Shutter Control Using Solar Irradiance and Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shutter control systems primarily focus on thermal regulation, neglecting other environmental factors like sunlight and its impact on interior temperature, leading to suboptimal energy efficiency and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling shutters using a processing and control unit connected to solar panels, irradiance sensors, and temperature sensors, which determines the optimal opening and closing of shutters based on multiple parameters including solar irradiance, temperature, and time, to enhance energy efficiency and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If shutter control is based solely on temperature regulation, then thermal energy efficiency is improved, but the system fails to account for solar radiation effects and other environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it processes temperature data from the first sensor, solar radiation data from the second sensor, and time data from the clock. The system universally considers multiple environmental factors (temperature, solar radiation, time of day) when making shutter control decisions, rather than relying on a single thermal parameter alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameters from a single temperature threshold to a multi-parameter evaluation system. It compares solar radiation against a first threshold, time against a second threshold, and temperature against a third threshold, requiring multiple conditions to be satisfied simultaneously for automated shutter opening.
2Loss of energy
If the shutter opens automatically based on solar radiation and time conditions, then energy efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases due to multiple sensors and control logic
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensors (temperature sensor, solar radiation sensor) and control logic are merged into a single integrated control unit. The control unit consolidates data processing from different sensors and combines multiple control criteria (solar radiation threshold, time threshold, temperature threshold) into one unified decision-making system that manages shutter operation.
3Temperature
If the shutter opens early in the morning to maximize solar radiation, then thermal gain is improved, but heat loss through the opening increases before full sunlight availability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of multiple parameters (solar radiation level, time of day, temperature) before automatically opening the shutter. It waits until solar radiation exceeds a first threshold AND time exceeds a second threshold (indicating sufficient sunlight availability) before initiating opening, preventing premature opening that would cause heat loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors solar radiation levels, time, and temperature, using this feedback to dynamically determine the optimal moment to open the shutter. The system adjusts its behavior based on real-time environmental conditions, opening only when multiple parameters indicate favorable conditions for thermal gain without excessive heat loss.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method provides more precise control over shutter operations, optimizing thermal variations within buildings by considering multiple environmental factors, thereby improving energy efficiency and living comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The electric motor associated with the shutter movement mechanism is in practice powered by the output voltage of the solar panel
Implementation Method 2
Irradiance sensors, also known as solar radiation sensors, measure the intensity of solar radiation incident on a given surface at a given time. They therefore make it possible to obtain a measurement of the intensity of solar radiation by converting the incident light energy from the sun's rays into a measurable electrical signal
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for controlling a shutter capable of obstructing an opening made in a building, said shutter being driven by a motor controlled by means of a processing and control unit, said motor being connected to at least one solar panel supplying the motor with energy, at least one irradiance sensor equipping the solar panel and at least one sensor of the temperature outside the building also being connected to the processing and control unit.The control includes the following steps: - Checking the closed or open state of the shutter; - measuring the open-circuit voltage of the solar panel; - measuring the irradiance of the solar panel; Then, if the shutter is closed, if the open-circuit voltage Uv of the panel is greater than a predetermined voltage threshold U0 stored in the processing and control unit and if the irradiance Ir is greater than a predetermined irradiance threshold Irm stored in the processing and control unit, a control signal for the automated opening of the shutter is sent to the motor by the processing and control unit.