Thermostat, heating module equipped with it and thermostat system

Abstract

A disadvantage of established thermostat systems is that additional functions and measurements are only available via additional devices that must be purchased and installed. The task is to overcome this disadvantage. The solution utilizes a thermostat with a standardized circuit board, which can provide various functional combinations through different component configurations. This platform approach, with its standardized basic structure and optional, deployable, and / or activatable additional functions, enables cost-effective industrial manufacturing. For the first time, this allows for a more complex control system adaptable to diverse usage scenarios at a low, market-acceptable price. Adaptability to a wide range of applications, previously only achievable with supplementary modules or additional devices, is now accomplished through additional components that can be cost-effectively integrated into the standard assembly. For the first time, a complex and efficient control system can be provided that regulates heat in a targeted, reliable and fail-safe manner, and makes it even safer and more attractive to the end customer through additional functions; this enables an efficient contribution to the energy transition with high market penetration.

Description

GENERAL AREA

[0001] The invention relates to thermostats. The core function of a thermostat is to ensure and regulate a temperature to a setpoint. Simple thermostats can be mechanical and switch a heat supply on or off if the temperature deviates too much. More modern thermostats incorporate control loops and control programs and can adjust heating or cooling output relative to a control parameter such as temperature, humidity, CO2 or oxygen content, etc., individually or in a coordinated manner. Adaptive heating start and time- and temperature-dependent temperature changes can be preset and stored for days, weeks, seasons, and even entire years. Related data such as consumption, temperature curves, and measured values ​​can often be stored and accessed wirelessly via mobile devices.More complex thermostat systems are found in overall energy concepts for living spaces, commercial spaces, warehouses and apartments, as well as in building-wide control and monitoring systems, in which rooms, residential units, buildings up to entire residential areas are recorded, energy-regulated and possibly also influenced via instructions to the users / residents. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Simple, mechanical thermostats for electric heating elements have been known for a long time. For example, DE 1 143 281 B discloses a thermostat with a temperature sensor for a hotplate, where the temperature sensor is pressed against a pot placed on the hotplate by spring force in the center of the hotplate. Similarly, DE 1 235 462 B discloses a temperature switch that interacts with a mechanical power control and interrupts the power supply when a set temperature is reached. Likewise, DE 9 108 801 U provides a device for controlling a heater by comparing setpoints with actual values, with power control here being carried out by a microprocessor and a power transistor. Alternatively, DE 691 28 988 T2 provides for telemetric evaluation of bit patterns or camera images for setpoint-actual comparisons.

[0003] The DE 2 004 463 B is already designed for electric heating devices and proposes a circuit of diodes and resistors in order to be able to specify and maintain a target temperature via a control voltage.

[0004] Phase modulation is fundamentally suitable for continuously adjusting AC power to a target value by controlling and / or sectioning a phase – possibly combined with a circuit for partially blocking pulses of a 50 Hz frequency and / or sector control. German patent DE 1 906 782 proposes the use of a gate electrode in combination with a triac / thyristor, variable resistors, thermistors, and various capacitors for a control circuit.

[0005] DD 108 418 A proposes a simpler and more cost-effective control circuit for power regulation using a half-wave-controlled thyristor in phase-angle control, which can output a warning signal in the event of breakage or damage to the heating element. DE 40 26 350 C2 further develops this approach, simplifying the circuit.

[0006] Alternatively, DE 27 28 380 C2 proposes to operate a heating element with modified, power-controlled DC pulses using an AC source as the energy source.

[0007] DE 44 80 580 T1 provides for an AC heating appliance control unit, in addition to a DC switching logic with its own power supply and several safety circuits.

[0008] Control circuits and methods have also been the subject of research and development for some time. DE 2 400 674 A proposes two sensors and three setpoint temperatures for a control loop to regulate heating power more efficiently. DE 29 15 796 A1 proposes using at least three signals to control a control system by defining the states ON, OFF, and ERROR. DE 30 07 932 A1 discloses various components that can incorporate the ambient temperature into power control. DE 30 32 509 A1 proposes further developments in digital-to-analog converters (DACs) that allow a multiple output voltages and power levels to be selected and output via a triac and / or a silicon-controlled rectifier for different lines using simple switching logic.

[0009] As an alternative to power control, DE 26 05 533 B2 proposes pulse width modulation of the switch-on pulses to adjust the heating power to a specified requirement.

[0010] DE 40 03 984 A1 proposes, as an additional measure for power control, a microprocessor for program control, whereby the control includes at least a holding temperature and a maximum temperature. DE 93 12 050 U proposes acquiring electrical power via several control variables in parameter tables, storing these, and using them digitally to control a system. DE 38 84 160 T2 additionally provides for a 24-hour clock, which switches power control on or off in addition to manual setting and / or activation.

[0011] Thermostatic systems are also known in a general form. German patent DE 31 01 384 A1 proposes a combination of a clock thermostat, temperature setback, heat pump, outdoor temperature sensor, and indoor sensor for a room temperature control system to reliably and efficiently maintain a predefined temperature range. Additionally, EP 0 273 064 A1 proposes integrating various operating modes, an additional temperature sensor, and a function indicator via at least one logical evaluation circuit. DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[0012] The present invention relates to a thermostat for direct electric heating. Thermostat systems of this type therefore include an electrically operated heating device and / or heating element.

[0013] EP 0 631 219 A proposes a method for temperature control in individual living or working spaces, whereby IR presence detectors record the occupants' presence times and these times are used to create temperature programs via logic circuitry based on fuzzy logic. Various sensors can be integrated, and average occupancy probabilities can be calculated and combined with actual occupant presence for control purposes.

[0014] US Patent 5,476,221 A describes a thermostat control system in which the occupancy / presence of an apartment is used with thermostat data and the status of doors and windows (open / closed) to determine the heating demand and adjust the output accordingly.

[0015] EP 0 785 493 A1 describes a method in which the presence of a user and their distance from a radiant heater are detected and used to estimate the necessary radiant power in order to provide the user with sufficient warmth as quickly as possible at a reduced room temperature. DE 101 61 761 A discloses a window sensor that detects the position of a window and can transmit it wirelessly; DE 203 05 285 U1 discloses a similar sensor for doors. US 2003 / 0234731 A1 discloses a building control system that detects typical building functions, including temperature control / heating, and visualizes and makes them operable via a graphical user interface, also abbreviated as GUI. US 2004 / 0019603 A1 further develops this approach and proposes that, through occupant detection via programmed and adaptive logic rules, it can also issue settings and instructions to the occupants.

[0016] A disadvantage is that currently, sensors, thermostats, and control modules typically have to be purchased individually and combined via digital interfaces to integrate them into a control system. This increases acquisition costs and frequently leads to incompatibilities between the various components. As a result, the control systems often only consider one or a few parameters and, due to unnecessary overriding, pre-heating, or post-heating, exhibit lower energy efficiency. Furthermore, components from different manufacturers repeatedly show incompatibilities after an update, failing as a data source and causing the control system to malfunction; these data communication failures also significantly impair the average achievable efficiency.

[0017] The object of the present invention was therefore to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a thermostat which, despite its compact design, is able to provide a more complex, more efficient control of the heating output with increased reliability.

[0018] This problem is solved according to the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims and the following description. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] According to the invention, a thermostat comprises a housing, at least one microprocessor with memory, an AC power control unit, at least one wireless communication unit, and a plurality of sensors. The thermostat features a standardized circuit board which, through different component configurations, can provide various additional functional combinations. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGEOUS FEATURES

[0020] According to the invention, the thermostat comprises a housing, at least one microprocessor with memory, an AC power controller, at least one wireless communication unit, and a plurality of sensors. The AC power controller allows stepless adjustment of the output electrical power, at least by means of phase modulation. The processor, memory, power controller, and wireless communication are capable of operating independently and are designed and configured to provide control parameters to users via mobile devices. In the event of a LAN communication failure, the thermostat remains operational and can continue to provide efficient control. Furthermore, the thermostat features a standardized circuit board which, through different component configurations, can provide various functional combinations.

[0021] This platform approach, with its standardized basic structure and deployable and / or activatable additional functions, enables cost-effective industrial manufacturing, making it possible for the first time to provide a more complex control system adaptable to different usage scenarios at a low, market-acceptable price. Adaptability to a wide range of usage scenarios, previously only achievable with supplementary modules or additional devices, can now be achieved through additional components that can be integrated into the standard assembly.

[0022] The preferred combination of functions is selected from the group of function combinations comprising: data communication center, room thermostat, heating thermostat, sensor box, user simulator.

[0023] A central data communication hub coordinates numerous thermostats, room thermostats, sensors, and IoT devices, utilizing parameters such as temperature, humidity, presence, CO2 levels, particulate matter levels, identity, identification characteristics, door status, window status, building status, motion profiles from bit patterns in camera images, and other data for control purposes. Heat flows between different rooms and / or between indoor, outdoor, and transitional areas can be determined, evaluated, and used to optimize control parameters based on user presence. The control parameters optimized using this group data can then be transmitted to the individual thermostats to heat rooms individually and with increased efficiency, according to demand.A room thermostat measures at least the room temperature and uses this for regulation; ideally, user presence and usage profiles are also recorded and stored over days and weeks to determine an optimized set of rules for daily and seasonal temperatures. This allows the room thermostat to continuously learn when, where, and by whom heat is typically needed and to continuously adjust this set of rules data using at least two time perspectives – in this case, days and weeks. Parameter changes such as seasonal fluctuations or longer-term changes in user behavior can thus be recognized and taken into account with maximum efficiency. Particularly advantageous is the inclusion of user feedback data, including feedback such as "too slow," "too warm," and "too cold," which can be effectively linked to the detectable body temperature of the respective user.This is particularly advantageous because it allows users to be identified, their body temperature and location to be checked, and a set of rules for efficient user heating with maximum user satisfaction to be created and output to control devices.

[0024] A heating thermostat measures at least the temperature of a heating device and / or the target surface it heats. Regularly generating an energy-time-temperature data set allows for the continuous updating of control parameters, enabling the most efficient possible achievement of a target temperature.

[0025] A sensor box records necessary additional parameters such as outside temperature and current heat flow in order to detect warnings such as 'door open?' or 'window open?' for a target temperature in a room and to enable a sensible heating process.

[0026] A user simulator includes at least temperature sensors at user-typical heights, which allow temperature profiles for lying, sitting and standing activities of a user and make high user satisfaction recognizable and measurable in control parameters during a warm-up process through uniform warming of the foot, hip and head area.

[0027] Preferably, the thermostat includes at least one encryption function, whereby the encryption function encrypts all data. Encrypted data reliably prevents the accidental disclosure of personal data.

[0028] Preferably, at least one of the sensors is a distance and presence detection sensor operating in the GHz range. Particularly preferably, the at least one sensor operates at a frequency in the range of 1 GHz to 10 GHz, preferably 2 GHz to 9 GHz, and most preferably at least one of the frequencies 3 GHz, 5 GHz, and 8 GHz. Advantageously, sensors such as those disclosed, for example, in US 5,227,764 A are used. Particularly preferably, at least one sensor operating at 5 GHz is used, detected by software with algorithms for person and pet detection.

[0029] Preferably, at least one of the sensors is a humidity sensor. High, local humidity levels indicate dangerous convection and / or water ingress, as well as the risk of mold growth, and can – if detected early and a corresponding warning is issued – help to prevent serious damage to buildings or even occupants.

[0030] Preferably, the wireless communication unit is configured to form a communication network with other communication units of additional thermostats. This self-contained communication network can be used as an emergency communication link and for emergency operation of a system control system in the event of a failure of the usual communication networks.

[0031] Preferably, mobile devices belonging to users can be detected in the storage system and stored in a communication network, triangulated, and time-stamped. This allows for improved determination of location, time, and heat requirements, and makes it advantageous to identify and assess deviations, which could also indicate a hazardous situation.

[0032] Preferably, user-specific movement profiles can be created based on recorded user data and integrated into control and regulation programs.

[0033] Preferably, the thermostat has a standardized housing with standardized mounting and connection devices. Further development of the platform concept ensures a uniform, simple, and preferably tool-free, repair and maintenance option for the product family.

[0034] In the device according to the invention, a thermostat according to the invention is combined with a heating module, the heating module comprising a heating element comprising a heating film, a rear insulation and a front aluminum protective cover facing a radiation area.

[0035] Preferably, the heating module includes an LED light source, wherein the aluminum protective cover is arranged to emit both IR rays and rays from the LED light source in the same direction.

[0036] In the thermostat system according to the invention, comprising a plurality of thermostats according to the invention, at least one data communication center allows a connection to the Internet, one room thermostat per room enables room-specific data collection, each heating thermostat enables the local heating of partial rooms or living areas, at least one sensor box provides external data including outside temperature and outside humidity, and all thermostats form an encrypted communication network which is additionally designed to provide communication, security and alarm functions.

[0037] Further advantages will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments. It is understood that the aforementioned preferred features, measures, and advantages, as well as the following exemplary embodiments, are not to be considered limiting. Advantageous or preferred additional features and combinations of features, as explained in the description and known from the cited documents, can be implemented within the scope of the independent claims as additional features and measures in the claimed subject matter, both individually and in different combinations, without departing from the scope of the invention. DETAILED EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION USING EXAMPLES OF EXECUTION

[0038] In an advantageous embodiment, a thermostat according to the invention is equipped as a data communication center with a graphical user interface, also abbreviated as GUI; this includes an electronic display and operating elements via which the thermostat can be set and configured by a user.

[0039] Similarly, room thermostats and heating thermostats are also equipped with such a GUI. The data communication center is equipped with hardware encryption, which encrypts all data sent and stored in permanent memory on its way to and from the storage / sender.

[0040] A permanent memory is advantageously removable in order to be able to wirelessly pair new thermostats when expanding a system; for this purpose, thermostats can advantageously be equipped with a permanently installed memory and an interface for mobile storage.

[0041] The data communication center can be connected to the internet, allowing the manufacturer to maintain it and provide it with encrypted backups, updates, and additional digital services. Advantageously, the data communication center can also form an independent communication network with all other thermostats according to the invention belonging to the same user. Each thermostat is configured as a transmitter, receiver, and signal repeater to provide sufficient range within the network without the need for additional signal amplifiers. Compared to other IoT concepts, which often require additional repeaters, this allows for a secure and encrypted network without the need for additional components.

[0042] The thermostats in such a communication network feature 5 GHz sensors designed to detect movement, objects, and distances. In direct, practical testing, sensors operating at 3, 5, or 8 GHz proved suitable for detecting even larger objects, such as a closed or open door. Sensors with higher or lower frequencies proved significantly less efficient. For person detection, 5 GHz sensors demonstrated surprisingly high effectiveness and a considerably lower error rate. Frequency: 3GHz 5GHz 8GHz Number of test subjects 50 50 50 Positive identification 37 52 23 of which false positives 0 2 0 False negative 13 0 27

[0043] Against this background, a 5GHz sensor proves particularly suitable for person and pet detection; combined with a verification algorithm that queries and averages a result multiple times, the error rate can be advantageously reduced to almost zero with just one sensor. Supplemented by the detection of related data such as users' mobile devices and their location, zero-error operation is reliably achievable.

[0044] Humidity and temperature sensors in each thermostat enable monitoring within the entire communication network and allow conclusions to be drawn about the probability of water ingress or mold growth; in houses with digitally communicating ventilation systems, the ventilation can additionally be adjusted to the respective room air parameters via the data communication system in order to prevent mold growth.

[0045] The operating system of a thermostat according to the invention comprises logic rules through which multiple data sets can be created for users, rooms, room elements such as doors or windows, heaters, and additional heat sources. These data sets can be used to regulate the heating output of the respective electric heaters in order to achieve the user's desired temperature as quickly, efficiently, and without overheating as possible. Compared to a simple room thermostat with a floor sensor and on / off control, a continuous, adjusted power supply in a test container during winter resulted in energy savings of approximately 30% while maintaining the same target temperature of 21°C at a height of 1 meter.

[0046] Advantageously, the heaters include heating modules in which a heating film insulated on the back with aluminum foil on the front functions both as a light reflector and as a radiant heater controllable by the thermostat; such a heating module can first be aimed at a target area via the reflected light and then - by determining the user's presence and distance - warm a user located in the target area with maximum efficiency using IR radiation and the stored data sets based on the environmental parameters - to the respective, individual comfort temperature.

[0047] Additionally, user identity based on the detected size, combined with the identifiers of mobile devices and compared with typical movement profiles, can be used to detect and report hazardous situations or dangers such as oxygen deficiency, excessive aerosol content, fire, burglary, unauthorized entry, electrical damage, water ingress, hailstorm, torrential rain, risk of frost, presence of strangers, etc. at an early stage – preferably combined with sensor data on temperature and air quality.

[0048] In an advantageous embodiment, a thermostat according to the invention is equipped with programs and / or hardware that enables communication with other IoT devices and / or devices provided by other manufacturers; preferably, the GUI control thereby provides uniform access and control for all IoT devices. Thus, a thermostat according to the invention can comprise at least one further function and / or functional assembly, which includes at least one additional function selected from the group comprising: 24 GHz presence detection radar; 24 GHz presence detection radar with AI-supported evaluation; adaptive learning algorithms that analyze user behavior and automatically create optimized temperature profiles; prediction of optimal settings based on various environmental factors and individual preferences via AI and / or learning algorithms;Context-sensitive control that automatically switches between heating, cooling, ventilation, and other modes based on room conditions and user activity; integration of health and wellness functions such as air quality monitoring and temperature adjustment to promote well-being; multi-zone control that independently manages multiple heating zones in a building and ensures optimal temperatures in different areas; voice control functions that at least allow control and parameterization of the thermostat; predictive maintenance modules that use sensors and algorithms to estimate maintenance needs and promptly notify and / or commission necessary services; comprehensive safety functions including the detection of anomalies in energy consumption and warnings of potential hazards;Sensors for monitoring air pollutants and allergens such as pollen, dust, and mold spores, and for reporting and / or triggering appropriate countermeasures; integration of window opening and closing systems to optimize natural ventilation and regulate room temperature; integration of sensors for detecting gas leaks, smoke, or other potential hazards to trigger timely warnings and increase safety; real-time energy optimization and cost savings through continuous adjustment of heating and cooling cycles based on current energy prices and user behavior; personalized recommendations based on user behavior and preferences to increase well-being and / or energy consumption; biometric authentication; fingerprint and / or facial recognition; restriction of access rights to specific users and / or user groups.

[0049] In an advantageous embodiment, a thermostat, room thermostat, heating thermostat, or data communication center according to the invention, weighing less than one kilogram, comprises a stainless steel housing with mounting points for surface and flush mounting. Cable glands with sealing strain relief allow the thermostat to be connected to a heating system on one side and a power supply on the other. A wireless network and / or WLAN chipset enables wireless communication, particularly with user-owned mobile devices. A color GUI display allows for full operation directly via the device; additionally, control and regulation via wireless communication or the internet are possible.The operating system is a hardened Linux distribution, compatible with established, derivative, and commercial systems, which can be configured via application programs compatible with other IoT systems. With an available internet connection, updates ensure compatibility, and additional functions can be configured via commercially available software. A microphone complements the sensors integrated into the thermostat and, in combination with commercially available software, enables voice recognition or voice control. An audio source allows for audible alarms and / or the output of speech and / or music. A floor sensor port or a wireless floor sensor allows for comprehensive floor temperature data collection. Additional temperature measurement points enable the detection of rapid or continuous heat flows and the notification of warnings, such as open doors or hail damage.This makes it possible to detect intrusions and avoids the unnecessary heating of rooms with thermal connections to the outside. Using an SGHz sensor, people can be reliably detected and their movement profiles recorded. With supplementary data such as the mobile device identifier and typical weekly routines, significant deviations become apparent, allowing for the identification of hazardous or emergency situations, which can then be appropriately addressed via predefined rules. For example, if a person is detected without a known mobile device, a warning request can be sent to a pre-defined contact address. Additionally, pets and small animals can be detected and, for example, identified via their ID chip, heated, and / or identified as intruding animals.The thermostat includes a transmit-receive module which, in the event of a central router or node failure, can ensure secure, long-range communication in parallel via a peer-to-peer network with redundant packet duplication. In an advantageous embodiment, the thermostat's functionality is adaptable and it can communicate with other devices, including heating control, video surveillance, doorbells, alarm systems, motion detectors, lighting control, air quality sensors, fire sensors, gas sensors, aerosol sensors, CO sensors, dust sensors, access control, door openers, door closers, window openers, window closers, switch control of electrical power regulations, forced ventilation, frost protection, overtemperature protection, intercom systems, and video telephony.Preferably, a thermostat includes software for calculating and graphically visualizing consumption depending on at least one factor, which is selected from the group including time, individual users, different time domains, different energy sources, different heat sources, cost per energy unit, different control programs, and performance and cost forecasts for the next days, weeks, or months.

[0050] The continuously self-learning AI approach also comes into play when reporting for different time periods: FILO data groups can be created for days, weeks, and months. FILO is the established term for data groups in which, when a fixed data field is full, the oldest stored data package is overwritten by the newest created data package. Thus, the thermostat can derive control parameters for days, weeks, and months and also display them graphically. A weekly or monthly program can also be adjusted at short notice to accommodate special events such as "vacation," "party," or "visit," with changes to its priorities for selectable time periods. Such planning and adjustments are preferably performed automatically and via a graphically visualized calendar.Through automatic evaluation and adjustment, seasons, changing working hours, holidays, or longer stays are always recognized and taken into account by the system without any user intervention being necessary.

[0051] For the first time, the revealed concept enables a thermostat system to meaningfully contribute to energy-optimized, efficient operation while simultaneously providing additional functions securely and without data disclosure, all at a low industrial cost-benefit ratio. Advantageously, programmed interfaces to established IoT systems allow for the integration and querying of data and actions from common and existing IoT modules, thus optimizing operation with additional measurement and control data. This effectively overcomes the problem that existing systems and modules often cannot be integrated, leading to decreased customer acceptance; with programmed interfaces for integrating established systems, replacing older, existing hardware is no longer necessary.Rather, the older hardware and its data contribute to efficient operation, and the thermostat according to the invention can become more widely available at an acceptable price. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0052] A disadvantage of established thermostat systems is that additional functions and measurements are only available via additional devices that must be purchased and installed.

[0053] The task is to overcome this disadvantage.

[0054] The solution utilizes a thermostat with a standardized circuit board, which can provide various functional combinations through different component configurations. This platform approach, with its standardized basic structure and optional, deployable, and / or activatable additional functions, enables cost-effective industrial manufacturing. For the first time, this allows for a more complex control system adaptable to diverse usage scenarios at a low, market-acceptable price. Adaptability to a wide range of applications, previously only achievable with supplementary modules or additional devices, is now accomplished through additional components that can be cost-effectively integrated into the standard assembly.

[0055] For the first time, a complex and efficient control system can be provided that regulates heat in a targeted, reliable and fail-safe manner, and makes it even safer and more attractive to the end customer through additional functions; this enables an efficient contribution to the energy transition with high market penetration. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. 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

[0000] DE 1 143 281 B

[0002] DE 1 235 462 B

[0002] DE 9 108 801 U

[0002] DE 691 28 988 T2

[0002] DE 2 004 463 B

[0003] DE 1 906 782

[0004] DD 108 418 A

[0005] DE 40 26 350 C2

[0005] DE 27 28 380 C2

[0006] DE 44 80 580 T1

[0007] DE 2 400 674 A

[0008] DE 29 15 796 A1

[0008] DE 30 07 932 A1

[0008] DE 30 32 509 A1

[0008] DE 26 05 533 B2

[0009] DE 40 03 984 A1

[0010] DE 93 12 050 U

[0010] DE 38 84 160 T2

[0010] DE 31 01 384 A1

[0011] EP 0 273 064 A1

[0011] EP 0 631 219 A

[0013] US 5,476,221 A

[0014] EP 0 785 493 A1

[0015] DE 101 61 761 A

[0015] DE 203 05 285 U1

[0015] US 2003 / 0234731 A1

[0015] US 2004 / 0019603 A1

[0015] US 5,227,764 A

[0028]

Claims

[1] Thermostat comprising a housing, at least one microprocessor with memory, an AC power control, at least one wireless communication unit and a plurality of sensors, characterized by that the thermostat has a standardized circuit board which can provide different combinations of functions through different component configurations. [2] Thermostat according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the function combination is selected from the group of function combinations including: data communication center, room thermostat, heating thermostat, sensor box, user simulator. [3] Thermostat according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the thermostat has at least one encryption function, whereby the encryption function encrypts all data. [4] Thermostat according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least one of the sensors is a distance and presence detection sensor operating in the GHz range. [5] Thermostat according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the at least one sensor operates at at least one frequency in the range of 1 GHz to 10 GHz, preferably 2 GHz to 9 GHz, and particularly preferably at at least one of the frequencies 3 GHz, 5 GHz and 8 GHz. [6] Thermostat according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one of the sensors is a humidity sensor. [7] Thermostat according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the wireless communication unit is set up to form a communication network with other communication units of other thermostats. [8] Thermostat according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that mobile devices of users can be detected in the memory and triangulated in a / the communication network and stored with a timestamp. [9] Thermostat according to the preceding claim, characterized by that user-specific movement profiles can be created based on recorded user data and integrated into control and regulation programs. [10] Thermostat according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the thermostat has a standardized housing with standardized mounting and connection devices. [11] Thermostat according to all the preceding claims. [12] Thermostat according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the thermostat is combined with a heating module, the heating module comprising a heating element comprising a heating film, a rear insulation and a front aluminium protective cover facing a radiation area. [13] Thermostat according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the heating module continues to include an LED light source, with the aluminum protective cover arranged to radiate both IR rays and rays from the LED light source in the same direction. [14] Thermostat system comprising a plurality of thermostats according to claims 11 to 13, wherein at least one data communication center allows connection to the Internet, one room thermostat per room enables room-specific data collection, each heating thermostat enables local heating of partial rooms or living areas, at least one sensor box provides outdoor data including outdoor temperature and outdoor humidity, and all thermostats form an encrypted communication network which is additionally designed to provide communication, security and alarm functions.