Method and system for detecting an open ventilation opening

Abstract

A method for detecting an open ventilation opening (1) in at least one building section (2) is proposed here, wherein a first temperature change for the building section (2) is determined, wherein an actual first temperature gradient is determined based on the temperature change, wherein the first temperature gradient is compared with at least one first temperature gradient boundary condition, wherein at least one first concentration change of at least one trace gas is determined for the building section (2), wherein an actual first concentration gradient is determined based on the first concentration change, wherein the first concentration gradient is compared with at least one first concentration gradient boundary condition, and wherein the energy consumption change of at least one HVAC device (14) for the building section is determined.wherein a current energy consumption gradient is determined based on the energy consumption change, wherein the energy consumption gradient is compared with at least one energy consumption gradient boundary condition, and an open vent message is generated and sent if, within an adjustable time period, at least two of the following conditions are met: - the first temperature gradient meets the first temperature gradient boundary condition, - the first concentration gradient meets the first concentration gradient boundary condition, - the energy consumption gradient meets the energy consumption gradient boundary condition.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for detecting an open ventilation opening at least in a part of a building according to the main subject matter of claim 1.

[0002] The energy consumption of a heating or air conditioning control system increases when there are open windows in heated or air-conditioned rooms. Such systems are referred to as HVAC equipment. The operator of the building or part of the building where this equipment is installed is often interested in keeping the windows, doors, and other ventilation openings closed and isolating the area from the outside as much as possible.

[0003] It has been shown that open ventilation openings lead to a significant increase in energy costs for heating or cooling a room or building. Furthermore, open windows in winter can cause significant damage to the building due to freezing water pipes.

[0004] Therefore, sensors that detect the status of each opening and send a status message to the corresponding control system are usually installed on doors, windows, and other ventilation openings that are easily accessible to people. If a ventilation opening is left open for a certain period of time, the user in the vicinity of that opening, or, for example, a doorman or concierge of a larger building, can be notified to close the opening.

[0005] These systems have the disadvantage that the sensors incur additional costs, as they must be installed at each ventilation opening. Even if such sensors are integrated into the building construction project, they cause significant additional work, since each sensor must be connected to a building management system, possibly via wired connections. In larger buildings, the above method quickly leads to an enormous amount of additional wiring. Retrofitting a building with such sensors often meets with resistance from residents or building users. The retrofit process typically involves installing sensors that are visible at doors, windows, and other ventilation openings. In a wired system of installed sensors, the connecting wires are installed on the wall surface, or the installation involves cutting into the wall surface.For the reasons mentioned above, upgrading existing buildings is rather uncommon.

[0006] This means that unnecessarily high energy costs for heating, ventilation and air conditioning of rooms and buildings are not eliminated.

[0007] The objective of this invention is to provide a method as presented in the preamble in order to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages and to create a simple method without costly adaptation to reduce the energy consumption of buildings and, in particular, to determine whether a ventilation opening of a building is open.

[0008] As far as the invention is concerned, this is achieved with the features of claim 1.

[0009] It serves for the reliable and simple detection of open ventilation openings, including open windows, doors (especially exterior doors), or ventilation flaps, without the need to install special sensors at the respective openings. Sensor installation at the ventilation openings is unnecessary, and subsequent implementation of this method is very simple. Adding further ventilation openings to the building is straightforward, as these additional openings do not require electrical contacts. Therefore, sensor installation is unnecessary, no cables are required, and there are no wireless sensors that need regular battery replacement. Due to the minimal construction and financial effort involved in implementing this method, residents or building users accept it more quickly than with traditional methods using dedicated window sensors.The sensors required for this process are usually already installed in modern buildings; and it is sufficient to place the appropriate or additional sensors at one location in the room or in an adjacent part of the building, which is a simple and cost-effective method compared to installing numerous sensors at each ventilation opening. This increases the building's energy efficiency, and reduces pollution and energy consumption. The building's ecological balance is improved.

[0010] The invention further relates to a system for detecting an open ventilation opening at least in a part of a building according to the main subject matter of claim 12.

[0011] The scope of this invention is to provide a system as shown above in order to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages and to provide a simple method without costly adaptation to reduce the energy consumption of a building and, in particular, to detect whether a ventilation opening of a building is open.

[0012] With regard to the invention, this is achieved with the features of claim 12.

[0013] This system can deliver the advantages initially claimed.

[0014] The dependent claims relate to further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0015] Here, explicit reference is made to the wording of the claims, whereby the claims are included at this point by reference in the description and are reproduced word for word.

[0016] The invention is described in more detail in the accompanying figures, with the preferred embodiments shown only as examples. With: Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a floor plan of a building section with components of the system in question and Fig. Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a particularly preferred embodiment of the respective method.

[0017] This invention relates to the detection of an open ventilation opening. 1 in a building section 2 , i.e., a room 9 or a compartment or an entire building.

[0018] The ventilation opening 1 refers preferably to any opening in the building section 2 , which can be opened and closed by the user at will. The term ventilation opening 1In this context, this includes in particular doors, windows, ventilation flaps and / or pet doors that are located between the inside of the building section. 2 and are attached to the exterior or surroundings. In the exterior wall of the respective building section. 2 At least one ventilation opening is installed.

[0019] The present method can monitor and record the variation of several physical dimensions or settings over time and compare their gradients with the boundary conditions to conclude whether the respective vent is open or closed.

[0020] It is planned that the primary temperature change of the building section 2 through a temperature sensor 3 is measured. It can be provided, for example, to measure the temperature sensor. 3 a thermostat 13 to read out, so that an independent temperature sensor 3is not required. The temperature of the building section 2 The data is preferably acquired in a discrete time manner. Recording temperature and other parameters at time intervals in the range of minutes proved sufficient to achieve adequate temporal resolution for the respective method. The temperature sensor 3 The reading is preferably taken every 10 to 15 minutes, although a significantly shorter interval can of course be used. For example, a much shorter interval is required for buildings with high temperature sensitivity. The preferred reading intervals for other sensors are listed below.

[0021] The recorded temperature change is used to determine an initial temperature gradient. As is known, the gradient is a measure of the increase and decrease of a value over a specific range, in this case over time.

[0022] The gradient can be measured using a suitably designed temperature sensor. 3 or a control unit 4 to be determined, whereby the temperature sensor 3 The device is connected or otherwise linked to ensure communication, e.g., via a radio interface. It can be provided that the gradient is determined as the variation between two successive measurements.

[0023] The first determined temperature gradient is sent to the control unit 4 transferred; and the control unit 4 compares this temperature gradient with at least one first temperature gradient boundary condition.

[0024] The control unit 4 preferably consists of a microcontroller, which allows for a fully or partially discrete structural design.

[0025] Furthermore, it is planned that at least one first gas sensor 5a first concentration gradient of at least one first trace gas for the building section 2 measures. In this context, the term trace gas refers in particular to water vapor, carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, methane, isobutane, ethanol and / or hydrogen. Separate gas sensors may be provided. 5 , 15 These sensors can be installed to detect various or all of the gases listed above. A mixed-gas sensor can also be used. Such sensors measure several different gases and provide only one output value; for example, the TGS2620 or TGS2600 sensors manufactured by Figaro.

[0026] In the corresponding embodiments, a temperature sensor is used for the timely measurement or determination of the first current concentration gradient based on measured values, preferably for determining a first concentration gradient and the energy consumption gradient shown below.

[0027] The first gas sensor 5 is connected and communicates with the control unit 4 and delivers an initial concentration gradient to the control unit 4 ; and the control unit 4 compares the concentration gradient with at least one first concentration gradient boundary condition.

[0028] Furthermore, it is planned that the energy consumption gradient of at least one HVAC unit 14 for the building section 2 through an energy consumption sensor 6 , 12is measured. HVAC is the industry-standard abbreviation for "heating, ventilation, and air conditioning." Another acronym is HLK for "heating, ventilation, and air conditioning." Accordingly, an HLK unit 14 a device that belongs to the building section 2 adds or removes heat.

[0029] Depending on the type of HVAC equipment used 14 can a single energy consumption sensor 6 , 12 can be used when a single unit handles the heating and cooling functions, or when different HVAC units are used. 14 They must be powered by the same energy source. Multiple energy consumption sensors can be used. 6 , 12 used as in Fig. 1 shown. A radiator 10 is a separate energy consumption sensor 6 assigned, and the air conditioning / ventilation unit 11 another energy consumption sensor 12 .

[0030] Based on the energy consumption process, a current energy consumption gradient is calculated.

[0031] At least one energy consumption sensor 6 , 12 is connected and communicates with the control unit 4 , and the control unit 4 compares the energy consumption gradient with the energy consumption gradient boundary condition.

[0032] It is preferably assumed that at least one first temperature gradient boundary condition and / or at least one first concentration gradient boundary condition and / or at least one energy consumption gradient boundary condition consists of at least one limit value. The same applies to further boundary conditions. In a simple embodiment of the present method, it is provided that the various gradients are each compared with a limit value. However, it can also be provided that further limit values ​​are linked or combined with one another. It can therefore be assumed that the various boundary conditions consist of an upper and a lower boundary function.Furthermore, it is preferably assumed that the boundary condition includes at least one limit value for the detection of an open ventilation opening in summer and an additional limit value for the detection of an open ventilation opening in winter, whereby a different development of the gradients is to be expected.

[0033] It is intended that the control unit 4 It generates a message indicating at least one open ventilation opening and sends such a message when certain conditions are met. The control unit 4 It features the corresponding display and / or alarm components and / or a telecommunications interface. The control unit 4 It preferably features a display to show the detected status or message. Furthermore, the control unit consists of... 4preferably consisting of an acoustic signal generator that attracts the user's attention. In particular, it is preferred that the control unit 4 has a GSM interface, WLAN interface or internet connection to send a message to the appropriate terminal device.

[0034] The control unit 4 generates and sends the message for an open vent if at least two of the following conditions are met within a given period: - the first temperature gradient satisfies the first temperature gradient boundary condition, - the first concentration gradient corresponds to the first concentration gradient boundary condition, - The energy consumption gradient corresponds to the energy consumption gradient boundary condition. The condition of fulfilling certain boundary conditions is linked using the logical operator "AND".

[0035] According to an advantageous development of this invention, the control unit generates and sends 4 The notification for an open ventilation opening will only be triggered if all three of the following conditions are met within a specific time period. The aforementioned condition increases the accuracy and stability of this method.

[0036] The accuracy and stability of this method can be further improved by using a second concentration gradient of at least one second trace gas, which differs from the first trace gas for the building section. 2 differentiated by at least one second gas sensor 15 is determined; and a second current concentration gradient is determined based on the second concentration variation, with the control unit 4 compares the concentration gradient with at least one second concentration gradient boundary condition, and the control unit 4It only generates and sends a message about an open ventilation opening if the second concentration gradient additionally fulfills the second concentration gradient boundary condition within a specified time period.

[0037] A particularly preferred embodiment of this method also provides that four parameters are measured and their gradients are compared with limit values, and a ventilation opening is recognized as open when three or all four of the four conditions are met.

[0038] The various measured values ​​are preferably determined essentially in parallel, although multiplex operation is also possible.

[0039] Preferably, the various boundary conditions are adjusted in a timely manner. Therefore, the same boundary conditions are not used for the entire day, but are adjusted depending on the time of day or a specific period, such as morning or evening. Preferably, at least one first temperature gradient boundary condition and / or at least one first concentration gradient boundary condition and / or a second concentration gradient boundary condition and / or at least one energy consumption gradient boundary condition are adjusted for the current period of the day.

[0040] Since the respective boundary conditions vary for different buildings and building parts 2 and significantly alter their use, it has proven advantageous to define these conditions in the respective part of the building 2To generate the first temperature gradient boundary condition, a first temperature change is recorded over a predetermined period, preferably between 4 and 6 weeks, but not less than one day. This first period is then divided into a predetermined number of second periods, preferably between 10 and 15 minutes. For each of these second periods, at least one first temperature gradient boundary condition is determined. In this way, a characteristic temperature fluctuation is recorded, and the thermal properties of the respective building section are determined. 2 This fluctuation becomes apparent in combination with other data on the operation of the HVAC unit. 14 and additional outdoor temperature measurement with an outdoor temperature sensor 16 can affect the temperature behavior of the building or part of the building 2can be determined under different conditions. The control unit 4 The first temperature gradient boundary condition is generated from the data above.

[0041] It is also planned that first temperature gradient boundary conditions for different time periods, preferably referred to as second time periods, will be defined, and the control unit 4 This stores these conditions. In this way, the characteristics of the building and the characteristics of the user can be better taken into account. In addition, a distinction can be made between working days and weekends or public holidays, provided that the building is operated differently on these days.

[0042] To adapt at least one first temperature gradient boundary condition to the current day period, it is provided that the first temperature gradient boundary condition is selected that was set for the second time period in which the current day period is included.

[0043] It is preferably assumed that the first concentration gradient boundary condition and / or the second concentration gradient boundary condition and / or the energy consumption gradient boundary condition are determined and distributed according to the definition of the first temperature gradient boundary condition shown above.

[0044] It has proven particularly advantageous to monitor the temperature gradient during the operation of an HVAC unit. 14 and can also be measured when the device is switched off. It is therefore preferably assumed that the first temperature gradient is measured in a first step using the HVAC unit. 14is detected during operation, and the HVAC unit 14 after which it is switched off, and a second temperature gradient with the HVAC unit 14 After a preset third time interval, preferably ranging from one to ten minutes, a second temperature gradient is generated and compared to a second temperature gradient boundary condition that differs from the first. The above condition further increases the stability of this method. The detection accuracy of open vents can thus be further improved. This clearly requires that the control unit 4 to the HVAC unit 14 is connected to the control unit 4 the HVAC unit 14 switches on and off. The first temperature gradient refers to the temperature gradient when the HVAC unit is activated. 14and the second temperature gradient on the temperature gradient with the HVAC unit deactivated 14 .

[0045] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a floor plan of a building section. 2 with the components of the respective system. The room in question 9 has a door 8 and two windows 7 as ventilation openings 2 . Space 9 It still includes two HVAC units. 14 : a radiator 10 and an air conditioner / fan 11 The two HVAC units 14 are each connected to an energy consumption sensor 6 , 12 connected.

[0046] Space 9 It also includes a thermostat. 13 with the temperature sensors 3 and a first and second gas sensor 5 , 15 , which is connected via the thermostat 13 with the control unit 4 is connected.

[0047] Fig. Figure 2 shows the flowchart of a particularly preferred embodiment of this method:

[0048] block 20 defines the start of the method. The change in the measured parameters or the parameters measurable by the device is recorded in blocks during the first time period. 21 The boundary conditions are recorded based on the variations above in block format. 22 determined.

[0049] In the block 24 The current measurement data are generated and the gradients are calculated. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a first temperature gradient, a first concentration gradient, a second concentration gradient, and an energy consumption gradient are determined. These are combined with the corresponding boundary conditions in block [missing information]. 23 compared. If all four boundary conditions are met, the question is answered with "yes". 31 in block 25answered and an open ventilation opening 1 , block 29 , recognized.

[0050] If the question of whether all four boundary conditions are met is addressed in the block 25 with no 30 The answer will be posted in the block. 26 The question then asks whether at least three of the boundary conditions are met. If the answer to this question is yes... 31 The answer will be given in block format. 28 verification by switching off the HVAC equipment 14 and a repeat measurement after a specific time period, as already described above. If the boundary conditions are met with this method, and the question in the block is answered... 31 If the answer is yes, then an open ventilation opening will be created. 1 detected, block 29 .

[0051] If the question is in block 28 with no 30 Once an answer is given, the method ends in a block. 27 The same applies if the question has already been answered with "no". 30 in block26 was answered.

Claims

[1] Method for detecting an open ventilation opening (1) in at least one building section (2), wherein a first temperature change for the building section (2) is detected by a temperature sensor (3), wherein an actual first temperature gradient is determined based on the temperature change, wherein a control unit (4) compares the first temperature gradient with at least one first temperature gradient boundary condition, wherein a gas sensor (5) detects at least one first concentration change of at least one trace gas for the building section (2), wherein an actual first concentration gradient is determined based on the first concentration change, wherein the control unit (4) compares the first concentration gradient with at least one first concentration gradient boundary condition, wherein an energy consumption sensor (6,12) determines the energy consumption gradient of at least one HVAC device (14) for the building section, wherein a current energy consumption gradient is determined based on the energy consumption change, wherein the control unit (4) compares the energy consumption gradient with at least one energy consumption gradient boundary condition, wherein the control unit (4) generates and sends an open vent message if at least two of the following conditions are met within an adjustable period: , - the first temperature gradient satisfies the first temperature gradient boundary condition, - the first concentration gradient satisfies the first concentration gradient boundary condition, - the energy consumption gradient fulfills the energy consumption gradient boundary condition. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by, that the control unit (4) generates and sends the message of an open ventilation opening only if all three of the following conditions are met within a given period of time. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that at least a second gas sensor (15) for the building section (2) detects a second concentration change of at least a second trace gas that differs from the first trace gas; and a second current concentration gradient is produced on the basis of the second concentration variation, wherein the control unit (4) compares the concentration gradient with at least a second concentration gradient boundary condition, and the control unit (4) generates and sends a message of an open vent only if the second concentration gradient additionally satisfies the second concentration gradient boundary condition within a given period of time. [4] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that a first temperature change is recorded for a predetermined period, preferably between 4 and 6 weeks, and that the first period is divided into a predetermined number of second periods, preferably between 30 minutes and 2 hours long, and that at least one first temperature gradient boundary condition is determined for at least one of these second periods based on the determined first temperature change. [5] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that a first concentration change is recorded for a predetermined period, preferably between 4 and 6 weeks, and that the first period is divided into a predetermined number of second periods, preferably between 30 minutes and 2 hours, and that at least one first concentration gradient boundary condition is determined for at least one of these second periods based on the determined first concentration change. [6] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by, that a first energy consumption fluctuation is recorded for a predetermined period, preferably between 4 and 6 weeks, and that the first period is divided into a predetermined number of second periods, preferably between 30 minutes and 2 hours long, and that at least one first energy consumption gradient boundary condition is determined for at least one of these second periods on the basis of the determined first energy consumption fluctuation. [7] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that at least one first temperature gradient boundary condition and / or at least one first concentration gradient boundary condition and / or at least one energy consumption gradient boundary condition is formed by at least one limit value. [8] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by, that at least one first temperature gradient boundary condition and / or at least one first concentration gradient boundary condition and / or at least one energy consumption gradient boundary condition are set to the current day period. [9] Method according to claim 8, characterized by , that at least one first temperature gradient boundary condition and / or at least one first concentration gradient boundary condition and / or at least one energy consumption gradient boundary condition is selected, which was determined for the second time period in which the current day period is located, to set at least one first temperature gradient boundary condition and / or at least one first concentration gradient boundary condition and / or at least one energy consumption gradient boundary condition to the current day period. [10] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by, that the change in concentration of at least one of the substances selected from the following list is determined in order to generate a first and / or second change in concentration of at least one or more trace gases: water vapor, carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, methane, isobutane, ethanol and / or hydrogen by a first and / or second gas sensor (5, 15). [11] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by, that the first temperature gradient is determined in a first step with the HVAC device (14) in operation, and then the HVAC device (14) is switched off, and a second temperature gradient is determined with the HVAC device (14) switched off after a preset third time period, which preferably ranges from one minute to ten minutes, and the second temperature gradient is compared with a second temperature gradient boundary condition that differs from the first temperature gradient boundary condition. [12] System for detecting an open ventilation opening (1) at least in a building section (2), in particular according to a method according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the system has at least one temperature sensor (3), at least one gas sensor (5) for measuring the concentration of at least one trace gas and at least one energy consumption sensor (6, 12) for measuring the energy consumption of at least one HVAC unit (14), and the temperature sensor (3), the first gas sensor (5) and the energy consumption sensor (6, 12) are connected in a communication circuit with the control unit (4).