METHOD FOR CONFIGURATION AND OPERATION OF A BUILDING SUN PROTECTION SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of construction and more particularly to buildings with so-called dynamic facades, comprising motorized, mobile and adjustable solar protection screens, and buildings equipped with electrical equipment for comfort and / or security that can be controlled remotely.

[0002] Dynamic facades ensure luminous comfort in the building and achieve energy savings by regulating energy flows (thermal input and natural ventilation) through the openings in the facade in combination with the control of heating, ventilation or lighting equipment.

[0003] The screens can be interior blinds, for example Venetian blinds with adjustable slats, or roller blinds, or exterior screens, adjustable rigid panels, etc. Several screens can be located at the same opening.

[0004] Actuators control the operation of electrical equipment, for example the rotational and / or translational movement of movable screens in openings, or the parameters of lighting, heating or ventilation equipment. The actuators are managed centrally at the level of the room, floor, facade to which they belong or simply at the level of the building. A control unit also retrieves a certain amount of information from various sensors positioned inside and outside the building (presence, temperature, brightness sensors, time measuring devices, etc.).

[0005] Each actuator can also be controlled individually or in a group via a local control point. In particular, control zones on the same façade can be defined. Across each zone, the actuators will be controlled simultaneously by the central control unit. A zone can also correspond to an entire façade or even the building.

[0006] However, there is a need for finer control, in particular window by window or equipment by equipment, to take into account local conditions, for example shadows cast on the building, by another part of the building or by surrounding elements, such as other buildings or geographical reliefs, or the circulation of wind and rain in the presence of the building and its environment. Various solutions for managing shadows or modeling fluid circulation exist. They generally require a complex procedure for configuring the management device and cannot be added to existing installations. The invention therefore aims to provide solutions to the aforementioned problems.

[0007] In particular, the method of operating the installation according to the present invention has greater flexibility and ease of use than existing methods. Furthermore, the installation can have low-power calculation means for managing shadows, or more generally local conditions, which greatly reduces the cost. Furthermore, the invention allows for satisfactory scalability.

[0008] Document US2010 / 071856A1 discloses a control method for automatically controlling the penetration of sunlight into a building.

[0009] Document US7977904B2 discloses an automatic control system for a blind.

[0010] Document US2006 / 207730A1 discloses an automatic control system for a blind.

[0011] Document EP2357544A2 discloses an energy management method using a blind control.

[0012] Document US4457296A discloses a model for studying solar radiation on a building.

[0013] The aim of the invention is to provide a method of operating an installation which overcomes the disadvantages mentioned and improves the methods known from the prior art. In particular, the invention proposes a method of operating an installation which allows simple and economical management of shadows, or more generally of local conditions and ambient, surrounding and climatic parameters on an area of ​​a facade or a building.

[0014] A method according to the invention is defined by claim 1.

[0015] Different modes of carrying out the method are defined by claims 2 to 14.

[0016] An installation according to the invention is defined by claim 15.

[0017] The invention will be better understood by reading the following description, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which: There figure 1 represents a building in which an operating method according to the invention is implemented. The figure 2 represents a building automation installation in which an operating method according to the invention can be implemented. The figure 3 represents a flowchart of a first mode of execution of an operating method according to the invention. The figure 4 represents optional steps of the first mode of execution of the operating method. The figures 5 et 6 represent in the form of a flowchart a second, respectively a third, embodiment of an operating method according to the invention.

[0018] Generally speaking, the automatic operating method of the installation takes into account, for the control of EEi electrical equipment, in particular electrical equipment fitted to the building's openings, a model of the building and its openings, as well as local conditions. These local conditions are estimated at the level of different zones, i.e. for example at the level of one or more rooms, at the level of an opening, at the level of a group of openings, or at the level of a part of an opening.

[0019] Local conditions, such as the presence of shadows, temperature, wind or rain circulation, risks of frost, etc. are estimated from the measurable physical quantities G associated with these conditions, taking into account the influence exerted by the building and its environment at the level of each zone Zj.

[0020] These measurable physical quantities G are, for example, the direct solar energy flow received by an opening or a group of openings, the wind speed and direction at a facade, the exterior and interior temperatures of the building, etc.

[0021] The values ​​of these measurable physical quantities are determined either by measurements carried out by the various sensors 13, 23 of the INST installation, or from the measured values ​​Vm of the physical quantities and models representative of the variations and / or corrections of these physical quantities in the presence of the building and its environment.

[0022] In the remainder of this document, the physical quantities obtained from the sensors 13, 23 will be called input physical quantities F, and those determined from the measured values ​​and the models of the building and its environment will be called output physical quantities G. For the purposes of the invention, chronological time is an input physical quantity F; a time measuring device is a sensor 13, 23.

[0023] There figure 1 represents a building 1, for example of the tertiary type, in two parts B1 and B2, for use as offices for example. The two parts of the building comprise a plurality of openings 2 (in particular windows) arranged on facades S1, S2, E1, E2, N1, N2, W1, W2 (these last four facades being hidden) facing South, East, North, West. The openings are equipped with motorized movable screens 3, in particular closing, concealment or solar protection screens, a part of these being represented in the closed position by horizontal hatching on the facades S1, S2, E1 and E2.

[0024] In order to optimize user comfort and the energy performance of the INST installation, the control of the electrical equipment operating the screens takes into account the presence of shadows cast at each zone Zj of the building.

[0025] A shadow cast on the facade S1 of the first part of the building by the second part of the building is represented by a gray area 4. The rest of the visible facades are exposed to the sun, thus receiving a flow of direct solar energy. The screens of the openings located in the shadow zone are raised, while the screens of the openings located in the sun are lowered so as to respect the exposure specific to each opening, rather than by zone predefined in advance at a central control unit.

[0026] An automated INST installation, represented in figure 2 , allows dynamic management of building facades.

[0027] The mobile sun protection screens are each controlled by an actuator 12, the latter allowing the automated opening and closing of the screen. The actuators are generally hidden in rails or boxes when installed and are then difficult to access from the inside or outside of the building.

[0028] The automation of the building installation, in particular the screens via their actuators 12, based on the presence of a central control unit 10, local control means 11 and various sensors 13 (presence, brightness, temperature, etc.), makes it possible to manage in particular the comfort and the thermal in the building. The sensors 13, 23, can be managed in certain embodiments by a sensor management unit 30. For this, the different EEi equipment (actuators, control means, sensors) communicate with each other via wireless (radio in particular) or wired (cable bus, powerline) NTW networks. An example of an installation is shown in figure 2 .

[0029] The term actuator used in this application includes in particular the electronic or electromechanical part allowing the control of the movement of the screen or the control of the state of a load, for example a lamp, but also the electronic means of dialogue with the various other equipment of the installation, in particular the devices for transmitting and receiving communication frames exchanged between the various components of the installation according to known means.

[0030] A first simple embodiment of the operating method according to the invention makes it possible to control motorized screens according to the shadows cast at each zone Zj of the building. In this embodiment, described below with reference to the figure 3 , one or more steps are implemented by a configuration device 15 comprising computer means, in particular an HMI interface (screen and means of interaction with it, for example a keyboard, a mouse and / or a touch panel), calculation means 16, such as a logic processing unit, and means 17 for receiving and transmitting information, for example via an Internet connection. The configuration device 15 may be a computer, in particular of the PC type, a digital assistant or a tool specifically dedicated to the configuration of such an installation. It is connected to the installation directly or via one of the control means, by wired or wireless means. This connection 18 is represented in the form of a dotted line, it may be temporary.

[0031] During a step A1 of the operating method, a building modeling step is implemented, in particular a three-dimensional modeling of the building and a modeling of the motorized solar protection screens on the different facades of the building. The modeling may include a graphic construction or a simple identification, for example an identification of the openings concerned by the invention. The use of specific software dedicated to the virtual representation of a three-dimensional shape is particularly suitable for this step. In particular, the actual dimensions and the precise positioning of the openings intended to receive motorized screens, as well as the zones Zj, must be respected during step A1. Preferably, this modeling will be based on construction plans of the building, or even on a modeling provided by the architect in charge of the construction of the building.Environmental visualization tools (such as geoportal or Google Earth TM) can also be used to support the modeling of the building in question. During this stage, data relating to the geometry of the building, as well as data relating to the geographical orientation and geographical position of the building, are entered or retrieved.

[0032] During an optional step A2, the surrounding structures are also modeled and possibly inserted on the same graphical interface as the automated building modeling. The surrounding structures can be other buildings, geological or natural reliefs. Particularly in the case of natural reliefs, such as trees, a predicted evolution of the future dimension of these reliefs can be integrated during this step A2. During this step, data relating to the geometry of the surrounding structures as well as data relating to the positions of the surrounding structures relative to the building are therefore entered or retrieved.

[0033] Modeling can be done in the form of a mesh of points or objects.

[0034] In both steps A1 and A2, it is also possible not to graphically model the building, but to provide the coordinates of the different points of the mesh to enable the presence of sun to be determined, i.e. the presence of a direct solar energy flux, or the presence of shadows (direct solar energy flux lower than a predetermined threshold) for each point of the building mesh. As already mentioned, time is an input physical quantity within the meaning of the invention, which will be taken into account in step A3 of determining the values, VGj, of at least one output physical quantity Go, in this example the direct solar energy flux, at each zone Zj of the building.

[0035] Then during a third step A3, we determine, for example iteratively, the shadows cast on the building.

[0036] This notion of iterative determination concerns the fact of gathering by zone Zj and by time increments data relating to the whole building.

[0037] The shadow cast can be, as explained previously, the shadow cast by the building on itself and / or by the surrounding structures, in particular the structures modeled during step A2. Alternatively or additionally, the reflections on the building, due to the surrounding structures can also be modeled, the reflections being a function of the nature or color of the materials constituting the surrounding structures, in particular the facades of the surrounding structures.

[0038] The iterative determination is carried out by simulating the path of the sun over time, for example by evaluating the trajectories of the light rays, and taking into account the impact of structures located on the trajectories of the simulated sun rays. This iterative determination is carried out for a given geographical location of the building (latitude, longitude and orientation of the facades), this information being provided for example during step A1 of the building modeling. The iterative determination can also be carried out graphically with representation of the shadows cast on the building over time.

[0039] Preferably, time increments are chosen for this step, for example, a determination of the shadows cast every 15 minutes. The iterative determination then takes place in time increments over the entire calendar year.

[0040] The previous step makes it possible to generate a configuration file, comprising data representing the presence or absence of a shadow cast on each opening equipped with a motorized solar protection screen as a function of time, during a calculation step A4. The calculation is implemented by the calculation means of the configuration device 15, on the basis of software specifically implemented for this step. Advantageously, this embodiment, specific to remote modeling, allows the use in the INST installation of the control units 10, 11, having calculation means limited to the control logic of the electrical equipment EEi.

[0041] The software allows to report, for each zone Zj represented, the determination of the values ​​of the physical output quantity, in this example the direct solar energy flux, and therefore the presence or absence of a shadow cast over time and to record this data in the configuration file. For example, the file can include a matrix M comprising identifiers of the zones Zj in rows and the different dates of the year in columns. By "date", we mean an instant defined by a given time on a given day of the year, for example January 28, 4:15 p.m. By choosing a time step of 15 minutes, we obtain 24×4×365=35040 dates in a year of 365 days.

[0042] In this matrix, the presence of a shadow at a given date at a given opening can be represented by a given value, for example a "1". The absence of a shadow at a given date at a given opening can be represented by a given value, for example a "0". The presence of non-direct radiation, i.e. reflected radiation at an opening, can be determined by another value, for example "0.5". This value can also depend on the intensity of the reflected radiation. In this case, when using the data, a threshold can be set and each value can be considered as equal to "1" if it is greater than this threshold or as equal to "0" if it is less than or equal to this threshold. The values ​​can also be treated differently.

[0043] Finally, during a fifth step A5 the configuration file established during the previous step is provided to the central control unit UC 10 of the installation associated with the building which was the subject of the configuration.

[0044] The configuration file including the matrix M contains all the values ​​of the output physical quantity, for all the values ​​that the input physical quantity can take, in this example the time over the entire calendar year, measured with a resolution of 15 minutes.

[0045] When using the data, a step A8 of obtaining the measured value Vm of the current time makes it possible to determine the current date. The term date covers an indication distinguishing not only a day but also an hour (relative to a given time zone) in this day. A reading in the matrix M of the column corresponding to the current date makes it possible to determine, by reading the line j, the presence or absence of a cast shadow, for each zone Zj.

[0046] In this embodiment, step A8 of obtaining the measured value Vm of the input physical quantity, the current time or the date, is executed after step A3 of determining the values ​​VGj, of the output physical quantity G.

[0047] This value Vm is used to select, among all the values ​​of the physical output quantity contained in the matrix M, the one which corresponds to the current time and to the zone Zj.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, the modeling during step A1 and / or step A2 is a three-dimensional graphic and / or virtual modeling of the building concerned by the configuration and possibly of the surrounding building(s), including the location of the facades and the positioning of the openings equipped with motorized solar protection screens on the facades, or of the reliefs surrounding the building concerned. This three-dimensional virtual representation makes it possible to visualize the presence of shadows cast or the direct light flux at a given instant for the precise location of the building concerned by the configuration, as well as to vary it by creating a virtual animation by succession of images at different instants.

[0049] Alternatively, the graphic representation could also be two-dimensional, with a facade-by-facade representation and a reconstruction of the virtual building solely by calculation, without graphic representation. The coordinates and exposures of the facades would then have to be clearly entered for the proper functioning of the operating process. The iterative determination of step A3 would then be solely in the form of calculation. The virtual representation of the building could only be visually animated on each facade. The calculation steps can be repeated for each facade zone or facade of the building for which information on the presence of sunlight is provided.

[0050] The configuration file, or modeling data, can be renewed for a building over time if a change has occurred to the building (for example, a modification of the structure or a change in the installation) or to its environment requiring an update of the configuration file. This is the case, for example, if a new building is constructed near the building in question. This is also the case if vegetation has grown near the building in question. This maintenance is then simpler than for an initial configuration if the original modeling data has been retained. In particular, the building modeling step may no longer be necessary, with only the environment modeling step, particularly that of a surrounding building, then having to be implemented.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the data in the configuration file are binary data (1, 0) indicating whether or not a shadow is present for a given opening at a given time. This data can then be provided in the form of a spreadsheet file, for example Excel, to the central control unit of the installation.

[0052] Once the configuration file has been generated, the installation is ready to implement an operation of the installation taking into account the presence of shadows, in particular with opening-by-opening management. The data in the configuration file can be used directly by the central control unit, in particular by transmission to a specific input (for example, an on / off or screen-on / screen-off priority input) linked to each actuator or each local control means controlling one or more actuators. This is particularly simple when the data in the configuration file is binary data. Alternatively, the central control unit translates, if necessary, all or part of the configuration file to make it usable by an available and priority input linked to each actuator or each local control means controlling one or more actuators.

[0053] In operation, when the installation receives information on the presence of sun relating to the first facade zone, it implements a step A6 of controlling the movement of each motorized sun protection screen of the first facade zone to position the screens in the closed position. According to the method of the invention, a movement control step is also implemented to position screens in the open position for the openings located in the shade. This can be achieved by an inhibition step A7 of inhibiting the movement control of step A6 for one or more screens of this first facade zone, that is to say that the control is not executed by the motorized screens concerned, if the information from the configuration file corresponds to the presence of a shadow cast on this or these openings associated with this motorized screen or these motorized screens.

[0054] In this case, the motorized screens of the first facade zone execute the control order, that is to say in particular the screens are lowered to allow regulation of the light inputs inside the building, except for the one or ones for which a cast shadow is determined. It is possible to provide that, in an inverse operation, for example in winter and in the absence of people in the building, the control order upon detection of the presence of sun is an order to raise the blinds, to benefit on the contrary from the heat input. The screen or screens concerned by the presence of a cast shadow can thus remain in their initial configuration, for example they can be kept lowered. The movement control is then also inhibited.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the data of the configuration file are provided directly, in particular when it is binary data or indirectly (the data then being interpreted), selectively over time at the level of an input of an actuator, a group of actuators or a local control means of one or more motorized screen operating actuators. The actuator itself, or the local control means inhibits on a case-by-case basis the orders received by the central control unit.

[0056] According to an alternative embodiment, the central control unit processes the information from the configuration file and selectively issues control commands only to the screens subject to sunlight. In both cases, the movement command associated with the information of the presence of sunlight on the first facade zone is said to be inhibited for the screens concerned by the presence of shadows.

[0057] A new movement command is transmitted to the motorized screens if necessary, that is to say in particular either because the sun is no longer present (the sun presence information disappears) or because the data in the file indicates a modification, due to the time elapsed, on the presence of shadows cast on the different openings of the first facade zone. The central control unit 11 therefore regularly checks the consistency between the sun presence information and the presence of shadows cast.

[0058] Preferably, the configuration file is previously established taking into account the frequency of verification carried out by the central control unit.

[0059] The control of the motorized screens of the installation taking into account the presence of shadows is therefore independent of an advanced control of the position and angle of the sun in real time. A sunlight sensor providing information on the presence or absence of sun, or more generally information on the level of sunlight, may be sufficient to allow the precise control according to the invention.

[0060] More precisely, it is possible for the configuration file to provide information related to parts of openings. Thus, intermediate positions in which to position the screens when only part of the opening is covered by a shadow cast by the building or its environment could be determined. The control inhibition would then concern a partial inhibition, a movement being authorized on one part of the travel of a screen and blocked on another part.

[0061] A second embodiment of the operating method is described below with reference to the figure 5 . Steps A1 and possibly A2, of modeling the building and its environment, are similar to steps A1 and A2 of the first embodiment.

[0062] To optimize the comfort and energy performance of the building, the INST installation uses, in this embodiment, evaluated values ​​of a physical quantity, for example the luminous flux at the level of each zone Zj.

[0063] The output physical quantity is therefore a luminous flux. To determine it, two input physical quantities are taken into account: the current time, and the solar luminous flux measured by a sensor 13 of the installation. This sensor 13 can be a pyranometer or an albedometer, devices capable of measuring the overall solar luminous flux, direct or reflected. The location of the sensor 13 is integrated into the building model.

[0064] During step A2_1 two values, Vm, Vm1, are measured for the two aforementioned physical input quantities: time, respectively the luminous flux received at the sensor 13.

[0065] Then, during step A3, the values ​​VGj of the luminous flux received at each zone Zj are determined by calculations, using the data obtained during the previous steps.

[0066] The building model obtained in step A1 includes data relating to the geometry, orientation and geographical position of the building. It may also include data relating to the geometry and position of surrounding structures, obtained in the optional step A2.

[0067] Depending on the geographical location of the building and the value Vm of the current time (day in the year and moment or hour in the day) measured during step A2_1, the sun position can be calculated. Then, the trajectories of the light rays are evaluated. Finally, knowing the location of the sensor 13 on the building and the trajectories of the light rays, the angle of incidence at which the measured solar luminous flux is received at the sensor 13 can be determined.

[0068] Then, the data concerning the orientation and position of each zone Zj make it possible to determine the angle of incidence at which the solar luminous flux is received at the zone Zj, taking into account the impact of the structures located on the paths of the simulated sun rays. By combining this information with the measured value Vm1 of the luminous flux received by the sensor 13, the value VGj of the luminous flux at the level of each zone Zj can be calculated.

[0069] These values ​​VGj constitute evaluations of the values ​​of the physical quantity Go at the level of the zones Zj and can advantageously replace any values ​​resulting from measurements carried out by real sensors which would be placed at the level of each zone Zj; these determined values ​​VGj are considered to be values ​​resulting from “virtual sensors”. They are used in a step A8 as would be values ​​resulting from real sensors.

[0070] The values ​​VGj thus determined are then supplied to the central control unit 10 and / or to the local control units 11 and are processed as measured values ​​of the physical quantity G. These values ​​are sent progressively, by simulating acquisitions made over time by the “virtual sensors”, at the level of the zones Zj. In this way the installation can provide a determined operation zone by zone, taking into account the local conditions, without the additional cost of additional real sensors. Each zone Zj thus receives its own value instead of a centralized value.

[0071] The iterative determination step A3 can be executed by one of the control units 10, 11, or by the sensor management unit 30. In the latter case, the calculation corresponding to the determination of the VGj values ​​is the responsibility of the sensor management unit 30, allowing, as in the embodiment previously described, the use in the INST installation of the control units 10, 11, having low power calculation means.

[0072] It is important to note that in this second embodiment, step A2_1 of obtaining the measured values ​​Vm, Vm1, of the input physical quantities, is executed prior to step A3 of iterative determination of the values ​​VGo1j of the output physical quantity G.

[0073] Advantageously, the method according to the invention allows an INST installation to be updated by simply adding or updating a single device, in particular, in this embodiment, the sensor management unit 30. Indeed, the devices in place, the control units 10, 11, and the electrical equipment EEi are able to communicate via the NTW network, thus obtaining information from the sensors 13 and using it to determine their operation.

[0074] In known solutions, the information relating to the physical quantities being provided only by the sensor(s) 13, a fine control, zone by zone, can be obtained by adding real sensors 13 in the installation. This solution entails a significant additional cost, an intervention on the site to install, zone by zone, new sensors 13, and the pairing or establishment of communication links between the added sensors and the existing equipment in the installation INST. By applying the method proposed by the invention, the fine control of the electrical equipment EEi, zone by zone, is obtained at low cost and requiring only a simple intervention on site.

[0075] Another embodiment is shown in figure 6 This embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that step A3 further comprises a sub-step A3_1 of predetermining a reference data structure DR and a sub-step A3_2 of selecting the values ​​VGj of the output physical quantities in this reference data structure DR.

[0076] This reference data structure consists of a predetermined set of associations, comprising values ​​of the input physical quantities associated with values ​​of the output physical quantity(s). The structure and method of obtaining the associations are explained below.

[0077] It is assumed that the installation takes into account m physical input quantities to determine the values ​​of n physical output quantities. An association belonging to the reference data structure DR consists of: m elements, each representing a value of one of the m input physical quantities; and n elements, each representing a value of one of the n output physical quantities.

[0078] The n values ​​of the physical quantities output from an association are calculated for each zone Zj according to of the m input physical quantities, and on the assumption that the values ​​of the m input physical quantities are equal to the m elements representing them in the association considered, and of the model of the building, possibly of the model of its environment, of the location of the zone Zj in the building and taking into account the influence of the building and its environment on the behavior of the output physical quantities.

[0079] When creating the reference data structure DR, the values ​​to be taken into account for determining the output physical quantities are selected for each input physical quantity F.

[0080] If the input physical quantity is a quantity that can take continuous values ​​(e.g. temperature, luminous flux, etc.), the domain of possible values ​​of the input physical quantity is divided into ranges of values, and for each range k of values ​​(Vk_min,Vk_Max), a value Vrk, such that Vk_min <= Vrk <= Vk_Max, is chosen as a representative value of the range k. The value Vrk, representative of the range k, is considered to be representative for any measured value Vm, Vm1 of the input physical quantity belonging to the range k.

[0081] If the physical quantity F is a quantity that can take discrete values ​​(for example, presence / absence of a user), the values ​​to be taken into account are chosen from among the possible discrete values. Not all discrete values ​​are necessarily chosen; some chosen values ​​may be considered representative for several discrete values ​​of the same input physical quantity.

[0082] Once the representative values ​​to be taken into account for each of the m input physical quantities have been selected, the values ​​of the n output physical quantities are calculated for the different combinations of m representative values ​​of the input physical quantities.

[0083] The reference data structure is preferably constituted during the predetermination sub-step A3_1 by a configuration device 15, thus allowing remote modeling. It is important to note that the constitution of this reference data structure DR can be carried out prior to the operation of the installation. It can also be updated if changes have occurred on the models of the building or its environment.

[0084] During operation of the installation, during step A8, m measured values ​​are obtained, one for each of the m input physical quantities. Then the m values ​​representative of these measured values, called input values, are determined.

[0085] In this embodiment, the values ​​of the n output physical quantities are obtained during the sub-step A3_2 of selection in the reference data structure DR. First, the association comprising the m input values ​​is selected in the data structure DR. The n values ​​of the output physical quantities are the n elements associated with the m input values ​​in the selected association.

[0086] It is important to note that the reference data structure contains associations for each zone Zj of the building, thus allowing an iterative determination, zone by zone, of the values ​​of the output physical quantities.

[0087] The calculations take into account the building model and its environment, as well as numerical simulations of the behavior of the n physical output quantities, in the presence of the building and as a function of the physical input quantity.

[0088] Steps A3_1 and A3_2 can be executed by two different devices, for example the configuration device 15, respectively the control unit 10, 11. Advantageously, this embodiment makes it possible to carry out the predetermination step A3_1 remotely.

[0089] In certain embodiments, the INST installation may further comprise at least one second sensor 23 capable of measuring the physical output quantity G at the level of a zone Zk of the building 1, the model of the building integrating the location of the second sensor(s) 23 relative to the zones of the building.

[0090] Step A3 of iterative determination, illustrated by the figure 6, can combine one of the methods previously described with steps of measuring the values ​​of the output physical quantities. These measuring steps are carried out at a zone Zk if one or more second sensors 23 are located at this zone Zk; otherwise, any of the preceding methods can be used for the determination of the values ​​VGj.

[0091] In another embodiment, a model of the building, on a reduced scale and equipped with sensors 13, is produced and installed in conditions of geographical position and orientation similar to the conditions of the building. The model comprises zones zi placed in conditions similar to zones Zj of the building. Each zone zi is equipped with real sensors 13 capable of measuring the at least one input physical quantity F. During step A3 of determining the values ​​of the output physical quantities, a calculation step is carried out, taking into account similarities in exposure conditions of the zones of the model zi and Zj of the building, as well as the model of surrounding structures obtained during step A2.

[0092] For example, if a zone zi has the same exposure as one or more zones Zj of the building, the value Vm of the direct solar energy flux measured by a sensor 13 placed at the level of the model is considered representative of a value VGj of the direct solar energy flux received at the level of the zone(s) Zj of the building having the same exposure. This determination method can be combined with the modeling of the surrounding structures of the building. Thus, the value Vm of the direct solar energy flux measured by a sensor 13 placed at the level of the model is considered representative of the value VGj of the energy flux received only in the absence of obstacles between the zone Zj and the sun. Advantageously, this method makes it possible to have measurements carried out in real time by the sensors 13 installed at the level of the model, without having to modify the INST installation to install sensors.

[0093] The invention also relates to a data medium, being capable of storing in particular a configuration file or a reference data structure. The configuration file may contain data and be derived from a modeling of the building 1 and the openings on facades N1, N2, S1, S2, W1, W2, E1, E2 of the building, from an iterative determination of the shadow cast by the building on itself and / or by the surrounding structures also modeled as a function of time and for a given geographical location of the building, the data representing the presence or absence of a shadow cast on each opening or each part of an opening equipped with a motorized solar protection screen as a function of time.The file may alternatively contain data determined by step A3 of iterative determination of values ​​VGj of at least one output physical quantity G, as a function of at least a second value Vf of the input physical quantity and the model of building 1.

[0094] An installation INST for automated control of comfort and / or safety conditions in the building comprises the central control unit 10, the electrical equipment EEi equipping the zones Zj of the building and the sensor management unit 30 comprising at least one sensor 13 capable of measuring the physical input quantity F. The installation comprises hardware and / or software elements 10; 11; 13; 15; 30 for implementing the method governing its operation.

[0095] Hardware and / or software elements may include: an element 101 for inputting modeling data of the building 1 and the zones Zj of the building or for storing modeling data of the building 1 and the zones Zj of the building, an element 103 for iterative determination of values ​​VGj of the at least one output physical quantity G, as a function of the at least one second value Vf of the input physical quantity and the model of the building 1, an element 10; 11 using the determined values ​​VGj in order to control the electrical equipment EEi equipping each zone (Zj) of the building.

[0096] In the following claims, the term "time" has a chronological meaning and not a meteorological meaning.

Claims

1. Method for operating an installation (INST) for the automated control of the comfort conditions in a building (1), the installation (INST) comprising a central control unit (10), electrical equipment items (EEi) with which areas (Zj) of the building are equipped, and a sensor management unit (30) comprising at least one sensor (13) suitable for measuring an input physical quantity (F), the method being characterized in that it comprises the following steps implemented by the installation: - A step (A1) of modelling the building (1), the areas (Zj) of the building and openings of the building, - A step (A2_1) of obtaining at least one first value (Vm) of the input physical quantity (F) measured by the at least one sensor (13), called measured value, the input physical quantity (F) being a chronological time, - A step (A3) of determining values (VGj) of output physical quantities (G), as a function of the first value (Vm) of the input physical quantity (F), of the model of the building (1), of the areas (Zj) of the building and of the openings of the building, the determination step (A3) comprising: a substep (A3_1) of predetermining a reference data structure (DR) comprising values (VGj) of the output physical quantities computed for a plurality of values of the input physical quantity, the predetermination substep (A3_1) comprising iteratively determining the values (VGj) of the output physical quantities (G) by simulating the course of the sun over time and by taking into account the impact of the structures located on the trajectories of the simulated sun rays, said iterative determination of values (VGj) being done for a given geographic location of the building, the output physical quantities (G) being direct solar energy fluxes in each area (Zj) of the building, and a substep (A3_2) of selecting values of the output physical quantities in this reference data structure, as a function of the at least one first value (Vm), and - A step (A8) of using the determined values (VGj) in order to control the electrical equipment items (EEi) with which each area (Zj) of the building is equipped, the electrical equipment item with which an area is equipped being controlled by the values determined for this area, the usage step comprising supplying values to the central control unit and / or to local control units responsible for generating and / or sending commands to the electrical equipment items with which each area of the building is equipped.

2. Operating method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the iterative determination step (A3) comprises a step of determining, notably by computation, values (VGj) of the at least one output physical quantity (G), for at least two areas (Zj) of the building.

3. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reference data structure (DR) comprises, for each area (Zj), a predetermined set of associations ({Vrk, VGj}) between - representative predefined values (Vrk) of ranges of values of the input physical quantity (F); and - representative predefined values (VGj) of ranges of values of the output physical quantity (G); the selection substep (A3_2) comprising - a substep of determining a representative value (Vrm) of the first value (Vm), called input value; - a substep of determining a predefined value (VGm) of the output physical quantity (G), called output value, such that the association {Vrm, VGm} between input value and output value belongs to the predetermined set of associations of the reference data structure (DR).

4. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the substep (A3_1) of predetermining the reference data structure (DR) is executed by a configuration device (15); and - the substep (A3_2) of selecting values (VGj) of the output physical quantities is executed by the central control unit (10) and / or by the local control units (11).

5. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the installation (INST) also comprises at least one third sensor suitable for measuring the at least one output physical quantity (G) in an area (zj) of a model of the building (1), the area (zj) of the model being an image of an area (Zj) of the building; - the model of the building comprises an association of the location of the at least one third sensor with a location in an area of the building (Zj); - the iterative determination step (A3) comprises a step of measuring the values (VGk) of the at least one output physical quantity (G) in an area (zj) if the at least one third sensor is located in that area.

6. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the installation (INST) also comprises at least one second sensor (23) suitable for measuring the at least one output physical quantity (G) in an area (Zj) of the building (1); - the model of the building comprises the location of the at least one second sensor (23) relative to the areas of the building (Zj); - the iterative determination step (A3) comprises a step of measuring the values (VGk) of the at least one output physical quantity (G) in an area (Zj) if the at least one second sensor (23) is located in that area.

7. Operating method according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the usage step (A8) consists in supplying the determined values (VGj) to the central control unit (10) and / or to local control units (11) responsible for generating and / or sending commands to electrical equipment items (EEi) with which each area (Zj) of the building is equipped, notably in data stream form.

8. Operating method according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the usage step (A8) comprises a step of selecting parameter values (Pj) for the control of the electrical equipment items (EEi), in a second reference data structure (DR2) comprising, for each area (Zj), a predetermined set of associations ({VGj, Pj}) between - predefined values of the output physical quantity (VGj); and - predefined values of the parameters (Pj), the selected values of the parameters being the predefined values associated in the second reference data structure (DR2) with the determined values (VGj).

9. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the usage step (A8) comprises: - A step (A6) of commanding a movement of each motorized solar protection screen of a first façade area (Zj) as a function of a sun presence indication relating to the first façade area (Zj), - A step (A7) of disabling the command of movement of the preceding step as a function of the configuration file data relating to each opening of the area.

10. Operating method according to Claim 9, characterized in that the disabling step depends on a sunshine level indication.

11. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized - in that it also comprises a step (A2) of virtual modelling of the structures surrounding the building, and - in that the iterative determination step (A3) is performed also as a function of the result of this virtual modelling of the structures surrounding the building.

12. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the modelling of the step (A1) is a three-dimensional virtual modelling of the building, including the location of the façades (N1, N2, S1, S2, W1, W2, E1, E2) and the positioning of the openings equipped with motorized solar protection screens on the façades.

13. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a step of iteratively determining the shadows cast by the building on itself and / or by the surrounding structures also modelled as a function of time and for a given geographic location of the building may be performed for each façade and reiterated for each façade of the building for which a sun presence or direct energy flux or direct light flux indication is supplied.

14. Automated control installation (INST) for controlling the comfort conditions in a building (1), the installation (INST) comprising a central control unit (10), electrical equipment items (EEi) with which areas (Zj) of the building are equipped and a sensor management unit (30) comprising at least one sensor (13) suitable for measuring an input physical quantity (F), characterized in that it comprises hardware and / or software elements (10; 11; 13; 15; 30) for implementing the method according to one of the preceding claims, the hardware and / or software elements comprising: - an element (101) for entering modelling data for the building (1) and for the areas (Zj) of the building or a data storage element (101) for storing a modelling of the building (1) and of the areas (Zj) of the building, - an element (103) for iteratively determining values (VGj) of at least one output physical quantity (G), as a function of at least one value (Vf) of the input physical quantity and of the model of the building (1), - an element (10; 11) using determined values (VGj) in order to control the electrical equipment items (EEi) with which each area (Zj) of the building is equipped, the installation being configured to implement the following steps: - A step (A1) of modelling the building (1), the areas (Zj) of the building and openings of the building, - A step (A2_1) of obtaining at least one first value (Vm) of the input physical quantity (F) measured by the at least one sensor (13), called measured value, the input physical quantity (F) being a chronological time, - A step (A3) of determining values (VGj) of output physical quantities (G), as a function of the first value (Vm) of the input physical quantity (F), of the model of the building (1), of the areas (Zj) of the building and of the openings of the building, the determination step (A3) comprising: a substep (A3_1) of predetermining a reference data structure (DR) comprising values (VGj) of the output physical quantities computed for a plurality of values of the input physical quantity, the predetermination substep (A3_1) comprising iteratively determining the values (VGj) of the output physical quantities (G) by simulating the course of the sun over time and by taking into account the impact of the structures located on the trajectories of the simulated sun rays, said iterative determination of values (VGj) being done for a given geographic location of the building, the output physical quantities (G) being direct solar energy fluxes in each area (Zj) of the building, and a substep (A3_2) of selecting values of the output physical quantities in this reference data structure, as a function of the at least one first value (Vm), and - A step (A8) of using the determined values (VGj) in order to control the electrical equipment items (EEi) with which each area (Zj) of the building is equipped, the electrical equipment item with which an area is equipped being controlled by the values determined for this area, the usage step comprising supplying values to the central control unit and / or to local control units responsible for generating and / or sending commands to the electrical equipment items with which each area of the building is equipped.