Method for controlling a roller shutter based on external light and temperature conditions

Abstract

Method of controlling a shutter suitable for obstructing an opening made in a building, said shutter being driven by a motor controlled by means of a processing and control unit, said motor being connected to at least one solar panel for supplying the motor with energy, at least one irradiance sensor equipping the solar panel and at least one sensor for the temperature outside the building also being connected to the processing and control unit.The control process involves the following steps: - Checking whether the shutter is open or closed; - measuring the open-circuit voltage of the solar panel; - measuring the irradiance of the solar panel; Then, if the shutter is closed, if the open-circuit voltage Uv of the panel is greater than a predetermined voltage threshold U0 stored in the processing and control unit, and if the irradiance Ir is greater than a predetermined irradiance threshold Irm stored in the processing and control unit, a control signal for the automated opening of the shutter is sent to the motor by the processing and control unit. (See diagram: Fig. 1.)

Description

Title of the invention: Method for controlling a roller shutter based on external light and temperature conditions

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling a shutter capable of closing an opening in a building, with the aim of automated movement based on external conditions such as light and temperature. The idea is to regulate the opening and closing of roller shutters, for example, in response to seasonal variations in light and weather, particularly to increase the building's energy efficiency and also to improve living comfort. Proper management of shutter positioning can indeed lead to energy savings by reducing heating needs in winter or air conditioning needs in summer, and also promote better management of natural light for increased comfort in the premises.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to shutters equipped with solar motors, that is to say, shutters powered by solar energy via solar panels installed near each shutter. The electric motor associated with the shutter's movement mechanism is, in practice, powered by the voltage output of the solar panel, which is delivered to it according to the state of signals from various sensors reflecting external conditions. These sensors are connected to a motor processing and control unit for automated opening and closing of the shutter based on said conditions. The processing unit, which can be connected to a building automation system, collects data from sensors measuring, in particular, the outside temperature or the amount of solar energy, and uses this data to determine the optimal time to open or close the motorized shutter.

[0003] Thermal control of shutters is already known; it consists of automatically regulating the opening and closing of shutters according to the outside, or even inside, temperature, thus already contributing to optimizing the energy efficiency of a house. In this case, the only parameter managed is thermal, without taking into account other environmental factors such as sunlight and the energy it carries according to the direction of the incident rays, and their effect on managing the building's interior temperature. For example, it is known that due to the greenhouse effect exerted by glazing, the internal heat of a building can increase significantly.

[0004] The present invention, in that it integrates parameters which are added to the simple measurement of temperature, offers a more precise management of the automated opening / closing of shutters, and consequently guarantees better optimization of the thermal variations which occur inside the building.

[0005] More specifically, the invention relates to a method of controlling a shutter conventionally driven by a motor controlled by means of a processing and control unit, said motor being connected to at least one solar panel supplying the motor with energy, at least one irradiance sensor equipping the solar panel and at least one sensor of the outside temperature of the building also being connected to the processing and control unit.

[0006] The process of the invention is such that it comprises the following steps:

[0007] - Checking the closed or open state of the shutter;

[0008] - measurement of the open-circuit voltage of the solar panel;

[0009] - measurement of the irradiance of the solar panel;

[0010] Then, still according to the invention, if the shutter is closed, if the open-circuit voltage of the panel is greater than a predetermined voltage threshold stored in the processing and control unit and if the irradiance is greater than a predetermined irradiance threshold stored in the processing and control unit, a control signal for the automated opening of the shutter is sent to the motor by the processing and control unit.

[0011] Irradiance sensors, also known as solar radiation sensors, measure the intensity of solar radiation incident on a given surface at a given time. They thus allow for a measurement of the intensity of solar radiation by converting the incident light energy from the sun's rays into a measurable electrical signal usable by the processing and control unit. The open-circuit voltage measurement of the solar panel indicates the voltage that the panel can supply under the current lighting conditions, bearing in mind that this voltage decreases with temperature, and that driving an electric motor requires a known nominal voltage, the existence of which at the terminals of the solar panel must obviously be verified.

[0012] According to the invention, several approaches are combined to achieve automated opening or closing of the shutter, which depends on a plurality of factors and can be implemented in different ways depending on the context, for example, depending on the seasonal weather. Thus, in winter, the method will be used primarily for automatic opening, to take advantage of solar radiation as soon as possible in order to increase the heat in the building.

[0013] To make the best use of the time factor, the processing and control unit preferably includes a clock capable of delivering time information.

[0014] Thus, during the cold seasons, in addition to verifying the aforementioned conditions on the irradiance threshold and the open-circuit voltage of the solar panel, it can be anticipated that if the temperature is below a first predetermined temperature threshold stored in the processing and control unit, the control signal for opening the The automated shutter function is only activated if the clock time is beyond a predetermined reference time stored in the processing and control unit. In other words, the operation as characterized by the method of the invention then depends, in addition to an outside temperature parameter and a time condition, on an outside temperature parameter: when the temperature is low, before a certain time, the shutter is not activated to open. In fact, in winter, and depending on the time of dawn, which can occur quite late in the morning, it is not advisable to open the shutter too early, since it constitutes an additional layer of thermal protection preventing the building from losing heat.

[0015] By further refining the temperature condition, if the temperature is above a first predetermined temperature threshold and below a second predetermined temperature threshold, the shutter opening control signal is sent only if the clock time is beyond a second predetermined reference time stored in the processing and control unit. In most cases, the aforementioned temperature ranges are adjacent; that is, the first temperature thresholds mentioned are identical, as are the first and second reference times, which are also chosen to be identical. This is the assumption that is preferred in the following configurations.In this particular case, when the temperature is within the temperature range whose lower bound is equal to the temperature of the first threshold, the shutter opens at the same time as in the previous case where the measured temperature is below a single temperature threshold managed by the system.

[0016] By further optimizing the management of the opening and closing of shutters, when the temperature is below the first temperature threshold, if a user opens the shutter at a time before the reference time stored in the processing and control unit, this time is stored in the processing and control unit and becomes the new reference time.

[0017] Furthermore, time delays can be implemented to further improve operational flexibility. For example:

[0018] - if a shutter is closed by the user after its automated opening and before the elapsed time after a first predetermined period stored in the processing and control unit, this first period starting at the reference time stored for the automated opening of the shutter, and

[0019] - if the opening of said shutter is subsequently triggered by the user at a time occurring during a second predetermined time interval stored in the processing and control unit and also starting at the reference time stored for the automated opening of the shutter, and

[0020] - if the temperature is below the second temperature threshold,

[0021] then the opening time by the user becomes the reference time and is stored as the reference time in the processing and control unit.

[0022] More specifically, in the process of the invention, the first temperature threshold can be between 5°C and 15°C, and preferably equal to 12°C. Similarly, the second temperature threshold can be between 15°C and 22°C, and preferably equal to 18°C. Finally, the predetermined irradiance threshold can be between 5 W / m² and 15 W / m², and preferably equal to 10 W / m².

[0023] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following description, relating to embodiments given by way of example only. Understanding this description will be facilitated in particular by reference to the diagrams attached hereto, in which:

[0024] [Fig. 1] shows a synoptic diagram of the overall operation of the automated movement (opening or closing) method of a shutter according to the invention;

[0025] [Fig.2] represents a synoptic diagram of an operation of the process of the invention integrating a first thermal parameterization at a temperature threshold;

[0026] [Fig.3] shows a synoptic diagram of an operation very close to the previous one integrating a variant of thermal parameterization with two temperature thresholds;

[0027] [Fig.4] illustrates a synoptic diagram of the operation of the process adding a time parameter following a user action; and

[0028] [Fig.5] represents a synoptic diagram of a possible operation of the process of the invention incorporating parameterized time delays.

[0029] With reference to [Fig. 1], the method for controlling a shutter according to the present invention is based on a hardware configuration comprising an electric motor for driving the shutter in both directions, opening and closing, powered by at least one solar panel. A processing and control unit, which is in fact the electronic central unit, manages the entire hardware system for the purpose of automating the shutter's movements. To this end, it includes a clock and memory for storing values ​​and parameters, for example, predetermined threshold values ​​to be compared with values ​​measured from sensors, in order to trigger automated actions. In this case, as mentioned above, the motor is "solar-powered," that is, supplied with voltage by at least one solar panel capable of providing energy to the motor.The processing and control unit collects signals from at least one irradiance sensor equipping the solar panel and at least one temperature sensor placed outside the building, as well as limit switch sensors for the shutter, in order to measure the state of the different components of the system and to infer programmed actuations, in particular and mainly relating to the movements of the shutter or to the . Operating parameters update.

[0030] According to [Fig. 1], the closed or open state of the shutter is first checked to determine its initial position, from which automated actions will be initiated. Then, the system, via the processing and control unit, collects the open-circuit voltage Uv of the solar panel, that is, the voltage present between its terminals at the time of measurement. Finally, the processing and control unit measures the irradiance Ir of the solar panel, a measurement provided by the irradiance sensor located on the solar panel(s). The processing of the measurements performed by the processing and control unit can then begin.

[0031] If the limit switches indicate that the shutter is closed / open, if the open-circuit voltage Uv measured across the panel terminals is greater than a predetermined voltage threshold Uo stored in the processing and control unit and if the irradiance measurement Ir measured at the solar panel is greater than a predetermined irradiance threshold Irm also stored in the processing and control unit, the system's processing and control unit commands a movement of the shutter by driving the motor, by a control signal for the automated opening / closing of the shutter.

[0032] In addition to this basic operation, the process can be refined / optimized by managing other parameters, particularly for opening the shutter, for example, in winter. Thus, a measurement of the outside temperature of the building can be taken into account, coupled with time management—and therefore potentially with the presence of day and night, the alternation of which changes according to the season. This is represented in [Fig. 2]. A temperature threshold Tl is defined, below and above which the system does not operate in the same way. If the measured temperature T is lower than a first temperature threshold Tl stored in the processing and control unit, the command signal for the automated opening of the shutter is sent only if an additional time condition is met.In reality, in order for the thermal benefits of daylight to be exploited, the processing and control unit only sends a signal to open the shutter if the time H of the clock of said unit, obviously set to the time zone of the place, is beyond a first predetermined reference time H1 stored in the processing and control unit, and which is in principle chosen according to the time at which dawn occurs.

[0033] As an alternative, two contiguous temperature ranges can be defined, and the operation differentiated according to whether the temperature T is below a first threshold T'1, as above, or above said first temperature threshold T'1 but still below a second temperature threshold T2, therefore within the interval between T'1 and T2. The process flow diagram in this mode is shown in [Fig. 3]. T'1 can also be equal to T1 above; in fact, this is the preferred configuration. In this case, according to the process of the invention, the control signal for opening the damper is sent only if the clock time H is beyond a second predetermined reference time H'1 that has been stored. As with the temperature thresholds T1 and T'1, this second reference time H'1 is preferably identical to the first reference time H1 mentioned previously.

[0034] It is also possible to vary the reference times stored by the system, as illustrated in [Fig. 4]. Thus, still assuming that the temperature is below the first temperature threshold T1, if a user opens the shutter at a time H preceding the reference time H1 stored in the processing and control unit, this may mean that H1 is not correctly calibrated, and that the system should take this into account. In this case, since such an opening occurs earlier than the stored reference time H1, the time H of the earlier actual opening is stored in the processing and control unit and becomes the new reference time H1 for the future. This new value overwrites the old one in a memory of said unit.

[0035] Reference times may be adjusted and reset not only if the shutter is manually opened before the reference time H1 stored by the system, as previously discussed, but also when the user closes the shutter after its automatic opening, i.e., after the aforementioned time H1. In this case, the system interprets time H1 as inappropriate because it was set too early. To maintain reasonable normal operation, however, time delays are implemented to prevent system resets that only occur on very specific days, such as days off. More precisely, several conditions must be met for the system to take this reset into account.

[0036] First, if a shutter is closed by the user after its automated opening, i.e. after the time Hl, it must have been closed before the elapsed of a first predetermined time delay Dtl starting at the reference time Hl.

[0037] Next, a reopening of said shutter must then be triggered by the user at a later time H2 which is included in a second predetermined time interval Dt2 and also starts at the reference time Hl initially memorized for the automated opening of the shutter.

[0038] Finally, the temperature T must be lower than the second temperature threshold T2. When these cumulative conditions are met, the user's opening time H2 becomes the reference time H1 and is stored as the reference time H1 in the processing and control unit. The old time is also overwritten in memory due to the replacement by the new value.

[0039] The configuration examples shown in the figures should not be considered exhaustive of the invention, which includes, for example, marginal variants in the ranges of values.

Claims

Demands

1. A method for controlling a shutter capable of obstructing an opening in a building, said shutter being driven by a motor controlled by means of a processing and control unit, said motor being connected to at least one solar panel supplying the motor with energy, at least one irradiance sensor equipping the solar panel and at least one sensor for the outside temperature of the building also being connected to the processing and control unit, characterized by the following steps: - checking the closed or open state of the shutter; - measuring the open-circuit voltage of the solar panel; - measuring the irradiance of the solar panel;- If the shutter is closed, if the open-circuit voltage Uv of the panel is greater than a predetermined voltage threshold Uop stored in the processing and control unit and if the irradiance Ir is greater than a predetermined irradiance threshold Irm stored in the processing and control unit, a control signal for the automated opening of the shutter is sent to the motor by the processing and control unit.

2. A method for controlling a shutter according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the processing and control unit includes a clock capable of delivering time information.

3. A method for controlling a shutter according to the preceding claim, characterized in that if the temperature T is below a first predetermined temperature threshold Tl stored in the processing and control unit, the control signal for the automated opening of the shutter is sent only if the time H of the clock is beyond a first predetermined reference time H1 stored in the processing and control unit.

4. A method for controlling a shutter according to claim 1, characterized in that if the temperature T is greater than a first predetermined temperature threshold T'1 stored in the processing and control unit and is less than a second predetermined temperature threshold T2 stored in the processing and control unit, the shutter opening control signal is sent only if the time H of the clock is beyond a second predetermined reference time H' 1 stored in the processing and control unit.

5. A method for controlling a shutter according to one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the first temperature thresholds Tl and T'1 are identical, and in that the first reference time H1 and the second reference time H'1 are identical.

6. Method of controlling a shutter according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, when the temperature is below the first temperature threshold Tl, if a user opens the shutter at a time H preceding the reference time H1 stored in the processing and control unit, this time H is stored in the processing and control unit and becomes the new reference time Hl.

7. A method for controlling a shutter according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: - if a shutter is closed by the user after its automated opening and before the elapsed of a first predetermined time interval Dtl stored in the processing and control unit, this first time interval starting at the reference time Hl stored for the automated opening of the shutter, and - if the opening of said shutter is then triggered by the user at a time H2 occurring during a second predetermined time interval Dt2 stored in the processing and control unit and also starting at the reference time Hl stored for the automated opening of the shutter, and - if the temperature T is below the second temperature threshold T2, then the time H2 of the opening by the user becomes the reference time Hl and is stored as the reference time Hl in the processing and control unit.

8. A method for controlling a flap according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the first temperature threshold is between 5°C and 15°C, preferably equal to 12°C.

9. A method for controlling a flap according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the second temperature threshold is between 15°C and 22°C, preferably equal to 18°C.

10. A method for controlling a shutter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the predetermined irradiance threshold Irm is between 5 and 15 W / m2, and preferably equal to 10 W / m2.

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