Switching device, home system and method for operating heating device

Abstract

The invention relates to a switching device (10) for operating an external heating device (20) for heating a medium (F) by means of a plurality of heating elements (21-i) of the heating device (20). The invention also relates to a home system (100) and various methods for heating a medium (F). When the heating elements (21-i) of the heating device (20) are connected to each other at a common star point (22) and can be connected independently of each other to the switching device (10), the switching device (10) is designed to be powered by at least one current phase (L) and can comprise a control device (11), the control device (11) is designed to independently switch the heating elements (21-i) via at least one associated switch (Ki, Kia, KN) of the switching device (10) in order to set the heating power generated by the heating device (20) in total in accordance with the respective heating level, said control device being implemented by a computing unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a switching device and method for operating or controlling a heating device to heat a medium, and to a household system having such a switching device and heating device. In particular, the medium is a fluid (i.e., a gas or liquid, such as water). Therefore, the heating device may particularly include multiple heating elements for heating water in a water tank. For example, the switching device can operate a three-phase heating element for a water tank in a household system. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing use of renewable energy, it is becoming increasingly important to make the best use of available electricity. In this context, energy storage is a particularly important component.

[0003] It is well known that many media (especially fluids such as water or molten salt) can store energy as heat. This is particularly useful in homes that require regular hot water use, where excess electricity can be used to preheat water in the tank. Therefore, it is advantageous to be able to adjust the heating power used to heat the medium as precisely as possible in a cost-effective manner, so as to optimally utilize the available excess power.

[0004] Existing home systems typically come equipped with water tanks containing heating elements (usually single-phase or three-phase heaters). However, the power electronics needed to operate such heating elements with precisely adjustable electrical power are often unavailable, and retrofitting them is relatively expensive. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above, one object of the present invention is to provide a switching device that enables even existing heating equipment to be switched in a cost-effective manner to provide different heating levels and thus provide the desired heating power output. Another object is to provide a method for operating existing heating equipment in the above manner, and an improved home system for better utilization of available electricity, particularly electricity from renewable energy sources.

[0006] These tasks are addressed through the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0007] Accordingly, according to a first aspect of the invention, a switching device for operating an external heating device is provided, the heating device being used to heat a medium by means of a plurality of heating elements of the heating device, the plurality of heating elements being connected to each other at a common star point (star configuration) and being (or already being) independently connected to the switching device, wherein the switching device is configured to be powered by at least one current phase and includes a control device configured to independently switch the heating elements via at least one associated switch of the switching device to adjust the total heating power generated by the heating device in stages according to a corresponding heating level, wherein the control device is implemented by a computing unit.

[0008] It can be stipulated that the desired heating power value (i.e., the total heating power setpoint) is transmitted to the control device, which then selects the heating level that best achieves the transmitted total heating power setpoint. Alternatively, it can be configured to transmit only the heating level to the control device (e.g., by a higher-level energy management system). Accordingly, information about which heating level corresponds to which total heating power can be obtained in the energy management system, and / or in the switching device, particularly in the control device. The boundaries can also be flexible, as the energy management system can be integrated into the switching device, and vice versa.

[0009] The same applies to selecting a specific combination of switches to achieve a desired heating level; that is, it can be specified by a higher-level instance (e.g., an energy management system) or selected by the control device itself. To improve the compatibility of the switching device with existing energy management systems, it may be advantageous if the energy management system only transmits the desired total heating power (i.e., the total heating power setpoint) to the switching device, and then the switching device selects and sets the heating level and the appropriate combination of switches to achieve that heating level.

[0010] This makes it possible to ideally utilize available electrical energy, particularly energy from renewable sources. This does not necessarily mean complete utilization or use, as other parameters and boundary conditions may come into play, such as the desired upper limit threshold for water temperature, the priority need to charge batteries connected to the home system (e.g., electric vehicle batteries for upcoming trips), and so on. Under some variations, batteries may be considered as renewable energy sources, while under others, they may be considered in isolation.

[0011] The implementation cost of this solution is also low because of its low hardware requirements and its ability to be advantageously integrated with existing heating systems.

[0012] Advantageously, the controllable switch of the switching device has a relay or (preferably) a semiconductor switch, or each of the relays or (preferably) semiconductor switches is composed of a relay or (preferably) a semiconductor switch.

[0013] According to some preferred embodiments, variations, or improvements to the embodiments, the switching device is configured to switch between at least five heating levels (particularly preferably between at least seven heating levels), which have different heating powers. In this way, many control and regulation procedures can be implemented with relatively high precision. Advantageously, switching devices with nine, eleven, twelve, thirteen, or even more heating levels are also provided.

[0014] According to some preferred embodiments, variations, or improvements to the embodiments, the diode is connected in parallel with at least one switch, optionally only with this diode; or preferably, the diode is connected in series with another switch. Additional heating levels can be achieved by filtering out half-waves of the AC voltage using the diode connected in parallel. The diode can also be selectively switched on or off using an additional switch to achieve additional heating levels.

[0015] According to some preferred embodiments, variations, or improvements of the embodiments, the switching device has an output for each heating element to be connected, with a switch associated with the corresponding heating element connected in series with that output. Advantageously, each switch can be controlled individually by a control device. However, other variations are also conceivable, according to which some outputs are connected in different ways, for example, by toggle switches that can switch back and forth between the current phase and the neutral conductor. In this way, additional heating levels can be achieved even with existing hardware in the heating equipment. The outputs of the switching device can be implemented mechanically in the form of a shared socket or individual sockets.

[0016] According to some preferred embodiments, variations, or improvements to the embodiments, the control device is also configured to periodically or cyclically switch between different switching combinations (i.e., combinations of switch positions) to achieve the same heating power. As described below, there are typically heating levels that can be achieved through multiple switching combinations. Periodic switching ensures that the switches of the various heating elements and switching devices of the heating equipment are worn evenly to maximize the service life of the heating equipment. Additionally or alternatively, it may be specified that whenever a new heating level with multiple possible implementations is set, various different switching combinations are cyclically switched sequentially. This also ensures particularly even wear of components such as heating elements and switches.

[0017] According to some preferred embodiments, variations, or improvements to the embodiments, the switching device (in particular a control device) is configured to receive a current power value from renewable energy sources (in particular a photovoltaic system) and adjust the current heating level based at least on the received current power value. This allows for optimal utilization of the power currently provided by renewable energy sources. This may include adjusting the total heating power setpoint by the switching device.

[0018] According to some preferred embodiments, variations, or improvements to the embodiments, the control device is also configured to adjust the current heating level based on a total heating power setpoint. Thus, the switching device according to the invention can be advantageously used as part of an energy management system or a managed home system based on a control or regulation program. Therefore, instructions (or control commands) for adjusting the current heating level can be generated, for example, by the energy management system.

[0019] According to some preferred embodiments, variations, or improvements to the embodiments, the control device is configured to set the current heating level in a manner that minimizes the difference between the total heating power generated by the heating equipment and the total heating power setpoint. Thus, the switching device can also be used in the control or regulation system.

[0020] According to some preferred embodiments, variations, or improvements to the embodiments, the control device is designed to perform a measurement process to determine which heating levels are available and / or what the total heating power achieved by the various available heating levels is. For this purpose, a test voltage can be applied to each switch of the switching device, each possible combination of switches can be turned on, and the power consumed by the heating equipment can be determined for each combination of switches.

[0021] In this way, it can be determined which switch combinations belong to the same heating level, i.e., which switch combinations achieve the same total heating power, and what that total heating power is numerically. The measurement process can be performed automatically (e.g., whenever the switch unit is initialized, or upon user request). As part of the measurement process, it can also be determined whether the heating equipment is connected to the switch unit in a three-phase or single-phase configuration. This makes the switch unit particularly versatile and easy to install, as it can acquire the necessary information on its own.

[0022] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a home system including a switching device according to an embodiment of the first aspect and a heating device connected (or interconnected) to the switching device, the heating device being operated by the switching device. The home system may further include a medium to be heated (e.g., the thermal radiation material of an infrared radiation heating panel) and / or a fluid tank for storing fluid, wherein the fluid in the fluid tank can be heated by the heating device. In particular, the fluid may be water.

[0023] According to some preferred embodiments, variations, or improvements to the embodiments, the heating element is arranged in an infrared radiation heating panel, a fluid heater, or a fluid tank. In the case of a fluid tank, the heating element may, for example, be arranged in an opening in the wall of the fluid tank, particularly screwed into it.

[0024] According to some preferred embodiments, variations, or improvements to the embodiments, the home system also includes a user interface through which one or more setting parameters for the heating device, the medium, and / or the fluid tank for the medium can be set. These parameters may be, for example, a set temperature value for the medium, an upper limit threshold for the medium temperature, a total heating power setting, a heating energy setting, and / or similar parameters.

[0025] The user interface can also be used to set other parameters of the home system, such as the state-of-charge threshold of the home system's batteries or similar parameters. The user interface can be integrated into the switching device or the energy management system of the home system, or it can be designed separately. The user interface can include a graphical user interface, which is implemented, for example, within an application framework by a smartphone, tablet, desktop PC, or similar device.

[0026] According to some preferred embodiments, variations, or improvements to the embodiments, multiple heating elements (e.g., at least two, more than 50% of the heating elements, or all heating elements of the heating device) have the same electrical heating resistance value. If all heating elements have the same heating resistance value, this can also be called symmetrical variation S. This is typically the case in existing heating devices (e.g., three-phase heating rods), thus exhibiting a high degree of synergy with the numerous switching combinations and correspondingly achievable heating levels of the switching device according to the invention. However, alternatively, some or all of the heating elements can have different electrical heating resistance values, which allows for additional heating levels. If all heating elements have different heating resistance values, this can also be called asymmetrical variation A.

[0027] According to some preferred embodiments, variations, or improvements to the embodiments, the home system also includes a battery and energy management system configured to monitor the state of charge of the battery and, based on the state of charge, allow or prevent energy from being drawn from the battery to operate the heating equipment. This allows for optimal interaction between the two energy collection or storage devices (i.e., the medium on one hand and the battery on the other).

[0028] The energy management system can be configured to control switching devices to set a heating level higher than the current heating level. For this purpose, or independently, the energy management system can, for example, set additional power from renewable energy sources and / or from the home system's batteries, and / or draw additional power from the public power grid, and / or reduce the power consumption of at least one local appliance in the home system, based on user-adjustable or preset priorities. In particular, the power consumption of local appliances connected to the home system (multi-pole) power grid ("home grid") can be reduced. Such local appliances can be, for example, heat pumps, well pumps, or pool pumps.

[0029] The energy management system can also be configured to control the switching device to set a heating level lower than the current heating level. To do so, the above strategies can be executed or terminated in reverse order.

[0030] The energy management system can also be configured to monitor the state of charge (SOC) of batteries in the home system and allow additional power to be drawn from the batteries only when the SOC is above a user-adjustable or preset threshold.

[0031] A home system can be configured to switch to a lower heating level if there is insufficient electricity (from renewable energy sources within the system). To this end, the energy management system can instruct the switch's control unit to lower the heating level when power is insufficient. Alternatively, the energy management system can transmit information about available power to the control unit, which can then be configured to adjust the heating level accordingly (i.e., raise or lower the level).

[0032] According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a switching device for operating an external heating device to heat a medium via at least one heating element of the heating device, wherein the switching device is configured to be powered by at least one current phase and includes a control device configured to switch the heating element via at least one associated switch of the switching device to adjust the total heating power generated by the heating device in stages according to a corresponding heating level, wherein a diode is connected in parallel with the switch.

[0033] In this way, at least one additional heating level can be achieved by selectively bypassing or not bypassing the diode with the help of a switch, since the diode filters out one half-wave of the AC voltage.

[0034] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method for operating a heating device (or: for heating a medium via the heating device), the heating device having a plurality of heating elements connected to each other at a common star point (star configuration) and which can (or have) been independently connected to an energy source. The method includes at least the following steps: Detect the desired total heating power (i.e., the total heating power setting value); Determine the heating level that corresponds as closely (or precisely) to the desired heating power (i.e., the total heating power setpoint); and Multiple heating elements are switched independently of each other via at least one associated switch to set the determined heating level in stages.

[0035] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a method for operating a heating device having at least one heating element (or: for heating a medium by at least one heating element of the heating device). The method includes at least the following steps: Detect the desired total heating power (i.e., the total heating power setting value); Determine the heating level that best matches the desired total heating power (i.e., the total heating power setpoint); and At least one switch is switched between the current phase and the at least one heating element of the heating device and is connected in parallel with a diode (optionally, in a series circuit consisting of the diode and another switch) to set the determined heating level in stages.

[0036] According to a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a computer program product comprising executable program code that, when executed (e.g., by a computing device), is configured to perform a method according to an embodiment of the fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention.

[0037] According to a seventh aspect, the present invention provides a non-volatile computer-readable data storage medium including executable program code that, when executed (e.g., by a computing device), is configured to perform a method according to an embodiment of the fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention.

[0038] The non-volatile computer-readable data storage medium may be, for example, formed as or include a semiconductor memory (e.g., an SSD memory chip). The data storage medium may also include CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, or magnetic storage devices.

[0039] According to an eighth aspect, the present invention provides a data stream comprising executable program code or designed to generate program code, which, when executed (e.g., by a computing device), is configured to perform a method according to an embodiment of the fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention.

[0040] A computing device can be any device designed and configured for digital computing, particularly for executing software, applications, or algorithms. A computing device may include, for example, at least one processing unit (e.g., at least one CPU), at least one graphics processing unit (e.g., at least one GPU), at least one field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and / or at least one application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and / or any combination of the foregoing. A computing device may also have working memory and / or non-volatile data storage devices operatively connected to each other and / or to some or all of the foregoing components. A computing device may be implemented partly or entirely in a local unit (e.g., a personal computer, PC, laptop, notebook computer, etc.) and / or partly or entirely in a distributed system (e.g., a cloud computing platform or spatially distributed servers). Attached Figure Description

[0041] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of a switching device and a home system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figures 2 to 15 The present invention illustrates a variety of possible circuit connections that can be achieved by the switching device of the present invention; Figure 16 A schematic flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 17 A schematic flowchart of a method according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 18 A schematic block diagram of a computer program product according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 19 A schematic block diagram of a data storage medium according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown; and Figure 20 A schematic flowchart of a method according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0043] In all the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same or functionally equivalent elements and devices have been assigned the same reference numerals. The naming and numbering of method steps do not necessarily imply order, but are for ease of distinction. Although in some variations, the order may correspond to the numbering order. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of a switch device 10 and a home system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The switch device 10 may also be used or provided independently of the home system 100. Various components of the home system 100 are optional and may be provided or not provided depending on the intended use or existing infrastructure. In addition, additional components, not shown, may of course be added.

[0045] The switching device 10 is designed to operate an external heating device 20 (relative to the switching device 10), which is designed to heat a medium. In this example, fluid F in the fluid tank 50 (particularly water in a water tank) is used as such an example medium. The heating device 20 may, for example, be arranged in an opening in the wall of the fluid tank 50 (particularly screwed into it). However, it should be understood that various other media (e.g., thermal radiators of infrared radiation panels or the like) may also be heated.

[0046] As will be explained in more detail below, the switching device 10 is designed to set the heating device 20 to one of a plurality of possible heating levels, each of which is advantageously associated with a different heating power of the heating device 20. Particularly advantageously, the switching device 10 is also compatible with existing, relatively simple heating devices 20.

[0047] Therefore, the switching device 10 includes a control device 11, which can be implemented by any computing unit, such as a microcontroller, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), programmable logic controller (PLC), and / or the like. In particular, the control device 11 can be implemented partly in hardware and partly in software.

[0048] The switching device 10 is also configured to be powered from at least one current phase L via at least one wire 34, which can be a single current phase (L1, L2, L3) of a three-phase alternating current, or two or all of these current phases. The switching device 10 can also be connected to the neutral conductor N and / or the protective conductor PE via the at least one wire.

[0049] The switching device 10 also has multiple switches K1, K2, K3, which are collectively referred to below (or, if there is no need to distinguish which specific switch) Ki. The control device 11 is configured to switch Ki, that is, to open or close (or: turn on or off) each switch Ki independently of each other.

[0050] The switches Ki are designed to be connected to the individual heating elements 21-1, 21-2, and 21-3 of the heating device 20, respectively, such that the corresponding heating element 21-i heats up when the corresponding switch Ki is closed, and does not heat up when the corresponding switch Ki is open. For this purpose, each switch Ki can be electrically connected to (specifically: exactly one) a corresponding terminal 16-i on the housing of the switching device 10, such that each heating element 21-i only needs to be electrically connected to one of the corresponding terminals 16-i.

[0051] At the output terminals of heating elements 21-1, 21-2, and 21-3 away from switches K1, K2, and K3, heating element 21-i is connected to a common star point 22, i.e., they are connected in a star configuration.

[0052] The neutral conductor N can be connected via terminal 17 of the switching device 10, which can be selectively switched by the control device 11 via switch KN of the switching device 10. Whether each switch Ki, KN can be switched in practice may vary depending on the installation location, which depends on applicable rules, standards, or laws, and can be configured accordingly in the control device 11. Switches K1, K2, and K3 can be designed as relays or semiconductor switches, or include relays or semiconductor switches.

[0053] In this example, the invention is described using three (preferably semiconductor) switches K1, K2, K3 to operate exactly three heating elements 21-i. However, it should be understood that fewer (e.g., two switches Ki) or more switches Ki are also possible. This applies to each embodiment described herein. It is advantageous if the number of switches Ki is equal to or at least greater than the number of heating elements 21-i.

[0054] Each heating element 21-i contributes its own heating power P i To heat fluid F, the maximum total heating power P provided when all switches Ki are closed. max = P1+P2+P3. Advantageously, the control device 11 has information about which switches Ki or which terminals 16-i can provide which heating power P. i Information.

[0055] This information (heating power P can be provided separately for various example scenarios) i The control device 11 can be programmed into the switching device via the user interface 12 or selected from a table. It is also conceivable that the control device 11 contains a database of common models of heating equipment 20, from which the user can select from those with corresponding heating power P. i The corresponding model.

[0056] In addition to and / or besides the switch device 10, the user interface 12 may also be located in, for example, the energy management system 40 of the home system 100, which is connected to the switch device 10 for data communication. The energy management system 40 of the home system 100 may also be integrated into the switch device 10, or vice versa.

[0057] Its heating element 21-i has different heating power P i For the heating equipment model 20, the user may also need to specify which terminal 16-i has which heating power P when installing the switch device 10. i (Or: Which heating resistor).

[0058] However, the control device 11 is specifically designed to perform measurement processes (e.g., for current, voltage, and / or frequency) to determine which heating resistors are present, which heating levels are available, and / or how much total heating power P is achieved using each available heating level. To this end, the control device 11 can apply a test voltage to each switch K1, K2, K3 of the switching device 10, activating each possible switch combination, and determining the power consumed by the heating device 20 for each switch combination.

[0059] In this way, it can be determined which switch combinations belong to the same heating level (i.e., achieve the same total heating power P), and what that total heating power P is numerically (or quantitatively). The measurement process can be performed automatically (e.g., each time the switching device 10 is initialized, or upon request from the user through the user interface 12). As part of the measurement process, it can also be determined whether the heating device 20 is connected to the switching device 10 in a three-phase or single-phase configuration.

[0060] If the control device 11 has information about which heating level corresponds to which total heating power, it is advantageous to transmit only the total heating power setpoint to the control device 11 (e.g., by the energy management system 40). The control device 11 can then independently determine which heating level best matches the total heating power setpoint and select the appropriate switching combination for setting. Therefore, the following discussion will primarily concern the desired heating level, which should be understood to be determined separately in each case to achieve the total heating power setpoint as optimally as possible.

[0061] The total heating power setting can be determined, for example, by how much electricity is currently generated from renewable energy sources, how much electricity remains after deducting the total consumption of appliances 32, how high the current electricity price is, and / or similar factors.

[0062] In the following text, the main scenario described is that all heating elements 21-i have the same heating power P. i (“Symmetrical variant”, S), because this is a common design for heating device 20. However, it should be understood that everything stated can also be similarly applied to different heating elements 21-i with different heating powers P. i 20. Heating equipment.

[0063] Each heating element 21-i may have (at least) a heating resistor or be composed of such resistors. The sum of all the resistors of the heating element 21-i used for heating provides the heating power P of the respective heating element 21-i. i .

[0064] The precise connections between heating elements 21-i and between them and the current phase of the power supply are in Figure 1 The diagram is shown only schematically. Possible practical circuits that can be implemented using the switching device 10 will be explained in more detail below.

[0065] However, it is already apparent that the control device 11 is configured to independently switch the heating elements 21-i via at least one associated switch Ki of the switching device 10 to adjust the total heating power P to be generated (or produced) by the heating device 20 in stages according to the corresponding heating level.

[0066] The home system 100 according to the invention includes at least a switching device 10 and a heating device 20. The switching device 10 is powered by a power grid 30 (e.g., a (multi-pole) home power grid). The power grid 30 may have a grid connection point 31 for connecting to a public power grid 35 and at least one electrical appliance 32 (e.g., a heat pump).

[0067] The combination of switch positions of switch Ki and the connection through the 10 pairs of terminals 16-i of the switching device form a heating level hierarchy, wherein the lowest heating level (all switches Ki are off) corresponds to 0 watts of heating power, and the highest heating level (all switches Ki are closed) corresponds to the maximum total heating power P. max .

[0068] In the following text, we will first use Figures 2 to 15 A series of possible circuit connections are described to demonstrate the different possibilities of the invention. The corresponding levels of heating are also explained in each case. Subsequently, it will be explained how heating levels can be used to efficiently utilize available energy, particularly energy from renewable energy sources. However, it is already apparent that by providing a large number of heating levels, the current total heating power P of the heating device 20 can be set particularly appropriately and flexibly. This minimizes the difference between the total heating power generated by the heating device 20 and the total heating power setpoint.

[0069] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a possible circuit connection implemented by a switching device 10 according to one embodiment. Here, the switching device 10 (not shown) Figure 2 (Full display shown) Each of the three terminals 16-1, 16-2, and 16-3 is connected to the corresponding current phase L1, L2, and L3 of the three-phase alternating current, while point 22 is connected to the neutral conductor N or directly to the output 17 of the switching device 10. Each heating element 21-i has a heating resistor R1, R2, and R3.

[0070] In this variation, no switch KN is required on the neutral conductor N, therefore switch KN can also be omitted from the switching device 10, meaning the neutral conductor N can remain unswitched. This is advantageous in areas where switching the neutral conductor N is prohibited.

[0071] In the first variant S ("Symmetrical"), R1=R2=R3=R (not shown), which corresponds to the operation of a conventional three-phase heating rod. This circuit connection allows for four different heating levels, each corresponding to a different total heating power P. In Table 1 below, the first three columns list the individual setting options for the switch (0 corresponds to "Switch Off", 1 corresponds to "Switch On"). The fourth column gives the total heating power P for the corresponding setting (or selection), with the maximum total heating power P. maxThe fractional form is given. Therefore, the four different achievable heating levels correspond to the total heating power as follows: 0, 1 / 3 P, etc. max 2 / 3 P max and P max The fifth column shows the heating resistance R = 26.45 Ω, voltage 230V (N to Li, i.e., from the neutral conductor to the phase), and maximum total heating power P. max Example of the corresponding wattage value when =6kW.

[0072]

[0073] Table 1: Figure 2 Available heating levels for variant S Corresponding to 1 / 3 P of the total heating power max and 2 / 3 P max The two intermediate heating levels can each be achieved through three different switching combinations of switch Ki. Therefore, control device 11 can be configured to periodically and / or each time one of these heating levels is newly set, sequentially select different switching combinations of switch Ki to ensure that the corresponding heating element 21-i and switch 16-i are subjected to uniform force or wear. This also applies to each embodiment discussed below, provided they have at least one heating level that can be achieved through more than one switching combination. Therefore, switching between switching combinations can be done periodically and / or cyclically.

[0074] In the second variant A ("asymmetric"), R1, R2, and R3 are all different, such as Figure 2 As shown. This circuit connection allows for seven different heating levels, each with a different total heating power P. According to Table 2 below, if R2 = R1 / 3 and R3 = R1 / 2, the total heating power corresponding to the seven different achievable heating levels are: 0, 1 / 6 P, etc. max 1 / 3 P max 1 / 2 P max 2 / 3P max 5 / 6 P max and P max The fifth column provides examples of the corresponding wattage values ​​for heating resistors R1=52.9Ω, R2=17.63Ω, and R3=26.45Ω, and a voltage of 230V (LN).

[0075]

[0076] Table 2: Figure 2 Available heating levels for variant A The case where R1 has the maximum ohmic resistance is described here and below. However, it should be understood that other connection methods are also possible. The resistor designated as R1 can also be connected to terminals 16-2 or 16-3, etc., that is, it can be connected in any order.

[0077] Figure 3 The circuit connection of the switching device 10 according to another embodiment is shown. Here, the heating device 20 to be operated is a three-phase heating rod, with... Figure 2 Compared to the variant, it operates with a single-phase power supply. Therefore, the switching device 10 can connect all three terminals 16-i to the L1 current phase. In the symmetrical variant S (R=R1=R2=R3) or the asymmetrical variant, the heating levels achievable in this way again correspond to those in Tables 1 and 2.

[0078] Figure 4 The circuit connection of the switching device 10 according to another embodiment is shown. This embodiment is related to... Figure 2 The difference shown is that the switching device 10 here has a switch KN on the neutral conductor N. Therefore, for the symmetrical variant with R1=R2=R3=R ( Figure 4 As shown in Table 3 below, there are a total of 5 heating levels available:

[0079] Table 3: Figure 4 Available heating levels for variant S The five heating levels correspond to a total heating power P: 0 (5 switch combinations), 1 / 3 P, and so on. max (3 switch combinations), 1 / 2 P max (3 switch combinations), 2 / 3 P max (4 switch combinations) and P max (Two switch combinations). The asymmetric variant will correspondingly produce a greater number of heating levels. Figure 4 The circuit connection shown also allows for... Figure 4 Replace L2 and L3 with L1 (not shown) to operate the single-phase heating element.

[0080] Figure 5 The circuit connection of the switching device 10 according to another embodiment is shown. This embodiment is related to... Figure 2 and Figure 4The difference shown is that the switching device 10 here has a switch KN on the neutral conductor N, and the output 16-2 can be switched between being connected to L2 or connected to the neutral conductor N via switch K2 (toggle switch). Therefore, for the symmetrical variant S (not shown) with R1=R2=R3=R, a total of 7 heating levels are available according to Table 4 below, while for the asymmetrical variant A (as shown in the figure), 12 heating levels are available according to Table 5:

[0081] Table 4: Figure 5 Available heating levels for variant S The seven heating levels correspond to the total heating power P: 0, 1 / 6 P, etc. max 1 / 3 P max 1 / 2 P max 5 / 9 P max 2 / 3 P max and P max .

[0082] Therefore, this variant illustrates the general case where the switching device 10 can have a switch (here, K2) that can switch between one of the current phases L1, L2, L3 (i.e., current conductors) and the neutral conductor N. This means that the corresponding heating element 21-2 and its heating resistor R2 are selectively connected to the corresponding current phase L1, L2, L3 or the neutral conductor N.

[0083]

[0084] Table 5: Figure 5 Available heating levels for variant A When R1=2R2=3R3, the twelve heating levels that can be achieved correspond to the total heating power P: 0, 1 / 9 P max 1 / 6P max 1 / 5 P max 10 / 31 P max 1 / 3 P max 1 / 2 P max 3 / 5 P max 2 / 3 P max 5 / 6 P max 11 / 12 P max and P max .

[0085] Figure 6 The circuit connection of the switching device 10 according to another embodiment is shown, which is Figure 5 A variation of the circuit connection. Figure 6In this case, the heating device 20 to be operated is also a three-phase heating rod, but it requires a single-phase power supply. Therefore, the switching device 10 connects all three terminals 16-i to the current phase L1. This allows for six heating levels, as listed in Table 6 below. Although Figure 6 Symmetrical variant S is shown, but it should be understood that asymmetrical variants with partially or completely different heating resistors R1, R2, R3 can also be provided.

[0086]

[0087] Table 6: Figure 6 Available heating levels for variant S The six heating levels correspond to a total heating power P of 0, 1 / 6 P, and 1 / 6 P, respectively. max 1 / 3 P max 2 / 3 P max 2 / 9 P max and P max .

[0088] In the following sections, various embodiments will be shown and explained, each of which includes at least one diode connected in parallel with a corresponding switch. These diodes achieve additional heating levels by blocking half-waves.

[0089] Figure 7 The circuit connection of the switching device 10 according to another embodiment is shown. In this simple variant, a single-phase heating device 20 is in operation, which includes a single heating element 21-i having a heating resistor R (or the sum of a plurality of heating resistors, which can be represented by an equivalent resistance R).

[0090] The switching device 10 can be designed for such single-phase heating equipment 20 to have only two terminals 16-1, 17 for the current conductor L1 and the neutral conductor; or, the switching device 10 can be programmed to supply power only to these connections.

[0091] At terminal 16-1, which is used for the L1 current conductor or current phase L1, the switching device 10 has a switch K1 controllable by the control device 11 and a diode 14 connected in parallel with the switch K1. In this way, three heating levels can be achieved, as listed in Table 7 below: 0, 1 / 2 P max and P max .

[0092]

[0093] Table 7: Figure 7 Available heating levels for variant examples Figure 8 The circuit connection of the switching device 10 according to another embodiment is shown, which can be described as Figure 7A variation of the embodiment. In this variation, the switching device 10 has a series circuit consisting of diode 14 and another switch K1a connected in parallel with switch K1, wherein the other switch K1a can be controlled by the control device 11. Switch K1a and diode 14 are connected in series. In this way, as listed in Table 8 below, three heating levels: 0, 1 / 2 P can also be achieved. max and P max .

[0094]

[0095] Table 8: Figure 8 Available heating levels for variant examples Diode 14 (e.g.) Figure 7 As shown, it can be connected in parallel with switches K1, K2, and K3 individually, or as... Figure 8 The circuit shown is connected in series with another switch K1a, and this series connection is then connected in parallel with switches K1, K2, and K3. It can also be advantageously combined with other variants, especially with three-phase heating equipment 20.

[0096] Figure 9 Showing Figure 2 A variant of the circuit connection differs in that it has a diode 14 connected in parallel with switch K1, and point 22 is not connected to the neutral conductor N. Therefore, the switching device 10 can also be designed without terminal 17, thus having, for example, only one terminal 16-1, 16-2, 16-3 for each current phase L1, L2, L3 respectively.

[0097] In the symmetrical variant S (not shown) with R1=R2=R3=R, five heating levels can be achieved in this way, as listed in Table 9:

[0098] Table 9: Figure 9 Available heating levels for variant S Therefore, the five heating levels achievable in this way are: 0, 1 / 4 P max 1 / 2 P max 3 / 4 P max and P max .

[0099] In the asymmetric variant A (as shown in the figure) with three different resistances R1, R2, and R3, seven heating levels can be achieved, as listed in Table 10:

[0100] Table 10: Figure 9 Available heating levels for variant A Therefore, in this way, the seven heating levels achievable when R1=2R2=3R3 are: 0, 2 / 11 P max 56 / 275 P max 4 / 11 P max 9 / 22 P max 91 / 110 P max and P max .

[0101] Figure 10 Showing Figure 9 The circuit shown is a single-phase operation (or: single-phase connection) variant. The neutral conductor N can be connected to switch K2 and terminal 16-2 (as shown) or to switch K3 and terminal 16-3 (not shown).

[0102] In the symmetrical variant S (not shown) with R1=R2=R3=R, five heating levels can be achieved in this way, as listed in Table 11:

[0103] Table 11: Figure 10 Available heating levels for variant S Therefore, the five heating levels achievable in this way are: 0, 3 / 8 P max 3 / 4 P max 22 / 25 P max and P max .

[0104] In an asymmetric variant A with three different resistors R1, R2, and R3 Figure 10 As shown in the diagram, five heating levels can also be achieved, as listed in Table 12:

[0105] Table 12: Figure 10 Available heating levels for variant A Therefore, in this way, the five heating levels achievable when R1=3R2=2R3 are: 0, 1 / 4 P max 1 / 2P max 9 / 10 P max P max .

[0106] Figure 11 Showing Figure 9 The circuit connection shown is a variant example, in which, Figure 11 The circuit connection and switching device 10 shown are... Figure 9 The difference between the circuit connection and the switching device 10 shown is that, Figure 11The neutral conductor N is connected to terminal 17 of the switching device 10 and can be switched by the switch KN ("neutral conductor switch") of the switching device 10.

[0107] In the symmetrical variant S (not shown) with R1=R2=R3=R, nine heating levels can be achieved in this way, as listed in Table 13:

[0108] Table 13: Figure 11 Available heating levels for variant S Therefore, the nine heating levels achievable in this way are: 0, 1 / 6 P max 1 / 4 P max 1 / 3 P max 1 / 2P max 2 / 3 P max 3 / 4 P max 5 / 6 P max and P max .

[0109] In the asymmetric variant A (as shown in the figure) with three different resistances R1, R2, and R3, 13 heating levels can be achieved, as listed in Table 14:

[0110] Table 14: Figure 11 Available heating levels for variant A Therefore, in this way, the thirteen heating levels that can be achieved when R1=2R2=3R3 are: 0, 1 / 12 P max 1 / 6 P max 3 / 16 P max 1 / 3 P max 3 / 8 P max 5 / 12 P max 1 / 2 P max 7 / 12 P max 2 / 3 P max 91 / 120P max 11 / 12 P max and P max .

[0111] Figure 12 Showing Figure 11 The circuit shown is a single-phase version.

[0112] In the symmetrical variant S (not shown) with R1=R2=R3=R, seven heating levels can be achieved in this way, as listed in Table 15:

[0113] Table 15: Figure 12 Available heating levels for variant S Therefore, the seven heating levels achievable in this way are: 0, 1 / 6 P max 1 / 3 P max 1 / 2 P max 2 / 3P max 5 / 6 P max and P max .

[0114] In the asymmetric variant A (as shown in the figure) with three different resistances R1, R2, and R3, nine heating levels can be achieved, as listed in Table 16:

[0115] Table 16: Figure 12 Available heating levels for variant A Therefore, in this way, the nine heating levels achievable when R1=2R2=3R3 are: 0, 1 / 12 P max 1 / 6P max 5 / 12 P max 1 / 2 P max 7 / 12 P max 2 / 3 P max 11 / 12 P max and P max .

[0116] Figure 13 Showing Figure 11 The circuit connection shown is a variant in which diode 14 (instead of switch KN) can be switched to the neutral conductor N; a symmetrical variant S is also shown in the figure. This means that diode 14 is connected in series with an additional switch K1a, through which diode 14 (and preferably only diode 14) can be connected in parallel with switch K1a when switch K1a is closed. When switch K1a is open, the diode has no function in the circuit connection.

[0117] In the symmetrical variant S with R1=R2=R3=R (as shown in the figure), seven heating levels can be achieved in this way, as listed in Table 17:

[0118] Table 17: Figure 13 Available heating levels for variant S Therefore, the seven heating levels achievable in this way are: 0, 1 / 6 P max 1 / 3 P max 1 / 2 Pmax 2 / 3P max 5 / 6 P max and P max .

[0119] Similarly, for the symmetrical variant S (where R1=R2=R3=R, but using a single-phase connection (i.e., L1=L2=L3, not shown)) Figure 13 As shown in the figure, seven heating levels can be achieved, as listed in Table 18:

[0120] Table 18: Figure 13 Available heating levels of variant S when the circuit is connected in a single-phase connection Therefore, the seven heating levels achievable in this way are: 0, 1 / 6 P max 1 / 3 P max 1 / 2 P max 2 / 3P max 5 / 6 P max and P max .

[0121] Figure 14 Showing Figure 13 A variation of the circuit connection, which has two differences: it is a single-phase circuit connection and an asymmetrical variation A.

[0122] In this asymmetric variant A (e.g., R1=2R2=3R3), 11 heating levels can be achieved, as shown in Table 19 below:

[0123] Table 19: Items with Single-Phase Connections Figure 14 Available heating levels of variant A Therefore, the eleven heating levels achievable in this way are: 0, 1 / 12 P max 1 / 6 P max 1 / 3 P max 5 / 12 P max 1 / 2 P max 7 / 12 P max 2 / 3 P max 5 / 6 P max 11 / 12 P max and P max .

[0124] The same heating level can be achieved through an asymmetrical variation of a three-phase connection (not shown).

[0125] Figure 15 Showing Figure 13A variation of the circuit, the difference being that, on all current phases L1, L2, L3 (and not just switch K1, such as...) Figure 13 As shown in the figure, the series connection consisting of diode 14 and additional switches K1a, K2a and K3a is arranged in parallel with the corresponding switches K1, K2 and K3.

[0126] The heating level and reference that can be achieved in this way Figure 13 The same as described in Table 17 (Symmetrical variant S, three-phase) and Table 18 (Symmetrical variant S, single-phase). However, Figure 15 Each heating level in the illustrated variant can be achieved through a wider range of different switching combinations.

[0127] Figure 15 The variant shown also achieves precise phase switching, thus allowing adjustment of the corresponding precise phase consumption of the heating device 20. If an unbalanced load occurs at the grid connection point 31 and / or the (internal) grid 30, i.e., if the load of one or more current phases L1, L2, L3 is significantly different from the load of one or more other current phases L1, L2, L3, the switching device 10 can be controlled (e.g., via the energy management system 40) (or it can control itself) to offset the imbalance by selecting appropriate heating levels and / or appropriate switching combinations of switches K1, K1a, K2, K2a, K3, K3a.

[0128] Unbalanced loads can be detected by the energy management system 40, which either directly controls the switching device 10 or transmits the necessary information to the switching device 10 so that the switching device 10 can perform the necessary controls on its own.

[0129] Figure 15 The variant shown is also useful for emergency power supply (e.g., when the public grid 35 fails or is disconnected). In this case, the inverter typically establishes an emergency power supply in the local grid 30 at a frequency of, for example, 53 Hz, which is detected by the control unit 11 via frequency measurement, while in normal operation, the frequency provided is, for example, 50 Hz of the public grid 35.

[0130] In this situation, typically only a few appliances are in operation, and it is important to be able to precisely select which current phases L1, L2, and L3 to draw how much power from. Figure 15 The variant shown allows the user to manually activate one (or more) current phases L1, L2, L3 of the heating device 20, for example, at the lowest heating level where the heating power is greater than zero, to avoid overloading the emergency power supply. If an overload or emergency power supply failure still occurs, the user can select another current phase L1, L2, L3 for a second or third attempt.

[0131] Users also have similar options for the other circuit connection variations mentioned above.

[0132] In the home system 200 of the present invention, for an asymmetric circuit variant in which diode 14 is connected to at least one terminal 16-i (whether in parallel with the corresponding switch Ki and / or in series with an additional switch Kia), it is preferable that terminal 16-i is connected to the heating element 21-i having the lowest heating power or the highest heating resistance (typically R1 in the example). This ensures that additional heating levels can be provided or can be supplied using diode 14 (and the corresponding switch).

[0133] Figure 16 A schematic flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, namely a method for operating a heating device 20 or heating a medium (particularly fluid F) by means of a heating device 20 having a plurality of heating elements 21-i connected to each other in a star configuration at a common star point 22 and which can be independently connected to an energy source.

[0134] This method can be implemented according to embodiments of the present invention (particularly according to...) Figures 1 to 6 and Figures 9 to 15 This method can be performed using a switching device 10 and / or a home system 100 according to the invention, but it can also be performed independently of it. Therefore, this method is applicable to all embodiments, variations, options, and further improvements described with reference to the switching device or home system according to the invention, and vice versa. The energy management system 40 performing this method can also be integrated, for example, into the switching device 10 according to the invention.

[0135] In step S100, the desired total heating power P of the heating device 20 is detected, for example, through the user interface 12, the energy management system 40, etc. Detecting the total heating power setpoint may include determining the total heating power setpoint, and more particularly, calculating it.

[0136] In step S200, a heating level is determined (e.g., by the control device 11 of the energy management system 40 or the switching device 10) that is as close as possible to the detected total heating power setpoint (i.e., with the smallest difference). This keeps any difference between the total heating power generated by the heating device 20 and the total heating power setpoint to a minimum. Alternatively, it can be specified that (according to one option) the lower heating level closest to the total heating power setpoint is selected in each case, or (according to another option) the higher heating level closest to the total heating power setpoint is selected in each case.

[0137] In step S300, the heating elements 21-i of the heating device 20 are switched independently of each other via at least one associated switch Ki, K1a to set specific heating levels step by step. Examples of this and other switching operations as method steps can be found in... Figures 1 to 6 and Figures 9 to 15 It can be found in the description, and especially in the table listed there.

[0138] Figure 17 A schematic flowchart illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, namely a method for operating a heating device 20 or heating a medium F through at least one heating element 21-i of the heating device 20. This method can be performed by a switching device 10 and / or a home system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, but can also be performed independently of them. Therefore, this method is applicable to all embodiments, variations, options, and further improvements described with reference to the switching device or home system according to the present invention, and vice versa.

[0139] In step S400, the expected total heating power P (i.e., the total heating power setpoint) of the heating device 20 is detected, for example, through the user interface 12, the energy management system 40, the thermostat, or a similar device.

[0140] In step S500, a heating level is determined that is as close as possible to (or precisely corresponds to) the detected total heating power setting value, i.e., the difference between it and the setting value is minimal.

[0141] In step S600, in order to set the determined heating level step by step, at least one first switch K1 connected in series with at least one heating element 21-i is switched. The at least one first switch K1 is connected in parallel with diode 14, wherein the switch is set between current phase L1 and the at least one heating element 21-i.

[0142] In an optional additional step S700, another switch K1a is switched to set a specific heating level step by step, wherein the other switch K1a is connected in series with diode 14, and the series connection is connected in parallel with the first switch K1. Therefore, the parallel connection is also provided between the current phase L1 and the at least one heating element 21-i.

[0143] Examples of such and other switching operations, such as those in process steps S600 and S700, can be found in... Figures 7 to 15 The information can be found in the description, and in particular, it can be derived from the table listed there.

[0144] Figure 18A schematic block diagram of a computer program product 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The computer program product 200 includes executable program code 250, which, when executed, is configured to perform a method according to an embodiment of the present invention (e.g., according to...). Figure 16 or Figure 17 ).

[0145] Figure 19 A schematic block diagram of a non-volatile computer-readable data storage medium 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The data storage medium 300 includes executable program code 350, which, when executed, is configured to perform a method according to an embodiment of the present invention (e.g., according to...). Figure 16 or Figure 17 ).

[0146] The non-volatile computer-readable data storage medium 300 may be, for example, formed as or include a semiconductor memory (e.g., an SSD memory chip). The data storage medium 300 may also include a CD, DVD, Blu-ray disc, or magnetic storage device.

[0147] Refer again Figure 1 We will now explain how the switching device 10 according to the invention can be advantageously integrated into and operate in the home system 100 according to the invention. Therefore, according to... Figure 16 or Figure 17 The method can also be adapted in all its variations and embodiments to control the home system 100 and / or specific control switch device 10.

[0148] Home system 100 may have an energy management system 40 that can specifically control the flow of electrical energy through the power grid 30, particularly between power sources and / or appliances such as grid connection point 31, at least one appliance 32, battery 60 of home system 100, renewable energy source 70 of home system 100 (e.g., photovoltaic system), inverter 80 of home system 100.

[0149] In principle, the possibilities and routine procedures of such an energy management system 40 are known. For example, for a variety of reasons, it is generally expected that: electricity generated by renewable energy 70 should be consumed within the home system 100 as much as possible; if this is not possible, it should be stored in the battery 60; if this is also no longer possible, it should be fed from the home system 100 into the public grid through the grid connection point 31. However, other schemes are also conceivable, such as schemes based on current electricity prices that attempt to generate financial profits through electricity trading.

[0150] Figure 19A schematic flowchart is shown illustrating possible methods for selecting a heating level, wherein the selected heating level can be implemented through various embodiments of the invention. Therefore, the switching device 10 and / or the home system 100 can be configured to perform such a method, or according to... Figure 16 or Figure 17 The method can be designed or modified to include such a method.

[0151] The description begins with step S1. However, it should be understood that the described method is typically executed cyclically, i.e., always starting from the beginning, as shown by the arrow sequence in the figure.

[0152] In step S1, the set temperature value of the medium is first detected. In this example (for illustrative purposes only), the medium is fluid F in fluid tank 50. The set temperature value can be specified directly by the user, for example, through user interface 12 in a smart home control application. Alternatively, the set temperature value can be specified by an algorithm that takes into account, for example, the time of day, season, and / or user input. Detection S1 may also include maintaining the specified set temperature value.

[0153] In step S2, the current actual temperature of the fluid F in the fluid tank 50 is detected (specifically measured). This actual temperature can be determined by a temperature sensor of the home system 100, which may be integrated, for example, into the fluid tank 50.

[0154] In step S3, it is checked whether the actual temperature of the fluid F in the fluid tank 50 is lower than the set temperature value.

[0155] It should be understood here and below that whenever a comparison with a reference value or threshold (here: with a set temperature value) is mentioned, a tolerance range can always be set within which the process continues as if there is no difference. This prevents frequent back-and-forth switching or other unstable control behaviors. The tolerance range can be set symmetrically or asymmetrically around the comparison value or threshold. The latter can be used to implement hysteresis effects, for example, requiring a greater deviation from the threshold than initially needed to trigger a decision before the decision needs to be modified. In the following text, for the sake of brevity, the corresponding tolerance range will not be explicitly mentioned every time.

[0156] Based on the check in step S3 (optionally considering tolerance range as described above), if the actual temperature is lower than the set temperature value (indicated by the plus sign "+" in the figure), then in step S4, it is checked whether there is excess power from renewable energy source 70 (e.g., a photovoltaic system) in the home system 100. Preferably, it is renewable energy source 70 of the home system 100. To perform this check, the current power value of at least one renewable energy source 70 can be obtained in the context of step S4. Optionally, additional power values ​​(e.g., power consumed by appliance 32, etc.) can also be received. The received power values ​​can be used to calculate, in a known manner, whether there is excess power available from renewable energy source 70 in the home system 100.

[0157] If there is remaining power available (indicated by the plus sign "+" in the diagram), then in step S5, the state of charge (SOC) of battery 60 is checked to see if it is higher than a SOC threshold. This SOC threshold may, for example, specify a SOC that is generally undesirable, either to protect battery 60 or because such a high SOC is considered unnecessary or a similar situation.

[0158] If the state of charge exceeds this first threshold (represented by the plus sign "+" in the figure), the energy management system 40 controls the home system 100 in such a way that the output power available on the battery 60 and released (e.g. by the customer) in step S6 is added to the excess power.

[0159] Regardless of whether this occurs (steps S4 and S5 are omitted in home system 100 without battery 60), step S7 will then check whether the now determined excess power is sufficient to switch heating device 20 to a higher heating level. Therefore, bidirectional communication can be established between switching device 10 and energy management system 40 so that, on the one hand, energy management system 40 knows the currently set heating level and / or total heating power setting, and on the other hand, it can specify the heating level and / or total heating power setting to be set to switching device 10. A higher heating level is understood to be a heating level that provides greater heating power than a lower heating level, all other things being equal. In the previous example, the lowest heating level (P=0) is reached when all switches are open, and the highest heating level (P=P) is reached when all switches are closed. max ).

[0160] If a higher heating level is not possible (indicated by a minus sign "-" in the diagram), for example because of insufficient excess power or because no higher heating level is available, the method continues from step S1. If a higher heating level may exist (indicated by a plus sign "+" in the diagram), a higher heating level is set in step S8. To do this, the switching device 10 is instructed (e.g., by the energy management system 40 or by itself) to set a higher heating level, and then the switching device 10 sets the corresponding heating level by switching switches Ki, KN, and Kia accordingly. The method then continues from step S1 again.

[0161] If it is determined in step S4 that no excess power from renewable energy 70 is available (indicated by the minus sign "-" in the diagram), then in step S9, it is checked whether electricity is currently being consumed from the power grid, i.e., whether electricity is flowing into the household system 100 at grid connection point 31. If this is not the case (indicated by the minus sign "-" in the diagram), the current heating level is maintained, and the process continues from step S1.

[0162] If this is the case (indicated by a plus sign "+" in the diagram at step S9), then in step S10, it is checked whether a lower heating level is available (i.e., whether the minimum heating level, i.e., the heating level with an output of 0, has not yet been set). If no lower heating level is available (indicated by a minus sign "-" in the diagram at step S10), then this heating level remains unchanged, and the process continues from step S1. If a lower heating level is available (indicated by a plus sign "+" in the diagram), then in step S11, the heating level is lowered. To do this, the switching device 10 is instructed (e.g., by the energy management system 40 or determined by itself) to set a lower heating level, and then the switching device 10 sets the corresponding heating level by correspondingly switching switches Ki, KN, and Kia. Then the method continues from step S1.

[0163] However, if it is determined in step S3 that the actual temperature is not lower than the set temperature value (i.e., the actual temperature is equal to or higher than the set temperature value; or, if applicable, the actual temperature is within the tolerance range around the set temperature value), indicated by the minus sign "-" on the left side of step S3 in the figure, then in step S12, it is checked whether the actual temperature is lower than the user-adjustable or preset upper limit temperature threshold above the set temperature value.

[0164] If this is the case (indicated by a plus sign "+" in the diagram under step S12), then in step S13, it is checked whether there is excess power available (first checking for excess power from renewable energy sources). If this is not the case (indicated by a minus sign "-" in the diagram), then the method continues to step S9 as already described. If there is excess power available from renewable energy sources (indicated by a plus sign "+" in the diagram under step S13), then the method continues from step S7, i.e., checking whether a higher heating level is possible.

[0165] If the check result of step S12 is negative, that is, if the current temperature (actual temperature) is equal to or greater than the upper limit temperature threshold (indicated by the symbol "-" in the diagram at step S12), then in step S14, the lowest heating level of the heating device 20 is set, which is typically the heating level with power P=0, i.e., the heating device 20 is turned off. After that, the method continues from step S1.

[0166] Therefore, according to Figure 20 This method enables the storage of thermal energy using the heating of the medium F (e.g., in the fluid tank 50). However, this should preferably not be done using electricity from the public power grid 35, but only using electricity from the renewable energy source 70 of the home system 100, and only if this will not cause the actual temperature to exceed the upper limit temperature threshold. Furthermore, the situation where the state of charge of the battery 60 of the home system 100 is above the threshold can be utilized (step S5). It should be understood that those skilled in the art can adjust the method in various ways according to... Figure 20 The method involves adding or omitting individual steps to achieve the desired adjustment or control.

[0167] Specifically, depending on the home system 100 and the current situation, step S8, which increases the heating level, can also be replaced or supplemented by the step of turning on at least one appliance 32 (e.g., a heat pump). Similarly, depending on the home system 100 and the current situation, step S11, which decreases the heating level, can also be replaced or supplemented by the step of turning off at least one appliance 32 (e.g., a heat pump). Turning on or off can also be replaced by increasing or decreasing energy consumption.

[0168] The preceding description illustrates how the heating power of the heating device 20 can be adjusted in stages using the switching device 10 according to the invention, enabling complex control and regulation processes to be performed cost-effectively and without significant hardware expenditure, even when using a simple, pre-installed heating device 20. Figure 20 As shown.

Claims

1. A switching device (10) for operating an external heating device (20) to heat a medium (F) through a plurality of heating elements (21-i) of the heating device (20), the plurality of heating elements (21-i) being interconnected at a common star point (22) and capable of being independently connected to the switching device (10). in, The switching device (10) is configured to be powered by at least one current phase (L) and includes a control device (11) configured to independently switch the heating elements (21-i) via at least one associated switch (Ki, Kia, KN) of the switching device (10) to adjust the total heating power generated by the heating device (20) step by step according to the corresponding heating level. The control device (11) is implemented by a computing unit.

2. The switching device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the switching device (10) is configured to switch between at least five heating levels, preferably at least seven heating levels, the different heating levels having different heating powers.

3. The switching device (10) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein, The diode (14) is connected in parallel with at least one switch (Ki, KN).

4. The switching device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the switching device (10) has an output (16-i) for each heating element (21-i) to be connected, wherein the switch (Ki) associated with the corresponding heating element (21-i) is connected in series with the output (16-i).

5. The switching device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The control device (11) is also configured to periodically and / or cyclically switch between different switching combinations of the switches (Ki, KN) used to generate the same heating power.

6. The switching device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The control device (11) is configured to acquire (S4, S13) the current power value of the renewable energy (70) and adjust (S8) the current heating level based at least on the received current power value.

7. The switching device (10) according to claim 6, wherein, The control device (11) is also configured to adjust the current heating level based on the total heating power setpoint.

8. The switching device (10) according to claim 7, wherein, The control device (11) is configured to set the current heating level in a manner that minimizes the difference between the total heating power generated by the heating device (20) and the total heating power set value.

9. The switching device (10) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The control device (11) is designed to perform a measurement process to determine which heating levels are available and / or the total heating power achieved by each available heating level.

10. A home system (100) comprising a switching device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and a heating device (20) connected to the switching device (10), the switching device (10) being configured to operate the heating device.

11. The home system (100) according to claim 10, comprising a user interface (12) for setting setpoint parameters of the heating device (20), the medium (F) and / or the fluid tank (50) for the medium (F), such as a setpoint temperature value of the medium (F).

12. The home system (100) according to claim 10 or 11, comprising an electrical connection point (31) to the power grid (35), wherein, The star point (22) of the heating device (20) is connected to the neutral conductor (N) of the power grid (30) via an associated switch (KN) and / or can be switched via an associated switch (KN).

13. A switching device (10) for operating an external heating device (20) to heat a medium (F) through at least one heating element (21-i) of the heating device (20). in, The switching device (10) is configured to be powered by at least one current phase (L) and includes a control device (11) configured to switch the heating element (21-i) via at least one associated switch (Kia) of the switching device (10) to adjust the total heating power generated by the heating device (20) in stages according to the corresponding heating level, wherein the diode (14) is connected in parallel with the at least one associated switch (Kia).

14. A method for heating a medium (F) by means of a heating device (20), the heating device (20) having a plurality of heating elements (21-i), each of the plurality of heating elements (21-i) having a first connection end interconnected at a common star point (22) and each of their second connection ends being capable of being switched independently of each other, the method comprising: Detect (S100) the total heating power setting value; Determine (S200) the heating level that is as close as possible to the desired total heating power setting; as well as The heating element (21-i) is switched independently (S300) by at least one associated switch (Ki, Kia, KN) to set the determined heating level.

15. A method for heating a medium (F) by at least one heating element (21-i) of a heating device (20), comprising: Detect (S400) the total heating power setting value; Determine (S500) the heating level that best matches the desired total heating power setting; as well as Switch (S600) at least one switch (Kia) to set the determined heating level, the at least one switch (Kia) being disposed between the current phase (L1) and at least one heating element (21-i) of the heating device (20) and in parallel with a diode (14), optionally in parallel with a series circuit consisting of the diode (14) and another switch (K1a).

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