EP4484695A1 - Method for learning, by a system for controlling a movable element for concealing a glazed surface, data relating to the exposure to the sun of said surface - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for learning, by a control system of a mobile element for obscuring a glazed surface, data relating to the exposure to the sun of this surfaceMethod for learning, by a system (8) for controlling an element (2) for obscuring a glazed surface, data relating to the exposure to the sun of this surface as a function of the period of the year and the time of day, the obscuring element being movable between extreme positions and carrying at least one irradiance sensor, the method comprising the steps of:- carrying out several sunlight scans at different dates and times, by controlling the obscuring element at each scan so as to cause it to move and by measuring the response of the sensor during its movement,- generating said data at least from these scans.

Description

The present invention relates to the automatic control of the position of occultation elements associated with glazed surfaces of a building or dwelling, with a view to optimizing the energy consumption of the building or dwelling and/or maximizing the comfort, in particular visual, of its occupants.

Previous technique

It is known by demand EP3336300 to determine the solar power entering through an opening equipped with a roller shutter driven by an electric motor supplied by a photovoltaic generator fixed to the roller shutter box, by measuring the short-circuit current of the generator and calculating the surface area not obscured by the roller shutter letting the sun in, knowing its degree of opening. Knowledge of this information is useful for the climate management of the building.

A disadvantage of this method is its imprecision when the opening in question is subjected to shade during certain periods of the year by vegetation, surrounding buildings or other parts of the building, for example.

Furthermore, the demand WO2014/102221 teaches to fix the photovoltaic generator used to recharge an accumulator on a screening element and to determine, by moving the screening element and measuring a signal representative of the solar radiation on the generator, at least one position of the screening element allowing the accumulator to be recharged.

The request FR 3109789 aims to improve the installation described in the application WO2014/102221 to avoid moving the occulting element to the accumulator charging position when the generator is not, at certain times of the year, properly exposed to the sun in the charging position, taking into account the orientation of the generator and/or the presence of projected shadows. To this end, the system takes into account the geographical location and a solar path diagram, in order to determine the trajectory of the sun seen by the occulting element.

Disclosure of the invention

There remains a need to further improve the climate management of buildings or housing and in particular to take into account as best as possible the actual sunlight conditions of a given glazed surface during the year when controlling the various equipment contributing to the thermal and/or visual comfort of the occupants.

Summary of the invention

• réaliser plusieurs balayages ou « scans » d'ensoleillement à des dates et heures différentes, en commandant à chaque scan l'élément d'occultation de façon à l'amener à se déplacer et en mesurant pendant ce déplacement la réponse du capteur,
• générer lesdites données au moins à partir de ces scans.

The invention aims to meet this need and achieves this, according to one of its aspects, by means of a method for learning, by a control system of an element for obscuring a glazed surface, data relating to the exposure to the sun of this glazed surface as a function of the period of the year and the time of day, the obscuring element being movable between extreme positions relative to the glazed surface and carrying at least one irradiance sensor, the method comprising the steps consisting of:

• carry out several scans of sunlight at different dates and times, controlling the occultation element at each scan so as to cause it to move and measuring the response of the sensor during this movement,
• generate said data at least from these scans.

The concealment element can be a vertically moving roller shutter apron.

The invention makes it possible to determine precisely the limit between the diffuse sunshine zone and the direct sunshine zone, at various times of the year and at various times of the day, and thus to acquire useful data for the climate management of the building or housing and/or to improve the visual comfort of the occupants, in a relatively simple and inexpensive way. The learning can be easy to implement on existing installations comprising windows or French windows already equipped with electric roller shutters, since it is sufficient to add one or more irradiance sensors to the roller shutter apron.

The method may include the calculation, for each acquisition date and time, of a quantity representative of the ratio of direct sunlight to the sum of direct and diffuse sunlight for the glazed surface affected by the occultation element.

The invention makes it possible to better characterize the boundary between direct and diffuse radiation on the glass surfaces of buildings or housing, and can make it possible to minimize solar gains in summer while maximizing them in winter. It is also possible to improve visual comfort or optimize cooling by natural ventilation. For example, in summer conditions, the data resulting from the learning make it possible to modulate the opening of the shutters according to the incident irradiance calculated from this measurement and the desired level of illumination in the room.

Launching scans

At least one scan (or sweep) is performed each season, and preferably every month. For example, scans are performed at least twice on the same date, at least one hour apart.

Scans can be performed at predefined times and dates, given by an acquisition table.

The method may include generating a scan schedule and broadcasting it to the user by a visual and/or audio message. The user may be asked to indicate whether or not he accepts the proposed schedule, and to modify it if necessary. The schedule may take into account weather forecasts in order to only propose dates and times during which the measurement will be effective, in particular avoiding periods without direct sunlight due to cloud cover.

The method may include checking whether the user has a corresponding authorization before performing a scan. This avoids launching a scan when the occupant does not wish to open or close their roller shutters, for example, or in their absence.

The method may include retrieving weather forecast information before launching a scan, the latter being launched only if the forecast is compatible with the measurement of direct sunlight on the glass surface. This avoids unnecessary movements of the occultation element during periods of heavy cloudiness, during which measurements of the limit of direct sunlight cannot be carried out.

Several daily scans can be carried out, according to a predefined schedule, taking into account for example the presence or absence of occupants, and/or the times of sunrise and sunset.

Data from each scan can be stored in electronic memory.

Predefined course

The movement of the occulting element during a scan is preferably carried out over a predefined path.

The method may include acquiring the position of the occultation element before performing a scan, the piloting of the occultation element during the scan being carried out so as to return it to the position it occupied before the scan. The position of the occultation element before the launch of a scan may in particular be stored in the system.

The predefined stroke can correspond to a round trip of the occultation element between its extreme positions.

Sensor(s)

The irradiance sensor(s) may be disposed substantially at a free end of the occulting element, particularly its lower end. This may make it possible to maximize the extent scanned by each sensor when the occulting element is moved to perform the scan.

The occultation element may carry at least one irradiance sensor. The use of several sensors allows more precise information to be collected to calculate the incoming solar flux.

The or each sensor may be energy autonomous, being powered in particular by a battery, accumulator and/or photovoltaic panel. When the sensor is powered by a photovoltaic generator, the latter may only be used to power the sensor; it may thus be of reduced size, so that the sensor can be compact and easy to install.

The fixing of the sensor(s) on the occultation element can be done by any means, for example by magnetization, gluing, screwing, tightening, etc. and the sensor(s) can also be integrated into the concealment element, for example into a roller shutter apron slat, during its manufacture.

Each sensor can include an electronic circuit for transmitting its data via a wireless link, using any type of suitable protocol.

Each sensor and the drive device of the occultation element can communicate by a wireless link between them and/or communicate with a remote central unit, for example a home automation system.

Climate management process

• mettre en oeuvre le procédé d'apprentissage selon l'invention, tel que défini ci-dessus, pour générer des données relatives à l'exposition au soleil de ladite surface vitrée en fonction de la période de l'année et de l'heure dans la journée, l'élément d'occultation étant muni au moins lors de la phase d'apprentissage d'au moins un capteur d'irradiance,
• piloter l'élément d'occultation au moins en fonction desdites données de manière à répondre au mieux à une ou plusieurs contraintes prédéfinies, notamment de manière à minimiser une consommation énergétique et/ou améliorer le confort visuel et/ou climatique au sein du bâtiment ou logement-

The invention also relates to a method for climate management of a building or dwelling, comprising at least one glazed surface equipped with a movable occulting element, comprising the steps consisting of:

• implementing the learning method according to the invention, as defined above, to generate data relating to the exposure to the sun of said glazed surface as a function of the period of the year and the time of day, the occultation element being provided at least during the learning phase with at least one irradiance sensor,
• control the occultation element at least as a function of said data so as to best meet one or more predefined constraints, in particular so as to minimize energy consumption and/or improve visual and/or climatic comfort within the building or dwelling-

The control of the occultation element can thus be done in a more precise manner by the precise calculation of the solar contributions transmitted within the building or housing by knowing the direct/diffuse irradiance fractions.

For example, when solar gain through the glass surfaces must be minimised, only the glass surfaces exposed to direct sunlight may be obscured, so as to allow light to enter through the glass surfaces exposed to diffuse lighting. Where applicable, when the system has memorised the direct/diffuse sunlight limit on a glass surface at a given time, the occultation element can be controlled so as to only mask the area receiving direct light, when possible.

Steering system

• Une unité électronique comportant un processeur exécutant un programme comportant des instructions pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé d'apprentissage selon l'invention, tel que défini ci-dessus, ce programme étant enregistré dans l'unité électronique, puis de préférence pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé de gestion climatique tel que défini ci-dessus.
• une mémoire pour enregistrer des données acquises lors de l'apprentissage.

The invention also relates to a system for controlling at least one occultation element equipping a glazed surface, comprising:

• An electronic unit comprising a processor executing a program comprising instructions for implementing the learning method according to the invention, as defined above, this program being recorded in the electronic unit, then preferably for implementing the climate management method as defined above.
• a memory to record data acquired during learning.

Blackout device

The invention also relates to a device for concealing a glazed surface, in particular a roller shutter, comprising at least one autonomous irradiance sensor used for implementing the learning method according to the invention, as defined above.

By "autonomous" we mean that the sensor has its own energy source, and is therefore not powered by the same energy source as that which powers the electric motor moving the occulting element.

The blackout element can be a blind apron, with the sensor integrated or attached to a lower slat of the apron.

The sensor may include a means of attachment to a roller shutter apron slat.

The device may comprise several light irradiance sensors arranged side by side on the blade.

This or these irradiance sensors can be powered by a battery or a photovoltaic panel, the energy delivered by the battery or the panel being used exclusively for the operation of the sensor.

Brief description of the drawings

• [Fig 1] la figure 1 représente, de manière schématique et en perspective, un exemple de dispositif d'occultation selon l'invention,
• [Fig 2] la figure 2 est un schéma en blocs d'un exemple système de pilotage selon l'invention,
• [Fig 3] la figure 3 représente une surface vitrée équipée d'un dispositif d'occultation selon l'invention,
• [Fig 4] la figure 4 représente un exemple d'évolution du signal délivré par le capteur lors du déplacement de l'élément d'occultation,
• [Fig 5] la figure 5 représente un exemple d'évolution du signal délivré par le capteur lors d'un scan correspondant à un aller-retour de l'élément d'occultation,
• [Fig 6] la figure 6 est un exemple de matrice pouvant être complétée lors de la mise en oeuvre du procédé d'apprentissage,
• [Fig 7] la figure 7 est un logigramme illustrant des étapes d'un exemple de procédé d'apprentissage selon l'invention,
• [Fig 8] la figure 8 est un logigramme illustrant des étapes de sélection du sens de défilement de l'élément d'occultation lors d'un scan,
• [Fig 9] la figure 9 représente en perspective et de manière schématique une variante de dispositif d'occultation, et
• [Fig 10] la figure 10 est un schéma en blocs de divers éléments constitutifs d'un exemple de capteur de lumière selon l'invention.

The invention may be better understood by reading the detailed description which follows, non-limiting examples of its implementation, and by examining the attached drawing, in which:

• [ Fig 1 ] there figure 1 represents, schematically and in perspective, an example of a concealment device according to the invention,
• [ Fig 2 ] there figure 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary control system according to the invention,
• [ Fig 3 ] there figure 3 represents a glazed surface equipped with a concealment device according to the invention,
• [ Fig 4 ] there figure 4 represents an example of the evolution of the signal delivered by the sensor during the movement of the occultation element,
• [ Fig 5 ] there figure 5 represents an example of the evolution of the signal delivered by the sensor during a scan corresponding to a round trip of the occultation element,
• [ Fig 6 ] there figure 6 is an example of a matrix that can be completed when implementing the learning process,
• [ Fig 7 ] there figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating steps of an example of a learning method according to the invention,
• [ Fig 8 ] there figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating steps for selecting the scrolling direction of the occultation element during a scan,
• [ Fig 9 ] there figure 9 represents in perspective and schematically a variant of the occultation device, and
• [ Fig 10 ] there figure 10 is a block diagram of various constituent elements of an exemplary light sensor according to the invention.

Detailed description

It was represented on the figure 1 an example of a concealment device 1 according to the invention, in the form of a motorized roller shutter, comprising a concealment element 2 consisting of a slatted apron, guided by vertical slides 3. The concealment device can be fitted to any type of glazed surface, for example a window or French window, bay window or roof window.

The occulting element 2 illustrated rolls up, when it rises, inside a box 4, in a manner known per se.

The last blade 5 of the apron carries a light sensor 6, for example placed halfway along the length of the blade.

The occultation device 1 comprises an electric motor controlled by a local electronic unit 10, shown schematically in figure 2 .

This unit 10 may be part of a system 8 comprising a home automation system 20 or any other technical management system (BMS) of the building, the communication between the unit 10 and the system 20 being carried out for example by a wireless link.

On the figure 2 , the possibility has been illustrated for the central unit 20 to communicate with the local electronic units 10 of several occultation devices, each equipped with at least one corresponding irradiance sensor 6, as well as with a man-machine interface 30, allowing the user to communicate with the central unit 20. This communication between the central unit 20, the interface 30, the sensors 6 and the units 10 can be done wirelessly.

The sensors 6 can communicate with the central unit 20 directly, as illustrated, or alternatively with the unit 10 of the corresponding occultation device. The connection of the sensor 6 with the unit 10 can facilitate the exchange of information by requiring only a short-range wireless connection.

Each sensor 6 may comprise, as illustrated in figure 10 , an energy source 60, a processing circuit 61 and a communication circuit 62; the energy source 60 is for example a photovoltaic generator which has a dual function, namely on the one hand producing electrical energy to recharge an accumulator used to electrically power the sensor, and on the other hand serving as an irradiance sensor, by measuring the short-circuit current that it delivers, for example. Alternatively, the energy source 60 is a battery, and the sensor 6 comprises a photodetector for measuring light.

The processing circuit ensures the shaping of the signal representative of the light intensity received, for example in digital form, and the communication circuit ensures its wireless transmission to the corresponding unit 10.

Of course, the system represented in the figure 2 can be completed with numerous accessories such as switches or remote controls allowing operation by occupants of the occultation elements, and the central unit 20 can have an internet connection to connect to an API delivering weather data, for example.

The central unit 20 can also control one or more heating or ventilation devices.

On the figure 3 a glazed surface such as a window is shown, and the shadows cast on it at a given time of day and year, these shadows coming from different construction elements located in the environment of the opening.

The scan can typically be performed by having the occulting element 2 travel back and forth from an initial high or low position, which returns the occulting element to its initial position and also allows its maximum vertical travel to be determined.

An example of recording the signal delivered by the irradiance sensor during a scan is illustrated in figure 5 . The measured irradiance is plotted on the ordinate. The measurement threshold for the shaded/sunny area is indicated in this figure, the value of which is of the order of 200 to 280 W/m ² . This figure shows that the signal delivered by the sensor makes it possible to distinguish the areas of the glass surface exposed to direct illumination from those exposed to diffuse illumination.

There figure 4 shows an example of post-processing carried out. The distinction between areas receiving diffuse and direct radiation is obtained by comparison with the indicated threshold. Once post-processed, a value Ld2 corresponding to the height in cm of the direct irradiation limit can be extracted for each scan, Ld2 being at most equal to Lx, where Lx designates the occulting height of the apron.

From each scan, a ratio can be calculated that is representative of the length or extent of the glazed surface receiving direct illumination, relative to the total length or extent of the glazed surface; for example, if only the upper quarter of the glazed surface is in the shade, and the rest is exposed to direct sunlight, this ratio is equal to ¾.

The higher the ratio at a given time, the more solar power the glass surface receives, and vice versa.

Knowing this ratio thus makes it possible to know whether or not the glazed surface is actually exposed to direct sunlight at a given time during the year, and therefore to take this information into account to control the degree of occultation of this surface. and/or other equipment, in order to optimize the thermal and/or visual comfort of the occupants or the energy consumption of the building or housing.

To retrieve this data providing information on the evolution of sunlight on glass surfaces during the day and the year, and in particular to fill in the values of an acquisition matrix such as that illustrated in figure 6 , the learning process whose steps are illustrated on the figure 7 , can be implemented within, for example, the control unit 20, which then executes a corresponding computer program.

The method may include at a step 40 the generation of a schedule for triggering scans.

The acquisition matrix includes, for example, two series of values per month, 15 days apart, each series of values on a given day including, for example, as many values as there are times when the sun is up.

The schedule that is generated by default aims to fill the acquisition matrix on predefined dates.

The method may comprise step 41 of retrieving, when a scan date approaches, from a weather server a forecast of average cloudiness on this date; then, the method comprises step 42 of determining whether the cloudiness is greater than a given threshold, for example 80%, from the data received from the weather server.

If the cloudiness exceeds this threshold, a time delay of a predefined duration, for example 24 hours, is started, and the process resumes at step 41.

In the case where the cloudiness is below said threshold, the program waits at step 43 for sunrise. This information can be given by the aforementioned acquisition matrix.

When the program determines that the sun is up, a scan can be initiated at step 45, after verifying at step 44 that the system has not received a user prohibition to do so.

Once the scan is completed, a time delay of a predefined period of time, for example one hour, is started, then the program checks at step 46 that the sun is still up before returning to step 44 and starting the next scan.

Once the series of scans is completed for a given day, the program can wait for the next scan date, as given by the schedule.

The performance of the scan as such can be controlled by the local electronic unit 10 or the central unit 20.

It may include recovering the position of the occultation element before launching the scan, at step 50, and if it is in the open position, making the occultation element perform a closing and then reopening movement. If the occultation element is initially in the closed position, the movement is reversed, namely opening and then re-closing.

When the occulting element is in motion, the signal delivered by the brightness sensor is acquired. The irradiance measurement carried out by the brightness sensor 6 is for example sent back with a high frequency, for example every tenth of a second.

Once values have been entered into the acquisition matrix, it is possible to take them into account to maximize solar inputs when desirable but also to minimize inputs during periods of high heat. It is also possible to improve visual comfort or optimize cooling by natural ventilation. For example, in summer conditions, knowing the values determined by the scan makes it possible to prioritize opening windows on the facades that receive the least solar irradiance.

The learning process can be carried out throughout the year in order to characterize the irradiance measurement during the day and the seasons. The process can be implemented for one year from the commissioning of the system. The process can be repeated at the user's request if a change around the habitat impacting in particular the masks (construction, trees, etc.) is noted.

On the figure 9 , an alternative embodiment of the invention has been illustrated, where several irradiance sensors 6 are used, arranged side by side on the occultation element. This makes it possible to have a finer resolution of the measurement of the sunlight at the level of the glazed surface, and therefore a better precision of the control using this data.

The invention is not limited to the examples described.

The occultation device can be internal or external, and its opacity can be total or partial.

The data resulting from the implementation of the learning method according to the invention can be combined with other information, for example the presence or absence occupants and/or air quality, to control the blackout devices in order to achieve the desired goal.

Claims (21)

Method for learning, by a system (8) for controlling an element (2) for obscuring a glazed surface, data relating to the exposure to the sun of this surface as a function of the period of the year and the time of day, the obscuring element being movable between extreme positions and carrying at least one irradiance sensor, the method comprising the steps consisting of: - carry out several sunlight scans at different dates and times, controlling the occultation element at each scan so as to cause it to move and measuring the sensor response during its movement, - generate said data at least from these scans. Method according to claim 1, at least one scan being carried out each season, better every month. Method according to one of the preceding claims, the scans being carried out at least twice on the same date, at least one hour apart. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the occultation element being moved during the scans on a predefined path corresponding to a round trip of the occultation element between its extreme positions. A method according to any preceding claim, the sensor being disposed substantially at a free end of the occulting element. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, the occulting element being a vertically moving roller shutter apron. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, the occulting element carrying at least two sensors (6) arranged next to each other on the occulting element. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the calculation for each acquisition date of a scan of a quantity representative of the ratio of direct sunlight to the sum of direct and diffuse sunlight for the glazed surface affected by the occultation element. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, the scans being carried out at predefined times and dates, given by an acquisition table. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the recovery of weather forecast information before launching a scan, the latter only being launched if the forecast is compatible with the measurement of direct sunlight on the glass surface. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the generation of a scan schedule and its dissemination to the user by a visual and/or audio message. A method according to any preceding claim, comprising checking for the existence of a corresponding user authorization before performing a scan. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising acquiring the position of the occultation element before performing a scan, the piloting of the occultation element during the scan being carried out so as to return after the scan the occultation element to the position which it occupied before the scan. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, the sensor (6) being energy autonomous, being in particular powered by a battery, accumulator and/or photovoltaic panel. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, the sensor (6) and the device for driving the occulting element communicating by a wireless link between them and/or with a remote central unit (20). Method for climate management of a building or dwelling comprising at least one glazed surface equipped with a movable occulting element, comprising the steps consisting of: - implementing the learning method according to any one of the preceding claims to generate data relating to the exposure to the sun of said surface as a function of the period of the year and the time of day, the occultation element being provided at least during a learning phase with at least one irradiance sensor (6), - control the occultation element at least according to said data so as to best meet one or more predefined constraints, in particular so as to minimize energy consumption and/or improve visual and/or climatic comfort within the building or dwelling. Control system for at least one occultation element equipping a glazed surface, comprising: - an electronic unit comprising a processor executing a program comprising instructions for implementing the learning method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, this program being recorded in the electronic unit, then preferably for implementing the climate management method of claim 16, - a memory to record the data acquired during learning. . Device for concealing a glazed surface, in particular a roller shutter, comprising at least one autonomous irradiance sensor (6) used for implementing the learning method according to any one of claims 1 to 15. . Device according to claim 18, the occulting element being a roller shutter apron, the sensor being integrated or fixed to a lower slat of the apron. . Device according to claim 19, comprising several irradiance sensors (6) arranged side by side on the blade. . Device according to any one of claims 18 to 20, the sensor(s) (6) being powered by a battery or by a photovoltaic panel, the energy delivered by the battery or the panel being used exclusively for the operation of the sensor.

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