Standalone device for powering at least one POE device and method for determining an associated order forecast

Abstract

The invention relates to an autonomous power supply device (10) for at least one peripheral connected to a POE switch (11a-11c), comprising: - energy production means (12a-12b); - means for storing the energy produced (13); - peripherals (11a-11c); and- a supervisory body (14);This device is particular in that the supervisory body (14) is configured to:- control a peripheral (11a-11c) towards a usage mode (21) consuming more energy when the charge level of the storage means (13) is higher than the expected charge level or when the consumption of a peripheral (11a-11c) is lower than the expected consumption;- control a peripheral (11a-11c) towards a usage mode (21) consuming less energy when the charge level is lower than the expected charge level or when the consumption of a peripheral (11a-11c) is higher than the expected consumption. Figure for the abstract: Fig 1

Description

Title of the invention: Autonomous device for supplying at least one POE device and method for determining an associated order forecast Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of supplying electrical energy to POE peripherals by an autonomous device, by means of a control forecast.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to the power supply of peripherals connected to an injector or a switch, that is to say a device capable of injecting an electrical voltage into a network cable. This power supply technology is called "POE" (according to the English expression "Power Over Ethernet") in the literature.

[0003] For the purposes of the invention, a “peripheral” may correspond to a lighting means, an electromechanical device such as a camera, a door switch, a temperature or pollution sensor, or any other system which can be connected by a network cable.

[0004] Thus, the invention can be used in a large number of sectors of activity to manage various equipment. Prior art

[0005] Autonomous devices comprise means for producing electrical energy, for example by means of solar panels or wind turbines, and peripherals consuming electrical energy. The objective of these devices is to consume only the energy that they produce by themselves.

[0006] Several types of applications may justify the use of a stand-alone device. The stand-alone device may be used in a location not served by an electrical network, or in which the electrical network is not sufficiently reliable, and therefore the peripherals can only operate stably within the framework of such a device. The stand-alone device may also be mobile, which complicates its connection to an electrical network.

[0007] In other cases, the use of an autonomous device may be justified by the choice not to consume energy from the electricity network, for example because this represents a significant carbon footprint, if for example the network is supplied by coal-fired power stations.

[0008] The disadvantage of autonomous devices is the fact that the methods of producing electrical energy used, for example solar panels or wind turbines, do not allow constant or even predictable production over time. It It is therefore common that such devices do not allow stable operation of the peripherals over time, unless oversized production means are used. Statement of the invention

[0009] The present invention aims to address this technical problem by using a stand-alone device for powering at least one POE device, the device comprising: - at least one means of producing electrical energy; - at least one means of storing the electrical energy produced; - at least one device consuming the electrical energy stored in a storage means; the device comprising several modes of use, the level of consumption of the device depending on the mode of use used; and - a supervisory body capable of controlling said at least one peripheral and integrating a forecast of control of the peripheral over time, said forecast including the expected evolution of the charge level of the storage means and which mode of use of the peripheral must be used over time.

[0010] This device is particular in that it comprises a PoE switch to which said at least one peripheral is connected, said switch integrating a sensor of the actual consumption of said peripheral over time and a sensor of the charge level of the storage means; the supervision unit being configured to: - control at least one peripheral device to a usage mode consuming more energy than the usage mode corresponding to the forecast, if the device is not in a preferred usage mode, when the charge level of the storage means is higher than a threshold value compared to the charge level forecast in the forecast or when the actual consumption of at least one peripheral device is lower than a threshold value compared to the consumption forecast in the forecast; - control at least one peripheral device to a usage mode consuming less energy than the usage mode corresponding to the forecast when the charge level of the storage means is lower than a threshold value compared to the charge level forecast in the forecast or when the actual consumption of at least one peripheral device is higher than a threshold value compared to the consumption forecast in the forecast.

[0011] Thanks to these provisions, the autonomous device, while having an operation guided by a forecast established to allow it to operate the peripherals reliably over time, is capable of adapting its operation, to deviate from the forecast, when the energy actually produced and / or consumed is not in accordance with what was planned. This autonomous device thus has better chances of fulfilling its objective, which is to power, as reliably as possible, one or more devices, only with the energy it produces.

[0012] The forecast may include the expected evolution of the health level of at least one part of the storage means over time, and the PoE switch may include a means for measuring the health of at least one part of said storage means, and the supervision unit may be configured to: - command at least one peripheral to a usage mode consuming more energy than the usage mode corresponding to the forecast, if the device is not in a preferred usage mode, when the health level of the storage means is higher than a threshold value compared to the health level predicted in the forecast; - command at least one peripheral to a usage mode consuming less energy than the usage mode corresponding to the forecast when the health level of the storage medium is lower than a threshold value compared to the health level predicted in the forecast.

[0013] Taking into account the state of health of the batteries makes it possible to adapt the operation of the autonomous device even more precisely compared to the forecast, and therefore increases the reliability with which the peripherals are supplied with energy.

[0014] The present invention also relates to a method for determining a command forecast for an autonomous device according to the invention.

[0015] This method is particular in that it comprises the following steps: - estimation of the quantity of energy produced by said means of production over time, over a period of use, - estimation of the energy consumption of each of said at least one device over time, in each of their modes of use, via said sensor integrated into the POE switch, - in a first scenario of use of the device over said period of use, in which each of said at least one peripherals are used in their preferred mode of use, estimation of the evolution of the charge level of the storage means over time over the period of use taking into account the estimated production and consumption of energy of said device, - if throughout the first scenario the charge level of the storage means does not allow the energy consumption needs of said device to be met, establishing a new scenario in which at least one peripheral is used, for at least part of said period of use, in a mode of use consuming less energy than its preferred mode of use, this step being carried out iteratively until, in a scenario, the load level of the storage means allows the needs to be met in energy consumption of said device, and - establishment of the order forecast according to said scenario.

[0016] Thanks to these provisions, a particularly relevant forecast can be established, the actual consumption of the peripherals being able to be taken into account. This forecast is also optimal, the peripherals operating in such a way as to provide the best possible quality of service while preserving the autonomy of the device.

[0017] The PoE switch may comprise a device for identifying the peripherals, and, during the step of estimating the energy consumption of each of said at least one peripheral over time, at least one of the peripherals may be identified by the PoE switch by comparing its consumed current profile during its initialization phase with known consumed current profiles, which makes this step quick, easy, and reliable.

[0018] The at least one means of production may comprise at least one solar panel and / or one wind turbine, which are modes of energy production particularly suited to the invention, and the step of estimating the quantity of energy produced may take into account the forecasts of sunshine and / or wind over said period at the installation site of said autonomous device. Brief description of the drawings

[0019] The present invention and its advantages will appear better in the following description of several embodiments given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0020] [Fig.l] is a schematic view of a stand-alone device in a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0021] [Fig.2] is a table grouping the preferred usage modes of the peripherals of the device of [Fig.l], over a period of 24 hours,

[0022] [Fig.3] illustrates the first step of the process of determining an order forecast,

[0023] [Fig.4] illustrates the second step of the process for determining an order forecast,

[0024] [Fig.5] illustrates the third step of the process of determining an order forecast,

[0025] [Fig.6] illustrates a first sub-step of the fourth step of the method for determining an order forecast, and

[0026] [Fig.7] illustrates a second sub-step of the fourth step of the method for determining an order forecast. Description of the embodiments

[0027] The autonomous power supply device 10 according to the invention, illustrated in one embodiment preferred embodiment in [Fig.l], comprises at least one means of producing electrical energy 12a-12b. In the remainder of the description, mention may be made of a plurality of production means 12a-12b, without this excluding the case where the device comprises only one production means 12a-12b, the provisions described concerning several production means 12a-12b applying in the same way to a single production means 12a-12b.

[0028] The electrical production means 12a-12b may comprise a wind turbine 12a and / or a solar panel 12b and / or any other electrical production means relevant to the invention.

[0029] The autonomous power supply device 10 also comprises a means for storing the electrical energy produced 13 by the electrical energy production means 12a, 12b. The storage means 13 comprises in particular one or more batteries grouped in a network.

[0030] The autonomous power supply device 10 also comprises at least one peripheral 11a-11c consuming the electrical energy stored in the storage means 13. In the remainder of the description, mention may be made of a plurality of peripherals 11a-11c, without this excluding the case where the device comprises only one peripheral 11a-11c, the arrangements described concerning several peripherals 11a-11c applying in the same way to a single peripheral 11a-11c.

[0031] The peripherals 1 la-1 le can be chosen from the following list: a camera 1 la, a lighting means 11b, a sensor 1 le. This list is not exhaustive, and depending on the applications, a wide variety of peripherals can be used, provided that these peripherals are compatible with PoE technology.

[0032] The peripherals 11a-11e comprise several modes of use 21, in which their average level of consumption over a certain period of time differs. The peripherals 11a-11c, whatever their types, comprise at least two modes of use 21: active and inactive, or on and off. Some peripherals comprise more than two modes of use 21, that is to say they comprise several modes 21 in which they are active, often with a different level of quality of service.

[0033] Examples of modes of use 21 of peripherals 1 la-1 le are illustrated in [Fig.4],

[0034] The camera 11a has three active modes 1 to 3, in addition to its passive mode 0 not shown. For each active mode, the definition of the captured images differs, and the level of consumption increases with the definition: - in mode 1, the definition is 640*480 pixels, and the consumption is 2 W, - in mode 2, the definition is 1280*780 pixels, and the consumption is 5 W, - in mode 3, the definition is 3480*2160 pixels, and the consumption is 10 W.

[0035] The lighting means 11b has two active modes 1 to 3, in addition to its mode passive 0 not shown. For each active mode, the light intensity differs, and the consumption level increases with the intensity: - in mode 1, the intensity is 1000 lumens, and the consumption is 10 W, - in mode 2, the definition is 2500 lumens, and the consumption is 20 W.

[0036] The sensor 11 has three active modes 1 to 3, in addition to its passive mode 0 not shown. For each active mode, the frequency of transmission of the measurements differs, and the level of consumption increases with the frequency: - in mode 1, the frequency is one transmission per hour, and the consumption is 2 W, - in mode 2, the frequency is six transmissions per hour, and the consumption is 6 W, - in mode 3, the frequency is 60 transmissions per hour, and the consumption is 60 W.

[0037] These examples of course only have an illustrative function, and other modes of use 21 in which other factors vary can be defined for these peripherals 11 a-11c.

[0038] It should be noted that the peripherals 11a-11e each have a preferred mode of use 21a. In relation to the example of [Fig.4], [Fig.2] illustrates the preferred modes of use 21a of the peripherals 11a-11e over time over a 24-hour day. The preferred modes 21a of the camera 11a and the sensor 11e are respectively mode 2, with an intermediate definition, and mode 2, with an intermediate measurement transmission frequency. The preferred mode of use 21a may vary over time. For example, in the case of the lighting means 11b, the preferred mode of use 21a may be maximum intensity lighting in the evening, intermediate intensity lighting at night, and no lighting during the day.

[0039] In order to ensure reliable operation of the autonomous device, the latter comprises a supervision member 14 integrating a control forecast of the peripherals 1 la-1 le over time. This control forecast includes in particular the mode of use of each peripheral which must be used over time. The commands are for example hourly, that is to say that the mode of use is defined for each hour. The forecast concerns a period of time, for example a year. Thus, for each day and each hour, the modes of use to be used for each peripheral 1 la-1 le are defined in the forecast. Depending on the data of this forecast, the supervision member 14 therefore controls each peripheral 1 la-1 le so that they are used in the intended mode of use.

[0040] The forecast also includes the expected evolution of the load level of the storage means 13.

[0041] The peripherals 1 la-1 le are connected to a PoE switch 15. This connection not only allows the electrical power supply of the peripheral 1 la-1 le, but also the transmission of commands from the supervisory unit 14, and possibly other data, such as for example a video stream in the case of a camera, or measurements in the case of a sensor. These commands therefore pass through the switch 15, the supervisory unit being able to be integrated into the switch 15 or connected to the switch 15.

[0042] The switch 15 comprises a sensor for the actual electrical energy consumption of the peripherals 1 la-1 le. To obtain this information, the switch 15 can rely on the energy that it has actually sent to each of the peripherals, since the peripherals are supplied with energy via the switch 15.

[0043] The switch 15 also includes a sensor for the charge level of the storage means 13. To obtain this information, the switch 15 can be based on the information sent back by the control system of the storage means 13 (or BMS, for the English expression “Battery Management System”).

[0044] Thanks to all this information that it has available, the supervisory body 14 is able to compare, to a certain extent, the application of the forecast over time.

[0045] In particular, since the forecast can only be based on estimates of the charge level of the storage means 13 and of the consumption of the peripherals 1 la-1 le, the supervisory unit 14 is configured to compare these estimates with the actual data measured by its sensors. Depending on this comparison, the supervisory unit is configured to, if necessary, control the peripherals 1 la-1 le in a manner that no longer corresponds to the forecast.

[0046] Thus, if it turns out that a peripheral 1 la-1 le consumes less energy than what was expected in the mode of use corresponding to the forecast, the difference reaching a threshold value, or that the charge level of the storage means 13 is higher than what was expected in the forecast, the difference reaching a threshold value, for example because the production was greater than expected, the supervision unit 14 commands at least one peripheral 1 la-1 le which is not already used in its preferred mode 21a to a mode of use 21 consuming more energy than the mode of use 21 corresponding to the forecast. The peripheral 1 la-1 le commanded to a more consuming mode of use 21 is not necessarily the same as the peripheral 1 la-1 le consuming less energy than expected.In fact, when an overall consumption of the autonomous device lower than the forecast is detected, this surplus energy will be redirected to a priority device. A list of priorities is thus defined in advance. For example, if a . If the lia camera consumes less energy than expected, it can be established in advance that the energy thus made available must be sent as a priority to the lighting means 11b, so that it provides a higher light intensity. The priority list is of course to be adapted according to the applications.

[0047] Conversely, if it turns out that a peripheral 1 la-1 le consumes more energy than what was expected in the mode of use corresponding to the forecast, the difference reaching a threshold value, or that the charge level of the storage means 13 is lower than what was expected in the forecast, the difference reaching a threshold value, for example because the production was lower than expected, the supervision unit 14 commands at least one peripheral 1 la-1 le to a mode of use 21 consuming less energy than the mode of use 21 corresponding to the forecast. The peripheral 1 la-1 le commanded to a less consuming mode of use 21 is not necessarily the same as the peripheral 1 la-1 le consuming less energy than expected, and the list of priorities mentioned above must be used.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the forecast comprises an expected evolution of the health level of at least one part of the storage means 13, that is to say of at least one of the batteries of the storage means 13. The PoE switch then comprises a means for measuring the health of at least one part of the storage means 13.

[0049] To know the state of health of an electrical energy storage source, it is known to determine the ratio between the remaining capacity, noted Cr, of the electrical energy storage source and its initial capacity, noted Ci.

[0050] The state of health is noted SOH in the literature (according to the Anglo-Saxon expression “State of Health”). It is expressed as a percentage, and defined by the following relationship:

[0051] SOH = Cr / Ci

[0052] Such a measuring means is described in particular in the applicant's publication EP3438685, and may in particular be based on the information sent by the BMS of the storage means 13.

[0053] If the evolution measured by the health level measuring means is not in accordance with the forecast, the difference reaching a threshold value, the supervisory body commands at least one peripheral 1 la-1 le to a different mode of use. If the health level is higher than expected, the command concerns a high priority peripheral and its transition to a mode of use consuming more energy. If the health level is lower than expected, the command concerns a low priority peripheral and its transition to a mode of use consuming less energy.

[0054] The order forecast used in the device according to the invention can be determined according to a multi-step method.

[0055] In a first step 30, the amount of energy produced by the production means 12a - 12b over time is estimated over a certain period of use. This estimation differs according to the type of production means 12a - 12b. In the case of a solar panel, the estimation takes into account, for example, the position of the sun relative to the panel throughout the day, and according to the days, throughout the year. In the case of a wind turbine, the estimation can take into account long-term weather forecasts. The [Fig.3] thus illustrates, for example, the expected production of a solar panel throughout a 24-hour day.

[0056] In a second step 31, the energy consumed by each peripheral 1 la-1 le, in each of its modes of use 21, is estimated. This estimation can be done via the sensor integrated into the switch 15. To do this, the supervisory unit 14 can control the peripherals 1 la-1 le in test cycles, during which they are used for a certain period of time in each of their modes of use 21. Alternatively, for at least some peripherals 1 la-1 le, this estimation can be done directly when connecting the peripherals 1 la-1 le to the switch 15 using a method for identifying the peripheral described for example in the document EP3550461. According to this method, the evolution of the current consumed by the peripheral during its initialization phase is observed, immediately after its connection, and is compared with a database.If the device is referenced in this database, it is identified and it is possible to retrieve its expected consumption level according to its usage patterns 21. Based on this data, its consumption over time is estimated.

[0057] At the end of the second step 31, the consumption information can be grouped in tables as illustrated in [Fig.4].

[0058] Then, the forecast is determined by testing different scenarios.

[0059] In a third step 32, a first scenario is constituted for which all the peripherals 11a-11e are used in their preferred usage mode 21a. Taking into account the results of the first two steps 30 and 31, the charge level of the storage means 13 is estimated over time.

[0060] It is then possible to determine whether, in this first scenario and according to the estimations made, the energy requirements of the peripherals 1 la-1 le will be able to be covered by the energy available in the storage means 13. If this is not the case, a fourth step 33 is implemented.

[0061] In the fourth step 33, a new scenario is formed on the basis of the first scenario. In this new scenario, at least one peripheral 1 la-1 le is used, for at least part of the period of use, in a mode of use 21 consuming less energy than its preferred mode of use 21a. As described above, this 1 la-1 le device is chosen based on a priority list, and it is first the lower priority 1 la-1 le devices which will be affected by non-preferential use.

[0062] The fourth step 33 can be repeated if necessary, a certain number of times, iteratively, until arriving at a scenario for which, according to the estimations made, the energy needs of the peripherals 1 la-1 le will be able to be covered by the energy available in the storage means 13. It is then this scenario which will be chosen as being the order forecast.

[0063] An example of determining the forecast in several stages is detailed in [Fig.5] to 7. In these tables, similar to the table in [Fig.2], a column is added on the right to show the estimated charge level of the storage means 13 at the end of the slot, and the hatched boxes correspond to time slots for which the device will not be able to provide the peripherals 1 la-1 le with the energy necessary for them to operate in the desired usage mode 21.

[0064] The table illustrated in [Fig.5] shows the first scenario, in which the peripherals are used in their preferred mode. It can be observed that at 9 am, the charge level is 0%. From there, the charge level of the storage means 13 no longer rises sufficiently compared to the energy demands of the peripherals 1 la-1 le.

[0065] A new scenario is thus established in a first sub-step of the fourth step 33, illustrated in [Fig.6]. The operating mode of the sensor 1 le, which is a non-priority peripheral, has been changed to a less energy-consuming operating mode. The charge level of the storage means 13 drops less quickly, which allows the autonomous device to be powered almost until the end of the day. However, it cannot power the peripherals after 21h, and moreover it will probably not be able to operate the next day. It is necessary to establish a third scenario.

[0066] The third scenario is therefore established in a second sub-step of the fourth step 33, illustrated in [Fig.7]. Compared to the previous scenario, the operating mode of the camera 11a has been modified to an operating mode consuming less energy. The operating mode of the lighting means has not been modified, the lighting means 11b being a priority peripheral. This time, it is observed that the peripherals 11a-11e can be powered by the storage means 13 and could be made available throughout the day. This scenario is therefore retained for the order forecast.

[0067] The present invention is of course not limited to the embodiments described but extends to any modification and variant obvious to a person skilled in the art within the limits of the appended claims. In addition, the characteristics techniques of the different embodiments and variants mentioned above may be, in whole or in part, combined with each other.

Claims

Claims

1. Autonomous power supply device (10) for at least one POE device (lla-llc), the device comprising: - at least one means of producing electrical energy (12a-12b); - at least one means of storing the electrical energy produced (13); - at least one peripheral (lla-llc) consuming the electrical energy stored in a storage means (13); the peripheral comprising several modes of use (21), the level of consumption (22) of the peripheral (lla-llc) depending on the mode of use (21) used; and - a supervisory body (14) capable of controlling said at least one peripheral (1 la-1 le) and integrating a control forecast of the peripheral over time, said forecast comprising the expected evolution of the charge level of the storage means (13) and which mode of use (21) of the peripheral (lla-llc) must be used over time; characterized in that said device comprises a PoE switch (15) to which the at least one peripheral (lla-llc) is connected, said switch (15) integrating a sensor of the actual consumption of said peripheral (lla-llc) over time and a sensor of the charge level of the storage means (13); the supervision unit (14) being configured to: - controlling at least one peripheral (lla-llc) to a usage mode (21) consuming more energy than the usage mode (21) corresponding to the forecast, if the device is not in a preferred usage mode (21a), when the charge level of the storage means (13) is higher than a threshold value compared to the charge level predicted in the forecast or when the actual consumption of at least one peripheral (1 la-1 le) is lower than a threshold value compared to the consumption predicted in the forecast; - controlling at least one peripheral (lla-llc) to a mode of use (21) consuming less energy than the mode of use (21) corresponding to the forecast when the charge level of the storage means (13) is lower than a threshold value compared to the charge level predicted in the forecast or when the actual consumption of at least one peripheral (1 la-1 le) is higher than a threshold value compared to the consumption predicted in the forecast.

2. Method for determining a control forecast according to claim 1, in which the forecast comprises the expected evolution of the health level of at least one part of the storage means (13) over time, and the PoE switch comprises a means for measuring the health of at least one part of said storage means, and the supervision unit is configured to: - controlling at least one peripheral device to a usage mode (21) consuming more energy than the usage mode (21) corresponding to the forecast, if the device is not in a preferential usage mode (21a), when the health level of the storage means is greater than a threshold value compared to the health level expected in the forecast; - controlling at least one peripheral to a usage mode (21) consuming less energy than the usage mode (21) corresponding to the forecast when the health level of the storage means is lower than a threshold value compared to the health level predicted in the forecast.

3. Method for determining a command forecast for an autonomous device according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that said method comprises the following steps: - estimation of the quantity of energy produced by said means of production (12a-12b) over time, over a period of use (30), - estimation of the energy consumption of each of said at least one peripheral (1la-1le) over time, in each of their modes of use (21), by means of said sensor integrated into the POE switch (31), - in a first scenario of use of the device over said period of use, in which each of said at least one peripheral (1 la-1 le) are used in their preferred mode of use (21a), estimation of the evolution of the charge level of the storage means (13) over time over the period of use taking into account the estimated production and consumption of energy of said device (32), - if throughout the first scenario the charge level of the storage means (13) does not allow the energy consumption needs of said device to be met, establishing a new scenario in which at least one peripheral (1 la-1 le) is used, for at least part of said period of use, in a mode of use (21) consuming less energy than its preferred mode of use (21a), this step being carried out iteratively until, in a scenario, the charge level of the storage means (13) makes it possible to meet the energy consumption needs of said device, and - establishment of the order forecast according to said scenario.

4. Method for determining a control forecast according to claim 3, in which the PoE switch (15) comprises a device for identifying the peripherals (lla-llc), and during the step of estimating the energy consumption of each of said at least one peripheral (lla-llc) over time, at least one of the peripherals (1 la-1 le) is identified by the PoE switch (15) by comparing its consumed current profile during its initialization phase with known consumed current profiles.

5. Method for determining an order forecast according to one of claims 3 to 4, in which the at least one production means (12a-12b) comprises at least one solar panel (12b) and / or one wind turbine (12a), and the step of estimating the quantity of energy produced takes into account the forecasts of sunshine and / or wind over said period at the installation site of said autonomous device.

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