ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR PREVENTUALLY DETERMINING AND CONTROLLING THE FLOW TEMPERATURE OF A BUILDING HEATING SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an energy management system for predictively determining and controlling the flow temperature of a building heating system of at least one building, comprising a control unit intended for installation in a building, which has an internal building interface through which the control unit can receive a room temperature of at least one building room and can be connected to a building heating system, through which the control unit can transmit a target flow temperature of the building heating system and receive an actual flow temperature from the building heating system for controlling the flow temperature, and an external building interface, and with an external building control unit that can be connected to the control unit at least temporarily via the external building interface in order to receive building data from the control unit and / or transmit control data to the control unit.Furthermore, the invention relates to a control unit for use in an energy management system and to a working method for an energy management system and / or the control unit.

[0002] German patent DE 601 19 701 T2 discloses a method and a device for heating and cooling buildings and houses, in which a heat storage unit typically lasting 5-15 days is integrated with a heat pump and ventilation system to operate in a specially optimized synergy. A disadvantage is that the building is not heated optimally.

[0003] In WO 2011 / 000547 A2 a method for heating or cooling a building using a thermoactive ceiling is disclosed.

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to improve building heating.

[0005] The task is solved by an energy management system, a control unit and a working method with the features of the independent patent claims.

[0006] A proposed energy management system is designed for the predictive determination and control of the flow temperature of a building's heating system. The energy management system includes a control unit intended for installation within the building. This control unit comprises at least one internal interface through which it can receive the room temperature from at least one room. This room could, for example, contain a room temperature sensor that measures the temperature and transmits it to the control unit.

[0007] Furthermore, the control unit can be connected to the building heating system via the building's internal interface, whereby the control unit can transmit a target flow temperature to the building heating system and receive an actual flow temperature from the building heating system via the building's internal interface.

[0008] Furthermore, the control unit has an external interface, allowing it to be connected, at least temporarily, to an external control unit via this interface. Through this interface, the external control unit can receive building data from the control unit and / or transmit control data to the control unit.

[0009] According to the invention, the control unit has an algorithm by which the target flow temperature of the building heating system can be determined based on at least predicted weather data. Additionally or alternatively, the external control unit can also have the algorithm to determine the target flow temperature of the building heating system based on at least the predicted weather data. The algorithm can be stored as executable program code on the control unit and / or on the external control unit. This allows the weather influences in the near future, for example, for a day, to be taken into account when heating the building. This saves heating energy, which reduces costs and is also environmentally beneficial.

[0010] One effect that can contribute to heating the building is solar radiation. If the weather forecast predicts sunshine in the afternoon, for example, heat may be generated in the room that is to be heated to 23°C for the evening. The algorithm can take this into account and determine the target flow temperature accordingly in advance. The control unit then transmits this target flow temperature to the building's heating system, which regulates the flow temperature accordingly.

[0011] Furthermore, the forecast weather data for winter months can predict an outside temperature of 0°C in the afternoon and -5°C in the evening. The control unit can use its algorithm to take these temperature conditions into account and determine and regulate the target flow temperature accordingly. For example, the control unit or the algorithm will set a higher target flow temperature than if the outside temperature were 15°C.

[0012] The algorithm can also be used to determine the target flow temperature over time. This can be advantageous, for example, if the heating process takes a relatively long time, such as a day. Depending on the forecasted weather data, the control unit can adjust the target flow temperature differently for mornings than for afternoons, as solar radiation may contribute more in the afternoon. Furthermore, the outside temperature may be higher in the afternoon than at night, so the algorithm can also take this effect into account.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the building-external control unit is an internet-based software platform. This allows for a simple connection between the control device and the building-external control unit. Furthermore, a connection to the building-external control unit can be established from anywhere via the internet.

[0014] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the building heating system includes a heating system located within the building. This heating system comprises an internal heating network, which may consist of pipes and / or radiators. This allows the building to heat itself independently. Additionally or alternatively, the building heating system can also include a district heating network, whereby the heating energy is supplied to the building via a connection line. The district heating network can receive the heating energy from a combined heat and power plant, a large heat pump, or similar equipment and deliver it to the building. The advantage of a district heating network is that it generally has a higher efficiency than heating systems located within the building. The control unit can also establish a connection to the district heating network via the building's internal interface.Preferably, the control unit establishes a connection via the building's internal interface to a transfer station that transfers the heating energy from the district heating network to the building's internal heating network.

[0015] It is also advantageous if the building heating system includes a heat pump, an immersion heater, a boiler, a buffer storage tank, and / or an air conditioner. This allows the building's heating system or the district heating network to be supplemented with additional heating capacity. In the case of a district heating network, the immersion heater, boiler, heat pump, air conditioner, or buffer storage tank must, of course, be appropriately sized. The buffer storage tank, for example, can be used to temporarily store excess energy for later use.

[0016] It is advantageous if the control unit and / or the external control unit is designed to receive predicted and actual weather data, grid stability information, electricity market prices, and / or temperatures from the district heating network via an input interface. The district heating network temperatures could, for example, be the flow temperatures at which the circulating water supplies the buildings with heat energy. Additionally or alternatively, the control unit and / or the external control unit can also store this data. The predicted and / or actual weather data can, for example, be transmitted to the control unit from a weather station in the vicinity of the building. Using predicted and actual weather data, the target flow temperature can be calculated and controlled more accurately.Actual weather data can be used, for example, if no predicted weather data can be transmitted to the control unit and / or the external control unit.

[0017] It is also advantageous if the forecasted and / or actual weather data can be received online from at least one weather station. This allows, for example, access to weather data from a weather service. Additionally or alternatively, the weather data can include the outside temperature, solar radiation, cloud cover, probability of precipitation, and / or wind speed. This allows the significant weather influences on the building to be factored in. The weather station can transmit the weather data to the control unit and / or the external control unit.

[0018] It is advantageous if the control unit and / or the external control unit can determine the building's location. For example, the control unit can have an integrated GPS (Global Positioning System) so that it can independently determine the building's position. Additionally or alternatively, the building's location can also be determined using a postal code entered by the user. This allows the control unit to be easily informed of the building's location.

[0019] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the control unit and / or the external control unit can detect at least one online weather station located in the vicinity of the building, depending on the building's location, and / or connect to it to retrieve weather data. This allows reliable weather data for the area surrounding the building to be obtained easily.

[0020] Furthermore, the control unit includes an initial analysis program that can determine and / or estimate the building's heat capacity. This initial analysis program can also be located in the external control unit, either additionally or alternatively. The initial analysis program also determines the heat capacity in an iterative process.

[0021] Thermal capacity can be a key characteristic of a building. It measures how much heat a building can store. Thermal capacity can depend on factors such as the building's size; a larger building can have a higher thermal capacity. It can also depend on the building's mass, with thicker walls storing more heat and thus exhibiting a higher thermal capacity. Furthermore, thermal capacity can be influenced by building insulation. Higher thermal capacity can be advantageous, for example, as a building with high thermal capacity cools down slowly. A building with high thermal capacity reacts slowly to temperature changes. The first analysis program can be used to determine the building's thermal capacity. This program can also be used to determine the thermal capacity of at least one room within the building.

[0022] Furthermore, the heat capacity of the building can also change, so that the determination of the heat capacity of the building and / or at least one building room can be carried out at certain intervals, for example daily, weekly or monthly.

[0023] The heat capacity can also be taken into account by the algorithm when predictively determining the target flow temperature. This aspect is considered, for example, if at least one room in a building is to be heated to, say, 23°C in the evening. With a higher heat capacity, the heating process must begin earlier than in a building with a lower heat capacity, as a significant portion of the heat energy is used, for instance, to warm thick walls. Additionally or alternatively, to heat at least one room by the evening, the target flow temperature can be increased, thus making more heating power available for that room.

[0024] The thermal capacity of a building can be determined, for example, by heating or cooling it by a specific amount. If the building is heated with a known actual flow temperature over a certain period, the control unit can calculate the heating energy supplied to the building. The control unit and / or the external control unit can then record a room temperature profile. The thermal capacity can be determined, for example, from the slope of the room temperature profile and / or the heating output of the building's heating system. A temperature difference before and after heating can also be determined from a measurement of the building's room temperature. From this, the building's thermal capacity can be calculated.

[0025] Furthermore, the thermal capacity can also become noticeable during weather changes, which the control unit can also take into account using the algorithm. A comparatively high thermal capacity of the building (for example, because the building has thick walls) means that a building cools down only slowly when a temperature drop is predicted. The algorithm can take this into account and adjust the target flow temperature accordingly. Since the building cools down only slowly, for example, there is no need to counteract this with a high target flow temperature to, for instance, maintain 23°C for the evening hours.

[0026] An advantageous further development of the invention is that the control unit estimates and / or calculates the building's heat capacity using the first analysis program. The control unit performs this using an iterative process. Estimation can be applied, for example, when not all building parameters are known. Additionally or alternatively, the heat capacity can be calculated when all building parameters are known. This allows for a more precise determination of the heat capacity.

[0027] Furthermore, the control unit and / or the external control unit has a second analysis program that can calculate and / or estimate passive heat flow into and / or out of the building. Passive heat flow can be the amount of heat that escapes from the building, for example, through conduction, radiation, and / or convection. Passive heat flow can therefore be negative, meaning more heat energy escapes from the building than enters it from the outside. However, passive heat flow can also be the amount of heat that enters the building, for example, through conduction, radiation, and / or convection. Passive heat flow can therefore be positive, meaning more energy enters the building from the outside than escapes.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, the second analysis program can also calculate and / or estimate passive heat flow based on building parameters. Forecasted and / or actual weather data can also be incorporated into the calculation and / or estimate. Building parameters can include, for example, the degree of building insulation, the building's exterior surface area, and / or its orientation. The better the building is insulated, the lower the passive heat flow through conduction into or out of the building.

[0029] Building parameters can also include the building's surface area and / or the arrangement of its windows. For example, some solar radiation can enter the building through the windows and contribute to its heating capacity. In this case, the passive heat flow can be positive, meaning more heat energy enters the building from the outside than escapes. This positive passive heat flow can then be used to supplement the building's heating system.

[0030] The control unit can, for example, receive weather forecasts indicating that a sunny day is expected. Based on building parameters, particularly the size and / or orientation of the building's windows, the control unit can calculate the amount of passive heat flow entering the building from outside and contributing to the heating output. The control unit, or rather its algorithm, can then take this into account when determining the target flow temperature. The target flow temperature can be set lower accordingly, thus saving heating energy. The control unit can also use the forecasted weather data to predict the expected level of passive heat flow at different times of day. From this, the control unit, and especially its algorithm, can predictively calculate the target flow temperature.

[0031] Furthermore, the control unit features a third analysis program that can record, determine, and / or estimate at least one time-based room temperature profile. This profile reflects the time course of the room temperature received via the building's internal interface and / or the input interface. This allows, for example, the creation of a room temperature profile for a day, a week, or a year, etc.

[0032] Additionally or alternatively, the control unit can be designed to predict the room temperature profile over time based on passive heat flux, heat capacity, actual flow temperature, and / or target flow temperature. As described above, passive heat flux can depend on the forecasted weather data. For example, if a sunny day is expected, the passive heat flux can be positive, allowing heat energy to flow into the building from the outside. This positive passive heat flux can supplement the building's heating system. Passive heat flux can therefore also influence the room temperature profile for the day.

[0033] Additionally or alternatively, the control unit can also take the building's thermal capacity into account. For example, if the building has thick walls, the room temperature will change more gradually compared to a building with thinner walls.

[0034] Furthermore, a building with thinner walls may exhibit a different room temperature profile than a building with thicker walls. The building's heat capacity can also depend on the building material.

[0035] The control unit can take these factors into account and use them to predict the room temperature profile over time. Additionally or alternatively, the room temperature profile can also be determined, estimated, and / or predicted by the building's external control unit.

[0036] For example, if at least one room in a building needs to be heated by 10°C over a period of three hours, and the building has a high thermal capacity, the heating system must deliver a high heating output. At least part of this heating output can be provided by passive heat flow, for instance, if a sunny day is expected and the building has a large number of windows. The control unit and / or the external control unit or algorithm can take this into account to determine and regulate the target flow temperature.

[0037] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the third analysis program analyzes at least one room temperature profile as a function of weather data, passive heat flux, the actual flow temperature, and / or the target flow temperature. For example, the third analysis program can analyze the room temperature profile over a full day (24 hours). It can also analyze the room temperature profile during a night when no solar radiation contributes to passive heat flux. Furthermore, the outside temperature during the night can be known from the weather data. Additionally, the actual flow temperatures are known at every point in time. Using the analysis of the room temperature profile, a slope can be calculated, for example, representing the change in room temperature over time. From this, the influences of weather data and / or heat capacity on the room temperature profile can be analyzed.In a similar future scenario (i.e., with the same initial conditions), for example, if the outside temperature is the same or at least similar, it is possible to deduce how the room temperature will change over time.

[0038] Furthermore, the third analysis program can determine at least one room response time. The room response time could, for example, be the time it takes for the room temperature in at least one room in a building to change by 1°C at a given heating output. The room response time determines, for instance, when heating must begin in order to reach a temperature of 23°C at a specific time, such as in the evening.

[0039] Furthermore, the building's response can also be determined using the third analysis program. This response can include, for example, identifying under which predicted and / or actual weather conditions the building heats up without requiring any heating output from the building's heating system.

[0040] However, the building response can also be a reaction, in particular a temperature change, of the building when the building is heated with a certain amount of heating energy.

[0041] It is also advantageous if the third analysis program, used to determine the building temperature profile, identifies weather changes based on weather data. These weather data can be forecasted and / or actual weather data. For example, if the third analysis program is predicting the building temperature profile for the next 12 to 24 hours, it can be beneficial to consider a weather change, such as from sunshine to rain. This can reveal that, for instance, passive heat flux will decrease. This portion of the heating output will then be reduced, resulting in a less steep rise in the building temperature profile than if the passive heat flux were higher. Using the third analysis program, a start time, an end time, and / or a type of weather change can be determined. This allows for a more precise determination of the building temperature profile.The control unit can take such a point in time of weather change into account with the algorithm in order to, for example, increase the target flow temperature accordingly from this point in time if the weather change occurs from sunshine to rain.

[0042] It is also advantageous if the third analysis program for determining the building response time identifies a time window within which the room temperature remains constant. This time window can also be defined as a period in which the room temperature remains constant within a specified tolerance. For example, the third analysis program can determine the building response time starting from the beginning of the weather change. Additionally or alternatively, the third analysis program can also determine the building response time based on weather data, passive heat flow, the target flow temperature, and / or the actual flow temperature.

[0043] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the third analysis program for determining the building's response identifies a first point in time at which the room temperature changes and a second point in time at which the change in room temperature ceases. Additionally or alternatively, a temperature difference can also be determined between the first and second points in time. This temperature difference can be positive or negative, allowing the building's response to be derived from it.

[0044] Advantageously, the control unit can maintain a constant actual flow temperature, especially when the building temperature is known, to determine the building's response. If the building cools down, it can be concluded that the heating output corresponding to the actual flow temperature is insufficient to compensate for the heat losses.

[0045] Alternatively, the actual flow temperature can be changed to determine the building's response. For example, the actual flow temperature can be increased. Based on the resulting temperature increase, the building's response can also be adjusted.

[0046] The three analysis programs mentioned can also be combined into a single analysis program, which thus has several functions, in particular those of the individual analysis programs.

[0047] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the control unit and / or the external control unit is designed to record the energy production of an energy generation unit. Additionally or alternatively, the control unit and / or the external control unit can also record grid power consumption. The energy generation unit can, for example, comprise a photovoltaic system, a wind turbine, and / or a combined heat and power plant (CHP) assigned to the building and generating energy for the building. The energy generation unit can be located on the building and / or in the building's vicinity. Alternatively, the energy generation unit can be a wind farm or a ground-mounted photovoltaic system that is not assigned to a single building but has a capacity sufficient to supply energy to a large number of buildings. Such a capacity can range from several megawatts to several tens of megawatts.The energy source can advantageously be electrical energy, which can be easily converted into heat, for example, in a heat pump, using a heating element and / or heating panels for the building's heating system. The control unit can regulate energy consumption based on energy production and / or grid power consumption, advantageously prioritizing the use of energy generated by the energy production unit. The control unit can store any excess energy not required for heating the building in a buffer storage tank for later use.

[0048] Furthermore, the control unit can predict energy production based on forecasted weather data. For example, if the building has a photovoltaic system and the forecast predicts a sunny day, a significant amount of energy will be available for heating. Additionally or alternatively, the external control unit can also predict energy production based on the forecasted weather data. This future energy availability can then be used for heating. In particular, the algorithm can shift a heating schedule to a time when energy is available from the energy generation unit. This reduces the amount of energy that needs to be drawn from the grid.

[0049] Furthermore, the control unit uses a control system to determine the optimal time for converting energy into heat based on weather data. The control unit can also determine this time based on the building's thermal capacity, either additionally or alternatively. Alternatively, the external control unit can also incorporate this control system to determine the optimal time for converting energy into heat based on weather data. The energy in question could be, for example, that generated by the energy generation unit. This allows the control unit to determine, for instance, based on the weather forecast, when a high energy level will be available, such as during sunny weather from the photovoltaic system. The control unit can then, for example, delay the conversion of energy into heat to utilize the energy production predicted by the weather forecast.For example, if the weather forecast predicts sunshine in the afternoon and the building is to be heated to 23°C in the evening, the control unit can delay the heating until the afternoon if self-generated energy from the photovoltaic system is available. This reduces the amount of energy that needs to be drawn from the grid, thus lowering costs.

[0050] The control unit can then supply the building's heating system with the generated energy based on the time of day. Additionally or alternatively, the control unit can supply a hot water storage tank and / or buffer tank with unused energy generated by the energy generation unit. The energy can be stored in the hot water storage tank and / or buffer tank.

[0051] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the control unit is designed to regulate the building's heating system based on the building's calculated heat capacity and / or forecasted weather data, ensuring that primarily self-generated electricity, particularly from a photovoltaic system and / or a wind turbine, is used, and secondarily purchased grid electricity. This can result in energy cost savings.

[0052] It is advantageous if the energy management system comprises a large number of control units, each located in a building within a building complex. The building complex can be one or part of a microgrid. A microgrid is a local network of electricity / heat generators and the consumers, i.e., the buildings. The electricity / heat generators can include, for example, waste incineration plants, coal-fired power plants, large heat pumps, and / or gas turbine plants. A microgrid can operate autonomously, meaning the energy generators produce the energy for the consumers. The microgrid can, for example, comprise a few dozen buildings and one energy generator, or several hundred buildings and multiple energy generators. Within the microgrid, the energy generated by the energy generators can be transported to the consumers, i.e., the buildings, via a district heating network. The district heating network can, for example, include a pipe system that supplies hot water to the buildings.A transfer station may be installed at the buildings, which receives energy from the district heating network and feeds it into the building. The transfer station may include a heat exchanger that transfers the energy from the district heating network to the heating system located in the building.

[0053] The district heating network can have a buffer storage tank for energy storage. The buffer storage tank can also be the pipe system itself, since the hot water contained within the pipe system can also absorb energy.

[0054] As described above, a control unit can be installed in each building. Each control unit can retrieve building data from its assigned building, such as room temperature, room temperature profile, current flow temperature, and / or the target flow temperature of a heating system within the building. Each control unit can incorporate an algorithm to determine the target flow temperature based on forecasted weather data. The control units thus manage their respective building heating systems. For example, they control the building's internal heating systems and / or the heat input from the district heating network. Forecasted and / or actual weather data can be transmitted to each building, depending on its location.

[0055] Each control unit can establish a connection with the higher-level, external building control unit via the control units' external interface, enabling data exchange. This allows the control units to transmit building data to the external building control unit, such as heat capacity, building insulation, room temperature, room temperature profiles, window area size, and / or building orientation. The external building control unit can receive forecasted and / or actual weather data and transmit it to the control units via the external building interface. The external building control unit can also include the algorithm that determines the target flow temperature for the building heating system based on at least the forecasted weather data. The external building control unit can determine the target flow temperature for each building individually and transmit it to the corresponding control unit within the building.The control unit then regulates the target flow temperature of the building's heating system for the respective building. Advantageously, the external control unit can include an internet-based software platform, allowing the control units of the individual buildings to be controlled decentrally.

[0056] From the transmitted building data, the external control unit can also draw conclusions about various other building parameters. For example, the external control unit can infer the size of the building's windows and its orientation from the room temperature profiles and the current flow temperature. If the current flow temperature is set low and the room temperature nevertheless rises above it, it can be concluded that additional heat energy has flowed into the room or the building. The external control unit can compare this room temperature profile with the forecasted weather data. If, for example, the weather data predicts or has predicted sunshine at the time when the room temperature rose above the current flow temperature, the external control unit can infer the size of the windows and / or the building's orientation.

[0057] If the room temperature rises above the actual flow temperature when there is no sunshine, it can be concluded that a heat source is present in the building or room. For example, if the room temperature rises quickly and then falls only slowly after reaching a maximum temperature, the building's external control unit can deduce that the building was heated, for instance, by a tiled stove. A tiled stove can heat the building or room relatively quickly. It then releases the heat energy slowly, so the room temperature drops only gradually.

[0058] The inferences described here regarding the size of the window areas, the building's orientation, and / or whether a heat source is located in the building or room can also be drawn by the control unit, either additionally or alternatively. These inferences can be drawn by the control unit and / or by the external control unit, for example, using a dedicated analysis program. The inferences can then be transmitted from the control unit to the external control unit.

[0059] Furthermore, the energy management system is designed so that excess energy can be temporarily stored in a buffer storage tank for the building's heating system, using the thermal capacity of the building(s), and / or in a district heating network. This excess energy might be present, for example, on a sunny day when the photovoltaic system or ground-mounted photovoltaic system generates more energy than can be consumed. The excess energy can also be temporarily stored in the building's heating system. This can be achieved by heating the heating medium circulating in the building's heating circuit, such as water. In particular, the excess energy can be temporarily stored as heat in the thermal capacity of the building(s).The building's control units can, for example, inform the external control unit how much energy can be temporarily stored using the building's thermal capacity. The control units can communicate the building's capacity status to the external control unit. If excess energy is available, the room temperature or building temperature can be set to a certain amount above the target temperature. This amount could be, for example, 1 to 2°C, which the building's occupants should not perceive as a malfunction of the heating system or as uncomfortable. The building can thus be overheated to store the excess energy. This excess energy stored in the building can then be used when the photovoltaic system is no longer generating energy, for example, at night.The energy stored in the building can delay the need for additional heating via the building's heating system, thus saving on heating costs.

[0060] Furthermore, a working method for an energy management system for the predictive determination and control of the flow temperature of a building heating system in at least one building is proposed. The flow temperature could, for example, be the temperature at which radiators in the building are supplied, enabling the building to be heated.

[0061] According to the invention, the working method is carried out with the energy management system, which has at least one feature of the preceding and / or following description.

[0062] The operating procedure can be carried out, for example, by the aforementioned control unit, which is located within and assigned to a building. Additionally or alternatively, the operating procedure can also be carried out by the external control unit described above. The operating procedure can utilize the algorithm described above, which determines and / or predicts the target flow temperature based on at least the forecasted weather data.

[0063] The working method can additionally or alternatively use the analysis program to calculate, for example, the heat capacity of the building, the passive heat flow into or out of the building, the energy production of the energy generation unit and / or the room temperature profile, the room response time and / or the building response.

[0064] Furthermore, a control unit for use in an energy management system is proposed, which is designed according to at least one feature of the preceding and / or following description. Additionally or alternatively, the control unit can also be used in a working process which is designed according to at least one feature of the preceding and / or following description.

[0065] Even if the preceding and / or subsequent description describes the procedure and / or the operation of the control unit or the building-external control unit in such a way that it calculates, for example, the heat capacity or the weather influences itself, it is of course the case that the control unit and / or the building-external control unit can access the algorithm, one of the analysis programs and / or the control system.

[0066] Further advantages of the invention are described in the following exemplary embodiment. It shows: Figure 1 a schematic view of a building with a control unit, Figure 2 a schematic view of a building complex, with a second building heating system as a district heating network and an external control unit, Figure 3 a time-temperature diagram of a building's heating process and Figure 4 A time-temperature-power diagram of a building's heating process.

[0067] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a building 2 with a control unit 1. The control unit 1 is part of an energy management system for predictively determining and controlling the flow temperature of a building heating system 3a, 3b. The control unit 1 has at least one internal building interface (not shown here) through which it can receive the room temperature of at least one room in the building. Furthermore, the control unit 1 can receive forecasted weather data via an input interface. The forecasted weather data can also be received by the control unit 1 via the internal building interface, either additionally or alternatively.

[0068] The control unit 1 can also establish a connection to a building heating system 3a, 3b via the building's internal interface. Through this interface, the control unit 1 can transmit a target flow temperature to the building heating system 3a, 3b to regulate the flow temperature. Furthermore, the control unit 1 can receive the actual flow temperature from the building heating system 3a, 3b.

[0069] According to the present embodiment, the building heating system 3a is a heating system in building 2 and can, for example, include a heat pump. The building heating system 3a can also supply heat to at least one room in the building via a water circuit and radiators. The water leaving the building heating system 3a has a flow temperature. The water returning to the building heating system 3a has a return temperature. The difference between these temperatures heats the at least one room in the building.

[0070] Building 2 can additionally or alternatively be heated by a building heating system 3b, which in this embodiment is designed as a district heating network. The heating output can be introduced into building 2 via a connection line 15 of the district heating network.

[0071] The district heating network can transfer the heating output to the heating circuit with the radiators in building 2 via a transfer station.

[0072] Control unit 1 features an algorithm that can predictively determine and regulate the target flow temperature of the building heating system 3a, 3b based on at least forecasted weather data. This allows, for example, the anticipated cooling at night to be taken into account. The cooling can also be anticipated based on the forecasted weather data if a temperature drop is predicted. For example, if the room temperature in a building is to be kept constant, the target flow temperature can be increased in advance before or during dusk to counteract the cooling at night.

[0073] The algorithm can additionally or alternatively be arranged and executed in an external control unit 14. The external control unit 14 can establish a connection with the control unit 1 via an external interface (not shown) so that the external control unit 14 and the control unit 1 can exchange data. For example, the control unit 1 can transmit the room temperature and room temperature profiles, as well as the heating output of the building heating system 3a installed in building 2, to the external control unit 14. The external control unit 14 can, for example, transmit forecasted and / or actual weather data to the control unit 1. Furthermore, the external control unit 14 can also inform the control unit 1 of the target flow temperature that the control unit 1 should set at the building heating system 3a.

[0074] The control unit 1 can also have an initial analysis program with which the heat capacity of building 2 can be determined. Additionally or alternatively, the external control unit 14 can also have the initial analysis program with which the heat capacity of building 2 can be determined. It is also possible to determine only the heat capacity for at least one room in the building. The heat capacity is, for example, a specific heat storage capacity of building 2. Building 2 comprises at least one wall 4 and a roof 5, which contribute to the heat capacity of building 2. Furthermore, the wall 4 and / or the roof 5 have building insulation 6, which also contributes to the heat capacity. For example, the heat capacity of building 2 is increased if the walls 4 and / or the roof 5 are thicker. This allows the walls 4 and / or the roof 5 to store more thermal energy.

[0075] Furthermore, the insulation 6 helps to retain heat energy within building 2, so that, for example, building 2 cools down more slowly in winter. Alternatively, in summer, heat energy can be retained outside building 2. In summer, it can be advantageous for building 2 to be cooler than its surroundings.

[0076] The heat capacity of building 2 thus affects how it must be heated to reach a specific temperature at a given time. If building 2 has a high heat capacity, it reacts slowly to temperature changes resulting from weather conditions. Additionally or alternatively, building 2 also reacts slowly to changes in heating output from the building heating system 3a, 3b. Therefore, the heat capacity can be advantageously taken into account when heating building 2.

[0077] To regulate the heating output of building heating systems 3a and 3b, the algorithm can determine the target flow temperature based on at least the predicted weather data and the heat capacity determined by the first analysis program. For example, if a room temperature of 23°C is to be reached in at least one room in the building in the evening, the algorithm can adjust the target flow temperature based on the heat capacity. If the room only has a temperature of 18°C ​​at midday, which can be measured using a temperature sensor located in the room, and building 2 has a high heat capacity, building 2 will react slowly to the heating output supplied to the room. To still reach 23°C in the evening, the algorithm can set the target flow temperature accordingly. The algorithm can also start the heating phase earlier to warm the room more quickly.

[0078] A third analysis program can also be used to determine the room temperature profile for the building. This profile shows the room temperature over time. Using this profile, it can be determined whether a specific room temperature can be achieved at a specific time with the current heating output.

[0079] The algorithm can also take predicted weather data into account to determine and control the target flow temperature. For example, the building will heat up faster if the outside temperature is 15°C instead of 0°C.

[0080] The heating output can also be calculated by the algorithm and / or an analysis program if, for example, the return temperature is measured and transmitted via the input interface to the control unit 1 and / or the building-external control unit 14. The heating output can be calculated from the difference between the flow and return temperatures, as well as, for example, the amount of water delivered to a radiator in the building during a heating period.

[0081] Furthermore, the algorithm can determine the target flow temperature based on the calculated heat capacity of building 2. From the supplied heating power and the heat capacity, it can be easily determined by how much the temperature of at least one room in the building will rise during a heating period.

[0082] Based on the predicted weather data, the algorithm can also determine the target flow temperature. If predicted weather data forecasting a sunny day is transmitted to control unit 1 via the input interface, a passive heat flow can be configured such that heat flows into building 2 and also contributes to the heating output of at least one room in the building. Solar radiation can enter building 2 and the at least one room through window 7 (for simplicity, only one window 7 is designated with a reference symbol) and heat both the building and the room. However, heat can also flow into building 2 and the room if the outside temperature is higher than the room temperature. Thus, a heat input 9 into building 2 and the at least one room can occur.The heat input 9 depends, for example, on solar radiation, the outside temperature, precipitation, cloud cover, and / or wind conditions. The passive heat flux can also be determined by a second analysis program, which is executed in the control unit 1 and / or in the external control unit 14.

[0083] Furthermore, heat loss 10a, 10b can occur. Heat loss 10a could, for example, be a loss due to a leak in a door 8 and / or the windows 7. Heat loss 10b could, for example, be a loss due to the insulation 6.

[0084] If the heat input 9 is greater than the heat loss 10a, 10b, the passive heat flux is positive. This means that more heat energy flows into building 2 than flows out of it. Conversely, if the heat loss 10a, 10b is greater than the heat input 9, the passive heat flux is negative. This means that more heat energy flows out of building 2 than flows into it.

[0085] Passive heat flow depends on building parameters and weather conditions. One building parameter is, for example, the area of ​​the windows 7. Larger windows 7 can conduct more solar radiation into the building 2, thus increasing the heat input 9.

[0086] The second analysis program can thus determine the passive heat flux based on the predicted weather data. If, for example, the passive heat flux is positive, the second analysis program can add this to the heating output of building heating systems 3a and 3b and determine the target flow temperature accordingly.

[0087] Furthermore, the control unit 1 can receive actual weather data from a weather station 11 located in the vicinity of building 2. The actual weather data can be transmitted from weather station 11 to the control unit 1 via the input interface. Weather station 11 can, for example, record the outside temperature, solar radiation, amount of precipitation, probability of precipitation, cloud cover, and / or wind speed.

[0088] Building 2 may, for example, have a photovoltaic system 12 on its roof 5. This photovoltaic system 12 can generate electricity when the sun is shining. Furthermore, a wind turbine 13 may be located near Building 2, which can also generate electricity.

[0089] The building heating system 3a, 3b can be operated using electrical energy. Additionally or alternatively, the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic system 12 can also be stored in a buffer storage tank (not shown here). The buffer storage tank can, for example, include batteries for storing the electrical energy. Additionally or alternatively, the buffer storage tank can also store thermal energy. For this purpose, the buffer storage tank can be designed as a water tank and / or as a latent heat storage tank.

[0090] However, the actual weather data can also come from an online weather station and be fed to the control unit 1 via the input interface.

[0091] The control unit 1 can also include a GPS system, allowing it to independently determine its own position and retrieve actual and / or forecast weather data. Additionally or alternatively, the user can enter their postal code into the control unit 1, enabling it to retrieve actual and / or forecast weather data for the surrounding area.

[0092] The control unit 1 can receive the weather forecast as input using the weather station 11, the online weather station and / or the external control unit 14.

[0093] Figure 2 Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an energy management system with a large number of buildings 2, which are grouped into a building complex 17. For the sake of simplicity, the following are shown in the Figure 2 only two buildings 2a, 2b, two control units 1a, 1b etc. are provided with a reference mark.

[0094] According to the present embodiment, a control unit 1a, 1b is arranged in each building 2a, 2b, and each is connected to the building heating systems 3a, 3a' located in the respective buildings 2a, 2b. The control units 1a, 1b can receive the current flow temperature from the respective building heating systems 3a, 3a'. Additionally, the control units 1a, 1b can also receive the room temperatures of the respective buildings 2a, 2b. The control units 1a, 1b can each establish a data connection 18a, 18b with the building-external control unit 14 via external interfaces in order to exchange building data. The building-external control unit 14 can transmit the predicted and / or actual weather data for the respective locations of the buildings 2a, 2b to the control units 1a, 1b. Furthermore, the building-external control unit 14 can use the algorithm to determine the target flow temperature and transmit it to the control units 1a, 1b.The control units 1a, 1b can then regulate the building heating systems 3a, 3a' accordingly, so that the target flow temperature is set.

[0095] Additionally or alternatively, buildings 2a and 2b of the building complex 17 can also be heated by means of a second building heating system 3b. According to the present embodiment, the second building heating system 3b can be a district heating network. The district heating network is connected to a combined heat and power plant 16, which can generate electricity and heat. Generally, the heat is supplied to buildings 2a and 2b via hot water circulating in pipes, which also has a flow temperature. A connection line 15a, 15b leads into each building 2a, 2b to supply the heat energy. The connection lines 15a, 15b can lead to transfer stations (not shown here) in the respective buildings 2a, 2b, which, for example, transfer the heat energy into the heating system of buildings 2a, 2b by means of heat exchangers. There, the heat energy can be used for heating via radiators.

[0096] The external control unit 14 can also have a data connection 18c to the power plant 16 and / or the second building heating system 3b. In the external control unit 14, the algorithm can predictively determine the target flow temperature of the second building heating system 3b, in this case, the district heating network. The external control unit 14 can then transmit the target flow temperature to the power plant 16, whereupon the power plant 16 can adjust the flow temperature. For example, the power plant 16 can lower the flow temperature if the algorithm determines a lower target flow temperature based on forecasted weather data, such as predicted sunshine. This allows energy to be saved in the power plant 16.

[0097] The external control unit 14 can also inform the combined heat and power plant 16 that the flow temperature in the district heating network should be increased, for example, because there is currently excess energy available that can be temporarily stored in the district heating network for later use. This excess energy could, for example, originate from the energy generation unit 13, which supplies the combined heat and power plant 16 and / or the second building heating system 3b with energy.

[0098] Figure 3 The graph shows a diagram where the temperature T is plotted against time t. For example, the graph could show the temperature T over a full day. The graph also shows cloud cover 19 and wind speed 20. The wind speed 20 could be given in kilometers per hour or meters per second, for example.

[0099] The diagram also shows a flow temperature of 21°C, as predicted by the algorithm for the entire day. The algorithm can also continuously predict the flow temperature of 21°C for, for example, the next 6 hours.

[0100] Furthermore, the diagram shows a target temperature 22, such as that set by a resident of building 2 in a room. In this exemplary embodiment, the target flow temperature is constant at, for example, 23°C.

[0101] The diagram also shows the current temperature of 23 and an outside temperature of 24.

[0102] The diagram begins at time t0. At this time t0, the actual temperature 23 is below the target temperature 22. The flow temperature 21 of the building heating system 3 is higher than the target temperature 22, so the building 2 or a room is heated. Until time t1, the actual temperature 23 rises until the target temperature 22 is reached.

[0103] During the time interval t0 - t1, the heat capacity of building 2, or at least of a room, can be determined based on the change in the actual temperature 23. Using the known flow temperature 21, the analysis program in the control unit 1 and / or in the external control unit 14 can calculate the energy supplied to the room or building 2. The energy during the time interval t0 - t1 yields the heating output. This heating output, together with the temperature difference between the actual temperature 23 at times t0 and t1, gives the heat capacity.

[0104] Within the time interval t0 - t1, the heat capacity and the time required to start heating in order to reach a specific temperature 23 at a given time t can be calculated. This lead time naturally depends on the heat capacity.

[0105] The predicted weather data can be transmitted to the control unit 1 and / or the external control unit 14 via an input interface. In this example, the weather data are the cloud cover 19 and wind speed 20 shown over time t. For example, sunshine is expected from time t3 onwards. Wind speed 20 begins to develop at time t4 and reaches its maximum at approximately time t5.

[0106] At time t2, the flow temperature 21 can be lowered because the algorithm takes the solar radiation starting at time t3 into account when calculating the heating output of building 2. This allows the actual temperature 23 to be kept constant, even though the flow temperature 21 is lowered. This results in energy savings.

[0107] From time t3 onwards, the flow temperature 21 is lowered even further in the present example, because otherwise building 2 would have a fictitious temperature 25, which is above the target temperature 22.

[0108] From time t4 onwards, the algorithm can factor in the influence of the onset of wind 20 and increase the flow temperature 21 again. From time t4 onwards, the additional heating power from solar radiation cannot fully compensate for the cooling effect of the wind, so the algorithm determines a rising flow temperature 21.

[0109] From time t5 onwards, the algorithm can lower the flow temperature 21 again, since due to the rising outside temperature 24 a lower flow temperature 21 is sufficient to keep the actual temperature 23 constant at the target temperature 22.

[0110] From time t6, when the outside temperature 24 drops again due to reduced solar radiation, the algorithm can raise the flow temperature 21 again to keep the actual flow temperature 23 constant.

[0111] The algorithm can predictively calculate and / or control the flow temperature 21 based on the forecasted weather data 19. For example, at time t1, the algorithm can already predict the flow temperature for time t3, since the weather data for this time t3 predicts the onset of sunshine. The algorithm can also take the wind 20 and / or the outside temperature 24 into account.

[0112] Figure 4The diagram shows the temperature T and photovoltaic power P plotted against time t. The diagram depicts the flow temperature 21 of a building heating system 3, a target temperature 22 of a room or building 2, an actual temperature 23, an outside temperature 24, a buffer temperature 27, and a hot water temperature 26. The hot water temperature 26 could, for example, be the water temperature for sanitary facilities.

[0113] Furthermore, the diagram shows the energy production of an energy generation unit 12, 13, where, for example, the actual photovoltaic output 29 of the photovoltaic system 12 is shown. The energy generation unit could also be a wind turbine and / or a ground-mounted photovoltaic system.

[0114] At time t1, the room temperature 23 has reached the target temperature 22. At time t1, the algorithm has access to the predicted weather data 20, which forecasts sunshine from time t2 onwards. Based on the nominal power of the photovoltaic system 12, the algorithm can predict the actual photovoltaic power output 29. According to the present embodiment, a high actual photovoltaic power output 29 will be available from time t2 onwards.

[0115] The algorithm can lower the flow temperature 21 from time t1 onwards to save energy. The control unit 1 and / or the building-external control unit 14 can reduce the heating output by means of the flow temperature 21 using the algorithm, since the algorithm has determined that a large amount of energy is available from time t2 onwards from the photovoltaic system 12.

[0116] From time t2 onwards, the actual photovoltaic power 29 can be used to heat a hot water temperature 26. According to the present embodiment, the actual photovoltaic power 29 can also be used to increase a buffer temperature 27 of a buffer storage tank in order to store energy therein.

[0117] From time t3 onwards, at least a portion of the actual photovoltaic output 29 can be used to heat building 2 or a room within building 2 to such an extent that the actual temperature 23 exceeds the target temperature 22. As a result, building 2 or the room exhibits an overcharge 28. It has been found that a room temperature slightly above the target temperature is not perceived as uncomfortable. This amount can be, for example, 1.5°C. However, this overcharge 28 of building 2 or the room allows thermal energy to be stored within building 2. Building 2 is overcharged when a large amount of energy is available, in order to at least partially bridge periods when less energy is available. Load shifting can thus be achieved. The thermal capacity of building 2 can therefore be used as a buffer storage system.The energy for overcharging building 2 and / or the buffer storage can, for example, come from energy generation unit 12, 13. Additionally or alternatively, building 2 can also be overcharged when the electricity price is low on the market, so that the low cost of electricity for overcharging 28 can be used to bridge periods when electricity is more expensive.

[0118] At time t4, for example, the hot water temperature 26 and the buffer temperature 27 are no longer increased. From this point on, the energy can be used, for example, to increase the flow temperature 21.

[0119] At time t5, the hot water temperature drops to 26 because, for example, the sanitary facilities are used more frequently in the evening hours.

[0120] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and described. Modifications within the scope of the claims are possible, as is a combination of the features, even if these are shown and described in different embodiments. Reference symbol list

[0121] 1 Control unit 2 Building 3 Building heating 4 Wall 5 Roof 6 Insulation 7 Window 8 Door 9 Heat input 10 Heat loss 11 Weather station 12 Photovoltaic system 13 Wind turbine 14 External building control unit 15 Connection cable 16 Combined heat and power plant 17 Building network 18 Data connection 19 Cloud cover 20 Wind 21 Flow temperature 22 Setpoint temperature 23 Actual temperature 24 Outside temperature 25 Fictitious temperature 26 Hot water temperature 27 Buffer temperature 28 Overcharging 29 Actual photovoltaic output tTime TTemperature PPhotovoltaic output

Claims

1. Energy management system for predictive determining and regulating a flow temperature (21) of a building heating system (3) of at least one building (2), having a control device (1) which is provided for arranging in the building (2) and which has a building-internal interface, via which the control device (1) can receive a room temperature of at least one room of a building in the case of an intended application in the building (2), and which can be connected to the building heating system (3) in the case of an intended application in the building (2), via which the control device (1) can transmit a target flow temperature of the building heating system (3) and can receive an actual flow temperature from the building heating system (3) in order to regulate the flow temperature (21), and having a building-external interface, and having a building-external control unit (14) which can be connected to the control device (1) at least temporarily via the building-external interface in the case of an intended application in order to be able to receive building data from the control device (1) and / or to be able to transmit control data to the control device (1), wherein the control device (1) and / or the building-external control unit (14) has an algorithm by means of which the target flow temperature of the building heating system (3) can be determined as a function at least of predicted meteorological data, characterized in that the control device (1) and / or the building-external control unit (14) has a first analysis program by means of which a thermal capacity of walls (4), of a roof (5) and of a building insulation (6) of the building (2) can be determined in an iterative process, the energy management system is designed in such a way that, in the case of excess energy, the room temperature or the building temperature can be set above the target temperature up to a specific amount, with the result that the building (2) can be overheated in order to store the excess energy, the control device (1) and / or the building-external control unit (14) has a second analysis program by means of which a passive heat flow into the building (2) and out of the building (2) can be determined, the control device (1) is designed in such a way that it can calculate the energy production of an energy generating unit (12, 13) on the basis of the meteorological data, the control device (1) and / or the building-external control unit (14) has a third analysis program by means of which a reaction of buildings, a room temperature profile and a room reaction time can be determined, and the control device (1) and / or the building-external control unit (14) has a regulating system by means of which a point in time for the conversion of energy into heat can be determined on the basis of the meteorological data, the building temperature profile, the building reaction time, the thermal capacity of the building (2), the energy production and the passive heat flow, and the building heating system (3) can be correspondingly controlled.

2. Energy management system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the building-external control unit (14) is an internet-based software platform.

3. Energy management system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the building heating system (3) comprises a heating installation arranged in the building (2) and / or a district heating network, and / or in that the building heating system (3) comprises a heat pump, a heating rod, a boiler, a buffer store and / or an air conditioning system.

4. Energy management system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (1) and / or the building-external control unit (14) is designed in such a way that it can receive and / or store the predicted meteorological data, actual meteorological data, electricity network stability, an electricity market price and / or temperatures from a district heating network via an entry interface.

5. Energy management system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy management system is designed in such a way that it can supply the building heating system (3) and / or a buffer store, in particular the building capacity of the building, with the energy generated by the energy generating unit (12, 13) and / or with excess energy in a district heating network.

6. Energy management system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy management system comprises a plurality of control devices (1) which are each arranged in a building (2) of a building network (17), wherein the plurality of control devices (1) can be connected to the building-external control unit (14) at least temporarily.

7. Operating method for an energy management system for predictive determining and regulating a flow temperature (21) of a building heating system (3) of at least one building (2), having a control device (1) which is provided for arranging in the building (2) and which has a building-internal interface, via which the control device (1) receives a room temperature of at least one room of a building in the case of an intended application in the building (2), and can be connected to the building heating system (3), via which the control device (1) transmits a target flow temperature of the building heating system (3) and receives an actual flow temperature from the building heating system (3) in the case of an intended application in the building (2) in order to regulate the flow temperature (21), and having a building-external interface, and having a building-external control unit (14) which can be connected to the control device (1) at least temporarily via the building-external interface in the case of an intended application in order to be able to receive building data from the control device (1) and / or to be able to transmit control data to the control device (1), wherein the control device (1) and / or the building-external control unit (14) has an algorithm by means of which the target flow temperature of the building heating system (3) is determined as a function at least of predicted meteorological data, characterized in that the control device (1) and / or the building-external control unit (14) has a first analysis program by means of which a thermal capacity of walls (4) of a roof (5) and of a building insulation (6) of the building (2) is determined in an iterative process, that the energy management system is designed in such a way that, in the case of excess energy, the room temperature or the building temperature is set above the target temperature up to a specific amount, with the result that the building (2) is overheated in order to store the excess energy, that the control device (1) and / or the building-external control unit (14) has a second analysis program by means of which a passive heat flow into the building (2) and out of the building (2) is determined and / or estimated, that the control device (1) is designed in such a way that it calculates the energy production of an energy generating unit (12, 13) on the basis of the meteorological data, that the control device (1) and / or the building-external control unit (14) has a third analysis program by means of which a reaction of buildings, a room temperature profile and / or a room reaction time is determined and / or estimated, and that the control device (1) and / or the building-external control unit (14) has a regulating system by means of which a point in time for the conversion of energy into heat is determined on the basis of the meteorological data, the building temperature profile, the building reaction time, the thermal capacity of the building (2), the energy production and the passive heat flow, and the building heating system (3) is correspondingly controlled.

8. Use of a control device (1) in an energy management system and / or an operating method according to one or more of the preceding claims.