FR3094097A1 - Energy-managed weather station - Google Patents

Abstract

A weather station (1), of planar shape, having an attachment face (3) and a display face (5) opposite to each other, and comprising: - at least one photovoltaic cell (7 ) capable of receiving light when the weather station is fixed, - at least one display member (9, 11) capable of displaying information visible to a user positioned facing the display face, - a communication module (13) capable of connecting to a remote server (200) and allowing the reception of a set of values determining the information displayed by the at least one display member, and- a control module (15) arranged for controlling the communication module and the at least one display member so that the information displayed is a function of the sets of values obtained. Abstract figure: Figure 1

Description

Energy-managed weather station

This disclosure falls within the field of aggregation and provision of energy information in the home.

It is known from the prior art of weather stations, or “weather stations” for short, intended to display information relating to weather conditions. It is also known to transmit to users information relating to their energy consumption via a display integrated into the equipment for metering the energy consumed and/or via a web interface or a mobile application.

Information about energy consumption is difficult for non-technical people to understand, especially when devoid of context. Electrical units, for example, are complex to understand when they are not contextualized for the user. In addition, the known devices generally broadcast a large amount of information, which also impairs understanding by the user. Finally, each dedicated device is added to the existing devices. The new devices therefore find it difficult to find their place in a home. They are perceived as intrusive for users.

Summary

The invention improves the situation.

A meteorological station is proposed, of planar shape, having a fixing face and a display face opposite each other. The fixing face carries an adhesion surface arranged so that the adhesion surface adheres to a surface of a glazing extending vertically with a sufficient adhesion force to oppose the fall of the weather station under its own weight. The weather station also includes:
- at least one photovoltaic cell capable of receiving light when the weather station is attached to said glazing and forming an energy source for the weather station,
- at least one display member capable of displaying information visible to a user positioned facing the display face,
- a communication module capable of connecting to a remote server (200) and allowing the reception of a set of values determining the information displayed by the at least one display device, and
- a control module arranged to drive the communication module and the at least one display member so that the at least one display member displays information according to the sets of values obtained via the module Communication.

The characteristics exposed in the following paragraphs can, optionally, be implemented. They can be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other:

The meteorological station further comprises at least one battery and one mutually arranged energy management module such that the at least one battery is able to store energy from the at least one photovoltaic cell and to restore energy to components of the weather station. This allows the station to be self-sufficient in energy, including in the dark or when the lighting is not sufficient.

The weather station further comprises a vibration sensor arranged to pick up vibrations propagating in the glazing to which the weather station is fixed, the control module being further arranged to control the communication module and the at least one display based on signals from the vibration sensor. This allows the user to simply interact with the station and activate it only when needed.

The vibration sensor includes a microphone and/or a piezoelectric sensor. Such sensors are light and inexpensive.

The control module is also arranged so that the nature of the set of values obtained via the communication module varies according to signals from the vibration sensor. The user can thus choose the information to be displayed himself rather than having to sort visually in a display containing too much information.

The weather station further comprises a flexible printed circuit, disposed between the fixing face and the display face, and electrically connecting together a plurality of components of the weather station. This contributes to reducing the mass of the station and facilitates its attachment to a surface, including an uneven surface.

The communication module implements a wireless communication protocol. This allows wireless communication and increases the possible positions of the station in a building.

The at least one display member includes electronic paper and/or a set of light emitting diodes. Such components are particularly low energy consumers and therefore contribute to the energy independence of the station.

The sets of values determine both meteorological information and information relating to the energy generated and/or consumed locally. This allows a combined display of information and even to deduce and display information resulting from the crossing of these two types of data.

The weather station is devoid of at least one of the following components:
- a thermometer ;
- a barometer;
- a hydrometer;
- an anemometer.
This contributes to the lightness and low manufacturing cost of the station.

Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the appended drawings, in which:

Fig. 1

shows an exploded view of a weather station according to one embodiment in a usage environment.

Fig. 2

shows an example of a display face of a weather station according to one embodiment.

The drawings and the description below contain, for the most part, certain elements. They may therefore not only serve to better understand this disclosure, but also contribute to its definition, where applicable.

Reference is now made to Figure 1. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a weather station 1, abbreviated "weather station 1" in the following.

The weather station 1 has a substantially planar general shape. By “flat”, we mean here that one of its dimensions, which we can call thickness, is lower by a factor greater than ten compared to the two other dimensions of space, which we can call respectively height and width. In the example described here, weather station 1 is additionally flexible. The weather station 1 has two main faces opposite each other: a fixing face 3 and a display face 5.

The fixing face 3 is intended to be applied to a third surface of a third support to fix the weather station 1 thereon. In the contextual example described here, the third surface is a surface of a glazing 100. The face of fixing 3 carries an adhesion surface arranged so that the adhesion surface adheres to a surface of the glazing 100 extending vertically with a sufficient adhesion force to oppose the fall of the weather station 1 under its own weight. Preferably, the adhesion strength is even greater so that it supports the weight of the weather station 1 when affixed to an interior surface of a glazing extending substantially vertically, for example for installation on a Roof window. To this end, at least part of the adhesion surface may include a layer of an adhesive material, optionally covered with a protective film before installation of the weather station 1. Alternatively, the adhesion surface may be devoid of of adhesive material. Adhesion can be obtained by electrostatic effect or by third-party attachment devices such as suction cups.

Weather station 1 also includes:
- At least one photovoltaic cell 7;
- At least one display member 9, 11;
- a communication module 13; and
- a control module 15.

In the example described here, the weather station 1 comprises a set of a plurality of photovoltaic cells. Each photovoltaic cell 7 is capable of receiving light passing through the glazing 100 when the weather station 1 is attached to said glazing 100. Each photovoltaic cell 7 has, here, its active surface (that capable of collecting light) oriented in the direction of the fixing face 3. Thus, when the weather station 1 is fixed on the inside of a glazing of a window of a building, the photovoltaic cells 7 are able to receive natural light coming from the outside. Each photovoltaic cell 7 forms an energy source for the weather station 1. As a variant, photovoltaic cells can be oriented in the direction of the display face 5, in addition to or in replacement of those oriented in the direction of the fixing face. 3. The cells oriented in the direction of the display face 5 can, for example, be powered by light coming from inside the building, including when the weather station 1 is fixed on an opaque surface.

In the example described here, the weather station 1 comprises two types of display members: an electronic paper 9 and a set of light-emitting diodes 11. Other types of display members or only one of the two can be planned. Each display member is arranged in the weather station 1 so as to be visible to a user positioning himself facing the display face 5, that is to say inside the building in the case of a weather station 1 attached to the inside surface of a window. Alternatively, the display members are arranged in the weather station 1 so as to be visible, too, by a user positioning himself facing the fixing face 3, that is to say outside the building in the previous example.

Electronic paper 9, better known by its English term “ e-paper ”, has zero consumption even though the display is functional and as long as it is not modified (refreshed). The electronic paper 9 has low consumption during the modification of the display (refreshment) compared with backlit and/or dynamic display display members (high refresh rate). The electronic paper 9 is therefore particularly advantageous in the context of the weather station 1 for which the electrical energy available is low and for which the information refresh rate is normally low (typically less than once per hour).

Light-emitting diodes 11, or LEDs, also have low power consumption. As primary sources of light, they are more easily visible, especially in a dark environment or on the contrary when another light source tends to dazzle the user (typically the sun). They also allow you to display various colors.

The communication module 13 forms a communication interface of the weather station 1 with its environment. In particular, the communication module 13 is arranged to connect to a remote server 200. The communication module 13 allows the reception of a set of values determining the information displayed, or to be displayed, by the at least one control unit. display 9, 11. For example, the communication module 13 allows computer requests to be sent to the remote server 200 to receive sets of values in response. For example, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) requests can take the form of a “GET” command. As a variant, other protocols can be used such as the WebSocket or MQTT (for “ MQ Telemetry Transport ”).

In the example described here, the communication module 13 implements a wireless communication protocol, for example LoRaWAN. The LoRaWAN protocol has the advantage of being suitable for wireless communication while consuming little energy. Thus, the communication module 13 accesses the remote server 200 via a local relay to which it connects wirelessly, typically a home internet gateway, commonly called a “box” in France, then via the wired internet network. The remote server 200 can be managed by a service provider so as to provide a plurality of weather station 1 with data sets. As a variant, other types of wireless communications can be used, such as short range (typically Wifi), very short range (typically the Bluetooth standard) or even low-power (and low-speed) wireless networks. for the Internet of Things (typically the one known commercially under the company name "Sigfox").

The requests transmitted by the weather station 1 to the server 200 preferably include an identifier so that the data set received in response can be adapted to each weather station 1. For example, the set of values can include data relating to the consumption and/or supply of energy from a given sub-network to a general network to which it is connected. Data relating to energy consumption and/or supply may relate to the past, present and/or future. In other words, it can be historical, real time or forecast. An example of application concerns the exchange of electrical energy between a domestic network (sub-network) and a distribution network such as a national network (general network). In this context, the domestic consumption and/or production data from a domestic electricity meter can be made available on the remote server 200. The remote server 200 is then able to provide in response personalized sets of values according to an identifier associated with said counter. The set of values can in particular comprise personalized data according to the geographical position of the weather station 1. The geographical position can be deduced directly from the identifier or else constitute one of the parameters of the request transmitted by the weather station 1.

The remote server 200 can alternatively be "remote" from the weather station 1 but located close to the energy meter, typically associated with or integrated into a so-called "communicating" meter, without it being necessary to pass the data via a remote server managed by a third-party service provider.

The sets of values may also include meteorological information, preferably depending on the geographical position of the weather station 1. Such information may be cross-referenced with that relating to energy consumption/production. For example, the estimate of the energy produced in the future can be refined according to the forecast sunshine (photovoltaic panels) and/or the forecast wind (wind turbines). The weather information may include information about a past, present and/or future weather situation. In the embodiments for which the sets of values determine both meteorological information and information relating to the energy generated and/or consumed locally, said values can be obtained from several remote servers 200 distinct from each other, by example one managed by a service provider and which is accessed via the Internet, and the other managed by the user of the weather station 1 himself and which is accessed via a local network.

Obtaining sets of values relating to meteorological information via a remote server 200 dispenses with the need to connect the weather station 1 to certain usual sensors of a weather station, or to integrate them into the weather station 1. In the example described here, the weather station 1 can thus be devoid of at least one of the following components, all of them here:
- a thermometer ;
- a barometer;
- a hydrometer;
- an anemometer.

In the example described here, the control module 15 comprises a microcontroller (or “MCU”). As a variant, the control module 15 comprises a processor or a combination of microcontroller(s) and/or processor(s). The control module 15 is arranged to control the other components of the weather station 1, in particular the communication module 13 and the at least one display member 9, 11 so that the at least one display member 9, 11 displays information according to the sets of values obtained via the communication module 13.

In the example described here, the weather station 1 also includes the following optional components:
- A battery 17;
- an energy management module 19;
- a vibration sensor 21; and
- a printed circuit 23.

Battery 17 and energy management module 19 are mutually arranged so that battery 17 is able to store energy from at least one photovoltaic cell 7 and to restore energy to components of the meteorological station 1. In the example described here, the battery 17 is unique. Alternatively, multiple battery cells may be provided. In the example described here, the battery 17 is of so-called “LiPo” technology, i.e. Lithium Polymer. This type of battery is particularly well suited to the operation of the weather station 1 in that it has a high power to mass ratio, in particular in the context of a weather station 1 which can be fixed by adhesion to a vertical surface. The battery 17-energy management module 19 couple makes it possible to store the energy obtained via the photovoltaic cells 7 when light, in particular solar, supplies the photovoltaic cells 7, then to supply the other components of the station weather 1 when necessary, including in the absence of light. As a variant, the weather station 1 can have no battery and, for example, operate by power supply via the photovoltaic cells 7 without intermediate storage.

The vibration sensor 21 is arranged to pick up vibrations propagating in the glazing 100 (or other support) to which the weather station 1 is fixed. The control module 15 is also arranged to control the communication module 13 and the au at least one display member 9, 11 as a function of signals coming from the vibration sensor 21. In other words, the signals coming from the vibration sensor 21 form an input signal, or control, for the control module 15. By For example, the operation and the updating of the information displayed by the weather station 1 can be triggered only upon detection of a vibration. Typically, the user can "tap" the surface of the support on which the weather station 1 is fixed to bring the control module 15 out of standby. Thus, the energy consumption is limited to the instants at which the weather station 1 is actually used.

The control module 15 can be arranged to perform a processing of the signals received from the vibration sensor 21 in order to be triggered only by certain types of predetermined vibrations. For example, amplitude filtering can be applied to eliminate (ignore) vibrations at the lowest amplitudes and which may correspond to ambient noise. As a variant, the signal processing can be adapted so that the control module 15 is activated/controlled by voice. In the example described here, the processing of the signal makes it possible to distinguish several types of vibrations so as to be able to control the weather station 1 in a more complex way, and not only binary (activation/deactivation). For example :
- when the user "taps" the support once, the meteorological and energy information displayed in response relates to the present, while
- when the user “taps” twice in a row, the meteorological and energy information displayed in response concerns the future (forecasts);
- when the user “taps” the medium three times in a row, the meteorological and energy information displayed in response relates to the past.
Of course, different codifications between the type of vibrations detected and the information displayed in response can be provided.

In the example described here, the vibration sensor 21 includes a piezoelectric sensor. Alternatively, the vibration sensor 21 includes a microphone in addition to or replacing the piezoelectric sensor.

In the example described here, the control module 15 is also arranged so that the nature of the set of values requested from the remote server 200, then obtained in response, via the communication module 13 and the remote server 200, varies according to signals coming from the vibration sensor 21. For example, only the data relating to the future (forecasts) are required, obtained, then displayed when the user “taps” twice in succession on the support (in the case of the coding example defined above). Thus, the data relating to the past and the present, which are useless for the user at this moment, do not pass through to the weather station 1. The consumption of bandwidth and energy necessary for the exchanges of data is thus reduced. . Alternatively, the nature (or composition) of the set of values required then received by the weather station 1 is independent of the user's command. For example, all data relating to the past, present and future are systematically required. In this case, the data received from the remote server 200 can be processed and filtered by the control module 15, according to the user command, after their reception. Only the information corresponding to the user's order is then displayed. Other information is ignored.

The printed circuit 23 here has a flexible structure. The printed circuit 23 is arranged between the fixing face 3 and the display face 5. The printed circuit 23 is arranged to ensure the electrical connection between the various electronic components of the weather station 1, in particular between the control module 15 and driven components. The printed circuit 23 is also arranged to ensure the power supply of the various components. The printed circuit 23 gives the weather station 1 good reliability, good compactness and a more discreet aesthetic appearance compared to wired connections. As a variant, however, wired connections can be provided in addition to or in replacement of the flexible printed circuit 23.

More specific reference is now made to the showing an example of display face 5 of the weather station 1. In this embodiment, the weather station 1 has a generally oblong shape whose main direction is provided to extend substantially vertically, as shown in [ Fig. 2]. A central portion has no display and has a hollowed-out or transparent appearance, or at least translucent, so that the light passing through the support (here the glazing 100) also largely passes through the weather station 1.

The electronic paper 9 is arranged in an upper end portion of the weather station 1. In the example, this display is used to display weather information. For example, the information displayed includes the date (“Wed” for “Wednesday” in the figure), the minimum temperature forecast or measured, the maximum temperature forecast or measured and an icon visually representing cloud cover, bad weather or other climatic events. detected or predicted. Of course and as described above, many variants of the type of information and the way of presenting it can be provided.

The set of light-emitting diodes 11 is arranged in a lower end portion of the weather station 1. In the example, this display is used to display energy information. For example, the information displayed includes a visual representation of the proportion of each type of electrical energy source in the energy consumed via a given network node, typically via an electricity meter placed at the interface of a distribution network and a domestic sub-network with which the weather station 1 is associated. The information relating to the type of energy source can also be common to a set of nodes, for example on a national scale. In the example, four types of energy sources are provided and each identified by a dedicated image. Gauges consisting of an alignment of light-emitting diodes quantify, from top to bottom:
- “carbon energy”;
- “non-carbon energy”;
- " renewable energy ";
- “self-produced energy” (ie coming from the sub-network itself and not from the distribution network).
This type of information is commonly called the “ energy mix ”. Of course and as described above, numerous variants of the type of information and of the way of presenting them can be provided.

In the preceding examples, the information and the manner of presenting it are fixed for each embodiment. In variants, this can be defined by default while being modifiable and adjustable by the user himself according to his desires. Such an adjustment can be made, for example, via a third-party interface (such as a mobile application) and making it possible to configure the sets of values transmitted by the remote server 200 in response to requests from the weather station 1 In other words, the user can himself configure the set of values that the server 200 transmits in response to requests from the weather station 1.

Weather station 1 allows you to cross, combine and display weather data and energy data in a single object. The amount of information remains limited and concentrated, which contributes to their proper understanding by the user. Energy data is contextualized thanks to its combination with weather data, which is particularly relevant for renewable energies (wind or solar for example). This is all the more relevant for energies generated locally and therefore sensitive to local climatic conditions. Accessibility to this information is improved for the user, so that he can more easily adapt his habits and therefore become an ecological player. Weather station 1 does not consume energy from the network, and is therefore neutral with regard to the energy balance of its user. Finally, the possibility of fixing the weather station to a window makes it possible to superimpose this vision on that of the external environment, which instinctively improves the perception of the link between energy and the environment and therefore has an educational aspect.

This disclosure is not limited to the examples of weather station described above, only by way of example, but it encompasses all the variants that those skilled in the art may consider in the context of the protection sought.

- 1: Weather station
- 3: mounting face
- 5: display side
- 7: photovoltaic cell(s)
- 9: electronic paper, or " e-paper "
- 11: set of light-emitting diodes, or LEDs
- 13: communication module
- 15: control module
- 17: battery
- 19: energy management module
- 21: vibration sensor
- 23: printed circuit
- 100: glazing
- 200: server.

Claims (10)

Meteorological station (1), of flat shape, having a fixing face (3) and a display face (5) opposite each other,
the fixing face carrying an adhesion surface arranged so that the adhesion surface adheres to a surface of a pane (100) extending vertically with an adhesion force sufficient to oppose the fall of the weather station under its own weight,
the meteorological station further comprising:
- at least one photovoltaic cell (7) capable of receiving light when the weather station is attached to said glazing and forming a source of energy for the weather station,
- at least one display member (9, 11) capable of displaying information visible to a user positioned facing the display face,
- a communication module (13) capable of connecting to a remote server (200) and allowing the reception of a set of values determining the information displayed by the at least one display device, and
- a control module (15) arranged to drive the communication module and the at least one display member so that the at least one display member displays information according to the sets of values obtained by the intermediary of the communication module. Meteorological station according to claim 1, further comprising at least one battery (17) and an energy management module (19) mutually arranged so that the at least one battery is able to store energy from the at least one photovoltaic cell and to restore energy to components of the meteorological station. Weather station according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a vibration sensor (21) arranged to pick up vibrations propagating in the glazing to which the weather station is fixed, the control module further being arranged to control the communication and the at least one display member as a function of signals from the vibration sensor. A weather station according to claim 3, wherein the vibration sensor includes a microphone and/or a piezoelectric sensor. Meteorological station according to one of Claims 3 and 4, in which the control module is also arranged so that the nature of the set of values obtained via the communication module varies as a function of signals coming from the vibration sensor . Meteorological station according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a flexible printed circuit (23), arranged between the fixing face and the display face, and electrically connecting together a plurality of components of the meteorological station. Weather station according to one of the preceding claims, in which the communication module implements a wireless communication protocol. Weather station according to one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one display member includes electronic paper (9) and/or a set of light-emitting diodes (11). Weather station according to one of the preceding claims, in which the sets of values determine both weather information and information relating to the energy generated and/or consumed locally. Weather station according to one of the preceding claims, devoid of at least one of the following components:
- a thermometer ;
- a barometer;
- a hydrometer;
- an anemometer.