The electric batteries fitted to such vehicles generate heat during their use. It is known that these vehicles include thermal management means for such electric batteries, these management means being configured to be able to heat or cool the electric batteries. Indeed, the operation of these batteries is optimal when their temperature is within a defined temperature range, generally between 20°C and 40°C.

More particularly, an electric battery having a temperature greater than 40°C would not operate optimally, the overheating generated by such a temperature possibly in particular involving the degradation of all or part of the components of the battery, and an electric battery having a temperature less than 20° C. would not operate optimally either, its performance in terms of energy supply could for example be lower, which would imply degraded performance and, where appropriate, autonomy of the vehicle. For example, the range of an electric or hybrid vehicle can be 200 kilometers for example when the temperature of its electric battery is 25°C and 180 kilometers when the temperature of its electric battery is lower. at io°C.

The electric battery can therefore advantageously be associated with thermal management means which are controlled to ensure that the temperature of the battery is maintained within the range of optimum temperatures. It should however be noted that the thermal regulation of the electric heater involves an expense energy, to bring the fluid or the electrical elements forming part of the thermal management means and intended to regulate the temperature of the battery to the appropriate temperature, and this energy expenditure has the effect of reducing the quantity of energy stored in the battery and thus reducing the range of the vehicle.

In this context of thermal regulation of the battery, it should be noted that the temperature of the electric battery varies in particular according to the behavior adopted by the driver of the electric or hybrid vehicle. The driver can, for example, carry out driving described as “sporty” when he accelerates and brakes significantly, or driving described as “eco-responsible” when he accelerates or brakes more moderately. Sporty driving results in a significant and immediate need for the electrical energy supplied by the electric battery, which has the effect of rapidly and significantly increasing the temperature of the battery, while eco-responsible driving, which generates reduced consumption of electrical energy supplied by the electric battery compared to sporty driving means that the electric battery is subject to less significant increases in temperature. In addition, the need for thermal regulation of the electric battery, as mentioned above, varies depending on whether the driver adopts sporty or economical driving, sporty driving involving a rapid rise in temperature of the battery and therefore a regulation greater heat, which leads to an increase in energy consumption, reducing the autonomy of the electric battery. In other words, not only does the driving adopted by the driver increase and/or decrease the direct energy consumption of the battery, but it also leads to a modification of the energy consumption by the thermal regulation means of the electric battery.

The present invention falls within this context and has as its main object a thermal management device for an electric battery of an electric or hybrid vehicle, the thermal management device comprising at least one means for regulating the temperature of the battery electric, a control module configured to give at least one temperature control instruction to the regulating means, characterized in that the control module comprises a means for retrieving an identification parameter of a driving profile of the electric or hybrid vehicle, a database in which at least one datum associated with a driving profile is stored, and a calculation module which is configured to choose a driving profile from the database as a function of the retrieved identification parameter and to generate a control instruction for the regulation means from the driving profile of the chosen driver.

The thermal management device according to the invention makes it possible to provide thermal management of the electric battery according to the driving profile of the driver. It is understood from the foregoing that the calculation module takes into account the driving profile of the driver to generate the control instruction to be transmitted to the regulation means, that is to say to calculate the control instruction adapted to the driving profile implemented in the current journey or able to be implemented in the future journey and then to transmit this appropriate control instruction to the means for regulating the temperature of the electric battery. It is understood that the driving profile can be a driving profile personalized and assigned to the driver, when the latter uses the vehicle in the usual way, or a predefined driving profile and stored on the database corresponding best to the driver when that this is using the vehicle for the first time. In this way, the thermal regulation of the battery is adjusted to the way in which this electric battery is likely to rise in temperature, and the energy expenditure is advantageously adjusted to the cooling requirements of the electric battery.

A control instruction here consists of an instruction generated by the calculation module, transmitted to the regulation means and ordering the latter to operate so as to heat and/or cool the thermal battery. The control instruction can be transmitted via electromagnetic waves, by electric or light signal transmitted via a cable. Depending on the form taken by the regulation means, the control instruction may for example be an instruction for switching on an electrical network supplying resistive heating elements, or else be an instruction for circulating a heat transfer fluid. , or its flow rate variation, within a control loop, via an appropriate pump, so that this heat transfer fluid, once brought to a certain temperature, runs alongside the electric heater to exchange the calories or cold according to the regulation action to be carried out on the electric heater.

The calculation of the control instruction by the calculation module takes into account a target temperature at which the electric battery must be after temperature regulation, this target temperature being associated with each driving profile stored in the database. The calculation also takes account of at least one threshold temperature, which corresponds to a maximum and/or minimum temperature of the electric heater at which the means for regulating the electric heater must be activated. When the temperature of the electric heater is higher and/or lower than this threshold temperature, the calculation module transmits the control instruction so that the electric heater reaches the target temperature.

According to an optional feature of the invention, the calculation module is configured to be able to modify a control instruction transmitted to the regulation means, the modified control instruction being a function of a new chosen driving profile. In other words, the calculation module can generate a second control instruction different from a first control instruction transmitted to the regulation means before this second control instruction, as soon as the identification parameters retrieved lead to a new choice of driving profile. By way of example, the calculation module can generate and transmit a first control instruction to the regulation means ordering heating of the electric battery so that it reaches a temperature of approximately 28° C., the driving profile chosen being a sporty driving profile, this choice having been made according to the latest uses of the vehicle. And this calculation module can modify during the same journey the control instruction transmitted to the regulation means if the parameters recovered during the journey suggest that the driver is not the same as that of the last journeys and that the profile of conduct must be changed. Consequently, the calculation module is configured to generate a second control instruction, different from the first control instruction, and to transmit it to the regulation means so that the latter regulates the temperature otherwise so that it reaches a different temperature. For example, the identification parameters retrieved may involve the choice of an economical driving profile, and generate a control instruction corresponding to a target temperature of the battery lower than that corresponding to the first instruction, and for example here of the around 23°C. The second control instruction can then consist of a control of the regulation means aimed at heating the electric battery less strongly or of a control of the regulation means aimed at cooling the electric battery.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the recovery means comprises at least one interface between the driver and the control module, the control module being configured to recover an identification parameter of a driving profile by the intermediary of this interface. The interface allows the driver to transmit to the control module at least one identification parameter of a driving profile, whether it is an identification of his person, of a pre-recorded driving profile which suits him, or else some of his driving habits. The interface can in particular be configured to present a plurality of parameters representative of several driving profiles and from which the driver is required to choose. This identification parameter is then used by the calculation module to choose a driving profile stored on the database corresponding to this identification parameter, by comparing this identification parameter with the data stored in the database.

According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the interface is installed in a passenger compartment of the vehicle, the driver being able to transmit driving parameters relating to a driving profile before, during or after starting the vehicle. The interface may in particular be a touch screen, allowing the driver to choose one of the identification parameters which are presented to him on the screen, or else be a voice-recognition audio system allowing the driver to state aloud a parameter identification. In an alternative or cumulative exemplary embodiment, the interface can also consist of a screen of a mobile phone and an application that can be downloaded and used on this mobile phone. According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the recovery means comprises at least one sensor configured to detect a driving parameter forming an identification parameter of a driving profile, the control module being configured to recover via this at least a sensor at least one driving parameter for each journey made. By driving parameter, it should be understood that the control module retrieves information on the driving conditions of the vehicle which reflect the driver's driving style, and for example the frequency and intensity of acceleration actions and/or braking. As before, each driving parameter forming an identification parameter is retrieved and compared with equivalent data present in the database so that the calculation module can choose a driving profile associated with these driving parameters and adapt the behavior accordingly. control instruction of the means of regulation.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the sensor is configured to transmit the driving parameter to the database, the database being configured to store this driving parameter in the form of data and to adapt the profile driver's driving. Such a characteristic allows an update of the driving profiles stored in the database and from which the calculation module is able to choose. By way of example, when the driver has given an identification parameter allowing it to be associated with a specific driving profile, the control module can be configured to collect the driving parameters retrieved by the sensor and to add them to the data associated with that specific driving profile.

According to another characteristic of the invention, and according to the driving parameter transmitted to the database by the sensor, the control module can assign another driving profile to the driver during the use of the vehicle by the driver, the change driving profile leading to a modification of the control instruction generated by the calculation module.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the thermal management device comprises at least one temperature sensor, in particular of the temperature of the environment of the electric or hybrid vehicle, of the environment of the electric heater and/or directly of the electric heater, the temperature sensor being configured to transmit at least one temperature parameter to the calculation module, the calculation module being configured to take account of this temperature parameter in calculation of the control instruction and/or to modify a generated control instruction. The calculation module takes into account the temperature relating to the electric battery and/or to the environment outside the vehicle in order to refine the control instruction to be generated, the temperature of the environment outside the vehicle being able to strongly influence the temperature drums.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the calculation module is configured to define one or more reference journeys performed recurrently by the vehicle at a time of day and/or week and to use a reference route as a driving profile with which various data stored in the database are associated, the calculation module being configured to generate a command instruction for the regulation means as a function of such a reference route. A reference route is understood to mean a route performed by the vehicle on a regular basis, for example every day of the week, or on the same day every week. The calculation module takes this habit into account to anticipate the needs concerning the thermal management of the electric heater. For example, when a driver uses the vehicle on the same day every week for a short trip, the calculation module generates a different control instruction suitable for a short trip.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the thermal management device comprises an active driver recognition means, the recognition means being configured to identify the driver when the latter settles in the driving position of the vehicle and to transmit a driver identification parameter to the control module. The recognition means is here said to be active in that it carries out a driver recognition operation without any particular action by the latter. By way of example, the active recognition means can be a camera equipped with facial recognition software, or a weight sensor integrated into the seat.

In a complementary or alternative way, the active recognition means can be a fingerprint analysis device. This means of recognition can also consist of a means of detecting a mobile telephone of a user of the vehicle, either by detecting the telephone when the latter is positioned on an appropriate support or else by detecting a radio frequency communication mode of the phone when activated.

According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the database comprises at least two predefined driving profiles, the control module being configured to assign the driver one of the two driving profiles during driving. The driver can thus give, for example via the interface, information on his driving profile, or on the driving profile that best corresponds to him when these several profiles are presented to him, and the calculation module is then able to choose the most appropriate driving profile and the control instruction to be generated.

The present invention also relates to a method for thermal management of an electric battery of a vehicle comprising a first step during which the recovery means of a thermal management device according to the invention recovers an identification parameter of a driving profile and transmits this identification parameter to the calculation module, the method comprising a second step during which the calculation module compares this identification parameter with data associated with driving profiles stored on the database and chooses the driving profile stored on the database corresponding to the driver, the method comprising a third step during which the calculation module retrieves the data corresponding to the driving profile of the driver and generates a control instruction intended by means of regulation according to the data of said driving profile.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the method for thermal management of an electric battery comprises a fourth step during which the control module transmits the control instruction to the means for regulating the temperature of the electric battery and during which the regulation means heats and/or cools the electric battery according to the control instruction.

Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and several examples of embodiment given by way of indication and not limitation with reference to the schematic drawings appended on the other hand, in which:

Figure i is a schematic representation of a vehicle equipped with a thermal management device according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart representing a thermal management method according to the invention.

The features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be associated with each other, in various combinations, insofar as they are not incompatible or exclusive with respect to each other. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined comprising only a selection of characteristics described below in isolation from the other characteristics described, if this selection of characteristics is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and/or to differentiate the invention. compared to the prior art.

The invention as it will be described below relates to a thermal management device 4 of an electric battery 2 in which a means 6 for regulating the temperature of the electric battery 2 is controlled according to a driver's driving profile, in particular via a control module 8. Such a thermal management device 4, which will be described in more detail below, is in particular configured to be mounted in an electric or hybrid vehicle 1 as shown in figure 1.

An electric or hybrid vehicle 1 according to one aspect of the invention thus comprises a rechargeable electric battery 2 and a thermal management device 4 of the electric battery 2. The electric or hybrid vehicle 1 can for example be an electric or hybrid motor vehicle, an electric or hybrid electric road motorized vehicle with two or three wheels, an electric velocipede, or an electric scooter.

The electric battery 2 equipping the electric or hybrid vehicle 1 can be an electric battery with liquid electrolytes or with solid electrolytes. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the electric battery 2 can be recharged via a wired electrical connection connected to a charging terminal of said electric battery 2, and/or can be recharged by induction. The electric heater 2 has an optimum operating temperature. More particularly, the characteristics of the electric battery 2 are optimized when the electric battery 2 has a temperature substantially equal to the optimum temperature. For example, the autonomy of the electric battery 2, resulting in the distance likely to be traveled by the electric or hybrid vehicle 1, is optimized when the operating temperature of the battery is equal to the optimum operating temperature. This distance traveled may for example be 200 kilometers when the electric battery 2 is at the optimum temperature, and 180 kilometers when the electric battery 2 is at a temperature approximately 10° C. lower than the optimum temperature.

The optimum temperature of the electric battery 2 varies from one electric battery 2 to another and it depends in particular on the materials and the processes used to manufacture the electric battery 2. From the optimum operating temperature, it is possible to determine a temperature range in which the operating performance of the electric battery 2 remains optimal. The lower value and the upper value of this range of temperatures, which can be called range of optimum temperatures, are respectively for example of the order of 0.7 and 1.3 times the optimum operating temperature. These values are generally supplied by the manufacturer of the electric heater 2. Outside this range of optimum temperatures, it is considered that the operation of the electric heater 2 may deteriorate. By way of example, the optimum operating temperature may be of the order of 28° C., and the lower value of the range of optimum temperatures is then of the order of 20° C. while the upper value of the range optimum temperature is then around 35°C.

As will be described in more detail below, the thermal management device 4 according to the invention is configured so that the temperature of the electric battery 2 at the moment of starting the electric or hybrid vehicle 1 is substantially equivalent to the lower value of the range of optimal temperatures, so that the battery is directly operational in an optimal manner while allowing a rise in temperature which does not generate overheating too quickly, that is to say a temperature higher than the Beach of optimal values which would result in degradation of battery operation.

For this, the thermal management device 4 of the electric heater 2 comprises means 6 for regulating the temperature of the electric heater 2 and a control module 8 configured to give at least one control instruction A to the regulating means 6.

The means 6 for regulating the temperature of the electric battery 2 makes it possible to heat and/or cool the electric battery 2 according to the temperature of the electric battery 2 and according to the command instruction A given by the control module 8 The regulation means 6 can for example be a network of pipes extending over at least one face of the electric battery 2, the network of pipes being capable of being traversed by a heat transfer fluid intended to exchange calories with the electric battery 2 to control its temperature. The network of pipes can comprise a pump or a compressor forcing the circulation of the heat transfer fluid through the network of pipes. However, another type of means 6 for regulating the temperature of the electric battery 2 can be implemented here without departing from the scope of the invention since its operation can be controlled by a control instruction generated by the control module 8.

According to the invention, the control module 8 comprises at least one means 10 for recovering a parameter for identifying a driving profile of the electric or hybrid vehicle 1, a database 12 in which at least one datum D associated with a driving profile is stored, and a calculation module 14 which is configured to choose a driving profile from the database 12 as a function of the recovered identification parameter and to generate a control instruction for the regulation means to from the driving profile of the chosen driver.

These different elements of the control module 8 are configured to communicate with each other. Without this being limiting of the invention, wireless communication means can equip the control module 8 to allow communications between the recovery means, the database and the calculation module. In particular, the recovery means 10 is configured to communicate with the calculation module 14 and transmit to it the parameters identification recovered, and the calculation module 14 can communicate with the database 12 to choose the driving profile which best corresponds to the current driver of the vehicle.

As will be detailed below, according to the invention, the calculation module 14 compares each driving profile identification parameter transmitted to it with the data stored in the database in order to define which driving profile is the more suitable for driving the driver, depending on the similarities between identification parameters and data. The driving profile chosen is more particularly the one stored in the database which is associated with the greatest number of data deemed similar to the identification parameters retrieved. The calculation module 14 then generates at least one control instruction A intended for the regulation means 6 according to the selected driving profile.

The control module 8 can be configured so that the calculation module 14 can assign during driving another driving profile to the driver of the electric or hybrid vehicle 1 than that defined at the start of driving, for example when the driving of the driver is different from that usually carried out and/or when the initially assigned driving profile does not correspond to the driver's driving. According to an alternative of the invention, the control module 8 is configured so that the recovery means 10 and the database 12 can communicate with each other, the identification parameter recovered by the recovery means 10 being capable of being transmitted directly to the database 12, so as to be stored in the form of a datum D associated with the driving profile attributed to the current driver of the vehicle, and adapting the driving profile of the driver according to the identification parameter.

As mentioned above, the database 12 makes it possible to store at least one datum D associated with a driving profile, and advantageously a plurality of data D associated with several driving profiles. The database 12 comprises a plurality of driving profiles, whether these are standard profiles, personalized driving profiles respectively associated with a regular driver of the electric or hybrid vehicle 1, or profiles updated as the thermal management system is used.

The notion of “driving profile” of the electric or hybrid vehicle 1 refers to the way a driver drives the vehicle and this driving profile is associated with data relating to the mechanical characteristics of the rolling of the vehicle. For example, a so-called sporty driving profile represents a way of driving the vehicle that is demanding in terms of vehicle performance and is associated with high-intensity acceleration and braking data, indicative of sporty driving. Conversely, a so-called economical driving profile represents a way of driving the vehicle that is more moderate and is associated with progressive acceleration and braking data. As mentioned, these data D associated with each driving profile likely to be chosen by the calculation module are stored in the database 12.

Two main types of data are distinguished among the data D stored and associated with a driving profile.

A first type of data consists of data relating to the person of the driver, such as his image, and data relating to the dynamics of the vehicle with this driving profile, such as the intensity of acceleration and braking. According to the invention, the calculation module is configured to compare the parameters retrieved with data of this first type and the calculation module chooses a driving profile according to the number of similarities between the parameters retrieved and the data of the first type.

A second type of data consists of data relating to the temperature regulation action of the electric battery to be carried out specifically when the vehicle is driven with the associated driving profile, and for example a target temperature that the electric battery must reach. According to the invention, the calculation module is configured to recover, once the driving profile has been chosen, the data of this second type associated with said driving profile to generate the corresponding control instructions A.

The database 12 thus communicates with the recovery means 10 and with the calculation module 14, as specified above. It is understood that the database 12 communicates with the recovery means 10 so as to be able recover identification parameters of a driving profile, and with the calculation module 14 to at least transmit to it data D relating to the driving profile of the driver influencing the content of the control instruction A to be generated.

The calculation module 14 is thus configured to adapt the control instruction A sent to the means 6 for regulating the temperature of the electric battery 2 from the driving profile chosen as being the one best corresponding to the identification parameters retrieved and transmitted by the recovery means 10. More particularly, the calculation module 14 generates the control instruction A according to the data D concerning the driving profile of the driver chosen.

“Control instruction A” is understood to mean an instruction generated by the calculation module 14, transmitted to the regulation means 6 and ordering the regulation means 6 to heat and/or cool the electric battery 2. The control instruction A can for example, specify the temperature at which the electric heater 2 must be, the time required to heat and/or cool the electric heater 2, the heat input or loss to be carried out to modify the temperature of the electric heater 2, in particular in the case where calculation units associated with the regulation means are able to implement the regulation means 6 so that the data specified in the control instruction are reached. Alternatively or additionally, the control instruction A can consist of a mechanical control instruction intended for one of the components of the regulation means 6, and for example intended to start or stop the use of a pump or a compressor for a given duration and at a defined power, or else intended to open or close a valve controlling the flow rate of the coolant fluid.

The calculation module 14 can generate a control instruction A before starting the electric or hybrid vehicle 1, when starting the electric or hybrid vehicle 1, when the electric or hybrid vehicle 1 is running, when the electric or hybrid vehicle 1 stops and/or even after stopping the electric or hybrid vehicle 1.

On start-up, the calculation module 14 uses the driving profile of the driver if the latter is known, or if it can be identified by a parameter of recognition at start-up such as a facial recognition means for example, or it can use a driving profile chosen by the driver if it is the first time that the driver has used the electric or hybrid vehicle 1. The calculation module 14 then uses the data D stored in the database 12 concerning the driving profile selected by the driver and generates a first control instruction A when starting the electric or hybrid vehicle 1.

When the electric or hybrid vehicle 1 is running, the recovery means 10 is configured as mentioned to recover several identification parameters, in particular driving parameters PC, which it can transmit to the database 12 to update the driving profile of the driver, and that he transmits above all to the calculation module 14 so that the latter can compare the identification parameters retrieved with the data associated with the different driving profiles in the database 12, in order to choose a profile driving profile adapted to the retrieved parameters and generating and/or refining a control instruction A according to this driving profile.

The recovery means 10 may include a sensor 16 configured to detect driving parameters PC forming an identification parameter of a driving profile. In particular, such a sensor 16 can qualitatively and quantitatively detect the acceleration and/or the braking carried out by the driver, that is to say by measuring the pressure exerted by the driver on an accelerator pedal and/or a pedal braking of the electric or hybrid vehicle 1, or even by measuring the speeds of the vehicle and by analyzing the variation of these speeds. Alternatively or additionally, the retrieval means 10 may also include an interface through which the driver can enter parameters for identifying a driving profile.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the thermal management device 4 comprises at least one temperature sensor 18 configured to detect the temperature of the environment of the electric or hybrid vehicle 1 and/or of the electric battery 2, and to transmit the temperature parameter PT corresponding to the calculation module 14. The calculation module 14 is for its part configured to integrate this temperature parameter PT into the calculation of the control instruction A. l6

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the thermal management device 4 comprises a first temperature sensor measuring the temperature of the electric battery 2 and a second temperature sensor measuring the ambient temperature, that is to say the temperature of the external environment of the electric or hybrid vehicle 1, temperature parameters PT relating both to the temperature of the electric battery 2 and to the temperature of the external environment of the electric or hybrid vehicle 1 being transmitted to the control 8.

In a second alternative embodiment to the first example described above, the thermal management device 4 only comprises a temperature sensor 18 advantageously measuring the temperature of the electric battery 2.

For example, if the temperature sensor 18 transmits a temperature of the electric battery 2 which is approximately equal to 15° C., the calculation module 14 generates a control instruction A intended for the regulation means 6 so that the latter heats the electric battery 2 so that it has a temperature close to the optimum operating temperature. Conversely, if the temperature sensor 18 transmits a temperature of the electric battery 2 which is approximately 35° C., the calculation module 14 generates a control instruction A intended for the regulation means 6 so that the latter cools the electric battery 2 so that it has a temperature close to the optimum operating temperature.

Moreover, in the cold season for example, if the temperature sensor 18 transmits a temperature of the external environment of the electric or hybrid vehicle 1 which is lower than 5° C., the calculation module 14 generates a command instruction A to destination regulation means 6 so that the latter heats the electric battery 2 so that it has a temperature close to the optimum operating temperature. Conversely, in the hot season, if the temperature sensor 18 transmits a temperature of the external environment of the electric or hybrid vehicle 1 which is greater than 35° C., the calculation module 14 generates a command instruction A intended for the means of regulation 6 so that the latter cools the electric battery 2 so that it has a temperature close to the optimum operating temperature. According to an alternative of the invention, the temperature sensor 18 of the thermal management device, which allows as mentioned the recovery of a temperature parameter taken into account by the calculation module to calculate the control instruction of the means control, may consist of a temperature sensor of the electric battery 2, the temperature of the battery then being considered alternatively or complementary to the temperature of the external environment.

According to the invention, the thermal management device 4 comprises at least one interface 20 between the driver and the control module 8, the control module 8 being configured to recover an identification parameter, in particular a recognition parameter PR, concerning a driving profile via this interface 20. The driver can thus communicate with the control module 8 in particular via this interface 20 to transmit one or more recognition parameters PR concerning him or concerning his driving profile. As mentioned above, these recognition parameters PR retrieved via the interface 20 form identification parameters allowing the calculation module 14 to choose, by comparison with data D from the database 12, a profile of appropriate driving and to calculate a control instruction A of the regulation means 6 most appropriate to the driving profile.

The interface 20 can for example be a touch screen installed in the passenger compartment of the electric or hybrid vehicle 1, the driver can thus easily enter new identification parameters before starting the electric or hybrid vehicle 1. The interface 20 can also be a voice system comprising for example a microphone and a loudspeaker installed in the driving compartment, the driver stating aloud the various identification parameters then allowing the calculation module 14 to choose the driving profile of the driver .

Furthermore, when the database 12 includes data associated with several driving profiles, the driver can directly select one of the predefined driving profiles via the interface 20. In other words, when a new driver uses the electric or hybrid vehicle 1, he can select, thanks to the interface 20, which of the predefined driving profiles l8 corresponds best and the calculation module 14 then calculates a control instruction on the database D associated with this driving profile chosen by the driver via the interface 20. The database 12 can then create a driving profile personalized to the new driver in which the database 12 copies and assigns the data D of the designated driving profile to the new driving profile, the various driving parameters subsequently retrieved while driving the vehicle then being stored in the database 12 in the form of data associated with the personalized driving profile of the new driver.

According to an alternative of the invention, the thermal management device 4 can also comprise a communication system 22 with a connected network. The communication system 22 allows for example the thermal management device 4 to collect data D on the conductor from the connected network. It is understood from this that the connected network comprises a driving profile of a driver, and that the connected network can transmit this driving profile of the driver to any of the electric or hybrid vehicles 1 driven by the driver. In this way, the electric or hybrid vehicle 1 can store the data D of the driver's driving profile established when driving after driving the electric or hybrid vehicle 1. The calculation module 14 subsequently uses these data D downloaded and then stored to generate one or more control instructions A.

Provision can also be made for the communication system 22 to transmit driving parameters PC and/or recognition parameters PR in order to update the driving profile of the driver stored on the connected network.

Furthermore, the thermal management device 4 comprises an active recognition means 24 of the driver, the recognition means 24 being configured to identify the driver and to transmit to the control module 8 an identification parameter PR relating to the driving profile and more particularly this time relating to the driver himself. It is understood from this that the driver recognition means 24 is a constituent of the retrieval means 10 and participates in transmitting an identification parameter to the calculation module 14 allowing the latter to choose which driving profile stored in the database 12 corresponds to the driver and therefore calculate the correct control instruction to be transmitted to the regulation means It is understood that the identification of the driver by the recognition means 24 makes it possible, for example, to assign the appropriate driving profile to said driver when the latter has already used the electric or hybrid vehicle 1. More particularly, the database 12 stores the driving profile of the driver, this driving profile having been created or updated during a first use of the electric or hybrid vehicle 1. When the driver uses the electric or hybrid vehicle 1 a second time, the means of recognition 24 allows the thermal management device 4 to identify the driver and assign him the appropriate driving profile stored in the database 12.

The active recognition means 24 may for example comprise a camera installed in the passenger compartment of the electric or hybrid vehicle 1 and facial recognition software. In this configuration, the camera scans the face of the driver during the first use of the hybrid electric or hybrid vehicle 1 and transmits this identification parameter PR to the database 12 so that the latter stores it in the form of data D at the level the driver's driving profile. During the second use of the electric or hybrid vehicle 1 by the driver, the camera scans the driver's face and the facial recognition software transmits to the control module 8 an identification parameter PR indicating which is the driving profile stored in the database 12 corresponding to the driver.

According to an exemplary embodiment that is cumulative or alternative to what has just been described, the active recognition means 24 can be a fingerprint analysis device. For this, the active recognition means comprises for example an analysis surface where the driver places one end of one of his fingers. The active recognition means 24 analyzes, for example by scanning, the end of the driver's finger resting on the analysis surface and transmits this identification parameter PR to the database 12 so that the latter stores it in the form of data D at the level of the driver's driving profile. During the second use of the electric or hybrid vehicle 1 by the driver, the fingerprint analysis device scans the end of the driver's finger at the level of the analysis surface and the fingerprint analysis device transmits to the control module 8 an identification parameter PR enabling it to be compared with the fingerprint data stored in the database 12 and to choose the driving profile associated with the driver's fingerprint.

According to another cumulative or alternative embodiment to what has just been described, the active recognition means 24 can also be a presence sensor of a mobile phone of a driver of the vehicle. The presence sensor detects the presence of the driver's mobile telephone, for example by detecting a wireless communication network specific to the telephone, and transmits this identification parameter PR to the database 12 so that the latter stores it under data form D at the level of the driver's driving profile. During the second use of the electric or hybrid vehicle 1 by the driver, the detection by the presence sensor of the wireless communication network of the mobile telephone makes it possible to choose the driving profile associated with this telephone and this communication network.

As illustrated, the control module 8 can comprise a computer 28 configured to establish reference journeys R, regularly carried out by the driver according to a time of day and/or week, and these reference journeys are stored in the database as a driving profile.

In other words, various data D stored in the database 12 are associated with the existence of such and such a reference path R.

When such a reference route R is envisaged, in particular when the vehicle is started on a day of the week, or an hour of the day, where this reference route takes place on a recurring basis, the calculation module 14 uses the data D associated with this reference path in the database 12 to generate one or more control instructions A corresponding to the type of path that will be carried out by the driver.

We will now describe a thermal management method of the electric battery 2 of the electric or hybrid vehicle 1, with particular reference to Figure 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the thermal management method comprises a first step El during which the recovery means 10 of a thermal management device 4 according to the invention collects an identification parameter PC, PR d 'a driving profile of the vehicle and transmits this identification parameter PC, PR to the calculation module 14. The method comprises also a second step E2 during which the calculation module 14 compares this identification parameter with the data D stored in the database 12 and associated with the different driving profiles of the driver and chooses as a result of this comparison that of the profiles of conduct stored in the database 12 whose associated data D best correspond to the identification parameter(s). The method also comprises a third step E3 during which the calculation module 14 recovers parameters, including a temperature parameter PT, allowing the calculation of a control instruction A intended for the regulation means 6, and takes account of the data D corresponding to the driving profile chosen to adapt the control instruction A to calculate.

More specifically, during the first step E1 of the thermal management method, the recovery by the recovery means 10 of the identification parameter of a driving profile takes place via the sensor 16 and/or the interface 20 and/or the means of recognition 24.

In the case of a sensor 16 forming the recovery means 10, the identification parameter consists of a driving parameter PC relating to a driving style of the driver, such as for example the power of the accelerations or braking performed by the driver. . This active parameter recovery, that is to say performed without any particular action by the driver, can in particular be performed while driving the electric or hybrid vehicle 1 made specific by the way the driver drives.

Similarly, in the case of a recognition means 24 forming the recovery means 10, the identification parameter consists of a recognition parameter R obtained actively, that is to say without any particular action by the driver. . This active parameter recovery can in particular be carried out at start-up and/or during use of the electric or hybrid vehicle 1 by the driver.

In the case of an interface 20 forming the recovery means 10, the identification parameter again consists of a recognition parameter R, entered this time by the driver, via the interface 20. This parameter recovery can in particular be carried out at start-up, when the driver enters the vehicle, but can also be while the vehicle is in motion. During the first step El of the thermal management process of the electric battery 2, the identification parameters PR, PC recovered by the recovery means 10 are transmitted to the calculation module 14. The communication of the identification parameters to the calculation module can in particular be carried out via wireless communication means.

In this first step El, an identification parameter transmitted to the calculation module 14 can also consist of a reference path R defined by the computer 28.

As mentioned, during the second step E2, the calculation module 14 compares the identification parameters with the data stored in the database 12 and associated with different driving profiles, so as to choose the corresponding driving profile. to the driver of the vehicle. In other words, during this second step E2, the calculation module 14 compares each identification parameter transmitted to it during the first step E1 with the data D present on the database 12. When the calculation module identifies a datum D close to the identification parameter, for example a parameter on an acceleration intensity which is of the same value as a stored acceleration datum or an image of the driver retrieved which is substantially identical to an image stored, the calculation module 14 notes which is the driving profile associated with this datum D. The calculation module 14 thus chooses the driving profile corresponding to the driver of the vehicle as being that which is associated with the greatest number of identical data D or substantially identical to the recovered identification parameters.

According to an alternative of the invention, the second step E2 of the thermal management method comprises an additional sub-step during which the identification parameters recovered by the recovery means 10 are stored in the database, to update update one of the driving profiles present in the database. In this additional sub-step, the recovery means 10 communicates the recovered parameters and associates them with the driving profile chosen by the calculation module 14, so that this driving profile is enriched with new parameters or else that the parameters associated with this driving profile are updated. It is particularly advantageous to implement this additional sub-step when an identification parameter is entered via the interface 20 by the driver. The driving parameters PC moreover recovered by the sensor 16 are then stored in the form of data D in the database and associated with the driving profile entered by the driver.

During the third step E3, and after having chosen the driving profile that best corresponds to the various parameters retrieved, the calculation module 14 generates a control instruction A intended for the operation of the regulation means 6.

More precisely, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, the calculation module 14 uses contextual parameters, representative of a state of the battery such as the temperature parameter PT retrieved by the temperature sensor 18, to calculate the instruction command A, and it uses the data D associated in the database 12 with the chosen driving profile, to adapt this command instruction A to the chosen driving profile.

The calculation of the control instruction is a function of a value representative of the current temperature of the electric heater, via the temperature parameter PT retrieved by the temperature sensor 18, and of a target temperature value to which must be electric heater 2 after thermal regulation. According to the invention, the control instruction A is generated as a function of these temperature values of the electric battery 2, and on the other hand as a function of the driving profile chosen by the calculation module 14 during the second step. E2.

For example, when the vehicle is started, the temperature of the battery is substantially similar to the temperature of the environment outside the vehicle, that is to say at 10° C. for example. Provision is made for the control module 8, and more particularly the calculation module 14, to generate a control instruction A aimed at heating the electric battery 2 to a temperature close to the optimum operating temperature, which can be for example 25 °C. If the calculation module 14 chooses as the driving profile to be associated with the driver a sports driving profile, the calculation module 14 then generates a control instruction A of the regulation means 6 so that the latter can heat the electric battery up to at a temperature of 25°C, or even 30°C, and this so that the driver can make optimal use of the electric battery 2 almost immediately.

On the other hand, if the calculation module 14 chooses as the driving profile to be associated with the driver an eco-responsible driving profile, the calculation module then generates a control instruction A of the regulation means 6 so that the latter can heat the electric battery at around 20° C., the driver not needing to use all of the power of the electric battery 2 immediately when the vehicle is started.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the thermal management method also comprises a fourth step E4 during which the control module 8 transmits the control instruction A to the regulation means 6 of the temperature of the electric battery 2 and during which the regulation means 6 heats and/or cools the electric battery 2 according to the control instruction A. It is understood that the regulation means 6 receives the control instruction A, then heats and/or cools the electric battery 2 in order to reach the temperature at which it must be, in particular in view of the effort provided or to be provided.

The present invention cannot however be limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated here and it also extends to any equivalent means and configuration as well as to any technically effective combination of such means. In particular, the arrangement of the various elements in particular in FIG. 1 is arbitrary and can be modified without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Thermal management device (4) of an electric battery (2) of an electric or hybrid vehicle (1), the thermal management device (4) comprising at least one means (6) for regulating the temperature of the electric heater (2), a control module (8) configured to give at least one temperature control instruction (A) to the regulating means (6), characterized in that the control module (8) comprises a means for retrieving (10) an identification parameter (PC, PR) of a driving profile, a database (12) in which at least one datum (D) associated with a driving profile (1) is stored, and a calculation module (14) which is configured to choose a driving profile from the database as a function of the recovered identification parameter and to generate a command instruction (A) for the regulation means (6) from the driving profile of the chosen driver.

2. Thermal management device (4) according to claim 1, in which the calculation module (14) is configured to be able to modify a control instruction (A) transmitted to the regulation means (6), the modified control instruction being a function of a new chosen driving profile.

3. Thermal management device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the recovery means (10) comprises at least one interface (20) between the driver and the control module (8), the control (8) being configured to retrieve an identification parameter (PR) of a driving profile via this interface (20).

4. Thermal management device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the recovery means (10) comprises at least one sensor (16) configured to detect a driving parameter (PC) forming an identification parameter of a driving profile, the control module (8) being configured to recover via this at least one sensor (16) at least one driving parameter (PC) for each journey made.

5. Thermal management device (4) according to the preceding claim, in which the sensor (16) is configured to transmit the driving parameter (PC) to the database (12), the database (12) being configured to store in the form of a datum (D) this driving parameter (PC) and to adapt the driving profile of the driver.

6. Thermal management device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one temperature sensor (18), the temperature sensor (18) being configured to transmit at least one temperature parameter (PT) to the calculation module (14), the calculation module (14) being configured to take account of this temperature parameter (PT) in the calculation of the control instruction (A) and/or in the modification of a order (A) generated.

7. Thermal management device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising active recognition means (24) of the conductor, the recognition means (24) being configured to identify the conductor when the latter settles to the driving position of the vehicle and to transmit to the control module an identification parameter (PR) of the driver.

8. Thermal management device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the database (12) comprises at least two predefined driving profiles, the control module (8) being configured to assign the driver the one of the two driving profiles when driving.

9. A method of thermal management of an electric battery (2) of an electric or hybrid vehicle (1) comprising a first step (El) during which the recovery means (10) of a thermal management device ( 4) according to one of the preceding claims retrieves an identification parameter (PC, PR) from a driving profile and transmits this identification parameter to the calculation module (14), the method comprising a second step (E2) during which the calculation module (14) compares this identification parameter (PC) with data associated with driving profiles stored on the database (12) and chooses the driving profile stored on the database (12) corresponding to the driver, the method comprising a third step (E3) during which the calculation module (14) recovers the data (D) corresponding to the driving profile of the driver and generates a control instruction (A) intended by means of regulation (6) according to the data ( D) of said driving profile.

10. Thermal management method according to claim 9, comprising a fourth step (E4) during which the control module (8) transmits the control instruction (A) to the regulation means (6) of the temperature of the electric heater (2) and during which the regulating means (6) heats and/or cools the electric heater (2) according to the control instruction (A).