Method for managing a home automation system that determines seasonal information using a solar sensor

Abstract

A method (200) for managing a home automation system (100) comprising a sunshade (3), a control unit (102) for the position of the sunshade (3), and a solar sensor, the method comprising: A measurement step (EMes) of information related to solar radiation (R) over a first period of time; A control step (EPilo) of the position of the sunshade (3) over a control time period, subsequent to the first period of time, based on seasonal information (S) related to the control time period; Characterized in that the method (200) comprises a determination step (EDet) of seasonal information (S) related to the control time period, which is determined based on information related to solar radiation (R) measured over the first period of time. Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Method for managing a home automation system that determines seasonal information using a solar sensor technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of home automation systems and more particularly to a method for managing a home automation system and a terminal for a home automation system. Prior art

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

[0003] Controlling solar shading refers to a change in the position of the solar shading over time between an extended or unfurled position, in which it blocks at least part of the solar radiation, and a retracted or rolled-up position, in which it blocks a lesser portion of the solar radiation. In other words, controlling solar shading corresponds to a command to open or close the solar shading. By interacting directly with the outside, this shading has a direct and significant impact on thermal and visual comfort inside the building. Consequently, energy consumption related to heating and air conditioning is directly dependent on it.

[0004] Manual control or management is not optimal from an energy perspective because it is difficult for a building occupant to know exactly what the ideal position of the sunshade is at any given time, and when to open or close it. Furthermore, when the building is unoccupied or when occupants are asleep, movement is impossible, unlike with automatic control, which continuously adjusts the positioning of the shades. Therefore, it is important to be able to manage the automatic control system optimally.

[0005] The control of solar shading systems depends in particular on the season, in that one may want to prioritize solar gain, for example in winter for use in the Northern Hemisphere, or conversely, to minimize it, for example in summer for use in the Northern Hemisphere. Thus, an effective automatic control system must take into account information concerning the current season.

[0006] There are sun protection devices equipped with at least one autonomous operating mode, that is to say, an operating mode in which no information concerning a current date or a current season is transmitted to the sun protection device by an environment external to said sun protection device. This is also referred to as an "unconnected" operating mode.

[0007] Some of these solar protection devices include at least one solar sensor. A solar sensor is a sensor that processes information related to solar radiation, such as: - a light illuminance sensor that measures a brightness level of a visible spectrum; - an energy illuminance sensor, also called an irradiance sensor, which measures an instantaneous power level of light radiation; - a photovoltaic panel allowing the determination of an open-circuit voltage of an electrically isolated photovoltaic generator, a short-circuit current of the electrically isolated photovoltaic generator, a charging current of a battery powered by the photovoltaic generator.

[0008] A photovoltaic panel includes a photovoltaic generator designed to receive solar irradiation and to supply electrical energy to a battery under the effect of this solar irradiation. The battery is therefore supplied with electrical energy by the photovoltaic generator.

[0009] A known solution, described in patent document EP2636119, exists in which a solar shading device is controlled based on a measured open-circuit voltage or short-circuit current of a photovoltaic generator. More specifically, the open-circuit voltage or short-circuit current also makes it possible to detect sunrise (also called dawn) and sunset (also called dusk), and thus provide twilight control of the solar shading device. The control can be adapted according to the day of the week and / or the season.

[0010] However, the above solution only takes the season into account as a known input. It does not allow the season to be taken into account in an autonomous operating mode of the solar protection.

[0011] There is therefore a need for control in an autonomous operating mode of a solar protection which is efficient, robust and optimized all year round in a manner adapted to the building concerned, whatever the external climatic and thermal conditions. Description of the invention

[0012] One embodiment relates to a method for managing a home automation system in a building comprising at least one motorized sunshade, a unit for managing the position taken by the sunshade over time, and at least one solar sensor, the method being implemented by the management unit and comprising: - A measurement step in which at least one solar sensor measures at least one piece of information related to solar radiation over a first period of time; - A piloting step in which at least one position taken by at least one sun protection over a piloting time period, subsequent to the first time period, is piloted by the management unit based on at least one seasonal information relating to the piloting time period;

[0013] Characterized in that the method includes a determination step in which at least one piece of seasonal information relating to the piloting time period is determined as a function of at least one piece of information related to solar radiation measured over the first time period.

[0014] The solar sensor is a sensor that processes information related to solar radiation, such as: - a light illumination sensor, also called an illuminance sensor, which measures a level of brightness (of a visible spectrum, measured in Lux); - an energy illuminance sensor, also called an irradiance sensor, which measures an instantaneous power level of light radiation (in Watts per square meter); - a photovoltaic panel allowing the determination of an open-circuit voltage (in Volts) of an electrically isolated photovoltaic generator, a short-circuit current of the electrically isolated photovoltaic generator (in Amperes), a charging current (in Amperes) of a battery powered by the photovoltaic generator.

[0015] A photovoltaic panel includes a photovoltaic generator designed to receive solar irradiation and to supply electrical energy to a battery under the effect of this solar irradiation. The battery is therefore supplied with electrical energy by the photovoltaic generator.

[0016] The first period of time, and more generally each period of time, comprises a plurality of successive instants.

[0017] The measurement step allows data to be collected concerning solar radiation directly or its influence on another quantity which depends at least in part on solar radiation.

[0018] The purpose of the control step is to control, that is, to modify the position of, the sun protection during a control time period. This control time period is subsequent to the first time period. Preferably, the control time period is the same duration as the first time period, for example, 24 hours. The control period does not necessarily have to be consecutive to the first time period, particularly if a calibration step is implemented.

[0019] The control system is operated based on seasonal information relevant to the control period. This seasonal information corresponds to a data point, for example, "SUMMER," "WINTER," or "MID-SEASON," which allows for the modification of parameters of a control mode implemented by the control step. In the example above, the management unit implements at least three different control modes. Of course, the control modes can also be modified based on other parameters such as indoor or outdoor temperature.

[0020] The seasonal information for the piloting time period is determined during the determination step based on at least one piece of information related to solar radiation measured during the first time period. There is therefore a lag between the measurement taken and the use of the seasonal information deduced from the measurement.

[0021] Thus, the method according to the invention makes it possible to adapt the control mode implemented according to the season without requiring this seasonal information from an element external to the home automation system. Based solely on information related to solar radiation, the method can determine the season. The control mode can therefore be relevant throughout the year, even in autonomous or disconnected mode.

[0022] According to one embodiment, at least one position taken by at least one solar protection during the piloting time period is controlled by the management unit based on at least one piece of information related to solar radiation relative to the piloting time period.

[0023] Furthermore, it is common for solar protection to include a solar panel corresponding to a solar sensor. Therefore, in this case, the invention does not require an additional sensor.

[0024] The object of this presentation may also have one or more of the following characteristics taken alone or in combination.

[0025] In some embodiments, the determination step includes:

[0026] - a first phase in which a located instant is defined as an instant of day depending on the result of a comparison of at least one related piece of information to solar radiation currently identified with a daytime criterion, the identified moment being part of the first period of time;

[0027] - a second phase in which at least one piece of seasonal information for The piloting time period is determined based on the result of a comparison of an integral of daytime moments over the first time period with a seasonal criterion.

[0028] During the first phase, the solar radiation information for each identified instant in the first time period is compared to the daytime criterion. If the daytime criterion is met, the identified instant is defined as a daytime instant. In other words, each instant in the first time period is classified as a "daytime instant" based on the comparison result. For example, if the solar irradiance of the identified instant is greater than 5 W / m², the identified instant is defined as a daytime instant.

[0029] During the second phase, the integral of daytime moments over the first time period is performed. In other words, the process calculates the duration for which the daytime criterion was met during the first time period. This duration is then compared to the season criterion in order to determine the seasonal information.

[0030] For example, for metropolitan France, if the integral of daylight hours over the first time period, considering that the first time period is 24 hours, is: - less than 100, the season criterion is defined as "WINTER"; - greater than 12 hours, the season criterion is defined as "SUMMER"; - between 10am and 12pm, the seasonal criterion is defined as "MI- SEASON ".

[0031] Thus, the determination of seasonal information is carried out simply.

[0032] In certain embodiments, the method includes an estimation step in which a spotted instant is defined as a dawn instant based on the result of a comparison of at least one dawn quantity, determined based on at least one piece of information related to solar radiation for the spotted instant, with a dawn criterion, and the spotted instant is defined as a twilight instant based on the result of a comparison of at least one twilight quantity, determined based on at least one piece of information related to solar radiation for the spotted instant, with a twilight criterion, the spotted instant being part of the first time period.

[0033] During the first period of time, two moments are particularly noteworthy: dawn and dusk. Dawn corresponds to the moment when sunlight begins to increase, while dusk corresponds to the moment when sunlight decreases. These two moments are more precisely defined by the dawn criterion and the dusk criterion. The moments of the first period of time between the moment of dawn and the moment of dusk are moments when it is daytime, while the moments of the first period of time between the moment of dusk and the moment of dawn are moments when it is nighttime.

[0034] In some embodiments, the estimation step includes: - A first phase of dawn calculation in which a first dawn quantity, corresponding to a derivative of at least one piece of information related to solar radiation with respect to the time between the instant identified and the instant identified increased by a first value of dawn time, is calculated; - A second dawn calculation phase in which a second dawn quantity, corresponding to a minimum of at least one piece of information related to solar radiation in an interval between the spotted instant and the spotted instant increased by the first dawn time value, is calculated; - A dawn estimation phase in which the identified instant is defined as the dawn instant when at least the first dawn quantity is positive and the second dawn quantity is greater than a first value of solar dawn radiation.

[0035] The detection of the dawn time can be determined by implementing the first phase of dawn calculation, the second phase of dawn calculation and the phase of dawn estimation.

[0036] Dawn is a time when the information related to solar radiation is constantly increasing after a period of constancy. Thus, to be chosen as the dawn instant, the first dawn quantity calculated as a function of the identified instant must, during the first value of dawn time, for example 2h, after said identified instant, be positive, and the second dawn quantity calculated as a function of the identified instant must, during the interval corresponding to the first value of dawn time after said identified instant, be greater than the first value of solar radiation at dawn.

[0037] In some embodiments, the estimation step includes: - A third dawn calculation phase in which a third dawn quantity, corresponding to a derivative of at least one piece of information related to solar radiation with respect to the time between the identified instant minus a second dawn time value and the identified instant, is calculated; - A fourth dawn calculation phase, in which a fourth dawn quantity, corresponding to a median of at least one piece of information related to solar radiation in an interval between the identified instant minus a third dawn time value and the identified instant, is calculated; - The dawn estimation phase defines the identified moment as the dawn moment when at least the third dawn quantity is positive or zero, and that the fourth dawn magnitude is less than or equal to a second value of solar dawn radiation.

[0038] To ensure that the identified time is the dawn time corresponding to a moment of low illumination to a moment of high illumination, the third dawn quantity calculated as a function of the identified time must, during the second value of dawn time, for example 2h, before the identified time, be positive or zero, and the fourth dawn quantity calculated as a function of the identified time must, during the interval corresponding to the third value of dawn time, for example 2h, after the identified time, be less than or equal to a second value of solar dawn radiation.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the first value of solar dawn radiation is equal to the second value of solar dawn radiation.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the first value of solar dawn radiation and / or the second value of solar dawn radiation is less than 10W / m2, for example 7W / m2, preferably 5W / m2.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the first dawn time value, the second dawn time value and the third dawn time value are equal.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the first dawn time value, and / or the second dawn time value and / or the third dawn time value is less than 3h, for example 2.5h, preferably 2h.

[0043] In some embodiments, the estimation step includes: - A first phase of twilight calculation in which a first twilight quantity, corresponding to a derivative of at least one piece of information related to solar radiation with respect to the time between the instant spotted and the instant spotted augmented by a first twilight time value, is calculated; - A second twilight calculation phase in which a second twilight quantity, corresponding to a maximum of at least one piece of information related to solar radiation in an interval between the spotted instant and the spotted instant increased by the first twilight time value, is calculated; - A twilight estimation phase in which the identified instant is defined as the twilight instant when at least the first twilight quantity is negative and the second twilight quantity is less than a first value of solar twilight radiation.

[0044] The detection of the twilight time can be determined by implementing the first twilight calculation phase, the second twilight calculation phase and the twilight estimation phase.

[0045] Twilight is a time from which and during the first twilight time value, all values ​​of information related to solar radiation remain below a first twilight solar radiation value, and the first twilight quantity calculated as a function of the spotted instant must, during the first twilight time value, for example 2h, after said spotted instant, be negative.

[0046] In some embodiments, the estimation step includes: - A third phase of twilight calculation in which a third twilight quantity, corresponding to a derivative of at least one piece of information related to solar radiation with respect to time between the identified instant minus a second twilight time value and the identified instant, is calculated; - A fourth phase of twilight calculation, in which a fourth twilight quantity, corresponding to a median of at least one piece of information related to solar radiation in an interval between the identified instant minus a third twilight time value and the identified instant, is calculated; - The twilight estimation phase defines the identified instant as the twilight instant when at least the third twilight quantity is negative or zero, and the fourth twilight quantity is greater than a second value of solar twilight radiation.

[0047] To ensure that the twilight moment corresponds to a time when there is a transition from a "daylight" moment to a moment of low illumination, the values ​​of the information related to solar radiation before the twilight moment are taken into account. More precisely, the fourth twilight quantity must be greater than the second value of solar twilight radiation, and the third twilight quantity must be negative or zero. These various conditions on the twilight quantities require selecting a moment corresponding to a constant decrease in the illumination value.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the first value of solar twilight radiation is equal to the second value of solar twilight radiation.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the first value of solar twilight radiation and / or the second value of solar twilight radiation is less than 10W / m2, for example 7W / m2, preferably 5W / m2.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the first twilight time value, the second twilight time value and the third twilight time value are equal.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the first twilight time value, and / or the second twilight time value and / or the third twilight time value is less than 3h, for example 2.5h, preferably 2h.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the derivative of at least one piece of information related to solar radiation with respect to time can be approximated by calculating an average rate of change, between the identified instant and the first dawn time value, of the values ​​of the information related to solar radiation.

[0053] In some embodiments, the determination step determines at least one seasonal information relating to the piloting time period as a function of the time of dawn and the time of dusk.

[0054] Knowing the times of dawn and dusk allows us to calculate the length of daylight between dusk and dawn. This length of daylight makes it possible to determine the seasonal information based on at least one latitude for implementing the process. For example, for a process implemented in metropolitan France, a latitude of 45° can be taken into account.

[0055] According to one embodiment, at least one piece of seasonal information is determined based on a comparison of a day length with a day length criterion.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the day length criterion depends on the latitude of implementation of the process.

[0057] In certain embodiments, a calibration step in which the dawn time, and / or respectively the dusk time, is defined as the validated dawn time, and / or respectively the validated dusk time, based on a comparison between the dawn time, and / or respectively the dusk time, determined for the piloting time period and the dawn time, and / or respectively the dusk time, determined for a previous validation time period with a variation criterion, the determination step determining at least one seasonal information relating to the piloting time period based on the validated dawn time, and / or respectively the validated dusk time.

[0058] The calibration step aims to make the estimated dawn time and dusk time more reliable by comparing the difference between the estimated dawn time and dusk time with the previous estimated dawn time and dusk time over the earlier validation time period.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the prior validation time period is less than 168h, for example 144h, preferably 120h.

[0060] The calibration step also allows for reliable initialization of the dawn time and the dusk time.

[0061] The reliability of the estimated dawn and dusk times is guaranteed by the repeatability over the previous validation time period of the latter.

[0062] The estimated dawn times and dusk times are reliable if the variation of the estimated dawn times and dusk times over the previous validation time period is very small.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the variation criterion is less than 30 minutes, for example 15 minutes, preferably 10 minutes.

[0064] One embodiment relates to a terminal of a home automation installation implementing a method according to any one of the preceding claims. Brief description of the drawings

[0065] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to one or more embodiments according to the present invention, given by way of non-limiting examples and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0066] [Fig. 1] is a schematic representation of a building comprising a home automation installation implementing a process according to the invention;

[0067] [Fig.2] is a schematic cross-section of a solar protection system for the home automation installation of [Fig.1],

[0068] [Fig.3] is a schematic perspective view of the solar protection illustrated in [Fig.2],

[0069] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of a process according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0070] [Fig.5] is a graph illustrating measurements of solar radiation information R, an integral of daytime moments DJ over a first period of time and seasonal information S for a period between May 5, 2021 and May 10, 2021;

[0071] [Fig.6] is a graph illustrating the measurements of solar radiation information R, the integral of daytime instants DJ over the first time period and the season information S for a period between June 18, 2021 and June 22, 2021;

[0072] [Fig.7] is a graph illustrating the measurements of solar radiation information R, the integral of daytime instants DJ over the first time period and the season information S for a period between October 30, 2021 and November 22, 2021;

[0073] [Fig.8] is a graph illustrating the measurements of solar radiation information R, the integral of daytime instants DJ over the first time period and the season information S for a period between December 28, 2021 and January 10, 2022. Description of the implementation methods

[0074] Only the elements necessary for understanding the invention have been shown. To facilitate reading the drawings, the same elements bear the same reference numerals from one figure to another.

[0075] The solution proposed here relates to an automatic management of the position of a sun protection over time, allowing action on the thermal comfort of an area of ​​a building.

[0076] As illustrated in [Fig.1], a building 1 includes a home automation system 100 comprising a motorized sunshade 3. The home automation system 100 includes a management unit 102 of a position taken by the sunshade 3 over time.

[0077] The installation includes, for example, at least one measuring device 104 for the internal temperature T of the building, in particular of a room in the building 1 associated with the solar protection 3, i.e. in a room in the building 1 comprising at least one opening 108 which may be masked or not or partially by the solar protection 3. The measuring device 104 also includes a memory in which internal temperature data T can be stored at substantially regular intervals over a predefined period, for example over 24 hours.

[0078] Other parameters associated with the indoor comfort of building 1 can also be measured, including a degree of brightness, a degree of humidity or a composite quantity defined as a function of the quantities mentioned above, or a prediction of these parameters.

[0079] According to the embodiment presented, the installation 100 includes an active device 106 for supplying heat input to the interior of the building 1, such as, for example, heating, air conditioning, or a reversible heat pump. In one operating mode of the installation 100, the active device is separate from the control unit 102. In an alternative operating mode, the control unit and the active device share a number of components; for example, the indoor temperature measurement device may be common to both the active device and the control unit.

[0080] The solar protection 3 is installed on the exterior or interior of the building, in particular near an opening 108 of the building. An opening 108 is, for example, a window, a French window, or a glazed door. The solar protection is advantageously an interior or exterior blind made of fabric or equipped with adjustable slats. However, the present invention applies to all types of solar protection.

[0081] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the sunshade 3 comprises a fabric 2 fixed at one end to a winding tube 4, disposed inside a housing 9 and driven by an electromechanical actuator 5, and at the other end to a weighted bar 8. The sun protection 3, and more specifically the fabric 2, is movable between a rolled-up or folded position, particularly high, in which the fabric 2 uncovers the opening 108 at the level of which the sun protection is positioned, and an unrolled or deployed position, particularly low, in which the fabric 2 covers the opening and thus at least partially blocks solar radiation through the opening 108. The deployment of the fabric 2 can be guided by tracks 6.

[0082] In a known manner, the electromechanical actuator 5 is fixed on a supporting structure 9 linked to the building 1 and inserted into the winding tube 4 to drive the latter in rotation so as to unwind or wind the canvas 2.

[0083] In the case of a slatted sunshade, the individual slats of the shade are preferably suspended via cords intended to be wound around or unwound from the winding tube so as to fold or unfold the screen.

[0084] The electromechanical actuator 5 is controlled by a local control unit 12 which may be equipped with an antenna 12a. The local control unit 12 takes the form of a wall switch, or a remote control.

[0085] The installation 100 may also include a central control unit 13, which may be equipped with an antenna 13a, acting as a gateway between the installation 100 and an external Internet network. The management unit 102 may be a local control unit 12 or a central control unit 13. In one embodiment, the installation 100 is not connected to the Internet network.

[0086] The electromechanical actuator 5 is configured to execute movement commands, including deployment or retraction, of the sunshades 3, the commands being able to be issued, in particular, by the local control unit 12 or the central control unit 13, which are part of the installation 100.

[0087] The electromechanical actuator 5 includes an electric motor 10 and an electronic control unit 15 capable of starting the electric motor 10 of the electromechanical actuator 5, and, in particular, enabling the supply of electrical energy to the electric motor 10.

[0088] The electronic control unit 15 includes a communication module, in particular for receiving control orders, the control orders being issued by the local control unit 12 or the central control unit 13, for example by means of radio control orders.

[0089] A remote control 14, which may be a type of local control unit, and which is provided with a control keypad, which includes means for selection and possibly for display, further allows a user to intervene on the electromechanical actuator 5 and / or the local control unit 12 and / or central control unit 13.

[0090] Installation 100 may also include a weather station, not shown, located outside the building, including, in particular, one or more sensors that can be configured to determine, for example, an outside temperature, brightness or wind speed.

[0091] The electromechanical actuator 5 may include a connection to a mains power source or may include a self-contained electrical power supply device, such as a photovoltaic panel and / or an electrical energy storage device. A photovoltaic panel includes a photovoltaic generator designed to receive solar irradiation and to supply electrical energy to a battery under the effect of this solar irradiation. The battery is thus supplied with electrical energy by the photovoltaic generator.

[0092] The installation 100, in particular the management unit 102, and the electromechanical actuator 5 comprise all the hardware and / or software means for implementing the management process that is the subject of the invention.

[0093] The management unit 102 includes a processing unit arranged to contain and execute a computer program product comprising program code portions for executing the steps of a home automation installation management process 100 according to the invention.

[0094] In particular, the control unit 102 is capable of automatically managing the positioning of the sunshade 3 according to a pre-selected control mode. The automatic management of the sunshade 3 includes, in particular, commands to deploy, i.e., open, or retract, i.e., close, the sunshade, transmitted from the control unit 102 to the electromechanical actuator 5 in accordance with the selected control mode.

[0095] The management unit 102 includes a memory in which the control mode to be implemented and a set of programs associated with different control modes can be stored, as well as an autonomous or unconnected operating mode.

[0096] The control unit 102 is also arranged, for example, to receive data from the indoor temperature measuring device 104. The control unit 102 can also receive status or position data provided by the electromechanical actuator 5, concerning the solar protection 3. In this regard, the control unit 102 includes a communication module.

[0097] The management unit 102 also includes a user interface. The user interface is arranged to allow for possible programming of the management unit 102.

[0098] The management unit 102 further includes a display element to provide an internal temperature value T and / or a reference to the control mode following the implementation of the management process described later.

[0099] The management unit 102 also includes at least one solar sensor processing information related to solar radiation, such as: - a light illuminance sensor that measures a brightness level of a visible spectrum (in Lux); - an energy illuminance sensor, also called an irradiance sensor, which measures an instantaneous power level of light radiation (in Watts per square meter); - a photovoltaic panel allowing the determination of an open-circuit voltage (in Volts) of an electrically isolated photovoltaic generator, a short-circuit current of the electrically isolated photovoltaic generator (in Amperes), a charging current (in Amperes) of a battery powered by the photovoltaic generator.

[0100] The communication module of the management unit 102 is also adapted to receive information relating to weather forecasts, for example via a connection to an Internet network through the central control unit.

[0101] Optionally, the management unit 102 can be made even more efficient with the use of 24-hour weather forecasts of outside temperature and solar radiation. Solar radiation can be deduced from an illuminance or illuminance measurement via a lux meter.

[0102] The management method according to the invention is described below in relation to Figures 4 to 8.

[0103] The method 200 according to the invention aims to enable the control of the solar protection 3 based on at least one seasonal information S; said seasonal information S being determined solely by means of the solar sensor. Thus, the seasonal information S is determined by the home automation system 100 and is not transmitted via the external Internet network, for example.

[0104] The seasonal information S corresponds to a data point, for example "SUMMER" E, "WINTER" H, "MID-SEASON" MS, allowing the modification of parameters of a control mode implemented by a control step EPilo of process 200. With the example above, the control unit 102 implements at least three different control modes. Of course, the control modes can also be modified according to other parameters such as the indoor temperature T, or the outdoor temperature.

[0105] For example, the piloting modes may be the following:

[0106] - for seasonal information corresponding to "SUMMER" E, during the day, the Sun protection will be automatically closed if the illuminance exceeds 300W / m2.

[0107] - for seasonal information corresponding to "WINTER" H, sun protection will be systematically open at the beginning of the day and closed at the end of the day, and

[0108] - for seasonal information corresponding to "MID-SEASON" MS, during the day, The sun protection will be closed at 50% for example if the illuminance is greater than 400W / m2 and open if the illuminance is less than 100W / m2.

[0109] Thus, the method 200 according to the invention makes it possible to adapt the control mode implemented according to the season S without requiring this information about season S from an element external to the home automation system 100, such as the external Internet network. Based solely on information related to solar radiation R, the method can determine the season S. The control mode can therefore be relevant throughout the year, even in autonomous or disconnected mode of the system 100.

[0110] Furthermore, it is common for the solar protection 3 to include a solar panel, which then corresponds to a solar sensor. The invention therefore does not require, in this case, an additional sensor.

[0111] More specifically, the management method 200 includes an EMes measurement step in which at least one solar sensor measures at least one piece of information related to solar radiation R over a first period of time.

[0112] The first period of time preferably has a duration of 24 hours.

[0113] The first period of time, and more generally each period of time, comprises a plurality of successive instants.

[0114] The EMes measurement step allows data to be collected concerning solar radiation directly or its influence on another quantity which depends at least in part on solar radiation.

[0115] In certain embodiments, during the first time period, two specific instants are identified: a dawn instant and a dusk instant. The dawn instant corresponds to the moment when sunlight begins to increase, while the dusk instant corresponds to the moment when sunlight decreases. These two instants are more precisely defined by a dawn criterion and a dusk criterion. The instants during the first time period between the dawn instant and the dusk instant are daytime instants, while the instants during the first time period between the dusk instant and the dawn instant are nighttime instants.

[0116] To determine the time of dawn and dusk, the method 200 includes an estimation step EEst in which a specified time t of the first time period is defined as the time of dawn based on the result of a comparison of at least one dawn quantity GAI, GA2, GA3, G4 determined as a function of the dawn minus some information related to solar radiation R for the moment identified t, with a dawn criterion.

[0117] Dawn is a time when the information related to solar radiation R is constantly increasing after a period of constancy.

[0118] Thus, to be chosen as the dawn instant, a first dawn quantity GAI calculated as a function of the identified instant t must, during a first value of dawn time tal, for example 2h, after said identified instant t, be positive.

[0119] The first GAI dawn quantity is calculated during a first phase of dawn calculation. The first GAI dawn quantity corresponds to a derivative of at least one piece of information related to solar radiation R with respect to time between the time point t and the time point t' augmented by the first dawn time value tal.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the derivative of at least one piece of information related to solar radiation R with respect to time can be approximated by calculating an average rate of change between the instant identified t and the first dawn value of the values ​​of the information related to solar radiation R.

[0121] In other words, for example, the identified instant t must satisfy the expression below:

[0122] [Math.l]

[0123] With:

[0124] GAI: the first magnitude of dawn

[0125] R: information related to solar radiation

[0126] t: the spotted instant

[0127] tal: the first dawn time value

[0128] Furthermore, in order to be chosen as the dawn instant, a second dawn quantity GA2 calculated as a function of the identified instant t must, during the first value of dawn time tal after said identified instant t, be greater than a first value of solar dawn radiation aal.

[0129] The second dawn quantity GA2 is calculated during a second phase of dawn calculation. The second dawn quantity GA2 corresponds to a minimum of at least one piece of information related to solar radiation R in the interval between the time marked t and the time marked t' increased by the first dawn time value t+tal.

[0130] For example, the identified instant t must satisfy the expression below:

[0131] [Math.2] GA2 = min ( [ R*, ] ) > aa 1

[0132] With:

[0133] GA2: the second blade size

[0134] R: information related to solar radiation

[0135] t: the identified instant

[0136] tal: the first dawn time value

[0137] aal: the first value of solar dawn radiation

[0138] Optionally, to ensure that the identified time t is the dawn time corresponding to a transition from a moment of low illumination to a moment of high illumination, a third dawn quantity GA3 calculated as a function of the identified time t, during a second value of dawn time ta2, for example 2h, before the identified time t, must be positive or zero.

[0139] The third dawn quantity GA3 is calculated during a third phase of dawn calculation. The third dawn quantity GA3 corresponds to a derivative of at least one piece of information related to solar radiation R with respect to time between the identified instant t minus the second dawn time value ta2 and the identified instant t.

[0140] For example, the identified instant t must satisfy the expression below:

[0141] [Math.3]

[0142] With:

[0143] GA3: the third magnitude of the dawn

[0144] R: information related to solar radiation

[0145] t: the identified instant

[0146] ta2: the second value of dawn time

[0147] Finally, the identified time t is the dawn time if a fourth dawn quantity GA4 calculated as a function of the identified time t must, during a third value of dawn time ta3, for example 2h, after the identified time t, be less than a second value of solar dawn radiation aa2.

[0148] The fourth dawn quantity GA4 is calculated during a fourth phase of dawn calculation. The fourth dawn quantity GA4 corresponds to a median of at least one piece of information related to solar radiation R in the interval between the time t minus the third dawn time value ta3 and the time t.

[0149] For example, the identified instant t must satisfy the expression below:

[0150] [Math.4] G A4 = median ( [ ] ) < aal

[0151] With:

[0152] GA4: the fourth dawn magnitude

[0153] R: information related to solar radiation

[0154] t: the identified instant

[0155] ta3: the third value of dawn time

[0156] aa2: the second value of solar dawn radiation

[0157]

[0158]

[0159]

[0160]

[0161]

[0162]

[0163]

[0164]

[0165]

[0166]

[0167]

[0168]

[0169]

[0170]

[0171] The process finally includes a dawn estimation phase which defines the identified time t as the dawn time when at least the first dawn quantity GAI is positive, and the second dawn quantity GA2 is greater than the first value of solar dawn radiation aal, and optionally the third dawn quantity GA3 is positive or zero, and the fourth dawn quantity GA4 is less than or equal to a second value of solar dawn radiation aa2. According to one embodiment, the first value of dawn solar radiation aal is equal to the second value of dawn solar radiation aa2. According to one embodiment, the first value of solar dawn radiation aal and / or the second value of solar dawn radiation aa2 is less than 10W / m2, for example 7W / m2, preferably 5W / m2. According to a preferred embodiment, the first dawn time value tal, the second dawn time value ta2 and the third dawn time value ta3 are equal. According to one embodiment, the first dawn time value tal, and / or the second dawn time value ta2 and / or the third dawn time value ta3 is less than 3h, for example 2.5h, preferably 2h. Furthermore, the identified time t is defined as the twilight time based on the result of a comparison of at least one twilight quantity GC1, GC2, GC3, GC4, determined based on at least one piece of information related to solar radiation R for the identified time t, with a twilight criterion, the identified time t being part of the first period of time. A first phase of twilight calculation calculates a first twilight quantity GC1 which corresponds to a derivative of at least one piece of information related to solar radiation R with respect to the time between the time marked t and the time marked t increased by a first value of twilight time such as, for example 2h. The identified instant t is defined as the twilight instant when the first twilight quantity GC1 is negative. For example, the identified instant t must validate the expression below: [Math.5] With : GC1: the first twilight magnitude R: information related to solar radiation; t: the observed instant such as: the first twilight time value

[0172] Furthermore, twilight is a time from which and during the first twilight time value such, all values ​​of the solar radiation information R remain below a first solar twilight radiation value acl. A second twilight calculation phase calculates a second twilight quantity GC2. The second twilight quantity GC2 corresponds to a maximum of at least one solar radiation information R in the interval between the time t and the time t increased by the first twilight time value such.

[0173] For example, the identified instant t must satisfy the expression below:

[0174] [Math.6] GC2 = maxd^, < acl

[0175] With:

[0176] GC2: the second twilight magnitude

[0177] R: information related to solar radiation

[0178] t: the spotted instant

[0179] such: the first twilight time value

[0180] acl: the first value of solar twilight radiation

[0181] To ensure that the twilight moment corresponds to a time when there is a transition from a "daylight" moment to a moment of low illumination, the values ​​of the solar radiation information R prior to the twilight moment are taken into account. More specifically, a fourth twilight quantity GC4 must be greater than a second solar twilight radiation value ac2, and a third twilight quantity GC3 must be negative or zero. These various conditions on the twilight quantities necessitate selecting a moment corresponding to a constant decrease in the illumination value.

[0182] The third twilight quantity GC3 is calculated during a third twilight calculation phase. The third twilight quantity GC3 corresponds to a derivative of at least one piece of information related to solar radiation R with respect to time between the recorded instant t minus a second twilight time value tc2 and the recorded instant t.

[0183] For the identified instant to be the twilight instant, the third twilight quantity GC3 must be negative or zero.

[0184] For example, the identified instant t must satisfy the expression below:

[0185] [Math.7]

[0186] With:

[0187] GC3: the third twilight magnitude

[0188] R: information related to solar radiation

[0189] t: the spotted instant

[0190] tc2: the second twilight time value

[0191] Finally, the fourth twilight quantity CG4 is calculated during a fourth twilight calculation phase. The fourth twilight quantity GC4 corresponds to a median of at least one piece of information related to solar radiation R in the interval between the recorded time t minus a third twilight time value tc3 and the recorded time t.

[0192] For the identified instant to be the twilight instant, the fourth twilight quantity GC4 must be greater than the second value of solar twilight radiation ac2.

[0193] For example, the identified instant t must satisfy the expression below:

[0194] [Math.8] GC4 = median ( [ R* ]}> acl

[0195] With:

[0196] GC4: the fourth magnitude of twilight

[0197] R: information related to solar radiation

[0198] t: the spotted instant

[0199] tc3: the third twilight time value

[0200] ac2: the second value of solar twilight radiation

[0201] According to one embodiment, the first solar radiation value of twilight acl is equal to the second value of solar twilight radiation ac2.

[0202] According to one embodiment, the first value of solar twilight radiation acl and / or the second value of solar twilight radiation ac2 is less than 10W / m2, for example 7W / m2, preferably 5W / m2.

[0203] According to a preferred embodiment, the first twilight time value such, the second twilight time value tc2 and the third twilight time value tc3 are equal.

[0204] According to one embodiment, the first twilight time value such, and / or the second twilight time value tc2 and / or the third twilight time value tc3 is less than or equal to 3h, for example 2.5h, preferably 2h.

[0205] The twilight estimation phase defines the identified time t as the twilight time when at least the first twilight quantity GC1 is negative and the second twilight quantity GC2 is less than the first value of solar twilight radiation acl, and optionally that the third quantity twilight is negative or zero, and the fourth twilight magnitude is greater than the second value of solar twilight radiation ac2.

[0206] The method then includes a determination step in which at least one piece of seasonal information S relating to the piloting time period is determined as a function of at least one piece of information related to solar radiation R measured over the first time period.

[0207] In certain embodiments not requiring estimation of dawn and dusk times, the determination step includes a first phase in which a spotted time t is defined as a daytime time based on the result of a comparison of at least one piece of information related to solar radiation R for the spotted time with a daytime criterion, the spotted time being part of the first time period.

[0208] In the first phase, the solar radiation R for each identified instant t of the first time period is compared to the daytime criterion. If the daytime criterion is met, the identified instant is defined as a daytime instant. In other words, each instant of the first time period is classified as a "daytime instant" based on the result of the comparison. For example, if the solar irradiance of the identified instant is greater than 5 W / m², the identified instant is defined as a daytime instant.

[0209] Then, the determination step includes a second phase in which at least one piece of seasonal information S for the piloting time period is determined based on the result of a comparison of an integral of the daytime instants DJ over the first time period with a seasonal criterion.

[0210] In the second phase, the integral of the daytime moments DJ over the first time period is performed. In other words, the process calculates the duration, i.e., the sum of the daytime moments, during which the day criterion was met over the first time period. This duration is then compared to the season criterion in order to determine the season information S.

[0211] For example, for the French territory, if the integral of daylight hours over the first time period, considering that the first time period is 24 hours, is: - less than 100, the season criterion is defined as "WINTER" H; - greater than 12 hours, the seasonal criterion is defined as "SUMMER" E; - between 10am and 12pm, the seasonal criterion is defined as "MI- SEASON » MS.

[0212] Thus, the determination of the season S information is carried out simply.

[0213] According to one embodiment, the day length criterion depends on the latitude of implementation of the process.

[0214] Figures 5, 6, 7, 8 illustrate the measurements of the information related to solar radiation R corresponding here to irradiance, the integral of the daytime instants DJ over the first period of time and the seasonal information E, MS, H determined during the determination step ED and with the example above.

[0215] In particular, [Fig. 5] relates to measurements taken between May 5, 2021, and May 10, 2021, i.e., for the theoretical spring according to the calendar. The determined season information is "MID-SEASON" MS or "SUMMER" E, which is consistent with the actual season associated with the date.

[0216] Figure 6 relates to measurements taken between June 18, 2021, and June 22, 2021, i.e., for the theoretical summer according to the calendar. The determined season information is "SUMMER" E, which is consistent with the actual season associated with the date.

[0217] Figure 7 relates to measurements taken between October 30, 2021, and November 22, 2021, i.e., for the theoretical autumn according to the calendar. The season information determined is "MID-SEASON" MS or "WINTER" H, which is consistent with the actual season associated with the date.

[0218] Finally, [Fig. 8] relates to measurements taken between December 28, 2021, and January 10, 2022, i.e., for the theoretical winter according to the calendar. The determined season information is "WINTER" H, which is consistent with the actual season associated with the date.

[0219] This embodiment is therefore satisfactory.

[0220] In other embodiments, the determination step determines at least one seasonal information S relating to the piloting time period as a function of the dawn time and the dusk time.

[0221] Knowing the times of dawn and dusk allows us to calculate the length of daylight between dusk and dawn. This length of daylight makes it possible to determine the seasonal information S based on at least one latitude at which the process is implemented. For example, for a process implemented in metropolitan France, a latitude of 45° can be considered.

[0222] According to one embodiment, at least one seasonal information is determined based on a comparison of a day length with a day length criterion.

[0223] According to one embodiment, the day length criterion depends on the latitude of implementation of the process.

[0224] For example, for the French territory, if the length of daylight hours in the first time period, considering that the first time period is 24 hours, is: - strictly less than 9 hours, the season criterion is defined as "WINTER"; - strictly greater than 1 p.m., the season criterion is defined as "SUMMER"; - between 9am and 1pm, the season criterion is defined as "MID-SEASON".

[0225] To improve the reliability of the estimated dawn and dusk times, some embodiments include an ECal calibration step in which the dawn time, and / or the dusk time respectively, is defined as the validated dawn time, and / or the validated dusk time respectively. For this purpose, the calibration step compares the dawn time, and / or the dusk time respectively, determined for the piloting time period with the dawn time, and / or the dusk time respectively, determined for a previous validation time period with a variation criterion. The determination step then uses the validated dawn time, and / or the validated dusk time respectively, to determine at least one seasonal information relevant to the piloting time period.

[0226] The calibration step aims to make the estimated dawn time and dusk time more reliable by comparing the difference between the estimated dawn time and dusk time with the previous estimated dawn time and dusk time over the earlier validation time period.

[0227] According to one embodiment, the prior validation time period is less than 168h, for example 144h, preferably 120h.

[0228] The calibration step also allows for reliable initialization of the dawn time and the dusk time.

[0229] The reliability of the estimated dawn and dusk times is guaranteed by the repeatability over the previous validation time period of the latter.

[0230] The estimated dawn times and dusk times are reliable if the variation of the estimated dawn times and dusk times over the previous validation time period is very small.

[0231] According to one embodiment, the variation criterion is less than 30 min, for example 15 min, preferably 10 min.

[0232] Finally, the method then includes the EPilo piloting step in which at least one position taken by at least one sun protection 3 during the piloting time period, subsequent to the first time period, is piloted by the management unit 102 based on at least one seasonal information relating to the piloting time period

[0233] The EPilo control step aims to control, that is, modify a position, of the sun protection 3 during a control time period. The control time period is subsequent to the first time period.

[0234] The piloting time period is preferably of the same duration as the first time period, for example 24 hours. The piloting period is not necessarily consecutive to the first period of time, in particular in the event of implementation of the ECal calibration step.

[0235] According to one embodiment, at least one position taken by at least one solar protection 3 during the piloting time period is controlled by the management unit 102 based on at least one piece of information related to solar radiation R relative to the piloting time period.

[0236] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it is evident that modifications and changes can be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In particular, individual features of the various embodiments illustrated / mentioned can be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0237] It is also evident that all the characteristics described with reference to a process are transposable, alone or in combination, to a device, and conversely, all the characteristics described with reference to a device are transposable, alone or in combination, to a process.

Claims

Demands

1. Method of managing (200) a home automation installation (100) of a building (1) comprising at least one motorized sunshade (3), a management unit (102) of a position taken by the sunshade (3) over time, and at least one solar sensor, the method being implemented by the management unit (102) and comprising: - A measurement step (EMes) in which at least one solar sensor measures at least one piece of information related to solar radiation (R) over a first period of time; - A control step (EPilo) in which at least one position taken by at least one sunshade (3) over a control time period, subsequent to the first time period, is controlled by the management unit (102) according to at least one piece of seasonal information (S) relating to the control time period;Characterized in that the method (200) comprises a determination step (EDet) in which at least one seasonal information (S) relating to the piloting time period is determined as a function of at least one solar radiation-related information (R) measured over the first time period.

2. Management method (200) according to claim 1, wherein the determination step (EDet) comprises: - a first phase in which a spotted instant (t) is defined as a time of day based on the result of a comparison of at least one piece of information related to solar radiation (R) for the spotted instant (t) with a day criterion, the spotted instant (t) being part of the first time period; - a second phase in which at least one piece of seasonal information (S) for the piloting time period is determined based on the result of a comparison of an integral of the time of day (DJ) over the first time period with a season criterion.

3. A management method (200) according to claim 1, comprising an estimation step (EEst) in which a recorded time (t) is

4.

5. defined as a dawn instant based on the result of a comparison of at least one dawn quantity (GAI, GA2, GA3, GA4), determined based on at least one piece of information related to solar radiation (R) for the identified instant (t), with a dawn criterion, and the identified instant (t) is defined as a twilight instant based on the result of a comparison of at least one twilight quantity (GC1, GC2, GC3, GC4), determined based on at least one piece of information related to solar radiation (R) for the identified instant (t), with a twilight criterion, the identified instant (t) being part of the first time period. Management method (200) according to claim 3, wherein the estimation step (EEst) comprises: - A first dawn calculation phase in which a first dawn quantity (GAI), corresponding to a derivative of at least one piece of information related to solar radiation (R) with respect to time between the identified instant (t) and the identified instant (t) augmented by a first value of dawn time(tal), is calculated; - A second dawn calculation phase in which a second dawn quantity (GA2), corresponding to a minimum of at least one piece of information related to solar radiation (R) in an interval between the identified instant (t) and the identified instant (t) increased by the first dawn time value (tal), is calculated; - A dawn estimation phase in which the spotted time (t) is defined as the dawn time when at least the first dawn magnitude (GAI) is positive and the second dawn magnitude (GA2) is greater than a first value of solar dawn radiation (aal). Management method (200) according to claim 4, wherein the estimation step (EEst) comprises: - A third dawn calculation phase in which a third dawn quantity (GA3), corresponding to a derivative of at least one piece of information related to solar radiation (R) with respect to time between the identified instant (t) reduced by a second value of dawn time (ta2) and the identified instant (t), is calculated;

6.

7. - A fourth dawn calculation phase, in which a fourth dawn quantity (GA4), corresponding to a median of at least one piece of information related to solar radiation (R) in an interval between the identified instant (t) reduced by a third dawn time value (ta3) and the identified instant (t) is calculated; - The dawn estimation phase defining the identified instant (t) as the dawn instant when at least the third dawn magnitude (GA3) is positive or zero, and the fourth dawn magnitude (GA4) is less than or equal to a second value of solar dawn radiation (aa2). Management method (200) according to claim 3 to 5, wherein the estimation step (EEst) comprises: - A first phase of twilight calculation in which a first twilight quantity (GC1), corresponding to a derivative of at least one piece of information related to solar radiation (R) with respect to time between the identified instant (t) and the identified instant (t) augmented by a first twilight time value (tel), is calculated; - A second twilight calculation phase in which a second twilight quantity (GC2), corresponding to a maximum of at least one piece of information related to solar radiation (R) in an interval between the identified instant (t) and the identified instant (t) augmented by the first twilight time value (tel), is calculated; - A twilight estimation phase in which the spotted time (t) is defined as the twilight time when at least the first twilight quantity (GC1) is negative and the second twilight quantity (GC2) is less than a first value of solar twilight radiation (acl). Management method (200) according to claim 4, wherein the estimation step (EEst) comprises: - A third twilight calculation phase in which a third twilight quantity (GC3), corresponding to a derivative of at least one piece of information related to the solar radiation (R) with respect to the time between the identified instant (t) reduced by a second twilight time value (t2) and the identified instant (t), is calculated; - A fourth twilight calculation phase, in which a fourth twilight quantity (GC4), corresponding to a median of at least one piece of information related to solar radiation (R) in an interval between the identified instant (t) reduced by a third twilight time value (tc3) and the identified instant (t) is calculated; - The twilight estimation phase defining the identified instant (t) as the twilight instant when at least the third twilight quantity (GC3) is negative or zero, and the fourth twilight quantity (GC4) is greater than a second twilight solar radiation value (ac2).

8. Management method (200) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the determination step (EDet) determines at least one seasonal information (S) relating to the piloting time period as a function of the dawn time and the dusk time.

9. Management method (200) according to claim 8, comprising a calibration step (ECal) in which the dawn time, and / or respectively the dusk time, is defined as the validated dawn time, and / or respectively the validated dusk time, based on a comparison between the dawn time, and / or respectively the dusk time, determined for the piloting time period and the dawn time, and / or respectively the dusk time, determined for a prior validation time period with a variation criterion, the determination step (EDet) determining at least one seasonal information (S) relating to the piloting time period based on the validated dawn time, and / or respectively the validated dusk time.

10. Terminal of a home automation installation (100) implementing a method (200) according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images