Method for determining at least one volume flow rate in an apparatus for a hydraulic system, computer program product, and computer device

A method for determining at least one volume flow rate in an apparatus for a hydraulic system, in particular of a motor vehicle, wherein the apparatus comprises a first hydraulic line which is connectable, on the one hand, to a hydraulic pressure source for conveying a liquid medium, in particular comprising at least one pump, and, on the other hand, to at least one device to be cooled and/or lubricated, wherein the first hydraulic line is assigned a pressure-limiting valve which comprises a tank connection to a reservoir for the liquid medium and connects the first hydraulic line to the tank connection when a hydraulic pressure in the first hydraulic line exceeds a specified threshold value, wherein an aperture is arranged in the first hydraulic line downstream of the pressure-limiting valve, and wherein a throttle is arranged or formed in the first hydraulic line downstream of the aperture, comprising the steps of:

• determining a temperature of the medium in the reservoir,
• determining a total volume flow rate conveyed by the hydraulic pressure source in the first hydraulic line depending on the temperature,
• determining a first partial volume flow rate discharged into the reservoir through the pressure-limiting valve, and
• determining a second partial volume flow rate through the aperture and the throttle to the device as a difference between the total volume flow rate and the first partial volume flow rate.