Method for managing a home automation system

Abstract

A method for managing a home automation system (100) for a building (1) comprising a motorized sunshade (3), a control unit (102) for the position of the sunshade (3), and a device (104) for measuring the building's interior temperature, the method comprising: - a control step (S1) over a first time period (J1); - a measurement step (S2) of the building's interior temperature; - an evaluation step (S3) of an offset value; - an adjustment step (S4) in which a second control mode (Mi(J2)) for a second time period (J2) is determined. Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Method for managing a home automation system

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a terminal for managing the indoor thermal comfort of a building, comprising a home automation system equipped with at least one motorized sunshade, a unit for managing the position taken by the sunshade over time, and at least one device for measuring the indoor temperature of the building.

[0002] A building for domestic or professional use has a set of active elements, such as air conditioning or heating devices, or passive elements, such as solar protections like roller shutters or blinds, the behavior of which, in particular through automatic control, has a strong influence on the evolution of thermal comfort, i.e. the interior temperature of the building, and interior visual comfort.

[0003] Controlling a solar protection means modifying the positions of the solar protection over time between a deployed or unrolled position in which it stops at least part of a solar radiation, and a folded or rolled-up position in which it stops a less significant part of the solar radiation.

[0004] It is difficult for a user who is not a specialist in heat transfers to predict the impact of controlling, or regulating, active and passive elements, such as adjusting the heating or opening a shutter, on the evolution of the indoor temperature.

[0005] Rules exist that are based on external climatic variations to define the control of active and / or passive elements to maintain satisfactory thermal comfort inside the building. However, these external climatic variations are difficult to anticipate, so the rules do not take thermal inertia into account.

[0006] Furthermore, these active and passive elements have combined or opposing influences on the building's comfort and electricity consumption. Their control depends in particular on the season, in that one may want to prioritize solar gain or, conversely, minimize it. The challenge lies in managing annual and intra-seasonal variations.

[0007] In particular, the control of solar shading devices, that is to say, the opening or closing of the solar shading device, by interacting directly with the outside, has a direct and significant impact on thermal and visual comfort. Thus, the Energy consumption related to heating and air conditioning depends directly on this.

[0008] Manual control or management is not optimal from an energy perspective because it is difficult for a building occupant to know exactly what the ideal position of the sunshade is at any given time, and when to open or close it. Furthermore, when the building is unoccupied or when occupants are asleep, movement is impossible, unlike with automatic control, which continuously adjusts the positioning of the shades. Therefore, it is important to be able to manage the automatic control system optimally.

[0009] It is known to implement automated management or control of solar shading devices using a set of sensors, for example, indoor and outdoor temperature sensors or outdoor light sensors, connected to a home automation system. This system can also retrieve weather data or forecasts to refine the automated management. However, this results in a significant increase in the amount of information to be processed.

[0010] Control modes are determined based on the information retrieved. Generally, several control modes are offered: a mode promoting solar gain, called the Winter scenario, and a solar protection mode, called the Summer scenario (for situations in the Northern Hemisphere). In the simplest version, these modes are activated based on a clock providing a date or information provided by a solar irradiance sensor on the facade.

[0011] Inter-seasonal periods, i.e., transitions between the Winter and Summer scenarios, are more difficult to manage, as are summer or winter days with unusual hot or cold conditions. These often generate situations of thermal discomfort for occupants, which must be addressed by activating active heating or air conditioning systems, resulting in additional energy consumption.

[0012] Patent EP2682825 proposes a method for determining the climatic conditions of a day based on obtaining the outside temperature of the building at sunrise. The climatic conditions are determined for the day by comparing the outside temperature obtained at sunrise with different thresholds. This method thus makes it possible to determine winter, autumn, spring, or summer climatic conditions. The management of solar shading is adapted to prioritize or limit solar gain to the appropriate level according to the determined climatic conditions.

[0013] This solution has the advantage of being simple to implement and requires a small amount of data to function. However, this solution is not entirely satisfactory because it is too dependent on the outside temperature, which is not This is not the most reliable data for estimating a building's heating and cooling needs and determining the appropriate placement of solar shading. In particular, two buildings with unequal levels of insulation or glazed surface area will have very different heating and energy requirements under identical external climatic conditions.

[0014] Patent EP3087447 describes a method for predictive modeling of the future indoor comfort of a building based on weather forecasts, sensor measurements, and the operating state of an active element. The modeling uses representative data of heat gains inside the building and / or heat exchanges between the building and the outside; this representative data may include an estimate of a change in heat gains or exchanges corresponding to the opening or closing of a solar shading device.

[0015] This solution is based on a comfort model specific to the building in question. However, it involves complex calculations for the construction of a predictive model and uses a large amount of data.

[0016] The invention aims to remedy all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks by ensuring automatic control of a solar protection that is simple and optimized throughout the year in a manner adapted to the building concerned, regardless of the external climatic and thermal conditions.

[0017] In other words, the proposed solution allows for the management of solar shading adapted daily to climatic conditions, with Winter and Summer scenarios becoming merely two extremes (in winter, maximizing solar gain; in summer, limiting solar gain to 100%), through a set of modes defining the positions of the solar shading devices that either maximize or limit solar gain, at least partially. The invention thus enables the control of solar shading based on a control mode independent of the "season" in the calendar sense, but determined according to external climatic conditions and the temperature ranges of the active elements, and therefore according to the resulting internal temperature.

[0018] The invention relates to a method for managing a home automation system in a building comprising at least one motorized sunshade, a unit for managing the position of the sunshade over time, and at least one device for measuring the building's interior temperature, the method being implemented by the management unit and comprising:

[0019] - a piloting step over a first period of time in which the position of solar protection is determined according to a first control mode taking into account at least one first value of a control parameter;

[0020] - a step of measuring the internal temperature of the building during a sub- period of the first period of time;

[0021] - a step of evaluating an offset value in which the offset value is determined based on at least one difference between the building's internal temperature measured during the sub-period and a comfort temperature range;

[0022] - an adjustment step in which a second piloting mode for a The second time period following the first time period is determined by taking into account at least one second value of the control parameter, the at least one second value of the control parameter being determined as a function of the at least one first value of the control parameter and the offset value.

[0023] The purpose of the control step is to control, that is, to modify the position of, the sun protection over a period of time according to a control mode, and more particularly over a first period of time according to a first control mode. The first control mode takes into account a first value of a control parameter.

[0024] The control parameter is a quantity influenced by all the elements that act on the interior temperature during the first period of time, such as the position taken by the solar protection, but also by an inertia and thermal performance of the building, external climatic conditions, a regulation range of an active element... The control parameter is re-evaluated for the second period of time according to the variations of the interior temperature, in particular the variations observed during the first period of time.

[0025] The measurement step records, during a sub-period of the first time period, the indoor temperature of the building as given by at least one temperature sensor. The sub-period is therefore equal to or less than the first time period.

[0026] The evaluation step assesses, after the time sub-period, an offset value based on at least one difference between the indoor temperature and a comfort temperature range. The comfort temperature range is a temperature interval defined by a building user. One objective of controlling at least one solar shading device is to maintain the building's indoor temperature within this range.

[0027] The comfort temperature range is within the interval [16°, 30°], for example the interval [19°, 25°].

[0028] The adjustment step determines the control mode that will be implemented during a second time period following the first time period. To do this, the adjustment step modifies at least one control parameter of the first control mode according to the offset value. The control mode of the second period therefore depends directly on the control mode of the first period.

[0029] The invention thus has the effect of adjusting the mode of operation to each period of time. The control system adapts to indoor conditions measured over at least part of the preceding period. The control mode is not therefore linked to a season, but rather to a level that varies by shifting the setting of at least one parameter towards a minimum or maximum when the indoor temperature deviates from the comfort temperature range established for the system. This sliding adjustment of the control mode allows for adaptation to climatic changes between seasons, but also from one day to the next within the same season.

[0030] The invention may also have one or more of the following features taken alone or in combination.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the management process includes an initialization step in which at least one initialization value of the control parameter is determined.

[0032] In one embodiment, the initial value of the control parameter corresponds to a minimum of the control parameter. Alternatively, the initial value of the control parameter corresponds to a maximum of the control parameter. Alternatively, the initial value of the control parameter corresponds to an average or median value between the minimum and maximum of the control parameter. The initial value of the control parameter can also be arbitrary between the minimum and maximum of the control parameter and entered by an installer or a user.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the initialization value of the control parameter is determined based on a calendar date of initialization.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the first time period and the sub-period of the first time period are equal to 24h.

[0035] Thus, a new control mode is defined daily, by adjusting it to the control mode of the previous day. This frequency makes it possible to take into account the variations in indoor temperature over a full day.

[0036] According to one embodiment, a piloting step on the second time period takes place from the end of the first time period.

[0037] Thus, a control mode is determined for a complete period of time, and any untimely adjustments that might occur during that period are avoided. This prevents overreacting to each time a temperature threshold is exceeded during the predefined period. A negative and a positive temperature deviation determined over the same period can therefore cancel each other out at the end of the period.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the first value and the second value of the control parameter are selected from an ordered discrete set of values ​​of the control parameter, the offset value corresponding to the number of intervals between two values ​​of the discrete set of values ​​of the control parameter.

[0039] Thus, a discrete and ordered number of values ​​for the control parameter are determined. In other words, the control parameter cannot take just any value, but only those listed. Each value of the control parameter corresponds to at least one control mode. Therefore, there are at least as many control modes as there are values ​​in the set of control parameter values; for example, there are two control modes for each value of the control parameter.

[0040] In the following description, for simplicity, it is assumed that there is only one control mode for each value of the control parameter.

[0041] Since all the values ​​of the control parameter are ordered or ranked, the associated control modes are therefore also ranked or ordered.

[0042] The offset value corresponds to the difference or the number of intervals between two values ​​in the discrete set of values ​​of the control parameter. The offset value determines the new value of the control parameter, i.e., the new control mode. During the adjustment step, the control mode of the first period, and therefore the value of the associated control parameter, corresponds to the reference control mode, or value of the control parameter, and the offset value indicates the shift in the discrete set of values ​​towards the new value or the new control mode.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the values ​​of the discrete set of values ​​of the control parameter are ordered in increasing order.

[0044] Alternatively, the values ​​of the discrete set of values ​​of the control parameter are ordered in descending order.

[0045] Thus, the control parameter varies between two extreme values.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the offset value corresponds to an offset between -5 intervals and +5 intervals, and preferably between -2 intervals and +2 intervals in the ordered discrete set of values ​​of the control parameter.

[0047] Thus, the control parameter or piloting mode adapts more quickly to climate changes.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the ordered discrete set of values ​​of the control parameter comprises between 5 and 15 values, preferably 10 values.

[0049] Thus, the number of values ​​that can be taken by the control parameter is finite.

[0050] The number of values ​​of the control parameter and therefore the number of piloting modes differs quite widely from the number of seasons and a finer adjustment can take place between the extreme modes.

[0051] There are infinitely many possible cases for going from the first value to the last value of the ordered discrete set of values ​​of the control parameter, and therefore a free choice of the number of possible values ​​of the control parameter. However, too large a choice of values ​​or complex additional rules defining the Shifting the control parameter from one value to another could introduce too much inertia in adapting to surrounding climate changes. Choosing around ten values, for example ten values, provides an optimal limit for adapting to daily climate changes and requires very simple rules for readjusting the control parameter.

[0052] The new control mode is determined by sliding along the list of modes towards one of the extreme modes. An inertia in the sliding allows both day-to-day changes in outside temperature and changes in outside temperature over a longer time scale to be taken into account.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the control parameter varies uniformly over the discrete set of control parameter values.

[0054] Thus, an offset value of 2 intervals modifies the control parameter twice as much as an offset value of 1 interval.

[0055] According to one embodiment, at least one control parameter corresponds to a quantity of allowed solar inputs.

[0056] Thus, the control parameter varying between two control modes is the amount of solar input allowed.

[0057] For example, one of the extreme modes, hereafter referred to as Winter mode, corresponds to a mode in which solar heat gain is maximized to heat the interior of the building through appropriate positioning of the solar shading, mostly retracted or raised. In the other extreme mode, hereafter referred to as Summer mode, solar heat gain is minimized through appropriate positioning of the solar shading, mostly unrolled or extended. The intermediate control modes have decreasing weightings between these two extreme modes.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the control mode corresponds to a quantity of allowed solar inputs a, defined in relation to the control parameter.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the offset value is determined as a function of at least one reaction margin corresponding to a temperature difference.

[0060] The reaction margin corresponds to a temperature difference that allows a sub-range to be defined within the comfort temperature range. This allows for more precise control of the solar protection.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the offset value is determined as a function of at least one difference between the indoor temperature of the building and the comfort temperature range increased or decreased by at least one reaction margin.

[0062] For example, considering that the control modes are classified from Winter mode to Summer mode, a negative offset value and coefficient 2, i.e. an offset value of -2 intervals, is considered if a minimum of the indoor temperature falls below the minimum value of the comfort temperature range.

[0063] A negative offset value and coefficient 1, i.e. an offset value of -1 interval is considered if the minimum indoor temperature is between the minimum value of the comfort temperature range and this minimum value increased by the reaction margin.

[0064] A positive offset value and coefficient 1, i.e. an offset value of +1 interval, is considered if the maximum indoor temperature is between the maximum value of the comfort temperature range less the reaction margin and the maximum value of the comfort temperature range.

[0065] A positive offset value and coefficient 2, i.e. an offset value of + 2 intervals, is considered if a maximum indoor temperature passes above the maximum value of the comfort temperature range.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the offset value is equal to -1 interval when the indoor temperature of the building is between the minimum value of the comfort temperature range increased by a first reaction margin and the maximum temperature of the comfort temperature range decreased by a second reaction margin.

[0067] For example, a negative offset value and coefficient 1, i.e. an offset value of -1 interval, is considered if the minimum indoor temperature is greater than the minimum value of the comfort temperature range increased by a first reaction margin and the maximum indoor temperature is less than the maximum value of the comfort temperature range decreased by a second reaction margin.

[0068] Thus, when the control mode allows the building's interior temperature to be maintained within the comfort temperature range, the negative offset value and coefficient 1, i.e., an offset value of -1 interval, allows for a greater amount of solar input and therefore interior comfort.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the second reaction margin is equal to twice the first reaction margin.

[0070] For each of these considerations, the piloting mode is re-evaluated for the next period of time.

[0071] Thus, the positioning of the indoor temperature relative to the comfort temperature range is taken into account, and more specifically, deviations from a minimum and maximum indoor temperature. A larger deviation from the comfort temperatures over the same day is also taken into account more precisely.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the offset value is weighted by at least one external parameter, in particular a weather forecast parameter, an outside temperature parameter, a solar radiation parameter.

[0073] This optimizes process performance by also considering parameters other than the indoor temperature when determining the offset value, as the indoor temperature can potentially be influenced by thermal elements such as heating or air conditioning. However, using only the indoor temperature allows for a suitable control mode based on easily obtainable data.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the home automation installation also includes an active heating or air conditioning element regulated over a regulation temperature range, the comfort temperature range being included in the regulation temperature range.

[0075] In other words, when an active heating element is switched on, the minimum value of the comfort temperature range must be equal to or greater than the minimum value of the control temperature range. For an active air conditioning element, the maximum value of the comfort temperature range must be less than or equal to the maximum value of the control temperature range.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the comfort temperature range corresponds to the regulation temperature range.

[0077] Thus, the adaptation of the control mode is not disrupted by the start-up of an active element which maintains the internal temperature of the building within the regulation temperature range.

[0078] According to one embodiment, for each time period, at least the piloting mode, and / or the first and / or second control parameter value, and / or the offset value are archived.

[0079] In addition, data relating to the outside temperature (and in particular to the outside illuminance (hourly average)) can also be archived at the end of the period.

[0080] Thus, a database concerning the building and its thermal inertia is built up over the course of several days.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the management process includes a first operating phase, followed by a second operating phase in which the control mode is determined based on archived values ​​and a forecast outside temperature.

[0082] The database created during operation according to the first phase makes it possible to build a regression model (a numerical link) by learning capable of predicting, according to the piloting mode of the first period of time and the climatic conditions to come, the most efficient piloting mode for the second period of time.

[0083] The invention also relates to a terminal of a home automation system that puts into implements a process according to the invention.

[0084] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to an embodiment according to the present invention, given by way of non-limiting example and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0085] [Fig. 1] is a schematic representation of a building comprising a home automation installation implementing a process according to the invention;

[0086] [Fig.2] is a schematic cross-section of a solar protection system for the home automation installation of [Fig.1],

[0087] [Fig.3] is a schematic perspective view of the solar protection illustrated in [Fig.2],

[0088] [Fig.4] is a diagram illustrating the process according to the invention,

[0089] [Fig.5] is a diagram for evaluating an offset value according to the invention,

[0090] [Fig.6] is a diagram illustrating different control modes according to the invention.

[0091] The solution proposed here relates to an automatic management of the position of a sun protection over time, allowing action on the thermal comfort of an area of ​​a building.

[0092] As illustrated in [Fig.1], a building 1 includes a home automation installation 100 comprising a motorized sun protection 3. The home automation installation 100 includes a management unit 102 of a position taken by the sun protection 3 over time.

[0093] The installation also includes at least one measuring device 104 for the internal temperature T of the building, in particular of a room of the building 1 associated with the solar protection 3, i.e. in a room of the building 1 comprising at least one opening 108 which may be masked or not or partially by the solar protection 3. The measuring device 104 also includes a memory in which internal temperature data T can be stored at substantially regular intervals over a predefined period, for example over 24h.

[0094] Other parameters associated with the indoor comfort of building 1 can also be measured, including a degree of brightness, a degree of humidity or a composite quantity defined as a function of the quantities mentioned above, or a prediction of these parameters.

[0095] According to the embodiment presented, the installation 100 includes an active device 106 for supplying heat input to the interior of the building 1, such as, for example, heating, air conditioning, or a reversible heat pump. In one operating mode of the installation 100, the active device operates independently of the control unit 102. In an alternative operating mode, the control unit and the active device share a number of components; for example, the indoor temperature measurement device may be common to the active device and the management unit.

[0096] The solar protection 3 is installed on the exterior or interior of the building, particularly near an opening 108 of the building. An opening 108 is, for example, a window, a French window, or a glazed door. The solar protection is advantageously an interior or exterior blind made of fabric or equipped with adjustable slats. However, the present invention applies to all types of solar protection.

[0097] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the sunshade 3 comprises a fabric 2 fixed at one end to a winding tube 4, located inside a housing 9 and driven by an electromechanical actuator 5, and at the other end to a weighted bar 8. The sunshade 3, and more particularly the fabric 2, is movable between a rolled-up or folded position, particularly a high position, in which the fabric 2 uncovers the opening 108 at the level of which the sunshade is positioned, and an unrolled or deployed position, particularly a low position, in which the fabric 2 covers the opening and thus at least partially blocks solar radiation through the opening 108. The deployment of the fabric 2 can be guided by tracks 6.

[0098] In a known manner, the electromechanical actuator 5 is fixed on a supporting structure 9 linked to the building 1 and inserted into the winding tube 4 to drive the latter in rotation so as to unwind or wind the canvas 2.

[0099] In the case of a slatted sunshade, the individual slats of the shade are preferably suspended via cords intended to be wound around or unwound from the winding tube so as to fold or unfold the screen.

[0100] The electromechanical actuator 5 is controlled by a local control unit 12 which may be equipped with an antenna 12a. The local control unit 12 takes the form of a wall switch, or a remote control.

[0101] The installation 100 may also include a central control unit 13, which may be equipped with an antenna 13a, acting as a gateway between the installation 100 and an external Internet network. The management unit 102 may be a local control unit 12 or a central control unit 13.

[0102] The electromechanical actuator 5 is configured to execute movement commands, including deployment or retraction, of the sunshades 3, the commands being able to be issued, in particular, by the local control unit 12 or the central control unit 13, which are part of the installation 100.

[0103] The electromechanical actuator 5 includes an electric motor 10 and an electronic control unit 15 capable of starting the electric motor 10 of the electromechanical actuator 5, and, in particular, enabling the supply of electrical energy to the electric motor 10.

[0104] The electronic control unit 15 includes a communication module, in particular for receiving control orders, the control orders being issued by the local control unit 12 or the central control unit 13, for example by means of radio control orders.

[0105] A remote control 14, which may be a type of local control unit, and which is provided with a control keypad, which includes means for selection and possibly for display, further allows a user to intervene on the electromechanical actuator 5 and / or the local control unit 12 and / or central control unit 13.

[0106] The installation may also include a weather station, not shown, located outside the building, including, in particular, one or more sensors that can be configured to determine, for example, an outside temperature, brightness or wind speed.

[0107] The electromechanical actuator 5 may include a connection to a mains power source or may include a self-contained electrical power supply device, such as a photovoltaic panel and / or an electrical energy storage device.

[0108] The installation 100, in particular the management unit 102, and the electromechanical actuator 5 comprise all the hardware and / or software means for implementing the management process that is the subject of the invention.

[0109] The management unit 102 includes a processing unit arranged to contain and execute a computer program product comprising program code portions for executing the steps of a home automation installation management process 100 according to the invention.

[0110] In particular, the control unit 102 is capable of automatically managing the positioning of the sunshade 3 according to a pre-selected control mode. The automatic management of the sunshade 3 includes, in particular, commands to deploy, i.e., open, or retract, i.e., close, the sunshade, transmitted from the control unit 102 to the electromechanical actuator 5 in accordance with the selected control mode.

[0111] The management unit 102 includes a memory in which the control mode to be implemented and a set of programs associated with different control modes can be stored.

[0112] The control unit 102 is also arranged to receive data from the indoor temperature measuring device 104. The control unit 102 can also receive status or position data provided by the electromechanical actuator 5, concerning the solar protection 3. In this regard, the control unit 102 includes a communication module.

[0113] Management unit 102 also includes a user interface. The user interface The reader is arranged to allow for possible programming of the management unit 102.

[0114] The management unit 102 further includes a display element to provide an internal temperature value T and / or a reference to the control mode following the implementation of the management process described later.

[0115] The management unit 102 also includes illuminance measurement elements, for example a lux meter or means of communication with such illuminance measurement elements.

[0116] The communication module of the management unit 102 is also adapted to receive information relating to weather forecasts, for example via a connection to an Internet network through the central control unit.

[0117] Optionally, the management unit 102 can be made even more efficient with the use of 24-hour weather forecasts of outside temperature and solar radiation. Solar radiation can be deduced from an illuminance measurement via a lux meter.

[0118] The management method according to the invention is described below in relation to Figures 4, 5 and 6.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the management process includes an initialization step S0, in which at least one initialization value i(0) of a control parameter is determined.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the initial value of the control parameter corresponds to: a minimum, a maximum of the control parameter. It can be determined based on a calendar date of the initialization of the management process, correspond to an average or median value, or be chosen arbitrarily.

[0121] After initialization, the management process includes a control step SI over a first period of time JL. Over this first period of time Jl, the positions of the solar protection are determined according to a first control mode M i(n) taking into account at least a first value i(J1) of a control parameter or the initialization value i(0).

[0122] The management process also includes a measurement step S2 of the internal temperature T of the building during a sub-period Jl' of the first time period JL. The sub-period Jl' is therefore equal to or less than the first time period JL. According to one embodiment, the first time period J1 and the sub-period Jl' of the first time period are equal to 24h.

[0123] The management process includes, following the measurement step S2, an evaluation step S3 of an offset value in which the offset value is determined as a function of at least one difference between the measured indoor temperature T of the building during the sub-period Jl' and a comfort temperature range [Tc, Tc+]. The comfort temperature range [Tc, Tc+] is within the interval [16°, 30°], for example the interval [19°, 25°].

[0124] According to one embodiment, the active heating or air conditioning element 106 is regulated over a regulation temperature range, the comfort temperature range [Tc, Tc+] being included in the regulation temperature range.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the comfort temperature range [Tc, Tc+] corresponds to the regulation temperature range.

[0126] Finally, the management process includes an adjustment step S4 in which a second control mode Mi(j2) for a second time period J2 successive to the first time period J1 is determined by taking into account at least a second value i(J2) of the control parameter, the at least a second value of the control parameter being determined as a function of the at least a first value of the control parameter and the offset value.

[0127] At the end of the first time period J1, the piloting step SI is performed again during the second time period J2. Ideally, the evaluation step S3 and the adjustment step S4 are carried out overnight, during a period when there are few, if any, commands being executed automatically. This allows computing resources to be dedicated to performing these steps.

[0128] According to one embodiment, for each time period, at least the piloting mode and / or the first and / or second control parameter value, and / or the offset value are archived.

[0129] The control parameter is a quantity possibly influenced by the position taken by the solar protection 3. In other words, the modification of the position taken by the solar protection 3, and therefore indirectly the internal temperature T of the building during a predefined period of time, causes the control parameter to vary for the following period.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the control parameter corresponds to a quantity of allowed solar inputs a.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the control mode corresponds to a quantity of allowed solar inputs a, defined in relation to the control parameter.

[0132] The control parameter can take continuous values ​​or, alternatively, be selected from an ordered discrete set of control parameter values. In other words, the control parameter cannot take just any value, but only those listed.

[0133] Each value of the control parameter corresponds to at least one control mode. There are therefore at least as many control modes as there are values ​​in the set of For example, there are two control modes for each value of the control parameter. Each control mode is associated with a different automatic sun protection management program. For simplicity, in the following description, we will assume that there is only one control mode for each value of the control parameter.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the values ​​of the discrete set of values ​​of the control parameter are ordered in ascending order or alternatively in descending order. Thus, the control parameter varies between two extreme values ​​corresponding to two extreme control modes, such as, for example, a "summer" oriented management mode (hot outside temperatures and maximum need to limit solar heat gain in the building) and a "winter" oriented management mode (low outside temperatures and maximum need to maximize solar heat gain in the building). The concepts of summer and winter are understood to be for a climate of the northern hemisphere, but are in no way restrictive.

[0135] Modes do not correspond strictly to seasons, but to a functioning more or less leaning towards one or the other of the extreme modes.

[0136] According to one embodiment, the control parameter varies uniformly over the discrete set of control parameter values.

[0137] Hereafter, index i is the number of the value in the ordered discrete set of values ​​of the control parameter, or of the associated control mode Mi. Thus, the first mode Mi has an index of 1, and the last mode Mn has an index of n.

[0138] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the indices i of the control mode Mi corresponds to a percentage of permitted solar input a. Thus, mode index 1 aims to maximize solar input, i.e., 100% solar input. Mode index n aims to minimize solar input, i.e., 0% solar input. Each intermediate index corresponds to a solar input coefficient:

[0139] [Math.l] P100%

[0140] According to one embodiment, the ordered discrete set of values ​​of the control parameter comprises between 5 and 15 values, preferably 10 values.

[0141] Considering 10 values ​​in the ordered discrete set of values, the first value in the ordered discrete set of values ​​for the control parameter, or the first associated Mi mode, corresponds to the coldest condition, i.e., Winter mode. The aim is to allow 100% of the incoming solar energy. The last value in the ordered discrete set of values ​​for the control parameter, or the last associated Mi0 mode, is considered to correspond to the warmest condition, i.e., Summer mode. The aim is to allow 0% of the incoming solar energy. In an intermediate mode, for example, pilot mode index 9, the aim is to allow 90% of the solar inputs. Thus, the closer the mode is to 1, the more solar inputs will be favoured, the closer the mode is to 10, the more they will be limited.

[0142] The offset value corresponds to the number of intervals between two values ​​in the discrete set of values ​​of the control parameter, or between two indices i. The offset value determines the new value of the control parameter, i.e., the new control mode, or the new index. During the adjustment step S4, the control mode Mi(Ji) of the first period J1, and therefore the value i(J1) of the associated control parameter, corresponds to the reference control mode or value of the control parameter, and the offset value indicates the shift in the discrete set of values ​​towards the new value or the new control mode.

[0143] There are infinitely many possible cases for going from the first value to the last value of the ordered discrete set of values ​​of the control parameter.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the offset value corresponds to an offset between -5 intervals and +5 intervals, and preferably between -2 intervals and +2 intervals in the ordered discrete set of values ​​of the control parameter.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the offset value is determined as a function of at least one reaction margin ôTc corresponding to a temperature difference. The reaction margin ôTc therefore corresponds to a temperature difference allowing the definition of a sub-range of the comfort temperature range [Tc, Tc+].

[0146] According to one embodiment, the offset value is determined as a function of at least one difference between the internal temperature T of the building and the comfort temperature range [Tc, Tc+] increased or decreased by at least one reaction margin ôTc.

[0147] To prevent the process according to the invention from being disrupted by the control temperature range, the deviation will be determined not only from an extreme value of the comfort temperature range [Tc, Tc+], but also from an adapted value, which differs from each extreme value Tc, Tc+ by a temperature delta, for example 1°C, called the reaction margin ΔTc. The adapted comfort temperature range [Tc, Tc+]' belongs to the interval of the comfort temperature range [Tc, Tc+].

[0148] Thus, at least during heating or cooling periods generated by the active heating or air conditioning element 106, the comfort temperature range [Tc, Tc+] generally corresponds to the control temperature range of the active element 106. Therefore, by setting a threshold whose value is shifted within the comfort temperature range [Tc, Tc+] by this reaction margin ΔTc, the possibility of adjusting the control mode independently of the operation of the active element 106 is guaranteed. Indeed, the latter will influence the indoor temperature value T as soon as an extreme value of the control temperature range is exceeded in order to maintain the indoor temperature T within the temperature range of comfort [Tc, Tc+]. Therefore, an appropriate automatic control mode for solar protection 3 must be anticipated to save energy.

[0149] Thus Tc + ôTc is at least greater than the minimum value of the control temperature range, for example at least 1°C greater, and Tc+ - ôTc is less than the maximum value of the control temperature range, for example at least 1°C less.

[0150] For example, considering that the control modes are ranked from Winter mode to Summer mode, a shift value of -2 intervals is considered if a minimum Tmin(J1) of the indoor temperature T during the sub-period JE of the first period J1 falls below the minimum value Tc of the comfort temperature range [Tc, Tc+]. Indeed, if it has been rather cold, or even too cold such that the indoor temperature T has fallen below the minimum temperature Tc of the comfort temperature range [Tc, Tc+], the process aims to shift the mode towards 0, possibly more rapidly if it has been too cold, to further favor solar gains than is done with the currently selected mode.

[0151] A shift value of -1 interval is considered if the minimum Tmin(J1,) of indoor temperature T is between the minimum value Tc of the comfort temperature range [Tc, Tc+] and this minimum value increased by the reaction margin Tc + ôtTc.

[0152] A shift value of + 1 interval is considered if the maximum indoor temperature Tmax(J1) is between the maximum value Tc+ of the comfort temperature range [Tc, Tc+] less the reaction margin ôTc and the maximum value Tc+ of the comfort temperature range [Tc, Tc+].

[0153] A shift value of + 2 intervals is considered if a maximum Tmax(J1) of indoor temperature T passes above the maximum value Tc+ of the comfort temperature range [Tc, Tc+].

[0154] In other words, if it has been hot, or even too hot, such that the indoor temperature T has gone above the maximum temperature Tc+ of the comfort temperature range [Tc, Tc+], the control mode must slide towards 10 to further limit solar gains.

[0155] If no threshold is crossed, a zero offset value is determined.

[0156] It is also possible to take into account other temperature changes internal to determine the offset value.

[0157] According to one embodiment, the offset value is equal to -1 interval when the indoor temperature T of the building is between the minimum value Tc of the comfort temperature range [Tc, Tc+] increased by a first reaction margin ôTc and the maximum temperature Tc+ of the comfort temperature range [Tc, Tc+] decreased by a second reaction margin ôTc2.

[0158] According to one embodiment, the second reaction margin ôTc2 is equal to twice the first reaction margin ôTc.

[0159] A shift value of -1 interval is considered if the minimum indoor temperature Tmin(J1) is greater than the minimum value Tc of the comfort temperature range [Tc, Tc+] increased by a first reaction margin ôTc and the maximum indoor temperature Tmax(J1) is less than the maximum value Tc+ of the comfort temperature range [Tc, Tc+] decreased by twice the reaction margin 2ôTc.

[0160] Thus, when the control mode maintains the building's internal temperature T within the comfort temperature range [Tc, Tc+], the -1 interval offset value allows for greater solar gain and therefore improved indoor comfort during the second time period J2. This negative offset value indicates that the automatic control is in an acceptable mode, but one that can be further improved without exceeding the upper values ​​of the comfort temperature range [Tc, Tc+], by optimizing visual comfort through increased solar gain.

[0161] If the indoor temperature T remains within the upper comfort range, which is defined as the maximum value Tc+ of the comfort temperature range [Tc, Tc+] minus two reaction margins Tc+ - 2πTc, and the maximum value Tc+ of the comfort temperature range [Tc, Tc+] minus the reaction margin Tc+ - πTc, a zero offset value is determined. The fact that the indoor temperature T is within the upper comfort range indicates an acceptable automatic management mode. If more solar gain is prioritized to improve visual comfort, there is a risk of shifting towards a hot discomfort situation. Conversely, if the aim is to lower the indoor temperature T using a mode with a higher index, visual comfort is compromised. In this situation, it is therefore preferable to maintain the index i of the current control mode.

[0162] These options allow the information of the indoor temperature T to be taken into account in its entirety over the period rather than simply its instantaneous evolution.

[0163] When one of the extreme modes is reached, the piloting mode remains fixed at the extreme value reached.

[0164] The evaluation step S3 is detailed in the diagram in [Fig.5] for which the following data are taken into account for a predefined period of 24 hours, for operation over the second time period J2:

[0165] i(J1): the index of the piloting mode of the first time period J1, thereafter called the previous day's index,

[0166] i(J2): the index of the piloting mode of the second time period J2, thereafter called the index of the day,

[0167] Tmin(J1,) : the minimum internal temperature of the sub-period of the first period of time, subsequently referred to as the minimum indoor temperature of the previous day;

[0168] Tmax(J1): the maximum indoor temperature of the sub-period of the first time period, hereafter referred to as the maximum indoor temperature of the previous day;

[0169] Tc: the minimum temperature of the comfort temperature range

[0170] Tc+: the maximum temperature of the comfort temperature range

[0171] ôtTc: the reaction margin.

[0172] An example of an algorithm that can be used in the process is shown in [Fig.5]

[0173] In step E1, it is checked whether the minimum indoor temperature of the previous day, Tmin(J1), is lower than the minimum temperature Tc of the comfort temperature range [Tc, Tc+]. If so, in step E3, the index for the day i(J2) takes the maximum value between 0 and i(J1)-2. In other words, the offset value is -2. The index i of the control mode for the day Mi(J2) decreases by 2 compared to that of the previous day, Mi(Ji), unless the minimum extreme mode is or was already reached. In the latter case, the index of the mode for the day i(J2) takes the index of the minimum extreme mode.

[0174] In a step E4, it is checked whether the minimum indoor temperature of the previous day Tmin(J1'') is between Tc and Tc + 0Tc. If so, in a step E5, the index of the day i(J2) takes the maximum value between 0 and i(J1M). In other words, the index i of the day's piloting mode Mi(J2) decreases by 1 compared to that of the previous day Mm, unless the minimum extreme mode is or was already reached, in which case the index of the day's mode i(J2) takes the index of the minimum extreme mode.

[0175] In a step E6, it is checked whether the maximum indoor temperature of the previous day Tmax(J1) is between Tc+ - 0Tc and Tc+. If so, in a step E7, the index of the day i(J2) takes the minimum value between 10 and i(J1)+1. In other words, the index i of the day mode M^ increases by 1 compared to that of the previous day Mi(J1), unless the maximum extreme mode is or was already reached, in which case the index of the day mode i(J2) takes the index of the maximum extreme mode.

[0176] In a step E8, it is checked whether the maximum indoor temperature of the previous day Tmax (J1) is greater than the maximum comfort temperature Tc+. If so, in a step E9, the index of the day i(J2) takes the minimum value between 10 and i(J1)+2. In other words, the index i of the mode of the day Mi(J2) increases by 2 compared to that of the previous day M^i), unless the maximum extreme mode is or was already reached, in which case the index of the mode of the day i(J2) takes the index of the maximum extreme mode.

[0177] In a step E10, it is checked whether the maximum indoor temperature of the previous day Tmax(J1) is greater than Tc + ΔTc and whether the maximum indoor temperature of the previous day Tmax(J1) is less than Tc + - 2ΔTc. If so, in a step E10, the index of the day i(J2) takes the minimum value between 0 and i(J1M). In other words, the index i of the mode of the day M i(j2) decreases by 1 compared to that of the previous day M1i), unless the extreme mode is maximum is or was already reached, in which case the index i of the mode of day i(J2) takes the index of the maximum extreme mode.

[0178] The steps of the process described above aim at a choice of control mode for the sun protection screen.

[0179] The control modes M; themselves, which correspond to each of the different indices i of the value of the control parameter in the ordered discrete set of values, can be of various possible natures. In particular, a control mode can operate on the basis of different solar input management algorithms a. The examples below are not limiting.

[0180] According to a first simple example, the solar input management algorithm a is an algorithm based on a degree of opening or closing of the solar protection. Thus, the control mode defined according to the method of the invention makes it possible to provide an opening or closing coefficient of an opening or a solar protection according to the index i of the mode defined M;.

[0181] According to [Fig. 6], another example of a solar input management algorithm can be defined based on the absence of shading if the incoming energy is less than a first threshold value q>, for example, less than 50 Watts. Above this first threshold q>, the solar shading device 3 is positioned according to a theoretical slope originating from the value of the first threshold q> of incoming energy and whose slope is defined from a limiting coefficient or degree of closure of the solar shading device 3 and a maximum incoming energy flux q>+0 for a total opening of 100%, as explained below.

[0182] An intermediate control mode, between the extreme modes, is considered a mid-season mode. The mid-season mode is activated when the winter mode Mi leads to excessively high indoor temperatures T, or when the summer mode Mi0 leads to an excessive restriction of visual comfort without any benefit to thermal comfort. The objective of a mid-season mode is to maintain the incoming solar power flux q> at a certain level somewhere between a minimum q> and a maximum q>+0.The principle of mid-season mode is that it is preferable to continuously limit the incoming power flow q> throughout the day, keeping it just sufficient, rather than allowing the flow q> to enter without any limit and reacting at the last moment when the indoor temperature T approaches one of the extreme values ​​of the comfort temperature range [Tc, Tc+], risking the near-complete closure of the solar shading devices 3 and a significant and abrupt degradation of visual comfort. In other words, it is better to partially close the solar shading devices 3 evenly over a long period, rather than leaving them fully open and waiting for overheating before closing them completely.

[0183] According to the diagram in [Fig.6], for a limiting coefficient of solar inputs a of 0, We return to Winter mode, and for a solar gain limiting coefficient of 1, we return to Summer mode. For all other intermediate values, this results in a theoretical continuum that gradually transitions from Summer mode to Winter mode.

[0184] Advantageously, for this algorithm we choose a limiting coefficient of solar inputs a variable according to the indices i of the control mode.

[0185] Advantageously, the incoming energy flux q is limited as it increases. Approximately, this means that during the day the solar shading devices 3 close progressively according to the level of solar radiation.

[0186] For example, the limiting coefficient of solar inputs a increases proportionally with the intensity of the incoming flux q>, and more precisely, at least for certain indices i of the control mode.

[0187] Alternatively or in addition, the algorithm may incorporate a reaction time to opening or closing, which varies according to the index i of the control mode.

[0188] In the various examples of automatic management in general, it is desirable to add a time filter to avoid micromovements.

[0189] While the steps relating to defining the control mode may be based solely on an indoor temperature parameter T, the automatic management algorithm may be based on other parameters. It advantageously takes into account a sunlight sensor to determine the available incoming energy flows, a clock, which allows the operating mode to be set to specific time periods, an outdoor temperature sensor, and / or external meteorological data.

[0190] According to one embodiment, the offset value is weighted by at least one external parameter, in particular a weather forecast parameter, an outside temperature parameter, or a solar radiation parameter. This makes it possible, in particular, to take into account the differences between the indoor temperature T and the outside temperature.

[0191] In such a configuration, the energy fluxes through the window alone or through the window and the solar shading 3 are estimated. One of the two configurations will favor more incoming flux than the other (generally, the incoming flux is greater with the solar shading retracted during the day, and the opposite is true at night).

[0192] Let q> be the minimum flux and <p+ole flux maximum. Dans le cas d’un coefficient limitant des apports solaires a qui ne dépend que des modes de pilotage, l’indice i du mode en cours placera les protections solaires dans une position de fermeture partielle de façon à avoir un flux entrant (pour i variant de 0 à 10) :

[0193] [Math.2] <P +

[0194] Optionally, by using weather forecasts, the steps of the process, and in particular the determination of the i index of the piloting mode, can be improved by adopting a predictive rather than a reactive approach. The method will be more effective when weather conditions vary significantly from day to day.

[0195] According to one embodiment, after a first operating phase according to the steps above, the management process includes a second operating phase in which the control mode is determined based on archived values ​​and a forecast outside temperature. For each predefined period, in this example every day, the outside temperature and outside illuminance values ​​(hourly average) can be archived, as well as the index i of the corresponding control mode (after correction at the beginning or end of the period). A regression model (a numerical link) is thus built over the course of several days by learning, capable of predicting, according to future climatic conditions, the index i of the most efficient control mode.

[0196] According to one embodiment, in addition to specifying a comfort temperature range [Tc, Tc+], the user may specify a light comfort range (relative, for example, to a quantity of lux) [Lc, Lc+] per window / bay to be maintained / not exceeded to ensure a minimum of natural light and avoid the risk of glare. The positioning of the solar shading devices 3 according to the SI control step must respect the light constraints when possible or come as close as possible to them.

[0197] Optionally, occupancy / vacancy management of the dwelling can be added (via presence sensors, badge, calendar, etc.) to activate / deactivate the consideration of lighting comfort. During periods of vacancy, this ensures optimal thermal management of the building without any constraints on visual comfort.

[0198] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the accompanying figures. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Method of managing a home automation system (100) of a building (1) comprising at least one motorized sunshade (3), a management unit (102) of a position taken by the sunshade (3) over time, and at least one measuring device (104) of an internal temperature of the building (1), the method being implemented by the management unit (102) and comprising: - a control step (SI) over a first period of time (J1) in which the position of the sunshade (3) is determined according to a first control mode (Mi(Ji)) taking into account at least a first value i(J1) of a control parameter; - a measurement step (S2) of the internal temperature of the building (1) during a sub-period (JT) of the first period of time (J1);- an evaluation step (S3) of an offset value in which the offset value is determined as a function of at least one difference between the indoor temperature (T) of the building (1) measured during the sub-period (Jl') and a comfort temperature range ([Tc, Tc+]); - an adjustment step (S4) in which a second control mode Mi(j2) for a second time period (J2) successive to the first time period (Jl) is determined by taking into account at least a second value i(J2) of the control parameter, the at least a second value i(J2) of the control parameter being determined as a function of the at least a first value i(J1) of the control parameter and the offset value.

2. A management method according to claim 1, wherein the first value i(J1) and the second value i(J2) of the control parameter are selected from an ordered discrete set of values ​​of the control parameter, the offset value corresponding to the number of intervals between two values ​​of the discrete set of values ​​of the control parameter.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the offset value corresponds to an offset between -5 intervals and +5 intervals, and preferably between -2 intervals and +2 intervals in the ordered discrete set of values ​​of the control parameter.

4. A management method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the ordered discrete set of values ​​of the control parameter comprises between 5 and 15 values, preferably 10 values.

5. A management method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the control parameter varies uniformly over the discrete set of control parameter values.

6. A management method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one control parameter corresponds to a quantity of allowed solar inputs.

7. A management method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the offset value is determined as a function of at least one reaction margin (ΔTc) corresponding to a temperature difference.

8. Management method according to claim 7, wherein the offset value is determined as a function of at least one difference between the indoor temperature (T) of the building (1) and the comfort temperature range ([Tc, Tc+]) increased or decreased by at least one reaction margin (ôTc).

9. Management method according to claim 8, wherein the offset value is equal to -1 interval when the indoor temperature (T) of the building is between the minimum value (Tc) of the comfort temperature range ([Tc, Tc+]) increased by a first reaction margin (ôTc) and the maximum temperature (Tc+) of the comfort temperature range ([Tc, Tc+]) decreased by a second reaction margin (ôTc).

10. A management method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the offset value is weighted by at least one external parameter, in particular a weather forecast parameter, an outside temperature parameter, a solar radiation parameter.

11. A management method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the home automation installation (100) also includes an active heating (106) or air conditioning element regulated over a temperature control range, the comfort temperature range ([Tc, Tc+]) being included in the temperature control range.

12. A management method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein for each time period, at least the pilot mode (Mi) and / or the first and / or second control parameter value, and / or the offset value are archived.

13. Management method comprising a first phase of operation according to claim 12, then a second phase of operation in which the control mode (Mi) is determined according to the archived values ​​and a predicted outside temperature.

14. Terminal of a home automation installation (100) implementing a method according to any one of the preceding claims.

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