Method for control and indoor temperature control device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling an indoor temperature control device (10a; 10b), in particular an air conditioning system, wherein the indoor temperature control device (10a; 10b) generates operating costs in an operation, which consist at least of energy consumption and energy price. It is proposed that an operating cost ceiling (46a; 46b) be set for a time interval (48a; 48b), for example daily, whereby the energy consumption of the indoor temperature control device (10a; 10b) is regulated on the basis of current energy prices in such a way that the operating cost ceiling (46a; 46b) is not exceeded.

Description

State of the art

[0001] A method for regulating an indoor temperature control device, in particular an air conditioning system, has already been proposed, wherein the indoor temperature control device in a business generates operating costs which consist at least of energy consumption and energy price. Disclosure of the invention

[0002] The invention relates to a method for controlling an indoor temperature control device, in particular an air conditioning system, wherein the indoor temperature control device generates operating costs in an operation, which consist at least of energy consumption and energy price.

[0003] It is proposed that an operating cost ceiling be set for a time interval, for example daily, and that the energy consumption of the indoor temperature control device be regulated based on current energy prices in such a way that the operating cost ceiling is not exceeded.

[0004] The inventive design of the method for controlling an indoor temperature control device advantageously enables operation at low / limited costs, since, in particular, an operating cost ceiling is not exceeded. Advantageously, a high level of environmental protection can be provided, since, in particular, energy consumption is low. Advantageously, a high level of user comfort can be provided, since, in particular, the operating cost ceiling automatically limits operating costs and the user does not have to monitor energy prices themselves.

[0005] Preferably, the indoor temperature control device is designed as an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system. In particular, the indoor temperature control device is designed as an air conditioner and / or a heating system. It is conceivable that the indoor temperature control device is designed as a heat pump or is operated by a heat pump. Preferably, the indoor temperature control device is configured to regulate the temperature of an interior space, for example, of a building or vehicle. Preferably, the maximum operating cost is defined as a price per day. It is also conceivable that the maximum operating cost is defined as operating costs per hour, operating costs per year, or the like. Preferably, the operating costs are defined as a product, in particular at least of the energy consumption and the energy price per unit of energy consumption.In particular, the operating costs are structured as variable operating costs, preferably dependent on operating performance. Preferably, the operating costs are at least substantially proportional to the energy consumption. For example, the energy consumption has at least one power output. For example, the energy consumption is expressed as the product of kilowatts and hours (kWh). For example, the energy price is expressed as a monetary unit, such as dollars, per unit of energy consumption. The energy price could be an electricity price, a gas price, a solid fuel price, or a comparable price. In this context, "at least substantially" means, in particular, that a deviation from a predetermined value is less than 25%, preferably less than 10%, and most preferably less than 5% of the predetermined value.The term "operating cost ceiling" refers specifically to the maximum amount of money that may be incurred per time interval during the operation of the indoor temperature control device. "Set up" refers specifically to a device that is specially programmed, designed, and / or equipped. The fact that an object is set up for a specific function refers specifically to the fact that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0006] Preferably, the energy consumption of the indoor temperature control device is regulated when the operating cost limit is reached, particularly when it is expected to be reached. Specifically, energy consumption is limited so that the operating cost limit is not exceeded for the specified time interval. For example, the operating cost limit is reached when current energy prices rise, particularly around midday, and / or when the outside temperature rises, particularly around midday. Preferably, the energy consumption of the indoor temperature control device, for example, its heating or cooling output, is reduced when energy prices rise. Preferably, energy consumption is adjusted at least substantially inversely proportional to changes in energy prices.It is conceivable that energy consumption could be regulated by limiting the power available, particularly to the indoor climate control system. It is also conceivable that the energy consumption of the indoor climate control system could be regulated by adjusting a setpoint for maintaining an indoor temperature. Alternatively, energy consumption could be regulated by adjusting / regulating a setpoint for cooling capacity and / or fan speed. Furthermore, it is conceivable that operating costs could be limited if the maximum operating cost is not exceeded in a subsequent operating state, provided that the maximum operating cost is not exceeded in a subsequent operating state. For example, energy consumption could be limited / reduced if the maximum operating cost is not exceeded, so that the maximum operating cost is maintained for each time interval, such as each day.A control system is understood to be, in particular, a process in which a variable, hereinafter referred to as the controlled variable, is continuously measured, compared with another variable, hereinafter referred to as the reference variable, and influenced in order to align it with the reference variable. A "setpoint" is understood to be, in particular, a reference variable that is fed into a control loop from the outside.

[0007] Furthermore, it is proposed that the operating cost ceiling be automatically determined, at least based on historical energy consumption data and / or historical energy price data and / or weather forecast data. This offers the advantage of high flexibility and precision, as the operating cost ceiling is automatically determined. It also offers a high degree of user-friendliness, as the operating cost ceiling is automatically determined and does not require manual user input. Preferably, the historical energy consumption and / or energy price data are generated by recording current energy consumption and / or energy price data. It is conceivable that the historical energy consumption and / or energy price data could be processed using a mathematical operation such as averaging, moving average, or similar methods.Preferably, the upper limit for operating costs is converted into a daily operating cost curve, particularly based on historical energy consumption and / or energy price data and / or weather forecast data. For example, the ideal daily operating cost curve is estimated using historical energy consumption and / or energy price data and / or weather forecast data. Specifically, the operating cost curve is divided into discrete time intervals, such as hourly, 15-30 minute, or three-hourly intervals, or a comparable interval. Preferably, the weather forecast data is retrieved automatically, particularly at least for the discrete time interval. "Automatic" here refers specifically to a program-based process that operates at least partially without user intervention.

[0008] Furthermore, it is proposed that the current energy price be automatically retrieved within a specified interval. This offers the advantage of high user convenience, as the energy prices are retrieved automatically and do not need to be determined manually by the user. It also provides high flexibility and precision, as the automatically retrieved energy prices are very up-to-date, allowing for precise control of the indoor climate control system. For example, the query interval could be set to 15 minutes, 1 hour, or 3 hours. Preferably, the query interval for the current energy price and the discrete time period in which the operating cost ceiling is set are identical. For example, the current electricity price could be retrieved hourly from an electricity provider, perhaps via a website.It is conceivable that the current electricity price is obtained indirectly, for example via stock market data or similar sources. It is also conceivable that current energy prices from various energy providers are queried and the cheapest provider is selected.

[0009] Furthermore, it is proposed that the regulation of energy consumption take into account additional energy from at least one other available energy source, particularly in addition to grid energy, such as a photovoltaic system, a wind turbine, a battery, or the like. Advantageously, this can provide operation at particularly low costs, as the additional energy source can bridge periods of particularly high energy prices and / or particularly high energy consumption, and / or at least partially enable operation without grid energy. Preferably, the additional energy is used preferentially, and in particular, primarily before grid operation. It is conceivable that the additional energy from the other energy source is stored and preferably used during periods with anticipated high energy prices.Preferably, the additional energy source is available free of charge. It is conceivable that the additional energy source has an energy price greater than zero and less than the grid price. It is also conceivable that opportunity costs are assigned to the additional energy source, which might take the form of a feed-in tariff, for example. "Opportunity costs" here refers to revenue that would have been generated from an alternative use of the energy.

[0010] It is further proposed that the energy from the additional energy source be at least partially activated, at least depending on historical energy consumption data and / or weather forecast data and / or historical energy price data, preferably for a time interval of 15 to 30 minutes. Advantageously, this can be achieved with particularly low operating costs, as a very precise distribution of the various energy sources can be ensured, especially by taking historical energy consumption data and / or weather forecast data and / or historical energy price data into account. Advantageously, very precise control can be provided, as the historical energy consumption data and / or weather forecast data and / or historical energy price data are considered during the control process. Preferably, the additional energy from the additional energy source is fully utilized.It is conceivable that the weather forecast data could be used to estimate the expected availability of energy from the additional energy source. For example, the additional energy could be distributed across periods with expected high energy prices and / or high energy consumption based on historical energy consumption data, weather forecast data, and / or historical energy price data, and the expected availability of energy.

[0011] Furthermore, it is proposed that a user can specify an individual temperature range within which a reduction in comfort is tolerated. Advantageously, a particularly high level of comfort can be provided, as personal perception can be taken into account during the control process by specifying the individual temperature range. Preferably, the individual temperature range is determined using a PMV value (Predicted Mean Vote value). Preferably, the calculation of the individual temperature range is based on a PMV value of ±0.5. Preferably, the temperature range is determined by regularly requesting and / or retrieving user feedback. A "PMV value" is understood to mean, in particular, a value that indicates a user's degree of personal comfort.In particular, the PMV value takes into account at least the relative humidity of the air, air velocity (e.g., generated by a fan), clothing properties, metabolic activity, and / or other influencing factors. For example, a rating scale could include at least the PMV values ​​cold (-3), cool (-2), slightly cool (-1), neutral (0), slightly warm (+1), warm (+2), and hot (+3). For example, the individual temperature range is defined as a comfort range within which temperature fluctuations are not or hardly perceived by the user and therefore do not lead to or are tolerated as a reduction in comfort. A "temperature range" is understood to mean, in particular, a range that is limited by a positive and / or negative temperature deviation from a setpoint and within which any temperature can be selected.

[0012] It is further proposed that the energy consumption of the indoor temperature control device be minimized by setting a target temperature within the individual temperature range. Advantageously, this can provide particularly low-cost operation, as energy costs can be kept especially low by utilizing the temperature offset. Preferably, a target temperature within the individual temperature range is selected at which energy consumption is minimized.

[0013] In addition, an indoor temperature control device, in particular an air conditioning and / or heating system, is proposed for carrying out the above-described method, which includes at least one control unit. Advantageously, operation can be provided at low / limited costs, as an operating cost ceiling is not exceeded. A high level of environmental protection can be advantageously provided, as energy consumption is low. A high level of user comfort can be advantageously provided, as operating costs are automatically limited by the operating cost ceiling, and the user does not need to monitor energy prices. Preferably, the indoor temperature control device includes at least one mains energy source and / or another energy source. The mains energy source could, for example, be an electricity grid, a gas grid, or a district heating network.The additional energy source could, for example, be a photovoltaic system or a wind turbine and / or a battery or a comparable, especially renewable, energy source.

[0014] The inventive method for controlling an indoor temperature control device is not limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the inventive method for controlling the indoor temperature control device may, to achieve a functionality described herein, have a different number of individual elements, components, units, and process steps than those specified herein. Furthermore, values ​​within the specified limits of the value ranges stated in this disclosure are also considered disclosed and freely usable. drawing

[0015] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate two exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0016] They show: Fig. 1 an indoor temperature control device, Fig. 2 a schematic power diagram of a time interval, Fig. 3 a schematic flowchart of a procedure for controlling the indoor temperature control device, Fig. 4 an alternative indoor temperature control device and Fig. 5 a schematic flowchart of an alternative method for controlling the alternative indoor temperature control device. Description of the exemplary implementations

[0017] The Fig. Figure 1 shows an indoor temperature control device 10a. The indoor temperature control device 10a is configured as an air conditioning system. Alternatively or additionally, the indoor temperature control device 10a could also be configured as a heating system. The indoor temperature control device 10a is designed to regulate the temperature of an indoor space 16a of a building. Alternatively, the indoor temperature control device 10a could also include a heat pump, which generates the heat and / or cold for temperature control of the indoor space 16a. The indoor temperature control device 10a has a control and / or regulating unit 32a. The control and / or regulating unit 32a is designed to regulate the temperature of the indoor space 16a. The indoor temperature control device 10a has a fan 62a. The fan 62a is designed to generate an airflow. The airflow is designed to circulate indoor air for temperature control purposes.The indoor climate control device 10a is connected to a mains power source 30a. The mains power source 30a is configured to supply the indoor climate control device 10a with electrical energy. The indoor climate control device has an interface 60a. The interface 60a is configured to retrieve current energy prices from an energy supplier. The interface 60a is configured to retrieve the energy prices at a specified query interval. The query interval is set to one hour. Alternatively, the query interval could also be every 15 minutes, every three hours, or daily. Furthermore, the interface 60a is configured to communicate with a user via a remote control or a smartphone. The interface 60a is also configured to receive weather forecast data or to retrieve weather forecast data from a weather service.Alternatively or additionally, the indoor climate control device 10a includes a power meter 56a. The power meter 56a is configured to measure the power consumption of the indoor climate control device 10a. The power meter 56a is also configured to measure the energy consumption of the indoor climate control device 10a.

[0018] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic energy demand curve diagram 34a. The schematic energy demand curve diagram 34a has an ordinate 38a. The energy consumption of the indoor temperature control device is plotted on the ordinate 38a. Additionally, the operating costs of the indoor temperature control device 10a are plotted on the ordinate 38a. These operating costs are incurred during operation of the indoor temperature control device 10a. The schematic energy demand curve diagram 34a has an abscissa 40a. A time interval 48a is plotted on the abscissa 40a. In this example, the time interval 48a is represented as a 12-hour day. The time interval 48a starts at 9:00 AM and ends at 9:00 PM. The schematic energy demand curve diagram 34a has an upper limit for operating costs 46a. The schematic energy demand curve diagram 34a shows a standard energy demand curve 36a.The standard energy demand curve 36a shows the energy consumption of the indoor temperature control device 10a during standard operation with standard temperature control, without considering an operating cost ceiling 46a. The operating costs are calculated as the product of energy consumption and the price per unit of energy. Operating costs are at their maximum at midday (12:00 - 17:00). Energy prices are highest at midday. Furthermore, energy consumption is highest at midday because the outside temperature is at its maximum at midday. The schematic energy demand curve diagram 34a shows a marginal energy demand curve 42a. The marginal energy demand curve 42a is created by limiting the operating costs to the operating cost ceiling 46a. Since energy prices are highest at midday, energy consumption is reduced at midday. Energy consumption is inversely proportional to energy prices.The schematic energy demand curve diagram 34a shows a comfort energy demand curve 44a. The comfort energy demand curve 44a results from considering current energy prices and a comfort factor. Energy demand is reduced more significantly in the mornings and evenings because the user tolerates a slight reduction in comfort. This allows for further reductions in energy consumption in the mornings and evenings without significantly impacting the user's comfort. This energy saving enables higher energy consumption at midday. Despite the higher energy consumption at midday, the reduced energy consumption in the mornings and evenings limits operating costs to the upper limit of operating costs 46a.

[0019] The Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic flowchart of a procedure for controlling the indoor temperature control device 10a.

[0020] In at least one process step 24a, the indoor temperature control device 10a is operated. Operating costs are generated by the indoor temperature control device 10a during operation. These operating costs consist of energy consumption and energy prices. The operating costs are calculated by multiplying energy consumption by energy prices. The operating costs are determined by energy consumption and energy prices. During operation of the indoor temperature control device 10a, a target temperature is regulated in the indoor space 16a.

[0021] In at least one further procedural step 26a, an operating cost ceiling 46a is set. The operating cost ceiling 46a is set for the time interval 48a, cf. Fig. 2. The operating cost ceiling 46a is automatically determined based on historical energy consumption data and / or historical energy price data and / or weather forecast data. Using the weather forecast data and the historical energy consumption data, a projected energy consumption trend is calculated for the time interval 48a. This energy consumption trend is then multiplied by the historical energy price data. The operating cost trend is calculated as the product of the projected energy consumption and the historical energy price data. It is conceivable that the historical energy consumption data and / or historical energy price data could be used as an average over the time interval 48a in the calculation of the operating cost ceiling 46a. The operating cost ceiling 46a prevents high operating costs due to energy price spikes and / or peak energy consumption.Alternatively, the operating cost ceiling 46a can also be set manually by a user.

[0022] In at least one further step of the process (28a), the current energy price is automatically retrieved within the query time interval. The current energy price is requested from an energy supplier. The current energy price is retrieved from the energy supplier's website. Alternatively, the energy price could also be retrieved as a stock market price.

[0023] In at least one further process step 50a, the energy consumption of the indoor temperature control device 10a is regulated based on current energy prices in such a way that the operating cost limit 46a is not exceeded. If current energy prices increase, the energy consumption is adjusted / reduced inversely proportionally if the operating cost limit 46a is exceeded. The energy consumption of the indoor temperature control device 10a is reduced just enough to ensure that the operating cost limit 46a is not exceeded, given a constant current energy price within a query time interval.

[0024] In at least one further process step 52a, a user specifies an individual temperature range. The individual temperature range 20a is specified by the operator via remote control or smartphone using interface 60a. It is conceivable that the indoor temperature control device 10a requests feedback from the user at intervals, for example, hourly or daily. Within the individual temperature range, the user tolerates a reduction in comfort. Energy consumption of the indoor temperature control device 10a is minimized by setting a target temperature within the individual temperature range.

[0025] In the Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of the invention. The following descriptions and drawings are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, whereby, with regard to identically designated components, in particular components with the same reference numerals, reference is also generally made to the drawings and / or the description of the other embodiments, in particular the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3, reference can be made. To distinguish the embodiments, the letter a is the reference numeral of the embodiment in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3. In the exemplary embodiments of the Fig. 4 and Fig. In 5, the letter a is replaced by the letter b.

[0026] The Fig. Figure 4 shows an alternative indoor climate control device 10b. The alternative indoor climate control device 10b has a grid energy source 30b. The grid energy source 30b provides grid energy. The alternative indoor climate control device 10b has an additional energy source 18b available in addition to the grid energy source 30b. The additional energy source 18b is designed as a renewable energy source. The additional energy source 18b is designed as a photovoltaic system. Alternatively or additionally, the additional energy source 18b could also be designed as a wind turbine and / or a battery or a comparable energy source. The alternative indoor climate control device 10b has electronics 58b. The electronics 58b are designed as a battery, supercapacitor, inverter and / or other electronic components. Alternatively or additionally, the indoor climate control device 10b has a power meter 56b.The power meter 56b is set up to measure the power output of the additional energy source 18b.

[0027] The Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic flowchart of an alternative method for controlling the alternative indoor temperature control device 10b. In this alternative method, an additional process step 54b is introduced. Process steps 24b, 26b, 28b, 50b and 52b are identical to process steps 24a, 26a, 28a, 50a and 52a.

[0028] In at least one process step 54b, the regulation of energy consumption takes into account additional energy from a further energy source 18b, which is available in addition to the grid energy from grid energy source 30b. The energy from the further energy source 18b is switched on or off for a time interval of 15 to 30 minutes, depending on historical energy consumption data and / or weather forecast data and / or historical energy price data. It is conceivable that the energy from the further energy source 18b is partially switched on depending on weather-dependent energy demand. It is also conceivable that the additional energy from the further energy source 18b is switched on when the energy price of a grid energy source is high.If grid energy prices are low, the additional energy from the second energy source 18b could be stored, and the indoor temperature control device 10b could be operated with grid energy from grid energy source 30b. Alternatively, it could only be partially activated if the additional energy from the second energy source 18b can be stored. Alternatively, the second energy source 18b could be used preferentially if the additional energy from the second energy source 18b cannot be stored.

Claims

[1] Method for controlling an indoor temperature control device (10a; 10b), in particular an air conditioning system, wherein the indoor temperature control device (10a; 10b) in an establishment generates operating costs which consist at least of energy consumption and energy price, characterized by , that an operating cost ceiling (46a; 46b) is set for a time interval (48a; 48b), for example daily, and that the energy consumption of the indoor temperature control device (10a; 10b) is regulated on the basis of current energy prices in such a way that the operating cost ceiling (46a; 46b) is not exceeded. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the operating cost ceiling (46a; 46b) is automatically determined at least on the basis of historical energy consumption data and / or historical energy price data and / or weather forecast data. [3] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the current energy price is automatically queried within a query time interval. [4] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that when regulating energy consumption, additional energy from at least one other available energy source (18b), in particular in addition to grid energy, such as a photovoltaic system and / or a wind power plant and / or an accumulator or the like, is taken into account. [5] Method according to claim 4, characterized by , that the energy of the additional energy source (18b) is switched on at least partially, at least depending on historical energy consumption data and / or weather forecast data and / or historical energy price data, preferably for a time interval of 15 min to 30 min. [6] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a user specifies an individual temperature range within which the user will tolerate a reduction in comfort. [7] Method according to claim 6, characterized by , that the energy consumption of the indoor temperature control device (10a; 10b) is minimized by setting a target temperature within the individual temperature range. [8] Indoor temperature control device (10a; 10b), in particular an air conditioning and / or heating system, for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one control and / or regulating unit (32a; 32b).

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