Solar Shutter Heatwave Closure Using Temperature-Adjusted Irradiance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated systems for solar shutter closure during heatwaves rely solely on solar irradiance thresholds, failing to account for ambient temperature, which is a crucial factor in determining heatwave conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method that adjusts the shutter closure threshold by incorporating both solar irradiance and ambient temperature measurements, using a formula to optimize the closure trigger point, and includes a time delay to prevent repeated closures if conditions remain unchanged.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If shutter closure is triggered solely by solar irradiance threshold (350 W/m²), then the control system is simple and responsive to solar energy, but it fails to account for ambient temperature, leading to inaccurate heatwave detection and unnecessary shutter operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheatwave condition detection accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines solar irradiance measurement and ambient temperature measurement into a unified heatwave detection system. The control unit integrates both parameters to calculate an optimized irradiance threshold, merging two separate measurement functions into a single comprehensive control logic that improves detection accuracy without requiring separate independent systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts the irradiance threshold parameter based on ambient temperature. Instead of using a fixed threshold of 350 W/m², the system calculates an optimized threshold Io = 350 + 10 × (22 - Tamb) that changes with temperature conditions, allowing the system to adapt its sensitivity based on environmental parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If shutter closure is triggered by fixed irradiance threshold of 350 W/m², then the response time is fast and straightforward, but the shutter operates unnecessarily when ambient temperature is low, reducing energy efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshutter operation efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption from unnecessary operations
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates ambient temperature feedback into the shutter control decision-making process. The control unit continuously monitors both irradiance and temperature, using temperature feedback to modulate the irradiance threshold and prevent unnecessary shutter operations during cool periods, thereby improving energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the static irradiance threshold into a dynamic parameter that adapts to changing environmental conditions. The optimized threshold Io dynamically adjusts based on ambient temperature variations, enabling the system to respond appropriately to actual heatwave conditions rather than following a fixed schedule

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If multiple parameters (irradiance and temperature) are integrated for heatwave evaluation, then the heatwave detection accuracy improves, but the data processing and control logic become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated heatwave closure reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol unit processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter transformation to simplify multi-parameter processing. Instead of creating complex multi-dimensional evaluation logic, the system transforms temperature and irradiance data into a single optimized irradiance threshold parameter Io, maintaining reliability while simplifying the control decision structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The optimized irradiance threshold Io acts as an intermediary parameter that mediates between raw temperature and irradiance measurements and the final shutter control decision. This intermediate calculation layer simplifies the control logic by converting multiple input parameters into a single actionable threshold for comparison

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enhances the accuracy of heatwave detection by considering both solar irradiance and ambient temperature, improving comfort and energy efficiency by optimizing shutter operations during heatwaves.

Implementation Method 1

an irradiance sensor capable of measuring solar irradiance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolar irradiance measurement: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

an additional remote control comprising means for measuring the ambient temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature measurement: Thermocouple

Implementation Method 3

at least one solar panel for supplying energy to an electric motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolar energy conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4592492B1Method for automated control of the caninecular closure of a solar shutter
Publication Date: 2026.05.13 BHG
  • EP4592492B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4592492B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Method for automated control of the heatwave closing of a solar shutter comprising at least one solar panel for powering an electric motor for driving the shutter, said solar panel comprising an irradiance sensor capable of measuring solar irradiance, each motor being connected to a control unit equipped with telecommunication means, connected to the irradiance sensor and controllable by means of an individual remote control capable of being programmed by the user between an automated operating mode and a non-automated operating mode of the shutter, an additional remote control being associated with each shutter, said additional remote control comprising means for measuring the ambient temperature.The method comprises: - the calculation by the control unit of an optimized irradiance threshold Io = 350 + 10 x (22-Tamb); - the comparison between a measured irradiance Is and the optimized irradiance Io, and if Is ≥ Io: - the control by the control unit of the motor with a view to closing the shutter.