Method for managing energy, and corresponding electronic device and computer program

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for managing energy, said method being implemented by an electronic device and comprising: - obtaining (11) at least one value of ambient energy of a first type, representative of an exposure of a first piece of equipment to said ambient energy; - providing (12) at least one recommendation relative to at least one candidate conversion element suitable for converting an ambient energy of said first type into energy of a second type useable to power said first piece of equipment, said at least one recommendation taking into account said at least one obtained value of ambient energy of the first type.

Description

Energy management method, corresponding electronic device and computer program.

[0001] 1. Technical field

[0002] The field of the invention is that of equipment belonging in particular to the Internet of Things (or IoT), commonly called “connected objects” or “communicating objects”.

[0003] The invention relates more particularly to the power supply of such equipment, and in particular the choice of energy conversion elements used to convert ambient energy, present in the environment of the equipment, into energy which can be used to at least partially power the equipment.

[0004] More generally, the invention relates to any equipment cooperating with at least one energy conversion element capable of capturing ambient energy in order to be able to operate. Such equipment may be fixed (weather station for example) or mobile (car for example).

[0005] 2. Prior art

[0006] The use of connected objects is becoming increasingly widespread. Such objects can, for example, be used to perform calculations, relay measurements delivered by a sensor, etc.

[0007] These objects can be used in various ways: some can operate punctually and others regularly, some benefit from significant processing capabilities and others do not, some perform computing-intensive tasks and others do not, etc.

[0008] As a result, not all connected objects need the same energy input.

[0009] Furthermore, the energy input varies depending on the object. Some objects can be powered by the electrical grid, others run on batteries, and others produce the energy needed to operate themselves. For example, some objects can operate by capturing energy from one or more renewable energy sources. However, for some renewable energies, the amount of energy that can be produced at any given time can vary greatly over time, and in a more or less predictable manner.

[0010] In this highly variable environment, it is common to oversize either the energy production capacities of these objects (for example, solar panels, wind turbines, etc.), or their energy storage capacities (batteries) in order to reduce the risk of the object failing in energy.

[0011] However, this solution is not always satisfactory, because it can increase the size of the object, its production cost, its end-of-life processing cost (sorting, recycling, destruction, etc.), etc.

[0012] There is therefore a need for a new technique for managing the energy supply of connected objects, which does not have all the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0013] 3. Statement of the invention

[0014] The invention proposes a solution for managing the energy supply of connected objects, in the form of an energy management method implemented by an electronic device, comprising: obtaining at least one ambient energy value of a first type, representative of an exposure of a first piece of equipment to ambient energy; providing at least one recommendation relating to at least one candidate conversion element suitable for converting ambient energy of the first type into energy of a second type usable for powering the first piece of equipment, said at least one recommendation taking into account said at least one ambient energy value of said first type obtained.

[0015] For example, in at least some embodiments, said method comprises:obtaining at least one ambient energy value of a first type, representative of an exposure of a first equipment to said ambient energy;providing at least one notification adapted to be rendered on a user interface coupled to said device and relating to at least one candidate conversion element adapted to a conversion of an ambient energy of said first type into energy of a second type usable to power said first equipment, said at least one notification taking into account said at least one ambient energy value of said first type obtained.

[0016] The proposed solution thus makes it possible to analyze the conditions of use of the first equipment (for example a first connected object), from at least one ambient energy value, and to generate a recommendation (for example a notification) on an energy conversion element, intended to cooperate with the first equipment, adapted to the conditions of use (or profile) of the first equipment.

[0017] An energy conversion element converts energy of a first type that the conversion element captures from its environment (also called ambient energy) into energy of a second type. For example, an energy conversion element is a photovoltaic cell or panel that converts solar energy into electrical energy that can be used to power the first device.

[0018] Such a method may in particular be implemented by the first device. Alternatively, such a method may be implemented by another device, for example a smartphone, a computer, another connected object, a gateway, in the cloud, etc.

[0019] For example, ambient energy of the first type may belong to the group comprising: solar energy, wind energy, hydraulic energy, thermal energy, chemical energy, microwave energy, magnetic energy, mechanical energy, kinetic energy, etc.

[0020] In at least one embodiment, the invention proposes to automatically analyze the available ambient energy and to select one or more energy conversion elements making it possible to help improve the energy supply of the first equipment. This is an improvement by hardware modularity, since we act directly on the energy conversion element(s) cooperating with the first equipment.

[0021] According to at least one embodiment, obtaining at least one ambient energy value of the first type implements a measurement of said at least one energy value of the first type by means of at least one first sensor located on the first equipment.

[0022] Thus, once the first piece of equipment is in the position of use, it is possible to measure the ambient energy that it captures in its environment. The measured energy value can vary in particular depending on where the equipment is positioned (indoors, outdoors, behind a window, in a corner, etc.) and depending on the orientation of the equipment (first sensor more or less oriented towards the energy source for example).

[0023] Several sensors of the same type can be provided (i.e. allowing the same type of energy to be measured), but oriented and / or positioned differently, so as to capture ambient energy in different directions.

[0024] According to the example above where the energy conversion element is a photovoltaic cell, the first sensor is for example a light sensor.

[0025] According to at least one embodiment, obtaining at least one ambient energy value of the first type implements a reception of said at least one energy value of the first type from a second device.

[0026] Thus, according to this embodiment, a second piece of equipment, for example a second connected object, preferably located near the first piece of equipment or used under the same conditions of use as the first piece of equipment, can be provided with a sensor and used to measure at least one energy value of the first type, and transmit this value to the electronic device. Alternatively, the second piece of equipment can be a network node, a gateway, a remote server, etc., capable of collecting information relating to the ambient energy to which the first piece of equipment is exposed, and transmitting it to the electronic device.

[0027] Thus, in the example above where the energy conversion element is a photovoltaic cell, the second device can be a meteorological server with measurements of the sunlight to which the first device is exposed.

[0028] It is noted that the above embodiments can be combined when several ambient energy values ​​are obtained: certain values ​​can be measured by the first sensor located on the first equipment, and other values ​​can be obtained from a second equipment.

[0029] In particular, the method according to the invention comprises obtaining at least one piece of temporal information associated with said at least one energy value of the first type.

[0030] Such temporal information, also called a "timestamp", can be used in particular to timestamp the different energy values ​​obtained, and thus to construct a history of values ​​or a profile of the first equipment.

[0031] According to a first example, said at least one energy value of the first type is obtained over a first time range. Thus, it is possible to construct a history of values ​​over a time range, for example over 2 hours, over 24 hours, over a week, over a season, etc.

[0032] According to a second example, said at least one energy value of the first type is obtained in real time.

[0033] In at least some embodiments, said candidate conversion element is selected from a plurality of conversion elements based on the efficiency of said plurality of conversion elements with said ambient energy value.

[0034] Thus, once the energy value(s) have been obtained, it is possible to choose at least one conversion element meeting a selection criterion, for example offering an efficiency greater than a first value (such as a threshold), definable by configuration for example, for these energy values ​​(for example a maximized efficiency for these energy values).

[0035] According to at least one embodiment, the method further comprises transmitting said at least one energy value of the first type to a third device and receiving at least one of said at least one candidate conversion element.

[0036] According to this embodiment, the obtained energy value(s) can thus be transmitted to a third device, for example a third object, a gateway, a remote server, the cloud, etc. This third device can identify one or more candidate conversion elements and return this information to the electronic device. The third device can also be the second device mentioned above. In this case, it is not necessary to transmit the energy value(s) to the second device if they are already known to this second device.

[0037] Alternatively, at least one of said at least one candidate conversion element is directly obtained by the electronic device, for example by accessing a database stored in the electronic device or remotely.

[0038] These two embodiments can in particular be combined. It is thus possible to obtain at least one candidate conversion element from a third device and at least one candidate conversion element locally.

[0039] According to at least one embodiment, said at least one candidate conversion element takes into account a proximity between at least one energy conversion characteristic of said at least one candidate conversion element and said at least one energy value of the first type.

[0040] Thus, a conversion element may be selected as a candidate conversion element if it exhibits a particular energy conversion characteristic for the obtained energy values, for example an efficiency greater than a first value (such as a threshold) (for example a maximum efficiency).

[0041] According to one embodiment, said at least one recommendation also takes into account at least one piece of information from at least one second sensor.

[0042] For example, in at least some embodiments, said at least one notification also takes into account at least one piece of information from at least one second sensor.

[0043] In other words, the selection of a conversion element as a candidate conversion element can be refined by taking into account values ​​measured by several sensors.

[0044] For example, such a second sensor may be of a different nature than the first sensor. The second sensor may be a temperature sensor and / or a light spectrum sensor and / or a pressure sensor, etc.

[0045] Of course, if several sensors are provided, some may be of the same nature and others of different natures. In at least one embodiment, said method comprises providing said recommendation (for example said at least one notification) on at least one output interface coupled to said electronic device. In particular, said at least one recommendation takes into account at least one first conversion element used to power said first equipment.

[0046] For example, in at least some embodiments, said at least one notification takes into account at least one first conversion element used to power said first equipment. Thus, it may be possible according to the invention to check whether the first conversion element, which cooperates with the first equipment, corresponds to a candidate conversion element. If this is the case, it may not be necessary to replace it. Otherwise, it is desirable to replace it with a candidate conversion element, or to modify the position and / or orientation of the first equipment, or to add at least one other conversion element, etc.

[0047] To do this, the method implements for example obtaining at least one characteristic of at least one first conversion element used by said first equipment. This characteristic can be obtained in various ways, for example by prior configuration of said at least one first conversion element, from at least one piece of information provided by the current conversion element, using an automatic detection system, etc.

[0048] According to at least one embodiment, said at least one recommendation takes into account the positioning of the electronic device and / or said at least one first sensor and / or said at least one second sensor, when obtaining said at least one energy value of said first type.

[0049] For example, in at least some embodiments, said at least one notification takes into account the positioning of said electronic device and / or said at least one first sensor and / or said at least one second sensor when obtaining said at least one energy value of said first type.

[0050] According to at least one embodiment, said at least one recommendation (for example said at least one notification) takes into account a context of use of the first equipment.

[0051] For example, said recommendation (e.g. said at least one notification) is constructed taking into account the energy values ​​obtained during a particular time range, for example only during the day, or taking into account a particular temperature range, for example of the order of 20°C + / - 5°, etc.

[0052] In other words, only part of the energy value history can be used to build a recommendation (e.g., a notification). In other words, some energy values ​​can be filtered to build a recommendation (e.g., a notification).

[0053] According to at least one embodiment, said at least one recommendation belongs to the group comprising: a recommendation to change a conversion element currently used by said first equipment (for example by issuing a notification requesting the change of a first conversion element currently used to power the first equipment), a recommendation to replace a conversion element currently used by the first equipment, by one of said at least one candidate conversion element, a recommendation on a type of ambient energy to be converted, a recommendation on a type and / or model of conversion element to be used, a recommendation for positioning at least one conversion element on the first equipment, a recommendation on a number of conversion elements to be used on the first equipment, a recommendation on a position and / or an orientation of said first equipment, etc.

[0054] For example, in at least some embodiments, said at least one notification belongs to the group comprising:a notification recommending a change of at least one conversion element commonly used by said first equipment,a notification recommending a replacement of at least one conversion element commonly used by said first equipment with one of said at least one candidate conversion element,a notification recommending at least one type of ambient energy to be converted,a notification recommending at least one type and / or model of conversion element to be used,a notification recommending at least one positioning of at least one conversion element on said first equipment,a notification recommending a number of conversion elements to be used on said first equipment,

[0055] a notification recommending at least one position and / or orientation of said first equipment. According to at least one embodiment, the first equipment has at least two faces, each cooperating with at least one conversion element. The preceding steps of obtaining at least one ambient energy value and providing at least one recommendation (for example said at least one notification) can be implemented for each of said conversion elements.

[0056] Depending on the embodiments, the various characteristics relating to the method according to the invention can be combined or taken in isolation.

[0057] Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding electronic device. Such a device implements at least one processor configured to:obtain at least one ambient energy value of a first type, representative of an exposure of a first piece of equipment to ambient energy;provide at least one recommendation relating to at least one candidate conversion element suitable for converting ambient energy of the first type into energy of a second type usable for supplying the first piece of equipment with energy, said at least one recommendation taking into account said at least one ambient energy value of the first type obtained.

[0058] For example, in at least some embodiments, said at least one processor is configured to: obtain at least one ambient energy value of a first type, representative of an exposure of a first equipment to said ambient energy;

[0059] provide at least one notification relating to at least one candidate conversion element suitable for converting ambient energy of said first type into energy of a second type usable for powering said first equipment, said at least one notification taking into account said at least one ambient energy value of said first type obtained. Such a device is in particular suitable for implementing the steps of the method described above in any of its embodiments. Such a device may of course include the various characteristics relating to the method according to the invention, which may be combined or taken in isolation. Thus, the characteristics and advantages of this device are the same as those of the method. Consequently, they are not detailed further.

[0060] As previously indicated, such a device is for example the first equipment, or another equipment (computer, smartphone, other connected object, gateway, etc.).

[0061] In at least some embodiments, said notification is provided via a communication module of said electronic device.

[0062] In at least some embodiments, said notification is provided via an output user interface of said electronic device.

[0063] An embodiment of the invention also aims to protect one or more computer programs comprising instructions adapted to the implementation of the method according to at least one embodiment of the invention as described above, when this or these programs are executed by a processor, as well as at least one information medium readable by a computer comprising instructions of at least one computer program as mentioned above.

[0064] 4. List of figures

[0065] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of at least one embodiment, given as a simple illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings, among which:lapresents the main steps of a method according to at least one embodiment of the invention;laillustrates the characteristics of a photovoltaic panel in terms of voltage and current production;lapresents the relationships between the brightness and the voltage and current produced by a conversion element;laillustrates an example of implementation of the invention with a conversion element of the photovoltaic panel type;laillustrates an example of first equipment with assembled functional modules;lais a simplified view of an electronic device according to at least one embodiment of the invention.

[0066] 5. Description of an embodiment of the invention

[0067] 5.1 General principle

[0068] The invention is placed in the context of a first piece of equipment exposed to at least one ambient energy, for example solar, wind, hydraulic, thermal, vibrational, kinetic energy, etc., allowing it to be powered or its batteries to be recharged, totally or partially.

[0069] Such equipment may be placed in different environments, including indoors or outdoors. Depending on the location of this equipment, the available ambient energy may vary greatly. The invention proposes a recommendation technique (e.g. notification) to help improve the capture of the ambient energy available in the environment in which the first equipment is placed.

[0070] Illustrates the general principle of the invention, implemented in an electronic device. Such a device may in particular communicate with the first device, or be the first device.

[0071] Such a device may in particular obtain at least one ambient energy value of a first type, representative of an exposure of the first equipment to ambient energy. For example, the ambient energy value(s) may be measured by means of a first sensor located on the first equipment. Alternatively, the ambient energy value(s) may be obtained by a second equipment and transmitted to the electronic device. Optionally, at least one value may be measured by the first equipment and at least one other value obtained from a second equipment.

[0072] The ambient energy value(s) can in particular be associated with temporal information, in order to construct a history of values ​​or a profile of the first equipment in its environment.

[0073] The ambient energy value(s) obtained during the obtaining step 11 can be used to generate 12 at least one recommendation relating to at least one candidate conversion element suitable for converting ambient energy of the first type into energy of a second type usable for powering the first equipment.

[0074] In other words, the device can determine a group of at least one candidate conversion element meeting a selection criterion for the ambient energy value(s) obtained (for example meeting an efficiency criterion) and / or provide a recommendation relating to at least one of these candidate conversion elements.

[0075] For example, the device can check whether a current conversion element used by the first equipment to convert ambient energy of the first type into energy of a second type, also called first conversion element, belongs to the group of at least one candidate conversion element (i.e. if the first conversion element is of the same type and / or model and / or category as a candidate conversion element and / or has technical information, in terms of efficiency for example, similar to that of at least one candidate conversion element), and provide a recommendation or take action following this check.

[0076] More generally, a recommendation generated during step 12 of providing at least one recommendation belongs to the group comprising: a recommendation to change a conversion element commonly used by the first equipment (i.e. a conversion element currently used by the first equipment), a recommendation to replace a conversion element commonly used by the first equipment with one of said at least one candidate conversion element, a recommendation on a type of ambient energy to be converted, a recommendation on a type and / or model of conversion element to be used, a recommendation for positioning at least one conversion element on the first equipment, a recommendation on a number of conversion elements to be used on the first equipment, a recommendation on a position and / or an orientation of the first equipment, etc.

[0077] In this way, it is possible to inform a user that the performance obtained with at least one conversion element cooperating with the first equipment can potentially be improved, and possibly to suggest replacing the current conversion element with one of the candidate conversion elements, to suggest modifying the position and / or orientation of the current conversion element or of the first equipment, etc.

[0078] It is also possible to directly select a conversion element from the candidate conversion elements when assembling the conversion element with the first equipment.

[0079] 5.2 Detailed description of an embodiment

[0080] 5.2.1 Use of at least one conversion element of the photovoltaic cell or panel type

[0081] By way of illustration, it is considered below that the first equipment cooperates with at least one conversion element making it possible to convert the ambient energy generated by the brightness (sun, artificial lighting – “illuminance” in English) into electrical energy making it possible to power the first equipment. A conversion element according to this example therefore comprises at least one photovoltaic cell.

[0082] Again, we remind you that the ambient light intensity is not the same depending on whether the first piece of equipment is placed or moved in front of a window in full sunlight, above a piece of furniture, or in a windowless meeting room lit only by fluorescent lamps, depending on the day / night cycle, etc. The energy production from a photovoltaic cell is therefore impacted by the position and / or orientation of the photovoltaic cell and / or the equipment, as well as by the environment.

[0083] As an example, illustrates the characteristics of a photovoltaic panel comprising six photovoltaic cells, in terms of voltage and current production, for a luminous flux of 200 lux (where lux is the international unit of measurement of brightness), with lighting under a FL fluorescent lamp (neon).

[0084] Open circuit voltage, also called Voc or "open circuit voltage," is the voltage supplied by the photovoltaic panel when it is not producing electricity. In this case, no current flows (I = 0µA and Voc = 3.6V).

[0085] Short-circuit current, also called Isc or "short-circuit current", is the current supplied by the photovoltaic panel when it is short-circuited. In this case, the voltage is zero (Isc=2.5µA and V= 0V).

[0086] In operation, the efficiency of this photovoltaic panel is maximum for a luminous flux of 200 lux, with lighting under a FL fluorescent lamp, and allows the production of a Vope voltage of 2.6V with an Iope current of 3.1µA.200Lx FLVoc(V)Isc(µA)Vope(V)Iope(µA)3.63.52.63.1

[0087] Such a photovoltaic panel used in another environment (i.e. with a luminous flux other than 200 lux and / or with lighting other than lighting under FL fluorescent lamp, such as for example an LED bulb or solar rays) would not allow this maximum efficiency to be achieved (operation in "degraded" mode).

[0088] As illustrated in, there is a relationship between brightness and the voltage / current produced by a photovoltaic panel. As each photovoltaic cell / panel has its own characteristics, the choice of photovoltaic cell / panel can therefore be made taking into account its operating environment.

[0089] According to the invention and according to this exemplary embodiment, it is therefore sought to obtain at least one brightness value (i.e. the ambient energy) to which the first equipment is exposed, and to provide a recommendation on the photovoltaic panel(s) (i.e. candidate conversion elements) adapted to a conversion of the brightness into voltage / current usable for supplying the first equipment with energy.

[0090] For example, we seek to connect, to the first equipment, the photovoltaic panel(s) that make it possible to achieve an efficiency greater than a first value (such as a threshold). According to at least one embodiment, we select the photovoltaic panel(s) that make it possible to capture more energy (for example a maximum energy) and which thus offer the first equipment more power (for example a maximum power, such as the power Pm on the, corresponding to a maximum intensity IPm and a maximum voltage VPm) in the environment that surrounds it. We note that the maximum power, which makes it possible to maximize the captured energy, corresponds to the peak power that a photovoltaic panel can deliver under ideal conditions. The operational power designates the power actually developed by the panel during prolonged use.

[0091] In particular, if the first equipment is moved from a first location to a second location, it is possible to provide a new recommendation on the photovoltaic panel(s) to be used to capture a first level of energy.

[0092] It is thus possible to replace at least one conversion element of the first equipment with a candidate conversion element selected by taking into account the ambient energy values ​​obtained, in particular following a change in position and / or orientation of the conversion element or of the first equipment, or a change in environment (installation of a curtain on a window for example), so that the selected candidate conversion element captures a priori more energy than the at least one conversion element to be replaced in its new position, orientation and / or in its new environment (under the same overall conditions of exposure to ambient energy).

[0093] The following are described, in relation to the, the different steps implemented by an electronic device according to the invention, according to at least one embodiment implementing at least one conversion element making it possible to convert the ambient energy generated by the ambient brightness into electrical energy making it possible to power the first equipment.

[0094] 5.2.2 Environmental analysis

[0095] According to at least one embodiment, it is considered that the first equipment is connected to at least one first conversion element of the photovoltaic panel type used to power the first equipment. For example, such a first equipment is equipment with assembled functional modules as described in French patent application FR2014136 filed on December 24, 2020 in the name of the same Applicant.

[0096] It is also considered according to at least one embodiment that the electronic device is the first equipment. Alternatively, as described in relation to the general principle, the electronic device may be equipment separate from the first equipment.

[0097] A) First sensor: light sensor

[0098] According to the illustrated embodiment, it is considered that the first device is equipped with at least one first sensor for measuring the ambient brightness. Alternatively, as described in relation to the general principle, the ambient energy value(s) may be obtained by a second device and transmitted to the electronic device. Optionally, at least one value may be measured by the first device and at least one other value obtained from a second device. The ambient brightness values ​​may thus be obtained from local and / or remote sensors.

[0099] Thus, as illustrated, the first equipment can, once it is placed in use condition, carry out an analysis 31 of its environment, and measure / obtain 311 at least one ambient brightness value. The first equipment thus has a first level of knowledge of the environment in which it is placed.

[0100] For example, the first device can get 311 at least one of the following values: current brightness, lowest brightness, highest brightness, average brightness, etc.

[0101] Such values ​​are measured in lux, for example.

[0102] Current brightness can be obtained in real time. The lowest, highest, or average brightness can be obtained over a time range, or under specific usage conditions (light on in the room where the first device is located or light off, shutters open or closed, etc.).

[0103] These values ​​can, for example, be stored in a database. Time information (date and / or time of day) can optionally be added to the measured values.

[0104] The first equipment (or more generally the electronic device) can thus obtain a profile of the ambient light intensity according to, for example, the use of the room, the time of day, the season, or any other need / requirement.

[0105] In particular, the first equipment may be equipped with a single brightness sensor, or with several brightness sensors equipping, for example, different faces of the first equipment.

[0106] In at least one embodiment, this analysis 31 of the environment also allows the first equipment (or more generally the electronic device) to exclude certain brightness values, for example isolated values ​​(values ​​distant from other values), values ​​obtained over a time range during which it is not necessary for the first equipment to operate nominally (at night in an office for example), etc. This exclusion of certain values ​​can be defined by configuration, by implementing post-processing filtering, by implementing a dynamic analysis of the behavior of the first equipment, etc.

[0107] As presented below, the brightness values ​​obtained can in particular be used to generate a recommendation on at least one candidate photovoltaic cell / panel (or more generally on at least one candidate conversion element).

[0108] B) Second sensor: light spectrum sensor, temperature sensor, etc.

[0109] As illustrated in, the environment analysis step 31 may optionally be supplemented by other values ​​obtained from at least one second sensor (which may be located on the first equipment or remote). The first equipment thus has an improved level of knowledge of the environment in which it is placed.

[0110] According to a first example, the first equipment can carry at least one spectrometer-type sensor, making it possible to measure the light spectrum and identify the nature of the light source (sun, LED bulb, fluorescent bulb, etc.). Thus, the first equipment can measure or obtain 312 at least one value relating to the ambient light spectrum, and identify alone the nature of the corresponding light source.

[0111] Indeed, the wavelength of light depends on the light source. The light spectrum is therefore different depending on the source: the sun, an LED bulb or a fluorescent bulb, for example, do not have the same light spectrum. However, the spectral sensitivity of photovoltaic cells, i.e. the spectrum in which they can produce energy efficiently, can be different from one type of cell to another.

[0112] According to this first example, in addition to obtaining ambient brightness values, the first equipment (or more generally the electronic device) can obtain information on the nature of the light source present thanks to at least a second spectrometer-type sensor. In particular, it may be possible to discriminate the type of light / nature of the light source by detecting only certain light peaks specific to different light sources: solar spectrum, white LED, fluorescent tube, halogen, or incandescent bulb for example.

[0113] According to a second example, which may optionally be combined with the first example, the first equipment may carry at least one temperature sensor. Thus, the first equipment may measure or obtain 313 at least one value relating to the ambient temperature.

[0114] Indeed, the energy production of photovoltaic cells can vary depending on the temperature of the environment. For example, at a constant luminous flux of 200 lux (corresponds to the light emitted by a neon light), there is a direct relationship between the voltage and current produced by a photovoltaic cell and the temperature of the environment. The higher the temperature, the greater the impact on the voltage and current produced by the photovoltaic cell.

[0115] As presented below, information on the nature of the light source and / or the temperature can in particular be used when generating a recommendation on at least one candidate photovoltaic cell / panel.

[0116] 5.2.3 Selection of at least one candidate conversion element

[0117] At the end of the analysis step 31, the first equipment (or more generally the electronic device) can generate 33 at least one recommendation (for example a notification) relating to at least one selected candidate conversion element 32.

[0118] To do this, a group of at least one candidate conversion element meeting a selection criterion can be selected during a selection step 32.

[0119] For example, the determination of a group of at least one candidate conversion element may implement a transmission of at least certain values ​​obtained during the analysis step 31 (ambient brightness value(s), and possibly temperature value(s) and / or nature of the light source) to a third device. On the basis of this information, the third device may identify the reference(s) (for example type and / or model and / or category and / or characteristics) of the photovoltaic cells / panels capable of producing energy under these conditions of use, and return to the first device (or more generally to the electronic device) at least one identification element (reference, type, model, etc.) of a candidate conversion element.To do this, the third device can, for example, implement an algorithm or access a database to select the reference(s) of the candidate photovoltaic cells / panels.

[0120] Alternatively, the first equipment (or electronic device) can directly implement an algorithm or access, for example, a database to obtain the reference(s) of the photovoltaic cells / panels capable of producing energy under these conditions of use.

[0121] Returning to the, reference 321 illustrates for example a database to which one of the previously mentioned devices can connect to select the reference(s) of the candidate photovoltaic cells / panels. Such a database 321 can be local (for example embedded on the device), remote or distributed. It can in particular be stored in the cloud.

[0122] For example, the selection criterion may make it possible to select 32 a candidate conversion element whose efficiency, in operation under the conditions of use obtained during the analysis step 31, is greater than a first threshold.

[0123] In order to select a candidate conversion element, the database 321 may contain, for example: technical information relating to the candidate conversion element, for example from the manufacturer's technical specification sheets (for example, such as maximum power Pm, maximum current IPm, maximum voltage VPm, voltage-to-current curves, etc.), charts illustrating the relationships between the voltage and current produced, and the temperature, for different brightness values ​​for the candidate conversion element, charts illustrating the relationships between the voltage and current produced, for different brightness values ​​for the candidate conversion element, at least one brightness value allowing proper operation of the candidate conversion element, the nature of the expected light source (solar radiation, fluorescent lamp, halogen, LED,…) in relation to the brightness value(s) enabling the candidate conversion element to operate correctly, charts illustrating the relationships between the voltage and current produced, for different temperature values ​​for the candidate conversion element, at least one temperature value enabling the candidate conversion element to operate correctly, any other information useful for analyzing the values ​​obtained and selecting one or more candidate conversion elements suitable for the current use of the first equipment.,

[0124] Thus, a candidate conversion element can be selected by taking into account a proximity between at least one energy conversion characteristic of the candidate conversion element and the value(s) obtained during the analysis step 31.

[0125] For example, the database 321 may store the reference charts of photovoltaic cells suitable for a certain level of brightness (such as that illustrated in for example) and / or temperature. For example, for an average brightness of 200 lux, the most suitable photovoltaic cell (for example the one that produces the best efficiency) is type A; it is type B for an average brightness of 500 lux, type C for an average brightness of 1000 lux, type D for an average brightness of 5000 lux, type E for an average brightness of 10000 lux, type F for an average brightness of 30000 lux, etc.

[0126] Such charts, which can be defined at a finer level, can for example be provided by the manufacturer of photovoltaic cells (since it can, by construction, create photovoltaic cells specific to certain ranges of luminosity and / or temperature), by the supplier of the first equipment or of another equipment according to the invention, etc.

[0127] According to the embodiment illustrated in, it is possible to identify the reference(s) of photovoltaic cells suitable (for example optimal) for operating in the light conditions of the first equipment.

[0128] In particular, if the analysis of the environment 31 makes it possible to obtain knowledge of the nature of the luminous flux / of the light source, it is possible to refine the selection of the photovoltaic cells by using charts taking into account the brightness and the nature of the luminous flux. In this way, it is possible to select one or more conversion elements adapted to both the brightness and the nature of the luminous flux making it possible to supply the first equipment with energy.

[0129] Similarly, if the analysis of the environment 31 provides knowledge of the ambient temperature, it is possible to refine the selection of photovoltaic cells by using charts that take into account brightness and temperature. In this way, it is possible to select one or more conversion elements adapted to both brightness and temperature to supply the first equipment with energy.

[0130] In particular, the selection 32 of the conversion element(s), and consequently the recommendation(s), may in particular take into account the positioning of the electronic device and / or of the first sensor(s) and / or of the second sensor(s) when obtaining the brightness value(s).

[0131] 5.2.4 Generation of at least one recommendation

[0132] Once the candidate conversion element(s) have been identified, at least one recommendation may be generated during a step 33.

[0133] For example, if at least one first conversion element already equips the first equipment, the first equipment (or more generally the electronic device) can check whether the first conversion element corresponds to a candidate conversion element (i.e. is of the same model, type, reference, characteristic, etc., as a candidate conversion element).

[0134] To do this, the first device may have information relating to at least one characteristic of the first conversion element(s). For example, such information is: obtained by prior configuration (software or hardware), provided by the first conversion element (voltage, current, etc.), obtained from a complementary detection technique, obtained by any other means.

[0135] For example, a complementary detection technique is based on the use of one or more magnetic potentiometric sensors on at least one internal face of the conversion element, which, combined with a magnet positioned differently on the internal faces, returns a different resistance value and makes it possible to determine the type of conversion element used. Such a technique is notably described in French patent application 2107036 filed on June 30, 2021 in the name of the same Applicant.

[0136] In some embodiments, if the first conversion element (current conversion element) matches a candidate conversion element, no action may be required. Optionally, a notification may be generated (via a communication module and / or an output user interface) to inform the user that the first conversion element is well suited for energy conversion with respect to the conditions of use of the first equipment. Said at least one recommendation therefore takes into account at least one first conversion element used to power the first equipment.

[0137] Otherwise (or if no conversion element is already fitted to the first equipment), a recommendation relating to the candidate conversion element(s) can be provided.

[0138] In particular, a user and / or equipment according to the invention may be informed (for example by a notification issued via a communication module and / or on a user interface) of the references of the candidate conversion element(s). For example, information may be rendered on a user interface of the first equipment (belonging to or coupled with this first equipment) or a user interface belonging to or coupled with another equipment communicating with the first equipment via a communication network (proximity node, cloud system, smartphone via a dedicated application or not, etc.) informing of the possibility of using a candidate conversion element, or recommending replacing a first conversion element with a candidate conversion element.

[0139] When a candidate conversion element is used to supply the first equipment with energy, the first equipment may be informed of a replacement of the first conversion element by a candidate conversion element, recommended to improve the energy capture of the first equipment in its environment. The first equipment may for example receive at least one piece of information relating to this replacement via an input user interface belonging to or coupled to the first equipment, or via a communication module of the first equipment (from an input user interface of a remote equipment for example).

[0140] The first equipment may also have the ability to autonomously detect that a current conversion element has been replaced by a candidate conversion element. For example, such a technique is described in the aforementioned French patent application 2107036 filed on June 30, 2021. In particular, such a technique may make it possible, at least in certain embodiments, to determine the reference of the new conversion element used to supply the first equipment with energy and / or to compare it with the reference of the candidate conversion element.

[0141] Other recommendations may also be provided, in some embodiments, such as a recommendation on the positioning of at least one conversion element on the first equipment, a recommendation on a number of conversion elements to use on the first equipment, a recommendation on a position and / or orientation of the first equipment, etc.

[0142] 5.2.5 Example of first equipment

[0143] As indicated above, the first equipment is for example equipment with assembled functional modules as described in the French patent application FR2014136 filed on December 24, 2020 cited above.

[0144] Such a first EQ equipment is notably illustrated in an assembled state. The assembled EQ equipment comprises a cubic MC core module (therefore having six faces) and at least three additional modules MA1, MA2 and MA3.

[0145] The additional modules MA1, MA2 and MA3 each have two faces, a first, inner face, which is assembled to an outer face of the core module MC and a second, outer face, S1.2, S2.2, S3.2. The outer face S1.2 of the additional module MA1 comprises photovoltaic cells grouped into photovoltaic panels covering its surface.

[0146] The first equipment, or at least one additional module of the first equipment, comprises at least one first sensor 41 making it possible to measure the light intensity of the environment in which the equipment is located.

[0147] Subsequently, the expression "face of the first equipment" is used to designate a face of the first equipment or an external face of an additional module of the first equipment.

[0148] In order to prevent the first sensor from being inadvertently positioned face down on the ground or against a wall, for example, thereby distorting the analysis of the ambient light, it is possible to provide several first sensors, located on different faces of the first equipment. In at least one embodiment, a first sensor for measuring the light intensity may be provided on each of the faces of the first equipment. Similarly, one or more second sensors (for example, temperature sensor, light spectrum sensor, etc.) may be provided on one or more faces of the first equipment.

[0149] In this way, it is possible to help improve the solar energy input for the different faces of the first equipment carrying photovoltaic cells. In particular, it is possible to: detect the light intensity received in several directions of space, identify the current, weakest, strongest, and / or average light intensity for all or certain faces of the object / spatial directions, etc.

[0150] By analyzing the different values ​​obtained, it is possible to create an accurate model of the evolution of the light environment surrounding the first equipment over a time range, for example throughout a day, season, etc.

[0151] According to at least one embodiment, by integrating sensors on different faces carrying photovoltaic cells, the invention thus allows the first equipment to obtain brightness values ​​for these different faces, and therefore to obtain more detailed analysis data for different spatial directions. In this way, a different recommendation can be provided for each of the directions / faces of the first equipment. In particular, it is possible to individually replace at least one energy conversion element of a first reference with an energy conversion element of a second reference in order to be able to capture more energy for the operation of the first equipment.

[0152] The different faces of the first equipment can then carry photovoltaic cells of different characteristics, selected taking into account the ambient light environment in which the first equipment is located: for example, at least one face can carry one or more photovoltaic cells adapted to capture direct sunlight (if this face is facing a window for example), at least one face can carry one or more photovoltaic cells adapted to capture artificial light (LED, fluorescent lamp, halogen, etc.) (if this face is facing the ceiling for example), possibly at least one face can carry one or more photovoltaic cells adapted to capture low intensity light (if this face is facing a wall for example).

[0153] It is thus possible to improve the energy supply capacity thanks to the use, on the first equipment, of photovoltaic cells / panels with different characteristics, each photovoltaic cell / panel being adapted to the light conditions of its environment.

[0154] The proposed solution can therefore be implemented with a variable number and / or position of the faces of the first equipment.

[0155] 5.3 Variants

[0156] The case where the ambient energy of a first type obtained is a light intensity has been described above. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, other types of ambient energy may be considered. For example, mechanical vibrations may power at least one energy conversion element of the electrostatic, electromagnetic generator type or piezoelectric element. Magnetic fields may power at least one energy conversion element of the induction coil type. Hydraulic or wind energy may power at least one energy conversion element of the current generator type, etc.

[0157] Furthermore, it is possible to use several energy conversion elements for converting a different type of energy on the same equipment (for example, a solar energy conversion element and a wind energy conversion element). In certain embodiments, at least one conversion element can be selected independently of the other conversion elements, based on information obtained from appropriate sensors.

[0158] In other words, the proposed solution can be applied, in certain embodiments, to any equipment that can operate by capturing, in its environment, all or part of the energy necessary for its power supply, whatever the energy source(s). The brightness sensors described above can in particular be replaced or supplemented by hydraulic pressure sensors, or any type of suitable sensor. Again, sensors of different types or sensors of the same type positioned / oriented differently can be used to refine the analysis of the environment.

[0159] Thus, in at least one embodiment, the proposed solution makes it possible to select the energy conversion elements adapted to the environment, i.e. making it possible to obtain an efficiency greater than a first value (such as a threshold).

[0160] The method described above may in particular be implemented several times (for example regularly), to check that the conversion elements used are still suitable for the environment. It may also be implemented when a change in position and / or orientation of the first equipment is detected, so as to help improve energy capture in the new environment of the equipment.

[0161] In particular, the first equipment may be a mobile equipment, for example a car. For example, such mobile equipment may be equipped with a brake energy recovery system, allowing kinetic energy to be converted into another energy, such as hydraulic or electrical energy. The braking values ​​obtained may thus be used to generate at least one recommendation relating to a brake energy recovery system to be used.For example, when driving in the mountains, as the brakes are used more than when driving on the plain, it is possible to inform the driver and / or the mobile equipment (for example by a notification issued via a communication module and / or on a user interface) that another braking energy recovery system would be better suited to the current situation, and / or to automatically replace the system currently in use with a braking energy recovery system better suited to the current situation.

[0162] 5.4 Electronic device

[0163] Finally, in relation to the, the simplified structure of an electronic device according to at least one embodiment of the invention is presented.

[0164] As illustrated in, an electronic device according to one embodiment of the invention comprises a memory 51, a processing unit 52, equipped for example with a programmable computing machine or a dedicated computing machine, for example a processor P, and controlled by the computer program 53, implementing steps of the method according to at least one embodiment of the invention.

[0165] Upon initialization, the code instructions of the computer program 53 are for example loaded into a RAM memory before being executed by the processor of the processing unit 52.

[0166] The processor of the processing unit 52 of the electronic device implements steps of the method described previously, according to the instructions of the computer program 53, to: obtain at least one ambient energy value of a first type, representative of an exposure of a first item of equipment to ambient energy; provide at least one recommendation relating to at least one candidate conversion element suitable for a conversion of ambient energy of the first type into energy of a second type usable for supplying the first item of equipment with energy, the recommendation(s) taking into account said at least one ambient energy value of the first type obtained.

Claims

Energy management method implemented by an electronic device, comprising: obtaining (11) at least one ambient energy value of a first type, representative of an exposure of a first piece of equipment to said ambient energy; providing (12) at least one notification suitable for rendering on a user interface coupled to said device and relating to at least one candidate conversion element suitable for converting ambient energy of said first type into energy of a second type usable to power said first piece of equipment, said at least one notification taking into account said at least one ambient energy value of said first type obtained. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that said obtaining at least one ambient energy value of said first type implements a measurement of said at least one energy value of said first type by means of at least one first sensor located on said first equipment. A method according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said obtaining at least one energy value of said first type involves receiving said at least one energy value of said first type from a second piece of equipment. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises obtaining at least one time information associated with said at least one energy value of said first type. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the method comprises a transmission of said at least one energy value of said first type to a third piece of equipment and a reception of at least one of said at least one candidate conversion element. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said at least one candidate conversion element takes into account a proximity between at least one energy conversion characteristic of said at least one candidate conversion element and said at least one energy value of said first type. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said at least one notification also takes into account at least one piece of information from at least one second sensor. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said at least one notification takes into account at least one first conversion element used to power said first equipment. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said at least one notification takes into account the positioning of said electronic device and / or said at least one first sensor according to claim 2 and / or said at least one second sensor according to claim 7 when obtaining said at least one energy value of said first type. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said at least one notification belongs to the group comprising: a notification recommending a change of at least one conversion element commonly used by said first equipment, a notification recommending a replacement of at least one conversion element commonly used by said first equipment by one of said at least one candidate conversion element, a notification recommending at least one type of ambient energy to be converted, a notification recommending at least one type and / or model of conversion element to be used, a notification recommending at least one positioning of at least one conversion element on said first equipment, a notification recommending a number of conversion elements to be used on said first equipment, a notification recommending at least one position and / or orientation of said first equipment. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein said candidate conversion element is selected from a plurality of conversion elements based on the efficiency of said plurality of conversion elements with said ambient energy value. Electronic device comprising at least one processor configured to: obtain (11) at least one ambient energy value of a first type, representative of an exposure of a first piece of equipment to said ambient energy; provide (12) at least one notification relating to at least one candidate conversion element suitable for converting ambient energy of said first type into energy of a second type usable to power said first piece of equipment, said at least one notification taking into account said at least one ambient energy value of said first type obtained. Electronic device according to claim 12 wherein - said notification is provided via a communication module of said electronic device. Electronic device according to claim 12 or 13 wherein said notification is provided via an output user interface of said electronic device. Computer program comprising instructions adapted to the implementation of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, when this program is executed by a processor. Computer-readable information carrier comprising instructions for at least one computer program adapted to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, when said computer program is executed by a processor.

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