DE102024110398A1 - Method for controlling a heating system and heating system for carrying out the method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a heating system and a method for controlling the same, comprising the steps: A) recording the percentage valve position of the thermostat valves of all heating units, B) determining an individual heating output for each heating unit by multiplying the recorded percentage valve position with its previously known maximum heating output, C) calculating the total output to be achieved by adding up all determined individual heating outputs of the heating units integrated in the heating circuit; D) recording the currently achieved output based on the temperature values recorded by the temperature sensors, E) comparing the total output to be achieved with the currently achieved output, F) repeating steps A) to E) several times within a predetermined period of time, wherein the values recorded in each step E) are recorded and temporarily stored in a non-volatile memory of the processor unit, G) carrying out a regression analysis and drawing up a regression curve based on the recorded values, H) evaluating the change in output over time based on the determined regression curve; and I) reducing the performance of the constituent if the temporal performance change is positive.

Description

The invention relates to a method for controlling a heating system with a heating circuit. The invention further relates to a heating system with a heating circuit for carrying out the method.

The control of known heating systems is currently kept relatively simple. Manually adjusting the valve results in a change in the flow rate of the hot water, but the accuracy of the temperature setting is often insufficient and the comfort requirements are not fully met. At the same time, conventional controls do not adequately take into account the temperature difference between the flow and return. During the transfer process, heat losses occur constantly and the heat contained in the hot water cannot be fully used by the consumers, which leads to energy waste and lower energy utilization.

The actual flow in the entire circuit does not take into account data on the current energy demand of the different rooms. The heat consumption of each user cannot therefore be recorded in real time, which is why a lot of energy is often expended without being used sufficiently. As a result, most heating systems currently have large losses and an unbalanced heat distribution.

The DE 36 43 434 A1 shows an arrangement for controlling or regulating a hot water heating system, which has a heating device, a mixer and several radiators connected via pipes, each of which is essentially equipped with a thermostatic valve, wherein essentially each thermostatic valve is provided with a sensor for detecting its closed or open state and wherein one or more sensors or groups of sensors are connected to the heating device and/or the mixer via a link circuit.

From the DE 10 2016 223 726 A1 A heating system for a building is known, with a boiler for generating hot water and a pipe system for supplying the hot water to a heat exchanger, as well as a valve assigned to the heat exchanger for adjusting a heat flow, wherein a data transmission interface is provided for at least one valve for data transmission of a measured valve position to a control of the heating system.

From the publication GB 2 584 722 A A method is known for controlling the output of a heat source for multiple zones, in which a signal of the heat demand for each zone is received with a heater and a total heat demand is calculated using an averaging function of the multiple signals. Based on this demand, a duty cycle is then set so that the output of the heat source reflects the net heat demand of all zones.

The EP 0 594 886 A1 describes a method and a device for controlling the average heat flow supplied to individual rooms of a central heating system consisting of several rooms and/or groups of rooms, in which the degree of opening of control valves attached to radiators in individual rooms is measured and this degree of opening is taken into account when controlling the average heat flow. The heat flow supplied to the rooms is varied in accordance with heat demand signals. These are derived from a control difference and from the degree of opening of the control valves.

Controls for heating systems are already known from the state of the art. In the CN 102 865 623 A A method for energy-saving control of the heat supply of a public building with central heating is shown. The thermal load, the water supply quantity and the hydraulic power are calculated for a period of time. A circulation pump is then variably controlled and the valve opening control is adjusted.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a control system for a heating system that reduces energy consumption and thus saves energy. Furthermore, it is the object of the invention to provide a heating system for carrying out the method.

This object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1 and by a heating system having the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

1. A) Erfassen der prozentualen Ventilstellung der Thermostatventile aller in den Heizkreislauf eingebunden Heizungseinheiten,
2. B) Ermitteln einer Einzelheizleistung für jede Heizungseinheit durch Multiplizieren der erfassten prozentualen Ventilstellung mit ihrer vorbekannten Maximalheizleistung,
3. C) Berechnen der zu erzielenden Gesamtleistung durch Aufsummieren aller ermittelter Einzelheizleistungen der in den Heizkreislauf eingebunden Heizungseinheiten;
4. D) Erfassen der aktuell erzielten Leistung anhand der von den Temperatursensoren erfassten Temperaturwerte,
5. E) Vergleichen der zu erzielenden Gesamtleistung mit der aktuell erzielten Leistung,
6. F) Mehrfaches Wiederholen der Schritte A) bis E) innerhalb eines vorgegebenen Zeitraums, insbesondere in einem vorgegebenen Takt, wobei die in jedem Schritt E) erfassten Werte aufgezeichnet und in einem nicht-flüchtigen Speicher der Prozessoreinheit zeitweise gespeichert werden,
7. G) Durchführen einer Regressionsanalyse und Aufstellen einer Regressionskurve anhand der aufgezeichneten Werte,
8. H) Bewerten der zeitlichen Leistungsveränderung (dP/dt) anhand der ermittelten Regressionskurve; und
9. I) Herabsetzen der Leistungsfähigkeit des Konstituenten, wenn die zeitliche Leistungsveränderung positiv ist.

The present invention is a method for energy-saving control of a heating system with a heating circuit in which a plurality of heating units are integrated or can be integrated, each of the heating units being assigned a thermostat valve and a temperature sensor. Furthermore, a controllable constituent is integrated into the heating system on which the method is based, as well as a pro processor unit which is in communication with each thermostat valve and each temperature sensor of the heating units and the constituent. The method comprises the following steps:

1. A) Recording the percentage valve position of the thermostat valves of all heating units integrated in the heating circuit,
2. B) Determining an individual heating output for each heating unit by multiplying the recorded percentage valve position with its previously known maximum heating output,
3. C) Calculating the total output to be achieved by adding up all determined individual heating outputs of the heating units integrated in the heating circuit;
4. D) Recording the current performance achieved based on the temperature values recorded by the temperature sensors,
5. E) comparing the total performance to be achieved with the currently achieved performance,
6. F) Repeating steps A) to E) several times within a predetermined period of time, in particular at a predetermined rate, whereby the values recorded in each step E) are recorded and temporarily stored in a non-volatile memory of the processor unit,
7. G) Perform a regression analysis and construct a regression curve based on the recorded values,
8. H) Evaluating the temporal change in performance (dP/dt) using the determined regression curve; and
9. I) Reduction of the performance of the constituent if the temporal performance change is positive.

The method according to the invention offers the advantage that the heating system is automatically controlled based on the energy requirements of the various rooms, thereby reducing the energy requirements and energy consumption of the entire heating system. The method can react quickly to individual changes in requirements and individual heating outputs without incurring high energy losses for the entire system.

The "total output to be achieved" is to be understood as a target value that is required to set the temperature in the individual rooms according to their respective target temperature. The "actual" total output to be achieved is determined based on the valve positions of the thermostat valves of the respective heating unit. The "maximum heating output" is a previously known value that results from the size of the heating unit or from its corresponding radiation characteristics. The "percentage valve position" is a position of the thermostat valves from 0 percent (closed) to 100 percent (fully open). The "currently achieved output" is an actual value that can be derived from the temperature values of the respective temperature sensors.

The currently achieved performance is of course dependent on the conditions prevailing in the room in which the heating unit in question is located; in particular on the size (volume) of the room and also its heat capacity, whereby the heat flows from the room or into the room must be taken into account. Normally it would not be possible to record a currently achieved performance using just a single temperature sensor, since a temperature difference and a volume or mass or a volume flow or mass flow of the heat (amount) would actually have to be known in order to determine the currently achieved performance. The currently achieved performance also depends on the specific performance, i.e. the previously known maximum heating output, of the heating unit in question. Within the scope of the present invention, however, an average of a large number of calibration measurements depending on the available square meters is preferably used in order to deduce the currently achieved performance of the heating unit in question from a single temperature value. In other words, a predefined/calibrated model is used for the "currently achieved performance" so that the recorded temperature value matches a point in a characteristic map that indicates this "currently achieved performance". In other words, the currently achieved performance is recorded based on the temperature values recorded by the temperature sensors, preferably with the help of one or more predefined, and therefore calibrated, maps.

Alternatively or in addition, a temperature difference can also be used for the currently achieved performance of the heating unit in question, which is set in relation to a recorded temperature of a temperature sensor on or near the return valve within the heating circuit (total return) or in relation to a recorded temperature of another temperature sensor on or near the return of the individual heating unit. In this case, the temperature of the individual heating unit, which is actually recorded by its associated temperature sensor, can be set in relation to the recorded temperature of the temperature sensor on or near the return valve of the total return, so that a "currently achieved performance" of the heating unit in question can be determined or determined. Alternatively or additionally, the recorded temperature at or near the individual return of the heating unit in question can also be taken into account to determine the "currently achieved performance". The use of a characteristic map is also possible and useful in this context.

In the process, the performance of the constituent is preferably increased or remains unchanged if the change in performance over time is negative. This allows a quick response to a higher energy demand and the heating output in individual rooms can be quickly adjusted, which in turn offers increased comfort for the user.

In a preferred embodiment, in step C) a weighting of the individual heating units is carried out based on the previously known room sizes in which the individual heating units are located, which enables a more precise calculation and thus a more precise control of the heating system. In this context, larger or frequently used rooms typically lead to a greater weighting of the heating units located therein.

It is also possible for steps A) to E) to be repeated in step F) at intervals of no more than 2 minutes. The fast timing provides a very dynamic process, whereby individual heating units can be individually adjusted and the entire heating system can therefore be adjusted more quickly to a wide range of conditions. This saves a huge amount of energy.

In one embodiment, the constituent is a return valve in the heating circuit, whereby a percentage degree of opening of the return valve is specified, which results from the quotient of the currently achieved output to the total output to be achieved if the temporal change in output (dP/dt) is positive or negative. This specifies an optimized heating system with an adjustable return valve, the setting of which can be changed quickly as required. This has proven particularly useful for a heating system that is designed as a single-pipe heating system.

Preferably, the percentage opening degree of the return valve is set to a minimum opening degree greater than zero if the quotient is smaller than the percentage minimum opening degree. This ensures that a minimum flow rate in the return line is not undercut and a continuous flow rate can be guaranteed.

It has been found to be advantageous if the minimum opening degree is from 1 percent to 10 percent, preferably from 2 percent to 4 percent, particularly preferably 3 percent, if the temporal power change (dP/dt) is neither positive nor negative.

As an alternative to the embodiments described, it is also possible for the percentage opening degree of the return valve to remain unchanged if the quotient is smaller than the percentage minimum opening degree.

If the quotient of the currently achieved power to the total power to be achieved results in a value greater than 1, it has proven advantageous to set the opening degree to 1, i.e. to open the return valve completely.

In another embodiment, the constituent is a circulation pump in the heating circuit, whereby a percentage power consumption of the circulation pump is specified, which results from the quotient of the currently achieved power to the total power to be achieved if the temporal change in power (dP/dt) is positive or negative. This means that the speed of the circulation pump is quickly adapted to the current conditions of the individual heating units. The use of an adjustable circulation pump is possible with a single-pipe heating system, a two-pipe or multi-pipe heating system and also with underfloor heating.

Preferably, the percentage power consumption of the circulation pump is set to a minimum value greater than zero if the quotient is less than the percentage minimum value. This ensures that there is always a minimum flow of fluid in the heating circuit.

It is particularly advantageous if the minimum value is from 1 percent to 10 percent, preferably from 2 percent to 4 percent, particularly preferably 3 percent, if the temporal power change (dP/dt) is neither positive nor negative.

Alternatively, it is also possible for the percentage power consumption of the circulation pump to remain unchanged if the quotient is smaller than the minimum percentage value.

If the quotient of the currently achieved power to the total power to be achieved results in a value greater than 1, the power consumption is set to 1, i.e. the circulation pump is operated at maximum speed.

In yet another embodiment, the constituent is a mixer in the heating circuit, whereby a percentage mixing of the mixer is specified, which results from the quotient of the currently achieved output to the total output to be achieved if the temporal change in output (dP/dt) is positive or negative. The degree of opening of the mixer can thus guarantee a rapid adjustment of the heating output. The mixer mixes cooled liquid coming from the return of the heating circuit with liquid heated by a boiler or a heat pump. The adjustable mixer can therefore be used, for example, in a two-pipe heating system or an underfloor heating system.

Preferably, the mixing percentage of the mixer is set to a minimum value greater than zero if the quotient is less than the minimum value. This ensures that a minimum temperature is maintained in the heating circuit.

It is particularly advantageous that the minimum value is from 1 percent to 10 percent, preferably from 2 percent to 4 percent, particularly preferably 3 percent, if the temporal power change (dP/dt) is neither positive nor negative.

Alternatively, it is also possible that the percentage mixing of the mixer remains unchanged if the quotient is smaller than the percentage minimum opening degree.

If the quotient of the currently achieved performance to the total performance to be achieved results in a value greater than 1, the percentage mixing is set to 1.

In another embodiment, the constituent is a boiler or a heat pump in the heating circuit, whereby a percentage power provision of the boiler or heat pump is specified, which results from the quotient of the currently achieved power to the total power to be achieved if the temporal change in power (dP/dt) is positive or negative. The controllable boiler and the controllable heat pump are used in one-pipe heating systems, in two-pipe heating systems and in underfloor heating systems.

Preferably, the percentage power supply of the boiler or heat pump is set to a minimum value greater than zero if the quotient is smaller than the minimum value. This is particularly advantageous if you want to avoid rooms cooling down completely in winter.

In this context, it is particularly advantageous if the minimum value is from 1 percent to 10 percent, preferably from 2 percent to 4 percent, particularly preferably 3 percent, if the temporal power change (dP/dt) is neither positive nor negative.

Alternatively, it is also possible for the percentage power consumption of the boiler or heat pump to remain unchanged if the quotient is smaller than the percentage minimum opening degree.

If the individual heating output of all heating units is zero, the boiler or heat pump is switched off. This saves energy because the boiler does not use heating oil, gas or wood pellets and the heat pump does not need electricity.

It is also possible that the power supply of the boiler or heat pump is set to 1 if the quotient of the currently achieved power to the total power to be achieved results in a value greater than 1.

The method offers the advantageous possibility of setting a minimum position or minimum output of the constituent itself when the thermostat valves of all heating units are completely closed. This ensures a continuous flow of heat, which means that the heating circuit does not come to a complete standstill and heats up more quickly when a valve is adjusted ("turned on").

Overall, it is therefore advantageous if the processor unit compares all recorded temperature values with the temperatures to be achieved over a certain period of time and changes the position of the constituent if the target temperature value is not reached.

The advantages, configurations and effects explained in connection with the method according to the invention also apply to the heating system according to the invention with a heating circuit in which a plurality of heating units are integrated or can be integrated, with each of the heating units being assigned a thermostat valve and a temperature sensor. A controllable constituent is also integrated into the heating circuit. A processor unit is present which is in a communication connection with each thermostat valve and each temperature sensor of the heating units as well as the constituent(s). The processor unit is set up to carry out the method described.

Preferably, the communication connection is wireless. This is done via Bluetooth (standard according to IEEE 802.15.1) or via LRWPAN (English for “low rate wireless personal area network"; standard according to IEEE 802.15.4) or via WLAN (English for "wireless local area network"; standard according to IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11h, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11ad or IEEE 802.11ax). This processor unit, the thermostat valves and the constituents have suitable communication interfaces for this purpose.

The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and/or shown alone in the figures can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments are also to be regarded as being included and disclosed by the invention that are not explicitly shown or explained in the figures, but which emerge from the explained embodiments and can be produced by separate combinations of features.

In order to adjust the flow temperature more precisely to previously known heating profiles and thus save energy, it is advantageous to include the output of a buffer storage tank in the calculations as a supplement to the procedure.

• - Laden aller vorhandenen Heizprofile in die Prozessoreinheit,
• - Erfassen des Istzustands der jeweiligen Heizprofile,
• - Durchführen einer Prädiktion durch die Prozessoreinheit,
• - Bestimmen der aktuell verfügbaren Wärmeenergie des Pufferspeichers,
• - Ermitteln eines Überschusses zwischen der verfügbaren Wärmeenergie des Pufferspeichers und der Wärmeenergie, die für die aktuelle Leistung (Wärme) benötigt wird,
• - Beibehalten der aktuellen Einstellungen des Pufferspeichers, wenn der ermittelte Überschuss ausreichend ist um die prognostizierte Temperatur zu erreichen, und
• - Ändern der aktuellen Einstellungen des Pufferspeichers, wenn der ermittelte Überschuss nicht ausreicht um einen Temperaturanstieg entsprechend der Prädiktion der Heizungseinheiten durchzuführen.

The addition includes the following steps:

• - Loading all existing heating profiles into the processor unit,
• - Recording the actual status of the respective heating profiles,
• - Performing a prediction by the processor unit,
• - Determining the currently available thermal energy of the buffer storage,
• - Determining a surplus between the available thermal energy of the buffer storage and the thermal energy required for the current output (heat),
• - Maintaining the current buffer tank settings if the detected surplus is sufficient to reach the forecast temperature, and
• - Changing the current settings of the buffer tank if the detected surplus is not sufficient to achieve a temperature increase according to the prediction of the heating units.

The temperature settings depend on a predetermined threshold, which corresponds to the boiling point of water, particularly at normal pressure. If the temperature to be achieved is above the threshold, the settings are adjusted to the threshold temperature. Otherwise, the buffer tank is preheated to the determined temperature.

This means that one or more heating profiles are used that can be generated and/or adapted from the operating history, since user behavior over time is known. For example, the energy requirement can be adjusted in advance if a user always wants warmer temperatures in the house or apartment at the same time. But the heating profile can also contribute to intelligent control of the heating system if the heating is regularly switched off at night.

• 1 eine vereinfachte Darstellung einer Einrohrheizung mit mehreren Heizungseinheiten,
• 2 eine vereinfachte Darstellung einer Zweirohrheizung mit mehreren Heizungseinheiten,
• 3 eine vereinfachte Darstellung einer Fußbodenheizung mit mehreren Heizungseinheiten,
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung des Ablaufes,
• 5 einen ersten Teil eines Ablaufplans des Verfahrens, bei dem der regelbare Konstituent das Rücklaufventil ist,
• 6 den zweiten Teil des Ablaufplans aus 5,
• 7 eine Erweiterung des Ablaufplans um einen Pufferspeicher.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention emerge from the claims, the following description of preferred embodiments and the drawings. In the drawings:

• 1 a simplified representation of a one-pipe heating system with several heating units,
• 2 a simplified representation of a two-pipe heating system with several heating units,
• 3 a simplified representation of an underfloor heating system with several heating units,
• 4 a schematic representation of the process,
• 5 a first part of a flow chart of the method in which the controllable constituent is the return valve,
• 6 the second part of the schedule 5 ,
• 7 an extension of the schedule to include a buffer memory.

The 1 shows a heating system 1 in the form of a single-pipe heating system 7. The heating system 1 comprises a heating circuit 16, into which a plurality of heating units 2 are integrated or can be integrated. Each of the heating units 2 is assigned a thermostat valve 3 and a temperature sensor 4. A controllable constituent 5 is also integrated into the heating circuit 16, wherein a processor unit 6 is present, which is in a communication connection 15 with each thermostat valve 3 and each temperature sensor 4 of the heating units 2 as well as the constituent 5. These and further communication connections 15 are, for example, shown in dash-dotted lines only in relation to the controllable constituent 5, in 1 i.e. a return valve 10, and with respect to one of the heating units 2 and shown in relation to a temperature sensor 4 located in the return line. The opening wheel of the return valve 10 is specified by the processor unit 6. Furthermore, each heating unit 2 is assigned a servomotor 17 in order to individually adjust the valve position of the thermostat valve 3 of the associated heating unit 2. If the thermostat valve 3 is completely closed, this results in a "bridging" of the associated heating unit 2, as illustrated in dashed lines.

Hot water is prepared by a boiler 13, which is also connected in communication 15 to the processor unit 6. A circulation pump 11 can be used to pump warm water from a supply line 18 along or through the heating units 2 to a return line 19, the latter flowing back into the boiler 13. Instead of the boiler 13, a heat pump 14 can also be used ( 3 ). Wherever a radio symbol is marked, a communication connection 15 with the processor unit 6 can be established.

A further embodiment of a heating system 1 is shown in 2 shown. A two-pipe heating system 8, in particular a multi-pipe system, is disclosed here. This design of the heating system 1 differs from the design according to 1 merely because the heating units 2 are not connected in series but in parallel in terms of fluid mechanics. In addition, the supply line 18 and the return line 19 are connected to one another in terms of fluid mechanics via a bypass 20 that bridges the boiler 13. The bypass 20 opens into a mixer 12 that is integrated into the supply line 18 and that mixes the warm water from the boiler 13 with the cooler water from the return line 19. In the 2 the controllable constituent 5 is the circulation pump 11 in the heating circuit 16, whereby a percentage power consumption of the circulation pump 11 is specified by the processor unit 6.

In the 3 another heating system 1 is shown in the form of an underfloor heating system 9. This design of the heating system 1 differs only slightly from the design according to 2 or even from the design according to 1 Instead of a boiler 13, a heat pump 14 is shown here. The controllable constituent 5 here is the mixer 12 in the heating circuit 16, with the processor unit 6 specifying a percentage mixing of the mixer 12. The mixing is achieved via the degree of opening of the mixer 12.

However, it is also possible for the boiler 13 or the heat pump 14 in the heating circuit 16 to be used as the adjustable constituent 5. A percentage power provision of the boiler 13 or the heat pump 14 is then specified by the processor unit 6.

1. A) Erfassen der prozentualen Ventilstellung der Thermostatventile 3 aller in den Heizkreislauf 16 eingebunden Heizungseinheiten 2,
2. B) Ermitteln einer Einzelheizleistung für jede Heizungseinheit 2 durch Multiplizieren der erfassten prozentualen Ventilstellung mit ihrer vorbekannten Maximalheizleistung,
3. C) Berechnen der zu erzielenden Gesamtleistung durch Aufsummieren aller ermittelter Einzelheizleistungen der in den Heizkreislauf eingebunden Heizungseinheiten 2;
4. D) Erfassen der aktuell erzielten Leistung anhand der von den Temperatursensoren 4 erfassten Temperaturwerte,
5. E) Vergleichen der zu erzielenden Gesamtleistung mit der aktuell erzielten Leistung,
6. F) Mehrfaches Wiederholen der Schritte A) bis E) innerhalb eines vorgegebenen Zeitraums, insbesondere in einem vorgegebenen Takt von weniger als zwei Minuten, wobei die in jedem Schritt E) erfassten Werte aufgezeichnet und in einem nicht-flüchtigen Speicher einer Prozessoreinheit 6 zeitweise gespeichert werden,
7. G) Durchführen einer Regressionsanalyse und Aufstellen einer Regressionskurve anhand der aufgezeichneten Werte,
8. H) Bewerten der zeitlichen Leistungsveränderung (dP/dt) anhand der ermittelten Regressionskurve; und
9. I) Herabsetzen der Leistungsfähigkeit des Konstituenten 5, wenn die zeitliche Leistungsveränderung positiv ist.

The 4 shows the steps of an inventive method for controlling the heating system 1 according to the 1 to 3 includes:

1. A) Recording the percentage valve position of the thermostat valves 3 of all heating units 2 integrated in the heating circuit 16,
2. B) Determining an individual heating output for each heating unit 2 by multiplying the recorded percentage valve position with its previously known maximum heating output,
3. C) Calculating the total output to be achieved by summing up all determined individual heating outputs of the heating units 2 integrated in the heating circuit;
4. D) Recording the currently achieved performance based on the temperature values recorded by the temperature sensors 4,
5. E) comparing the total performance to be achieved with the currently achieved performance,
6. F) Repeating steps A) to E) several times within a predetermined period of time, in particular at a predetermined interval of less than two minutes, the values recorded in each step E) being recorded and temporarily stored in a non-volatile memory of a processor unit 6,
7. G) Perform a regression analysis and construct a regression curve based on the recorded values,
8. H) Evaluating the temporal change in performance (dP/dt) using the determined regression curve; and
9. I) Reducing the performance of constituent 5 if the temporal performance change is positive.

This process offers the advantage that energy consumption is reduced and thus energy is saved.

5 and 6 show the detailed sequence of the method for controlling a heating system 1 with a heating circuit 16 using the example of an adjustable constituent 5 in the form of the return valve 10 ( 1 ). The processor unit 6 works with a total of four different lists (arrays). A total list in which all heating units 2 are listed with their parameters, in particular target temperature, actual temperature, valve opening degree; a temporary list in which all those heating units 2 are included which have not yet been taken into account in the calculation; another list containing those heating units 2 that have not yet reached their target temperature minus any corrections; and a list of the return temperatures that are recorded for the regression analysis. 5 14. Let us take a closer look at the start of the method, whereby first the return valve 10 to be controlled (step S10) and all existing heating units 2 with their thermostatic valves 3 (step S20) are determined. A list with the heating units 2 and the associated values is then loaded from the memory of the processor unit 6 into the main memory as a temporary list. A check is then carried out to see whether there are still heating units 2 in the temporary list of the processor unit 6 (step P1). If this is the case (+ in step P1), the heating unit 2 is removed from the temporary list (step S30) and the percentage valve position of the thermostatic valves 3 of all heating units 2 integrated in the heating circuit 16 is recorded (step A). If the valve position of the thermostatic valves 3 is greater than 0.01 (+ in step P2), the individual heating output for each heating unit 2 is determined by multiplying the recorded percentage valve position by its previously known maximum heating output (step B). If the valve position of the thermostat valves 3 is not greater than 0.01 (- in step P2), the total output to be achieved (target output) is calculated by adding up all the determined individual heating outputs of the heating units 2 integrated in the heating circuit 16 (step C), disregarding those heating units 2 whose valves are closed. The currently achieved output is then recorded using the temperature values recorded by the temperature sensors 4 (step D). Between 0.5 and 3 degrees Celsius are added to the current temperature value and between 0 and 2.5 degrees Celsius are added to the total output to be achieved, due to a potential uneven distribution in the room. If the calculated temperature value is below a target temperature, which corresponds to the total output to be achieved (+ in step P3), a check is carried out to see whether heating unit 2 is already in another list (step P5), i.e. whether it was already taken into account when determining the total output in a previous step. If heating unit 2 is already in the list, the system jumps back to P1 (step S60), otherwise heating unit 2 is added to the list first (step S50). If the current temperature value added to the value determined above is above a target temperature, which corresponds to the total output to be achieved (- in step P3), it is also checked whether heating unit 2 is already in the other list (step P4) and, if it is present, it is deleted from the list (step S40). This is followed by step E), where the total output to be achieved is compared with the currently achieved output; this step is in 6 to see.

The process as described in 5 shown in detail, is repeated several times within a predetermined period of time, the values acquired in each step E) being recorded and temporarily stored in the non-volatile memory of the processor unit 6.

In the 6 it is shown that as soon as the total power to be achieved matches the currently achieved power (+ at step E), the return temperature is checked (step P6) to see whether it is above 45 degrees Celsius; this is measured using a temperature sensor 4 integrated into the return line 19. If this is the case (+ at step P6), the valve position of the return valve 10 is reduced by at least 0.1 (step S70). In addition (- at step P6), a regression analysis is carried out and a regression curve is drawn up based on the recorded values (step G). The slope, i.e. the change in power over time (dP/dt), is then evaluated using the determined regression curve (step H), with the performance of constituent 5 being reduced if the change in power over time is positive (step I and + at step H). It is checked whether the temporary power is set to 0 (step P7). If the temporary power is 0 (+ at step P7), the valve position of the return valve 10 is set to a minimum position (step S80). If the temporary power is not 0 (- at step P7), the valve position is calculated by dividing the temporary power by the total power (step S90). If the valve position is less than a minimum position (+ at step P8), the valve position is set to the calculated value (S100). The rest of the list is then run through (step P9) and checked whether the heating units 2 have reached the target temperature within a predetermined period of time (S110), whereby the valve position is changed by a calculated factor (S120) if the temperature has not been reached. If the calculated valve position minus the reduction calculated in the previous step is greater than 1 (+ at step P10), the return valve 10 is set to 1 (S120). Otherwise (at step P10), the return valve 10 is set to the calculated value minus the reduction (S130). All data are then transferred from the processor unit 6 to the respective constituents (S140).

If the temporal performance change in step H) is negative, step I) is not continued, but the performance of constituent 5 is increased or remains unchanged. The process thus represents an energy economical control of a heating system 1 in order to adapt the heating system 1 to the current energy requirements of the individual rooms or the individual heating units 2.

In step C), the individual heating units 2 can be weighted based on the previously known room sizes in which the individual heating units 2 are located. This ensures that the processor unit 6 correctly evaluates the data from the heating units 2, the thermostat valves 3 and the temperature sensors 4.

The first steps A) to E) are repeated at intervals of no more than 2 minutes to ensure rapid adjustment of the heating circuit 16. This also increases the comfort for the respective user, as an adjustment can be implemented quickly according to his wishes. Furthermore, energy is also saved because the adjustment can be responded to more quickly. Another possibility is to integrate an additional thermostat in the room to compensate for the different fluctuations.

In the 7 an addition to the method is shown in which the output of a buffer storage tank, which is assigned to the boiler 13 or the heat pump 14, is included in the calculations, whereby the flow temperature is adjusted more precisely to previously known heating profiles. This should determine future energy consumption more precisely and save energy. First, all existing heating profiles are loaded into the processor unit 6 and the actual state is determined (S150). The processor unit 6 then carries out a prediction (S160) as to whether a temperature increase in the heating unit 2 is imminent or to be expected. The currently available thermal energy of the buffer storage tank is then determined (S170) and any surplus is determined (S180). The surplus is the difference between the available thermal energy of the buffer storage tank and the thermal energy required for current output. If the surplus determined is already sufficient to reach the predicted temperature (+ at P11) or if no more power is required, the current settings of the buffer storage are retained (S190). If the surplus determined is not sufficient (- at P11) to achieve a temperature increase in accordance with the prediction of heating units 2, the settings of the buffer storage are changed. The current temperature of the buffer storage is first determined (S200) and then compared with a predetermined threshold, which corresponds to the boiling point of water, particularly at normal pressure (P12). If the temperature to be achieved is above the threshold (+ at P12), the settings are adjusted to the temperature of the threshold (S210) so that the buffer storage does not exceed it. Otherwise (- at P12), the buffer storage is preheated to the determined temperature (S220) so that the necessary amount of heat is available for the expected temperature increase.

REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST:

1

heating system

2

heating unit

3

thermostatic valve

4

temperature sensor (especially for total return)

5

constituent

6

processor unit

7

one-pipe heating system

8

multi-pipe heating

9

underfloor heating

10

return valve

11

circulation pump

12

mixer

13

boiler

14

heat pump

15

communication interface of the communication connection

16

heating circuit

17

actuator

18

supply line

19

return line

20

bypass

T1

flow temperature

T2

temperature return

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 3643434 A1 [0004]
• DE 102016223726 A1 [0005]
• GB 2584722 A [0006]
• EP 0594886 A1 [0007]
• CN 102865623 A [0008]

Claims (10)

Method for controlling a heating system (1) with a heating circuit (16) into which a plurality of heating units (2) are or can be integrated, wherein each of the heating units (2) is assigned a thermostat valve (3) and a temperature sensor (4), and into which a controllable constituent (5) is integrated, and with a processor unit (6) which is in a communication connection (15) with each thermostat valve (3) and each temperature sensor (4) of the heating units (2) and the constituent (5), comprising the steps: A) detecting the percentage valve position of the thermostat valves (3) of all heating units (2) integrated in the heating circuit (16), B) determining an individual heating output for each heating unit (2) by multiplying the detected percentage valve position by its previously known maximum heating output, C) calculating the total output to be achieved by adding up all determined individual heating outputs of the heating units integrated in the heating circuit (16). (2); D) Recording the currently achieved performance based on the temperature values recorded by the temperature sensors (4), E) Comparing the total performance to be achieved with the currently achieved performance, F) Repeating steps A) to E) several times within a predetermined period of time, the values recorded in each step E) being recorded and temporarily stored in a non-volatile memory of the processor unit (6), G) Carrying out a regression analysis and setting up a regression curve based on the recorded values, H) Evaluating the change in performance over time based on the determined regression curve; and I) Reducing the performance of the constituent (5) if the change in performance over time is positive. procedure according to claim 1 , characterized in that the performance of the constituent (5) is increased or remains unchanged if the temporal performance change is negative. procedure according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that in step C) a weighting of the individual heating units (2) is carried out, which is carried out on the basis of the previously known room sizes in which the individual heating units (2) are located. Method according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that the constituent (5) is a return valve (10) in the heating circuit (16), and that a percentage degree of opening of the return valve (10) is predetermined, which results from the quotient of the currently achieved power to the total power to be achieved if the temporal power change is positive or negative. Method according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that the constituent (5) is a circulation pump (11) in the heating circuit (16), and that a percentage power consumption of the circulation pump (11) is specified, which results from the quotient of the currently achieved power to the total power to be achieved if the temporal power change is positive or negative. Method according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that the constituent (5) is a mixer (12) in the heating circuit (16), and that a percentage mixing of the mixer (12) is specified, which results from the quotient of the currently achieved power to the total power to be achieved if the temporal power change is positive or negative. Method according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that the constituent (5) is a heating boiler (13) or a heat pump (14) in the heating circuit (16), and that a percentage power provision of the heating boiler (13) or the heat pump (14) is specified, which results from the quotient of the currently achieved power to the total power to be achieved if the temporal power change is positive or negative. Method according to one of the Claims 1 until 7 , characterized in that a minimum position or minimum power of the constituent (5) itself is set when the thermostat valves (3) of all heating units (2) are completely closed. procedure according to claim 1 until 8 , characterized in that the processor unit (6) compares all detected temperature values with the temperatures to be achieved over a certain period of time and changes the position of the constituent (5) if the target temperature value is not reached. Heating system (1) with a heating circuit (16) into which a plurality of heating units (2) are integrated or can be integrated, wherein each of the heating units (2) is assigned a thermostat valve (3) and a temperature sensor (4), and into which a controllable constituent (5) is integrated, and with a processor unit (6) which is connected in a communication connection (15) to each thermostat valve (3) and each temperature sensor (4) of the heating units (2) and the constituent (5), characterized in that the processor unit (16) is arranged to carry out the method according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 to carry out.

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