Autonomous, radar and BLE-based heating control system with intelligent presence detection and boost function

Abstract

Heating control system comprising: • an FMCW radar sensor for detecting presence • a BLE interface for controlling a radiator thermostat, • an integrated web server for configuring heating parameters.

Description

2. Technical area:

[0001] The invention relates to a heating control system that regulates room temperature based on presence detection, manual control, and time profiles. The system uses radar technology and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to communicate with radiator thermostats and includes a standalone control concept that operates without a network or cloud connection. 3. State of the art:

[0002] Currently known heating control systems are often based on: - Schedules that are either fixed or configured via apps. - Motion detectors (e.g. PIR sensors), which, however, do not provide precise presence detection for quasi-static persons. - Cloud-based solutions that require a constant internet connection and pose data protection risks.

[0003] Most of these systems require a complex infrastructure or do not offer flexible and self-sufficient configuration options. 4. Aim of the invention:

[0004] The aim is to provide a heating control system that: - Precise presence detection enabled by FMCW radar technology. - Heating modes automatically switch between comfort and setback temperatures. - Offers a manual and automatic boost function. - Completely self-sufficient and works without cloud or external apps. - Easy configuration via an integrated web server. 5. Description of the invention:5.1 General structure

[0005] The system consists of: - FMCW radar sensor (27 GHz or 60 GHz): For precise presence detection, even for quasi-static persons. - 32-bit microcontroller (e.g. ESP32C3): For processing sensor data, controlling the thermostats and providing a web server. - BLE-enabled thermostats (e.g. EQIVA CC-RT-BLE): Communication and control of heating modes and temperatures. - Intelligent RGB LED (e.g. WS2812): For visual indication of the operating status. - Physical button: For manually activating the boost function or switching between comfort and setback temperatures. 5.2 Main functions 5.2.1 Presence detection - FMCW radar technology detects movement and presence, even when people are stationary. - Based on attendance data: - Comfort temperature (day mode): Activated when presence is detected. - Reduced temperature (night mode): Activated when you are away to save heating costs. 5.2.2 Boost function - Two activation modes: - Manually: By pressing the physical button. - Automatic: After a configurable time or upon return from absence. - Automatic return to standard temperature after the boost time has elapsed. 5.2.3 Heating modes (comfort and setback temperature) - Both modes can be set directly on the thermostat or configured via the web interface. - Automatic switching based on time profiles or presence. 5.2.4 Web server - The integrated web server enables configuration via a browser. - Adjustable parameters: - Boost duration and mode (manual / automatic). - Comfort and setback temperatures. - Time profiles and operating modes (Auto / Manual). 5.2.5 LED status display - RGB LED shows different operating modes: - Blue: No connection to the thermostat. - Green: Setback mode (night). - Orange: Comfort mode (day). - Red: Boost mode. - Yellow: Return to standard temperature. 6. Advantages of the invention: 1. Precise presence detection: FMCW radar detects motion and stillness, which outperforms PIR sensors. 2. Energy efficiency: Automatic switching between comfort and setback temperatures reduces energy consumption. 3. Self-sufficient function: No cloud or network dependency. 4. Easy to use: Configuration via web server or physical buttons. 5. Flexible use: Suitable for living and working spaces. 6. Boost logic: Efficient return to comfort temperature after absence. Explanations of drawings Fig. 1 complete system consisting of: remote control with presence sensor, Bluetooth transceiver, and wall-mounted booster button. Standard heating thermostat with temperature control and Bluetooth transceiver. Fig. 2 Representation of the signal flow: Presence or absence of persons is detected by the remote control and switches the heating thermostat, e.g. between 17° and 21°C.

Claims

[1] Heating control system comprising: • an FMCW radar sensor for detecting presence • a BLE interface for controlling a radiator thermostat, • an integrated web server for configuring heating parameters. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein an automatic and manual activation of a heating operation with increased heating power is provided, wherein a return to a defined temperature takes place after a predetermined period of time. [3] System according to one of the preceding claims, which is operated locally and without connection to external cloud services, wherein configuration is carried out via the integrated web server. [4] System according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one RGB LED for displaying the operating status, the connection states and the selected heating modes. [5] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the FMCW radar sensor is used for detecting quasi-static presence. [6] System according to one of the preceding claims, with automatic switching between different heating temperatures based on radar and time data. [7] System according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an integrated microcontroller with 32-bit architecture and BLE and Wi-Fi interfaces. [8] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein all system parameters are adjustable via a browser-based interface. [9] System according to one of the preceding claims, which is modular and allows extension by further sensors.

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