FR3045230A1 - AUTONOMOUS LIGHTING AND POWER SUPPLY DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

Stand-alone lighting and power supply device comprising at least one renewable energy source (4), energy storage means (21), a lighting source (5) and at least one output of energy (8 to 11) controlled by a digital activation module (23) communicating with a server by a radiocommunication means, said device comprising a plurality of energy outputs (8 to 11), each of said outputs (8 to 11) being controlled by digital information each assigned to a specific user account.

Description

AUTONOMOUS LIGHTING AND POWER SUPPLY DEVICE

ELECTRIC

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of autonomous electrical equipment incorporating a renewable energy source, a lighting system and a paid access point for the occasional power supply of at least one electrical accessory according to a billing mode. advance according to the time of use, in English, "pay as you go".

More than one billion people in the world do not have access to electricity because they live in territories that are not served by the electricity grid. Solar home systems allow these people to have access to electricity and some more sophisticated solar systems offer a range of features to customers such as mobile charging and television use.

For example, M-KOPA Solar in Kenya has partnered with a mobile phone operator to install pay-as-you-go mobile payment solutions.

Similarly, Off Grid Electric (also known locally as M-Power) in Tanzania allows customers to pay in advance for electricity generated from their solar systems using a subscription service mobile-enabled payment system, thus allowing to finance part of the initial investment of the autonomous solar system.

The development of disruptive technologies in these countries, such as mobile payment, has enabled companies to access hundreds of thousands of customers by reducing the initial cost barrier and transitioning to "energy as a service." Rather than selling products whose overall cost remains out of reach.

The implementation of these solutions requires dedicated equipment, to ensure a permanent service and meet high levels of requirements in terms of reliability of equipment and security of data transfers and contents to avoid inappropriate uses or fraudulent.

State of the art

International patent application WO 2013096668, which relates to devices and methods for providing lighting and solar energy to a consumer using payment technology for the actual use of energy, is known in the state of the art. . Payments are made using a user's mobile phone.

This prior art device comprises a lighting module configured to provide illumination to a client when activated, and a control system comprising a processor and a memory configured to monitor the use of the apparatus of lighting, as long as the usage credits are not consumed, and turn off the lighting fixture when there is more usage credits.

European Patent Application EP2783342 of the company ΚΟΡΑ IPR LLC is also known, describing an apparatus providing a main functionality other than bidirectional communication. The apparatus operates in a plurality of modes including an operational mode and a set mode. When the apparatus is in the operational mode, the computing device communicates with a remote computer and, in response, receives an instruction that is based on a state of a financial account. Based on the received instruction, the computing device checks whether or not the equipment provides the main functionality. When the apparatus is in the set mode, the equipment provides the main functionality without being controlled by the computing device regardless of the state of the financial account. The unit switches from the operational mode to the mode set based on wireless communication from the remote computer based on the amount due.

Another known solution is described in the international patent application WO2014124099 describing a solar photovoltaic system which comprises at least one modem for receiving a coded signal from a remote location, a solar panel comprising solar cells and at least one switch, for unblocking and blocking the system current, controlled by a particular coded signal at the switch or solar panel or solar system. The system is particularly suitable for providing electricity to users who can not afford the costs of conventional solar systems. A company leases the systems to users for a small refundable deposit and periodic rent. System elements prevent and / or deter robbery and burglary by automatically disabling the system after a selected time period and / or allowing a remote deactivation of a moved system to an unauthorized or tampered location an alteration, or at a predetermined time. The company can also activate the remote system on a periodic basis as long as the periodic rent is well paid.

Another international patent application WO2013080060 describes an apparatus and a method for controlling the supply of electrical energy to one or more peripheral devices. The apparatus includes a first input for receiving electrical energy from an electrical power source and a battery for accumulating the received electrical energy. The apparatus further comprises at least one output for supplying electrical power to at least one peripheral device and a power management controller for controlling the power supply of the peripheral device (s). The apparatus also includes a communication module for detecting the purchase of prepaid usage time associated with the apparatus, the energy management controller activating the peripheral device (s) for as long as there is enough time remaining and disabling the device (s) device (s) once the usage time has expired.

Disadvantages of prior art

The solutions of the prior art are not fully satisfactory because they do not allow sufficient flexibility of uses. An energy supply device is controlled according to the state of the account of a user, who is in principle the one who is the usual consumer of energy, on the place where the device is implanted. There is therefore in the solutions of the prior art an irrevocable link between the physical location of a particular access terminal to energy, the holder of the payment means for consumption at this particular terminal, and generally a battery accumulating energy.

Thus, a user can not consume energy from another terminal than the one assigned to it, and can not allow a third party to consume energy on the equipment assigned to it.

Furthermore, these solutions of the prior art also do not allow "hybrid" uses to operate in the same physical location of shared services, for example a collective street lighting, and private paying services.

Solution provided by the invention

In order to remedy these drawbacks, the invention relates, in its most general sense, to an autonomous lighting and electrical energy supply equipment comprising at least one renewable energy source (photovoltaic, wind, etc.), a energy storage means, a lighting source and at least one energy output controlled by a digital activation module communicating with a server by a radiocommunication means characterized in that said device comprises a plurality of outputs of energy (USB, ...), each of said outputs being controlled by digital information each assigned to a specific user account.

For the purposes of this patent, the term "autonomous" means equipment that can fulfill all of its functionalities without being connected to a non-renewable source of electricity.

Preferably, said equipment comprises a circuit for regulating said outputs and said lighting source, said control circuit individually controlling the energy supplied to each of the charges as a function of the quantity of energy available to ensure a service availability. energy in all circumstances and without interruption.

Advantageously, said control circuit comprises means for recording the consumption history of the equipment connected to said sources and a computer for controlling the control based on the recorded historical data.

According to a particular embodiment, said equipment comprises, for each of said outputs, a "street lamp" identifier that can be read by a peripheral device comprising means for acquiring payment information, and for transmitting said information to a server. transmitting an activation / deactivation information of the output corresponding to said identifier.

According to a preferred variant, it comprises, for each of the outputs, a read circuit of an identifier X ^ equipment stored in the memory of a device connected to said socket, and means for transmitting said identifier IDéquipenient to a server.

According to a particular mode of implementation, it comprises a plurality of readers ID equipment ±.

According to one particular variant, the device comprises an ID reader equipped with a connector for receiving a memory card. The invention also relates to a system for the supply of energy and lighting characterized in that it consists of at least one autonomous lighting and power supply device comprising at least one renewable energy source. , energy storage means, a lighting source and at least one energy output controlled by a digital activation module communicating with a server by a radiocommunication means characterized in that said device comprises a plurality of outputs of energy, each of said outputs being controlled by digital information each assigned to a specific user account and by a computer server connected by a wireless link to said device for transmitting an activation or deactivation signal of at least one output of energy, based on the information received by a radiocommunication means of a user.

Detailed description of an exemplary embodiment The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, relating to a nonlimiting example of embodiment illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 represents a schematic view of the architecture of FIG. A system according to the invention - Figure 2 shows a schematic view of the architecture of the autonomous candelabra Figure 3 schematically shows the information exchanges - Figure 4 shows a schematic view of the control algorithm of the system.

The system comprises in the example described a candelabrum (1) and a server (2) equipped with radiocommunication means (3).

The candelabrum (1) comprises a renewable energy source, in this case a photovoltaic panel (4) as well as a rechargeable battery and an electronic circuit controlling the management of the energy produced by the photovoltaic panel (4). This energy is accumulated by the battery and / or consumed by a lighting source (5), for example a set of light-emitting diodes. This energy produced by the photovoltaic panel (4) can also supply at least one external electrical load connected to a distribution module (7) having electrical outlets (8 to 11) for the connection of electrical appliances. The distribution module (7) can be mounted on the mast of the candelabrum (1) or connected thereto by an electric cable.

The candelabrum (1) has two functions: - the basic function is the supply of public lighting near a group of dwellings. With the help of an intelligence and a precise knowledge of the elements that constitute it, the electronic circuit of the candelabra ensures a management of the energy to make it possible throughout the year to guarantee a lighting service minimum which whatever the weather conditions. The other function is the supply of private electric power (to homes) near the candelabrum via the distribution module (7).

The distribution module (7) is a subset for interfacing the candelabrum with a dwelling through a power card controlling the distribution and measurement of the energy available on the outputs (8 to 11).

The system implements a GSM connectivity with a telecom operator via a GSM module (6) equipping the candelabrum (1), allowing communication with the server (2).

A terminal (12) (for example a cellular telephone) makes it possible to exchange information between the users and the candelabrum via a telecom operator. This information, transmitted using SMS frames (or USSD or Data) via the mobile phone (7) can monetize access to energy for said home in the form of packages payable in advance.

The server (2) comprises: a client portfolio management platform for centralizing the information related to the users and their consumption mode and enabling them to create a modular and scalable service according to their needs. This platform also realizes the features related to payment management. - A second platform to relay information from products on remote servers to store the characteristics and performance of systems in real-life situations in the field.

The solar candelabrum (1) comprises the following elements: - A photovoltaic panel (4) - A battery pack (20) - An energy management calculator (23) - An LED module (5)

An electronic power stage (22) distributing the electrical energy between the public LED module (5) and the distribution module (7) for connections deprived of external loads (8 to 11).

According to a first option, this power stage comprises a secondary distribution circuit distributing the private energy to a plurality of distribution modules (7) intended for other private dwellings. This secondary distribution circuit controls the activation of one or more distribution modules (7) in their entirety, or one or more outputs of the distribution modules (7) connected.

According to a second option, the power stage comprises a public lighting output and one or more private outputs for connecting a distribution module (7).

Candelabra functions

In charge mode (during the day) the photovoltaic panel (4) recharges the battery thanks to the solar energy captured.

At night, the circuit (23) automatically switches to lighting mode and the battery (20) discharges.

In both cases, the user can consume energy on the system.

The system provides 24-hour power supply if the system state allows it. For this, the energy management algorithm controlling the circuit (23) distributes the available energy according to priorities and local data and state variables (state of charge and aging of the battery, history of sunshine, history of outdoor consumption, permanence constraints of the lighting service, etc.). The insured service provides a critical service of guaranteed energy supply whatever the operating conditions, for example in case of low sunlight or dust which would accumulate exceptionally on the photovoltaic panels.

However, it is possible to cause a systematic extinction of LED lamps in day mode to avoid excessive consumption and unnecessary day. The energy available on each product will be divided into two categories of use: Public lighting

Electricity supply for the individual user (Private use)

The amount of energy stored in the battery is distributed between the two services according to a predetermined control law.

For the Public Lighting part, the system will rely on a nominal service principle when conditions permit and critical service corresponding to minimum recharging conditions of the battery (adverse weather).

A similar principle will be applied to the Private Use part depending on the number of connected users and the state of charge of the battery.

Electronic circuits include:

An I2C interface as well as a power connection to the distribution module (7) - A serial interface to a GSM / GPRS module. A low energy Bluetooth link (LE for those skilled in the art) for the wireless diagnosis of the short-range system. - A GSM / GPRS connection, SMS communication, USSD, FTP.

The distribution module (7) provides interfacing with the client outputs (8 to 11). It is either integrated in the candelabrum (1) or in the form of an external box, and allows to control and monitor the outputs to the users.

It is controlled by the electronic board (23) to perform the following functions: - ON / OFF control of the power outputs

Control of the dimming of the power of the lamps inside a fireplace to ensure optimal autonomy in this fireplace (dimming in pulsed voltage on 2 supply wires)

Controlling the dimming of the power of lamps inside a fireplace to ensure a good distribution of energy between all the homes - Monitoring and measurement of the power / energy consumed on each output

Electrical protection of the outputs (short circuits, overvoltages, ...)

Each output (8 to 11) allows you to manage independently

- a USB charger - a group of 3 LED lamps.

The USB port will be sized to provide 1A / 5V or a 5W charge. The maximum total charge per output (if all consumers are used) will be 5W + 3 * 1W = 8 watts.

The lamps will be activated each with a switch function (socket with zipper ON / OFF) so that the user can light his home room by room.

The candelabra (1) equipped with a GSM module (6), made in the form of a card located inside the housing.

The GSM card allows the system to be connected to the 2G or 3G network in order to meet the following needs: - allow the user to interact with the system to request and benefit from the supply of energy - back up on a regular basis monitoring information to a database (product monitoring database) to capitalize on the use and energy monetization profiles - achieve remote management via the GSM module to facilitate remote maintenance of products

The GSM module is constantly powered in low power mode to allow the user to activate the energy access service at any time.

The GSM module is equipped with an EEPROM memory to store a complete product history.

The communication protocol between the computer (23) and the GSM / GPRS module (6) is of the "Series" type. The activation or deactivation of an output (8 to 11) is ensured by an exchange of information between the user having a device (12), the server (2) supervision and the candelabrum (1).

The exchanges are as follows:

Step 30 - When accessing the system, the user must identify the candelabrum (1) he wants to request and the number of the output (8 to 11), to inform the energy supplier. This identification is carried out for example by entering a code on the housing (7) or the mast of the candelabrum (1), or by acquiring a matrix code or an NFC type code.

The code may be written: - Either in the form of an alphanumeric sequence affixed to the post-mounted candelabrum and / or on a label at the entrance to each dwelling (distributed at the facility). - Or in the form of a barcode system that the user can flash at his request

Step 31 - The equipment (12) then establishes a dialogue with the server (2) by opening a session using an SMS or USSD or Data type information medium. Two types of information will be exchanged: - The customer's request to consume energy (step 31) - The confirmation or the refusal of the operator as a result on demand (step 34)

The refusal may appear either for lack of user credit, or for lack of energy in the candelabrum.

The Telecommunication Operator platform provides correspondence between the applicant's customer account (to verify the consumer credit) and the candelabrum involved in the transaction (to check the availability of energy)

Steps 32 and 33 make it possible to carry out the exchanges between the operator and the candelabrum, in bidirectional for example with a format and protocol of SMS type: - Transmission of the customer request to the product (step 32); An acknowledgment mechanism of the SMS may be envisaged to indicate a possible reception problem at the end of a predefined timeout. - Return on the availability of energy (step 34) The energy available to a user will be defined in the form of "tokens". Each token will correspond to a duration of access to energy for the private lighting part. The token may also correspond to a charging cycle of a device connected to the USB output until detection of end of charge of said connected equipment.

Through a prepaid system (Scratch card type) the user can consume energy in the form of packages corresponding to a preset number of chips.

The packages offered may be weekly weekly on demand depending on the desired energy.

The system being able to be shared between several dwellings, the amount of energy supplied to each dwelling according to the other demands on the candelabrum is configurable, in particular in the form of the fixing of a ceiling. The way to limit this energy is defined: either by the instantaneous power, or by the energy consumed over 24 hours, or by a number of USB recharges per day.

In case of global energy shortage, the token management strategy will be orientated according to two axes: - energy for each user (critical service) - a quality prioritization to the detriment of one / the last customer ( priority system between users).

The pricing of the token will be determined after discussion with the telephone operator, and will depend on the desired profitability on the system.

Example of SMS SUN-001027 ABC DAY =

Daily request for SUN-001027 Candelabra Exits A, B and C

Customer Management Platform (CRM)

The customer management platform makes it possible to centralize the requests of the different customers, to count the number and to manage access to energy. The system must be able to maintain a history of all user requests, from the demand for service provision, through credit control and the transmission of information to the candelabra. User monitoring and demand will refine system development and sizing.

The platform must always be updated automatically, accessible and complete - including all communications, and exchanges.

The customer management module groups each request of the user service. It centralizes all data to better interpret the trade and to easily make accurate forecasts.

This platform passes information from the system to the user in case of refusal to support the request.

Product Supervision

The supervision platform allows the analysis of consumption profiles.

The supervision platform supervises the candelabra and allows a simple and global identification of all the systems to: locate each candelabrum at its commissioning make a regular monitoring of all installed candelabra receive the possible alarms of the products (in event mode) interact with products installed Geolocation of products

The monitoring platform includes a visualization mode for locating each product installed and running on a map, with a status on its performance, its operating history and aging.

To be identified and geolocated, each product must send an SMS containing its GPS position to the monitoring platform.

Product monitoring 1 - use variables

Each product sends a periodic SMS containing a list of values corresponding to a list of predefined variables. 2 - product history

Each product periodically sends an SMS containing part of its operation history in a necessary and sufficient number of specific parameters to diagnose the state of the system.

Additionally, the system can provide features such as: MAX power protection of each output in each home to prevent hardware degradation.

The possibility of increasing the power supplied in each household independently of the others, if the user decides to buy this option (adding PV, adding battery, adding lamps or other types of charges: TV, radio, ...)

An electronic signature between the solar motor and each distribution module (7), also based on a pulsed method,

An electronic signature between said distribution module (7) and the lamps, also based on a pulsed method.

The possibility of dimming the power of one or more energy outputs,

According to a particular variant, the transmission of data locally to the end user (Internet access point, various alerts on the user account, etc.) can be performed by Lifi (Light Fidelity in English terminology) -mono and bi Directional - or Wifi or Wimax hotspot.

According to a different embodiment, the local data transmission can be carried out wired: Online Carrier Current (PLC) solution.

Optionally, the autonomous energy device can produce and / or store the poolable energy for the other homes.

Another variant is to extend said network via a new distribution module (extended version, called "premium") that replaces the module (7) capable of wired or wireless communication to ensure monetization and control by said autonomous device integrating an extension of the renewable energy source and the energy storage means.

In case of excess energy generated by the extended renewable energy source, the energy created can be used in the following cases: - Recharging of the energy storage means of the autonomous energy device,

And / or redistributed to one or more distribution modules,

And / or recharge an additional storage means purchased by an extension user to extend his service.

Possibly, the control module (23) is self-powered by a button cell (or equivalent) to keep communication with the distribution module if the battery is cut / stolen.

Claims (8)

claims 1 - autonomous lighting and power supply device comprising at least one renewable energy source (4), energy storage means (21), a lighting source (5) and at least one power output (8 to 11) controlled by a digital activation module (23) communicating with a server by a radiocommunication means characterized in that said device comprises a plurality of energy outputs (8 to 11), each said outputs (8 to 11) being controlled by digital information each assigned to a specific user account. 2 - Device according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises a control circuit (23) of said outputs and said lighting source, said control circuit (23) individually controlling the energy supplied to each of the charges in function the amount of energy available. 3 - Device according to claim 2 characterized in that said control circuit (23) comprises means for recording the consumption history of the equipment connected to said sources and a computer for controlling the control based on the recorded historical data. 4 - Device according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises, for each of said outputs, a "street lamp" identifier adapted to be read by peripheral equipment comprising means for acquiring a payment information, and transmission of said information to a server transmitting activation / deactivation information of the output corresponding to said identifier. 5 - Device according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises, for each of the outputs, a circuit for reading an ID equipment ID stored in the memory of a device connected to said socket, and means for transmitting said identifier IDéquipement to a server. 6 - Device according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises a plurality of ID readers equipment, i * 7 - Device according to claim 5 or 6 characterized in that it comprises an ID reader IDéquipement equipped with a connector for receiving a memory card. 8 - System for the supply of energy and for lighting constituted by at least one autonomous lighting and electrical energy supply device comprising at least one renewable energy source, an energy storage means, a lighting source and at least one energy output controlled by a digital activation module communicating with a server by a radiocommunication means characterized in that said device comprises a plurality of energy outputs, each of said outputs being controlled by digital information each assigned to a specific user account as well as by a computer server connected by a wireless link to said device for transmitting an activation or deactivation signal of at least one energy output, according to the information received by radiocommunication means of a user.