METHOD FOR SIMULATING THE SOLAR ENERGY CONSUMPTION OF A FIRST INFRASTRUCTURE

Abstract

METHOD FOR SIMULATING THE SOLAR ENERGY CONSUMPTION OF A FIRST INFRASTRUCTURE Method for simulating the solar energy consumption of a first urban infrastructure (1) characterized in that it comprises: Transmission of a geographical position (POS0) via a user interface; Reception of a satellite image; Reception of a solar cadastre; Selection of a first zone (10) covering said infrastructure (1) from a selector; Selection of a characteristic data of the roof profile of the first infrastructure (1); Calculation of an effective area from the first zone and the characteristic data of the roof profile of the first infrastructure (1); Selection of a type of solar panel; Calculation of an electrical energy production profile from the solar panels; Acquisition of an existing electrical consumption profile of said infrastructure; Generation of an indicator of electrical consumption reduction.Figure for the abridged version: Fig.5.

Description

Title of the invention: METHOD FOR SIMULATING THE SOLAR ENERGY CONSUMPTION OF A FIRST INFRASTRUCTURE Scope of the invention

[0001] The field of the invention relates to computer-implemented methods for simulating an operational configuration of a solar panel installation in order to generate a predictive consumption indicator. Prior art

[0002] Currently, prior art exists for systems that simulate the production of electrical energy generated by a set of solar panels on the roof of a building. However, these systems cannot take into account a specific roof configuration or sunlight context to perform an accurate simulation. One problem is that many configurations are possible and depend on numerous parameters, including sunlight, the building's position, its orientation, the presence of obstacles, and the type and orientation of the roof. Therefore, when someone wants to know the potential energy gain achievable through the collection and conversion of solar energy, they lack reliable and accurate solutions.

[0003] There is a need to define a solution enabling the calculation and simulation of reliable and accurate electrical energy production with the objective of determining an overall energy gain of an infrastructure. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for simulating the solar energy consumption of a first urban infrastructure characterized in that it comprises: • Transmission of a geographical position via a user interface; • Reception of a first digital image containing a representation of at least the first infrastructure from a top view within a predefined radius around said acquired position and display of said first image on the user interface; • Displaying a portion of a solar cadastre on the first image; • Selection of a first zone covering said infrastructure from a selector; • Selection of a characteristic data point for the roof profile of the first infra structure ; • Calculation of an effective area from the first zone and the characteristic data of the roof profile of the first infrastructure; • Calculation of an electrical energy production profile from the solar panels intended to be installed on the roof of the first infrastructure and the calculated effective surface area; • Receipt of an electricity consumption profile of said infrastructure, the electricity coming from an electricity distribution network; • Generation of an indicator of reduction in electricity consumption from the electricity distribution network of said infrastructure.

[0005] One advantage is that it allows for the simulation of energy consumption according to an operational configuration that closely resembles the actual roof configuration of the infrastructure. The invention advantageously enables the calculation of a reliable and accurate indicator of a real-world situation. The invention makes it possible to take into account a range of data, including sunlight exposure, the orientation and slope of the roof of an infrastructure, the available surface area, and any obstacles present on said infrastructure, in order to select the installation that most accurately represents a real-world configuration.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the position is calculated from a geocoding function that converts a postal address into a position on the geocoded map. One advantage is that it simplifies information acquisition for a user wishing to view an infrastructure and operate directly on the acquired image centered on the position of said infrastructure.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the method comprises selecting a type of solar panel with a characteristic electrical energy production per unit area under given sunlight conditions. One advantage is that it allows for the sizing of an installation based on available resources and material compatibility. In particular, one advantage is that it takes into account the size of the panels, their arrangement, and their footprint, which may require specific installation. In other words, the roof configuration and size can automatically select compatible types of solar panels for the infrastructure. Typically, a pitched or flat roof can impose constraints on the type and efficiency of the solar panels selected.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the first image is a satellite image showing the infrastructure from above. An advantage is that it allows visualization of the infrastructure and facilitates the selection of its general shape by superimposing the actual image of the infrastructure onto that of a selector.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the process includes receiving a second image A digital image corresponding to a portion of a solar cadastre, the second image containing the transmitted geographic position. One advantage is that it allows visualization of the sunniest areas on an image representing infrastructure, particularly the roofs of these structures.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the second image is an image comprising represented areas quantifying a level of sunlight per unit of time according to a predefined scale. One advantage is that it allows the selection of the sunniest portions of the infrastructure's roof in the image.

[0011] According to one embodiment, data quantifying the average annual sunshine at the location of the first infrastructure is acquired. An advantage is that it allows for the generation of a simulation over a given period involving variations in sunshine.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the characteristic data of the roof profile of the first structure includes a slope or angle of said roof. One advantage is that it allows for consideration of an effective solar surface area and also for calculating the surface area actually available for installing solar panels. Indeed, a top view does not allow for a good estimation of the available surface area when the roof is sloped.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the characteristic data of the roof profile of the first structure includes at least one point on the ridge line. An advantage is the consideration of reference points that allow for the deduction of characteristic distances such as the roof length and roof width.

[0014] In one embodiment, the calculation of the electrical energy produced is a function of a solar irradiance factor obtained from the solar cadastre, a roof pitch correction factor, and an infrastructure orientation correction factor. In one embodiment, the pitch correction factor is considered negligible. In another embodiment, this factor can be taken into account to improve the calculation of the efficiency of the solar energy-to-electrical energy conversion.

[0015] One advantage is to obtain a simulation with better accuracy.

[0016] According to one embodiment, an algorithm for optimizing the arrangement of solar panels on the effective surface of the roof is executed in order to deduce the installation configuration of the panels from among a first configuration in which their largest dimension is parallel to the ridge line and a second configuration in which their smallest dimension is parallel to the ridge line.

[0017] One advantage is to generate not only a calculation of the electrical consumption produced by the panels in a configuration linked to the context of the infrastructure such as its position, the orientation of the roof of the infrastructure, etc., but also linked to the The context of equipment installation is crucial. Optimizing the panel layout allows for the calculation of the best installation scenario for said equipment. One advantage is the ability to offer a simulation that considers various panel installation scenarios.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the selector is orientable and deformable to be superimposed on the roof of the first structure. One advantage is that it offers the user great flexibility to simulate different scenarios. Another advantage is that it allows visualization of the sun-exposed areas in order to select the most suitable area for converting solar energy into electrical energy.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the method comprises defining at least one second zone defining at least one obstacle within the first zone, an effective surface area being calculated from the characteristic data of the roof of the first zone and the second zone. One advantage is to simulate, as closely as possible to a real-world configuration, the electrical consumption that can be produced by an arrangement of solar panels placed on a roof surface.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the process comprises: • Acquisition of a user identifier via a user interface; • Access to a remote software resource recording infrastructure consumption data via a digital connector; • Retrieving consumption data from the first infrastructure associated with the user ID.

[0021] One advantage is to automatically retrieve real consumption data from an infrastructure in order to establish the best energy saving simulation by substituting the electrical energy consumed from the network with a portion produced by solar panels.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the consumption data of the first infrastructure associated with the user identifier includes a load curve per unit of time, the unit of time being, for example, an hour. One advantage is to correlate the energy produced by a solar panel with the energy that can be saved from an electrical power distribution network.

[0023] In one embodiment, the consumption data includes electricity pricing data over a given period. An advantage is that it allows for the generation of the most accurate budget simulation possible, taking into account the duration and periods of sunshine and the pricing periods of an electricity producer and / or distributor.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the indicator for reducing electricity consumption further includes data characterizing a gain obtained by installing solar panels over a predefined period. One advantage is to achieve a si Simulation over a long period helps determine the point at which installing solar panels becomes worthwhile for a user and infrastructure owner. Indeed, the time horizon can be a significant factor influencing the decision to install solar panels. This indicator allows a user to project when the energy consumption reduction will become profitable.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the selector has a rectangular shape. An advantage is that it allows the selection of rectangular shapes, which are generally the shapes of infrastructures. Brief description of the figures

[0026] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, with reference to the accompanying figures, which illustrate: • [Fig.1]: an example of infrastructure defining a house with a roof intended to receive solar panels and an electrical power distribution network; • [Fig.2]: an example of a map generated at a given position presenting an infrastructure viewed from above; • [Fig.3]: an extract from a solar cadastre superimposed on the roof of an infrastructure at the position defined by the user; • [Fig. 4]: an extract from a solar cadastre superimposed on the roof of an infrastructure including obstacles and shadows cast on the roof at the position defined by the user; • [Fig.5]: a representation of an infrastructure in top view including a selection area that can be moved and oriented so as to choose the surface for installing solar panels; • [Fig.6]: a representation of an infrastructure in top view including a roof selection area in which a solar panel installation is desired and an obstacle selection area which must be taken into account in the calculation of the effective area; • [Fig. 7]: an example of the distribution of a selection of solar panels at within the selection zone; • [Fig.8]: a regional map of average sunshine in a region including an area in which the infrastructure is located; • [Fig. 9]: a map covering a portion of the regional sunshine map of the [Fig.6] • [Fig. 10]: Representations of roof profiles selectable by a user according to an embodiment, • [Fig.1 1]: the main steps of an embodiment of the process of the invention.

[0027] Figure 1 represents an infrastructure 1 representing a house with a roof 2 having a slope from a ridge line. The infrastructure 1 is connected to an electrical distribution network 4 which supplies electricity to the infrastructure 1. The infrastructure 1 can be a private house, an apartment building, a factory, a farm, or any other type of infrastructure capable of being supplied with electricity by an electrical distribution network. The infrastructure 1 in Figure 1 includes a plurality of solar panels 3 on one of the faces of its roof, presumably on the south-facing face. One objective of the solar panels is to collect and supply all or part of the electrical needs of the infrastructure 1.Solar panels 3 can also be configured to power one or more battery(ies) for storing converted electrical energy or to feed back some of the electrical energy produced by converting solar energy into the electrical distribution network 4.

[0028] Figure 2 shows a first infrastructure 1 in top view. North is indicated as N. An orientation of the roof 2 of the infrastructure 1 can be calculated from the direction of north N, which is assumed to be known due to the receipt of a geocoded digital map and the determination of a reference line of the roof 2, such as the ridge line 25 or the verge line 26. These lines 25, 26 can be automatically determined from a pattern recognition algorithm applied to the map image or from a user selection allowing the positioning of one or the other of the two lines 25, 26 on the roof 2, for example from a selector, such as selector 10 or another selector dedicated to determining these lines.

[0029] The image produced of infrastructure 1 can be provided by a supplier of satellite imagery mapping whose images are geocoded. Geocoding the images makes it possible to position map elements, particularly infrastructure, based on an address or GPS coordinate. Figure 2 shows the roof 2 of infrastructure 1. A chimney 21 and a window 22, of the pivoting roof window type, are shown on the roof 2.

[0030] The image also represents elements co-located to the infrastructure 1 such as trees 20, an outbuilding 22 and a street 21. The image is framed within a frame 5 allowing the area represented on the screen of a user's computer to be delimited.

[0031] In one embodiment, a user interface allows the user to enter a postal address, for example, including a street number, street name, city, and / or postal code. The postal address is encoded using a geocoding function on a digital map. The position is denoted POS0 in [Fig. 2]. In another embodiment, the position entered by the user is a set of georeferenced coordinates. referenced such as GPS coordinates. In the example of [Fig.2], the position is located right next to infrastructure 1, however this latter position can also be located within the ground area occupied by infrastructure 1.

[0032] Figure 3 represents a portion of a solar cadastre depicting a solar irradiance zone 35 superimposed on the roof of the infrastructure 1. In one embodiment, the solar cadastre represents the solar irradiance zones only by superimposing the infrastructure. In this latter case, a filter is applied to remove unnecessary portions.

[0033] In one embodiment, the solar irradiance zones 35 are represented with a color code or with a distinctive element relating to the amount of irradiance received by the first infrastructure 1. The solar cadastre is a map that allows the exploitation of an amount of irradiance at a given location. In one embodiment, when irradiance is measured on real images, the solar cadastre can take into account a real irradiance context such as shadows cast by buildings located near the infrastructure 1 or shadows cast by trees located near the infrastructure 1. Consequently, a solar cadastre takes into account the path of the sun and / or the position of the infrastructure 1 on the earth and possibly certain infrastructure or vegetation in the vicinity of said infrastructure 1.This amount of sunshine can be the average amount of sunshine per unit area during the current year, or the amount of sunshine per unit area over a given period within a year, such as summer. This amount of sunshine can also correspond to an average over a period of several years per unit area.

[0034] Figure 3 shows that one side of the roof 2 of the infrastructure 1 has a greater average solar exposure than the other part of the roof. This segmentation results in particular from observations made by at least one observation satellite, of the orientation of the roof and the path of the sun.

[0035] Figure 4 shows a calculation of the shadow projection of a chimney 23. This data can be obtained either from the solar cadastre, which is generated from real and averaged observations, or from a software function that overlays the shadow cast by an element of a given height. The function can take into account the sun's path, the position of the structure 1, including its latitude and longitude, the height of the roof 2, and the height and position of the chimney 23.

[0036] This function makes it possible to improve the identification of a surface that is sufficiently lit or obstructed by an obstacle.

[0037] Thus, the user has visual information allowing him to select the portion of the roof surface to simulate the installation of solar panels considered as the most efficient in their conversion of solar energy into electrical energy. The entire set of solar panels arranged on the surface in question is then taken into account to calculate the electrical energy production.

[0038] Figure 5 represents an embodiment allowing a user to select the portion of the roof 2 that is suitable for solar panels in order to produce efficient electrical energy based on the solar irradiance considered using the solar cadastre. The selector 10 allows selection of a portion such as that shown in Figure 6.

[0039] When the selection overlaps a solar irradiance zone quantifying a given amount of solar irradiance received from the sun, data are directly extracted qualifying this irradiance. For example, the irradiance factor FR and a first correction factor for the orientation Ro of the infrastructure, deduced from the calculation of the orientation of infrastructure 1, and a second correction factor for the roof's inclination Ri, deduced from the calculation of the roof's inclination, i.e., its slope. The irradiance factor FR can be deduced from the solar cadastre or a solar radiation map in an area encompassing the latitude and longitude of the position of infrastructure 1.

[0040] Fig. 6 represents a selector 10 positioned so that the contour of the selection area covers a portion of the desired roof 2.

[0041] Figure 6 also represents an embodiment allowing a user to select portions of the roof 2 that cannot accommodate solar panels, such as the chimney 21 or the window 22. The user has a selector 11 that allows them to initially outline the chimney. This selector 11 can be oriented and positioned to simplify the outlining operation. One advantage is generating a resulting surface to accommodate the solar panels, obtained by subtracting the surface defined by selector 10 from the surface defined by selector 11 and possibly another selector (not shown) that outlines the window 22. A receiving surface is defined as the result of subtracting the surfaces delimited by selectors 11 and 12, and possibly other unshown surfaces. Obstacles include chimneys, ventilation openings, skylights, etc.

[0042] According to one embodiment, a shape recognition algorithm generates selectors tracing the outline of the obstacle. These selectors can then be adapted by the user, for example by enlarging or reducing the area, or by moving it or changing its orientation.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the interface of the invention automatically generates a button for adding a new obstacle so as to generate a new shape selector editable by the user.

[0044] The method includes a step of simulating the installation of a plurality of panels 3 solar panels on the reception area.

[0045] Figure 7 shows an example of the roof surface 2 of the infrastructure 1 covered by a plurality of roofs. The method of the invention allows the arrangement of solar panels around the obstacles formed by the chimney 23 and the window 22.

[0046] In one example, the dimensions of the solar panels 3 are obtained from the selection of a solar panel type. In another example, default dimensions are used. In yet another example, the power of a solar panel is chosen and determines a default geometry for said solar panels.

[0047] Fig. 7 represents only the outline of the sunlit area 35 so that the elements on the roof are made visible.

[0048] Figure 7 shows an optimized floor plan to utilize the entire available roof area. In another example, only a portion of the roof area is used for solar panels. In one embodiment, the user selects the electrical power output according to their needs. In this case, a default arrangement of 3 panels is proposed.

[0049] Figure 8 represents an embodiment in which a solar irradiance map 30 is used to estimate the level of irradiance within a region. Here, a segmentation in the form of cells 31, 32, and 33 is shown. The cells have a distinctive visual element allowing the average irradiance in the cell to be quantified, for example, annually.

[0050] Zone 6 corresponds to a portion of the region in which the infrastructure 1 is located. Figure 9 represents portion 6, in which an even smaller zone 5 is shown, in which the infrastructure 1 is located. This embodiment allows, at a minimum, for the consideration of average solar irradiance for a region to estimate the amount of electricity that can be obtained at an average location. This embodiment can be used with a solar cadastre such as that in Figure 3. When the solar cadastre represents only sunlit areas without quantifying the acquired solar energy, it is possible to combine the information from a map such as those in Figures 8 and 9 with that of Figure 3. However, when the solar cadastre such as that in Figure 3 allows for the quantification of available solar energy in a given area, the embodiment in Figures 8 and 9 is optional.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the method includes a step of selecting a roof profile and a point located on the ridge line. Figure 10 shows an example of an embodiment in which four profiles, p2, p3, and p4, are proposed to the user according to the actual profile of the infrastructure. In this embodiment, the method of The invention allows for the rapid selection of a roof profile in order to accurately calculate an effective solar energy reception area according to the sun's trajectory.

[0052] Profile pi corresponds to a roof with a steep pitch, profile p2 to a roof with a medium pitch, profile p3 to a roof with a shallow pitch, and finally profile p4 to a flat roof. According to another embodiment, the method of the invention allows for a reduced selection of 2 or 3 roof profiles. According to yet another embodiment, more than 5 roof profiles are offered to the user. The user can thus easily select a roof profile so that the calculation of the calculated electrical energy yield is as faithful as possible to the context of the infrastructure 1.

[0053] According to another embodiment, the user interface includes an input area for a roof slope 2. This scenario is interesting when the user knows precisely the roof slope of the infrastructure 1.

[0054] The method of the invention includes a step for determining the ridge line 25 and the verge line 26 of the roof. This operation can be carried out in different ways. According to a first example, the user uses a selector to point to the ridge line, either by indicating one point, two points, or by drawing the line directly on the image superimposed on the top-view image. According to another example, starting from a point located on the ridge line, a line recognition algorithm can be implemented. For this purpose, a method based on color contrast analysis or contour recognition can be used. One advantage is that the vast majority of roofs have a simple ridge line, that is, one representing a straight line segment. According to one embodiment, a plurality of lines can be defined when the structure has a complex architecture.This can be a broken or discontinuous line, or one forming an angle. Typically, an "L"-shaped structure can have two ridge lines. One embodiment is described here with the selection of a ridge line 25; however, the invention relates to all possible configurations that can be deduced from the simple case described.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the ridge line 25 is used to automatically calculate the edge line 26. The edge line 26 corresponds to the width of the infrastructure 1, or to the segment perpendicular to the ridge line 25 and delimiting the lateral edge of the infrastructure 1.

[0056] This automatic calculation can be carried out for example in a first case from an analysis of images allowing to deduce by means of a shape detection algorithm the contour of the infrastructure 1 or in a second case from the selector 10 represented in [Fig.6] and allowing to deduce the edge of the infrastructure 1.

[0057] One advantage of calculating the ridge line 25 and the verge line 26 is to obtain the usable area of ​​the roof 2 corresponding to the area on which the photovoltaic panels, called solar panels 3, are placed. The inclination of the roof 2 is then used to calculate the actual area available for the installation of panels and to calculate a correction factor for sunlight.

[0058] According to one example, the perceived length of the bank, denoted LR seen, is retrieved from the image using the top view of the infrastructure 1. The actual length of the bank is denoted Lr and is calculated as follows:

[0059] Lr = LR vue / cos(téta), where theta corresponds to the roof inclination recovered from the roof profile.

[0060] According to an assumption that the image shooting does not distort the ridge line, it is deduced that the actual length of the ridge, denoted LF, is equal to the length of the ridge seen from above.

[0061] The surface area of ​​the roof ST is therefore calculated as follows:

[0062] ST = Lr * LF

[0063] According to one embodiment, a predefined safety margin, for example of 20 cm, is considered on each edge of the roof. The method of the invention thus makes it possible to subtract 40 cm in this example from the verge line and the ridge line to deduce the usable dimensions, denoted LR_utiie and LF_utiie, for the installation of solar panels. This yields:

[0064] Useful LR = Lr - 0.4

[0065] Useful LF = Lf - 0.4

[0066] The process of the invention thus makes it possible to deduce a useful surface area, denoted ST_utile:

[0067] SF_utile LR_utile^ Lp_utile

[0068] The method of the invention comprises the execution of two panel arrangement algorithms so as to calculate an optimal arrangement. These two algorithms can form a single algorithm comprising a step of selecting the result produced by the two algorithms based on the relative values ​​produced.

[0069] A first algorithm aims to model a "landscape" arrangement of the solar panels 3. Lp is considered its largest dimension and Hp its smallest dimension. In this embodiment, the panels are arranged so that their largest dimension is parallel to the ridge line. This first simulation does not take into account obstacles 21, 22 initially, in order to calculate the maximum number of panels that can be positioned along a line parallel to the ridge line and the maximum number of panels that can be positioned along a line parallel to the verge line.

[0070] Predefined rules are then applied for the arrangement of the panels according to this initial model, incorporating a predefined margin between two successive panels along a line parallel to the ridge line, for example 2 cm.

[0071] When the roof is flat, the panels are placed on fixings oriented at a predefined angle denoted "alpha", for example with alpha = 13°. The lines delimiting two successive panels are then spaced 10 cm apart in this case.

[0072] The following calculation is obtained for the number of Nbi integrable panels on the roof along lines parallel to the ridge line:

[0073] Nb! = LF_useful / (Lp + 0.02))

[0074] If the roof is not flat, the following calculation is obtained for the number of panels that can be integrated Nb2 on the roof along lines parallel to the edge line:

[0075] Nb2 = LR_utile / Lp

[0076] If the roof is flat, the following calculation is obtained for the number of integrable panels Nbi ' on the roof along lines parallel to the ridge line:

[0077] Nb2' = LR_utile / (Lp * (cos (alpha) + 0.1))

[0078] The total number NTa of panels that can be arranged on the roof, without taking obstacles into account, is calculated as follows:

[0079] Nta = Nbj * Nb2

[0080] or if the roof is flat: NTa = Nbi * Nb2

[0081] A second algorithm aims to model an arrangement of the solar panels 3 in "portrait" mode. Lp is considered its largest dimension and Hp its smallest dimension. In this embodiment, the panels are arranged so that their largest dimension is parallel to the ridge line. This second simulation initially disregards obstacles 21, 22 in order to calculate the maximum number of panels that can be positioned along a line parallel to the ridge line and the maximum number of panels that can be positioned along a line parallel to the ridge line.

[0082] Predefined rules are then applied for the arrangement of the panels according to this second modeling by integrating a predefined margin between two successive panels along an edge line, for example of 2 cm.

[0083] The following calculation is obtained for the number of integrable panels Nb3 on the roof along lines parallel to the ridge line:

[0084] Nb3 = LF_useful / (Lp - 0.02))

[0085] The following calculation is obtained for the number of integrable panels Nb4 on the roof along lines parallel to the edge line:

[0086] Nb24= LR_utile / Hp

[0087] The total number NTb of panels that can be arranged on the roof, without taking obstacles into account, is calculated as follows:

[0088] Ntb = Nb3 * Nb4

[0089] or if the roof is flat: NTA = Nb3 * Nb4

[0090] The method of the invention makes it possible to retain the best arrangement configuration according to the values ​​of NTA and NTB. The method of the invention makes it possible to retain the larger of the two values.

[0091] The electrical power Pmax potentially acquired by the arrangement is therefore calculated as follows:

[0092] Pmax = Pp * max (NTA, NTB), where Pp is the electrical power delivered by a single solar panel under the sunlight conditions obtained from the land registry. This power can be expressed in peak watts. It should be noted that the "peak watt" is the value used to indicate the maximum power of a solar panel. The peak watt corresponds to the delivery of 1 watt of electrical power under standard reference conditions, i.e., good sunlight conditions, favorable orientation of the solar panel, suitable temperature, and good irradiance conditions.

[0093] The maximum power of the solar panel can also be expressed in kilowatt peak (kWp), which is a multiple of the watt peak (Wp). The watt-peak designation is also found under the abbreviation Wp (from the English "watt-peak").

[0094] It is then understood that a given surface area allows a given maximum power to be obtained under given conditions.

[0095] According to one embodiment, once the optimal solar panel arrangement configuration is determined, the method of the invention allows the surface area of ​​obstacles to be removed, for example, by adding a margin. According to another embodiment, a further installation optimization is performed by simulating the installation of the solar panels on the roof without covering the surface area of ​​obstacles. A margin is included to allow for a realistic installation of the solar panels on the roof.

[0096] According to one embodiment, calculating the maximum achievable electrical power Pmax based on the roof area 2 allows for the generation of a suitable action. The suitable action is, for example, the generation of a display enabling the selection of panel installation options based on the desired power output.

[0097] According to one embodiment, a set of installation kits is offered to the user based on the electrical power that can be produced from the surface area and orientation of the roof 2 of the infrastructure 1. The installation kits include at least one set of solar panels, electrical connectors, and an electrical energy collector. The latter can be sized for a given set.

[0098] According to one embodiment, a first kit of panels producing 3kWp is offered and a second kit of solar panels producing 6kWp is also offered.

[0099] In order to calculate annual production, the method of the invention allows for the automatic calculation of the annual production ratio (APR). This is the theoretical energy produced in one year for one kWp produced by an installed panel. It is expressed in kWh / kWp. The annual RPA ratio is calculated as follows:

[0100] RPA (Annual) = FR * Ro * Ri

[0101] For a panel producing 3kWC, we obtain the annual electrical energy production Prod_Annuelle (3kWc) = 3 * RPA (Annuelle)i.

[0102] For a panel producing 6kWp, we obtain the annual electrical energy production Prod_Annuelle (6kWp) = 6 * RPA (Annuelle)

[0103] In order to calculate the energy production over a number k of years, we can model a degradation factor of the energy production, denoted FDEG(k), due to the aging of the solar panel.

[0104] We obtain Prod_k (3kWc) = Prod_Annuelle (3kWc) * FDEG(k)

[0105] We obtain Prod_k (6kWc) = Prod_Annuelle (6kWc) * FDEG(k)

[0106] It is then possible to calculate the sum of the production forecasts for each year to establish the total forecast of energy that can be produced over a given period.

[0107] Figure 11 illustrates an example of the sequence of steps in the process of the invention. A first step involves the transmission TRi from a user terminal of a postal address or a location denoted POS0 to at least one remote server. The user terminal can be a smartphone, a computer, a local server, or a tablet.

[0108] The first remote server includes a mapping and geocoding service that returns to a user terminal a map containing a first IMi image allowing a top-down view of an infrastructure at position POS0. The step of receiving this first IM2 image is denoted RECi in [Fig. 11]. The zoom level around position POS0 can be adjusted so that a few infrastructures, or a few tens of meters, or even hundreds of meters, are visible around position POS0. The mapping service allows, for example, the visualization of a first IMi image corresponding to a satellite of infrastructure 1.

[0109] In one embodiment, the same server or a second server generates a second IM2 image of a solar cadastre at position POS0 and its immediate vicinity. This second IM2 image is returned to the user terminal. The step of receiving this second image is denoted RECi. In one embodiment, the second image includes georeferenced or geocoded areas representing levels of insolation. In one embodiment, the first and second images are superimposed onto a single image from the user terminal. In another embodiment, the first and second images are produced together to form a single image by the first server. server.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the method includes a step denoted SELi allowing the selection of a contour 10 of the infrastructure 1. This step allows the production of a contour 10. According to an alternative, a software function allowing the detection of the contour of the infrastructure 1 allows the automatic generation of a selection zone corresponding to the contour of the infrastructure 1. The user then has the possibility of modifying this selection zone to adapt and adjust it to a portion of the roof exposed to a desired level of sunlight.

[0111] The method includes a step of selecting a roof profile, denoted SEL2. This step aims to choose a slope profile, denoted pi, of the roof so as to combine this information with other geometric information of the roof to calculate the surface area for installing solar panels.

[0112] The process includes a selection step, denoted SEL3, of a ridge line, denoted LF. This step allows, through the calculation of the roof profile, to obtain a precise surface area for installing solar panels.

[0113] The method includes a calculation step, denoted Ki, of the roof surface ST, allowing evaluation of the reception capacity of an adequate number of solar panels according to the need.

[0114] This calculation step Ki can also be used to execute an algorithm for optimizing the arrangement of solar panels 3 on the roof 2. This step is therefore capable of producing a maximum number of solar panels that can be arranged on the roof 2 and a corresponding installation configuration. The corresponding installation configuration is, for example, an orientation of all the solar panels 3.

[0115] This step is also capable of producing a simulation of the calculation based on knowledge of the electrical production capacity of a solar panel. The method therefore includes a step SEL4 for selecting a type of solar panel having at least one characteristic data point for electrical energy production as a function of a quantity of energy received.

[0116] This step can be performed following an operation by the user via the electronic terminal's user interface. In another mode, a default solar panel type is automatically selected. In one embodiment, the user can also choose a solar panel type based on budget or technical and aesthetic criteria.

[0117] The step of selecting a type of solar panels can be carried out earlier, for example when data characterizing the roof area are collected.

[0118] When a type of solar panel 3 is determined, i.e. its consumption per unit area for example, it is possible to calculate the amount of electrical energy that can be created per unit time by the entire roof area using the data previously calculated or obtained, in particular regarding solar irradiance. AVERAGE.

[0119] The calculation step is labeled K2 in [Fig. 1 1]. This calculation step calculates the power that can be produced by all the solar panels arranged in a given configuration on the roof 2. This power is labeled Pmax. More generally, the method of the invention makes it possible to generate an electricity production profile for the infrastructure. This profile may include fluctuations according to periods such as seasons, or anticipate maintenance operations or other events that can be taken into account when planning a production profile.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the method of the invention makes it possible to generate on the user interface the result of the simulation indicating the number of panels that can be installed and the corresponding electrical power produced.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the method of the invention includes a receiving step, denoted REC3, of an electrical consumption PCEi of the infrastructure 1 originating from at least one electrical distribution network 4. The electrical consumption reading can be received in the form of a reading covering a given period of time. In one embodiment, at least one year of electrical consumption is considered. In an embodiment allowing for better estimations, a history of several years is received.

[0122] According to one embodiment, a user of the interface enters an identifier and an access code for an electrical distribution service of the infrastructure, which is generally the electricity supplier. To this end, the method of the invention includes a step of connecting to a remote server, called a third server. In one example, a digital connector allows the connection to be established and the consumption information to be retrieved. In another example, the digital connector is an API, also called in Anglo-Saxon technical terminology an "application programming interface," and designating an application programming interface. One advantage is that it allows the retrieval of only the data necessary for evaluating the electrical consumption of infrastructure 1.

[0123] Knowing an estimate of the electricity consumption produced by the network and required by infrastructure 1 and the amount of electrical energy that can be created over a given period by the installation of solar panels, it is possible to calculate the potential reduction in electricity consumption from the electricity distribution network.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the reduction can also be calculated based on a price for the cost of electricity. To this end, the method of the invention makes it possible to collect, where applicable, electricity pricing according to time slots. In another case, a fixed price can be selected. It is then It is possible to calculate a reduction in the cost of electrical energy from the electrical distribution network by considering the electrical energy production achieved by solar panels.

Claims

Claims

1. Computer-implemented method for simulating the solar energy consumption of a first urban infrastructure (1), characterized in that it comprises: • Transmission (TRi) of a geographical position (POS0) via a user interface; • Reception (RECi) of a first digital image (IMi) comprising a representation of at least the first infrastructure (1) according to a top view within a predefined radius around said acquired position (POS0) and display of said first image (IMJ on the user interface; • Display of a portion of a solar cadastre on the first image; • Selection (SELi) of a first zone (10) covering said infrastructure (1) from a selector; • Selection (SEL2) of a characteristic data item (p;) of the profile of the roof of the first infrastructure (1);• Calculation (KJ) of an effective surface area (SJ) from the first zone and the characteristic data of the roof profile of the first infrastructure (1); • Calculation (K2) of an electrical energy production profile (Pmax) from the solar panels (3) intended to be installed on the roof (2) of the first infrastructure (1) and the calculated effective surface area (Si); • Reception (REC3) of an electrical consumption profile (P cei) of said infrastructure (Pci), the electricity coming from an electrical distribution network (4); • Generation (GENi) of an indicator of reduction of electrical consumption (INDi) coming from the electrical distribution network of said infrastructure (Pci).;

2. Method according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises the selection (SEL3) of a type of solar panel (3) comprising a characteristic production of electrical energy per unit of surface in given sunshine conditions.

3. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 2 characterized in what the first image (IMi) is an image acquired by a satellite representing the infrastructures seen above.

4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that it comprises the reception (REC2) of a second digital image (IM2) corresponding to a portion of a solar cadastre, said second image (IM2) comprising the transmitted geographical position (POS0).

5. Method according to claim 4 characterized in that the second image (IM2) is an image comprising represented zones quantifying a level of sunshine per unit of time according to a predefined scale.

6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 characterized in that data quantifying the average annual sunshine at the position of the first infrastructure (1) is acquired.

7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the characteristic data of the profile of the roof (2) of the first infrastructure (1) comprises a slope or an angle of said roof (2).

8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the characteristic data of the profile of the roof (2) of the first infrastructure (1) comprises at least one point of the ridge line.

9. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the calculation of the electrical energy production (Pmax) produced is a function of a sunshine factor obtained from the solar cadastre, a correction factor for the inclination of the roof and a correction factor for the orientation of the infrastructure.

10. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an algorithm for optimizing the arrangement of the solar panels on the effective surface of the roof is executed in order to deduce the installation configuration of the panels from a first configuration in which their largest dimension is parallel to the ridge line and a second configuration in which their smallest dimension is parallel to the ridge line.

11. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the selector is orientable and deformable to be superimposed on a roof (2) of the first infrastructure (1).

12. Method according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises the definition of at least one second zone (21, 22) defining an obstacle within the first zone (10), an effective surface (Si) being calculated from the characteristic data of the roof (2) of the first zone (10) and of the second zone (22, 23).

13. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises: • Acquisition of a user identifier by means of a user interface; • Access to a remote software resource recording infrastructure consumption data via a digital connector (APIk); • Recovery of consumption data from the first infrastructure (1) associated with the user identifier.

14. Method according to claim 13 characterized in that the consumption data of the first infrastructure (1) associated with the user identifier comprises a load curve per unit of time.

15. Method according to any one of claims 13 to 14 characterized in that the consumption data comprises electrical energy pricing data over a given period.

16. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the indicator of reduction in electricity consumption further comprises data characterizing a gain obtained by the installation of solar panels over a predefined period.

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