A METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE ASSOCIATION OF A SENSOR DEVICE WITH AN ELECTRIC BATTERY UNIT

A method for determining the association of a sensor device with a battery unit. A first circuit includes a first battery unit. A second circuit includes a second battery unit. An electric current limiting device connects the circuits to one another. A first sensor device detects a voltage or a current associated with one of the first and second battery units while a second sensor device detects a voltage or a current associated with the other one of the first and second battery units. The method includes activating an electrical energy consumer or an electrical energy producer of the first circuit, and upon detection of a voltage change or a current change by one of the first and second sensor devices, determining that the one of the first and second sensor devices which detects a voltage change or a current change is associated with the first battery unit.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of the present invention relate to a method for determining the association of a sensor device with an electric battery unit of a plurality of electric battery units.

BACKGROUND

When having one or more electric battery units included in an electrical arrangement, it may be desirable to monitor, for example by measurements, the one or more electric batteries. For example, this may be the case when the one or more electric batteries are included in a vehicle.

SUMMARY

When a plurality of electric battery units is included in an electrical arrangement and each electric battery unit of the plurality of electric battery units is to be monitored, a plurality of sensor devices is often required. When having a plurality of electric battery units and a plurality of sensor devices, it is often desirable to make sure that a specific sensor device is connected to monitor a specific electric battery unit of the plurality of electric battery units. If two or more sensor devices are installed in an unpredicted manner with regard to the plurality of electric battery units and thus are mixed up, data from the plurality of electric battery units can be mixed up, which can result in severe consequences. The inventors of the present invention have found drawbacks in conventional solutions for making sure that a specific sensor device is connected to monitor a specific electric battery unit of a plurality of electric battery units. In some conventional solutions, physically different sensor devices or physically different connection arrangements for the sensor devices are required to make sure that a specific sensor device is connected to monitor a specific electric battery unit of the plurality of electric battery units.

An object of the invention is to provide a solution which mitigates or solves the drawbacks and problems of conventional solutions.

The above and further objects are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objects are achieved with a method for determining the association of a sensor device with an electric battery unit of a plurality of electric battery units, wherein the plurality of electric battery units is connected to an electrical arrangement,wherein the electrical arrangement comprises a first electrical circuit comprising a first electric battery unit of the plurality of electric battery units,wherein the electrical arrangement comprises a second electrical circuit comprising a second electric battery unit of the plurality of electric battery units,wherein the electrical arrangement comprises an electric current limiting device connecting the first electrical circuit to the second electrical circuit, andwherein a first sensor device is connected to detect any one of a voltage and an electric current associated with one of the first and second electric battery units while a second sensor device is connected to detect any one of a voltage and an electric current associated with the other one of the first and second electric battery units,wherein the method comprises:activating any one of an electrical energy consumer and an electrical energy producer included in the first electrical circuit, andupon detection of any one of a voltage change and an electric current change by one of the first and second sensor devices, determining that the one of the first and second sensor devices which detects any one of a voltage change and an electric current change is associated with the first electric battery unit of the first electrical circuit.

It may be defined that the plurality of electric battery units is electrically connected to the electrical arrangement. It may be defined that the plurality of electric battery units is included in the electrical arrangement. It may be defined that the electric current limiting device is configured to limit the electric current between the first electrical circuit and the second electrical circuit. The electric current limiting device may be referred to as an electric current restricting device. It may be defined that the electric current limiting device is configured to electrically connect the first electrical circuit to the second electrical circuit. It is to be understood that the electrical energy consumer, which may be activated according to embodiments of the method according to the first aspect, is included in the first electrical circuit.

The electrical energy consumer may be any kind of electrical unit, circuit, apparatus, device or system consuming electrical energy, for example one or more of a group of: an electric motor; an electrical component; and a control system, such as an electronic control unit, ECU. However, other types of electrical energy consumers are possible. The electrical energy consumer may be defined as an electrical load. The electrical energy producer may be any kind of electrical unit, circuit, apparatus, device or system producing electrical energy, for example one or more of a group of: an electrical generator; an electric power converter, such as a DC-to-DC converter; and a fuel cell. However, other types of electrical energy producers are possible. Each electric battery unit of the plurality of electric battery units may comprise one or more electric batteries.

An advantage of the method according to the first aspect is that the physical structures or configurations of the first and second sensor devices can be substantially identical, i.e. the hardware of the first sensor device can be substantially identical to the hardware of the second sensor device, because with the aid of embodiments of the method there is no need for any visual or physical identification of the sensor devices. Instead, a sensor device can be identified by way of embodiments of the method after the first and second sensor devices have been installed. Thus, the production of the first and second sensor devices is facilitated and improved, since, in general, only one type of sensor device is required. Further, the installation of the first and second sensor devices is facilitated and improved, since any one of the first and second sensor devices can be connected at any position, because the association of any one of the first and second sensor devices with any one of the first and second electric battery unit can be performed after the installation, for example without any visual inspection of the first and second sensor devices or of the connection of the first and second sensor devices. Thus, the risk of installing one of the first and second sensor devices at a wrong location is reduced or minimized, or the risk of intermixing the first and second sensor devices is reduced or minimized. This is valid for the installation of the first and second sensor devices both upon assembly of an apparatus to be provided with the first and second sensor devices and upon later occurring maintenance work, for example upon the assembly of a vehicle at a production site and upon the later occurring maintenance of the vehicle, for example at a workshop, when said apparatus is in the form of a vehicle. An advantage of the method according to the first aspect is that it is better assured that a sensor device monitors the intended electric battery unit of a plurality of electric battery units. An advantage of the method according to the first aspect is that an improved procedure for associating a sensor device with an electric battery unit of a plurality of electric battery units is provided, or expressed alternatively, an advantage of the method according to the first aspect is that an improved procedure for determining which sensor device of a plurality of sensor devices monitors which electric battery unit of a plurality of electric battery units is provided.

In some embodiments of to the method according to the first aspect, both the step of activating an electrical energy consumer included in the first electrical circuit to consume electrical energy and the step of activating an electrical energy producer included in the first electrical circuit to produce electrical energy may be performed.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the method comprises determining the association of a sensor device with an electric battery unit of a plurality of electric battery units carried, or held, by a vehicle.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, one of the first and second sensor devices is connected to one of the first and second electric battery units while the other one of the first and second sensor devices is connected to the other one of the first and second electric battery units. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved procedure for associating a sensor device with an electric battery unit of a plurality of electric battery units is provided.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the electric current limiting device comprises a switching device switchable between a non-conducting state and a conducting state,wherein when the switching device is in the conducting state the switching device is configured to allow an electric current to pass,wherein when the switching device is in the non-conducting state the switching device is configured to interrupt an electric current, andwherein the method comprises:when the switching device is in the non-conducting state, activating any one of an electrical energy consumer and an electrical energy producer included in the first electrical circuit.

An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved procedure for associating a sensor device with an electric battery unit of a plurality of electric battery units is provided. The non-conducting state may be defined as an open state or position, and the conducting state may be defined as a closed state or position. For some embodiments, the switching device may be defined as an electrically operated or controlled switching device.

According to still another advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the switching device comprises or consists of an electric battery master switch. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved procedure for associating a sensor device with an electric battery unit of a plurality of electric battery units is provided.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the method comprises:switching the switching device to the non-conducting state before activating any one of an electrical energy consumer and an electrical energy producer included in the first electrical circuit.

An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved procedure for associating a sensor device with an electric battery unit of a plurality of electric battery units is provided.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the electric current limiting device comprises an electrical one-way conducting device configured to conduct electric current in one direction only. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved procedure for associating a sensor device with an electric battery unit of a plurality of electric battery units is provided.

In some embodiments, the electric current limiting device comprises both a switching device and an electrical one-way conducting device.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the electrical one-way conducting device comprises a diode. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved procedure for associating a sensor device with an electric battery unit of a plurality of electric battery units is provided.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the step of activating any one of an electrical energy consumer and an electrical energy producer included in the first electrical circuit comprises activating the electrical energy consumer to consume electrical energy, whereupon an electric current is supplied from the first electric battery unit and detected by one of the first and second sensor devices. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved procedure for associating a sensor device with an electric battery unit of a plurality of electric battery units is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is the method can be applied to many different electrical arrangements, since most electrical arrangements include an electrical energy consumer.

According to still another advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the step of activating any one of an electrical energy consumer and an electrical energy producer included in the first electrical circuit comprises activating the electrical energy producer to produce electrical energy, whereupon the first electric battery unit is charged, and wherein the charging of the first electric battery unit is detected by one of the first and second sensor devices. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved procedure for associating a sensor device with an electric battery unit of a plurality of electric battery units is provided.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the electrical energy producer comprises an electrical generator, wherein the step of activating any one of an electrical energy consumer and an electrical energy producer included in the first electrical circuit comprises activating the electrical generator to charge the first electric battery unit. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved procedure for associating a sensor device with an electric battery unit of a plurality of electric battery units is provided.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the plurality of electric battery units comprises or consists of a plurality of lead-acid battery units. Embodiments of the innovative method according to the first aspect are indeed advantageous for lead-acid batteries. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved procedure for associating a sensor device with an electric battery unit of a plurality of electric battery units is provided.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the method comprises:keeping any one of an electrical energy consumer and an electrical energy producer included in the second electrical circuit inactive.

An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved procedure for associating a sensor device with an electric battery unit of a plurality of electric battery units is provided.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the method comprises:keeping every one of an electrical energy consumer and an electrical energy producer included in the second electrical circuit inactive.

An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved procedure for associating a sensor device with an electric battery unit of a plurality of electric battery units is provided.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objects are achieved with a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to any one of the embodiments disclosed above or below. The advantages of the computer program according to the second aspect correspond to the above- or below-mentioned advantages of the method according to the first aspect and its embodiments.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objects are achieved with a computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when the instructions are executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to any one of the embodiments disclosed above or below. The advantages of the computer-readable medium according to the third aspect correspond to the above- or below-mentioned advantages of the method according to the first aspect and its embodiments.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the above-mentioned computer program and/or the computer-readable medium are/is configured to implement the method and its embodiments described herein.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objects are achieved with a control arrangement for determining the association of a sensor device with an electric battery unit of a plurality of electric battery units, wherein the plurality of electric battery units is connected to an electrical arrangement,wherein the electrical arrangement comprises a first electrical circuit comprising a first electric battery unit of the plurality of electric battery units,wherein the electrical arrangement comprises a second electrical circuit comprising a second electric battery unit of the plurality of electric battery units,wherein the electrical arrangement comprises an electric current limiting device connecting the first electrical circuit to the second electrical circuit, andwherein a first sensor device is connected to detect any one of a voltage and an electric current associated with one of the first and second electric battery units while a second sensor device is connected to detect any one of a voltage and an electric current associated with the other one of the first and second electric battery units,wherein the control arrangement is configured to:activate any one of an electrical energy consumer and an electrical energy producer included in the first electrical circuit, andupon detection of any one of a voltage change and an electric current change by one of the first and second sensor devices, determine that the one of the first and second sensor devices which detects any one of a voltage change and an electric current change is associated with the first electric battery unit of the first electrical circuit.

The advantages of the control arrangement according to the fourth aspect correspond to the above- or below-mentioned advantages of the method according to the first aspect and its embodiments.

It is to be appreciated that all the embodiments described for the method aspects of the invention are applicable also to the control arrangement aspects of the invention. Thus, all embodiments described for the method aspects of the invention may be performed by the control arrangement, which may include one or more control units, or one or more control devices. As mentioned above, the control arrangement and its embodiments have advantages corresponding to the advantages mentioned above for the method and its embodiments.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objects are achieved with a vehicle comprising a control arrangement according to any one of the embodiments disclosed above or below.

The advantages of the vehicle according to the fifth aspect correspond to the above-or below-mentioned advantages of the method according to the first aspect and its embodiments.

The vehicle may be a wheeled vehicle, i.e. a vehicle having wheels. The vehicle may for example be a bus, a tractor vehicle, a heavy vehicle, a truck, or a car. The tractor vehicle, and/or the truck, may, or may be configured to, haul, or pull, a trailer. However, other types of vehicles are possible. The vehicle may be referred to as a motor vehicle. The vehicle may be an electric vehicle, EV, for example a hybrid vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle, HEV, or a battery electric vehicle, BEV. Thus, a hybrid electric vehicle, HEV, and a battery electric vehicle, BEV, are versions, or examples, of an electric vehicle, EV. The EV may comprise one or more electric motors or electrical machines. The vehicle may comprise a combustion engine.

The vehicle may comprise a powertrain. The powertrain may be configured in accordance with any one of the embodiments disclosed above or below. The vehicle may comprise one or more of the group of: an electric battery; and an electric battery pack. The powertrain of the vehicle may comprise one or more of the group of: a combustion engine; an electric battery; and an electric battery pack.

The above-mentioned features and embodiments of the method, the computer program, the computer-readable medium, the control arrangement and the vehicle, respectively, may be combined in various possible ways providing further advantageous embodiments.

Further advantageous embodiments of the method, the computer program, the computer-readable medium, the control arrangement and the vehicle according to the present invention and further advantages with the embodiments of the present invention emerge from the detailed description of embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference toFIGS.1to4, four examples of an electrical arrangement100,200,300,400, to which embodiments of the method according to the first aspect of the invention can be applied, are schematically illustrated. It is to be understood that one or more additional electrical components, electrical circuits, electrical devices and/or electrical systems may be added or connected, such as electrically connected, to the electrical arrangements100,200,300,400which are illustrated. Further, the items of the respective electrical arrangement100,200,300,400may be arranged and/or connected, such as electrically connected, in various other possible ways different from the illustrations inFIGS.1to4.

With reference toFIG.1, the electrical arrangement100includes a first electrical circuit102and a second electrical circuit104. The first electrical circuit102includes a first electric battery unit1000aof a plurality of electric battery units1000a,1000b. The second electrical circuit104includes a second electric battery unit1000bof the plurality of electric battery units1000a,1000b. Each of the first and second electric battery unit1000a,1000bmay comprise one or more electric batteries. An example of an electric battery unit1000a,1000b,1000is disclosed in further detail hereinbelow in connection withFIG.12. Each of the first and second electric battery unit1000a,1000bmay comprise a 12 volts battery. Each of the first and second electric battery unit1000a,1000bmay comprise two or more 12 volts batteries, for example electrically connected in series or in parallel. However, other voltage levels are possible. For example, each of the first and second electric battery unit1000a,1000bmay be configured to provide a voltage of 6, 12, 24 or 48 V. In some cases or for some embodiments, the plurality of electric battery units1000a,1000bmay comprise or consist of a plurality of lead-acid battery units. Each of the above-mentioned one or more electric batteries may comprise a lead-acid battery. However, in some examples or for some embodiments, each of the above-mentioned one or more electric batteries may comprise any one of a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery and a NiMH battery. However, other electric batteries are possible.

With reference toFIG.1, it may be defined that the plurality of electric battery units1000a,1000bis connected to the electrical arrangement100. It may be defined that the plurality of electric battery units1000a,1000bis electrically connected to the electrical arrangement100. It may be defined that the plurality of electric battery units1000a,1000bis included in the electrical arrangement100.

For example, the first and second electrical circuits102,104may be included in an electrical arrangement including two or more parallel electrical systems, which for example may be the case for autonomous vehicles, wherein one of the parallel electrical systems can still function and operate the vehicle although the other one of the parallel electrical systems fails or malfunctions, wherein redundancy is provided.

However, two or more parallel electrical systems may also be used in other vehicles, for example for safety reasons, where critical functionalities may be included in different electrical systems of the two or more parallel electrical systems. For example, the electric power supply circuit of the steering system of a vehicle700(seeFIG.10) may be included in one102,104of the first and second electrical circuits102,104, or in one of the parallel electrical systems, while the electric power supply circuit of the braking system of the vehicle700may be included in the other one102,104of the first and second electrical circuits102,104, or in the other one of the parallel electrical systems.

With reference toFIG.1, the electrical arrangement100includes an electric current limiting device106. The electric current limiting device106connects the first electrical circuit102to the second electrical circuit104. It is to be understood that the electric current limiting device106is configured to limit the electric current, for example limit the current between the first and second electrical circuits102,104. The electric current limiting device106may be referred to as an electric current restricting device. It may be defined that the electric current limiting device106is configured to electrically connect the first electrical circuit102to the second electrical circuit104. Versions of the electric current limiting device106are disclosed in further detailed hereinbelow in connection withFIGS.5to7. It may be defined that the first electrical circuit102and the second electrical circuit104are connected to one another via the electric current limiting device106.

With reference toFIG.1, in the illustrated example, each of the first and second electrical circuits102,104includes an electrical energy consumer108,110. The electrical energy consumer108,110may be any kind of electrical unit, circuit, apparatus, component, device or system consuming electrical energy, for example one or more of a group of: an electric motor; a control system, such as an electronic control unit, ECU. However, other types of electrical energy consumers108,110are possible. The electrical energy consumer108,110may be described to be connected to the electrical arrangement100. The electrical energy consumer108of the first electrical circuit102may be described to be connected to the first electrical circuit102. The electrical energy consumer108of the first electrical circuit102may be described to be electrically connected to the first electrical circuit102. The electrical energy consumer110of the second electrical circuit104may be described to be connected to the second electrical circuit104. The electrical energy consumer110of the second electrical circuit104may be described to be electrically connected to the second electrical circuit104.

With reference toFIG.1, the electrical energy consumer108,110may be described to be switchable between an inactive state and an active state, wherein the active state may be the state in which the electrical energy consumer108,110consumes electrical energy. The electrical energy consumer108,110may be described be turned on or switched on when being in the active state. The electrical energy consumer108,110may be described be turned off or switched off when being in the inactive state. It is to be understood that each of the first and second electrical circuits102,104may include one or more additional electrical energy consumers112,114. Each of the above- or below-mentioned electrical energy consumers108,110,112,114may be defined as an electrical load.

With reference toFIG.1, the first electric battery unit1000aof the first electrical circuit102may be connected, such as electrically connected, in parallel with the electrical energy consumer108of the first electrical circuit102. The second electric battery unit1000bof the second electrical circuit104may be connected, such as electrically connected, in parallel with the electrical energy consumer110of the second electrical circuit104. However, other configurations are possible.

As illustrated inFIG.1, a first sensor device116ais connected to detect any one of a voltage and an electric current (i.e. a voltage or an electric current) associated with one1000a,1000bof the first and second electric battery units1000a,1000b, for example to measure any one of a voltage and an electric current, while a second sensor device116bis connected to detect any one of a voltage and an electric current associated with the other one1000a,1000bof the first and second electric battery units1000a,1000b, for example to measure any one of a voltage and an electric current. More specifically, the first sensor device116amay be connected to detect any one of a voltage change and an electric current change (i.e. a voltage change or an electric current change) associated with one1000a,1000bof the first and second electric battery units1000a,1000bwhile the second sensor device116bmay be connected to detect any one of a voltage change and an electric current change associated with the other one1000a,1000bof the first and second electric battery units1000a,1000b. Each of the first and second sensor devices116a,116bmay be connected to a control arrangement800, for example implemented in or as, or included in, an electronic control unit, ECU,120of a vehicle700(seeFIG.10). However, the control arrangement800may be associated with other systems or apparatuses different from a vehicle. Each of the first and second sensor devices116a,116bmay comprise or consist of one or more sensors118a,118b. The sensor device116a,116bmay comprise or consist of one or more electric battery unit sensors. The sensor device116a,116bmay comprise or consist of one or more electric battery sensors. The electric battery sensor may be referred to as a battery diagnostic module, BDM.

With reference toFIG.1, each of the first and second sensor devices116a,116bmay be configured to detect a voltage and/or an electric current associated with one1000a,1000bof the first and second electric battery units1000a,1000band/or a voltage change and/or an electric current change associated with one1000a,1000bof the first and second electric battery units1000a,1000b. Further, for some embodiments, in addition to a voltage and an electric current associated with one1000a,1000bof the first and second electric battery units1000a,1000b, each of the first and second sensor devices116a,116bmay be configured to detect a temperature associated with one1000a,1000bof the first and second electric battery units1000a,1000b, for example a terminal temperature associated with one1000a,1000bof the first and second electric battery units1000a,1000b. However, each of the first and second sensor devices116a,116bmay be configured to detect other physical quantities associated with one1000a,1000bof the first and second electric battery units1000a,1000b. Based on one or more of the voltage and the electric current associated with one1000a,1000bof the first and second electric battery units1000a,1000b, the first or second sensor device116a,116b, the control arrangement800or the ECU120may be configured to determine and/calculate the state of charge (SoC) and the state of health (SoH) associated with said one electric battery unit1000a,1000bof the first and second electric battery units1000a,1000b. Further data and/or information associated with the first and second electric battery units1000a,1000bmay be provided by way of the first and second sensor devices116a,116b, the control arrangement800and/or the ECU120.

With reference toFIG.1, one116a,116bof the first and second sensor devices116a,116bmay be connected to one1000a,1000bof the first and second electric battery units1000a,1000bwhile the other one116a,116bof the first and second sensor devices116a,116bmay be connected to the other one1000a,1000bof the first and second electric battery units1000a,1000b, for example to one or more of the terminals or poles of the respective electric battery unit1000a,1000b. For example, one116a,116bof the first and second sensor devices116a,116bmay be connected, and also optionally mounted, to a negative pole of one1000a,1000bof the first and second electric battery unit1000a,1000b, and one or more voltage sensing conductors117may connect the one116a,116bof the first and second sensor devices116a,116bto a positive pole of the one1000a,1000bof the first and second electric battery unit1000a,1000b, or the other way around. In a corresponding manner, the other one116a,116bof the first and second sensor devices116a,116bmay be connected, and also optionally mounted, to a negative pole of the other one1000a,1000bof the first and second electric battery unit1000a,1000b, and one or more voltage sensing conductors117may connect the other one116a,116bof the first and second sensor devices116a,116bto a positive pole of the other one1000a,1000bof the first and second electric battery unit1000a,1000b, or the other way around. However, other connection configurations of the first and second sensor devices116a,116bare possible. Each of the first and second sensor devices116a,116bmay be provided with electrical energy for its operation from the electric battery unit1000a,1000bto which it is connected, for example with the assistance of the one or more voltage sensing conductors117. However, the first and second sensor devices116a,116bmay be provided with electrical energy for its operation from any other external electrical energy source or supply.

The physical structure or configuration of the first sensor device116amay be identical to the physical structure or configuration of the second sensor device116b, i.e. the hardware of the first sensor device116amay be substantially identical to the hardware of the second sensor device116b. The first and second sensor devices116a,116bmay have different software identities, for example different message-based communication identities, such as different CAN identities or MOST identities. The different software identities of first and second sensor devices116a,116bmay be read and/or processed by the control arrangement800and/or the ECU120.

The electrical arrangement100may include one or more additional electrical circuits. For example, each additional electrical circuit may include an electric battery unit of the plurality of electric battery units. Further, each additional electrical circuit may include one or more of the group of: an electrical energy consumer; and an electrical energy producer. The electrical energy consumer of each additional electrical circuit and the electrical energy producer of each additional electrical circuit may correspond to any one of the different electrical energy consumers and electrical energy producers disclosed above or below.

With reference toFIG.2, a second example of an electrical arrangement200, to which embodiments of the method according to the first aspect can be applied, is schematically illustrated. Several items of the second example of the electrical arrangement200correspond to items of the first example of the electrical arrangement100disclosed above in connection withFIG.1and are thus not repeated here. In addition to the items which the second example of the electrical arrangement200has in common with the first example of the electrical arrangement100, the first electrical circuit202of the electrical arrangement200inFIG.2includes an electrical energy producer222. The electrical energy producer222may be any kind of electrical unit, circuit, apparatus, component, device or system producing electrical energy, for example one or more of a group of: an electrical generator224; an electric power converter, for example a DC-to-DC converter; and a fuel cell. However, other types of electrical energy producers are also possible. The electrical energy producer222may be described to be connected to the electrical arrangement200. The electrical energy producer222of the first electrical circuit202may be described to be connected to the first electrical circuit202. The electrical energy producer222of the first electrical circuit202may be described to be electrically connected to the first electrical circuit202.

With reference toFIG.2, the electrical energy producer222may be described to be switchable between an inactive state and an active state, wherein the active state may be the state in which the electrical energy producer222produces electrical energy. The electrical energy producer222may be described be turned on or switched on when being in the active state. The electrical energy producer222may be described be turned off or switched off when being in the inactive state. It is to be understood that the first electrical circuit202may include one or more additional electrical energy producers. The electrical energy producer222may be connected, such as electrically connected, in parallel with the first electric battery unit1000aof the first electrical circuit202. The electrical energy producer222may be connected, such as electrically connected, in parallel with the electrical energy consumer108of the first electrical circuit202. However, other configurations are possible.

Otherwise, the electrical arrangement200inFIG.2may correspond to the electrical arrangement100inFIG.1. Thus, the first electrical circuit202of the electrical arrangement200inFIG.2may correspond to the first electrical circuit102of the electrical arrangement100inFIG.1, while the second electrical circuit204of the electrical arrangement200inFIG.2may correspond to the second electrical circuit104of the electrical arrangement100inFIG.1.

With reference toFIG.3, a third example of an electrical arrangement300, to which embodiments of the method according to the first aspect can be applied, is schematically illustrated. Several items of the third example of the electrical arrangement300correspond to items of the first example of the electrical arrangement100disclosed above in connection withFIG.1and are thus not repeated here. In addition to the items which the third example of the electrical arrangement300has in common with the first example of the electrical arrangement100, the second electrical circuit304of the electrical arrangement300inFIG.3includes an electrical energy producer222. The electrical energy producer222of the electrical arrangement300ofFIG.3may substantially correspond to the electrical energy producer222of the electrical arrangement200ofFIG.2. The electrical energy producer222of the second electrical circuit304of the electrical arrangement300ofFIG.3may be described to be connected to the second electrical circuit304. The electrical energy producer222of the second electrical circuit304of the electrical arrangement300ofFIG.3may be described to be electrically connected to the second electrical circuit304.

With reference toFIG.3, it is to be understood that the second electrical circuit304of the electrical arrangement300ofFIG.3may include one or more additional electrical energy producers. The electrical energy producer222of the electrical arrangement300ofFIG.3may be connected in parallel, such as electrically connected, with the second electric battery unit1000bof the second electrical circuit304. The electrical energy producer222of the electrical arrangement300ofFIG.3may be connected, such as electrically connected, in parallel with the electrical energy consumer110of the second electrical circuit304. However, other configurations are possible.

Otherwise, the electrical arrangement300inFIG.3may correspond to the electrical arrangement100inFIG.1. Thus, the first electrical circuit302of the electrical arrangement300inFIG.3may correspond to the first electrical circuit102of the electrical arrangement100inFIG.1, while the second electrical circuit304of the electrical arrangement300inFIG.3may correspond to the second electrical circuit104of the electrical arrangement100inFIG.1.

With reference toFIG.4, a fourth example of an electrical arrangement400, to which embodiments of the method according to the first aspect can be applied, is schematically illustrated. Several items of the fourth example of the electrical arrangement400correspond to items of the first, second and third examples of the electrical arrangement100,200,300disclosed above in connection withFIGS.1-3and are thus not repeated here. In relation to the second and third examples of the electrical arrangement200,300inFIGS.2and3, each of the first and second electrical circuits402,404of the electrical arrangement400inFIG.4includes an electrical energy producer222. Each of the electrical energy producers222of the electrical arrangement400ofFIG.4may substantially correspond to the electrical energy producers222of the electrical arrangements200,300ofFIGS.2and3.

With reference toFIG.4, the electrical energy producer222of the first electrical circuit402of the electrical arrangement400ofFIG.4may be described to be connected to the first electrical circuit402. The electrical energy producer222of the first electrical circuit402of the electrical arrangement400ofFIG.4may be described to be electrically connected to the first electrical circuit402. The electrical energy producer222of the second electrical circuit404of the electrical arrangement400ofFIG.4may be described to be connected to the second electrical circuit404. The electrical energy producer222of the second electrical circuit404of the electrical arrangement400ofFIG.4may be described to be electrically connected to the second electrical circuit404.

With reference toFIG.4, the electrical energy producer222of the first electrical circuit402of the electrical arrangement400ofFIG.4may be connected, such as electrically connected, in parallel with the first electric battery unit1000aof the first electrical circuit402. The electrical energy producer222of the first electrical circuit402of the electrical arrangement400ofFIG.4may be connected, such as electrically connected, in parallel with the electrical energy consumer108of the first electrical circuit402. The electrical energy producer222of the second electrical circuit404of the electrical arrangement400ofFIG.4may be connected, such as electrically connected, in parallel with the second electric battery unit1000bof the second electrical circuit404. The electrical energy producer222of the second electrical circuit404of the electrical arrangement400ofFIG.4may be connected, such as electrically connected, in parallel with the electrical energy consumer110of the second electrical circuit304. However, other configurations are possible.

Otherwise, the electrical arrangement400inFIG.4may correspond to one or more of the electrical arrangements100,200,300inFIGS.1,2and3. Thus, the first electrical circuit402of the electrical arrangement400inFIG.4may correspond to the first electrical circuit202of the electrical arrangement200inFIG.2, while the second electrical circuit404of the electrical arrangement400inFIG.4may correspond to the second electrical circuit304of the electrical arrangement300inFIG.3.

With reference toFIGS.5-7, versions106a,106b,106cof the electric current limiting device106,106a,106b,106care schematically illustrated. With reference toFIG.5, the electric current limiting device106amay include a switching device450switchable between a non-conducting state and a conducting state. The non-conducting state may be defined as an open state or position, and the conducting state may be defined as a closed state or position. When the switching device450is in the conducting state the switching device450is configured to allow an electric current to pass. When the switching device450is in the non-conducting state the switching device450is configured to interrupt an electric current. The switching device450can be described to be an electrical switching device, for example an electrically operable or controllable switching device, which optionally may include a mechanical switch. The switching device450may comprise or consist of an electric battery master switch, BMS,452. The switching device450may comprise or consist of a semiconductor switch, for example an IGBT switch or a MOSFET switch. However, other switches are possible.

With reference toFIG.6, the electric current limiting device106bmay include an electrical one-way conducting device454configured to conduct electric current in one direction only. The electrical one-way conducting device454may include or consist of a diode456, for example a semiconductor diode456.

With reference toFIG.7, the electric current limiting device106cmay include both a switching device450, for example as disclosed above in connection withFIG.5, and an electrical one-way conducting device454, for example as disclosed above in connection withFIG.6.

With reference toFIGS.1to4, the various parts102,202,302,402,104,204,304,404,106,108,110,112,114,116a-b,118a-b,222,224of the electrical arrangements100,200,300,400and the control arrangement800illustrated above may be connected to one another, such as electrically connected to one another, via electrical conductors460, such electrical cables, electrical lines, busbars, or other electrical conductors460, and/or in some cases, wirelessly connected to one another.

In some embodiments, it is to be understood that the electrical circuit104,204,304,404to the right of the electric current limiting device106inFIGS.1-4may instead be referred to as the first circuit104,204,304,404of the electrical arrangement100,200,300,400while that the electrical circuit102,202,302,402to the left of the electric current limiting device106inFIGS.1-4may instead be referred to as the second circuit102,202,302,402of the electrical arrangement100,200,300,400.

With reference toFIGS.8and9, aspects of embodiments of the method for determining the association of a sensor device116a,116bwith an electric battery unit1000a,1000bof a plurality of electric battery units1000a,1000baccording to the first aspect are schematically illustrated.

With reference toFIG.8, when a first sensor device116ahas been connected to detect any one of a voltage (or a voltage change) and an electric current (or an electric current change) associated with one1000a,1000bof the first and second electric battery units1000a,1000bwhile a second sensor device116bhas been connected to detect any one of a voltage (or a voltage change) and an electric current (or an electric current change) associated with the other one1000a,1000bof the first and second electric battery units1000a,1000b, wherein the first and second electric battery units1000a,1000bmay be included in any one of the electrical arrangements100,200,300,400disclosed above, but it is unknown, for example, to an operator or a user, or a control arrangement800, or an ECU120, connected to the first and second sensor devices116a,116b, which one116a,116bof the first and second sensor devices116a,116bhas been coupled to monitor which one1000a,1000bof the first and second electric battery units1000a,1000b, embodiments of the method attains information in this regard by including the steps of (for example, when an electric current limiting device106,106b, which includes an electrical one-way conducting device454, as illustrated inFIG.6is applied to the electrical arrangements100,200,300,400disclosed above):activating501any one108,222of an electrical energy consumer108and an electrical energy producer222(i.e., an electrical energy consumer108or an electrical energy producer222) included in the first electrical circuit102,202,302,402; andupon detection of any one of a voltage change and an electric current change (i.e. a voltage change or an electric current change) by one of the first and second sensor devices116a,116b, determining504that the one116aof the first and second sensor devices116a,116bwhich detects any one of a voltage change and an electric current change is associated with the first electric battery unit1000aof the first electrical circuit102,202,302,402.

It is to be understood that in some embodiments, the electrical energy consumer108,110, which may be activated501according to embodiments of the method according to the first aspect, is included in the first electrical circuit102,202,302,402.

With reference toFIG.8, the step of activating501any one108,222of an electrical energy consumer108and an electrical energy producer222included in the first electrical circuit102,202,302,402may comprise any one of the step of activating501the electrical energy consumer108included in the first electrical circuit102,202,302,402to consume electrical energy and the step of activating501the electrical energy producer222included in the first electrical circuit102,202,302,402to produce electrical energy.

With reference toFIG.8, for some embodiments, the step of activating501any one108,222of an electrical energy consumer108and an electrical energy producer222included in the first electrical circuit102,2092,302,402includes activating501the electrical energy consumer108to consume electrical energy, whereupon an electric current is supplied from the first electric battery unit1000aand detected by one116a,116bof the first and second sensor devices116a,116b.

With reference toFIG.8, for some embodiments, the step of activating501any one108,222of an electrical energy consumer108and an electrical energy producer222included in the first electrical circuit102,202,302,402includes activating501the electrical energy producer222to produce electrical energy, whereupon the first electric battery unit1000ais charged, and wherein the charging of the first electric battery unit1000ais detected by one116a,116bof the first and second sensor devices116a,116b. With reference toFIGS.2and4, for some embodiments, the electrical energy producer222may include an electrical generator224, wherein the step of activating501any one108,222of an electrical energy consumer108and an electrical energy producer222included in the first electrical circuit102,202,302,402comprises activating501the electrical generator224to charge the first electric battery unit1000a.

By way of embodiments of the method, it can be assured, for example by the control arrangement800or the ECU120, which one116a,116bof the first and second sensor devices116a,116bis monitoring a specific electric battery unit1000a,1000bsuch as the first electric battery unit1000aof the first electrical circuit102,202,302,402. Expressed alternatively, it can be identified (or distinguished or singled out) which one116a,116bof the first and second sensor devices116a,116bis monitoring a specific electric battery unit1000a,1000b. The risk of mixing up the data from the first and second electric battery units1000a,1000b, for example in the control arrangement800or the ECU120, because of the lack of information about which one116a,116bof the first and second sensor devices116a,116bis associated with which one1000a,1000bof the first and second electric battery units1000a,1000b, is minimized and safety is assured. Thus, the risk or running out of electrical energy with regard to one1000a,1000bof the first and second electric battery units1000a,1000bbecause the sensor device116a,116bin fact is monitoring the other one1000a,1000bof the first and second electric battery units1000a,1000bis minimized.

With reference toFIG.8, embodiments of the method according to the first aspect may include the step of:keeping502aany one110,222of an electrical energy consumer110and an electrical energy producer222included in the second electrical circuit104,204,304,404inactive.

With reference toFIG.8, embodiments of the method according to the first aspect may include the step of:keeping502bevery one110,222of an electrical energy consumer110and an electrical energy producer222included in the second electrical circuit104,204,304,404inactive.

The step of keeping502a,502bany one110,222, or every one110,222, of an electrical energy consumer110and an electrical energy producer222included in the second electrical circuit104,204,304,404inactive implies that one or more electrical energy consumers110included in the second electrical circuit104,204,304,404is/are prevented from consuming electrical energy and/or that one or more electrical energy producers222included in the second electrical circuit104,204,304,404is/are prevented from producing electrical energy.

However, in alternative embodiments, the method may include the step of:activating any one110,222of an electrical energy consumer110and an electrical energy producer222included in the second electrical circuit104,204,304,404.

For example, when the electrical energy consumption of the electrical energy consumer108of the first electrical circuit102is different from the electrical energy consumption of the electrical energy consumer110of the second electrical circuit104, and an electrical energy consumption value of each electrical energy consumer108,110of the first and second electrical circuits102,104(for example, the electrical energy consumer108of the first electrical circuit102may correspond to 5 ampere while the electrical energy consumer110of the second electrical circuit104may correspond to 10 ampere), or an electrical energy consumption relationship between the electrical energy consumer108of the first electrical circuit102and the electrical energy consumer110of the second electrical circuit104(for example, the electrical energy consumer108of the first electrical circuit102may correspond to a high electrical energy consumer while the electrical energy consumer110of the second electrical circuit104may correspond to a low electrical energy consumer), is known to the user or to a control arrangement800, or an ECU120, the different detections of the first and second sensor devices116a,116bwill show which one116a,116bof the first and second sensor devices116a,116bis associated with which one1000a,1000bof the first and second electric battery units1000a,1000b. The corresponding procedure may be applied to electrical energy producers222included in the first and second electrical circuits102,104, or to a mixture of one or more electrical energy consumers108,110and one or more electrical energy producers222included in the first and second electrical circuits102,104.

With reference toFIG.8, embodiments of the method may comprise detecting503any one of a voltage change and an electric current change by one116a,116bof the first and second sensor devices116a,116b.

With reference toFIG.8, embodiments of the method may comprise determining504the association of a sensor device116a,116bwith an electric battery unit1000a,1000bof a plurality of electric battery units1000a,1000bcarried, or held, by a vehicle700(seeFIG.10).

With reference toFIG.9, which schematically illustrates aspects of additional embodiments of the method according to the first aspect, and with reference toFIGS.5and7, embodiments of the method may include the steps of:switching601the switching device450to the non-conducting state before activating any one108,222of an electrical energy consumer108and an electrical energy producer222(i.e., an electrical energy consumer108or an electrical energy producer222) included in the first electrical circuit102,202,302,402;when the switching device450is in the non-conducting state, activating602any one108,222of an electrical energy consumer108and an electrical energy producer222included in the first electrical circuit102,202,302,402;keeping603aany one110,222of an electrical energy consumer110and an electrical energy producer222included in the second electrical circuit104,204,304,404inactive, or keeping603bevery one110,222of an electrical energy consumer110and an electrical energy producer222included in the second electrical circuit104,204,304,404inactive;detecting604any one of a voltage change and an electric current change by one116a,116bof the first and second sensor devices116a,116b;upon detection of any one of a voltage change and an electric current change by one116a,116bof the first and second sensor devices116a,116b, determining605that the one116a,116bof the first and second sensor devices116a,116bthat detects any one of a voltage change and an electric current change is associated with the first electric battery unit1000aof the first electrical circuit102,202,302,402; andoptionally, determining606that the one116a,116bof the first and second sensor devices116a,116bthat detects no voltage change and detects no electric current change is associated with the second electric battery unit1000bof the second electrical circuit104,204,304,404.

In some embodiments of the method according to the first aspect, both the step of activating501an electrical energy consumer108included in the first electrical circuit102,202,302,402to consume electrical energy and the step501of activating an electrical energy producer222included in the first electrical circuit102,202,302,402to produce electrical energy may be performed.

Some embodiments of the method may instead include the steps of:activating501any one110,222of an electrical energy consumer110and an electrical energy producer222included in the second electrical circuit104,204,304,404, andupon detection of any one of a voltage change and an electric current change by one116a,116bof the first and second sensor devices116a,116b, determining504that the one116a,116bof the first and second sensor devices116a,116bwhich detects any one of a voltage change and an electric current change is associated with the second electric battery unit1000bof the second electrical circuit104,204,304,404.

Unless disclosed otherwise, it should be noted that the method steps illustrated inFIGS.8and9and described herein do not necessarily have to be executed in the order illustrated inFIGS.8and9. The steps may essentially be executed in any suitable order. Further, one or more steps may be added without departing from the scope of the appended claims. One or more steps may be excluded from the method without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Steps of embodiments of the method may be performed after the installation of the first and second sensor devices116a,116b, for example upon assembly of an apparatus, such as a vehicle700, to be provided with the first and second sensor devices116a,116bat a production site and/or upon later occurring maintenance work at a workshop. Steps of embodiments of the method may be performed after a software update of the first and second sensor devices116a,116band/or of the control arrangement800, or the ECU120, to which the first and second sensor devices116a,116bmay be connected.

With reference toFIG.10, aspects of embodiments of the vehicle700according to the fifth aspect of the invention are schematically illustrated. The vehicle700may be referred to as a motor vehicle700. InFIG.10, the vehicle700is illustrated as a tractor vehicle. The tractor vehicle may, or may be configured to, haul, or pull, a trailer. The tractor vehicle may be defined as hauler. The tractor vehicle may be a hauling, or pulling, vehicle. The tractor vehicle may be referred to as a mover, or a prime mover, for example connectable, or attachable, to a trailer. However, in other embodiments, the vehicle700may, for example, be a bus, a truck, a heavy truck or a car. Other types of vehicles are also possible. The vehicle700may comprise or consist of an electric vehicle, EV, for example a hybrid vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle, HEV, or a battery electric vehicle, BEV. Thus, an HEV and a BEV are examples of an EV. The EV may comprise one or more electric motors702.

With reference toFIG.10, the vehicle700may be a wheeled vehicle, i.e. a vehicle700having wheels704. Only the wheels704on the left-hand side of the vehicle700are visible inFIG.10. It is to be understood that the vehicle700may have fewer or more wheels than what is shown inFIG.10.

With reference toFIG.10, the vehicle700may include an electrical arrangement100,200,300,400according to any of the above-mentioned examples. The electrical arrangement100,200,300,400may be, or be part of (or included in), a vehicle electrical system of a vehicle700, such as a vehicle low voltage system. It may be defined that the vehicle low voltage system is configured for a low voltage, such as a voltage below 60 V. It may be defined that the vehicle low voltage system is configured for direct current. The vehicle700may include a plurality of electric battery units1000a,1000b, for example as disclosed above or below. One or more of the electric battery units1000a,1000bof the plurality of electric battery units1000a,1000bmay be configured to provide electric power to one or more of the group of: an electric motor; a starter motor; a heating system; a braking system; a steering system; a lighting system; a vehicle climate control system; a vehicle air condition system; and a ventilation system. Other electrical systems are possible. First and second sensor devices116a,116b, for example as disclosed above, may be connected to be located in the vehicle700.

With reference toFIG.10, the vehicle700comprises an embodiment of the control arrangement800, for example according to any one of the embodiments disclosed below or above, for determining the association of a sensor device116a,116bwith an electric battery unit1000a,1000bof a plurality of electric battery units1000a,1000baccording to the fourth aspect of the invention.

With reference toFIG.10, the vehicle700may comprise a powertrain706, for example configured for one of an EV, HEV and BEV. The vehicle700may comprise, or carry, one or more electric batteries708and/or one or more electric battery packs710for the propulsion of the vehicle700. The vehicle700may include one or more electric motors702or electrical machines, for example to propel, or drive, the vehicle700. For example, the powertrain706may include the one or more electric motors702or electrical machines. The one or more electric motors702may be located in the transmission of the vehicle700, or elsewhere in the vehicle700. It may be defined that the powertrain706includes the one or more electric batteries708and/or the one or more electric battery packs710. It is to be understood that the vehicle700may include further unites, components, such as electrical and/or mechanical components, a combustion engine712and other devices required for a vehicle700, such as for an EV, HEV or BEV.

With reference toFIG.10, for example, in some embodiments of the vehicle700, the one or more electric batteries708, the one or more electric battery packs710and the one or more electric motors702for the propulsion of the vehicle700are excluded from vehicle700, wherein the powertrain706of the vehicle700is configured for a combustion engine712and the propulsion by a combustion engine712and not for an EV, HEV or BEV.

With reference toFIG.10, the vehicle700may include a vehicle high voltage system714, for example for direct current. It may be defined that the vehicle high voltage system714is configured for a high voltage, such as a voltage above 60 V, for example above 400 V, or above 450 V, such as above 650 V. For example, the vehicle high voltage system714may be configured for a voltage up to 1500 V. The electric power of the vehicle high voltage system714may be transferred at a high voltage, for example at one or more of the voltages levels mentioned above.

With reference toFIG.10, the vehicle high voltage system714may be electrically connected to one or more electric batteries708and/or one or more electric battery packs710of the vehicle700. The one or more electric batteries708may be one or more high voltage batteries. The one or more electric battery packs710may be one or more high voltage battery packs. The vehicle high voltage system714may be configured to electrically connect the one or more electric batteries708and/or the one or more electric battery packs710to the powertrain706of the vehicle700, for example to the one or more electric motors702of the vehicle700.

With reference toFIGS.1-4,10and11, aspects of embodiments of the control arrangement800for determining the association of a sensor device116a,116bwith an electric battery unit1000a,1000bof a plurality of electric battery units according to the fourth aspect, are schematically illustrated. Embodiments of the control arrangement800are configured to:activate501any one108,222of an electrical energy consumer108and an electrical energy producer222included in the first electrical circuit102,202,302,402; andupon detection of any one of a voltage change and an electric current change (i.e. a voltage change or an electric current change) by one116a,116bof the first and second sensor devices116a,116b, determine504that the one116a,116bof the first and second sensor devices116a,116bwhich detects any one of a voltage change and an electric current change is associated with the first electric battery unit1000aof the first electrical circuit102,202,302,402.

With reference toFIGS.1-4and10, the illustrated embodiment of the control arrangement800includes an activation unit802for activating any one108,222of an electrical energy consumer108and an electrical energy producer222included in the first electrical circuit102,202,302,402in order to perform the steps501and602inFIGS.8and9. In some embodiments, the activation unit802may be configured to keep any one110,222, or every one110,222, of an electrical energy consumer110and an electrical energy producer222included in the second electrical circuit104,204,304,404inactive in order to performed the steps502a,502b,603a,603binFIGS.8and9.

With reference toFIGS.1-4and10, the shown embodiment of the control arrangement800includes a determination unit804for determining that the one116a,116bof the first and second sensor devices116a,116bwhich is the sensor device116a,116bthat detects any one of a voltage change and an electric current change is associated with the first electric battery unit1000aof the first electrical circuit102,202,302,402in order to perform the steps504and605inFIGS.8and9. In some embodiments, the determination unit804may be configured to determine that the one116a,116bof the first and second sensor devices116a,116bthat detects no voltage change and detects no electric current change is associated with the second electric battery unit1000bof the second electrical circuit104,204,304,404in order to perform step606inFIG.9.

With reference toFIGS.1-4and10, some embodiments of the control arrangement800may include a second determination unit806for determining if the switching device450of the electric current limiting device106a,106c(seeFIGS.5and7) is in the non-conducting state. Some embodiments of the control arrangement800may include a switch control unit808for switching the switching device450of the electric current limiting device106a,106c(seeFIGS.5and7) in order to perform the step601inFIG.9. The switch control unit808may be configured to switch the switching device450to the non-conducting state. The switch control unit808may be configured to switch the switching device450between the non-conducting state and the conducting state.

With reference toFIGS.1to4, in some embodiments, the control arrangement800, or the ECU120, is configured to directly or indirectly communicate, for example via signal lines (or cables or wires) or wirelessly, with one or more of the group of: an electric current limiting device106; an electrical energy consumer108,110; an electrical energy producer222; and an electrical generator224; a first sensor device116a; and a second sensor device116b. Thus, in some embodiments, there may be one or more signal connections between the control arrangement800, or the ECU120, and one or more of the group of: an electric current limiting device106; an electrical energy consumer108,110; an electrical energy producer222; and an electrical generator224; a first sensor device116a; and a second sensor device116b.

FIG.11shows in schematic representation an embodiment of the control arrangement800according to the fourth aspect of the invention, which may include a control unit900, which may correspond to or may include one or more of the above-mentioned units802,804,806,808of the control arrangement800. The control unit900may comprise a computing unit901, which can be constituted by essentially any suitable type of processor or microcomputer, for example a circuit for digital signal processing (Digital Signal Processor, DSP), or a circuit having a predetermined specific function (Application Specific Integrated Circuit, ASIC). The computing unit901is connected to a memory unit902arranged in the control unit900. The memory unit902provides the computing unit901with, for example, the stored program code and/or the stored data which the computing unit901requires to be able to perform computations. The computing unit901is also arranged to store partial or final results of computations in the memory unit902.

With reference toFIG.11, in addition, the control unit900may be provided with devices911,912,913,914for receiving and transmitting input and output signals. These input and output signals can contain waveforms, impulses, or other attributes which, by means of the devices911,913for the reception of input signals, can be detected as information and can be converted into signals which can be processed by the computing unit901. These signals are then made available to the computing unit901. The devices912,914for the transmission of output signals are arranged to convert signals received from the computing unit901in order to create output signals by, for example, modulating the signals, which can be transmitted to other parts of and/or systems, for example in a vehicle700(seeFIG.10).

Each of the connections to the devices for receiving and transmitting input and output signals can be constituted by one or more of a cable; a data bus, such as a CAN bus (Controller Area Network bus), a MOST bus (Media Orientated Systems Transport bus), or some other bus configuration; or by a wireless connection.

Control systems in modern vehicles commonly comprise communication bus systems consisting of one or more communication buses for linking a plurality of electronic control units (ECU's), or controllers, and various components located on the vehicle. Such a control system can comprise a large number of control units and/or control arrangements and the responsibility for a specific function can be divided amongst more than one control unit. Vehicles of the shown type thus often comprise significantly more control units or control arrangements than are shown inFIG.10, which is well known to the person skilled in the art within this technical field. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented wholly or partially in one or more other control units already present in a vehicle700.

Here and in this document, units are often described as being provided for performing steps of the method according to embodiments of the invention. This also includes that the units are designed to and/or configured to perform these method steps.

With reference toFIGS.1-4and10, the units802,804,806,808of the control arrangement800are inFIGS.1-4and10illustrated as separate units. These units802,804,806,808may, however, be logically separated but physically implemented in the same unit, or can be both logically and physically arranged together. These units802,804,806,808may for example correspond to groups of instructions, which can be in the form of programming code, that are input into, and are utilized by a processor/computing unit901(seeFIG.11) when the units are active and/or are utilized for performing its method step.

With reference toFIGS.10and11, the control arrangement800, which may include one or more control units900, e.g. a device or a control device, according to embodiments of the present invention may be arranged to perform all of the method steps mentioned above, in the claims, and in connection with the herein described embodiments. The control arrangement800is associated with the above described advantages for each respective embodiment.

According to the second aspect of the invention, a computer program903(seeFIG.11) is provided, comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed above.

According to the third aspect of the invention, a computer-readable medium is provided, comprising instructions which, when the instructions are executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed above.

The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the herein described embodiments of the method according to the first aspect may be implemented in a computer program903, which, when it is executed in a computer, instructs the computer to execute the method. The computer program is usually constituted by a computer program product903stored on a non-transitory/non-volatile digital storage medium, in which the computer program is incorporated in the computer-readable medium of the computer program product. The computer-readable medium comprises a suitable memory, such as, for example: ROM (Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable PROM), Flash memory, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM), a hard disk unit, etc.

FIG.12schematically illustrates an example of an electrical battery unit1000,1000a,1000bwhich can be included in an electrical arrangement100,200,300,400, for example as disclosed above, to which embodiments of the invention may be applied. The electrical battery unit1000,1000a,1000bmay be referred to as one or more electric batteries1000,1000a,1000b. However, it is to be understood that several other configurations of the electric battery units1000a,1000bof the plurality of electric battery units1000a,1000bdisclosed above, such as the first and second electric battery units1000a,1000b, are possible. For example, for some embodiments, one or more items or features of the electrical battery unit1000,1000a,1000billustrated inFIG.12may be removed or may be added.

With reference toFIG.12, the electrical battery unit1000may include one or more electric battery cells1002which may be arranged in a module. Each electric battery cell1002can be seen as a container chemically storing energy and may be a rechargeable electric battery cell. The electrical battery cell1002may for example be a lead-acid battery cell, a Li-ion battery cell or a NiMH battery cell but are not limited thereto. The electric battery cells1002may be electrically connected in series and in parallel, into the electric battery unit1000in order to attain the desired voltage and energy capacity. In shown embodiment, the electric battery cells1002are electrically connected in series with one another and are part of a main power line1012. The electric battery unit1000may form the complete enclosure or unit that delivers electric power to a product or equipment, for example included in a vehicle700, such as the vehicle700illustrated inFIG.10.

With reference toFIG.12, in general, the electrical battery unit1000has two terminals1014,1016for connecting the electrical battery unit1000to an electrical system, for example a vehicle low voltage system. The two terminals1014,1016(for example, DC positive and DC negative) may be disclosed as electrical contacts or poles. One of the two terminals1014,1016may be a negative terminal having a negative pole, while the other one of the two terminals1014,1016may be a positive terminal having a positive pole.

It is to be understood that embodiments of the method according to the first aspect, embodiments of the computer program903according to the second aspect, embodiments of the computer-readable medium according to the third aspect, and embodiments of the control arrangement800according to the fourth aspect may be applied to configurations or apparatuses different from a vehicle700.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Instead, the present invention relates to, and encompasses all different embodiments being included within the scope of the independent claims.