ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PRODUCED AND CONSUMED BY A SAILING BOAT CARRYING A CREW

Abstract

The invention relates to a system and a method for managing the energy produced and consumed on a sailboat accommodating a crew, to enable the sailboat to make a journey between a first geographical point and a second geographical point in a given time interval. The system comprises a set of devices (1, 10, 11, 12) which produce electrical energy and which store it (2), a fossil energy reserve (4), and a set of equipment (30, 31, 32) which consumes the energy produced and stored. The system comprises a man / machine interface (9) which delivers an energy management strategy (EMS) to the crew and which allows the crew to accept or reject all or part of said energy management strategy (EMS). The system makes it possible to develop a new energy management strategy (EMS) taking into account the crew's orders. Figure for the abstract: [Fig.4]

Description

Title of the invention: SYSTEM FOR MANAGING ENERGY PRODUCED AND CONSUMED BY A SAILING BOAT CARRYING A CREW FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a system for managing energy produced and consumed on board a sailboat accommodating a crew.

[0002] The invention finds a particular application in long cruises (several days) and in an economic and environmental context where the energy consumed is preferably renewable energy. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] Sailing boats have two main sources of propulsion energy: wind, which has been used for centuries, and a fossil fuel (Diesel, for example) which is used to run an engine. Fossil fuel is used mainly to bring the sailboat into or out of a port, or to move the sailboat forward in the event of a complete absence of wind.

[0004] Furthermore, the sailboats are also equipped with at least one electric battery, which allows, in addition to regulating the network on board the sailboat, to store the renewable energy produced on board to operate the navigation devices of the sailboat and the devices equipping the sailboat, in particular the essential equipment (i.e. equipment which is indispensable to the operation of the sailboat and the safety of the passengers) and non-essential equipment (i.e. “comfort” equipment: household appliances or electrical household appliances, for example).

[0005] Furthermore, some models of sailboats use solar panels as well as wind turbines and turbines as additional sources of electrical energy, which can be used as propulsion energy when necessary.

[0006] There are thus different types of sailboats which use different energy sources to operate.

[0007] Patent application CN 109436272 describes a system for managing the energy produced and consumed on a sailboat: the system comprises several energy sources, for example a generator set, a diesel engine, an external alternating current power source, a lithium iron phosphate battery pack, a photovoltaic energy generation system and a multiple energy source programming module. Various energy source systems are thus controlled by the programming module, depending on the energies produced and those consumed.

[0008] The system described in this document also includes models for predicting the power required by the sailboat and is designed to program the operation of the different energy sources under different operating conditions. It also takes into account other parameters that can vary energy consumption or energy production, in real time, such as the weather (wind speed, weather prediction, real-time light intensity, etc.).

[0009] Such a sailboat makes it possible to optimize the ratio between energy expenditure and energy production.

[0010] However, it does not take into account the presence on board of a crew, nor their need for energy consumption for their comfort.

[0011] The invention aims to overcome this drawback and proposes for this purpose a system for managing the energy produced and consumed by a sailboat accommodating a crew, to enable the sailboat to make a journey between a first geographical point and a second geographical point in a given time interval, said management system comprising equipment essential to the operation of said sailboat and to the safety of the passengers, including in particular: - at least one electrical energy production device,

[0012] - at least one device for storing and distributing electrical energy, - at least one energy generator operating with fossil fuel, - at least one propulsion device for said sailboat, - a navigation system for said sailboat, and said management system further comprising a set of non-essential equipment, and a central control unit, in connection with said set of essential and non-essential equipment, said central control unit comprising a module which develops an energy management strategy on board the sailboat, to supply energy to said at least one propulsion device, said navigation system, depending on the electrical energy available in said storage device and depending on the fossil energy available in said energy generator.

[0013] The system according to the invention is remarkable in that it comprises a man / machine interface, which communicates with said central control unit and which delivers said energy management strategy to said crew, said man / machine interface comprising a control module, capable of generating crew orders and allowing said crew to accept or refuse all or part of said energy management strategy delivered by the man / machine interface, said man / machine interface being capable of communicating said crew orders to said central control unit to allow said central control unit to develop a new energy management strategy taking into account said orders.

[0014] Thus implemented, the system makes it possible to take into consideration the crew's orders to ensure the comfort they expect, while also ensuring optimal energy management to use renewable energy as much as possible. The system thus makes it possible to meet the crew's needs and desires, but still prevent the crew from putting themselves in danger, the system then promoting the operation of essential equipment.

[0015] Furthermore, the system according to the invention may include the following characteristics, taken separately or in combination:

[0016] The system may comprise: - a weather station that records real-time weather data on sunshine, wind and sea conditions, and - a first artificial intelligence module which compares said meteorological data recorded in real time with forecast meteorological data, identifies the deviations between the recorded meteorological data and the forecast meteorological data, and delivers a validated or corrected meteorological data prediction, said central control unit being capable of developing a new energy management strategy if said first artificial intelligence module delivers a corrected meteorological data prediction.

[0017] Furthermore, the system may comprise a second artificial intelligence module which records the usage habits of the essential and non-essential equipment by said crew, said second artificial intelligence module transmitting to said central control unit a prediction of usage of said essential and non-essential equipment, making it possible to establish said energy management strategy by said central control unit.

[0018] Advantageously, the system may comprise a third artificial intelligence module which records the crew orders transmitted by the man / machine interface, said third artificial intelligence module transmitting to said central control unit a prediction of crew orders, making it possible to establish said energy management strategy by said central control unit.

[0019] Advantageously, it may also include a fourth artificial intelligence module which records the geographical position of said sailboat, said fourth artificial intelligence module transmitting to said central control unit an updated prediction of the geographical position of the sailboat as a function of the time on the sailboat's journey and making it possible to establish said energy management strategy by said central control unit.

[0020] Preferably, the human / machine interface comprises at least one pre- transmission of the energy management strategy developed by said central control unit and at least one control device for validating or invalidating parameters of the energy management strategy proposed by the central unit.

[0021] According to this embodiment, the presentation apparatus may comprise an information display screen and possibly a voice and / or sound communication device, and the control apparatus may comprise manual and / or touch control buttons present on said display screen.

[0022] The invention also relates to a method for implementing the system as described above, said method comprising the following steps:

[0023] - transmission, to the central control unit, of information concerning the first geographical point of positioning of the sailboat and the second geographical point of destination of the sailboat,

[0024] - transmission to the central control unit of data concerning the predictions weather forecasts for the coming days, electrical energy storage and fossil energy storage data available,

[0025] - determination of an energy management strategy taking into consideration the travel time, journey, electrical energy storage and fossil energy storage data available,

[0026] - and presentation, on the human / machine interface, of said management strategy of energy, the journey and the travel time required to complete the journey.

[0027] The method according to the invention may comprise an additional step according to which the man / machine interface transmits to the central control unit crew orders concerning the energy management strategy and the corrected energy management strategy if the crew orders do not validate the energy management strategy.

[0028] In the case where the method implements a system which comprises a weather station and a first artificial intelligence as defined above, the first artificial intelligence module receives real-time meteorological information from said weather station, and said first artificial intelligence module compares said real-time meteorological information with meteorological predictions on which the energy management strategy is based, to train said artificial intelligence module which draws up a profile of the uncertainties based on deviations in observed meteorological data, in order to transmit corrected or validated meteorological data to said central control unit,said central control unit validating or correcting the energy management strategy and informing the crew of said corrected or validated strategy by means of the man / machine interface at predetermined time intervals.

[0029] In the case where the method, in accordance with the invention, implements a system comprising a second artificial intelligence module as defined above, the central control unit receives information in real time and / or at regular time intervals on the electrical energy consumption of the essential and non-essential equipment, the propulsion device of said sailboat and the navigation system of said sailboat, as well as information from the second artificial intelligence module, said second artificial intelligence module comparing said real-time electrical energy consumption information of the essential and non-essential equipment with the predictions of the energy consumption strategy of the essential and non-essential equipment to train said second artificial intelligence module which draws up a profile of the electrical energy consumption of the essential and non-essential equipment by said crew,said profile being based on the observed consumption data deviations of the essential and non-essential equipment and the initially predicted consumption data, in order to transmit to said central control unit corrected or validated consumption data of the essential and non-essential equipment, said central control unit validating or correcting the energy management strategy and informing the crew of said corrected or validated strategy by means of the man / machine interface at predetermined time intervals.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment, the central control unit: - receives real-time information on the sailboat's geographic position, and - compares the said position information of the sailboat with that of the route chosen as a function of time, - validates or corrects the energy management strategy and - informs the crew, by means of the man / machine interface (9), of said energy management strategy. PRESENTATION OF FIGURES

[0031] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description of a non-limiting embodiment, and the appended drawings, in which:

[0032] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of the equipment included in a system according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0033] [Fig.2] is a functional diagram which illustrates steps of implementing a method according to the invention,

[0034] [Fig.3] illustrates two graphs 3a and 3b which show the consumption of renewable electrical energy and fossil energy by the sailboat in relation to the behavior of the crew with respect to the system according to the invention implemented for 72 hours,

[0035] [Fig.4] schematically represents the elements that comprise the compliant system to the invention and the interactions between these elements, and

[0036] [Fig.5] schematically represents an operating scenario of the system according to the invention.

[0037] DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT AND AN OPERATING MODE

[0038] [Fig.l] is a first schematic representation of certain elements taken into consideration in a system according to the invention implemented on a sailboat.

[0039] To the left of [Fig.l], energy production devices 1 with which a sailboat according to the invention is equipped are aligned vertically: these are a wind turbine 10, photovoltaic panels 11 and a tidal turbine 12.

[0040] These three energy production devices 1 are connected to a first bus B1 which makes it possible to power a battery 2 (or other electrical energy storage device) and to redistribute the energy stored in the battery 2.

[0041] Converters C are also provided between the energy production devices 1 and the bus B1.

[0042] It should be understood that the energy production system can also directly power the equipment without going through storage. This is the case, for example, when the battery is full and the weather conditions allow energy production, this is directed for direct use in consumption (by the equipment) in order to preserve the stored energy.

[0043] A second bus B2 is provided to distribute energy to the elements 3 of the sailboat (column of elements on the right of the figure), these elements 3 allowing the sailboat to operate. These elements include, for example, a propulsion system of the sailboat 30 (usable for example in the absence of wind, to replace the sails, or to take the sailboat out and into a port), the navigation devices 31 of the sailboat (essential to the safety of the crew and to the operation of the sailboat), and finally a set of equipment 32 including so-called "essential" equipment and so-called non-essential equipment, allowing the crew to live with comfort equivalent to that of an apartment, on board the sailboat (household appliances, heating, etc.).

[0044] The second bus B2 transmits to the elements 3 of the sailboat either electrical energy coming from the first bus B1, or energy coming from a generator 4 operating with fossil energy, such as Diesel or Fuel.

[0045] Another converter C can also be provided between bus B1 and bus B2.

[0046] The system according to the invention therefore ensures a three-phase management strategy groups of elements: the elements which globally deliver energy (10 to 12, 2, Bl, 4), the elements which globally consume energy (4, 30 to 32) and the elements that store energy (2, and the fossil fuel reservoir).

[0047] The management system according to the invention aims to: - minimize the use of fossil energy on board and promote renewable energies,

[0048] - ensure the operation of the navigation devices 31 of the sailboat, and promote the operation of essential equipment rather than operation of non-essential equipment 32, and

[0049] - to manage the storage of fossil energy and available electrical energy, in order to regulate the network on the one hand and ensure the availability of electrical energy during periods of underproduction on the other.

[0050] [Fig.2] illustrates (still schematically) three levels of management and / or intervention of a system in accordance with the invention:

[0051] The first level N1 corresponds to long-term management of energy consumption and production on board the sailboat: the first level NI aims to ensure the energy autonomy of the sailboat throughout the cruise. It involves a service anticipation model 40, i.e. a model which predicts the energy consumption of the equipment on board the sailboat (safety equipment, essential and non-essential) a model 41 which aims to minimize the impact of uncertainties linked to the behavior of the crew members as well as the position of the sailboat on the energy consumption predictions (making the predictions better by taking into account the observed behavior of the users and the actual position of the sailboat),a model 42 which aims to minimize the impact of uncertainties related to meteorological data as well as the position of the sailboat on the prediction of the production of renewable energy (making better predictions by taking into account the uncertainties observed on the meteorological data and the position of the sailboat), these models making it possible to inform the second level N2 to build an energy management strategy and issue instructions 51 for the implementation of this strategy. The result issued by the level NI at the level N2 is a global forecast over the long term (i.e. over several days, for the entire remaining duration of the journey) of energy consumption and production and it is updated periodically according to the results that the models provide to the control unit 5. ,

[0052] The control unit 5 can then command (reference 50) to limit the consumption of stored energy, the use of fossil energy (fuel) and to ensure the safety of the crew members by guaranteeing the availability of energy for the proper functioning of the devices 31 of the navigation system of the sailboat.

[0053] The first level NI is called an anticipatory level because it ensures global and long-term planning of energy production and consumption, based on the general data transmitted to it and which are updated periodically.

[0054] The second level N2 of management and / or intervention of the system according to the invention corresponds to short-term management of energy consumption and production on board the sailboat: it takes into consideration a model 44 of thermal comfort on board the sailboat, a model 45 of comfort of use of essential appliances and non-essential appliances by the crew members, as well as the characteristics 46 of the equipment (essential and non-essential 32), which can be attenuated (operation at low power), planned again (delay or advance their start-up in time) or put out of service, depending on the availability of the energy predicted (production, consumption and storage) by the central control unit 5.

[0055] The central control unit 5 takes into consideration the data relating to the models 44, 45 and information 46 on the essential and non-essential equipment, on a time scale shorter than that of the NI level, constructing an energy management strategy and generating for its implementation instructions 51 intended for the members of the crew, to be taken into consideration, to optimize the production and consumption of energy on board the sailboat (maximizing comfort and safety).

[0056] The second level N2 is called the “reactive” level because this level receives global predictive data from the NI level and, unlike the NI level, it is at this level that the energy management strategy is constructed in detail (by planning the use of the equipment for maximum comfort and safety) and that instructions are issued for its implementation on a shorter time scale than that of the NI level (for example, the data is taken into account every hour on the N2 level whereas on the NI level, the data is taken into account over time intervals of several hours).

[0057] A third level N3 corresponds to a dynamic management level: no optimization on the energy is carried out at this level. This is a level where the instructions, corresponding to the implementation of the energy management strategy produced by the level N2, are supposed to be applied (automatically or manually) subject to validation by the crew. Communication is established between the control unit 5 and the equipment 1 to 4 ensuring the operation of the sailboat: the control unit 5 ensures the control / command 52 of the equipment and the regulation of the electrical network on board the sailboat, depending on the strategy implemented and the crew's decision.

[0058] In return, the equipment 1 to 4 (ensuring the operation of the sailboat) transmit indications 53 (measured variables relating to the equipment) concerning them to the different models or equipment 40 to 46 to update the prediction strategy on the levels NI and N2.

[0059] [Fig.4] illustrates another schematic representation of the management system in accordance with the invention, presenting the different elements that it comprises (possibly combined with other elements not shown).

[0060] Aligned vertically on the left of [Fig.4], the system according to the invention comprises the essential and non-essential equipment, the navigation devices 31 and one or more propulsion devices 30, all of these elements forming a system 3 making it possible to operate and move the sailboat forward.

[0061] Aligned vertically on the right of [Fig.4], the system according to the invention also comprises the electric battery 2 and the generator 4, the assembly constituting the energy resources of the sailboat to power the system 3.

[0062] The electric battery 2 is recharged by the energy production devices 1 shown in [Fig.l].

[0063] Aligned horizontally at the top of [Fig.4], the system according to the invention comprises a weather station 6, as well as a geolocation system 7 (for example a GPS). This station 6 and this system 7 make it possible to inform the system according to the invention about the weather conditions and the positioning of the sailboat in real time, so that the system can compare the forecast data that it anticipates with the actual data.

[0064] The system comprises a central control unit 5 which includes a module 8 which develops an energy management strategy on board the sailboat which, if approved by the crew, controls the energy supply to the propulsion system 30, the navigation devices 31 and the essential and non-essential equipment 32, depending on the availability of energy (current and predicted) which can be provided by storage (the battery 2, and the generator 4) and by the renewable energy production on board.

[0065] The central control unit 5 also comprises, in the context of this exemplary embodiment, four artificial intelligence modules IAb IA2, IA3 and IA4, as well as a computer 80 which compiles the results transmitted by the artificial intelligences and the data relating to the available energy, to determine the present and future energy requirement, make a prediction of the energy production on board, make a prediction of the position of the sailboat on its route (and transmit all these elements to the energy management strategy module 8 so that this module issues recommendations and information intended for the crew members. All of the recommendations and information issued constitute the energy management strategy SGE.

[0066] The SGE energy management strategy is transmitted to a Human-Machine interface 9 (or HM interface 9), which delivers this information to the crew.

[0067] To do this, the HM 9 interface comprises a device for presenting the management strategy, developed by said central control unit: it may comprise, for example, an information display screen and possibly a control device. voice and / or sound communication.

[0068] The HM 9 interface also comprises a control device, to allow the crew members to validate or invalidate the recommendations proposed by the central unit: these may be manual and / or touch control buttons, present on said display screen.

[0069] The exchanges between the different elements that comprise the system according to the invention, and their mode of operation, are now described:

[0070] Essential and non-essential equipment 32 includes all devices which are not essential for navigation, but which are necessary for life on board and / or provide comfort to the crew members: these may be household and electrical appliances, certain lighting devices, etc.

[0071] These essential and non-essential equipments 32 may include deferred operating modes. They are connected to Bus B2, by which they are supplied with energy. Also, they can communicate with said central control unit 5 by transmitting, for example, information I32 on their operating state and on the energy they consume, also via Bus B2.

[0072] More precisely, the information I32 is transmitted to the artificial intelligence module IA2 of the central control unit 5.

[0073] The artificial intelligence module IA2 then records the usage habits of the essential and non-essential equipment 32 by the crew members. The artificial intelligence module IA2 records this usage information, generates predictive models M2 of usage of the essential and non-essential equipment 32 and transmits them to the computer 80 of the central control unit.

[0074] This is how the calculator 80 can solve an optimization model for predicting energy consumption, as a function of time, which takes into consideration the habits of the crew members in terms of use of essential and non-essential equipment 32, as well as the position of the sailboat on its route.

[0075] The energy management strategy module 8 can thus also take into consideration the prediction model M2 of energy consumption, linked to essential and non-essential equipment, to develop a strategy for managing / using essential and non-essential equipment for the crew members.

[0076] It may be provided that the central control unit 5 can also cut off the power supply to the non-essential equipment 32, by transmitting a signal SI, after validation by the crew members: if, for example, the central control unit considers that the quantity of energy available is insufficient to power both the navigation devices 31 and the essential and non-essential equipment essential 32, or if an SGE strategy to prevent the use of non-essential equipment has been accepted by the crew members, for a predetermined time interval, to save energy or to promote battery recharging 2.

[0077] The navigation devices 31 communicate with the central control unit 5 to transmit data C relating to their characteristics.

[0078] The propulsion device(s) 30 indicate, for example, to the central control unit their nominal power, their energy consumption, etc. The central control unit 5 recommends whether or not to trigger their operation when necessary (entry or exit from a port, for example). The crew proceeds to execute the instruction after validation.

[0079] The battery 2 communicates to the central control unit 5 information I2 concerning its state of charge. As seen previously, the battery 2 is recharged by all of the electrical energy production devices 1.

[0080] The generator 4 indicates to the central control unit 5 information I4 concerning its technical characteristics as well as the quantity of fossil energy stored in the tank, so that the central control unit knows how to estimate the quantity of energy available on the sailboat to operate all of the devices 3.

[0081] The weather station 6 transmits, in real time or at regular time intervals, meteorological data I6 and possibly maritime conditions to an artificial intelligence module IAh

[0082] The AIi artificial intelligence module then records the meteorological data to compare them with the meteorological data predicted by the satellite station. The AIi artificial intelligence module identifies the differences between the forecast data model and the real-time data. The AIi module thus delivers, by automatic learning, a correction model for the meteorological data predicted by the satellite station. It then generates a predictive model Ml of the validated or corrected meteorological conditions and transmits it to the computer 80 of the central control unit.

[0083] This is how the calculator 80 can establish a model for predicting green energy production, as a function of time, which takes into consideration meteorological conditions, such as for example sunshine, apparent wind speed and direction, apparent speed and direction of the sea current, etc.

[0084] The energy management strategy module 8 can thus also take into consideration the prediction models M1 of the meteorological conditions and M2 of energy consumption, linked to the essential and non-essential equipment, to develop a strategy for managing / using the essential and non-essential equipment for the crew members.

[0085] The geolocation system 7 of the system (as described in this example and with which the sailboat is equipped) communicates with the central control unit 5 to transmit to it, at regular intervals, the geolocation data I7 of the sailboat.

[0086] More precisely, the geolocation data I7 are transmitted by the system 7 to an artificial intelligence module IA4 which compares the geolocation data with the data initially provided by an external routing system.

[0087] Depending on the position deviations observed, the artificial intelligence module IA4 delivers, by automatic learning, a correction model for the data predicted by the routing system. It thus transmits to the computer 80 a corrected or validated M4 model for predicting the position of the sailboat, so that the computer 80 can take these corrections into account to possibly recalculate the consumption and production of energy necessary for the sailboat to reach its destination.

[0088] Finally, the last artificial intelligence module IA3 records the orders given by the crew members via the HM interface 9, and transmits to the computer 80 a prediction M3 on the future orders that the crew members could give to the central control unit 5, so that the computer 80 takes into consideration not only the use, by the crew members, of essential and non-essential equipment, but also the orders I9 that they usually issue from the HM interface 9 for the central control unit 5.

[0089] Reference will now be made to a method of implementing the system according to the invention with reference to [Fig.5].

[0090] Firstly, the system is initialized (step referenced A): the start time of the system Tactuei is recorded, as well as the position Pactuei of the sailboat.

[0091] The information I2 and I4, concerning the storage level of the battery and the storage level of the fossil energy are transmitted to the central control unit 5.

[0092] The information relating to the essential and non-essential equipment I32, as well as the information I3i and I30 relating to the navigation devices I3i and to the propulsion system of the sailboat are also transmitted to the control unit 5.

[0093] Then, the crew members transmit to the central control unit their preference I9, concerning the priority of use of the comfort equipment, the destination of the sailboat and other choices that the HM 9 interface could offer.

[0094] The preferences I9 (or orders of the crew members) are recorded by the artificial intelligence IA3 which will subsequently take them into consideration to transmit to the computer 80 a model for predicting the orders to be taken into consideration so that the energy management strategy module 8 can develop the appropriate energy management strategy.

[0095] From these elements, the central control unit calculates a first energy management strategy SGE associated with a route calculated by a routing system. external and validated by the crew members.

[0096] The system retains the route indicated by the crew members, via the HM 9 interface.

[0097] Then, throughout the journey, step B will be implemented.

[0098] It will consist of identifying, thanks to the geolocation system, the geo position actual graph of the sailboat at regular time intervals and transmit it to the artificial intelligence IA4 so that the central control unit 5 takes into consideration a validated or corrected path model M4 (by comparison between the actual path of the sailboat and that initially calculated).

[0099] During step B, also, thanks to the weather station, the weather forecasts will be updated and validated or corrected by the artificial intelligence IAi

[0100] The artificial intelligence IAi receives meteorological information I6 in real time from the meteorological station 6 and it compares this meteorological information I6 in real time with the meteorological predictions on which the energy management strategy SGE is based, to train said artificial intelligence module IAi which draws up a profile of the uncertainties based on the deviations of observed meteorological data, in order to transmit to said central control unit 5 corrected or validated meteorological data Ml.

[0101] The actual use of the comfort equipment / devices 32 made by the crew members is also reported to the artificial intelligence module IA2 which delivers to the central control unit 5 the model M2 for predicting the use of the equipment 32, corrected or validated.

[0102] More specifically, the central control unit 5 receives information I32 in real time, or at regular time intervals, or upon request from the central unit itself, of the electrical energy consumption of the essential and non-essential equipment 32, of the propulsion device 30 of the sailboat and of the navigation system 31. The second artificial intelligence IA2 compares the electrical energy consumption information of the comfort elements 32 with the predictions of the energy consumption strategy and records them, for training, and the artificial intelligence module draws up a profile of the electrical energy consumption of the essential and non-essential equipment by the crew based on the observed consumption data deviations of the comfort elements.

[0103] The artificial intelligence module IA2 transmits to the central control unit 5 the model M2 of predicted energy consumption of the essential and non-essential equipment corrected or validated, said central control unit 5 uses this model to correct the energy management strategy SGE on board the sailboat and informs the crew of said corrected strategy by means of the man / machine interface.

[0104] A model M3 for predicting crew orders is also indicated by the artificial intelligence IA 3 to the central control unit 5.

[0105] Finally, the information I2 and U, concerning the storage level of the battery and the storage level of the fossil energy are transmitted to the central control unit 5.

[0106] The central control unit 5 estimates, from all this information (M1 to M4,12,14) whether the energy management strategy SGE must be corrected or not.

[0107] The method implemented by the system consists, from a predetermined route, between the first and second geographical points (i.e. the starting point of the sailboat (or its actual position) and the destination point), and a predetermined time necessary to cover said route in relation to a prediction of consumption of electrical and fossil energy and production of electrical energy, as a function of the predicted time, in:

[0108] - determine the energy consumption strategy of essential equipment and non-essential for said crew,

[0109] - and presentation on the human / machine interface of said management strategy SGE energy to enable the sailboat to complete the journey within a predetermined time interval.

[0110] In all cases also, the man / machine interface HM 9 transmits crew orders to the central control unit 5 and the central control unit 5 takes said crew orders I3 into consideration to determine the energy consumption strategy of the sailboat and of the essential and non-essential equipment.

[0111] [Fig.3] illustrates results obtained during the implementation of the system and method according to the invention.

[0112] In our example, the system according to the invention was implemented for 72 hours.

[0113] The two diagrams 3A and 3B illustrate the Diesel consumption (CA curve), the power demand (CB curve) and the attenuated power demand (CC curve) following the application by the crew of the strategy produced by the central control unit 5.

[0114] In diagram 3A, non-essential equipment has been taken out of service to reduce the energy demand on board, during critical periods, i.e. during the plateaus formed by the CB curve.

[0115] In Scheme 3B, the power demand is mitigated (by rescheduling and / or decreasing the operating power of certain essential and non-essential equipment) gradually by the system to meet the energy need, in order to minimize the use of Diesel to produce energy.

[0116] It is understood from the preceding description how the invention, thanks to the strategy it produces for the management of energy on board the sailboat, makes it possible to manage the equipment (energy consumption, production and storage) in order to guarantee the energy autonomy of the sailboat, ensure the safety of the passengers and maximize their comfort, minimize the consumption of fossil fuels and promote the consumption of renewable energy produced on board the sailboat, while taking into consideration the wishes of the crew members, thanks to the presence of the HM 9 interface.

[0117] It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the implementation of the examples specifically described and illustrated above and that it extends to the implementation of any equivalent means.

Claims

Claims

1. System for managing the energy produced and consumed by a sailboat carrying a crew, to enable the sailboat to make a journey between a first geographical point and a second geographical point in a given time interval, said management system comprising equipment essential to the operation of said sailboat and to the safety of passengers, comprising: - at least one electrical energy production device (1, 10, 11, 12), - at least one electrical energy storage and distribution device (2), - at least one energy generator (4) operating with fossil energy, - at least one propulsion device (30) of said sailboat, - a navigation system (31) of said sailboat, and said management system further comprising a set of non-essential equipment (32), and a central control unit (5), in connection with the set of essential and non-essential equipment (32), said central control unit (5) comprising a module (8) which develops an energy management strategy (EMS) on board the sailboat, to supply energy to said at least one propulsion device (30), said navigation system (31), as a function of the electrical energy available in said storage device (2) and as a function of the fossil energy available in said energy generator (4), said system being characterized in that it comprises a human / machine interface (9), which communicates with said central control unit (5) and which delivers said energy management strategy (EMS) to said crew, said human / machine interface (9) comprising a control module, capable of generating crew orders (I9) and allowing said crew to accept or refuse all or part of said energy management strategy (EMS) delivered by the human / machine interface (9), said human / machine interface (9) being capable of communicating to said central control unit (5) said crew orders (I9) to allow said central control unit (5) to develop a new energy management strategy (EMS) taking into account consideration of the said orders (I9).

2. Management system according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises - a weather station (6) which records in real time meteorological data (I6) concerning sunshine, wind and maritime conditions, and - a first artificial intelligence module (IAJ) which compares said meteorological data (I6) recorded in real time with forecast meteorological data, identifies the deviations between the meteorological data (I6) recorded and the forecast meteorological data, and delivers a validated or corrected meteorological data prediction (Ml), - said central control unit (5) being capable of developing a new energy management strategy (SGE) if said first artificial intelligence module (IAi) delivers a corrected meteorological data prediction (Ml).

3. Management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a second artificial intelligence module (IA2) which records the usage habits of the essential and non-essential equipment (32) by said crew, said second artificial intelligence module (IA2) transmitting to said central control unit (5) a prediction of usage of said essential and non-essential equipment (M2), making it possible to establish said energy management strategy (EMS) by said central control unit (5).

4. Management system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that it comprises a third artificial intelligence module (IA3) which records the crew orders (I9) transmitted by the man / machine interface (9), said third artificial intelligence module (IA3) transmitting to said central control unit (5) a prediction of crew orders (M3), making it possible to establish said energy management strategy (EMS) by said central control unit (5).

5. Management system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a fourth artificial intelligence module (IA4) which records the geographical position of said sailboat, said fourth artificial intelligence module (IA4) transmitting to said central control unit (5) an updated prediction of the geographical position of the sailboat as a function of time (M4) on the sailboat's path and making it possible to establish said strategy of energy management (EM) by said central control unit (5).

6. Management system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the human / machine interface (9) comprises at least one device for presenting the energy management strategy (EMS) developed by said central control unit (5) and at least one control device for validating or invalidating parameters of the energy management strategy (EMS) proposed by the central unit.

7. System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said presentation apparatus comprises an information display screen and possibly a voice and / or sound communication device, and in that said control apparatus comprises manual and / or touch control buttons present on said display screen.

8. Method for implementing the system according to any one of the preceding claims, said method comprising the following steps: - transmission, to the central control unit (5), of information concerning the first geographical positioning point of the sailboat and the second geographical destination point of the sailboat, - transmission to the central control unit (5), of data concerning the weather predictions for the coming days, the electrical energy storage data (I2) and fossil energy storage data (I4) available, - determination of an energy management strategy (SGE) taking into account the travel time (Tactuei), the journey (PactUei), the electrical energy storage data (I2) and fossil energy storage data (I4) available, - and presentation, on the human / machine interface (9), of said energy management strategy (SGE),of the journey (PactUei) and the journey time (Tactuei) required to complete the journey (PactUei)-,

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that: - the man / machine interface (9) transmits to the central control unit (5) crew orders (I9) concerning the energy management strategy (SGE), and a corrected energy management strategy (SGEcodirected) if the crew orders (I9) do not validate the energy management strategy (SGE).

10. A method according to claim 8 or 9 implementing a system according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 7 dependent on claim 2, characterized in that the first artificial intelligence module (IAi) receives meteorological information (I6) in real time from said meteorological station (6), and in that said first artificial intelligence module (IAi) compares said meteorological information (I6) in real time with meteorological predictions on which the energy management strategy (EMS) is based, to train said artificial intelligence module (IAi) which draws up a profile of uncertainties based on deviations of observed meteorological data, in order to transmit to said central control unit (5) corrected or validated meteorological data (Ml), said central control unit (5) validating or correcting the energy management strategy (EMS) and informing the crew of said corrected or validated strategy (EMS) by means of the man / machine interface (9) at predetermined time intervals.

11. Method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, implementing a system according to claim 3 or any one of claims 4 to 7 dependent on claim 3, characterized in that the central control unit (5) receives information (I32I31I30) in real time and / or at regular time intervals of the electrical energy consumption of the essential and non-essential equipment (32), of the propulsion device (30) of said sailboat and of the navigation system (31) of said sailboat, as well as information from the second artificial intelligence module (IA2),said second artificial intelligence module (IA2) comparing said information (I32) of real-time electrical energy consumption of the essential and non-essential equipment (32) with the predictions of the energy consumption strategy of the essential and non-essential equipment to train said second artificial intelligence module (IA2) which draws up a profile (M2) of the electrical energy consumption of the essential and non-essential equipment (32) by said crew, said profile being based on the deviations of observed consumption data of the essential and non-essential equipment and the initially predicted consumption data, in order to transmit to said central control unit (5) corrected or validated consumption data of the essential and non-essential equipment (M2),said central control unit (5) validating or correcting the energy management strategy (EMS) and informing the crew of said corrected (EMScodirected) or validated (EMS) strategy by means of the man / machine interface (9) at intervals of, predetermined times.

12. Method for implementing the system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the central control unit (5): - receives information (I7) in real time on the geographical position of the sailboat, and - compares said information (I7) on the position of the sailboat with that of a chosen route (PactUei) as a function of time, - validates or corrects the energy management strategy (SGE, SGECOITigée), and - informs the crew, by means of the man / machine interface (9), of said energy management strategy (SGE, SGEcolrigée).

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