Universal control device

Abstract

The subject of the invention is a universal control device (300) comprising a housing (301) and, in the housing (301), an electronic control board (302), in particular of Raspberry Pi type or any other type, configured to control external apparatuses according to at least three, in particular at least four, different communication protocols, the electronic control board (302) being connected to connection ports (305) configured to allow the transmission, to external apparatuses connected to these connection ports (305), of signals according to the various communication protocols.

Description

Universal control device

[0001] The invention relates to an energy production installation to be installed on the ground, in particular in a parking lot.

[0002] Solar energy is a renewable energy source with no supply limitations. However, manufacturing and operating costs can impact the appeal of using solar energy. Furthermore, the electricity grid is often saturated in the summer, hence the need to install sufficient storage capacity not only for self-generated energy but also to provide a means of balancing the grid.

[0003] The present invention aims in particular to improve solar energy production installations, in terms of production and storage.

[0004] The invention thus relates to an energy production installation configured to be installed in particular on the ground, and in particular comprising a central pillar configured to carry at least one roof provided with at least one solar panel, the roof comprising in particular at least one air circulation channel extending at least partially under the solar panel to allow the air in the channel to be heated by the heat released by the solar panel.

[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, the roof is made in two parts arranged on either side of the central pillar.

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, the two parts of the roof are parallel. The two parts of the roof may be in line with each other.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, the two roof parts each extend along a plane inclined relative to the pillar.

[0008] In other words, the roof is not perpendicular to the pillar.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, the two roof parts extend along a common plane inclined relative to the pillar.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, the common plane is inclined relative to the pillar at an angle of between 70° and 90°, in particular at an angle of approximately 85°.

[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, the two parts of the roof extend in respective planes which are intersecting. In particular, these two parts of the roof form, in profile, a Y with the central pillar.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the two parts of the roof are spaced from each other by an opening.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the top of the pillar extends through this opening.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, this opening between the two roof parts also allows the wind to flow into this opening so as to break the forces that a strong wind could exert on the installation.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the two parts of the roof have an identical surface area.

[0016] Alternatively, one of the roof sections may have a larger area than the other roof section, or a different shape.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the roof has a rectangular perimeter.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the two parts of the roof each have a rectangular perimeter.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the roof comprises at least one box configured to support the solar panel(s). The width of the box as well as that of the solar panels are adjustable (for example by being modular) to adapt to the standards for parking space widths, which may vary from one region to another.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, each part of the roof has its own box on which the solar panel(s) are mounted.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the box comprises supports, in particular metal supports, on which the solar panels are placed. For example, the box comprises supports, in particular metal supports, on which the solar panels are placed on the upper part and a panel made of high-pressure laminate, or other bio-sourced material, on the lower part.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, these supports are formed by a peripheral edge of the box.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the supports can also be formed by transverse bars arranged at different locations in the box.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the transverse support bars are rectilinear and arranged in a parallel and equidistant manner from each other.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the opening between the two roof parts is formed between two parallel rectilinear edges facing these roof parts, and the transverse bars are parallel to these edges.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the solar panel(s) thus rest on the peripheral rim and on the transverse bars which are then located under the solar panels.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, each box comprises at least one air inlet slot configured to allow air to flow into the box and to allow the air to be heated by the solar panel(s) that close the box. A sufficiently fine mesh screen is arranged on the inlet slots to filter out any external objects or bodies. External crossbars supporting the boxes are configured to protect the air inlet slots from rainwater infiltration.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the air inlet slot extends along an edge of the box.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, each box has at least two air inlet slots arranged along two opposite sides of the box. For the end panels, an additional slot could be added. The slots can be of the same dimensions or different from each other.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the box comprises an air collection slot configured to allow the evacuation of air coming from the inlet slot or slots and having circulated in the box in summer heated by the solar panel or panels.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the air inlet slot has an elongated shape.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the air collection slot has an elongated shape. Multiple slots, in particular circular or oval in shape, are also conceivable.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one of the air inlets in the box is formed by one or more air inlet slots which are aligned along one side of the box. Other secondary inlet slots may be placed perpendicular to the collection slots.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, the air inlet slots and the collection slot(s) are parallel to each other.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the air inlet slots and the collection slot(s) are perpendicular to the transverse support bars for the solar panels.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, the collection slot(s) are located equidistant from the air inlet slots.

[0037] According to one aspect of the invention, the installation further comprises a longitudinal beam connecting to the central pillar and the longitudinal beam extends in the space between the two parts of the roof, in particular parallel to the two facing edges of the two roof parts.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the installation also comprises a transverse beam connecting to the central pillar and supporting the two roof parts.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the installation thus comprises the central pillar which supports the longitudinal beam and the transverse beam.

[0040] It is thus possible to form the installation with a total number of pillars / beams equal to three. This number can be four in the case of separate transverse beams, dedicated to each part of the roof.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the longitudinal beam and the transverse beam intersect at right angles.

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, the air discharge slot in the roof box is open to the transverse beam which is hollow.

[0043] According to one aspect of the invention, the beams are hollow as is the central pillar, so that the air having circulated in the box and which is heated by the solar panel(s) circulates through the air evacuation slot towards the transverse beam.

[0044] According to one aspect of the invention, this transverse beam is hollow and thus forms, in whole or in part, a channel for discharging the heated air. Each transverse beam can be equipped with a fan for discharging the air towards a main duct, in particular in the longitudinal beam.

[0045] According to one aspect of the invention, this discharge channel in the transverse beam extends into the longitudinal beam.

[0046] According to one aspect of the invention, the longitudinal beam is configured to discharge air circulating therein to an air heat recovery system.

[0047] According to one aspect of the invention, this system comprises, for example, a heat pump placed, for example, in a building to heat it.

[0048] According to one aspect of the invention, the installation comprises a fan, in particular an electric fan, configured to suck air towards the air circulation channel in the longitudinal beam.

[0049] According to one aspect of the invention, this air suction makes it possible to create the air flow from the air inlet slot(s) on the roof box towards the channel of the longitudinal beam.

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, the fan is a rotating blade fan.

[0051] According to one aspect of the invention, the fan is placed within the longitudinal beam. Other fans may also be placed on each transverse beam.

[0052] According to one aspect of the invention, the pillar and / or the longitudinal beam and / or the transverse beam are each made with an assembly of plates, in particular based on bio-sourced materials, wood or others such as high-pressure laminates of paper and resins intended for exterior cladding.

[0053] According to one aspect of the invention, this assembly of plates forms an external envelope of the pillar and / or the longitudinal beam and / or the transverse beam.

[0054] According to one aspect of the invention, the assembly further comprises beam elements, in particular made of wood, arranged in parallel on a contour, for example rectangular, and between which the plates are arranged. The beam elements can also be made of steel, in particular for the central pillar where heat exchange is not critical.

[0055] For the central pillar, these beam elements measure, for example, 3 to 6 meters or more.

[0056] According to one aspect of the invention, honeycomb structures, for example made of plastic, are arranged in the interior space of this envelope. This makes it possible to reinforce the pillar and / or beams and, at the same time, to allow air circulation.

[0057] According to one aspect of the invention, the honeycomb structure has a rectangular or square outline.

[0058] According to one aspect of the invention, the honeycomb structure has a grid or honeycomb shape.

[0059] According to one aspect of the invention, the honeycomb structure occupies an entire interior section of the pillar or beam.

[0060] According to one aspect of the invention, several honeycomb structures are provided in the hollow pillar and / or the hollow beam, in particular at a distance from each other.

[0061] According to one aspect of the invention, the honeycomb structures may be made of reinforced plastic, in particular with glass fibers.

[0062] According to one aspect of the invention, the assembly of wooden plates is reinforced by reinforcements, in particular metal reinforcements.

[0063] According to one aspect of the invention, the metal reinforcements are on an external face of the plate assembly. Alternatively, the metal reinforcements may be on the internal face, in particular for aesthetic or functional reasons when thermal conduction is not affected.

[0064] According to one aspect of the invention, the metal reinforcements may represent a V or cross shape.

[0065] According to one aspect of the invention, the metal reinforcements are configured to mechanically reinforce the pillar and / or the longitudinal beam and / or the transverse beam.

[0066] According to one aspect of the invention, the metal reinforcements may also serve to interconnect the longitudinal beam and the transverse beam to the central pillar.

[0067] The invention is particularly advantageous because it allows for dual energy production, namely energy in electrical form thanks to the solar panels and energy in the form of heat recovered by the circulation of air which recovers the heat released by the solar panels.

[0068] According to one aspect of the invention, the energy produced can be used for industrial, commercial or residential applications. The installation according to the invention can be placed, for example, in a parking lot, for example, of a shopping center, a train station, an airport or an industrial complex.

[0069] According to one aspect of the invention, the installation comprises an electric charging station or several electric charging stations configured for charging one or more electric vehicles parked in the spaces covered by the installation.

[0070] According to one aspect of the invention, the charging station comprises a charging socket to be connected to an electric vehicle.

[0071] According to one aspect of the invention, an electrical circuit makes it possible to connect the solar panels to an inverter capable of producing electricity compatible with charging for an electric vehicle.

[0072] According to one aspect of the invention, the inverter is arranged on the installation.

[0073] For example, the inverter is attached to the central pillar of this installation.

[0074] According to one aspect of the invention, the inverter may be placed at a height sufficient to be taller than the average height of a person.

[0075] According to one aspect of the invention, the inverter is placed, for example, 2 m or more from the ground.

[0076] According to one aspect of the invention, the charging terminal is placed on a base of the installation.

[0077] According to one aspect of the invention, the charging station is placed against the pillar. Very fast charging stations, which are more bulky, could be placed longitudinally away from the pillar, at a distance equal to or less than the width of a parking space. Compact charging stations, especially when they are powered directly by the batteries with direct current without passing through the inverter, can be integrated into the central pillar.

[0078] According to one aspect of the invention, the roof is configured to cover 1 or 4 parking spaces for motor vehicles.

[0079] According to one aspect of the invention, each roof portion is configured to receive a plurality of solar panels, for example 4 or 5 solar panels.

[0080] According to one aspect of the invention, the roof has a total length of at least 2 meters, measured parallel to the longitudinal beam.

[0081] According to one aspect of the invention, the roof has a dimension measured along the transverse beam of at least 4 meters, or 5 meters.

[0082] According to one aspect of the invention, each solar panel is configured to have a power density of at least 400 Wp (Watt-peak) per panel.

[0083] According to one aspect of the invention, this power density can be chosen at 700 Wp nominal.

[0084] According to one aspect of the invention, the roof is inclined and has a lower edge which is closest to the ground when the installation is mounted. This lower edge is at a height of approximately 4.2 meters from the ground. This makes it possible to meet safety standards.

[0085] According to one aspect of the invention, the central pillar is hollow and defines a housing for receiving one or more battery modules.

[0086] According to one aspect of the invention, each battery module is connected to the inverter, itself connected to the solar panels which are then used for electrically recharging the battery module(s).

[0087] According to one aspect of the invention, the battery module may be sodium technology. Alternatively, lithium battery technology is used.

[0088] According to one aspect of the invention, the honeycomb structures are configured to define the different housings receiving the battery modules.

[0089] According to one aspect of the invention, the central pillar comprises housings on several levels for receiving the battery modules.

[0090] According to one aspect of the invention, the central pillar is fixed on a base at least partially buried.

[0091] According to one aspect of the invention, the base is configured to be buried in the ground and is of relatively low height, this height being in particular less than 600 mm.

[0092] According to one aspect of the invention, the installation comprises a buried anchoring system configured to keep the base of the central pillar anchored in the ground.

[0093] According to one aspect of the invention, the anchoring device comprises buried cables, each with one end secured to the base of the installation and another end attached to a dowel configured to be fixed deep in the ground.

[0094] According to one aspect of the invention, there are four cables. In particular, the anchor cables also serve as an electrical ground conduit for the installation. The anchor cables of one of the installations could be several meters longer than the others to serve as a lightning rod. These particular anchors are connected by wiring to a mast on the roof to channel lightning.

[0095] According to one aspect of the invention, the base of the installation projects a certain height from the ground when the base is fixed to the ground.

[0096] According to one aspect of the invention, the base has, at this emerged height, a shape chosen to serve as a stop for a wheel of a vehicle.

[0097] So when a vehicle approaches the central pillar to park under the roof, the wheel of the car closest to the central pillar comes up against the base so as to signal to the driver that he cannot approach the central pillar any further.

[0098] This provides reliable security to prevent a vehicle from hitting the central pillar of the facility. Additional safety posts can be added if necessary.

[0099] According to one aspect of the invention, the base has a cross-shaped edge configured to serve as a stop for a vehicle wheel.

[0100] According to one aspect of the invention, the installation uses durable materials such as wood and metal.

[0101] According to one aspect of the invention, the parts of the installation can further be reused, repaired or recycled.

[0102] According to one aspect of the invention, the wood is used in the beams and pillars and may be wood treated using copper oil under high pressure in an autoclave.

[0103] According to one aspect of the invention, the wooden panels under the solar panels and which form the box are protected by a metal shield to avoid thermal stress on these wooden panels.

[0104] According to one aspect of the invention, the installation comprises a system for cleaning the solar panels.

[0105] According to one aspect of the invention, the cleaning system is of the hydraulic type.

[0106] According to one aspect of the invention, the cleaning system comprises a member for projecting liquid onto the solar panel(s).

[0107] According to one aspect of the invention, this liquid projection member comprises a tube placed along an upper edge of the roof, or of each roof portion.

[0108] According to one aspect of the invention, the tube is provided with a slot, in particular a longitudinal slot, along this upper edge of the roof.

[0109] According to one aspect of the invention, a liquid is projected through this slot, in particular under moderate pressure, in order to clean the surface of the solar panels, in particular without damaging them.

[0110] According to one aspect of the invention, the tube is connected to a water reserve, for example a rainwater recovery reserve.

[0111] According to one aspect of the invention, the connection between the reserve and the projection tube(s) is made by a conduit housed in the central pillar.

[0112] According to one aspect of the invention, the conduit, preferably rigid, is made of reinforced plastic, for example reinforced with glass fibers. The conduit can also serve as reinforcement for the central pillar by connecting to the wooden beams through honeycomb composite plates.

[0113] According to one aspect of the invention, the conduit extends from the bottom to the top of the central pillar.

[0114] For example, the conduit has a height of at least 80% or 90% of the total height of the central pillar. Advantageously, the volume of water in the conduit does not exceed 90% in order to contain the volume of frozen water. The choice of composite materials for the conduit or reservoir must allow it to withstand freezing stresses while contributing to the rigidity of the structure of the main pillar.

[0115] According to one aspect of the invention, one or more pipes may be provided to connect the water projection tube to this vertical conduit.

[0116] According to one aspect of the invention, the pipe(s) are arranged in the box which supports the solar panel(s).

[0117] According to one aspect of the invention, the cleaning system may comprise two water spray tubes, one for one part of the roof and the other for the other part of the roof.

[0118] According to one aspect of the invention, the installation comprises a water pump configured to pump water from the reserve and direct it to the cleaning system.

[0119] According to one aspect of the invention, the installation comprises a gutter configured to collect rainwater flowing over the roof, and to direct the collected rainwater into the central foot reserve.

[0120] According to one aspect of the invention, the pump for pumping water is of the electric type. It can be activated by a dust sensor and / or at predefined time intervals.

[0121] According to one aspect of the invention, the recovered water can be filtered before reaching the reservoir. Advantageously, the water level in the reservoir is controlled by a distance sensor located on a main control box installed at the top of the central pillar.

[0122] According to one aspect of the invention, the installation comprises one or more thermal control cameras, in particular fixed to the top of the central pillar, and configured to measure the temperature on the surface of the solar panels.

[0123] According to one aspect of the invention, this thermal camera is fixedly mounted on the central pillar or mounted in a mobile manner, for example to allow it to rotate and be oriented towards the solar panels. In particular, the thermal cameras are fixedly mounted on the central pillar or the camera is mounted in a mobile manner, in particular when it is a single camera.

[0124] According to one aspect of the invention, the thermal camera makes it possible to continuously monitor the potential appearance of hot spots on the surface of the solar panels.

[0125] Hot spots can pose a danger to the installation. The thermal camera can potentially detect the presence of animals (birds, rodents, insects) that can damage the installation through the deposit of waste, nests, or by gnawing on cables. The detection will be transmitted to an electronic module that triggers, for example, an animal-repellent sound. It can also help alert users to malicious human activity (theft, breakage). Temperature sensors may be used to monitor the temperature in areas where it is needed.

[0126] According to one aspect of the invention, the installation comprises a control unit configured to receive information from the thermal camera and trigger an alert when a hot spot has been detected on one of the solar panels.

[0127] According to one aspect of the invention, the roof comprises a fire alert system configured to generate an alert in the event of a fire or abnormal temperature on the roof.

[0128] According to one aspect of the invention, the fire alert system includes wires that snake under the solar panels.

[0129] According to one aspect of the invention, these wires are configured to melt in the event of high temperature.

[0130] Melting the wire creates a short circuit, which triggers an alert. The wires can also be connected to the control box to provide pre-alerts (for example, by email, telephone, etc.).

[0131] According to one aspect of the invention, the wires of the fire alarm system are placed in the path of the air flow under the solar panels so that its wires generate turbulence in this air flow promoting a better heat exchange between the air and the solar panels. The wires are in particular retained by devices on the lower part of the boxes in order to remain at a controlled and sufficient distance from the solar panels.

[0132] It is possible to provide disturbance elements other than these wires or in addition to these wires.

[0133] The invention also relates to a set of installations comprising a plurality of installations as described above, these installations being in particular arranged side by side.

[0134] For example, longitudinal beams are placed in line with each other.

[0135] It is therefore possible to recover heated air at the end of this succession of longitudinal beams.

[0136] It is thus possible to create a large area of ​​solar panels housing several parking spaces.

[0137] The recovery of calories thanks to the invention can, for example, be used to heat buildings using the air circulating under the solar panels.

[0138] The air used to transport calories from solar panels could be replaced by any other suitable fluid, for example a liquid.

[0139] The invention allows a modular solution in terms of installation of the installations, each installation being able to be autonomous.

[0140] The invention makes it possible, in particular, to place identical installations side by side, with a number chosen to cover predetermined needs. This makes it possible, in particular, to avoid resorting to a centralized system sensitive to each partial fault in the installation.

[0141] According to one aspect of the invention, each installation is energy-autonomous for its operation.

[0142] According to one aspect of the invention, each installation is autonomous in terms of electronic control.

[0143] According to one aspect of the invention, each installation is mechanically autonomous.

[0144] The collected rainwater can be used to wash cars, cool charging stations, batteries, the inverter or supply toilets in surrounding buildings.

[0145] The installation may include information or warning light devices which are electrically powered by the battery modules.

[0146] The installation may include a control unit such as a computer, capable of collecting information from the various sensors and equipment in the installation.

[0147] Information transmissions can be carried out wirelessly using an encryption protocol to a central antenna.

[0148] The installation may include a screen configured to display information, for example, on air quality or the weather.

[0149] The installation is particularly ergonomic.

[0150] The invention allows several vehicles to be recharged at the same time, whether these vehicles are parked facing forward or backward.

[0151] The installation may be equipped with one or more display screens, for example for information or advertising, particularly in the case of shopping center parking lots.

[0152] The installation can be equipped with ultrasonic vehicle presence detectors to identify free parking spaces.

[0153] Parking spaces can be reserved through apps in vehicles or mobile phones.

[0154] According to one aspect of the invention, the installation is equipped with a temperature control device to prevent the water in the tank from freezing in winter and to allow optimal operation of the batteries required, particularly for lithium iron phosphate technology. Heating is achieved by self-regulating cable or simple electrical resistance surrounding the tank. Cooling of the water in the tank and therefore of the batteries surrounding it is achieved by circulating water over the solar panels during the night.

[0155] The invention also relates, independently or in combination with the above, to a universal control device comprising a housing and, in the housing, an electronic control card, in particular of the Raspberry Pi type or any other type, configured to control external devices according to at least three, in particular at least four, different communication protocols, the electronic control card being connected to connection ports configured to allow the transmission, to external devices connected to these connection ports, of signals according to the different communication protocols.

[0156] According to one aspect of the invention, the electronic control card is unique. Thus the universal control device is of the single-card type.

[0157] Alternatively, the universal control device comprises several electronic control boards.

[0158] According to one aspect of the invention, the universal control device comprises an internal electrical power source such as a battery.

[0159] Alternatively, the universal control device lacks an internal power source, and the housing includes a power supply connector for connecting a power supply cable to the universal control device.

[0160] The present invention allows for extensive integration of different control functions using control protocols that may be different.

[0161] According to one aspect of the invention, the universal control device according to the invention is configured to be usable in various fields, thanks to the implementation in the universal control device of several communication protocols.

[0162] The universal control device is notably configured to be connected to one or more energy management devices, notably solar energy.

[0163] The invention makes it possible, thanks to a universal control device in a single housing, to easily control different functions of an installation, for example of the solar type.

[0164] These different functions are for example chosen from: the transmission of data representative of a battery charge level; the control of a fan to cool a solar panel; the control of a solar panel cleaning system, of the hydraulic type; the control of a water circuit, in particular recovered rainwater, to cool the charging stations, or the batteries, or the inverter.

[0165] According to one aspect of the invention, the universal control device is configured to be connected to at least one sensor, for example a temperature sensor.

[0166] According to one aspect of the invention, the sensor is for example configured to measure the temperature of a battery or a solar panel or heated water.

[0167] According to one aspect of the invention, the universal control device is configured to be connected to a plurality of sensors.

[0168] The invention is particularly advantageous because, with a universal control device equipped with different communication ports usable according to different protocols, it is possible to meet varied needs. The invention thus allows great modularity insofar as the same universal control device can be used in different applications by implementing communication protocols which can be different from one application to another.

[0169] The universal control device thus plays the role of a universal platform which is more advantageous than a classic computer which cannot process a multitude of protocols, unless additional cards are connected to it.

[0170] The present invention offers a solution that is much more compact, simple, secure and practical than a conventional laptop.

[0171] The universal control device is configured to operate with at least one of the following protocols, or several of the following protocols: CAN protocol (for "Controller Area Network" in English); Modbus protocol in particular for RS485 communication control; I2C protocol (for "Inter-Integrated Circuit" in English) in particular for camera control for example where the clock indicator is necessary; protocol for controlling an electronic relay, for example to control an electric motor; protocol for controlling Mosfet transistors in particular for systems requiring ultra-fast reaction; PWM signal control protocol (for "Pulse Width Modulation" in English) in particular to control the electrical power transmitted to an electronic device; Wi-Fi; 45 / 5G network.

[0172] According to one aspect of the invention, the universal control device is configured to be able to be connected to at least one of the following external devices: an electrical inverter, for example associated with a battery; a battery, in particular for the purpose of managing the electrical storage in a battery; an electrical charging device, in particular for an electric vehicle, in particular for the purpose of managing the electrical charging of an electric car; one or more cameras, in particular one or more thermal cameras; an electric motor, in particular belonging to a water pump; an electric fan; one or more sensors, in particular one or more temperature sensors; one or more ultrasonic sensors; one or more self-regulating cables (these are special heating cables designed to maintain a constant temperature in various applications); one or more fire detection cables;a lighting device; a display device, for example an LCD or TFT screen; a keyboard; a WiFi module; a 4G or 5G module.;

[0173] According to one aspect of the invention, the universal control device is configured to be connected to external devices belonging to an energy production installation, in particular solar panel(s).

[0174] This energy production installation can be an integrated installation in a parking lot, or an agricultural farm or a house.

[0175] According to one aspect of the invention, the housing may be made mainly of plastic, in particular of molded plastic.

[0176] According to one aspect of the invention, the housing is closed, in particular in a waterproof manner.

[0177] According to one aspect of the invention, the housing has a shape inscribed in a geometric block.

[0178] According to one aspect of the invention, the connection ports are arranged in one or more rows.

[0179] In each row, the connection ports, for example 4, 5 or 6 in number, are aligned.

[0180] According to one aspect of the invention, the universal control device has four rows of connection ports along four sides of a face of the housing.

[0181] According to one aspect of the invention, the face of the housing comprises a wall, in particular with a square or rectangular circumference, and the rows of connection ports are arranged around this wall.

[0182] According to one aspect of the invention, the connection ports are on only one side of the housing, in particular the lower side.

[0183] According to one aspect of the invention, the rows of connection ports are provided on a bottom cover of the housing.

[0184] According to one aspect of the invention, the universal control device is configured to be housed, preferably removably, in a compartment of the installation. The universal control device is configured to be able to be replaced by simple disassembly.

[0185] According to one aspect of the invention, the universal control device is configured to enable thermal management of an energy production installation.

[0186] According to one aspect of the invention, the universal control device is configured to allow operation with a Linux system and / or to allow connection to the Internet and / or to allow connection via WiFi and / or to allow connection via 4G / 5G network and / or to allow coding in Python language and / or to allow connection to artificial intelligence tools.

[0187] According to one aspect of the invention, the connection ports are chosen from: an HDMI connection port, and / or an Ethernet connection port, and / or a USB connection port.

[0188] According to one aspect of the invention, the universal control device is configured to operate with a 12 volt power supply.

[0189] According to one aspect of the invention, the universal control device is configured to operate at an electrical power of 100 watts, 200 watts or 300 watts.

[0190] According to one aspect of the invention, the universal control device is configured to provide heat, in particular via one or more cables, to prevent a conduit and / or a battery from freezing.

[0191] The invention allows for a single housing, instead of several housings.

[0192] According to one aspect of the invention, the electronic components placed in the housing are components of a computer server, in particular a Central Processing Unit or "CPU" (for "Central Processing Unit"), or a Graphics Processing Unit or "GPU" (for "Graphics Processing Unit"). These components, which are in particular microprocessors, are in particular configured to operate an artificial intelligence. The universal control device according to the invention can be configured as an artificial intelligence server.

[0193] According to one aspect of the invention, the universal control device comprises at least one cooling system configured to cool electronic components inside the housing.

[0194] According to one aspect of the invention, the cooling system comprises an electric fan, in particular triggerable in connection with a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature in the housing.

[0195] According to one aspect of the invention, the cooling system is placed in the housing.

[0196] Alternatively, cooling can be done by water (using a water circuit), instead of by air (fan).

[0197] According to one aspect of the invention, the universal control device is configured to perform edge computing operations.

[0198] To this end, the universal control device includes in particular: a data collection module configured to interact with one or more connected devices or one or more local sensors, possibly a local processing module configured to analyze and process the data collected directly on the device, a communication module configured to transmit processed data or analysis results to a central server or an external system, if necessary.

[0199] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a universal control device as described above, and devices connected to the universal control device to be controlled by this universal control device.

[0200] The invention also relates to an energy production installation configured to be installed in particular on the ground, in particular on a parking lot, and comprising a central pillar configured to carry at least one roof provided with at least one solar panel, the installation comprising a compartment for housing a universal control device as described above, which is configured to control devices of the installation.

[0201] The invention further relates to a control method using a universal control device as described above, to control devices connected to the universal control device.

[0202] According to one aspect of the invention, the universal control device can be used for controlling an electric vehicle.

[0203] According to one aspect of the invention, the universal control device can serve as a means of communication / telephony.

[0204] According to one aspect of the invention, the universal control device could serve as a means of accessing the Internet network.

[0205] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and several examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0206] This is a perspective representation of a parking assembly comprising several installations according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0207] This is a view from a different direction of the parking complex;

[0208] This is a perspective representation of an installation of the parking complex;

[0209] This is a representation of the central pillar of the parking lot complex;

[0210] This is a representation of a box installation of the;

[0211] This is a representation of the caisson of the, seen from below;

[0212] This is a cross-sectional representation of the installation of the;

[0213] This is a representation of the cleaning system of the installation of the;

[0214] This is a representation of the interior of the central pillar of the installation;

[0215] This is a representation of the interior of the longitudinal beam of the installation of the;

[0216] This is a representation of a charging station from the installation of the;

[0217] This is a representation of a heating cable for the water of the installation of the;

[0218] This is a representation of a facility with a Y-shaped roof section arrangement;

[0219] This is a representation of a box with collecting slots of variable section;

[0220] This is a representation of a universal control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0221] This is a representation of the universal control device of the, according to another view;

[0222] This is a representation of the universal control device, in section.

[0223] The features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0224] Figures 1 and 2 show an assembly 100 comprising a plurality of energy production installations 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, these installations 1 being arranged side by side.

[0225] Installations 1 are placed in a parking lot, for example, of a shopping center, a train station, an airport or an industrial complex.

[0226] Each energy production installation 1 is configured to be installed on a ground S, and comprises a central pillar 2 configured to support a roof 3 provided with solar panels 4.

[0227] The roof 3 has air circulation channels 7 extending under the solar panels 4 to allow the air in each channel 7 to be heated by the heat given off by the solar panels 4, as illustrated in 7.

[0228] Each roof 3 is made of two parts 8 and 9 arranged on either side of the central pillar 2.

[0229] The two parts 8 and 9 of roof 3 are parallel and are in the extension of each other.

[0230] The two roof parts 8 and 9 extend along a common PC plane inclined relative to pillar 2.

[0231] The common plane PC is inclined relative to pillar 2 at an angle AG of between 70° and 90°, in particular at an angle of approximately 85°.

[0232] The two parts 8 and 9 of the roof are spaced from each other by an opening 10.

[0233] The top of pillar 2 extends through this opening 10.

[0234] This opening 10 between the two roof parts also allows the wind to flow into this opening 10 so as to break the forces that a strong wind could exert on the installation.

[0235] The two parts 8 and 9 of roof 3 have an identical surface area and have a rectangular perimeter.

[0236] Each roof 3 comprises at least one box 12 configured to support the solar panels 4. The width of the box 12 as well as that of the solar panels 4 are adjustable (for example by being modular) to adapt to the standards of widths of parking spaces, which can vary from one region to another.

[0237] Each part 8, 9 of the roof has its own box 12 on which the solar panels 4 are mounted.

[0238] The box 12 comprises metal supports 14 on which the solar panels are placed. For example, the box 12 comprises supports, in particular metal supports 14, on which the solar panels are placed on the upper part and a panel 15 made of high-pressure laminate, or other bio-sourced material, on the lower part, as illustrated in the.

[0239] These supports 14 are formed in particular by a peripheral edge of the box 12.

[0240] The supports 14 can also be formed by transverse bars 16 arranged at different locations of the box 12.

[0241] The transverse support bars 16 are rectilinear and arranged in a parallel and equidistant manner from each other.

[0242] The opening 10 between the two roof parts 8, 9 is formed between two parallel rectilinear edges 18, 19 opposite these roof parts 9, 9, and the transverse bars 16 are parallel to these edges, as illustrated in the.

[0243] The solar panels 4 thus rest on the peripheral edge and on the transverse bars 16 which are then located under the solar panels.

[0244] Each box 12 has air inlet slots 20 configured to allow air to flow into the box 12 and to allow the air to be heated by the solar panels 4 that close the box 12. A sufficiently fine mesh grille may be arranged over the inlet slots 20 to filter out any external objects or bodies. External crossbars supporting the boxes 12 are configured to protect the air inlet slots from rainwater infiltration.

[0245] Each air inlet slot 20 extends along an edge 21 of the box 12.

[0246] Each box 12 has pairs of air inlet slots 20 arranged along two opposite sides 21 of the box 12. For the end panels, an additional slot could be added. The slots may be of the same dimensions or different from each other.

[0247] The box 12 comprises an air collection slot 22 configured to allow the evacuation of air coming from the inlet slots 20 and having circulated in the box 12 in summer heated by the solar panels 4, as illustrated in the.

[0248] The air inlet slot 20 has an elongated shape.

[0249] The air collection slot 22 has an elongated shape.

[0250] The air inlet slots 20 are aligned along each side 21 of the box 12. Other secondary inlet slots may be placed perpendicular to the collection slots.

[0251] The air inlet slots 20 and the collection slots 22 are parallel to each other, and are perpendicular to the transverse support bars 16 for the solar panels.

[0252] The collection slots 22 are located equidistant from the air inlet slots 20.

[0253] The installation 1 further comprises a longitudinal beam 25 connecting to the vertical central pillar 2 and the longitudinal beam 25 extends into the space / opening 10 between the two parts 8, 9 of the roof, parallel to the two edges 21 of the roof.

[0254] In the set 100 of several installations 1, the longitudinal beams 25 are placed one in the extension of the other.

[0255] It is thus possible to recover heated air at the end of this succession of longitudinal beams 25.

[0256] Installation 1 also includes a transverse beam 26 connecting to the central pillar 2 and supporting the two roof parts 8, 9.

[0257] Installation 1 thus comprises the central pillar 2 which carries the longitudinal beam 25 and the transverse beam 26.

[0258] It is thus possible to form installation 1 with a total number of pillars / beams equal to three.

[0259] The longitudinal beam 25 and the transverse beam 26 intersect at right angles.

[0260] The air exhaust / collection slot 22 in the roof box 12 is open to the transverse beam 26 which is hollow.

[0261] The beams 25 and 26 are hollow as is the central pillar 2, so that the air having circulated in the box 12 and which is heated by the solar panels 4 circulates through the air evacuation slot 22 towards the transverse beam 26.

[0262] Each transverse beam 26 is hollow and thus forms, in whole or in part, a channel for discharging the heated air. Each transverse beam 26 may be equipped with a fan 28 (see) for discharging the air towards a main duct, in the longitudinal beam 25.

[0263] This discharge channel in the transverse beam 26 extends into the longitudinal beam 25.

[0264] The longitudinal beam 25 is configured to evacuate the air circulating therein to an air heat recovery system. According to one aspect of the invention, this system comprises, for example, a heat pump placed, for example, in a building to heat it.

[0265] The fan 28 is electric, and configured to draw air towards the air circulation channel in the longitudinal beam 25.

[0266] This air suction creates the air flow from the air inlet slots 20 on the roof box 12 to the channel of the longitudinal beam 25.

[0267] The fan 28 is placed within the longitudinal beam 25. Other fans can also be placed on each transverse beam 26.

[0268] The pillar 2 and / or the longitudinal beam 25 and / or the transverse beam 26 are each made with an assembly of plates based on bio-sourced materials, wood or others such as high-pressure laminates of paper and resins intended for exterior cladding.

[0269] The assembly of plates 30 forms an external envelope of the pillar 2 and / or of the longitudinal beam 25 and / or of the transverse beam 26.

[0270] As can be seen in the, the assembly 30 further comprises wooden beam elements 31, arranged in parallel, at the four corners of the rectangular perimeter, and between which the plates are arranged. The beam elements 31 can also be made of steel, in particular for the central pillar 2 where the heat exchange is not critical.

[0271] For the central pillar 2, these beam elements 31 measure, for example, 3 to 6 meters or more.

[0272] In the interior space of this envelope, honeycomb structures 32, made of plastic material, are arranged.

[0273] Each honeycomb structure 32 has a rectangular or square outline, and has a grid or honeycomb shape.

[0274] The honeycomb structure 32 occupies an entire interior section of the pillar 2 or the beam 25, 26.

[0275] Several honeycomb structures 32 are provided in the hollow pillar 2 and / or the hollow beam 25, 26, at a distance from each other.

[0276] The honeycomb structures 32 may be made of reinforced plastic, in particular with glass fibers.

[0277] The assembly of wooden plates 30 is reinforced by reinforcements 33, in particular metal reinforcements 33.

[0278] The reinforcements 33 are on an external face of the plate assembly 30. Alternatively, the reinforcements 33 may be on the internal face, in particular for aesthetic or functional reasons when thermal conduction is not affected.

[0279] The metal reinforcements 33 may be V-shaped or cross-shaped, and are configured to mechanically reinforce the pillar 2 and / or the longitudinal beam 25 and / or the transverse beam 26.

[0280] The metal reinforcements 33 can also be used to interconnect the longitudinal beam 25 and the transverse beam 26 to the central pillar 2.

[0281] The installation 1 comprises an electric charging station 35 or several electric charging stations 35 configured for charging one or several electric vehicles V parked in the spaces Pk covered by the installation 1, as illustrated in a.

[0282] Charging station 35 has a charging socket to be connected to an electric vehicle V.

[0283] An electrical circuit connects the solar panels 4 to an inverter 37 capable of producing electricity compatible with charging for an electric vehicle.

[0284] The inverter 37 is arranged on the installation 1, being attached to the central pillar 2 of this installation (see).

[0285] The inverter 37 can be placed at a height sufficient to be taller than the average height of a person.

[0286] The inverter 37 is placed, for example, 2 meters or more from the ground.

[0287] Charging station 35 is placed on a base 39 of installation 1, against pillar 2.

[0288] Roof 3 is configured to cover one or four Pk parking spaces for motor vehicles.

[0289] Each roof portion 8, 9 is configured to receive a plurality of solar panels, for example 4 or 5 solar panels.

[0290] Roof 3 has a total length of at least 2 meters, measured parallel to longitudinal beam 25.

[0291] Each roof 3 has a dimension measured along the transverse beam 26 of at least 4 meters, or 5 meters.

[0292] Each solar panel 4 is configured to have a power density of at least 400 Wp (Watt-peak) per panel, chosen at 700 Wp nominal for example.

[0293] The roof 3 is inclined and has a lower edge 41 which is closest to the ground when the installation 1 is mounted. This lower edge 41 is at a height of approximately 4.2 meters from the ground.

[0294] The central pillar 2 is hollow and defines a housing 42 for receiving several battery modules 43.

[0295] Each battery module 43 is connected to the inverter 37, itself connected to the solar panels 4 which are then used for the electrical recharging of the battery module 43.

[0296] The 43 battery module can be sodium technology.

[0297] The honeycomb structures 32 are configured to define the different housings 42 receiving the battery modules 43.

[0298] The central pillar 2 includes housings 42 on several levels to receive the battery modules 43, as can be seen in the.

[0299] The central pillar 2 is fixed to the base 39.

[0300] Base 39 is configured to be buried in the ground and is of relatively low height, this height being notably less than 600 mm.

[0301] Installation 1 includes a buried anchoring system 45 configured to keep the base 39 of the central pillar 2 anchored in the ground, as illustrated in the.

[0302] The anchoring device 45 comprises buried cables 46, each with one end secured to the base 39 of the installation and another end attached to a dowel 47 configured to be fixed deep in the ground.

[0303] There are four cables 46. In particular, the anchor cables also serve as an electrical ground conduit for the installation. The anchor cables 46 of one of the installations could be several meters longer than the others to serve as a lightning rod. These particular anchors are connected by wiring to a mast on the roof 3 to channel lightning.

[0304] The base 39 of the installation projects a certain height from the ground when the base 39 is fixed to the ground.

[0305] Base 39 presents, on this emerged height, a shape chosen to serve as a stop for a vehicle wheel.

[0306] Thus when a vehicle approaches the central pillar 2 to park under the roof 3, the wheel of the car closest to the central pillar 2 comes up against the base 39 so as to signal to the driver that he cannot approach any closer to the central pillar 2.

[0307] This provides reliable security to prevent a vehicle from hitting the central pillar 2 of the installation.

[0308] The base 39 has a cross-shaped edge 48 configured to serve as a stop for a vehicle wheel.

[0309] Installation 1 uses sustainable materials such as wood and / or metal.

[0310] According to one aspect of the invention, the wooden panels under the solar panels and which form the box 12 are protected by a metal shield to avoid thermal stress on these wooden panels.

[0311] Installation 1 includes a hydraulic type solar panel cleaning system 50, as illustrated in the.

[0312] The cleaning system 50 comprises a member 51 for projecting liquid onto the solar panels 4.

[0313] This liquid projection member 51 comprises a tube 53 placed along an upper edge 54 of the roof 3.

[0314] The tube 53 is provided with a longitudinal slot 55, along this upper edge 54 of the roof 3.

[0315] A liquid is projected through this slot 55, under moderate pressure, in order to clean the surface of the solar panels 4, without damaging them.

[0316] The tube 53 is connected to a water reserve 60, here a rainwater recovery reserve.

[0317] The connection between the reserve 60 and the projection tubes 53 is made by a conduit 57 housed in the central pillar 2, visible in figures 4 and 9.

[0318] The rigid conduit 57 is made of reinforced plastic, for example reinforced with glass fibers. The conduit 57 can also serve as reinforcement for the central pillar 2 by connecting to the wooden beams through honeycomb composite plates.

[0319] Conduit 57 extends from the bottom to the top of the central pillar 2.

[0320] For example, the conduit 57 has a height of at least 80% or 90% of the total height of the central pillar 2. Advantageously, the volume of water in the conduit does not exceed 90% in order to contain the volume of frozen water. The choice of composite materials for the conduit or reservoir must enable it to withstand freezing stresses while contributing to the rigidity of the structure of the main pillar.

[0321] Several pipes may be provided to connect the water projection tube 53 to this vertical conduit 57.

[0322] These pipes are arranged in the boxes 12.

[0323] The cleaning system 50 may comprise two water projection tubes, one for one of the parts 8 of the roof 3 and the other for the other part 9 of the roof 3.

[0324] The installation 1 comprises a water pump 59 configured to pump water from the reserve 60 and direct it to the cleaning system 50.

[0325] Installation 1 comprises a gutter 68 configured to collect rainwater flowing over the roof 3, and to direct the collected rainwater into the central foot reserve.

[0326] The pump 59 for pumping water is of the electric type. It can be activated by a dust sensor and / or at predefined time intervals, or during the night in summer to cool the water in the tank heated by the heat released by the batteries.

[0327] The recovered water can be filtered before reaching the tank 60. Advantageously, the water level in the tank 60 is controlled by a distance sensor located on a main control box installed at the top of the central pillar.

[0328] The installation 1 comprises one or more thermal control cameras 61, in particular fixed to the top of the central pillar 2, and configured to measure the temperature on the surface of the solar panels 4.

[0329] This thermal camera 61 is fixedly mounted on the central pillar 2 or mounted in a mobile manner, for example to allow it to rotate and be oriented towards the solar panels. In particular, the thermal cameras are fixedly mounted on the central pillar 2 or the camera is mounted in a mobile manner, in particular when it is a single camera.

[0330] The 61 thermal camera allows continuous monitoring of the potential appearance of hot spots on the surface of solar panels.

[0331] Hot spots can pose a danger to the installation 1. The thermal camera 61 can possibly detect the presence of animals (birds, rodents, insects) that can damage the installation through the deposit of waste, nests or by gnawing cables. The detection will be transmitted to an electronic module that triggers, for example, an animal-repellent sound. It can also help to alert on a malicious human action (theft, breakage). Temperature sensors are possibly used to monitor the temperature in places where it is required.

[0332] The installation may include a control unit configured to receive information from the thermal camera 61 and trigger an alert when a hot spot has been detected on one of the solar panels.

[0333] The roof 3 includes a fire alert system 65 configured to generate an alert in the event of a fire or abnormal temperature on the roof 3.

[0334] The fire alarm system 65 includes wires 66 which snake under the solar panels 4.

[0335] These 66 wires are configured to melt in case of high temperature.

[0336] Melting the wire creates a short circuit, which triggers an alert. The wires can also be connected to the control box to provide pre-alerts (for example, by email, telephone, etc.).

[0337] The wires 66 of the fire alarm system are placed in the path of the air flow under the solar panels so that its wires generate turbulence in this air flow promoting a better heat exchange between the air and the solar panels. The wires 66 are notably retained by devices on the lower part of the boxes in order to remain at a controlled and sufficient distance from the solar panels.

[0338] It is possible to provide disturbance elements other than these wires 66 or in addition to these wires.

[0339] When the ambient temperature is low or negative (less than 5°C for example), the water in the tank 60 can be electrically heated by a cable 190 illustrated in the, or a heating strip or by other means to prevent the water from freezing while radiating heat to heat the batteries and thus increase their performance and extend their lifespan. In summer, the water in the tank 60 heated during the day by the batteries is cooled at night by running it over the solar panels while cleaning them in the process, knowing that the dust level is generally higher in summer. The cable 190 forms a spiral around the conduit 57 housed in the central pillar 2.

[0340] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated in , the two parts of the roof 200 and 201 extend in respective planes which are intersecting, forming, in profile, a Y with the central pillar 2. Generally speaking, the arrangement of the roof parts can be adapted according to environmental constraints and / or the need for water recovery.

[0341] Fast charging stations with power exceeding 100kW could be placed away from the mast or central fold 2.

[0342] In one example, the installation containing lithium or sodium batteries whose capacity could vary from 5kWh to more than 100 kWh allows the storage of electricity produced by solar panels or serves as a means of absorbing surplus electricity in the event of grid saturation during excess wind and photovoltaic production. This electricity could be reinjected into the grid when demand requires it.

[0343] In a variant illustrated in, the sections of the slots 22 can vary for better uniformity of the air in the box 12. In particular, the further one is from the pillar, the wider the collection slot 22 is to compensate for pressure losses.

[0344] There is shown a universal control device 300 comprising a housing 301 and, in the housing 301, an electronic control card 302, here of the Raspberry Pi type (other types of cards can be used), configured to control external devices according to a plurality of different communication protocols.

[0345] The electronic control card 302 is connected to connection ports 305 configured to allow the transmission, to external devices 320 connected to these connection ports 305, of signals according to the different communication protocols.

[0346] The electronic control card 302 is unique. Thus the universal control device is of the single-card type.

[0347] Alternatively, the universal control device 300 comprises several electronic control cards.

[0348] The universal control device 300 includes an internal power source such as a battery.

[0349] Alternatively, the universal control device 300 has no internal power source, and the housing 301 includes a power supply connector for connecting a power supply cable to the universal control device via, for example, one of the ports 305.

[0350] The universal control device 300 according to the invention is used to control the various equipment of the installation 1 described above.

[0351] The universal control device 300 according to the invention is used to control the following functions: the transmission of data representative of a charge level of battery or battery module 43 (which defines one of the external devices) of the installation 1 described above; the control of a fan 28 (which defines one of the external devices) for cooling a solar panel 4 of the installation 1 described above; the control of a cleaning system 50 (which defines one of the external devices) of the solar panels 4, of the hydraulic type; the control of a water circuit, in particular recovered rainwater, for cooling the charging stations, or the batteries, or the inverter 37.

[0352] The universal control device 300 is configured to be connected to at least one sensor, for example a temperature sensor.

[0353] The sensor is for example configured to measure the temperature of a battery or solar panel 4 or heated water.

[0354] The universal control device 300 is configured to be connected to a plurality of sensors.

[0355] The invention is particularly advantageous because, with a universal control device 300 provided with different communication ports 305 usable according to different protocols, it is possible to meet varied needs. The invention thus allows great modularity insofar as the same universal control device 300 can be used in different applications by implementing communication protocols which can be different from one application to another.

[0356] The universal control device 300 thus plays the role of a universal platform which is more advantageous than a conventional computer which cannot process a multitude of protocols, unless additional cards are connected to it.

[0357] The present invention offers a solution that is much more compact, simple, secure and practical than a conventional laptop.

[0358] The universal control device 300 is configured to operate with several of the following protocols (potentially with all of the protocols): CAN protocol (for “Controller Area Network” in English); Modbus protocol; I2C protocol (for “Inter-Integrated Circuit” in English); protocol for controlling an electronic relay, for example to control an electric motor; protocol for controlling Mosfet transistors; protocol for controlling PWM signals (for “Pulse Width Modulation” in English) in particular to control the electrical power transmitted to an electronic device; Wi-Fi; 45 / 5G network.

[0359] As illustrated in the, the universal control device 300 is configured to be able to be connected to at least one of the following external devices 320: an electrical inverter, for example associated with a battery; a battery, in particular for managing the electrical storage in a battery; an electrical charging device, in particular for an electric vehicle, in particular for managing the electrical charging of an electric car; one or more cameras, in particular one or more thermal cameras; an electric motor, in particular belonging to a water pump; an electric fan; one or more sensors, in particular one or more temperature sensors; one or more ultrasonic sensors; one or more self-regulating cables (these are special heating cables designed to maintain a constant temperature in various applications); one or more fire detection cables; a lighting device;a display device, for example an LCD or TFT screen; a keyboard; a WiFi module; a 4G or 5G module.;

[0360] The housing 301 may be made primarily of plastic, particularly molded plastic.

[0361] The case 301 is closed, in particular waterproof, and has a shape inscribed in a geometric block.

[0362] The connection ports 305 are arranged in several rows 309.

[0363] In each row 309, the connection ports, for example 4, 5 or 6 in number, are aligned.

[0364] In the example described, the universal control device 300 has four rows 309 of connection ports 305 along four sides of a face of the housing 301.

[0365] The face of the housing 301 comprises a wall 311, here with a square or rectangular outline, and the rows 309 of connection ports are arranged around this wall 311.

[0366] The connection ports 305 are on a single face 312 of the housing 301, here the lower face.

[0367] The rows 309 of connection ports are provided on a bottom cover 314 of the housing 301.

[0368] The universal control device 300 is configured to be housed in a compartment 315 of the installation 1. The compartment 315 may include passages for connecting wires or cables which go to the ports 305.

[0369] The universal control device 300 is configured to enable thermal management of the installation 1.

[0370] The connection ports 305 are chosen from: an HDMI connection port, and / or an Ethernet connection port, and / or a USB connection port.

[0371] The 300 Universal Control Device is configured to operate with a 12 volt power supply.

[0372] The universal control device 300 is configured to operate at an electrical power of 100 watts, 200 watts or 300 watts.

[0373] The universal control device 300 may be configured to provide heat, such as via one or more cables, to prevent a conduit and / or battery from freezing.

[0374] The invention thus relates to an assembly comprising the universal control device 300 and devices 320 of the installation 1 connected to the universal control device 300 to be controlled by this universal control device.

Claims

Universal control device (300) comprising a housing (301) and, in the housing (301), an electronic control card (302), in particular of the Raspberry Pi type or any other type, configured to control external devices (320) according to at least three, in particular at least four, different communication protocols, the electronic control card (302) being connected to connection ports (305) configured to allow the transmission, to external devices connected to these connection ports (305), of signals according to the different communication protocols. Universal control device (300) according to the preceding claim, in which the electronic control card (302) is unique. Universal control device (300) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the electronic components placed in the housing (301) are components of a computer server, in particular a Central Processing Unit, or a Graphics Processing Unit, and in particular the universal control device is configured as an artificial intelligence server. Universal control device (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the universal control device comprises at least one cooling system configured to cool electronic components inside the housing, for example an electric fan, in particular triggerable in connection with a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature in the housing, the cooling system is in particular placed in the housing. A universal control device (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the universal control device is configured to perform edge data processing operations. A universal control device (300) according to any preceding claim, wherein the universal control device (300) has no internal power source, and the housing (301) comprises a power supply connector for connecting a power supply cable to the universal control device (300). Universal control device (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the universal control device (300) is configured to be connected to one or more energy management devices, in particular solar energy. Universal control device (300) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the universal control device (300) is configured to control several functions of an installation, for example of the solar type, these different functions are for example chosen from: the transmission of data representative of a battery charge level; the control of a fan to cool a solar panel; the control of a solar panel cleaning system, of the hydraulic type; the control of a water circuit, in particular recovered rainwater, to cool the charging terminals, or the batteries, or the inverter (37). Universal control device (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the universal control device (300) is configured to be connected to at least one sensor, for example a temperature sensor, the sensor being for example configured to measure the temperature of a battery or a solar panel or heated water. Universal control device (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the universal control device (300) is configured to operate with at least one of the following protocols, or several of the following protocols: CAN protocol (for "Controller Area Network" in English); Modbus protocol; I2C protocol (for "Inter-Integrated Circuit" in English); protocol for controlling an electronic relay, for example to control an electric motor; protocol for controlling Mosfet transistors; protocol for controlling PWM signals (for "Pulse Width Modulation" in English) in particular to control the electrical power transmitted to an electronic device; Wifi; 45 / 5G network. Universal control device (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the universal control device (300) is configured to be connectable to at least one of the following external devices (320): an electrical inverter, for example associated with a battery; a battery, in particular for managing electrical storage in a battery; an electrical charging device, in particular for an electric vehicle, in particular for managing the electrical charging of an electric car; one or more cameras, in particular one or more thermal cameras; an electric motor, in particular belonging to a water pump; an electric fan; one or more sensors, in particular one or more temperature sensors; one or more ultrasonic sensors; one or more self-regulating cables (these are special heating cables designed to maintain a constant temperature in various applications);one or more fire detection cables; a lighting device; a display device, for example an LCD or TFT screen; a keyboard; a WiFi module; a 4G or 5G module.; Universal control device (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (301) can be made mainly of plastic, in particular of molded plastic, the housing (301) preferably being closed, in particular in a waterproof manner. Universal control device (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection ports (305) are arranged in one or more rows, and in particular the universal control device (300) comprises four rows of connection ports (305) along four sides of a face of the housing (301), the connection ports (305) are advantageously on a single face of the housing (301), in particular the lower face, and in particular the universal control device (300) is configured to allow operation with a Linux system and / or to allow a connection to the Internet and / or to allow a connection by WiFi and / or to allow a connection by 4G / 5G network and / or to allow coding in Python language and / or to allow connection to artificial intelligence tools. Universal control device (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection ports (305) are chosen from: an HDMI connection port, and / or an Ethernet connection port, and / or a USB connection port. Energy production installation (1) configured to be installed in particular on the ground, in particular on a parking lot, and comprising a central pillar (2) configured to carry at least one roof (3) provided with at least one solar panel (4), the installation comprising a compartment for housing a universal control device (300) according to one of the preceding claims, which is configured to control devices of the installation.

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