WO2022136671A1

WO2022136671A1 - Method for managing the power of a battery, electric power management device implementing such a method, and home automation installation comprising such a device

Info

Publication number: WO2022136671A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/087566
Authority: WO
Inventors: Xavier ANNYCKE; David Faure; Bruno Lambersend; Michel Pouvreau; Gilles PRADEL; Katia VLAHOVIC
Original assignee: Somfy Activites Sa
Priority date: 2020-12-23
Filing date: 2021-12-23
Publication date: 2022-06-30
Also published as: FR3118339A1; FR3118339B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for managing the power of a battery which comprises at least: - a step (E10) of acquiring a predictive model of use (M1) of the battery, - a step (E20) of acquiring an actual model of use (M2) of the battery (80), - a step (E30) of comparing the predictive model of use (M1) of the battery (80) with the actual model of use (M2) of the battery (80), - a step (E40) of calculating at least one new criterion (CR2) for charging the battery (80) based on a deviation observed between the predicted model of use (M1) and the actual model of use (M2), and - a step (E50) of updating at least one criterion (CR1) for charging the battery (80) on the basis of the new criterion (CR2) calculated in the calculation step (E40).

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Battery power management method, electrical power management device implementing such a method, and home automation installation comprising such a device

The present invention relates to a battery power management method, an electrical power management device implementing such a power management method, as well as a home automation installation comprising such a power management device.

In general, the invention relates to the field of home automation installations comprising a power supply network through which one or more home automation devices are powered.

There are many buildings with home automation installations aimed at ensuring, through dedicated home automation equipment, comfort and energy management functions, such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning, but also energy management. lighting and control of openings, such as doors, blinds or rolling shutters placed in front of building openings or security functions by controlling closing systems (doors, locks) or presence control (cameras, sensors ). These installations include a power supply network supplying electrical energy to the home automation equipment of the installation. A data transfer network, whether or not coupled to the power supply network, allows home automation equipment to communicate with each other or with other equipment in the home automation installation.

In home automation installations for buildings, the home automation equipment, in particular electromechanical actuators for controlling the openings, are configured to implement at least two distinct operating modes, a first operating mode qualified as standby mode, in which the actuator waits for a control command and a second operating mode, called operational mode, in which the actuator executes the control command.

By way of example and according to a forecast use model, an electromechanical actuator for controlling openings executes a control command on average four to six times a day, over a maximum duration of approximately 3 minutes, during which it consumes approximately 48 watts of electrical power, or an amount of electrical energy of approximately 15 watt-hours. In addition, setting the engine in motion the actuator requires an electrical power peak of approximately 72 watts over a very short period of approximately 1 second. The rest of the day, that is nearly 99% of the time, the actuator will consume less than 0.5 watts of electrical power while waiting for a control command, ie an amount of electrical energy of approximately 12 watt-hours. The total amount of electrical energy consumed by the actuator according to this forecast usage model is therefore approximately 27 watt-hours.

A home automation installation comprising several electromechanical actuators for controlling the openings must therefore be capable of supplying the peak of electrical energy necessary for the home automation equipment during the few periods of execution of control orders, and must be able to ensure the basic power supply of these devices in their standby mode for most of the day.

By way of example, a home automation installation comprising 10 actuators according to the characteristics mentioned above will consume, according to the forecast usage model, a quantity of electrical energy of approximately 270 watt-hours.

The designer of such an installation is naturally called upon to dimension his power supply network so that the maximum electrical power delivered by this network is strictly greater than the maximum electrical power required by the home automation equipment, the maximum electrical power required corresponding generally at the peak of electrical power necessary to set the motor in motion. Thus, the power supply network is dimensioned by the designer in such a way as to provide at least 720 watts of power throughout the day, i.e. a quantity of potential electrical energy of approximately 17,280 watt-hours, i.e. more than 60 times the amount of electrical energy required according to the forecast usage model.

It is known from US-A-2004/0066171 to acquire schedules for the use of equipment, such as a laptop computer, by one or more users and to optimize a load state model by calculation of a battery, created on this basis. This method does not take into account the amount of energy actually delivered by the battery.

It is also known to use an emergency power supply device, such as a battery, in support of the power supply from the power supply network of the home automation installation to supply the electrical energy necessary for the operation of at least one electrical load during failures of the main power supply network.

This emergency power supply device is configured to receive electrical power from the power supply network, when the latter is functional, and configured to supply, with the stored electrical power, one or more electrical load(s). s) connected to the emergency power supply device when the network power supply has failed. The backup power supply device comprises a battery charged continuously by the electrical power received from the power supply network.

These installations are configured to implement a backup power supply method comprising a step of monitoring the state of charge of the battery, in order to maintain the state of charge of the backup battery between a minimum level and a level maximum.

If the power supply to the home automation system is cut off by the power supply network, the battery of the emergency power supply device can transmit electrical power to the electrical loads in order to guarantee their operation for a limited time. Thus, the plurality of electrical loads is generally supplied from the electrical power received from the supply network. Since the battery of the backup power supply device acts as a backup element and not as the main power supply element, the fact remains that the electrical power capacity of the power supply network must cover the maximum electrical power requirement for the operation of the plurality of electrical loads of the installation.

However, a problem may arise when the power supply network is a PoE (Power-Over-Ethernet) type power supply and data transfer network with electrical power limited to 90W, or even 60W, or even at 25W. In this case, it is necessary to provide for each electrical equipment whose power in operational mode is close to the electrical power supplied by the PoE network, a power source and a cable of its own. While the interest of PoE is to simplify the wiring in an installation, a demand for electrical power greater than what the PoE network can supply makes the use of such a power supply and data transfer network extremely complex.

In addition, in the case of the use of a back-up power supply device, provision is generally made to continuously maintain the level of charge of the battery of the back-up power supply device at its maximum level. This has the following drawback: the quantity of electrical energy absorbed by the battery is not adapted to the installation, in particular is not adapted according to the use of the electrical equipment of the installation, which leads to in particular premature aging of the storage means of the emergency power supply device and an uncontrollable expenditure of electrical energy. Therefore, the emergency power supply device cannot save electrical energy, especially when, over a period of time, the use of electrical equipment is less than conventional use.

There is therefore a need to manage the electrical power received from a power supply and data transfer network to at least one home automation device, such as a electromechanical actuator, in order to simplify the installation of home automation installations and to optimize their sizing and their durability.

The object of the present invention is to resolve the aforementioned drawbacks and to propose an optimized method for managing electrical power.

In this respect, the present invention aims, according to a first aspect, at a method for managing the power of a battery intended to supply at least one home automation equipment in at least one mode of operation within a home automation installation, the installation home automation comprising at least:

- a power supply and data transfer network, and

- an electrical power management device, the electrical power management device being configured to receive electrical power from the power supply and data transfer network, the electrical power management device comprising at least:

- an interface electrically connected, on the one hand, to the power supply and data transfer network, and, on the other hand, to the home automation equipment,

- a battery electrically connected to the interface and intended to power the home automation equipment, and

- a control unit comprising at least one memory configured to store a forecast battery usage model, an actual battery usage model and at least one battery charging criterion, the interface being configured to charge the battery according to at least one battery charging criterion.

According to the invention, the method comprises at least:

- a step consisting of acquiring a forecast model of battery use,

- a step for acquiring a real battery usage model,

- a step of comparing the forecast battery usage model with the actual battery usage model,

- a step of calculating at least one new battery charging criterion based on a difference observed between the forecast usage model and the actual usage model, and

- a step of updating the at least one battery charging criterion from the new criterion calculated in the calculation step.

Thus, the power management device is suitable for simulating the real power requirement necessary to charge the battery of the power management device, to receive the power strictly necessary for the operation of the installation. Of this way, the device performs an intelligent and self-adaptive management of the battery according to the installation and the actual use of the home automation system.

In addition, the power management process makes it possible to consume, from the power supply and data transfer network, the electrical energy strictly necessary for the operation of the home automation installation.

According to advantageous and non-mandatory aspects of the invention, a method according to the invention may incorporate one or more of the following characteristics:

- The new battery charging criterion is a maximum battery state of charge level.

- The new battery charging criterion is a level of electrical power requested by the interface from the power supply and data transfer network.

- The level of electrical power required by the interface is negotiated between the electrical power management device and the power supply and data transfer network.

- The step of calculating at least one new criterion comprises a sub-step of determining a battery charging start time, from an electrical power level received from the power supply network and data transfer.

- The sub-step of determining a time further comprises a sub-sub-step of switching between at least two states, including a totally blocked state, of the electrical power received from the power supply and data transfer network.

- The method further comprises a step of supplying electrical power to the home automation equipment by the battery, so that, in an operational mode of the home automation equipment, the battery provides all of the electrical power required by the home automation equipment connected to the electrical power management device.

- The interface of the electrical power management device is configured to receive control orders from the power supply and data transfer network and to direct the control orders to at least one home automation equipment electrically connected to the electrical power management device and/or the interface of the electrical power management device is configured to receive information from at least one home automation equipment electrically connected to the electrical power management device and to direct this information to the power supply and data transfer.

- The step of acquiring a real model of use of the battery includes a sub-step of measuring a value of the quantity of electrical energy transmitted by the battery to all home automation equipment connected to the electrical power management device.

The invention relates, according to a second aspect, to a power management device, configured to receive electrical power from a power supply and data transfer network, the electrical power management device comprising at least:

- an interface electrically connected, on the one hand, to the power supply and data transfer network, and, on the other hand, to at least one home automation device, and

- a battery electrically connected to the interface and intended to electrically supply the home automation equipment, the interface being configured to charge the battery according to at least one battery charging criterion.

According to the invention, the electrical power management device is configured to implement the method mentioned above.

This power management device has characteristics and advantages similar to those described above, in relation to the power management method according to the invention.

According to advantageous and non-obligatory aspects of the invention, a power management device according to the invention can incorporate one or more of the following characteristics:

- The device comprises a switching unit configured to switch, between at least two states, the electrical power received from the power supply and data transfer network.

- The interface includes a charging unit configured to charge the battery from the power received from the power supply and data transfer network.

- The interface is configured to charge the battery according to at least one battery charging criterion lower than a maximum battery charging criterion.

The invention relates, according to a third aspect, to a home automation installation comprising at least:

- home automation equipment,

- a power supply and data transfer network, and

- an electrical power management device configured to receive electrical power from the power supply and data transfer network, the interface being configured to charge the battery according to at least one battery charging criterion. According to the invention, the electrical power management device is as mentioned above

This installation has characteristics and advantages similar to those described above, in relation to the power management method according to the invention.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the maximum electrical power required by the home automation equipment is strictly greater than the electrical power provided by the power supply and data transfer network.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the power supply and data transfer network is configured to supply up to 30 watts of electrical power, preferably up to 60 watts, preferably up to 90 watts, to the electrical power management device.

Other particularities and advantages of the invention will appear further in the description below, made with reference to the appended drawings, and given by way of non-limiting example:

[Fig.1] Figure 1 is a schematic representation in perspective of a building comprising a home automation system according to the invention and in which is implemented a power management method according to the invention by means of a device electrical power management according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[Fig.2] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the home automation installation of the building of Figure 1, this installation comprising the electrical power management device according to the invention;

[Fig.3] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the electrical power management device according to the invention;

[Fig.4] Figure 4 is a block diagram of the method of the invention;

[Fig.5] Figure 5 is a timing diagram used in the method of Figure 4;

[Fig.6] Figure 6 is a block diagram similar to Figure 3, for a power management device according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[Fig.7] Figure 7 a block diagram similar to part of Figure 2 for a home automation installation according to a third embodiment of the installation; and

[Fig.8] Figure 8 is a block diagram similar to part of Figure 2 for a home automation installation according to a fourth embodiment of the installation.

First described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, a home automation system 4 according to one embodiment of the invention. Advantageously, the home automation installation 4 is installed in a building B, in particular a tertiary building. In general, the installation is suitable for both commercial and residential buildings, whether individual or collective.

The home automation installation 4 comprises at least one home automation equipment 1 which can be a control device 11, an electromechanical actuator 12 for closing, dimming or solar protection, or a monitoring device 13.

Advantageously, each actuator 12 is configured to implement at least two distinct operating modes, a first operating mode qualified as standby mode, in which the actuator waits for a command command and a second operating mode, qualified as standby mode. operational, in which the actuator executes the control command.

Here and as illustrated in Figure 1, building B comprises a plurality of openings, in particular windows 2 arranged on facades S, E, N, W, the latter two not being visible. The openings 2 are equipped with mobile screens 3, in particular closing, concealment or solar protection screens, part of these being represented in the closed position by horizontal hatching on the facades S and E. The screens of mobile solar protection are each controlled by an electromechanical actuator 12, the latter allowing the automated opening and closing of the screen. The actuators are generally hidden in rails or boxes when they are installed and are then difficult to access from inside or outside building B. Only one of these actuators is shown, in dotted lines, in figure 1. L The automation of building B via the home automation installation 4, in particular screens 3 via electromechanical actuators 12, is based on the presence of other home automation equipment, in particular a central control means 10, local control means, such as remote controls, forming control devices 11, and various monitoring devices 13, formed by sensors or cameras, in particular presence, brightness or temperature sensors. A single local control means 11, a single electromechanical actuator 12 and a single monitoring device 13 are represented in FIG. 1, for clarity of the drawing, even if the home automation installation comprises, in practice, several such home automation equipment 1 . Home automation elements 1 and screens 3 belong to home automation installation 4.

Thus, the home automation installation 4 makes it possible to manage in particular comfort, security and thermics in building B.

For this, the various home automation equipment 1, such as the electromechanical actuators 12, the control means 11, the sensors or cameras of monitoring 13, communicate with each other through data transfer networks, which networks can be wireless, in particular radio, or wired, with wired buses or carrier currents.

The home automation installation 4 further comprises a power supply and data transfer network N.

Advantageously, the power supply and data transfer network N is a hierarchical network with several levels of hierarchy or ranks. The power supply and data transfer network N comprises a main network PN, which notably comprises a common data bus 30, forming a backbone physical link, also called "backbone" in English, to which an electronic control unit 32 is connected. . For example, the link 30 is a cabled link of the Ethernet type, preferably with a bit rate of 10 OMbit/s or higher.

Advantageously, the power supply and data transfer network N comprises a PoE (Power-over-Ethernet) type part. PoE technology makes it possible to use an Ethernet network both for power supply of home automation equipment 1 in building B and for data transmission to at least some of the equipment in the installation.

PoE technology is based on the standard for computer networks published by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) under the reference 802.3:

- The IEEE 802.3af (PoE) standard states that a PoE power source can supply a maximum of 13W electrical power to the powered device.

- The IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) standard states that a PoE+ power source can provide a maximum electrical power of 25.5W to the powered device.

- The IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++) standard states that a PoE++ power source can provide a maximum electrical power of 71.3W to the powered device.

As a variant, the power supply and data transfer network N is a bus network, for example of SCS technology (from the Italian “Systema Cablaggio Semplificator”). SCS technology makes it possible to use a two-conductor electric cable both for sending information and for supplying very low voltage electricity to home automation equipment 1 in building B.

Advantageously, the power supply and data transfer network N further comprises at least a first sub-network, identified by the reference SN1, and a second sub-network, identified by the reference SN2. These sub-networks each comprise a power supply and data transfer network device 34. Each device power supply and data transfer network 34 is electrically connected to the main network PN.

Advantageously, the power supply and data transfer network equipment 34 of a sub-network is connected to the backbone link 30 which forms a head of this sub-network SN1 or SN2. It can be a router, when the main network PN and the subnet SN1 or SN2 are of the same nature, or a switch. The routers or switches are two intermediate network devices of the home automation installation 4 ensuring the routing of data packets and the distribution of the electrical power supply. For example, network power and data transfer equipment 34 is a PoE switch capable of supplying at least 25.5 Watt to the devices powered through it.

Here and as illustrated in FIG. 2, two power supply and data transfer network equipment 34, such as two switches, are connected to the backbone link 30, which makes it possible to form two distinct subnets SN1 and SN2 . Only the SN1 subnet is described in the following, assuming that the SN2 subnet is identical or comparable in structure and operation.

The sub-network SN1 comprises at least one home automation equipment 1 of the home automation installation 4, such as one or more control boxes 36, connected to the corresponding power supply and data transfer network equipment 34 via a physical link 37, preferably wired, such as an Ethernet cable with four pairs of wires. The control box(es) 36 are part of the control devices 11 mentioned above.

Via the power supply and data transfer network N, each home automation device 1 of the network can thus be controlled by a remote mobile terminal 42, connected to the power supply and data transfer network N, for example by an Internet connection. 44, and whose control orders pass through the backbone physical link 30 and through the routers and/or switches 34 to the home automation equipment 1.

Each home automation equipment 1, in particular the equipment 10, 11, 12 and 13, is also powered by the electric power supply supplied by the power supply and data transfer network N.

As explained above, the home automation equipment 1 of the installation can comprise control boxes 36, such as switches, or remote controls, sensors or mobile communication terminals, computers such as a home automation central unit, or electromechanical actuators 12. These are also part of the home automation system 4. The control boxes, sensors, mobile terminals or computers make it possible to control the electromechanical actuators 12, for example by transmitting position instructions and/or movement orders to the electromechanical actuators 12. The control boxes 36 can also be supplied with electrical energy by the cabled power supply network and data transfer of the physical link 30.

The home automation installation 4 further comprises at least one electrical power management device 38. The electrical power management device 38 is electrically connected, on the one hand, to the power supply and data transfer network N, and, on the other hand, to at least one electromechanical actuator 12.

As visible in Figure 3, the electrical power management device 38 comprises at least one interface 60 and a battery 80, the battery 80 being electrically connected to the interface 60.

Advantageously, the electrical power management device 38 comprises a box 50 which can be of any shape and size, in particular of parallelepiped shape, more particularly of a size to be able to house the interface 60 and the battery 80 in its heart.

Advantageously, the box 50 is configured to protect the components of the electrical power management device 38 from external attacks, for example dust, humidity or electromagnetic waves.

Advantageously, the box 50 comprises at least two distinct parts, a lower part and an upper part. The lower part and the upper part are configured to be assembled, for example by means of screws or clips, in order to form the box 50. Thus, access is facilitated to the components of the electrical power management device 38, in particular for a maintenance operation of these components.

Advantageously, the battery 80 is arranged inside the box 50, more particularly, in the lower part.

Alternatively, the battery 80 is arranged outside the box 50.

Advantageously, the battery 80 is connected to the interface 60 via a connector 62.

Alternatively, the battery 80 is connected to the interface 60 via spring-loaded conductive elements, in particular mounted on the interface 60.

Thus, the battery 80 can easily be connected or disconnected from the interface 60, so as to simplify the operation of maintenance or replacement of the battery 80.

Advantageously, the battery 80 is of the rechargeable type and supplies electrical energy to the actuator at least one electromechanical actuator 12 via the interface 60. In the example of the figures, the battery 80 supplies three electromechanical actuators, one of which is omitted in FIG. 3, for clarity of the drawing.

In this figure, the elements 12 and 34 with which the electrical power management device 38 is directly connected are shown in dotted lines, because they are not part of this electrical power management device 38.

Advantageously, the battery 80 comprises one or more electrical energy storage elements. The electrical energy storage elements of the battery 80 can be, in particular, rechargeable batteries, for example of lithium-ion technology, or lithium polymer technology, or nickel-metal hydride technology, or nickel-cadmium technology, or any other appropriate technology.

Advantageously, the battery 80 comprises a battery control system 80, such as a BMS (Battery Management System) system, allowing the control and charging of the various electrical energy storage elements of the battery 80. The battery 80 monitoring system is configured to monitor the status of the various elements of the battery 80, such as the battery 80 voltage, the battery 80 current, the battery 80 temperature, the the state of charge SOC (from the English “State of Charge”) of the battery 80 indicating the level of charge of the battery 80 or the state of health SOH (from the English “State of Health”) indicating the level of battery deterioration 80.

The home automation installation 4 is such that the maximum electrical power required for the operation of at least one home automation equipment 1, for example an electromechanical actuator 12, connected to the electrical power management device 38 is strictly greater than the maximum electrical power supplied from the power supply and data transfer network N. In such a case, the electromechanical actuator 12 cannot be powered directly by the power supply and data transfer network N.

Thus, the capacity of the battery 80 is dimensioned so as to be able to supply the electromechanical actuator 12 or the electromechanical actuators 12 having a maximum electrical power, required for their operation, strictly greater than the maximum electrical power supplied from the network of power supply and data transfer N. In other words, the capacity of battery 80 is such that the maximum electrical power available at the output of battery 80 is strictly greater than the electrical power received from the power supply and data transfer network NOT.

The battery 80 is intended to electrically supply the or each electromechanical actuator 12 according to a provisional model of use of the battery 80.

Advantageously, the battery 80 is dimensioned to provide, during a predetermined lifetime, at least the quantity of electrical energy required for the mode. operation of the maximum number of electromechanical actuators 12 that can be connected to the electrical power management device 38. For example, in an installation comprising 10 electromechanical actuators connected to an electrical power management device 38 and each consuming in operational mode a quantity of electrical energy of 15 watt-hours, the battery 80 of the electrical power management device 38 is sized to supply at least a quantity of electrical energy of 150 watt-hours. In this configuration, the amount of electrical energy consumed in standby mode by the electromechanical actuators is supplied directly from the power supply and data transfer network N.

Advantageously, the interface 60 is connected to the electromechanical actuators 12 via a wired physical link 39 suitable for transmitting electrical power. In this case, the or each electromechanical actuator 12 receives, on the one hand, electrical energy from the interface 60, and, on the other hand, control commands by wireless communication.

Advantageously, the box 50 is arranged as close as possible to the electromechanical actuators 12 connected to the electrical power management device 38, so as to minimize the length of the physical connections 39 and, consequently, to minimize the losses of electrical energy proportional to the length of each of the physical connections 39. By way of non-limiting example, the box 50 of the electrical power management device 38 can be placed in a false ceiling of the building B, as close as possible to the electromechanical actuators 12.

Advantageously, the box 50 includes at least one opening to arrange at least one connector 54 intended to connect at least one electromechanical actuator 12 to the interface 60.

Advantageously, the interface 60 can take the form of a single electronic card, or several electronic cards.

The interface 60 of the electrical power management device 38 is configured to deliver, in other words delivers, output electrical energy. This output electrical energy is configured to supply electrical energy, in other words supplies electrical energy to one or more members of the electromechanical actuator 12, such as for example one or more control members of an electric motor, one or more sensors , one or more switches, in particular power switches or relays.

Advantageously, the interface 60 is connected to the power supply and data transfer network N via a physical link 40, preferably wired, such as an Ethernet cable with four pairs of wires. The interface 60 is also configured to receive electrical power and data from the power supply and data transfer network N.

We now describe in more detail and with reference to Figure 3, the electrical power management device 38 belonging to the home automation system 4.

Advantageously, the power supply of the interface 60 is performed under a direct voltage between 36V and 57V, preferably a direct voltage between 46V and 57V, in particular a direct voltage of 48V.

Advantageously, interface 60 includes a data and power splitter unit 70 to which power and data are supplied. The division unit 70 is suitable for dividing the data and the electric power transmitted by the power supply and data transfer network N, in particular by the various wires of the Ethernet cable of the physical link 40. The unit division 70 mainly comprises a magnetic circuit 71 and a rectifier 72 to rectify the divided power supply. Rectifier 72 includes in particular diodes or a diode bridge ideal for limiting electrical power losses in rectifier 72.

Advantageously, the interface 60 further comprises a voltage measurement unit 73 adapted to measure the voltage at the rear of the division unit 70. The voltage measurement unit 73 comprises in particular a so-called signature resistor . The interface 60, connected to the power supply and data transfer network N, is defined as compatible with this network if the signature associated with the signature resistance, which is of the order of 25 kΩ for a compatible PoE network with the 802.3af standard, meets expectations. The signature is obtained by applying at the input of interface 60 a low voltage, for example between 2.7 and 10V, as common mode voltage. The voltage measurement unit 73 makes it possible to validate the presence of the signature resistor.

Advantageously, the interface 60 further comprises a negotiation and classification unit 74. This negotiation and classification unit 74 notably comprises a classification resistor. By applying a first classification voltage, the amount of current that is used by the interface 60, determined by the value of the classification resistor, makes it possible to determine how much electrical energy the interface 60 needs. and to provide this indication to the power supply and data transfer network N. This classification is semi-automatic or automatic when the interface 60 is connected to the power supply and data transfer network N.

Advantageously, the interface 60 further comprises a control unit 75. The control unit is configured to identify the electrical power management device 38 in the sub-network SN1 and to negotiate the power class with the power and data transfer network N. Advantageously, the control unit 75 comprises a logic unit for calculating and executing control commands, not shown, such as a microcontroller or a microprocessor.

The control unit 75, in other words the interface 60, is configured to determine a forecast usage model M1, an actual usage model M2 and at least one battery charging criterion 80.

Advantageously, the control unit 75, more particularly, the logic unit for calculating and executing control commands comprises at least one memory, not shown, configured to memorize the forecast model of use M1 of the battery 80 , the actual usage pattern M2 of the battery 80 and the charging criterion(s) of the battery 80.

Advantageously, the control unit 75, in other words the interface 60, is configured to switch between at least two states the electrical power received from the power supply and data transfer network N.

Advantageously, the control unit 75 is configured to establish a two-way communication with the power supply and data transfer network, in particular an LLDP (Link Layer Discovery Protocol) type communication in order to negotiate a amount of electrical energy from the power supply and data transfer network N.

By way of non-limiting example, a PoE power and data source, also called PSE (“Power Sourcing Equipment”), of the 802.3at Type 2 type is configured to negotiate by the LLDP protocol a level of electrical power with a powered device PD (Power Device) between a minimum electrical power value, for example 0.5 watts, and a maximum electrical power value, for example 25.5 watts, with a level 0.1 watt resolution.

Thus, the interface 60 is able to negotiate with the PSE the reception of an electrical power level defined by the interface 60, this defined electrical power level being between a minimum value and a maximum value technically acceptable by the network. power and data transfer, in particular by power and data network equipment 34.

Thus, the interface 60 is capable of implementing, via the control unit 75, management of the electrical power received from the power supply and data transfer network N.

Advantageously, the control unit 75 also receives commands from the power supply and data transfer network N and transmitted through the connector 52, through the data and power divider circuit 70. Advantageously, the control unit 75 is also suitable for interfacing with a power supply and/or control circuit, not shown, of the electromechanical actuator 12.

The control unit 75 is configured to determine, in other words determines, at least two physical characteristics of the home automation installation 4.

Advantageously, the control unit 75 is configured to determine at least one electrical power level value available from the power supply and data transfer network via a step of configuring the power management device 38. For example, a value corresponding to an electric power level of 25 watts is recorded in the memory of the control unit 75 during a configuration step of the electric power management device 38. Alternatively, the value can be saved or modified in the memory of the control unit 75 during a configuration step by a user of the home automation installation 4.

Alternatively, the control unit 75 is configured to determine via a communication and reading operation, the electrical power value available from the power supply and data transfer network N according to the LLDP protocol with the power supply and data transfer network N.

In particular, it is normally possible to control an electrical power level by LLDP communication with the power supply and data transfer network equipment 34. Depending on the technology of the equipment 34, it is possible to control a power level between a minimum value and a maximum value with a precise step. For example, a hub forming equipment 34 can provide between 0.5W and 25W of electrical power with a step of 0.1W.

Advantageously, the control unit 75 is configured to determine over a given period, the quantity of electrical energy necessary for the operation of the or each electromechanical actuator 12 connected to the electrical power management device 38, in at least one operating mode. , through a step of configuring the electrical power management device 38. For example, a value corresponding to a quantity of electrical energy of 15 watt-hours for one of the electromechanical actuators 12 is recorded in the memory of the control unit 75 during a configuration step of the electrical power management device 38. Alternatively, the value can be saved or modified in the memory of the control unit 75 during a configuration step by a user of the home automation system 4.

In these different variants, the step of configuring the electrical power management device 38 can take place in the factory, during manufacture, or subsequently, when setting up the installation. As a variant, the control unit 75 is configured to determine over a given period, the quantity of electrical energy necessary for the operation of the or each electromechanical actuator 12 connected to the electrical power management device 38, in at least one mode of operation, via a step of communicating with this electromechanical actuator 12 and reading the value of this electromechanical actuator 12.

Advantageously, the control unit 75 comprises at least one memory, not shown, configured to memorize at least one physical characteristic of the home automation installation 4.

Advantageously, the control unit 75 also comprises a voltage converter, not shown, which intervenes to lower the input voltage to a voltage lower than 10V, for example 6V, for the supply of the electronic components of the interface 60 .

Advantageously, the interface 60 further comprises a charging unit 76 of the battery 80. The charging unit 76 of the battery 80 comprises charging elements configured to charge the battery 80 from the electrical energy received by the power supply and data transfer network N.

Advantageously, the charging unit 76 comprises means for protecting the integrity of the battery 80. These means for protecting the integrity of the battery 80 are configured to limit the state of charge of the battery 80 between a level minimum and a maximum level, thus making it possible to protect the battery 80 from irreversible deterioration of its internal components.

Advantageously, the interface 60 further comprises a distribution unit 77. The distribution unit 77 is configured to distribute the electrical power received from the charging unit 76 of the battery 80 to the home automation equipment 1 connected to the device. electric power management 38, in the example the electromechanical actuators 12. The distribution of electric power can be carried out directly, or selectively.

Advantageously, the distribution unit 77 also comprises a voltage converter, not shown, which intervenes to lower the voltage received from the power supply and data transfer network N or from the battery 80 to a voltage lower than 36V, for example 24V, for supplying the or each electromechanical actuator 12 connected to the electrical power management device 38.

Advantageously, the distribution unit 77 is also configured to transmit control commands received from the power supply and transmission network. data N to the or each electromechanical actuator 12, via the control unit 75.

Thus, the electrical power management device 38 acts as a gateway between, on the one hand, a first power supply and data transfer technology used by the power supply and data transfer network N, and, on the other hand, a second power supply and data transfer technology used by the or each electromechanical actuator 12. For example, the electrical power management device 38 acts as a gateway between, on the one hand, the PoE technology of the network of power supply and data transfer N using the Ethernet communication protocol, and, on the other hand, a technology using for example a communication protocol proprietary to the electromechanical actuators 12.

Alternatively, if the electromechanical actuators 12 themselves use PoE technology, the distribution unit 77 is configured to identify each electromechanical actuator 12 connected to the electrical power management device 38 as a PoE device. For this, the distribution unit 77 comprises elements not shown making it possible to identify, via the physical link 39, the presence of each electromechanical actuator 12 connected to the electrical power management device 38, to identify the need for electrical power of each electromechanical actuator 12, then to transmit the electrical power from the charging unit 76 of the battery 80 to each of the electromechanical actuators 12.

In this configuration, the electrical power management device 38 acts as a PoE router. Indeed, the electrical power management device is on the one hand, discovered as a PoE powered device from the power supply and data transfer network N, and, on the other hand, discovers at least one electromechanical actuator 12 as a PoE powered device.

Advantageously, the distribution unit 77 supplies electrical energy to at least one electromechanical actuator 12 via a connector 54. Each electromechanical actuator 12 is connected to the distribution unit 77 via a connector 54 .

Alternatively, the distribution unit 77 supplies electrical energy to a plurality of electromechanical actuators 12 via a DC power supply bus. Each electromechanical actuator 12 is connected to the DC power bus through an electrical shunt. Thus, the deployment of the home automation installation 4 can be carried out at low cost. We will now describe, with reference to FIG. 4, an embodiment of a method for managing the electrical power of at least one electromechanical actuator 12 in a home automation installation 4 in accordance with the invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 .

The method includes a step E10 consisting in acquiring a predictive usage model M1 of the battery 80.

Advantageously, the forecast model of use M1 of the battery 80 comprises at least one threshold value SQ of quantity of electrical energy that can be transmitted by the battery 80 to the electromechanical actuators 12 over a first predefined time interval T1. The threshold value SQ constitutes the quantity of forecast electrical energy defined by the forecast usage model M1 and which can be transmitted during the first time interval T 1 .

Advantageously, the threshold value SQ of quantity of electrical energy that can be transmitted by the battery 80 to the electromechanical actuators 12 over a first predefined time interval T 1 can be readjusted according to a margin of error coefficient or a predictive factor of aging battery 80.

Advantageously, the predicted usage model M1 of the battery 80 is recorded in at least one memory of the control unit 75.

Advantageously, the threshold value SQ of the forecast model of use M1 of the battery 80 is defined or redefined during the installation of the installation or the modification of the installation, in particular the connection of additional actuators to the device electrical power management 38.

The method also includes a step E20 of acquiring a real usage model M2 of the battery 80.

Advantageously, the acquisition step E20 comprises at least: a first sub-step E201 of determining a quantity value of electrical energy Q1 transmitted by the battery 80 to all the electromechanical actuators 12 connected to the power management device electric 38 during a first time interval T 1 . a second sub-step E202 of determining, during a second time interval T2, a series of a number n of values of quantity of electrical energy Q1 obtained in accordance with the preceding sub-step E201, each value being denoted Q1 m, with i natural integer between 1 and n, as shown in FIG. 5. In other words, step E202 amounts to repeating step E201 n times over time interval T2, at instants separated by a time interval T1 , a third sub-step E203 of determining a quantity of electrical energy Q2 determined from the series of n values Q1[i] determined during the previous step E202. This value Q2 can, in particular, correspond to the maximum value of quantity of electrical energy Q1 [i] determined during the time interval T2, during step E202. a fourth sub-step E204 of determining an actual usage model M2 as a function of the energy quantity values Q1 and Q2 determined by the sub-steps E201 to E203. Advantageously, the quantity of electrical energy values Q1 and Q2 determined by the sub-steps E201 and E203 are converted into values that are directly comparable with the quantity of electrical energy determined by the forecast usage model M1. a fifth sub-step E205 of recording the actual usage model M2 determined by the previous sub-steps E201 to E204.

In practice, the determination of the value Q1 carried out during the sub-steps E201 and E202 takes place by measuring electrical quantities, such as a voltage or a current. Thus, a measurement is made of the value of the quantity of electrical energy Q1 transmitted by the battery 80 to all the electromechanical actuators 12 connected. One objective is to reduce the difference between the forecast usage model M1 and the actual usage model M2, in order to limit the states of intense charge of the battery and, consequently, to extend the life of the battery. battery.

If a single actuator 12 is connected to the electrical power management device, then the measurement of sub-step E201 concerns the value of the quantity of electrical energy Q1 transmitted by the battery 80 to this electromechanical actuator. As a variant, the quantity of electrical energy Q1 can be the quantity transmitted to another electrical equipment 1, such as a control device 11 or a monitoring device 13.

In practice, the determination of the quantity of energy Q2 carried out during sub-step E203 takes place by calculations.

In the example of FIG. 5, the number n is equal to 7. Alternatively, this number may be different.

Thus, the real model M2 of use of the battery 80 makes it possible to determine the quantity of electrical energy actually transmitted by the battery 80 to all of the electromechanical actuators 12 connected to the electrical power management device 38 according to a first interval of time T1 and a second time interval T2. Advantageously, the quantity values of electrical energy Q1 and Q2 can be measured by integrating over time during each movement the product of the current consumed and the voltage of the battery 80.

A greater number of distinct time slots can be used to improve the resolution of the actual M2 usage model.

The method also includes a step E30 of comparing the predicted usage model M1 of the battery 80 with the actual usage model M2 of the battery 80.

Advantageously, the comparison step E30 comprises at least:

- a sub-step E301 for comparing the value of the quantity of electrical energy Q1 actually transmitted by the battery 80 during the duration T 1 with the quantity of forecast electrical energy SQ defined by the forecast usage model M1.

- a sub-step E302 for comparing the value of the quantity of electrical energy Q2 actually transmitted by the battery 80 during the duration T2 with the quantity of forecast electrical energy SQ defined by the forecast usage model M1. a sub-step E303 of determining a difference between the forecast quantity of electrical energy SQ defined by the forecast usage model M1 and the values of quantity of electrical energy Q1 and Q2 actually transmitted by the battery 80 to the electromechanical actuators 12 connected to the electrical power management device 38 during the first time interval T 1 and the second time interval T2.

Advantageously, the comparison step E30 is implemented by the control unit 75.

Thus, the control unit 75 determines over time a difference between the planned use of the battery 80 and its actual use, according to a first time criterion, represented by the time interval T1, and a according to second criterion of time, represented by the time interval T2.

The method also includes a step E40 of calculating at least one new criterion CR2 for charging the battery 80.

Advantageously, the new criterion CR2 for charging the battery 80 is calculated according to the difference observed between the planned use of the battery 80 and its actual use, according to a first time criterion, represented by the time interval T 1, according to a second time criterion, represented by the time interval T2, and a correspondence table. Advantageously, the new charging criterion CR2 of the battery 80 is a maximum level of state of charge SOC of the battery 80.

Advantageously, the maximum SOC state of charge level of the battery 80 is set by the control unit 75.

Thus, the battery 80 can be charged up to a maximum level of state of charge SOC of the battery 80 according to the forecast model of use M1 of the battery 80.

In addition, the maximum level of state of charge SOC of the battery 80 is adapted when a difference is observed between the forecast model of use M1 of the battery 80 and the actual model of use M2 of the battery 80.

Thus, when the maximum level of state of charge SOC of the battery 80 is reduced, the lifetime of the battery 80 is increased while guaranteeing the operation of at least one electromechanical actuator 12 connected to the electrical power management device 38 according to a forecast usage model M1.

Advantageously, and according to another approach, the new charging criterion CR2 of the battery 80 is a level of electrical power requested by the interface 60 from the power supply and data transfer network N.

Advantageously, the level of electric power requested by the interface 60 from the power supply and data transfer network N is negotiated between the electric power management device 38 and the power supply and data transfer network N.

Advantageously, the step E40 of calculating at least one new criterion comprises a sub-step E401 of determining a time T4 of the start of charging of the battery 80 from the level of electrical power received from the network of power supply and data transfer N.

Advantageously, the sub-step E401 for determining a time T4 for the start of charging the battery 80 comprises at least:

- a sub-sub-step E4011 for comparing the value of the quantity of electrical energy Q1 or Q2 supplied during a time interval T 1 and/or a time interval T2 by the battery 80 all the electromechanical actuators 12 connected to the device electric power management 38 with a threshold value, in particular a minimum threshold value of quantity of electric energy SQ defined by the predictive usage model M1. a sub-sub-step E4012 for determining a time T5 corresponding to a desired state of charge level of the battery 80 as a function of the forecast usage model M1. a sub-sub-step E4013 for determining a time T4 for the start of charging the battery 80 from a level of electrical power available from the power supply and data transfer network N to reach the level d desired state of charge of the battery 80 at time T5.

- a sub-sub-step E4014 for switching between at least two states, including a completely blocked state, of the electrical power received from the power supply and data transfer network N.

Step E40 also includes a sub-step E402, subsequent to step E401, for determining the new loading criterion CR2 taking into account the instant T4 determined in sub-step E401.

The method also includes a step E50 of updating at least one charging criterion CR1 of the battery 80.

The method further comprises a step E60 of supplying electrical power to the or each electromechanical actuator 12 by the battery 80, so that, in an operational mode of the electromechanical actuator 12, the battery 80 provides all of the the electrical power required by the at least one electromechanical actuator 12 connected to the electrical power management device 38.

In the second to fourth embodiments of the invention shown in Figures 8 to 10, elements similar to those of the first embodiment bear the same references. In the following, only what distinguishes these embodiments from the first is described.

In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the control unit 75 controls at least one switching unit 78 in order to open the physical electrical connection between the negotiation and classification unit 74 and the battery 80 for a determined period. By way of example and as represented in FIG. 4, the switching unit 78 can be a power transistor, controlled between an off state and an on state by the control unit 75 and placed negotiation and classification 74 and the control unit 75. This also allows the interface 60 to manage the electrical power received from the power supply and data transfer network N, by switching between two states the electrical power received at from the network of the power supply and data transfer network N, one of these states being a blocked state where the electrical power received is zero.

In an alternative embodiment not shown of the second embodiment, the switching unit 78 can be integrated into the charging unit 76, for example integrated into a component dedicated to recharging the battery 80. In this mode of Alternatively, the control unit 75 controls the load unit 76 via at least one control signal. In the third embodiment represented in FIG. 9, the interface of the electric power management device 38 is connected to each electromechanical actuator 12 by means of a hard-wired physical link 41 adapted to transmit electric power and data, such as a multi-conductor cable. In this case, the or each electromechanical actuator 12 receives, on the one hand, electrical energy from the interface 60, and, on the other hand, control commands by wired communication, such as a communication RS485, from interface 60.

In the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 10, the electrical power management device 38 does not include a box 50 and is integrated into one of the home automation equipment 1, in particular into one of the electromechanical actuators 12, which it feeds directly. The electrical power management device 38 also supplies other actuators 12, through a network 43 of the bus type.

Whatever the embodiment, the invention makes it possible to supply one or more home automation equipment(s) 1, such as electromechanical actuators 12 or one of the other equipments 10, 11 and 13, from of a power supply and data transfer network N is configured to supply up to 30 watts of electrical power, or up to 60 watts of electrical power, or up to 90 watts of electrical power.

The embodiment and the variants mentioned above can be combined together to generate new embodiments.

Claims

25 CLAIMS

1. Method for power management of a battery (80) intended to supply at least one home automation equipment (1) in at least one mode of operation within a home automation installation (4), the home automation installation (4) including at least:

- a power supply and data transfer network (N), and

- an electrical power management device (38), the electrical power management device (38) being configured to receive electrical power from the power supply and data transfer network (N), the management device electrical power (38) comprising at least:

- an interface (60) electrically connected, on the one hand, to the power supply and data transfer network (N), and, on the other hand, to the home automation equipment (1),

- a battery (80) electrically connected to the interface (60) and intended to electrically supply the home automation equipment (1), and

- a control unit (75) comprising at least one memory configured to memorize a forecast usage model (M1) of the battery (80), an actual usage model (M2) of the battery (80) and at least a criterion (CR1) for charging the battery (80), the interface (60) being configured to charge the battery (80) according to the at least one criterion (CR1) for charging the battery (80), the method being characterized in that it comprises at least:

- a step (E10) of acquisition of a forecast usage model (M1) of the battery (80),

- a step (E20) of acquiring a real usage model (M2) of the battery (80),

- a step (E30) of comparing the forecast usage model (M1) of the battery (80) with the actual usage model (M2) of the battery (80),

- a step (E40) for calculating at least one new criterion (CR2) for charging the battery (80) as a function of a difference observed between the forecast usage model (M1) and the actual usage model (M2), and

- a step (E50) for updating the at least one criterion (CR1) for charging the battery (80) from the new criterion (CR2) calculated in the calculation step (E40).

2. A method of power management of a battery (80) intended to supply at least one home automation equipment (1) in at least one mode of operation within a home automation installation (4), according to claim 1, characterized in what the new charging criterion (CR2) of the battery (80) is a maximum state of charge (SOC) level of the battery (80).

3. A method of power management of a battery (80) intended to supply at least one home automation equipment (1) in at least one mode of operation within a home automation installation (4), according to claim 1, characterized in that the new charging criterion (CR2) of the battery (80) is a level of electrical power requested by the interface (60) from the power supply and data transfer network (N).

4. A method of power management of a battery (80) intended to supply at least one home automation equipment (1) in at least one mode of operation within a home automation installation (4), according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the electrical power level requested by the interface (60) is negotiated between the electrical power management device (38) and the power supply and data transfer network (N).

5. A method of power management of a battery (80) intended to supply at least one home automation equipment (1) in at least one mode of operation within a home automation installation (4), according to any one of claims preceding steps, characterized in that the step (E40) of calculating at least one new criterion (CR2) comprises a sub-step (E401) of determining a time (T4) of the start of charging of the battery (80) , from an electrical power level received from the power supply and data transfer network (N).

6. A method of power management of a battery (80) intended to supply at least one home automation equipment (1) in at least one mode of operation within a home automation installation (4), according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the sub-step (E401) of determining a time (T4) further comprises a sub-sub-step (E4014) of switching between at least two states, including a totally off state, of the electrical power received from the power and data transfer network (N).

7. A method of power management of a battery (80) intended to supply at least one home automation equipment (1) in at least one mode of operation within a home automation installation (4), according to any one of claims above, characterized in that the method further comprises a step (E60) of supplying electric power to the home automation equipment (1) by the battery (80), so that, in an operational mode of the equipment home automation (1), the battery (80) provides all of the electrical power required by the home automation equipment (1) connected to the electrical power management device (38).

8. A method of power management of a battery (80) intended to supply at least one home automation equipment (1) in at least one mode of operation within a home automation installation (4), according to any one of claims above, characterized in that the interface (60) of the electric power management device (38) is configured to receive control orders from the power supply and data transfer network (N) and to direct the control orders to at least one home automation equipment (1) electrically connected to the electrical power management device (38) and/or in that the interface (60) of the electrical power management device (38) is configured to receive information from at least one home automation equipment (1) electrically connected to the electrical power management device (38) and to direct this information to the power supply and data transfer network (N).

9. A method of power management of a battery (80) intended to supply at least one home automation equipment (1) in at least one mode of operation within a home automation installation (4), according to any one of claims preceding steps, characterized in that the step (E20) of acquiring a real usage model (M2) of the battery (80) includes a sub-step (E201) of measuring a quantity value of electrical energy (Q1) transmitted by the battery (80) to all home automation equipment (1) connected to the electrical power management device (38).

10. Electrical power management device (38) configured to receive electrical power from a power supply and data transfer network (N), the electrical power management device (38) comprising at least:

- an interface (60), the interface (60) being electrically connected, on the one hand, to the power supply and data transfer network (N), and, on the other hand, to at least one home automation equipment ( 1 ), and

- a battery (80), the battery (80) being electrically connected to the interface (60) and intended to electrically supply the home automation equipment (1), the interface (60) being configured to charge the battery (80) according to at least one criterion (CR1) for charging the battery (80), characterized in that the electrical power management device (38) is configured to implement the method according to any one of Claims 1 to 8. 28

11. Electric power management device (38) according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises a switching unit (78) configured to switch, between at least two states, the electric power received from the network of power supply and data transfer (N).

12. Electric power management device (38) according to claim 10 or claim 11, characterized in that the interface (60) comprises a charging unit (76) configured to charge the battery (80) from the power received from the power supply and data transfer network (N).

13. Electric power management device (38) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the interface (60) is configured to charge the battery (80) according to at least one criterion (CR1) of charging of the battery (80) less than a maximum criterion of charging the battery (80).

14. Home automation system (4) comprising at least:

- home automation equipment (1),

- a power supply and data transfer network (N), and

- an electrical power management device (38), the electrical power management device (38) being configured to receive electrical power from the power supply and data transfer network (N), the interface ( 60) being configured to charge the battery (80) according to at least one criterion (CR1) for charging the battery (80), characterized in that the electrical power management device (38) is according to any one of the claims 10 to 13.

15. Home automation system (4) according to claim 14, characterized in that the maximum electrical power required by the home automation equipment (1) is strictly greater than the electrical power supplied by the power supply and data transfer network (N ).

16. Home automation system (4) according to claim 14 or claim 15, characterized in that the power supply and data transfer network (N) is configured to supply up to 30 watts of electrical power, preferably up to at 60 watts, preferably up to 90 watts, to the electrical power management device (38).