Improvements to heating systems

Abstract

A system for heating an indoor environment includes: a primary heat source for heating a heat transfer fluid; at least one remotely actuatable valve for stepwise or continuous control of the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid through the return conduit outlet of the heat emitter; the pipeline temperature sensor is used for measuring the temperature of a return pipeline outlet of the heat emitter; the optional room temperature sensor is used for measuring the environment temperature of the indoor environment; the optional user interface is used for receiving an instruction from a user, and the instruction comprises at least one target environment temperature; an electronic controller configured to receive temperature measurement information from each duct temperature sensor and, optionally, from each room temperature sensor, and further configured to provide control instructions related to flow rate control to each remotely actuatable valve; wherein the electronic controller includes a processor configured to determine control instructions based at least in part on the temperature measurement information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for heating an indoor environment. In particular, the present invention relates to a system for heating an indoor environment, the system comprising a heating fluid circuit comprising at least one remotely controllable valve. Background Art

[0002] Indoor heating systems are as ubiquitous as they are essential. Ever since our earliest ancestors gathered around fire pits in the most primitive of human dwellings, we have been innovating to make our indoor heating systems cheaper, more efficient, more reliable, safer, and less labor-intensive to operate.

[0003] Of the modern heating systems in use today, two of the most common are radiators and floor heating pipes. Both rely on transferring heat from a heat source to the indoor environment via a heat transfer fluid, usually water. In this document, all references to water as a heat transfer fluid should also include other heating fluids.

[0004] In a radiator system, hot water is typically fed into a radiator, which has a high surface area and is made of thermally conductive material, thus transferring some of the heat from the water to the surrounding area.

[0005] In floor heating systems, hot water is typically fed through a central manifold into a network of heat-conducting pipes that stretch and bend to provide a very large surface area to the underside of the floor surface in a given room, transferring heat from the water to the floor and to the air in the room above.

[0006] The heat source in such a system comes in a variety of configurations. Gas fired boilers are particularly common, especially in a domestic setting. These typically consist of a tank of water that is heated by exposure to a flame fed by a mains supply of natural gas. In other configurations, water is heated in smaller volumes, such as by exposing a section of pipe to a flame, and then stored in a buffer tank until it is needed.

[0007] Heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to gas boilers. These use a phase change cycle or thermoelectric semiconductors to extract heat from the external environment and supply it to the water.

[0008] The efficiency of a heat pump at any given time is the ratio of the energy (usually electrical) used to operate the heat pump to the heat energy transferred. The amount of heat transferred increases with the energy supplied, up to the maximum power rating of the particular heat pump, but this is not a linear relationship; heat pumps are generally most efficient when operating at a fraction of their maximum power rating.

[0009] Prior art heating systems incorporating heat pumps typically heat water at high power until a thermostat registers that a target ambient temperature has been reached, and then stop heating the water until the thermostat registers that a second, typically lower, target temperature is no longer reached. This control strategy does not maximize the efficiency of the heat pump.

[0010] If the heat pump runs for a longer period of time at a lower power, it will be more efficient, that is, it will use less energy to transfer the same amount of heat as with prior art control methods.

[0011] First, heat pumps have an inherent efficiency curve with their peak efficiency typically towards the lower end of their operating power range.

[0012] Secondly, heat pumps are more efficient when they operate at lower temperature differentials, so if the heat pump is controlled to heat the water to a lower temperature so that the temperature difference between the water being heated and the external environment from which the heat pump absorbs heat is lower, the heat pump will operate more efficiently.

[0013] Third, in any indoor environment, a room is constantly losing heat, which means more heat must be supplied to the room to reach and maintain the target temperature. Heat loss from a room increases as air moves through the room. Since heat is transferred from the radiator by convection, continuous heating at a lower temperature will produce less heat than regular heating at a higher temperature, thereby reducing heat loss.

[0014] Therefore, it is desirable to design a control strategy for an indoor heating system that will achieve and maintain the desired temperature in each room of the indoor environment while maximizing the efficiency of the central heat source.

[0015] As mentioned above, the water in a home heating system is usually heated at a central location, such as a gas boiler or heat pump, and then pumped around the heating system as required. The water's path usually forms a loop, so once the water has been pumped around the heating system it returns to the central location to be reheated.

[0016] The temperature and pressure of the water varies around the circuit, depending on many factors, including distance from the heat source and height relative to the heat source (especially in multi-storey buildings). Therefore, when installing or maintaining a room heating system, it is very important to "balance" it. The balancing process involves calibrating the water flow rate (or flow range) through each radiator in the radiator system or each outlet of the manifold in the floor heating system (radiators and floor heating pipes will be collectively referred to as "radiators" below) so that the water flow rate through each radiator is the same.

[0017] For example, in an unbalanced heating system comprising a boiler, a first radiator and a second radiator connected by a hot water loop, the first radiator may be hotter than the second radiator if the first radiator is closer to the boiler than the second radiator. This is partly because, by the time the water in the hot water loop reaches the second radiator, it has lost more heat and pressure. It is also because the water flow will naturally be higher than the first radiator as water flow prefers the path of least resistance. In the prior art, balancing the system would involve gradually reducing the maximum flow of hot water entering the first radiator until a state is reached by trial and error where the water flow through the first radiator is as low as the water flow through the second radiator.

[0018] As can be appreciated, in systems including more than two heat emitters, this trial and error approach is even more difficult and time consuming. It would therefore be desirable to devise an improved method of balancing an indoor heating system that is less time consuming, more accurate, and more efficient.

[0019] A typical radiator is equipped with two valves: a first valve located at the hot water inlet, allowing the user to control the flow rate of water entering the radiator, and a second valve (often called a lock-and-block valve) located at the hot water outlet, which is used for balancing and is then usually covered to prevent inadvertent further adjustment. The range of flow rates through the radiator that can be achieved by adjusting the first valve is determined by the position of the lock-and-block valve, and in a properly balanced system where all corresponding first valves are open to their maximum, the heat output of each radiator will be the same (if all other relevant factors, such as radiator size, are the same).

[0020] It would be advantageous to design a system in which a single valve could provide both balancing (especially automatic balancing) and routine control functions. Summary of the invention

[0021] The present invention seeks to address at least some of the deficiencies of the above-mentioned prior art by providing a system for heating an indoor environment, the system comprising: a primary heat source for heating a heat transfer fluid; at least one remotely actuatable valve for gradually or continuously controlling the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid through a return pipe of a heat emitter; a pipe temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the return pipe of the heat emitter; an electronic controller configured to receive temperature measurement information from each pipe temperature sensor and further configured to provide control instructions related to flow rate control to each remotely actuatable valve; wherein the electronic controller includes a processor configured to determine the control instructions based at least in part on the temperature measurement information.

[0022] Thus, the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid through each heat emitter of the heating system of the present invention can be remotely controlled based at least in part on the measured temperature of the return outlet pipe temperature measurement that is proportional to the return temperature of the heat transfer fluid. Thus, by implementing an appropriate control strategy for the remotely actuatable valve at the electronic controller, the system can remotely and automatically balance the radiator system during installation or maintenance. For example, the remotely actuatable valve can achieve the purpose of a locking shield valve in a prior art radiator system.

[0023] By implementing another appropriate control strategy for the remotely actuatable valve, the system can independently make regular adjustments to the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid through each heat emitter to control the temperature of the heat emitter according to the real-time needs of the user. For example, the remotely actuatable valve can achieve the purpose of the first radiator valve described above.

[0024] It will therefore be appreciated that embodiments of the invention for new installations involving radiators as heat emitters may require only a single valve, rather than two valves per radiator. However, it may be advantageous to provide additional valves at the inlet of the new heat emitter. However, it will also be appreciated that some embodiments of the invention may be retrofitted onto existing heating systems.

[0025] Some embodiments further include a room temperature sensor for measuring the ambient temperature of the indoor environment. In such embodiments, the temperature measurement information used by the electronic controller includes temperature measurement information from each room temperature sensor.

[0026] Some embodiments further include a user interface for receiving instructions from a user, including at least one target ambient temperature.

[0027] In some embodiments, the primary heat source is controllable to provide a variable heat output to the heat transfer fluid.

[0028] For example, if the primary heat source is a gas boiler, the gas flow rate supplied to the burner can be adjusted to control the amount of heat generated by the flame and supplied to the water. Alternatively, if the primary heat source is a heat pump, it can be an inverter driven heat pump whose power input can be adjusted to adjust the heat transfer rate of the heat pump.

[0029] Embodiments having an adjustable primary heat source provide the user with additional degrees of freedom, which, as will be explained below, allows for more efficient modes of operation.

[0030] In some such embodiments, the controller is further configured to provide control instructions to the primary heat source regarding heat output levels.

[0031] In embodiments where the adjustable primary heat source is adjustable by a controller, additional control strategies may be implemented to improve the efficiency of the system. Examples of such strategies are described below.

[0032] In some embodiments, the primary heat source comprises a heat pump, and may comprise an inverter driven heat pump. In other embodiments, the primary heat source comprises a boiler.

[0033] A second aspect of the present invention provides a system for heating an indoor environment, comprising: a main heat source for heating a heat transfer fluid; at least one heat emitter having an inlet and an outlet, located in at least one corresponding area of ​​the indoor environment; a piping system comprising a flow pipe supplying the heat transfer fluid from the main heat source to the inlet of each heat emitter, and a return pipe returning the heat transfer fluid from the outlet of each heat emitter to the main heat source; a corresponding remotely actuatable valve in the return pipe or at the outlet of each heat emitter, configured to control the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid through the return pipe in a step or continuous manner; a corresponding pipe temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the return pipe; an electronic controller configured to receive temperature measurement information from each pipe temperature sensor, receive temperature measurement information from each room temperature sensor, and also configured to provide control instructions related to the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid through the outlet to each remotely actuatable valve; wherein the electronic controller includes a processor configured to determine the control instructions based at least in part on the temperature measurement information.

[0034] Although the present invention can be used with only one heat emitter, it is particularly advantageous to use it in combination with at least two heat emitters.

[0035] Some embodiments further include a corresponding room temperature sensor in each zone of the indoor environment, which is configured to measure the ambient temperature in the corresponding zone. In such embodiments, the temperature measurement information used by the electronic controller includes temperature measurement information from each room temperature sensor.

[0036] Some embodiments further include a user interface for receiving instructions from a user, the instructions including a corresponding target temperature for each zone of the indoor environment.

[0037] In some embodiments, the primary heat source is controllable to provide a variable heat output to the heat transfer fluid.

[0038] In some such embodiments, the controller is further configured to provide control instructions to the primary heat source related to the heat output level.

[0039] In some embodiments, the primary heat source comprises a heat pump, and may be an inverter driven heat pump.Alternatively, the primary heat source may comprise a boiler.

[0040] In some embodiments, at least one heat emitter is a radiator.Alternatively or additionally, at least one heat emitter may be a branch of the floor heating system, in which case the outlet of the branch of the floor heating system may be at the manifold, for example at the return inlet of each pipe zone on the manifold. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 is a simplified block diagram of a heating system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 2 is a simplified block diagram of a remotely actuatable valve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a first control strategy for use with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 4 is a flow chart of a second control strategy for use with embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Figure 1 A simple heating system incorporating the present invention is depicted in block diagram form. The system comprises a primary heat source 1, in this case an inverter driven heat pump. The heat pump is connected to a circuit of a heat transfer fluid 2 represented by a solid connecting line. Typically, the heat transfer fluid is water. For the sake of clarity, only those components of the system are shown in the figure that are useful for explaining the present invention; such systems typically include more components, such as a pump to move the water through the circuit, as is well known to those skilled in the art.

[0047] In the depicted configuration, the heat transfer fluid circuit 2 flows from the heat pump 1 to the buffer tank 3. An electric buffer tank inlet valve (not shown) is used to selectively block the flow of hot water from the heat pump 1 to the buffer tank 3.

[0048] Circuit 2 flows from the junction on the buffer tank side of the buffer tank inlet valve to each of the three radiators 4-6. The buffer tank inlet valve is used to select whether the radiator is supplied with water directly from the heat pump 1 or from the buffer tank 3. Normally, water is supplied from the buffer tank 3 if and only if the water temperature in the buffer tank 3 is at the required heating temperature.

[0049] Radiators 4-6 are each located in a corresponding individual room 7-9 of the indoor environment. Radiators 4-6 are connected in parallel. Of course, the present invention can be used with any number of radiators, any number of rooms or areas within the indoor environment. Three radiators in three individual rooms are selected here only to provide an example for understanding the present invention.

[0050] The inlet to each radiator 4-6 may be controlled by a respective valve 10-12, such as a thermostatic radiator valve. If the invention is installed with a heating system, these valves 10-12 may be omitted. In the case of retrofitting the invention to an existing system, the valves 10-12 are likely to already be present, although the invention may be used in a manner that renders them unnecessary, as described below. If the invention is used to replace the inlet valves 10-12, they may be removed or simply left in the fully open position.

[0051] According to the present invention, the outlet of each radiator 4-6 is controlled by a corresponding remotely actuable valve 13-15. In the case of retrofitting the present invention to an existing system, each outlet may include a locking screen valve. As described below, the present invention can be used in such a way that no locking screen valve is required, in which case any locking screen valve present in the system can be removed or simply maintained in the fully open position, with the remotely actuable valves 13-15 placed in series. Figure 2 The remotely actuatable valves 13 - 15 are described in more detail.

[0052] The system includes a communication network 16. The communication network allows the various components of the present invention to communicate with each other, send and receive information and instructions, as described below. The communication network can be wireless, or wired, or a combination of both. For example, some or all of the components in the communication network can communicate using a near field communication system, a wireless Internet connection, a cellular network connection, any other wireless or wired communication means, or any combination thereof.

[0053] Each room 7-9 also includes a respective room temperature sensor 17-19. These are configured to measure the ambient temperature of their respective room and to transmit the measurements continuously or periodically via the communications network 16. Although these are depicted as separate units from the remotely actuatable valves 13-15, this need not be the case. In some configurations, the room temperature sensors 17-19 may be combined with the remotely actuatable valves 13-15 in the same unit. This may be particularly convenient for retrofit embodiments of the invention.

[0054] Each room 7-9 may also include a respective user interface 20-22. These are configured to receive input from a user, such as a target or desired temperature for the respective room, and / or a schedule of desired temperatures over a day or week, and transmit these inputs via the communication network 16. The user interfaces 20-22 may also be configured to receive instructions via the communication network, which may include content to be displayed on a display screen, or information to be audibly relayed via a speaker.

[0055] In some embodiments, it may be convenient to provide the user interface 20-22 and the room temperature sensor 17-19 together in a single unit to be installed in each room 7-9. In other embodiments, they are preferably provided separately. In some embodiments, the user interface 20-22 and the temperature sensor 17-19 may be provided in the same housing or unit as the remotely actuatable valve 13-15. In other embodiments, the user interface may simply be an application on the user's smart device.

[0056] A controller 23 is also provided. The controller 23 may be configured to receive information and / or instructions from the communication network 16 and its own memory storage, process the information and instructions, and output instructions to the communication network 16 as a result of this processing.

[0057] Although the controller 23 is shown as a single unit within the indoor environment, it should be understood that any suitable control configuration falls within the scope of the present invention. The various components of the controller 23, such as memory, microprocessor, interface with the communication network 16, can be distributed throughout the indoor environment, or even beyond the indoor environment, such as using a connection with a cloud computing system.

[0058] An example of a control method executed by the controller 23 will be given below.

[0059] Figure 2 1 shows a remotely actuatable valve 13 of the present invention. The remotely actuatable valve 13 is connected to the heat transfer fluid circuit 2, has an inlet 24 connected to the outlet of the radiator 4 and an outlet 25 connected to the heat pump 1. Between the inlet 24 and the outlet 25 is a motor-controlled valve 26, which includes a valve 27 controlled by a motor 28, the valve 27 being controllable to move between a fully open position and a fully closed position, and to any position therebetween, thereby controlling the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid through the remotely actuatable valve 13.

[0060] The remotely actuatable valve 13 further comprises a pipe temperature sensor 29 arranged to measure the temperature of the heat transfer fluid in the heat transfer fluid circuit 2 after it passes through the valve 27. It is also configured to continuously or periodically provide its temperature readings to the communication interface 30 of the remotely actuatable valve 30.

[0061] The communication interface 30 of the remotely actuatable valve is configured to receive temperature readings from the pipe temperature sensor 29 and transmit these readings via the communication network 16. It is also configured to receive instructions via the communication network 16, in particular instructions related to the desired position of the valve, and to control the motor 28 to move the valve 27 to the desired position.

[0062] Figure 3 It can be Figure 1 and Figure 2A method for performing the system described in, as described above. The method allows automatic balancing of a room heating system. In use, this method should be performed when the system is first installed and may need to be repeated occasionally if major maintenance or changes are made to the system.

[0063] At step S1, the controller 23 instructs all remotely actuatable valves 13-15 to fully open via the communication network 16 and its corresponding communication interface 30. The controller 23 also instructs the inverter driven heat pump 1 to heat the water (heat transfer fluid) to a temperature defined by parameter 1 in Table 1 below. In order to control the water temperature at the heat pump 1, a feedback loop across the communication network 16 may be provided, for example including a temperature sensor in a buffer tank.

[0064] In step S2, the controller waits for a period defined by parameter 2 in Table 1. This allows 4-6 times for the heat sink to reach a steady state temperature before the next step.

[0065] At step S3, each pipe temperature sensor 29 continuously or repeatedly measures the temperature of the water leaving its respective remotely actuatable valve 13-16 and reports it to the controller 23 via the communications network.

[0066] In step S4 , the controller 23 compares the latest readings from each of the pipe temperature sensors 29 and determines whether they are all within a specific range defined by parameter 3 of Table 1 .

[0067] If it is determined at step S4 that the pipe temperature sensor readings are within range, the current position of each valve 27 is stored in memory as a "balanced configuration" (step S5). The method then ends.

[0068] In contrast, if it is determined at step S4 that not all of the pipe temperature sensor readings are within range, the method proceeds to step S6.

[0069] At step S6, the valve 27 associated with the highest pipe temperature reading is identified and designated in memory as the "currently hottest pipe valve" and closed by an amount according to parameter 4 in Table 1.

[0070] In step S7, the controller waits for a period defined by parameter 2 in Table 1. This is to give the heat sink a chance to reach a steady-state temperature again.

[0071] At step S8, the controller 23 receives and compares the temperature readings from each pipe temperature sensor 29 in the system. If it is determined that the "currently hottest pipe valve" identified at step S6 is now actually associated with the lowest reported temperature, it is opened (at step S9) by an amount according to parameter 5 in Table 1. The controller 23 then returns to step S3.

[0072] If, in contrast, it is determined at step S8 that the "currently hottest pipeline valve" identified at step S6 is not currently associated with the lowest reported temperature, then control returns directly to step S3.

[0073] Table 1

[0074]

[0075] Figure 4 It can be Figure 1 and Figure 2 Another method implemented by the system described in . It assumes that a balancing method has been implemented, such as Figure 3 as shown, and the “balanced configuration” has been stored in memory.

[0076] The method begins when, at S11, the controller 23 instructs the inverter driven heat pump 1 to heat water (heat transfer fluid) to a temperature defined by parameter 1 in Table 1. In order to control the temperature of the water at the heat pump 1 (and in the buffer tank 3 if a buffer tank is provided), a feedback loop across the communication network 16 may be provided, including a temperature sensor at the heat pump outlet.

[0077] The method then divides into two parts. The first branch relates to a method that is applied independently to each remotely actuatable valve 13-15 and its corresponding room 7-9. The method of the first branch will be described as being applied to a single remotely actuatable valve 13 in a single corresponding room 7, but it should be understood that the same method is applied to all remotely actuatable valves 13-15 in all rooms 7-9 simultaneously. The second branch relates to a method that is applied to the entire system.

[0078] The first branch starts at S12. The remotely actuatable valve 13 is set to the equilibrium position recorded in the "Balanced Configuration".

[0079] At S13 , an input “target temperature” for the room is identified. This may be entered on a user interface and stored in a memory, or may be selected by a user device (eg, a smartphone) in communication with the communication network 16 .

[0080] At S14 , the room temperature sensor 17 measures the temperature in the room 7 and sends it to the communication network 16 .

[0081] At S15, the controller 23 receives the temperature reading of the room 7 from the communication network 16 and determines whether it is greater than or equal to the "target temperature" identified at step S13.

[0082] If the room temperature is greater than or equal to the "target temperature", the method proceeds to step S16. Otherwise, it returns to step S14.

[0083] At step S16 , the valve 13 may be remotely actuated to close by an amount defined in parameter 6 of Table 1 .

[0084] In step S17, the system waits for the time defined in parameter 2 of Table 1. This provides time for the temperature of the radiator 4 to reach a new stable state after the opening amount of the remotely actuatable valve 13 is changed.

[0085] In step S18, the room temperature sensor 17 measures the room temperature and compares the reading with the "target room temperature". If the room temperature is greater than or equal to the "target room temperature", the method returns to step S16. Otherwise, the method proceeds to step S19.

[0086] In step S19, the remotely actuatable valve 13 is opened by an amount defined in parameter 6 of Table 1, up to the maximum opening amount of the equilibrium position stored in the "balanced configuration." The method then returns to step S17.

[0087] For the second branch applied to the whole system, step S11 proceeds to step S20. At S20, the system waits for a time period defined by parameter 2 of Table 1.

[0088] At S21 , the pipe temperature sensor 29 measures the temperature of its corresponding pipe and transmits the reading to the communication network 16 .

[0089] At S22 , the controller 23 receives the pipe temperature measurements from the communication network 16 and determines whether the highest value of the pipe temperature measurements is lower than the temperature of water currently heated by the heat pump 1 by at least a margin defined in parameter 7 of Table 1 .

[0090] The radiator with the highest return pipe temperature is in the room that is heating least efficiently. Most likely this indicates that this room has the worst insulation, or has the most windows or doors opened, or has the most air movement, all of which results in heat loss from the room. It may also or alternatively indicate that this room is larger in relation to the size of the radiator than other rooms are in relation to their corresponding radiators, meaning that the radiator needs to be hotter to adequately heat this room.

[0091] If it is determined that the maximum pipe temperature is lower than the current water temperature by at least the margin defined in parameter 7 of Table 1, the method proceeds to step S23. Otherwise, S22 is repeated.

[0092] In step S23, the water temperature, ie the temperature to which the water is heated by the heat pump 1, is set to a temperature higher than the maximum pipe temperature determined in S22 by an amount defined in parameter 7 in Table 1. The method then returns to step S22.

[0093] The method therefore attempts to heat the water to the level required to meet the target temperature in each room by providing enough heat to the worst performing radiator to meet its target (but only to that extent), using heat pump 1 to heat the water to the level required to meet the target temperature in each room.

[0094] The controller 23 used in some embodiments of the present invention preferably monitors the performance of each element of the system in order to recommend upgrades. For example, if the controller 23 determines that the worst performing radiator has a consistent return pipe temperature (which deviates from the average return pipe temperature by an amount determined in parameter 8 of Table 1) over the period determined in parameter 9 of Table 1, the controller 23 can transmit a recommendation to the user to replace or upgrade the worst performing radiator.

[0095] The above methods use the parameters defined in Table 1, many of which are defined using ranges and preferred values. The skilled reader will understand that for a particular implementation of these methods, a single value should be selected for each parameter, and that the selection should be made based on the specific circumstances and can be improved using trial and error or other suitable methods.

[0096] The preferred parameters and parameter ranges may differ from those shown in Table 1 and may vary depending on whether the heat emitter is a radiator or a floor heating pipe. For example, the time required for a change in water temperature to affect the return pipe temperature may vary between a radiator and a floor heating pipe. However, the heating system of the present invention may include both a radiator and a floor heating pipe, as they will be on separate water circuits, and therefore the method of the present invention can be applied to each circuit separately.

[0097] Although the present invention has been described with reference to certain preferred embodiments and certain methods of use, these embodiments and methods are not limiting. The present invention is limited only by the claims. For example, more complex methods can be used to more effectively control the central heat source and the remotely actuatable valves. The controller of the present invention can have machine learning capabilities to more accurately predict the effects of small changes in controllable parameters (such as valve position) on room temperature. Machine learning can also enable the system to predict the effects of external factors on room temperature, such as heat loss caused by lack of insulation, open doors and windows, time of day, and many other factors, and make adjustments to prevent these effects after predicting them.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an indoor heating system having a main heat source for heating a fluid in a fluid circuit to a central temperature and a plurality of heat emitters connected to the fluid circuit, characterized in that: The method comprises the following steps: a. controlling the fluid flow into or out of each corresponding heat emitter so that the corresponding vicinity of each heat emitter reaches and maintains the corresponding target temperature or temperature range; b. determining the minimum amount of heat provided to the fluid by the primary heat source to achieve and maintain all corresponding target temperatures or ranges in the vicinity of the heat emitters; and c. Controlling the primary heat source to provide only the minimum amount of heat to the fluid.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that in, The minimum heat amount is determined with reference to the highest temperature of the fluid outlets of all heat emitters connected to the fluid circuit.

3. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that: Further comprising the step of balancing the plurality of heat emitters by adjusting a maximum allowable fluid flow into or out of each heat emitter prior to step a.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that in, When controlling the fluid flow into or out of each respective heat emitter in step a, for any one of the plurality of heat emitters, the fluid flow does not exceed the maximum allowable fluid flow determined during the step of balancing the plurality of heat emitters.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in, Fluid flow to or from each heat emitter is increased or decreased by remotely actuatable electric valves.

6. An indoor heating system, characterized in that: A method according to claim 1 comprising: comprising: heating a fluid in a fluid circuit by a primary heat source, a plurality of heat emitters connected to the fluid circuit, a corresponding remotely actuatable electric valve at a fluid outlet of each heat emitter, a temperature sensor at the outlet of each heat emitter, an ambient temperature sensor located near each heat emitter, and a controller in control communication with the primary heat source, each remotely actuatable electric valve and each temperature sensor, wherein the controller is programmed to perform a method according to any one of the preceding claims.

7. The indoor heating system according to claim 6, characterized in that: in, The primary heat source is an inverter controlled heat pump.

8. The indoor heating system according to claim 6 or claim 7, characterized in that: in, The plurality of heat emitters include radiators and / or floor heating pipes.

9. A controller for an indoor heating system, characterized in that: The controller is programmed to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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