FR2624627A1 - Programmable control device for managing electrical energy - Google Patents

Abstract

The control device includes a central unit module 3 with a microprocessor 30 coupled to a clock with an hours output 31 and in functional association with a memory 32 in a plug-in cartridge. Attached to the central unit module 3 is a first action module 4, then a second 4', the attachment being carried out in a horizontal direction. Moreover, the action modules 4 and 4' have inputs 41c, 41'd for local status sensors, such as thermostats, and outputs 42a, 42'c, for the control of user appliances. The input 41a is linked to a box for measuring power demand, and the input 41b to an energy tariff relay 15. The linking lines are directed vertically, and the microprocessor signals 30 along the horizontal direction. The programming, recorded in a memory 32, determines the control of the user circuits as a function of time and of the signals sent by the sensors. Adaptation to specific situations is very flexible.

Description

"Programmable Power Management Driver
electric"
The invention relates to an electric power management driver delivered by a public network, of the kind where a microprocessor coupled to a clock with time outputs and possibly calendar, in functional association with memories and connected to sensors controls the switching. power usage circuitry based on time information from the clock, network supply condition information, local state conditions, and selected setpoints.

 The pilots in question here are intended to manage the energy in premises powered by low voltage.

 The energy management then essentially consists in -modulating, for at least one utilization circuit and generally a plurality of such circuits, the coupling to the distribution network of the devices connected to these circuits, in order to minimize the costs of energy consumption while ensuring the best service or comfort that the devices must provide. It should be noted, incidentally, that the minimization of energy consumption costs can also involve a reduction of the subscribed power, made possible by a judicious selection of the periods of activity of the devices of the different circuits.

 Because of the type of space intended for pilots, they will mainly manage heating and / or air conditioning, domestic hot water and domestic appliances1 and, incidentally, lighting, alarm or lighting circuits. security.

 For. the control of the heating, in the general case one will determine by room a series of temperatures of setpoint (unoccupied room, actively occupied room, bedroom at night for example) and one will fix the hourly intervals and the days corresponding to these different states.

The pilot will then feed the heaters according to the indications of a temperature sensor to obtain in the room the current temperature of the moment.

For domestic hot water, the pilot can proceed with the charging of accumulation tanks preferentially at times when the rates are low, taking into account, however, utilization forecasts. For appliances, the pilot can put them in service also at off-peak hours, possibly avoiding overlapping uses, not to call more than the contract power.

 It is conceivable that the execution of drivers in hardwired logic led to rigid solutions, incompatible with the diversity of the situations of the public for which these pilots are intended.

 Also offered are programmable drivers, equipped with a microprocessor and associated memories, which receive time information from a watchmaker of sensor status condition information, energy tariff information from the network of distribution, and which elaborate, from programmed instructions, action orders for the coupling of the circuits of use, this coupling being done generally by all or nothing.

 As a result, the efficiency of the energy consumption management depends in itself much more on the ingenuity of the programming, than on the structural particularities of the pilot, which could be constituted by a conventional non-specialized microprocessor equipped with interfaces. self mundane.

 Patent documents FR-A-2 395 671, EP-A-0 176 383 and FR-A-2 586 833 describe pilots of this kind.

 FR-A-2,395,671 merely states a per se ordinary microprocessor structure associated with input and output interfaces, and the types of data that constitute the input signals.

 EP-A-0 176 383 describes a pilot essentially from the outside, by stating the maneuvers of keyboard keys to be performed, and the response of the pilot to these maneuvers.

 FR-A-2,586,833 describes a structurally commonplace pilot, and presents the programming by its results.

 But programming in itself is not patentable, and if it can help to establish the non-obviousness of a solution of a technical problem, it is in so far as it establishes a necessity link between the data of the problem. and the solution brought.

 However, in the field of energy management, it is desirable that the programming be adapted to each particular case. Also the technical object must be independent of the programming.

 Better, the technical realization must induce the minimum of constraints for the programming.

 In this aspect, the Applicant has sought a pilot structure, without essential originality in its strictly software part, which consists of simple elements easy to manufacture in series, capable of being assembled by juxtaposition for, on the one hand, adapt flexibly to fixtures in a particular room, including changes to these arrangements and additions thereto, and determine link circuits to state sensors, to appliances for use and the distribution network which form clear and logical patterns.

 For this purpose, the invention provides a pilot for managing electrical energy delivered by a public network, of the type in which a microprocessor coupled to a clock with time and possibly calendar outputs, in functional association with memories and connected to control sensors. switching power usage circuits from time information from the clock, network supply condition information, local state conditions, and selected setpoints, characterized in that it is divided into modules aligned in a first direction, and subsequently connected by connectors plugged in this first direction, the modules comprising a CPU module comprising the microprocessor with its clock and the associated memories, and at least one action module connectable to lines directed in a second direction orthogonal to the first, the action modules being assigned at least one utilization circuit and having inputs for the local status information and the power supply condition information, and outputs for connection to this utilization circuit.

 It is understood that the arrangement in modules aligned in a first direction, with the possibility of adding as many action modules as is desirable without modifying the physical connection of the modules through the plug-in connectors, allows for almost unlimited diversification. applications from a single model CPU module, and a reduced number of action module models, while the parallel arrangement in the second direction of all external circuit connection conductors to State sensors or usage devices leads to a clear presentation where all drivers are locatable and identifiable. Adding a complementary action module does not normally require any reworking of the previous circuits.

 Preferably the CPU module comprises, in addition to an internal memory where are recorded general instructions, a plug-in cartridge memory where specific instructions and circuit configuration information are recorded.

 This arrangement makes it possible to record particular instructions as well as information on the assignment of the inputs and outputs outside the central unit unit, and thus without interfering with the driver's maneuvers.

 The cartridge memory is preferably nonvolatile so that it can be remotely recorded, transported, shipped, without damage to its contents.

 In preferred arrangement, it is associated with the driver a separate box which can receive the memory cartridge and which is connected to a telephone network terminal which comprises a central server able to control the recording of particular instructions on instructions provided by the terminal , in response to questions asked by the server.

 In other words, it would provide the server with a computer capable of handling driving problems in a general manner, and apply them to particular cases.

 Preferably the action modules have on their inputs and outputs galvanically isolated links, these links being optoelectronic devices input, and electromagnetic relays on the outputs.

 Such an arrangement simplifies the connections and clarifies the presentation of the diagrams, since there is more risk of circulation of parasitic currents coming from the outside in the computer signal connections.

 Also preferably, the driver comprises means for measuring the energy called by the usage circuits, coupled to an input of an action module. This energy measuring means may comprise an intensity transformer inserted in a general distribution conductor equipped with rectifiers output. The energy measurement makes it possible to determine the opportunity of load shedding.

 Also an action module may include an input coupled to a relay responsive to the tariff signals of the distribution network. It is easy to understand that appropriate management of consumption must take into account the rates at which energy is delivered1 according to the period.

Secondary features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which
FIG. 1 is a general diagram of a management pilot according to the invention
Figure 2 shows in elevation a CPU module
Figure 3 is an action module diagram
FIG. 4 is a diagram of a power measurement box called
Figure 5 is a diagram of a local installation in application of a pilot according to the invention.

 According to the embodiment chosen and shown in FIG. 1, a room is supplied with electrical energy by a public network, here with a neutral 10a and a lita phase, through a conventional circuit-breaker 1, with an output terminal 10 for the neutral and an output terminal 11 for the phase is schematized into an output for a tariff signal, although this output is, in practice, on one of the auxiliary counting devices, upstream of the circuit breaker.

 On the phase conductor 11 is threaded an intensity transformer core 20, coupled to a called power measurement box, which will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 4. However, it will be indicated that this box delivers a binary signal. with a first state when the current in the conductor 11 is lower than a set threshold, and a second state when the current is above this threshold.

 The driver itself comprises a CPU module 3 as a whole, and a plurality of action modules, here two 4 and 4 '. These different modules are contiguous in a first direction, here horizontal, connectors 40, 40 'allowing a flow of data signals in this first direction, both the CPU module 3 to the action modules 4, 4' that of these action modules 4, 4 'to the CPU module 3.

 The CPU module (see also FIG. 2) comprises a microprocessor 30 coupled to a clock 31 with clock outputs and possibly calendar, this clock 31 has a conventional display in hours and minutes. The microprocessor includes, of course, an addressed access memory, and a ROM where a basic program is stored. The microprocessor is further functionally associated with a memory 32 in a plug-in cartridge, which, plugged into the CPU module 3, is accessible only in reading, but which can be programmed, erased and reprogrammed with the aid of an interface connected to a computer. This point will be repeated later, when the general operation has been described.

 For its operation, the CPU module 3 is supplied with AC low voltage through a transformer 35, with a primary 35a connected between neutral 10 and phase 117 and a secondary 35b.

 It will be noted that the transformer 35 provides a galvanic decoupling between the distribution network 10, 11 and the microprocessor and its associated circuits 30, 31, 32.

 In addition, the central unit comprises a neutral terminal 10k, which is not connected to any active element in the module 3 <but which is connected to a connection in the first direction or direction of attachment, to form common return for the input signals on the action modules 4, 4 ', as will be seen below.

 The action modules, as shown schematically in FIG. 3, comprise connectors 40 and 40 'with five contacts 40a, 40b, 40, 40d, 40e for the connector 40, the connector 40' being in correspondence; contacts with same index letter are connected. Of course the CPU module 3 has a corresponding connector. Thus the contacts 40a, 40'a are connected to the neutral terminal 10b of the module 3, the contacts 40b, 40 'are at the positive supply pole and the contacts 40e, 40'e are grounded, while the contacts 40c, 40c and 40d, 40'd form a bus line in which both input and output signals flow in both directions.

 The printed circuit board 45, which terminates all the connections of the action module 4, comprises an integrated circuit able to switch the input signals present on the input terminals 41a, 41b, 41c and 41d, and to show output signals on the bus, according to addresses assigned to both the input terminals 41 and the output terminals 42, under the control of the microprocessor 30.

 It will be noted that the inputs 413-41c and the outputs 42a-42c are connected to lines which start in a second vertical direction, which is orthogonal to the first direction where the signals circulating towards the microprocessor 30, or transmitted by the latter, flow. this. It will be appreciated, therefore, that action modules can be added without interfering with the previous modules.

 Between each of the inputs 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d and the printed circuit 45 is interposed an optoelectronic coupler 46a, 46, 46c respectively 46d constituted by a conventional electro-luminescent diode and a phototransistor. The return of light-emitting diodes is done on the neutral connection between the contacts 40a and 40'a. This ensures the galvanic decoupling between the input signals and the signals which are directed towards the microprocessor 30. In this way, the input of spurious signals into the information processing circuits is avoided, if such Signals appeared on the lines, as did signal polarity searches, during installation or maintenance.

 The microprocessor is also electrically decoupled from the outputs 42a, 42b, 42c, by means of relays 47a, 47k, 47c, the coils of which are excited by signals coming from the microprocessor, to contact their poles and thus connect the outputs 42a, 42b, 42c, selectively at the phase voltage applied to the terminal 43 of the action module 4.

 Furthermore, as suggested in the lower left of FIG. 3, the voltage present at the output terminal 42a can excite a power relay 5, with a coil 51 and one (or more) movable contact 52.

It is thus possible to control large powers.

 As shown in FIG. 4, the called power measurement box 2 comprises an intensity toroidal transformer 20 threaded onto the phase conductor 11.

 The circuits arranged in the housing 2 are in themselves well known, so that the diagram of FIG. 4 is speaking for a person skilled in the art and does not call for any particular description. At the output of the box 2 appears a binary signal whose two states respectively correspond to current values in the conductor Il less than and greater than a threshold intensity representative of a target power, the latter being chosen for example according to the size of the general subscriber circuit breaker.

 This binary signal is directed (see FIG. 1) on one of the inputs (here 41a) of the first action module 4 starting from the CPU module 3.

 Of course, if the power distribution is performed in polyphase, several intensity transformers 20, and several boxes 2 will be used, which will be connected to as many inputs 41. It is understood that it is thus possible to act independently on the devices powered by each phase.

 The program, and in particular the program part stored in the plug-in cartridge memory 32, will instruct the microprocessor to respond to an overflow signal by a load shedding, that is to say by a stop command of a or several user devices, according to selected priority rules, and parameterized in the plug-in cartridge memory 22.

 It will be noted that circuit configuration information is also recorded in the memory 22 in a plug-in cartridge, this information corresponding to a translation of the addresses of the inputs 41 and outputs 42 corresponding to their physical location, into functional addresses corresponding to the particular assignments given to the inputs. 41 and outputs 42.

 It will be appreciated that the pilot, as just described, can direct most of the circuits of use of a room such as a dwelling or an office, since he can define, by programming, a set of rules relating, on the one hand, to the appropriate implementation of each apparatus of use, and, on the other hand, to circumstantial priorities.

 As it is about energy management, an important element is the energy supply tariff. it goes without saying that it is advantageous to consume the maximum energy at the lowest rate. However, low tariffs correspond to periods or times when energy demand is generally reduced. Also the management will it intervene, either a storage of energy (hot water in particular), or the delayed start-up of an equipment with automatic cycle (washing machine for example).

 But of course, the programming must be able to take into account supply rates at each moment also one of the inputs (here 41b) of the action module 4, here first from the module 3 of the central unit is connected to a relay (output 15 of the switchboard where the circuit breaker 1), switched by the charging signals issued by the distribution network, to execute the rate changes to the meter.

 We will now describe, with reference to Figure 5, a particular application to a room that will be assumed mixed-use residential and professional, where we define three areas for heating.

 - A "day zone" 101 including professional rooms, whose heating is required only during working hours.

 - A "night zone" 102 that includes unused rooms during working hours.

 - A "common" area 103 that includes usable rooms during the day and at least part of the night.

 Each zone 101, 102 and 103 has a set of convectors. electrical 101b, 102b, 103b, and a temperature sensor or thermostat 101a, 102a, 103a, respec-ctively.

 Furthermore the room comprises a washing machine 6, a storage tank of domestic hot water 7. In addition the room is equipped with a fan 8 for extracting air.

 Each of the apparatus, washing machine 6, hot water tank 7, fan 8, day zone convector 101b, night 102b, commune 103b, has its own contactor 5, 5 ', 5 ", 5..9, 5IV, 5V respectively, which is connected to the controlled outputs 42a, 42k, 42c, 42'a, 42'k, 42'c of two action modules 4 and 4 '.

 These action modules 4, 4 'are contiguous following a CPU module 3, the action module 4 being prime.

 The room is served by a distribution board 1 in single phase two wires 10 (neutral), 11 (phase) from the network 10a, 11a. On the phase output 11 is a toroidal intensity transformer 20, which is coupled to a power meter called 2.

 The distribution board 1 has a two-state rate signal output.

 The action modules 4 and 4 'have four signal inputs 41e, 41e, 41c, 41D and 41'a, 41'b, 41'c, 41'd, respectively.

 The output 15 of the tariff signal is connected to the input 41e, the output of the called power measurement box 2 is connected to the input 41b, the input 41g is connected to a general frost-free thermostat, the input 41d a frost-free safety selector. On the action module 4 ', the input 41'a is unused, the inputs 41' k, 41 ut and 41'd respectively connected to the thermostats 103a, 102a and 101a.

 Heating control will essentially consist in maintaining at the temperature assigned by the thermostat each zone, during the periods fixed for this zone. The thermostats then work in all or nothing.

 In addition, during periods when the premises are uninhabited, the frost-free selector will be engaged, and from the frost-free thermostat, the heating will be operated in the three zones 101, 102 and 103 to maintain a minimum temperature of 5. at 8'C.

 The fan 8 will be started, or at fixed times, especially for the evacuation of the steam of toilets and kitchen. In addition it may be envisaged to have the fogging probes, which would then be connected to the input 41'a.

 The preferential use of the washing machine 6 will be provided at times when the energy rate is low.

We can prepare the machine at any time, and ensure its departure after the output 15 of Table 1 has taken its state corresponding to the low rate.

 The hot water tank 7 will also be recharged while the energy supply is at the low rate. But its connection will be delayed on the moment of passage to the low tariff, to avoid contributing to peak power demand resulting from the connection of the various equipment controlled by rate change relays.

In addition, the power measurement unit called 2 will trigger load shedding via the driver. During the night, for example, the night heating zone 102, the common heating zone 103, the hot water tank 7 and the washing machine 6 may be in competition, the corresponding power demand
at simultaneous operation exceeding the power
subscribed. The programming can then provide for
priorities. For example, it can be provided that the machine for
washing 6 has absolute priority if she started to
function. The hot water tank may become a priority
from a certain hour of the night, so that his
recharge is ensured for the morning. The priority between heating ozons 102 and 103 is a matter of convenience.

It will be understood that the programming leads to the base
to question the different entries, and to elaborate
control signals for different outputs from
the state of the input signals, the signals emitted by the clock
31 (Figure 1), and conditions of supply of energy
(tariff and power demand). This leads to a record
hase program in the memories of the microprocessor. Of
plus the elaboration of the output signals from the
input signals and clock signals obeys rules
corresponding to selected instructions, which depend on
largely user desiderata. These rules
translate into a set of categorized parameters that will be
stored in the plug-in cartridge memory 32.

Of course the memory contained in this cartridge
32 is of a non-volatile type, so that its implementation and
its conservation does not require operations
special.

Saving in cartridge memory
Plug-in 32 can be executed in different ways.

Provision can be made for editing by the supplier of
driver, of plug-in memories programmed either for
standard cases, either on demand. Typical programs are
relatively rigid, and on-demand programs
risk, in themselves, of being onerous and demanding deadlines
relatively important.

We can foresee the development of a software of
programming, compatible with microcomputers
great diffusion. With a suitable interface where the plug-in memory cartridge 32 would be inserted, the programming could be executed either by a local installer or by the user himself.

 The system would be more flexible; however, the possibilities of software for home microcomputers are for the moment limited, and problems of compatibility between software and microcomputers arise.

In addition editing software for programming plug-in memories would be relatively expensive, and control of the use of random software.

 The Applicant has designed plug-in cartridge memory loading interfaces 32 compatible with the public telephone network terminals, such as "Minitel" type, and accordingly provides a host with a computer equipped with software for executing the programming of memories in memory. plug-in cartridge in a Q & A process, and development of parameters directed to the memory interface. It will be appreciated that the host computer's computer software can be much more complete and efficient than floppy disk software, and that it can also be periodically revised.

 Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples described, but embraces all the embodiments within the scope of the claims. This is particularly true for the application examples, since the object of the invention is essentially to be able to adapt very flexibly to particular cases.

Claims (9)

 1. Driver for managing electrical power consumption delivered by a public network of the kind or a microprocessor (30) coupled to a clock (31) with clockwise and possibly calendar outputs, in functional association with memories (32) and connected todesensors (2, 15, 101a, 102a, 103au) controls the switching of utilization circuits (6, 7, 8, 101k, 102k, 103k) of energy from time information transmitted by the clock ( 31), network supply condition information, local state conditions, and selected setpoints, characterized in that it is divided into modules (3, 4, 4 ') aligned in a first direction, and subsequently connected by connectors plugged in this first direction, the modules comprising a central unit unit (3) comprising the microprocessor (30) with its clock (31) and the associated memories (32) , and at least one action module (4, 4 ') connectable to lines (41, 42) directed in a second orthogonal direction with the first1 the action modules (4, 4 ') being assigned to at least one utilization circuit (6, 7, 8, 101b, 102k, 103b) and having inputs (41a, 41b, 41c, 41d, 41'a, 41'-k, 41'c, 41'd) for local status information and energy supply condition information, and outputs (42a, 42b, 42c, 42 ', 42', 42 ') for connection to this utilization circuit.  2. Driver according to claim 1, characterized in that the central unit unit (3) comprises, in addition to an internal memory where are recorded general instructions, a memory (32) in a plug-in cartridge where are recorded particular instructions and instructions. circuit configuration information.  3. Driver according to claim 2, characterized in that the plug-in cartridge memory (32) is of a non-volatile type.  4. Driver according to one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that it is associated with a separate housing adapted to record data in the memory (32) plug-in cartridge, connectable to a telephone network terminal which comprises a central server-able to develop said particular instructions in response to solicited instructions provided by said terminal.  5. Driver according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the action modules (4, 4 ') have, on their information inputs, galvanically isolated optoelectronic connection members (46a, 46k, 46, 46d, 46'a, 46'k, 46 ', 46'd) and at their outputs of connection to the circuits for using the electromagnetic relays (47a, 47k, 47c, 47'a, 47'k, 47') forming galvanic break.  6. Driver according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a means (2) of power measurement called by the use circuits, coupled to an input of an action module (4). ).  7. Driver according to claim 6, for an installation supplied by the public network through a plurality of phase conductors (11), characterized in that it comprises a plurality of measuring means (2) called power, each sensitive to the current in a respective phase conductor (11), and coupled to a separate input (41, 41 ') of an action module (4, 4').  8. Pilot according to one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the means (2) for measuring power comprises an intensity transformer (20) interposed in a general conductor (11) distribution.  9. Pilot according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that an action module (4) comprises an input (41a, 41b) coupled to a relay (15) responsive to the tariff signals of the distribution network. .