Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
  • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
  • G05B15/00—Systems controlled by a computer
  • G05B15/02—Systems controlled by a computer electric
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
  • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
  • G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
  • G05B2219/20—Pc systems
  • G05B2219/26—Pc applications
  • G05B2219/2642—Domotique, domestic, home control, automation, smart house

Definitions

• This invention relates to a domotic energy management apparatus which can be associated with a temperature conditioning installation of a building. More specifically, the invention regards both the management of the indoor thermal energy in at least one room of a building (ambient temperature) and the management of the thermal energy of the sanitary water heating installation.
• a domotic management apparatus for heating and/or cooling (conditioning) at least one room in a building (for example, a home).
• a domotic apparatus for the management of thermal energy comprise at least one control device (for example, the thermostat in the room heating installation) with which the user can set the desired indoor temperature of a room in the home.
• the apparatus also comprises a controller unit connected to the control device by way of a data cable (normally a BUS cable) in order to receive a request signal for varying the ambient temperature in a room.
• a data cable normally a BUS cable
• the controller unit processes the temperature variation request signal and generates a corresponding actuation signal.
• the actuation signal is received by at least one actuator (also forming part of the apparatus) located along a heating installation or a cooling installation. Consequently, the actuator starts distributing the thermal energy along the heating installation or the cooling installation (depending on whether the temperature is to be raised or lowered) in order to reach the temperature set by the user.
• the heating and/or cooling system comprises a system of pipes through which water is flowing and the actuators comprise solenoid valves located along the system and set up to open and/or close at least part of the system.
• the apparatus also comprises sensors for detecting the indoor ambient temperature of the home.
• Each of these sensors is connected to the data cable (BUS) so that the information relating to the ambient temperature is sent to the controller unit for processing the actuation signal.
• the controller unit is configured to compare the information relating to the actual indoor ambient temperature with the requested temperature and, as a function of the comparison, it sends the actuation signal to the actuators which are operatively associated with the room interior in order to meet the request.
• the controller unit activates the actuators associated with the heating installation in order to raise the ambient temperature.
• the prior art apparatus allows management of distribution of the water flowing in the system of pipes in order to direct it to the right room but it cannot manage the source of thermal energy responsible for heating the water. Disclosure of the invention
• this invention has for an aim to provide a domotic management apparatus which overcomes the above mentioned disadvantages.
• this invention has for an aim to provide a domotic management apparatus which allows managing the use of the thermal energy sources available upstream of the temperature conditioning installations.
• Another aim of the invention is to provide a domotic management apparatus which allows managing the use of the thermal energy sources available upstream of the temperature conditioning installations also as a function of the electric load connected to the electric power supply line.
• the above aims are substantially achieved by a domotic management apparatus as described in the appended claims.
• FIG. 1 schematically represents the domotic energy management apparatus according to the invention.
• the reference numeral 1 denotes in its entirety a domotic energy management apparatus according to this invention.
• the domotic energy management apparatus 1 of the invention is installable in a building, and preferably in a home. Further, the domotic energy management apparatus 1 can be associated with the temperature conditioning installation 2 of the home. As already mentioned, the domotic energy management apparatus 1 can be associated not only with the temperature conditioning installation 2 for heating/cooling ambient air but also to the temperature conditioning installation 2 for heating the sanitary water.
• the temperature conditioning installation 2 for heating/cooling ambient air can be divided into a plurality of indoor zones which do not necessarily coincide with the individual rooms the home is divided into.
• the temperature conditioning installation 2 for heating/cooling ambient air can be divided into two zones: one zone for heating/cooling the living area (kitchen and living room) and one zone for heating/cooling the bedroom area.
• the apparatus 1 comprises at least one control device 3 that can be operated by a user and is configured to generate a signal S1 for requesting a change of the ambient conditions in the temperature conditioning installation 2. More specifically, the control device 3 comprises an input interface 4 for entering desired indoor temperature values in a zone of the building. In other words, the control device 3 allows setting the desired temperature.
• control device 3 may comprise a thermostatic switch, a programmable controller, an electronic tablet, and the like.
• the apparatus 1 of the invention also comprises at least one device 5 for detecting the ambient conditions, which is configured to generate a detection signal S2 indicating the ambient conditions detected in the temperature conditioning installation 2.
• the detection device 5 comprises at least one ambient temperature sensor configured to generate a detection signal indicating the indoor ambient temperature in a zone of the building.
• the detection device 5 also comprises at least one sensor for detecting the ambient humidity, configured to generate a detection signal indicating the indoor ambient humidity in a zone of the building.
• the detection signal S2 indicating the ambient conditions comprises an ambient temperature signal and/or an ambient humidity signal.
• the detection device 5 may comprise both the ambient temperature sensor and the ambient humidity sensor or it may comprise only the ambient temperature sensor or only the ambient humidity sensor.
• each sensor measures the indoor temperature and/or humidity in the zone of the building and generates a corresponding detection signal containing information relating to the measured temperature and/or humidity.
• each ambient sensor temperature, humidity
• the apparatus 1 comprises, by way of an example, two control devices 3, each operatively associated with a respective indoor zone of the building.
• the apparatus 1 also comprises two ambient temperature sensors, each located in a respective zone of the building. Thus, the temperature in the relevant indoor zones of the building can be detected.
• the apparatus 1 also comprises a supervising device 6 which is operatively connected to the control device 3 and to the detection device 5. More specifically, the supervising device 6 is configured to:
• ambient conditions refers to the change of temperature and humidity.
• the supervising device 6 is configured to determine, based on the data comparison, whether the requested temperature in a zone of the building is greater than or less than the temperature detected in that zone of the building.
• the supervising device 6 is configured to determine whether the zone of the building where the temperature has been requested and detected must be heated or cooled.
• the supervising device 6 comprises a programmable electronic processor.
• the supervising device 6 is also configured to generate the thermal energy management signal S3 as a function of predetermined values (saved in the supervising device 6) relating to the ambient conditions.
• This invention also comprises a connection portion 7 having at least two input sections 8, each of which is connectable to a respective thermal energy source 10, and an output section 9 that can be associated with a thermal energy supply line 11 of the building.
• the output section 9 is connected to each input section 8 to feed energy from the energy source 10 to the supply line 11.
• connection portion 7 allows each source 10 to be physically connected to the thermal energy supply line 1.
• connection portion 7 comprises a thermal energy accumulator which is operatively associated with the supply line 11 at the output section 9.
• connection portion 7 further comprises a regulating unit of known type (not shown in the drawing) which is operatively interposed between each input section 8 and the output section 9, for regulating the flow of energy between each input section 8 and the output section 9.
• a regulating unit of known type (not shown in the drawing) which is operatively interposed between each input section 8 and the output section 9, for regulating the flow of energy between each input section 8 and the output section 9.
• the regulating unit comprises two regulating portions, each operatively interposed between a respective input section 8 and the output section 9, for regulating the flow of energy.
• Each regulating portion is movable between an open position where it allows energy to flow through and a closed position where it prevents energy from flowing through. It should be noted that each regulating portion is associated with a respective energy source 10 and is movable independently of the other regulating portions.
• the supply line 1 1 does not form part of the apparatus defined in this invention and is identifiable in the ambient air heating/cooling system or in the sanitary water heating system.
• the apparatus 1 according to the invention can be associated both with the ambient air heating/cooling system and with the sanitary water heating system.
• the temperature detection device 5 is associated with the pipes of the sanitary water heating system in such a way as to measure the temperature of the sanitary water itself.
• the temperature detection device 5 associated with the pipes of the sanitary water heating system is called water temperature sensor.
• the temperature detection device 5 associated with the pipes of the ambient air heating/cooling system is called ambient temperature sensor.
• the apparatus 1 also comprises a memory register 13 which is operatively connected to the supervising device 6 and in which a plurality of tables of parameters are stored, each relating to a respective thermal energy source 10.
• each table of parameters contains data relating to the efficiency of the respective energy source 10 and the cost of drawing energy from that source.
• the apparatus 1 also comprises an energy management unit which operates on the connection portion 7 and which is operatively connected to the supervising device 6.
• the management unit 12 is configured to:
• the energy management unit 12 is configured to optimize energy consumption and hence to select the most economical energy source 10.
• the energy management unit 12 is also configured to first select the input sections 8 which are connected to renewable energy sources 0, where provided.
• the memory register 13 is located in the management unit 12.
• the management unit 12 comprises the memory register 13.
• the memory register 13 is located in the supervising device 6.
• the supervising device 6 also comprises a communication interface configured to receive an external signal for modifying the tables saved in the memory register 13 of the management unit 12.
• the communication interface of the supervising device 6 is configured to be connected to an external network (Internet) and to receive an external signal for modifying the saved tables.
• the communication interface of the supervising device 6 is configured to be connected to the external network through the WI-FITM protocol.
• the supervising device 6 is also configured to send to the management unit 12 the external signal for modifying the saved tables in such a way as to update the data contained in the tables.
• the supervising device 6 comprises an auxiliary memory register configured to receive the external signal for modifying the tables and configured to save the data. That way, the auxiliary memory register saves the energy source parameter tables. That means the management unit 12 is configured to retrieve the information stored in the auxiliary memory register and to update the parameter tables contained in the selfsame memory register.
• the memory register of the management unit 12 is a temporary memory register.
• the auxiliary memory register is configured to keep the parameter tables in the memory, while the management unit 12 is configured to retrieve the information from the auxiliary memory register when necessary and to store them temporarily (for the time needed for the information to be used) in its own memory register.
• the auxiliary memory register defines the main container for the parameter tables.
• the management unit 12 also comprises a communication interface configured to allow a connection between an external processor and the management unit 12, and to allow, through said external processor, operations for modifying the tables saved in the memory register 13.
• the supervising device 6, the management unit 12, the control device 3 and the detection devices are connected to each other solely by a wireless communication network.
• the supervising device 6 is configured to generate a local wireless network W to which the management unit 12, the control device 3 and the detection sensors are connected.
• the supervising device 6 comprises its own wireless module for sending/receiving signals.
• the management unit 12 comprises its own wireless data receiving module.
• the memory register 13 comprises its own wireless data receiving module to communicate (through the signals 8) with the supervising device 6 and with the management unit 12.
• the data receiving module of the memory register 13 is the data receiving module of the management unit.
• the control device 3 comprises its own wireless data sending module configured to send the request signal S1.
• the detection device 5 comprises its own wireless data sending module configured to send the detection signal S2.
• this technical feature allows the apparatus 1 of the invention to be installed near an existing temperature conditioning installation 2.
• the invention also comprises an actuator device 15 having an actuating portion that can be connected to the thermal energy supply line 11 to regulate the flow of energy.
• the actuator device comprises a control unit operating on the actuating portion and operatively connected to the supervising device 6.
• control unit of the actuator device comprises its own wireless data receiving module which is operatively connected to the local network W generated by the supervising device 6.
• control unit is configured to:
• the apparatus 1 comprises three actuator devices connectable to three separate points of the temperature conditioning installation 2 for heating/cooling the home. More specifically, the actuation portion of each actuator device is defined by a valve means. That way, it is possible to close or open a part of the temperature conditioning system for heating the ambient air ( Figure 1). It should be noted that if the 'apparatus 1 comprises a plurality of actuator devices 15, the thermal energy management signal S3 comprises respective energy management sub-signals, one for each actuator device 15. Thus, each actuator device 15 can be managed independently of the others.
• the ambient temperature sensor comprises reversible fastening means for fastening the temperature sensor inside the building. More specifically, the reversible fastening means comprise a permanent adhesive attachable to the interior walls of the home.
• the ambient temperature sensors can be re-positioned according to requirements.
• the ambient temperature sensor comprises its own photovoltaic solar panel 16 for electrically feeding the sensor itself. More specifically, the ambient temperature sensor uses En OceanTM technology to manage the electric power generated by the photovoltaic solar panel 16.
• the domotic energy management apparatus 1 can also be associated with at least one electric power supply line 17 (part of the electrical system of the building) in which electric power from an electric power source 23 is supplied. More specifically, the apparatus 1 comprises at least one electric control device 3 (for example, a light switch) configured to generate an electric control signal S4.
• the supervising device 6 is also configured to manage the power regulation of the electric devices 18 (which dot not form part of the apparatus 1) and, more specifically, the switching on and off of the electric devices 18 connected to the electric power line. More specifically, the supervising device 6 is configured to:
• the apparatus 1 comprises at least one electric actuator 19 which acts on the electric power supply line 17, and which is configured to:
• Figure 1 shows two electric actuators 19 (comprising, for example, an electric relay) operatively interposed between the electric power line 17 and a lighting device connected to the electric power line 17.
• an electric control device 3 sends a control signal to the supervising device 6 which generates a corresponding actuation signal S5 to switch on an electric device 18 (for example, an electric light bulb).
• the electric control device 3 comprises its own wireless data sending module configured to transmit the electric control signal S4 through the local network W (generated by the supervising device 6).
• each electric actuator 19 comprises its own wireless data receiving module configured to receive the actuation signal S5 through the local network W (generated by the supervising device 6).
• the apparatus 1 also comprises at least one device 20 for monitoring the flow of electric power, which can be associated with the electric power supply line 17 and which is configured to:
• the supervising device 6 is further configured to:
• the apparatus 1 allows managing the electric load actively connected to the electric power supply line 17 in such a way as to prevent the predetermined maximum power value from being exceeded.
• the apparatus 1 of the invention may comprise a single device 20 for monitoring the electric current and which is connected upstream of the electric power supply line 17 in such a way as to monitor the current entering the selfsame electric power supply line 17.
• the apparatus 1 of the invention comprises a plurality of monitoring devices 20, each operatively associated with the electric power supply line 17 and located at an electric load (for example, the electric device 18).
• the device 20 for monitoring the electric current comprises its own wireless data sending module which is operatively connected to the supervising device 6 through the wireless communication network.
• the apparatus also comprises at least one device for detecting light and/or presence and/or open doors or windows, which is located inside the building and which is operatively connected to the supervising device 6.
• the detection device is configured to:
• the supervising device 6 is further configured to:
• a detection device detects the presence of a person in the building, it sends a detection signal to the supervising device 6 which communicates with the actuator to switch on a lighting device.
• the device for detecting light and/or presence and/or open doors or windows is operatively connected to the supervising device 6 through the wireless network W.
• each detection device comprises a wireless data transmission module configured to transmit the signal (wirelessly) to the supervising device 6.
• each of the above mentioned wireless data sending and/or receiving modules uses ZigBeeTM or EnOceanTM communication protocols.
• the apparatus 1 can be easily adapted to communicate with other electronic devices currently available on the market.
• the supervising device 6 is configured to connect up to a "smart grid" for the management of the electric power supplied to the electric power supply line 17.
• Another object of this invention is a domotics system comprising an apparatus 1 like the one described above and also comprising at least two thermal energy sources 10. At least one of these thermal energy sources 10 is a renewable source (for example comprising a thermal solar panel).
• the domotics system also comprises at least two sensors 21 for detecting the availability of thermal energy, each located at a respective energy source 10. Each sensor 21 for detecting the availability of energy is connected to the management unit 12 to send it information relating to the availability of energy.
• the energy management unit 12 is configured to:
• the energy management unit 12 is configured to give priority to the renewable energy source 10.
• the thermal energy sources 10 might comprise an electrically fed thermal energy source 10 (for example, a heat pump).
• that thermal energy source is connected to the electric power supply line 17 through an electric cable 22.
• the connection between the electric cable 22 and the electric power supply line 17 is located downstream of the monitoring device 20.
• the electrically fed thermal energy source 10 is monitored by the supervising device 6 which is operatively connected to the monitoring device 20.
• the supervising device 6 is configured to:
• the apparatus 1 allows managing the electric load actively connected to the electric power supply line 17 in such a way as to prevent the predetermined maximum power value from being exceeded.
• the supervising device 6 can modify the energy management signal in order to prevent the heat pump from being used (which would lead to the maximum power value being exceeded).
• the supervising device 6 is configured to insert into the energy management signal information regarding the fact that use of certain energy sources is disabled.
• the supervising device 6 can modify the actuation signal S5 in order to lower the electric power absorbed by the electric devices 18. In other words, the supervising device 6 is configured to lower the power entering certain electric devices 18.
• the above mentioned signals namely, the request signal S1 , the detection signal S2, the management signal S3, the electric control signal S4, the actuation signal S5 and the monitoring signal S6 are transmitted solely through the wireless network.
• the invention achieves the preset aims.
• the invention allows management of the thermal energy sources upstream of the temperature conditioning installation.
• the invention it is possible to select the thermal energy source to be used according to the availability and cost of the energy. It should also be noted that the invention is easy to apply to existing temperature conditioning installations.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
• Air Conditioning Control Device (AREA)
• Control Of Temperature (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=46584261

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (3)

Families Citing this family (2)

Family Cites Families (4)

• 2012
  • 2012-03-26 IT IT000057A patent/ITVR20120057A1/it unknown
• 2013
  • 2013-03-25 EP EP13721102.5A patent/EP2831681A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2013-03-25 WO PCT/IB2013/052365 patent/WO2013144820A1/en active Application Filing

Non-Patent Citations (1)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events