EP4045353A1

EP4045353A1 - Charging station for an electric motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: EP4045353A1
Application number: EP20793611.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alexander Sohl; Inès Adler
Original assignee: Me Energy GmbH
Current assignee: Me Energy GmbH
Priority date: 2019-10-16
Filing date: 2020-10-15
Publication date: 2022-08-24
Also published as: US20230249569A1; BR112022007033A2; WO2021074304A1; DE102019127990A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging station, which is suitable for charging electric vehicles, comprising an internal combustion engine, a tank for a liquid fuel, a fuel line from the tank to the internal combustion engine, a fuel heating device for heating the fuel in the fuel line, a generator and a connection device which is designed to be connected to an electric vehicle, wherein the device for connecting the electric vehicle is suitable for transmitting electrical energy to the electric vehicle and wherein the generator is coupled to the internal combustion engine in such a way that the kinetic energy generated by the internal combustion engine can be converted into electrical energy by the generator.

Description

LA D E S TAT I O N FOR E I N E L E K TR I S C H E S K RA F TFA H RZ E U G

The invention relates to a charging station, which is suitable for charging electric vehicles, with an internal combustion engine, a tank for a liquid energy carrier, a fuel line from the tank to the internal combustion engine, a fuel heating device for heating the fuel in the fuel line, a generator, a connection device that is set up is to be connected to an electric vehicle, wherein the device for connecting the electric vehicle is suitable for transmitting electrical energy to the electric vehicle and wherein the generator is coupled to the internal combustion engine such that the kinetic energy generated by the internal combustion engine is converted into electrical energy by the generator Energy is convertible.

State of the art

With the spread of electric vehicles that are operated with an electric motor, a functioning infrastructure for charging the electric vehicles must be made available. In addition to charging at the house socket, users of electric vehicles must also be given the opportunity to obtain energy in the public sector. With the range of electric vehicles available up to now, it is necessary that the vehicles can also be charged outside of the domestic environment. Therefore, charging stations must be made available in public areas in order to ensure constant availability of energy for electric vehicles through a supply network.

Stationary systems are known for the electrical supply of stationary charging stations to the T raktionsbatterie of a plug-in vehicle - hybrid or electric vehicle - again charge, as described, for example, in DE 102009016 505 A1. The charging station itself is connected to the power supply on a busbar. An existing power grid has a connection element for outputting electrical energy to an electric vehicle.

Such a charging column has the disadvantage that it cannot be flexibly set up or dismantled. The costs for setting up and, in particular, connecting the charging station to the existing power grid are also very high. If the charging station is only to remain in its current location temporarily, its erection and dismantling will cause unnecessarily high costs. Charging stations that are constructed in such a way that they are transportable can be replaced more flexibly.

The patent specification “DE 10 2010 043 516 A1 - Device for Rapid Charging of an Electrical Energy Storage of a Vehicle” from Power Innovation Power Supply Technology GmbH discloses a device for exchanging electrical energy. The device has an electrical energy store (battery) that charges the vehicle's energy store via a programmable controller and an AC / DC converter. The energy store of the device itself is recharged via various direct voltage sources. All components (energy storage, control, converter) are arranged in a device, the DC voltage source for charging the energy storage is external and remote from the device.

This charging station has the disadvantage that it is so large and heavy that it can only be set up and operated over a large area, e.g. in parking lots in shopping centers. Their use in e.g. multi-storey car parks is not possible. A connection to an existing power grid is also necessary.

The utility model "DE 20 2010 011 567 U1 - Mobile Electric Charging Station" from the company Beton- und Energietechnik Heinrich Gräper GmbH & Co. KG discloses a portable electric charging station that is arranged within a portable station building. The Building has several rooms and is made of concrete. In the building there are both fuel cell modules, storage tanks for the fuel (hydrogen, methane, biogas) and an inverter. The building also has a photovoltaic system for self-sufficiency.

This charging station is also very large and heavy. At least one truck is required for their transport.

The patent specification “DE 10 2017 207 023 B4 - charging system and method for operating a charging system” from AUDI AG discloses a charging system that has a transportable charging station. The charging station has a generator that is operated using a synthetic fuel. Excess energy is stored in an intermediate storage device (battery), which is arranged in the charging station. The fuel itself is produced in an external fuel production facility. The fuel is synthesized from the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere using regenerative energy sources.

This charging station requires synthetic fuel to operate, which is currently not available or only available in small quantities and is therefore very expensive. Operation of the charging station is therefore also very expensive, and a supply of the required synthetic fuel is not guaranteed.

The document "EP 1 513 211 A2 - Fuel supply device for direct methanol fuel cells" from Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. describes a methanol-powered fuel cell that has a removable and addable tank for the methanol. The cavity in the fuel cell is filled through the tank. This charging device delivers such a low power that it cannot be used for motor vehicles. The fuel cell is essentially designed for recharging electronic hand money devices (PDA, notebooks, smartphones ...). It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an autarkically functioning charging column for motor vehicles which is suitable for recharging electric vehicles in a short time and which is as environmentally friendly as possible.

The stated object is achieved by means of the charging station according to claim 1. Further advantageous configurations of the invention are set out in the subclaims.

The charging column according to the invention, which is suitable for charging electric vehicles, has an internal combustion engine, a tank for a liquid energy carrier and a fuel line between the tank and the internal combustion engine. In addition, the charging station has a fuel heating device which is suitable for heating the liquid energy carrier in the fuel line. Furthermore, the charging station has a generator which is coupled to the internal combustion engine in such a way that the kinetic energy generated by the internal combustion engine can be converted into electrical energy. In addition, the charging column has a connection device which is set up to be connected to an electric vehicle and to transmit electrical energy to the electric vehicle.

The use of fuels with a low vapor pressure and, in particular, a high heat of vaporization to operate a gasoline engine has problems, particularly during a cold start and in the cold operating phase - when the internal combustion engine has not yet reached the optimum operating temperature. It has been found that, due to the low vapor pressure and the high heat of vaporization, it is difficult or even impossible to start internal combustion engines with such fuels at ambient temperatures below 20 ° C. In the cold running phase, the internal combustion engine runs unsteadily and / or has high carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbon emissions. The exhaust gases, especially during the starting process and during the cold-running phase, require complex post-treatment. These problems do not occur in internal combustion engines that are operated with conventional gasoline or diesel fuel, which have a lower heat of vaporization. A suitable measure to remedy this The problem is fuel preheating, which can be implemented very simply and thus also inexpensively by means of a fuel heating device. When a fuel heating device is used, the air-fuel mixture has such a high temperature that the fuel particles are finely distributed and are burned almost stoichiometrically in the internal combustion engine. The exhaust gas behavior of the internal combustion engine, especially during the starting process and during the cold running phase, is significantly improved.

In one embodiment of the invention, the charging column is a stationary charging column which is provided and designed for stationary operation. In the context of this invention, stationary operation is understood to mean operation for carrying out several charging processes at one position. However, this does not restrict the easy portability of the charging station, which can be set up independently of supply or disposal connections and functions independently. It is therefore also possible to move the charging station with little effort if the previous installation location proves to be unsuitable, is to be used differently or a better parking space has been found for the charging station. Furthermore, the charging column can be loaded onto a transport vehicle in a simple manner for the purpose of maintenance or repair in order to carry out this work in a workshop.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the charging station has an electrical energy store which is suitable and intended to provide the electrical energy required to start and / or operate the fuel heating device. The energy store supplies the fuel heating device with energy. The electrical energy store is advantageously designed to be rechargeable.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the internal combustion engine is suitable and intended to be operated with a liquid energy carrier with a methanol and / or ethanol proportion of at least 50% by volume. The tank contains the liquid energy carrier with a methanol and / or ethanol content of at least 50% by volume. Both types of fuel can be produced from biomass in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner, have long been established as fuels around the world and are therefore inexpensive. Their transport, storage and operation are comparable to conventional gasoline and are therefore unproblematic. Fuels with an ethanol and / or methanol content of at least 75% by volume, preferably 85% by volume and particularly preferably 95% by volume can also be used as an option.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the charging station has a control unit which is suitable and provided for controlling the operation of the fuel heating device. The fuel heating device is started at the beginning of the charging process; when the charging process is completed, the fuel heating device is switched off. Depending on the design of the fuel heating device, its energy output is also regulated so that the temperature of the fuel heated by the fuel heating device lies within a range selected by the operator of the charging station. The start of the charging process is, for example, the first information to the charging station that a charging process should be started. This can be, for example, the authentication of the user, the connection of a charging cable or the waking up of the charging station from stand-by mode. The start of the charging process is in any case before the start of the internal combustion engine to generate the electrical energy.

In a further aspect of the invention, the fuel heating device has a PTC ceramic or an electrical resistance heater. Both designs work reliably, can be easily controlled via the current passed through them, and can be implemented cost-effectively. A PTC auxiliary heater has the additional advantage that it is self-regulating, ie a presettable maximum temperature cannot be exceeded due to the design. In a further embodiment of the invention, the fuel heating device is arranged in such close proximity to the fuel line that the fuel in the fuel line can be heated effectively and without great heat loss.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the waste heat from the fuel heating device can be used to heat the fuel line. The fuel heating device itself is usually heated; the heat from the fuel heating device is used to heat the fuel in the fuel line.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the fuel heating device is used to heat the engine block of the internal combustion engine in order to obtain an ignitable fuel mixture.

In a further development of the invention, the charging column has a housing in which the internal combustion engine, the fuel line, the fuel heating device, the control unit, the generator and / or the electrical energy store are arranged. The dimensions of the charging station are very compact and it can be transported, set up, operated and dismantled as a whole component. For rural areas in particular, the charging column according to the invention offers advantages over conventional charging columns that have to be connected to an existing power grid: The costs of the charging column and thus the investments for installation and operation are low. If the charging station cannot be operated profitably at the chosen location, it can be easily dismantled. Even in the case of structural measures in the immediate vicinity of the charging station, it can be removed quickly and reassembled at another, more suitable location.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the charging column only has lines and / or connections that are suitable for conducting electrical energy out of the charging column. The in The electrical energy generated by the charging station is delivered to a motor vehicle. The charging station has no other electrical connections that are outside the housing. The charging station therefore does not need a connection to an existing power grid. The costs of the charging station and thus the investments for installation and operation are low.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the fuel heating device of the charging station is designed as a heating device for heating the air that is sucked in. When the fuel-air mixture is formed with the preheated air, the fuel is then also heated. In this embodiment, the fuel heating device can be designed, for example, as a heat exchanger, PCT heater and / or resistance heater. Furthermore, the sucked in air can also be heated by waste heat from other components of the charging station such as the motor or electrical components such as the rectifier. For this, however, it is necessary for the air duct to be guided over a certain distance along a correspondingly heat-emitting component of the charging station.

The stated object is also achieved by means of the method according to the invention for generating a charging current for charging electric vehicles according to claim 9.

The method according to the invention for generating electrical energy in a charging station for charging electric vehicles has five method steps: In the first method step, a liquid energy carrier is fed from a tank to an internal combustion engine. Usually, a fuel pump is used for this, which is operated by means of the energy storage device built into the charging station. The charging process begins when, for example, a user plugs the electrical connection (charging cable) into the corresponding socket of the motor vehicle to be charged. In the second process step, the liquid energy source is heated. The heating is carried out by a fuel heating device which, for example, heats the fuel line. In the third process step, the internal combustion engine is heated with the liquid Energy carriers operated. In the fourth process step, the kinetic energy generated by the internal combustion engine is converted into electrical energy. In the fifth process step, the generated electrical energy is delivered to an electric vehicle.

It has been found that it is difficult to start internal combustion engines at ambient temperatures below 10 ° C. when using fuels with low vapor pressures and high enthalpies of vaporization. In the cold running phase, the internal combustion engine runs unsteadily and / or has high carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbon emissions. The exhaust gases, especially during the starting process and during the cold-running phase, require complex post-treatment. These problems do not occur in internal combustion engines that are operated with conventional gasoline or diesel fuel, which have a lower heat of vaporization. A suitable measure to remedy these problems is fuel preheating, which can be implemented very easily and thus also inexpensively by means of a fuel heating device. When a fuel heating device is used, the air-fuel mixture has such a high temperature that the fuel particles are finely distributed and are burned almost stoichiometrically in the internal combustion engine. The exhaust gas behavior of the internal combustion engine, especially during the starting process and during the cold running phase, is significantly improved.

In one embodiment of the invention, the method is carried out in a stationary charging station in stationary operation. In the context of this invention, stationary operation is understood to mean operation for carrying out several charging processes at one position. However, this does not restrict the easy portability of the charging station, which can be set up independently of supply or disposal connections and functions independently. It is therefore also possible to move the charging station with little effort if the previous installation location proves to be unsuitable, is to be used differently or a better parking space has been found for the charging station. Furthermore, the charging column can be loaded onto a transport vehicle in a simple manner for the purpose of maintenance or repair in order to carry out this work in a workshop. In a further embodiment of the invention, the fuel heating device is started and / or operated by electrical energy from an energy store. The energy store is advantageously rechargeable and supplies the fuel heating device with energy as soon as the charging process is started by a user.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the liquid energy carrier that is heated in the fuel line has a methanol and / or ethanol proportion of at least 50% by volume. Both types of fuel can be produced from biomass in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner, have long been established as fuels around the world and are therefore inexpensive. Their transport, storage and operation are comparable to conventional gasoline and are therefore unproblematic. Fuels with an ethanol and / or methanol content of at least 75% by volume, preferably 85% by volume and particularly preferably 95% by volume can also be used as an option.

In a further development of the invention, the fuel is heated by the fuel heating device, which is arranged in such close proximity to the fuel line that the fuel in the fuel line can be heated effectively and without great heat loss.

In a further aspect of the invention, the fuel heating device is operated by a control unit. The

The fuel heating device is started at the beginning of the charging process; when the charging process is completed, the fuel heating device is switched off. Depending on the design of the fuel heating device, its energy output is also regulated so that the temperature of the fuel heated by the fuel heating device lies within a range selected by the operator of the charging station. In a further embodiment of the invention, the fuel is heated by a PTC ceramic or an electrical resistance heater. Both designs work reliably, can be easily controlled via the current passed through them, and can be implemented cost-effectively. A PTC auxiliary heater has the additional advantage that it is self-regulating, ie a presettable maximum temperature cannot be exceeded due to the design.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the heated fuel is atomized, for example by means of a carburetor or an injection nozzle.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the heated fuel is mixed with a gas to form a fuel-gas mixture and then ignited in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine is a piston internal combustion engine that is externally ignited according to the Otto principle (4-stroke) by means of e.g. a spark plug and works with an intake manifold injection. The heated fuel is atomized by means of a fuel injection valve in the intake tract in front of the intake valve of the internal combustion engine in order to form an ignitable mixture with the oxygen in the air.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the kinetic energy generated by the internal combustion engine is transmitted to a generator and converted by this into electrical energy. The internal combustion engine drives the generator by rotation, so the kinetic energy generated by the internal combustion engine is converted into electrical energy by the generator.

In a further aspect of the invention, the power output of the electrical energy is controlled by changing the load and / or the fuel metering. The performance of the charging station is therefore scalable and can be adapted to different vehicles to be charged. In a further embodiment of the invention, the internal combustion engine is operated in a constant speed range of 1500 rpm to 6000 rpm. The combustion engine runs in a defined, constant speed range of +/- 200 rpm. This is usually in the partial load range in order to ensure efficient fuel consumption. At the same time, this reduces wear.

In a further development of the invention, a transmission is arranged between the internal combustion engine and the generator that is designed in such a way that the current generated by the generator changes at a frequency of 50 Hz. This frequency corresponds to the frequency of the alternating current in households. The charging station according to the invention and the method according to the invention for generating electrical energy can therefore also be used to charge motor vehicles that do not have devices for changing the charging current and / or need to be charged using household electricity, e.g. e-bikes or the like.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the kinetic energy is transmitted from the internal combustion engine to the generator by means of a toothed belt or chain. Driving the generator by means of a toothed belt or tooth chain is inexpensive and at the same time not prone to failure. In addition, the speeds of the combustion engine and generator can easily be reduced or increased.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the fuel is heated to a temperature T of at least 25 ° C., preferably at least 30 ° C. and particularly preferably of at least 35 ° C., by the fuel heating device. Depending on the operating conditions of the internal combustion engine, an operator of the charging station can set the temperature of the fuel; a temperature of the fuel of at least 35 ° C., in particular during the starting process and in the cold running phase of the internal combustion engine, is particularly preferred. It turned out to be this Temperature of the fuel ensures a quick starting process. The cold running phase is shortened and the exhaust gases do not have to be post-treated in a complex manner. Depending on the type of fuel, the fuel can also be heated to 10 ° C., preferably to 15 ° C. and particularly preferably to 20 ° C. This is the case, for example, when using methanol.

In a further embodiment according to the invention, the fuel is heated as a result of the mixing with preheated air. In this optional method, the air supplied to the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine is initially heated. When the preheated air is mixed with the atomized fuel, the fuel is heated before the fuel-air mixture ignites. In an alternative embodiment, the fuel is heated by the preheated air before the atomization in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. The waste heat from components of the charging station, such as the engine itself, or electrical components of the charging station can be used to heat the sucked in air. Alternatively, additional heating elements can heat the sucked in air. These can be heat exchangers, PTC heaters or other resistance heaters.

Embodiments of the charging station according to the invention for charging electric vehicles and the method according to the invention for generating a charging current for charging electric vehicles are shown schematically in simplified form in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description.

Show it:

Fig. 1: An embodiment of the charging station according to the invention with

Resistance heater

Fig. 2: An embodiment of the charging station according to the invention with PTC heater Fig. 3: An embodiment of the charging column according to the invention without separate

Fuel heater,

4: An embodiment of the method according to the invention for charging electric vehicles

An exemplary embodiment of the charging column 1 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 1. The charging column 1 has an internal combustion engine 3. The internal combustion engine 3 is usually a piston internal combustion engine 3, which is spark-ignited according to the Otto principle (4-stroke) by means of a spark plug, for example. However, other designs such as a rotary engine or turbine are also possible. The internal combustion engine 3 has intake manifold injection in which the fuel is atomized by means of a fuel injection valve 14 in the intake tract upstream of the intake valve of the internal combustion engine 3 in order to form an ignitable mixture with the atmospheric oxygen.

The internal combustion engine 3 is advantageously operated with a liquid energy carrier (fuel) which has a methanol and / or ethanol content of at least 50% by volume. In the charging column 1 shown in this exemplary embodiment, pure methanol (methanol content> 95% by volume) is preferably used for operation.

This fuel can be produced from biomass in an environmentally friendly way, has long been established worldwide as a fuel and is therefore available at low cost. The transport, storage and operation of methanol in internal combustion engines 3 is comparable to conventional gasoline (for motor vehicles) and is therefore unproblematic.

The fuel is stored in the charging station 1 according to the invention in a tank 6 which is connected to the internal combustion engine 3 via the fuel line 12. In order to preheat the fuel particularly when starting the internal combustion engine 3 and in its cold running phase, a fuel heating device 13 is installed in the immediate vicinity of the fuel line 12. In this embodiment, the Fuel heating device 13 is an electrical resistance heater, the current-carrying coils of which are wound around fuel line 12 and thus heats the fuel in fuel line 12.

The internal combustion engine 3 drives the generator 4 by rotation. The kinetic energy generated by the internal combustion engine 3 is thus converted by the generator 4 into electrical energy, into an alternating current which has a frequency of 50 Hz. The constancy of the frequency of the alternating current is ensured by a translation between the internal combustion engine 3 and the generator 4. The translation is realized, for example, by means of a gearbox; a drive of the generator 4 by means of toothed belts or toothed chains is simpler, cheaper and at the same time more robust in daily operation.

Furthermore, an electrical energy store 5 (rechargeable battery) 9 and a device for conveying the liquid energy carrier 11 are installed in the charging station 1. The energy store 5 supplies the control unit 9, by means of which the charging station 1 recognizes and initiates the beginning or the end of a charging process. In addition, the control unit 9 controls the operation of the internal combustion engine 3 in such a way that the internal combustion engine 3 runs in a defined, constant speed range. This is usually in the partial load range in order to ensure efficient fuel consumption. In order to enable an increased or reduced power output, the control unit 9 can adjust the fuel metering of the internal combustion engine 3 accordingly or change the load of the generator 4. The fuel heating device 13 is also controlled by the control unit 9 in such a way that the fuel in the fuel line 12 is always at a temperature of at least 15 ° C., but in particular during the starting process and in the cold running phase of the internal combustion engine 3. Depending on the operating conditions of the internal combustion engine 3, an operator of the charging station 1 can set a temperature of the fuel of at least 30 ° C; a temperature of the fuel is particularly preferred, in particular during the starting process and in the cold-running phase of the Combustion engine 3 of at least 35 ° C. The current for the resistance heater of the fuel heating device 13 is provided by the electrical energy store 5.

The electrical energy store 5 starts via a starter and a fuel pump that pumps the fuel into the internal combustion engine 3, likewise the internal combustion engine 3 at the start of a charging process.

The electrical energy store 5 is possibly recharged by the electrical energy generated by the generator 4. The electrical energy generated in the charging column 1 is delivered to a motor vehicle via one or more electrical connections 10 (charging cables).

A user of the charging station 1 can pay for the charging process by means of the control unit 9. Different payment systems are possible, e.g. using different credit cards or a mobile device, e.g. a smartphone.

Internal combustion engine 3 and generator 4, tank 6, energy store 5, fuel heating device 13, control unit 9 and electrical connections 10 are all advantageously installed in a housing 2. The charging station 1 can therefore be operated independently, i.e. it does not require an electrical connection to an existing power grid.

The electrical energy required for its operation is supplied by the rechargeable energy store 5. The dimensions of the charging station 1 are also very compact; the fuel tank 6 usually takes up most of the space. The dimensions of the charging column 1 can be kept small by a suitable choice of the size of the tank 6, but it may then be necessary to fill the tank 6 with fuel frequently. For this purpose, the control unit 9 is advantageously connected to the operator of the charging station 1 via WLAN or similar communication devices and issues a corresponding message when the tank 6 needs to be refilled. The method according to the invention for generating a charging current for charging electric vehicles has five method steps: The charging process begins when a user plugs the electrical connection (charging cable) 10 into the corresponding socket of the motor vehicle to be charged. The control unit 9 recognizes this, and in the first method step 100 the fuel is supplied from the tank 6 to the internal combustion engine 3 by the fuel pump. In the second method step 200, the fuel is heated to at least 35 ° C. by means of the fuel heating device 13, in particular during the starting process and in the cold-running phase of the internal combustion engine 3. In this exemplary embodiment, the fuel heating device 13 is a resistance heater, the current-carrying coils of which are wound around the fuel line 12 and thus heats the fuel in the fuel line 12. The internal combustion engine 3 is started by means of a starter. The starter, fuel pump and fuel heating device 13 are supplied with energy by the energy store 5.

In the third method step 300, the internal combustion engine 3 is operated with the heated fuel and drives the generator 4; the chemical energy stored in the fuel is thus converted into kinetic energy. In the fourth method step 400, the kinetic energy generated by the internal combustion engine 3 is converted into electrical energy. In the fifth method step 500, this electrical energy is delivered to the motor vehicle via the charging cable 10. The charging process ends when the user detaches the charging cable 10 from the motor vehicle or when the energy storage device of the motor vehicle is sufficiently charged (80% of the capacity of the energy storage device or more). After the charging process has ended, the internal combustion engine 3 is stopped and no more fuel is supplied to the internal combustion engine 3. The charging station 1 goes into standby mode until the next charging process begins.

However, the use of methanol to operate a gasoline engine has hitherto been confronted with a significant cold start and / or running problem that normally does not occur in gasoline and diesel engines. It turned out to be due to Due to the low vapor pressure and high heat of vaporization of methanol, it is difficult to start vehicle engines powered by methanol in ambient temperatures below 10 ° C. Even when a methanol-fueled engine was somehow started, it was found that the associated vehicle was driving poorly and / or emitting high levels of carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbon emissions from the engine.

Various devices and methods have heretofore been proposed to solve these problems, including the use of fuel and gasifier heaters to aid in fuel vaporization, the use of methanol dissociation reactors to generate flammable gases, and the addition of volatile compounds to the methanol fuel. With regard to the electrical heating of an air / methanol-fuel mixture to thereby enable a cold start at low temperatures, it has been found that the required electrical power increases dramatically.

Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the charging station 1 according to the invention, the fuel heating device 15 of which is a PTC auxiliary heater. The charging station 1 is operated in a stationary manner and has an internal combustion engine 3. The internal combustion engine 3 is a piston internal combustion engine that works according to the Otto principle (4-stroke). The internal combustion engine 3 has direct injection, in which the fuel is atomized by means of a fuel injection valve 14 in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine 3 in order to form an ignitable mixture with the oxygen in the air, which is externally ignited in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine 3 by means of, for example, a spark plug.

The internal combustion engine 3 is advantageously operated preferably with a liquid energy carrier (fuel) which has a methanol and / or ethanol content of at least 75% by volume. Alternatively, in this exemplary embodiment 1 pure ethanol (ethanol content> 95% by volume) is used for operation.

The fuel is stored in the charging station 1 according to the invention in a tank 6 which is connected to the internal combustion engine 3 via the fuel line 12. In order to preheat the fuel particularly when starting the internal combustion engine 3 and in its cold running phase, a fuel heating device 15 is installed in the immediate vicinity of the fuel line 12. In this exemplary embodiment, the fuel heating device 15 is a PTC auxiliary heater which, due to its design, has its own control and therefore does not require any additional temperature sensors.

Furthermore, an electrical energy store 5 (rechargeable battery) 9 and a device for conveying the liquid energy carrier 11 are installed in the charging station 1. The energy store 5 supplies the control unit 9, by means of which the charging station 1 recognizes and initiates the beginning or the end of a charging process. In addition, the control unit 9 controls the operation of the internal combustion engine 3 in such a way that the internal combustion engine 3 runs in a defined, constant speed range. This is usually in the partial load range in order to ensure efficient fuel consumption. In order to enable an increased or reduced power output, the control unit 9 can adjust the fuel metering of the internal combustion engine 3 accordingly or change the load of the generator 4. The fuel heating device 15 is also operated by the control unit 9 in such a way controlled so that the fuel in the fuel line 12 always, but in particular during the starting process and in the cold running phase of the internal combustion engine 3, has a temperature of at least 25 ° C. Depending on the operating conditions of the internal combustion engine 3, an operator of the charging station 1 can set a temperature of the fuel of at least 30 ° C; a temperature of the fuel of at least 35 ° C, particularly during the starting process and in the cold running phase of the internal combustion engine 3, is particularly preferred. The power for the PTC auxiliary heater of the fuel heating device 15 is provided by the electrical energy store 5.

The electrical energy store 5 starts via a starter and a fuel pump that pumps the fuel into the internal combustion engine 3, likewise the internal combustion engine 3 at the start of a charging process. The electrical energy store 5 is possibly recharged by the electrical energy generated by the generator 4. The electrical energy generated in the charging column 1 is delivered to a motor vehicle via one or more electrical connections 10 (charging cables).

Internal combustion engine 3 and generator 4, energy store 5, fuel heating device 15, control unit 9 and electrical connections 10 are all advantageously installed in an enclosure 2. The tank 6 is arranged spatially separated in this embodiment. A tank 6 can thus be available to several charging stations 1 and supply them with fuel. Such a configuration is particularly favorable, in particular, for setting up charging stations that include a plurality of charging stations 1.

The electrical energy required for its operation is supplied by the rechargeable energy store 5. The dimensions of the charging station 1 are also very compact, Most of the space is usually taken up by the fuel tank 6. The dimensions of the charging column 1 can be kept small by a suitable choice of the size of the tank 6, but it may then be necessary to fill the tank 6 with fuel frequently. For this purpose, the control unit 9 is advantageously connected to the operator of the charging station 1 via WLAN or similar communication devices and issues a corresponding message when the tank 6 needs to be refilled.

The method according to the invention for generating a charging current for charging electric vehicles has five method steps: The charging process begins when a user plugs the electrical connection (charging cable) 10 into the corresponding socket of the motor vehicle to be charged. The control unit 9 recognizes this, and in the first method step 100 the fuel is supplied from the tank 6 to the internal combustion engine 3 by the fuel pump. In the second method step 200, the fuel is heated to at least 25 ° C. by means of the fuel heating device 15, in particular during the starting process and in the cold-running phase of the internal combustion engine 3. In this exemplary embodiment, the fuel heating device 15 is a PTC auxiliary heater, the ceramic jacket of which is wound around the fuel line 12 and thus heats the fuel in the fuel line 12. The internal combustion engine 3 is started by means of a starter. The starter, fuel pump and fuel heating device 15 are supplied with energy by the energy store 5.

In the third method step 300, the internal combustion engine 3 is operated with the heated fuel and drives the generator 4; the chemical energy stored in the fuel is thus converted into kinetic energy. In the fourth method step 400, the kinetic energy generated by the internal combustion engine 3 is converted into electrical energy. In the fifth method step 500, this electrical energy is delivered to the motor vehicle via the charging cable 10. The charging process ends when the user detaches the charging cable 10 from the motor vehicle or when the energy storage device of the motor vehicle is sufficiently charged (80% of the capacity of the energy storage device or more). After completion of the charging process, the internal combustion engine 3 is stopped, the Fuel is no longer heated and fuel is no longer conveyed to the internal combustion engine 3. The charging station 1 goes into standby mode until the next charging process begins.

An exemplary embodiment of the charging column 1 according to the invention without a fuel heating device 13/15 as a separate component is shown in FIG. 3. The fuel is heated by the waste heat from the internal combustion engine 3. The charging column 1 has an internal combustion engine 3. The internal combustion engine 3 is a piston internal combustion engine that works according to the Otto principle (4-stroke). The internal combustion engine 3 has an intake manifold injection in which the fuel is atomized by means of a fuel injection valve 14 in the intake tract in front of the inlet valve of the internal combustion engine 3 in order to form an ignitable mixture with the oxygen in the air, which ignites externally in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine 3 by means of a spark plug, for example becomes.

The internal combustion engine 3 is advantageously operated with a liquid energy carrier (fuel) which has a methanol and / or ethanol content of at least 50% by volume. In the charging station 1 shown in this exemplary embodiment, a fuel mixture with an ethanol content of 85% by volume is preferably used for operation.

The fuel is stored in the charging station 1 according to the invention in a tank 6 which is connected to the internal combustion engine 3 via the fuel line 12. In order to preheat the fuel especially when starting the internal combustion engine 3 and in its cold running phase, the waste heat of the internal combustion engine 3 is used in this exemplary embodiment. For this purpose, the fuel line 12 is arranged in such a way that it runs so close to the cooling jacket of the internal combustion engine 3 at least in one area that the fuel in the fuel line 12 is heated to at least 35 ° C. Such an arrangement of the fuel line 12 does not require any additional fuel heating device 13/15. The internal combustion engine 3 drives the generator 4 by rotation. The kinetic energy generated by the internal combustion engine 3 is thus converted by the generator 4 into electrical energy, into an alternating current which has a frequency of 50 Hz. The constancy of the frequency of the alternating current is ensured by a translation between the internal combustion engine 3 and the generator 4. The translation is realized, for example, by means of a gearbox; a drive of the generator 4 by means of toothed belts or toothed chains is simpler, more cost-effective and at the same time more robust in daily operation.

Furthermore, an electrical energy store 5 (rechargeable battery) 9 and a device for conveying the liquid energy carrier 11 are installed in the charging station 1. The energy store 5 supplies the control unit 9, by means of which the charging station 1 recognizes and initiates the beginning or the end of a charging process. In addition, the control unit 9 controls the operation of the internal combustion engine 3 such that the

Internal combustion engine 3 runs in a defined, constant speed range. Usually this is in the partial load range in order to be efficient

To ensure fuel consumption. In order to enable an increased or reduced power output, the control unit 9 can adjust the fuel metering of the internal combustion engine 3 accordingly or change the load of the generator 4.

The electrical energy store 5 starts via a starter and a fuel pump that pumps the fuel into the internal combustion engine 3, likewise the internal combustion engine 3 at the start of a charging process. The electrical energy store 5 is possibly recharged by the electrical energy generated by the generator 4. The electrical energy generated in the charging column 1 is delivered to a motor vehicle via one or more electrical connections 10 (charging cables). A user of the charging station 1 can pay for the charging process by means of the control unit 9. Different payment systems are possible, e.g. using different credit cards or a mobile device, e.g. a smartphone. Internal combustion engine 3 and generator 4, energy store 5, control unit 9 and electrical connections 10 are all advantageously built into a housing 2. In this exemplary embodiment, the tank 6 is arranged spatially separated as in the previous one (FIG. 2). A tank 6 can thus be available to several charging stations 1 and supply them with fuel. Such a configuration is particularly favorable, in particular, for setting up charging stations that include a plurality of charging stations 1.

The electrical energy required for its operation is supplied by the rechargeable energy store 5. The dimensions of the charging station 1 are also very compact; the fuel tank 6 usually takes up most of the space. The dimensions of the charging column 1 can be kept small by a suitable choice of the size of the tank 6, but it may then be necessary to fill the tank 6 with fuel frequently. For this purpose, the control unit 9 is advantageously connected to the operator of the charging station 1 via WLAN or similar communication devices and issues a corresponding message when the tank 6 needs to be refilled.

The method according to the invention for generating a charging current for charging electric vehicles has five method steps: The charging process begins with the authentication of the user at the charging station. The control unit 9 recognizes this, and in the first method step 100 the fuel is supplied from the tank 6 to the internal combustion engine 3 by the fuel pump. In the second method step 200, the fuel is heated to at least 35 ° C. by the waste heat from the internal combustion engine 3, in particular during the starting process and in the cold-running phase of the internal combustion engine 3. The internal combustion engine 3 is started by means of a starter. The starter and fuel pump are supplied with energy by the energy store 5.

In the third method step 300, the internal combustion engine 3 is operated with the heated fuel and drives the generator 4; the chemical energy stored in the fuel is thus converted into kinetic energy. In the fourth method step 400, the kinetic energy generated by the internal combustion engine 3 is converted into electrical energy Energy converted. In the fifth method step 500, this electrical energy is delivered to the motor vehicle via the charging cable 10. The charging process ends when the user detaches the charging cable 10 from the motor vehicle or when the energy storage device of the motor vehicle is sufficiently charged (80% of the capacity of the energy storage device or more). After the charging process has ended, the internal combustion engine 3 is stopped, the fuel is no longer heated and fuel is no longer conveyed to the internal combustion engine 3. The charging station 1 goes into standby mode until the next charging process begins.

4 shows the method according to the invention for generating a charging current for charging electric vehicles. The method according to the invention for generating a charging current for charging electric vehicles has five method steps: The charging process begins when a user wakes the charging column with an input from the stand-by mode. The control unit 9 detects this, and in the first method step 100 the fuel (mixture with a methanol content> 75% by volume) is fed from the tank 6 to the internal combustion engine 3 by the fuel pump. In the second method step 200, the fuel is heated to at least 20 ° C. by means of the fuel heating device 13/15 or by the waste heat of the internal combustion engine 3, in particular during the starting process and in the cold running phase of the internal combustion engine 3. The internal combustion engine 3 is started by means of a starter. The starter, fuel pump and fuel heating device 13/15 are supplied with energy by the energy store 5.

In the third method step 300, the internal combustion engine 3 is operated with the heated fuel and drives the generator 4; the chemical energy stored in the fuel is thus converted into kinetic energy. In the fourth method step 400, the kinetic energy generated by the internal combustion engine 3 is converted into electrical energy. In the fifth method step 500, this electrical energy is delivered to the motor vehicle via the charging cable 10. The charging process ends when the user detaches the charging cable 10 from the motor vehicle or when the energy store of the Motor vehicle is sufficiently charged (80% of the capacity of the energy storage device or more). After the charging process has ended, the internal combustion engine 3 is stopped, the fuel is no longer heated and fuel is no longer conveyed to the internal combustion engine 3. The charging station 1 goes into standby mode until the next charging process begins.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the intake air is heated with the aid of a PCT heating element before it is mixed with the atomized fuel in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, thereby heating the fuel. The PTC heating element comprises a PTC ceramic, which rests against a metal lamellar element, and a fan. The fan is used to pass the air to be heated through the metal lamellar element. If the PTC ceramic is connected to a current, it heats itself up and transfers this heat to the metal lamellar element. The metal lamellar element functions as a heat exchanger and transfers the heat to the air flowing through the metal lamellar element. The fuel atomized into the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine is then heated when the air is mixed with the fuel.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the sucked-in air is preheated using the waste heat from the internal combustion engine of the charging station. For this purpose, the air-conducting duct is guided over a distance of 5 cm along a heat-emitting point of the internal combustion engine before it is directed into the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. There, the preheated air drawn in heats the fuel and forms an ignitable mixture with the fuel. REFERENCE LIST

Charging station

Enclosure

Internal combustion engine

generator

Energy storage

tank

Shaft between VM and generator control unit Electrical connection fuel line

Fuel heater / resistance heater

Fuel heater / PTC heater

Injector

Supplying the liquid energy carrier Heating the liquid energy carrier Operating the internal combustion engine Conversion of the kinetic / electrical energy Output of the alternating current to an electric vehicle

Claims

PAT EN TA NSPRÜ CHE

1. Charging station (1), which is suitable for charging electric vehicles (90), which has:

• an internal combustion engine (3)

• a tank (6) for a liquid energy carrier,

• a fuel line (12) from the tank (6) to the combustion engine (3)

• a fuel heating device (13) for heating the fuel in the fuel line (12)

• a generator (4),

• a connection device (14) which is set up to be connected to an electric vehicle (90), wherein the device for connecting the electric vehicle is suitable for transmitting electrical energy to the electric vehicle and wherein the generator to the internal combustion engine (3) in this way is coupled so that the kinetic energy generated by the internal combustion engine (3) can be converted into electrical energy by the generator (4).

2. charging column (1), which is suitable for charging electric vehicles (90), characterized according to claim 1, characterized in that the charging column (1) has an electrical energy storage device which is suitable and intended for the start and / or operation of the Provide fuel heating device (13) required electrical energy.

3. Charging column (1) which is suitable for charging electric vehicles (90) according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the internal combustion engine (3) is suitable and intended to be operated with a liquid energy carrier with a methanol and / or ethanol content of> 50% by volume and / or the tank is a liquid energy carrier with a methanol and / or contains an ethanol content of> 50% by volume.

4. Charging column (1) which is suitable for charging electric vehicles (90), according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the charging column (1) has a control unit (9) which is suitable and / or provided for this control the operation of the fuel heating device (13).

5. charging station (1) which is suitable for charging electric vehicles (90), according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fuel heating device (13) has a PTC ceramic or an electrical resistance heater.

6. charging station (1), which is suitable for charging electric vehicles (90), according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fuel heating device (13) is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the fuel line (12), the waste heat from the fuel heating device (13) can be used to heat the fuel line (12).

7. Charging column (1), which is suitable for charging electric vehicles, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the charging station (1) has a housing (2) in which the internal combustion engine (3), the fuel line (12), the fuel heating device (13), the control unit, the generator (4) and / or the electrical energy store are arranged.

8. Charging column (1), which is suitable for charging electric vehicles, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fuel heating device (13) is provided and suitable for heating the sucked in air in such a way that by mixing the heated Air with the fuel, the fuel can be heated.

9. A method for generating electrical energy in a charging station (1) for charging electric vehicles (90), comprising the following method steps:

• Supplying fuel to an internal combustion engine (3)

• Heating the fuel

• Operating the internal combustion engine (3) with the heated fuel

• Generating electrical energy from the kinetic energy of the internal combustion engine (3)

• Delivery of the generated electrical energy to an electric vehicle (90).

10. A method for generating electrical energy in a charging station (1) for charging electric vehicles (90) according to claim 8, characterized in that

The fuel heating device (13) is started and / or operated by electrical energy from an energy store (5).

11. A method for generating electrical energy in a charging station (1) for charging electric vehicles (90) according to claim 8 or 10, characterized in that methanol and / or ethanol with a proportion of methanol and / or ethanol of> 50% by volume is heated as fuel in the fuel line

12. A method for generating electrical energy in a charging station (1) for charging electric vehicles (90) according to claim 8 to 11, characterized in that the heating of the fuel by the fuel heating device (13) arranged in close proximity to the fuel line (12) he follows.

13. A method for generating electrical energy in a charging station (1) for charging electric vehicles (90) according to claim 8 to 12, characterized in that the fuel heating device (13) is operated by a control unit (9).

14. A method for generating electrical energy in a charging station (1) for charging electric vehicles (90) according to claim 8 to 13, characterized in that the fuel is heated by a PTC ceramic and / or a resistance heater.

15. A method for generating electrical energy in a charging station (1) for charging electric vehicles (90) according to claim 8 to 14, characterized in that the heated fuel is atomized.

16. A method for generating electrical energy in a charging station (1) for charging electric vehicles (90) according to claims 8 to 15 characterized in that the heated fuel is mixed with a gas to form a fuel-gas mixture and is then ignited in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine (3).

17. A method for generating electrical energy in a charging station (1) for the

Charging of electric vehicles (90) according to claim 8 to 16, characterized in that a transmission arranged between the internal combustion engine (3) and generator (4) is designed so that the current generated by the generator (4) changes at a frequency of 50 Hz.

18. A method for generating electrical energy in a charging station (1) for charging electric vehicles (90) according to claim 8 to 17, characterized in that the fuel from the fuel heating device (13) to a temperature T of T> 10 ° C, preferably T> 15 ° C and particularly preferably T> 20 ° C is heated.

19. A method for generating electrical energy in a charging station (1) for charging electric vehicles (90) according to claim 9 to 18, characterized in that the fuel is heated as a result of mixing with preheated air.