System and method for operating a heating unit in a building with one or more rooms to be heated

Description

Technical background

[0001] Rooms and room sections within a building are often used very differently. Accordingly, a target temperature can vary from room to room or from room section to room section. In addition, the temperature in a room / room section can be significantly influenced by other factors, such as solar radiation, outside temperature, furniture and objects in the rooms, etc. This poses several control-related challenges for a heating unit.

[0002] Furthermore, it is the task of a heating unit to achieve the desired room temperature as quickly as possible in order to optimally accommodate the different uses of a room. Especially after a room has been unused for an extended period, for example, due to vacation, regulating the temperature in a room often takes a long time.

[0003] DE 197 10 853 A1 discloses a heating system with multiple heating points, each of which is assigned heat generators, controllable via electric control valves. The control valves are controlled by the room temperature controllers assigned to the heating points, and the control commands between the room temperature controllers and the control valves, as well as control commands to a central heating control system for increasing or decreasing heating output, are exchangeably transmitted via a data bus.

[0004] EP 2 555 074 A1 describes a system that utilizes the presence of a central temperature sensor for the outside or ambient temperature to enable demand-dependent regulation or control of heating or cooling output according to the current demand. For this purpose, the current demand is determined, for example, via values ​​from one or more thermostats in occupancy units or from actuators for heating or cooling elements.

[0005] DE 43 39 802 A1 discloses a device for controlling the output of a heat generator in a hot water heating system. The heat generator, with its control and regulation device, is designed to operate completely autonomously without an external electrical control signal. It provides maximum heat to the radiators connected to it. All monitoring devices with control, monitoring, and safety functions, including the speed control of a circulation pump and any pollutant monitoring, are integrated into the heat generator.

[0006] WO 2012 / 095 558 A1 describes a method, a setting system, and a computer program product for controlling a heat transfer system. The heat transfer system has a supply line and a return line and two or more heating or cooling units.

[0007] DE 10 2017 203 850 A1 relates to a method for operating a heating system in a building, in particular a method for hydraulic balancing of the heating system.

[0008] Another challenge for operating a heating unit is resource-efficient consumption of heat and heat transfer fluids.

[0009] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a system and method for operating a heating unit in a building with one or more rooms to be heated. Description of the invention

[0010] The problem is solved by the features of the independent patent claims. The dependent patent claims relate to particular embodiments of the invention.

[0011] A system according to the invention for operating a heating unit in a building with one or more rooms to be heated comprises at least one heat exchanger per room to be heated, at least one heat generation unit for heating a carrier medium which flows via a flow line (VL) to the at least one heat exchanger and via a return line (RL) to the heat generation unit.

[0012] A heating unit may comprise a heat generation unit and / or a heat distribution unit. A heat generation unit may include, for example, a heat exchanger, a solar thermal system, an oil-fired heating system, a boiler, a gas boiler, a heat pump, etc. A heat distribution unit may include, for example, a mixer, a servomotor, and / or a pump.

[0013] A room can, for example, be a room in itself or a section of a room. Particularly for rooms larger than 15m², a room can be divided into sections. Accordingly, a section of a room can have a temperature sensor that provides an actual temperature, a heat exchanger, and a target temperature. In some embodiments, several rooms spatially separated by walls can be combined into one room.

[0014] A carrier medium can be a fluid, in particular an antifreeze, (treated) heating water, grey water, domestic water, a combination thereof, etc. Advantageously, the fluid has good heat absorption and heat dissipation properties compared to other fluids. Examples of heat exchangers include radiant heaters, convectors, radiators, surface heating, underfloor heating, wall heating, low-temperature radiators, etc.

[0015] Furthermore, the system according to the invention includes a pump arranged in the flow (VL) or in the return (RL) for circulating the carrier medium, a control device (control unit) for controlling the heating unit, one or more setpoint transmitters which provide a setpoint temperature T n,soll for one or more rooms to be heated, and at least one temperature sensor per room to be heated for determining an actual temperature T n,ist of the room to be heated.

[0016] A setpoint device can, for example, comprise a human-machine interface (HMI), a rotary control, a slider, or a digital input. In some embodiments, the setpoint device can include an interface for transmitting one or more setpoint temperatures T n,setpoint for one or more rooms to be heated. In some embodiments, a temperature setpoint can be a control parameter of a control loop.

[0017] Non-limiting examples of temperature sensors include a thermistor (NTC), a thermistor (PTC), a semiconductor temperature sensor, and a thermocouple. In some embodiments, a supply temperature (VL) can be compared with a return temperature (RL) to determine a room temperature.

[0018] In the system according to the invention, the control device is configured to control a heating unit depending on a difference ΔT n between a setpoint T n,setpoint of one of the one or more rooms to be heated and the actual temperatures T n,actual of the room to be heated. The difference ΔT n can be determined, for example, digitally or analogically.

[0019] In some embodiments, the control device may include a microprocessor, a programmable logic circuit, etc.

[0020] This has the advantage that the control of the heating unit by means of the control device brings about a faster alignment of the room temperature T n,actual with the target temperature T n,desired, particularly in the case of large differences between the room temperature T n,actual and the target temperature T n,desired. As a result, user confidence in the control of the heating unit can be improved, so that changing the target temperature T n,desired (manual adjustment) to maintain a desired room temperature is avoided.

[0021] Furthermore, the room temperature can be further reduced, especially when the room is not in use, because the control system is designed to respond better to larger temperature differences ΔT n between a setpoint T n,setpoint and an actual temperature T n,actual and to take these into account in the control system. As a result, the temperature reductions can save energy and improve the user's well-being with regard to the room temperature.

[0022] In specially adapted and energy-saving embodiments of the invention, the target temperature T n,target can be specified as a function of time, in particular according to a temperature curve. This allows the temperature in the room(s) to be adjusted in a particularly automated manner to the needs of the room occupants.

[0023] Furthermore, heating the room can be omitted when not in use, thus saving energy. Due to the particularly effective control of the heating unit by the control device, heat requirements for the heating unit (setpoint temperature T n,setpoint as a function of time) can be determined based on actual demand without taking lead times into account. This simplifies the determination of the setpoints T n,setpoint for the user.

[0024] Furthermore, the temperature requirements regarding day and night can be addressed in particular by setting the target temperatures T n,soll as a function of time.

[0025] In particularly advantageous embodiments, the heating unit can comprise a heat generation unit and / or a heat distribution unit. The control device can thus be configured to control the heat generation unit and / or the heat distribution unit. Controlling the heat generation unit can have the advantage that heat is generated particularly according to demand, thus enabling significant savings in resources. Controlling the heat distribution unit can have the advantage that heat can be distributed throughout a house in a particularly targeted / accurate manner, thus preventing rooms from overheating and reducing energy consumption.

[0026] In particularly user-friendly embodiments, the control device can also be configured to control the heating unit depending on the outside temperature. Since heat is transferred / transported from the room to the outside depending on the temperature difference between the actual temperature T n,actual of a room and the outside temperature, particularly in cases of poor thermal insulation, due to (controlled) living space ventilation, and due to openings such as windows, doors, etc., the heat demand in the room can increase depending on the outside temperature.

[0027] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the target temperature of a room can be specified depending on the outside temperature. At a lower outside temperature, people's perception of cold may increase, so a higher room temperature is desired.

[0028] In particularly advantageous embodiments, the control device can further be configured to control the heating unit additionally depending on the target temperature T n,soll of a room to be heated. This can have the advantage that the control target of the target temperature T n,soll is achieved without overshoot by taking this into account during control.

[0029] In particularly complex embodiments, the control device can be designed to control the heating unit in a building with several rooms to be heated as a function of a maximum difference ΔT max from the determined differences ΔT n , in particular by means of the equation Δ T max = max n T n , soll − T n , ist , where T n,set is the target temperature of room n of the one or more rooms to be heated, T n,actual is the actual temperature of room n, and the maximum is determined across the multiple rooms in the building to be heated. This allows the heating unit to respond particularly effectively to a heat demand equal to the maximum temperature difference.

[0030] In some embodiments, the control device can be configured to control the heating unit depending on a maximum difference Δ T max = max n Y T n , soll − T n , ist , X n to control, where Y is a function depending on the input parameters, T n,set is the target temperature of a room n of the one or more rooms to be heated and T n,actual is the actual temperature of the room n. X n can, for example, include a value for an area of ​​the room n to be heated, a value for a volume of the room n to be heated, a value depending on the exposure of the room n (south, southwest exposed, no exposure, etc.), a value depending on a weather forecast (such as hours of sunshine over time, etc.) and / or a value depending on weather data (such as whether it is sunny, i.e. the sun is shining). Whether it is sunny can, for example, be determined by means of a photovoltaic system or a solar thermal system.

[0031] In some embodiments, X n can be a vector comprising several values, in particular those just mentioned.

[0032] The maximum is determined across the multiple rooms in the building to be heated. This can have the advantage of allowing heat demand to be determined particularly precisely. For example, the difference ΔT n of the nth room can be normalized using the value X n . In some embodiments, the difference ΔT n can be normalized using a value represented by a set of values ​​of the variable X n . This can have the advantage of allowing particularly user-friendly adjustment of the control system.

[0033] In a particularly reliable embodiment, the control device can be designed to control the heating unit in a building with several rooms to be heated depending on a maximum target temperature T soll , max = max n T n , soll to control, where T n,soll is the target temperature of a room n, and the maximum is determined across the several rooms of the building to be heated.

[0034] This ensures that the control target can be achieved for each room, particularly in the case of heating units with very different target temperatures and actual temperatures.

[0035] In some embodiments, the control device can be configured to control the heating unit depending on a maximum target temperature Δ T soll , max = max n Z T n , soll X n to control, where Z is a function depending on the input parameters and T n,setpoint is the target temperature of a room n of the one or more rooms to be heated. X n can, for example, include a value for an area of ​​the room n to be heated, a value for a volume of the room n to be heated, a value depending on the exposure of the room n (south, southwest exposed, no exposure, etc.), a value depending on a weather forecast (such as hours of sunshine over time, etc.) and / or a value depending on weather data (such as whether it is sunny, i.e. the sun is shining). Whether it is sunny can, for example, be determined by means of a photovoltaic system or by means of a solar thermal system.

[0036] In some embodiments, X n can be a vector comprising several values, in particular those just mentioned.

[0037] In particularly flexible embodiments, the control device can be configured to additionally control the heating unit depending on the type of at least one heat exchanger. A classification into types can be made, for example, depending on the temperature operating range of the heat exchanger. For example, radiant heaters, convectors, etc., can be designed for flow temperatures of up to 85°C. Surface heating systems, such as wall and floor heating, low-temperature radiators, etc., can be designed for flow temperatures of up to 50°C. Accordingly, the heat transfer capacity can vary between the individual types.

[0038] In particular, a type classification can be made based on the efficiency of a heat exchanger's heat transfer. A type classification can also be made based on their mode of operation, particularly the method of convection, thermal radiation, etc.

[0039] Consequently, it may be advantageous to control the flow temperature to a heat exchanger depending on a temperature operating range of the heat exchanger in order to avoid overheating of a room or to enable fast and efficient control.

[0040] This can have the advantage that a heat transfer capability and / or a heat transfer function of a heat exchanger is taken into account for the control of the heating unit by means of the control device.

[0041] In some embodiments, a target temperature T n,soll and / or an actual temperature T n,ist can be adjusted to take into account the type of the at least one heat exchanger. In some embodiments, one or more control variables for controlling the heating unit by means of the control device can be adjusted to take into account the type of the at least one heat exchanger.

[0042] A method according to the invention for operating a heating unit in a building with one or more rooms to be heated comprises the steps of providing one or more target temperatures T n,soll for one or more rooms to be heated, providing an actual temperature T n,ist for the one or more rooms to be heated, determining a difference ΔT n between a target value T n,soll of one of the one or more rooms to be heated and the actual temperature T n,ist of the room to be heated and controlling a heating unit as a function of the determined difference ΔT n .

[0043] In some embodiments, a room can be a section of a room, particularly for rooms larger than 15m². In some embodiments, rooms separated by walls can be combined into one room. A heating unit can, for example, include a heat generation unit comprising a heat exchanger, a heating boiler, a heat pump, a solar thermal system, a gas boiler, or an electric heater. In an electric heater, electrical energy is converted into thermal energy, primarily for heat generation. The heat generation unit is advantageously configured for heating / warming a fluid.

[0044] In some embodiments, the heating unit may include a heat distribution unit comprising one or more mixers, pumps, servo motors and / or distribution groups, etc., which can be controlled in particular by the control device.

[0045] A target temperature T n,target for a room to be heated can be provided, for example, by a control variable of a control loop, by a human-machine interface, by an external unit, etc. An actual temperature of a room to be heated can be provided, for example, by means of a temperature sensor, a temperature detection unit, etc.

[0046] In particularly advantageous embodiments, the target temperature T n,soll can be predetermined as a function of time, in particular according to a temperature curve.

[0047] In particularly elaborated embodiments, the heating unit may comprise a heat generating unit and / or a heat distributing unit.

[0048] In particularly user-friendly designs, the heating unit can also be controlled depending on the outside temperature.

[0049] In particularly targeted embodiments, the heating unit can also be controlled depending on the target temperature T n,soll of a room to be heated.

[0050] In particularly advantageous embodiments, the method in a building with several rooms to be heated can comprise the steps of determining a maximum difference ΔT max from the determined differences ΔT n , in particular by means of the equation Δ T max = max n T n , soll − T n , ist , where T n,soll is the target temperature of a room n of the one or more rooms to be heated, T n,ist is the actual temperature of the room n, and the maximum is determined over the several rooms of the building to be heated and include controlling the heating unit depending on the maximum difference ΔT max.

[0051] In some embodiments, the maximum difference can be determined using an equation Δ T max = max n Y T n , soll − T n , ist , X n be determined, where Y is a function depending on the input parameters, T n,set is the target temperature of a room n of the one or more rooms to be heated and T n,actual is the actual temperature of the room n. X n can, for example, include a value for an area of ​​the room n to be heated, a value for a volume of the room n to be heated, a value depending on the exposure of the room n (south, southwest exposed, no exposure, etc.), a value depending on a weather forecast (such as hours of sunshine over time, etc.) and / or a value depending on weather data (such as whether it is sunny, i.e. the sun is shining). Whether it is sunny can, for example, be determined by means of a photovoltaic system or by means of a solar thermal system.

[0052] In some embodiments, X n can be a vector comprising several values, in particular those just mentioned.

[0053] The maximum is determined across the multiple rooms in the building to be heated. This can have the advantage of allowing heat demand to be determined particularly precisely. For example, the difference ΔT n of the nth room can be normalized using the value X n . In some embodiments, the difference ΔT n can be normalized using a value represented by a set of values ​​of the variable X n . This can have the advantage of allowing particularly user-friendly adjustment of the control system.

[0054] In particularly reliable embodiments, the method may comprise the steps of finding a maximum target temperature T soll , max = max n T n , soll , where T n,soll is the target temperature of a room n, the maximum is determined over the several rooms of the building to be heated and the control of the heating unit is additionally carried out depending on the maximum target temperature T soll,max.

[0055] In some embodiments, a maximum target temperature can be set using the Δ T soll , max = max n Z T n , soll X n be determined, where Z is a function depending on the input parameters and T n,setpoint is the target temperature of a room n of the one or more rooms to be heated. X n can, for example, include a value for an area of ​​the room n to be heated, a value for a volume of the room n to be heated, a value depending on the exposure of the room n (south, southwest exposed, no exposure, etc.), a value depending on a weather forecast (such as hours of sunshine over time, etc.) and / or a value depending on weather data (such as whether it is sunny, i.e. the sun is shining). Whether it is sunny can, for example, be determined by means of a photovoltaic system or by means of a solar thermal system.

[0056] In some embodiments, X n can be a vector comprising several values, in particular those just mentioned.

[0057] In particularly adaptable embodiments, the control of the heating unit can additionally be carried out depending on a type of at least one heat exchanger of the heating unit. Character description

[0058] Fig. 1 schematically shows a system for operating a heating unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 schematically shows a system for operating a heating unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 3a schematically shows an example of a hydraulic plan of a heating circuit of a heating unit 111 according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 3b schematically shows an example of a hydraulic plan of a heating unit 111 according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 4schematically shows a process flow diagram of a method for operating a heating unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5 shows a process flow diagram of a method for operating a heating unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 6 shows a process flow diagram of a method for operating a heating unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 7 shows a process flow diagram of a method for operating a heating unit according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0059] Fig. 1 schematically shows a system for operating a heating unit according to an embodiment of the invention. The system 100 comprises a temperature sensor 113 and a heat exchanger 114, which are arranged as in Figure 1 shown can be arranged in a room 120. A heat exchanger can be, for example, a radiator, a surface heater, etc. or a combination thereof.

[0060] Sensor 113 is connected to a control device 110 of system 100. Control device 110 is additionally connected to a setpoint generator 112 for providing one or more temperature setpoints T n,setpoint. In some embodiments, setpoint generator 112 may comprise a human-machine interface, such as a slider, rotary control, and / or a touch display, etc.

[0061] In some embodiments, the setpoint generator 112 may include an analog or digital interface for receiving analog or digital temperature setpoints, respectively.

[0062] The control device 110 can, for example, comprise a processing unit (CPU), a memory unit, and / or programmable logic. The control device 110 is configured to control a heating unit 111. The heating unit 111 can comprise a heat generation unit 115 and / or a heat distribution unit 116. The heat generation unit can, for example, be configured to supply heat to the heat distribution unit 116 or to generate heat for the heat distribution unit 116 depending on a control of the control device.

[0063] The heat distribution unit 116 can be configured, in particular depending on a control of the control device 110, to transport heat provided by the heat generation unit 115 to the heat exchanger 114, for example by means of a pump 117, a servomotor, and / or a mixer 118. The heat can be transported, for example, by circulating a carrier medium, such as a fluid, in a pipe unit. A pipe unit can, for example, comprise one or more interconnected pipes so that the carrier medium / fluid can be transported or circulated, in particular with the aid of a pump. As indicated by the dashed lines, the units 115, 116, 117, 118 represent optional units in the system 100.

[0064] The control device 110, as in Fig. 1shown, is configured to form, in particular by means of a difference forming unit, a difference ΔT n between a temperature setpoint T n,soll provided by the setpoint generator 112 and an actual temperature T n,ist provided by the temperature sensor 113. The control device 110 is further configured to control the heating unit 111, in particular the heat generation unit 115 and / or the heat distribution unit 116, depending on the determined difference ΔT n.

[0065] In some embodiments, the control device can be configured to determine a maximum difference ΔT max among a plurality of differences ΔT n between the temperature setpoint T n,soll and the actual temperatures T n,ist. The control device can be configured accordingly to control the heating unit depending on the maximum difference ΔT max.

[0066] In some embodiments, the control device can be configured to additionally control the heating unit as a function of an outside temperature.

[0067] In particularly efficient embodiments, the control device can be configured to additionally control the heating unit depending on the target temperature T n,soll. If there are multiple target temperatures, the control device can be configured to additionally control the heating unit depending on a maximum target temperature T soll,max of the target temperatures T n,soll, with the maximum being determined across the rooms n.

[0068] Fig. 2 schematically shows a system for operating a heating unit according to an embodiment of the invention. In Fig. 2 is analogous to Fig. 1 a heating unit 111, which may optionally comprise a heat generating unit 115 and / or a heat distributing unit 116. The Fig. 2The system shown can be an extension of the Fig. 1 represent the system shown.

[0069] The heating unit 111 is controlled by the control device 110. A setpoint generator 112a for providing a temperature setpoint T 1,setpoint and a temperature sensor 113a for providing an actual temperature T 1,actual can be arranged, for example, in a room 120a. A heat exchanger 114a is present in the room 120a.

[0070] In some embodiments, a further temperature sensor 113b and a further heat exchanger 114b can be arranged in the room 120a. Using the temperature sensor 113b and the heat exchanger 114b, the room 120a can be divided into two sections (room areas). The setpoint generator 112a can be configured to provide multiple temperature setpoints T n,setpoint, so that different room areas in a room 120a are controlled to different temperature setpoints, which can lead to different actual temperatures T n,actual in the room areas.

[0071] In the Fig. 2 In the embodiment shown, a third temperature sensor 113c for providing an actual temperature T 3,actual and a heat exchanger 114c are optionally arranged in a room 120c. A setpoint transmitter 112c provides a temperature setpoint T 3,setpoint for the room 120c.

[0072] Temperature sensors 113d and 113e can also optionally be arranged on a boiler 120d. The boiler can, for example, comprise a heat exchanger 114d, wherein, for example, domestic water can be heated by the heat exchanger 114d. For this purpose, the heat exchanger 114d can, in particular, comprise tube bundles and / or heating pockets. In some embodiments, the setpoint generator 112c can be configured to provide a temperature setpoint T 4,setpoint and / or a temperature setpoint T 5,setpoint for the boiler 12d.

[0073] In some embodiments, the control device 110 may be connected to an outside sensor (temperature sensor) 122. The setpoint transmitters 112a, 112c are each connected to the control device 110. Likewise, the temperature sensors 113a to 113e are connected to the control device 110. The connections in Figure 2 are designed for signal transmission, for example wired and / or wireless.

[0074] The control device 110 is configured to determine a difference ΔT n , for example by means of a difference determination unit, between the temperature setpoints T 1,soll , T 2,soll , T 3,soll , T 4,soll , T 5,soll provided by the setpoint transmitters 112a, 112c and the associated actual temperatures T 1,ist , T 2,ist , T 3,ist , T 4,ist , T 5,ist provided by the temperature sensors 113a, 113b, 113c, 113d, 113e. The control device 110 is configured to control the heating unit 111 as a function of the determined differences ΔT n , for example by means of a control unit.

[0075] In some embodiments, the heating unit may comprise a plurality of heat distribution units 116, in particular interconnected and nested heat distribution units controlled by the control device 110.

[0076] In some embodiments, the control device can additionally be configured to control the heating unit 111 depending on an outside temperature determined by the outside sensor 122. In some embodiments, the control device can additionally be configured to control the heating unit 111 depending on the temperature setpoints provided by the setpoint generators 112a, 112c, in particular by means of a control device. In some embodiments, the control can comprise outputting a digital signal. In some embodiments, the control can comprise outputting an analog control signal and / or supplying a unit, a pump, a mixer, etc., with a supply voltage / supply current.

[0077] The Fig. 1 and 2The connections shown represent connections for power and / or signal transmission. The connections can be implemented via radio and / or wired connections, for example.

[0078] Fig. 3a shows schematically an example of a hydraulic diagram of a heating circuit of a heating unit 111 according to an embodiment of the invention, in particular with reference to the Fig. 1 and 2 systems shown 100.

[0079] The hydraulic diagram is purely exemplary and not restrictive in any way. Units can be added, omitted, interchanged, combined, or separated from the heating unit without affecting the invention.

[0080] The heating circuit 300 comprises a heat generation unit 115, a heat distribution unit 116 comprising a pump 117 and a mixer 118. Furthermore, the heating circuit 300 comprises a heat exchanger 114. A carrier medium (heat-transporting fluid) is heated by the heat generation unit 115. Examples of a carrier medium / fluid include antifreeze, (treated) heating water, domestic water, gray water, etc.

[0081] A supply line (VL) of the heat generation unit 115 and a return line (RL) of the heat generation unit 115 are each connected to a mixer inlet of the mixer 118. The mixer 118 is connected to the heat exchanger 114 via the pump 117. The section in which the carrier medium / fluid is transported from the heat generation unit 115 to the heat exchanger is referred to as the supply line (VL). The section in which the fluid is transported from the heat exchanger 114 to the heat generation unit is referred to as the return line (RL). In some embodiments, the pump 117 can be arranged in the return line (RL) instead of in the supply line (VL). The units can be connected, for example, by means of pipes and / or hoses 301.

[0082] The pump 117 is configured to circulate the fluid heated by the heat generation unit 115 in the pipes / connections 301, so that heat is transported from the heat generation unit 115 to the heat exchanger 114 in the supply line (VL). The heat distribution unit 116, in particular the pump 117 and / or the mixer 118, can regulate the amount of heat transported from the heat generation unit 115 to the heat exchanger 114. The mixer can mix the carrier medium / fluid from the supply line of the heat generation unit with the carrier medium / fluid from the return line of the heat generation unit, so that a carrier medium / fluid transported to the heat exchanger has a predetermined temperature. The temperature of the fluid transported to the heat exchanger can be between the temperature of the return line (RL) and the temperature of the supply line of the heat generation unit.

[0083] In some embodiments, the heat generating unit 115 may be connected to multiple heating circuits 300. In some embodiments, multiple heat exchangers 114 may be connected by means of a heating circuit distributor (not shown). Fig. 3a shown) in a heating circuit 300. In some embodiments, a heating circuit distributor may include actuators. A actuator may, in turn, be part of the heat distribution unit and be configured to regulate a flow rate and thus a transported amount of heat.

[0084] Fig. 3b shows schematically an example of a hydraulic diagram of a heating unit 111 according to an embodiment of the invention, in particular with reference to the Fig. 1 and 2 systems shown 100. The Fig. 3b The hydraulic diagram shown shows two heating circuits 300a and 300b. The hydraulic diagram is purely exemplary. The heating circuits 300a and 300b in Fig. 3b are essentially based on the Fig. 3a shown heating circuit 300.

[0085] In heating circuit 300a, heat generation unit 115 is connected to a mixer 118 in the flow line. The mixer is additionally connected to the return line (RL) of heat generation unit 115. In this embodiment, a pump 117a is arranged in the return line between heat exchangers 119a, 119b and heat generation unit 115. Mixer 118 is connected to a heating circuit manifold 124a. In some embodiments, a servomotor can be arranged between heating circuit manifold 124a and heat exchanger 114a. In some embodiments, a servomotor 119b can be arranged downstream of heat exchanger 119b in the return line, and heat exchanger 114b can be connected to heating circuit manifold 124a.

[0086] A servomotor can be configured to limit the flow rate of a fluid / carrier medium so that the amount of heat supplied to the heat exchanger can be regulated. Preferably, the servomotor can be controlled as part of the heating unit by a control device 110, such as shown in the figure descriptions of Fig. 1 and 2 described, controlled.

[0087] Advantageously, the return flow from several heat exchangers 119a, 119b can be combined into one return flow. Fig. 3b The connections shown are connections, for example in the form of pipes, hoses, etc., for transporting a fluid / carrier medium, such as (treated) heating water, water, service water, antifreeze, a combination thereof, etc.

[0088] The flow line (VL) of the heat generation unit 115 is further connected to a pump 117c of the heating circuit 300b. In some embodiments, a gravity brake or a non-return flap / check valve 123 can be arranged downstream of the pump, so that undesired circulation of a fluid in the heating circuit 300b can be prevented.

[0089] In this embodiment, a distributor 125a is arranged downstream of the pump 117c or the gravity brake 123, which, depending on a control signal from a control device, controls heat transport from the heat generation unit 115 to the heat exchanger 114c and / or to the heat exchanger 114d. The heat exchangers 114c, 114d are connected in the return line to the heat generation unit 115. The Fig. 3a and 3b The heating units shown can be used, for example, with the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2shown systems, in particular by the control device 110, or by means of the Figs. 4 to 7 shown procedures can be controlled.

[0090] Fig. 4 schematically shows a process flow diagram of a method for operating a heating unit according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0091] In a first step S401, one or more temperature setpoints T n,soll are provided for one or more rooms to be heated. In a step S402, actual temperatures T n,ist are provided for the one or more rooms to be heated. In step S403, a difference ΔT n between a temperature setpoint T n,soll of one of the one or more rooms to be heated and the actual temperature of the room to be heated is determined. A heating unit is controlled in step S404 depending on the determined difference ΔT n.

[0092] A room in this context can also be a room section. In some embodiments, several rooms can be combined into one room for the purposes of the method. A heating unit can, for example, comprise a heat generation unit such as a heat exchanger, a boiler, an oil burner, a gas boiler, a heat pump, etc. Temperature setpoints can be provided, for example, via human-machine interfaces, interfaces to external control circuits, etc. Actual temperatures can be provided, for example, via temperature sensors, temperature detection units, etc.

[0093] The method has the advantage that by controlling the heating unit depending on the temperature difference between the temperature setpoint and the temperature actual value, the heating unit, in particular a heat generation unit and / or a heat distribution unit, can be controlled with regard to a heat quantity.

[0094] Fig. 5 shows a process flow diagram of a method for operating a heating unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5 The procedure shown is based on the Fig. 4 The procedure shown is based on the one shown in Fig. 4 shown method in that after step S403 a step S503 determining a maximum difference Δ T max = max n T n , soll − T n , ist follows. T n,set is the target temperature of room n of the one or more rooms to be heated, and T n,act is the actual temperature of room n. The maximum is determined across the multiple rooms to be heated in the building.

[0095] Accordingly, step S404 can be changed to step S404c, controlling a heating unit depending on the maximum difference ΔT max .

[0096] This method has the advantage that by controlling the heating unit depending on the maximum difference ΔT max, the heating of a room can be carried out particularly quickly.

[0097] In some embodiments, ΔT max can additionally be determined depending on the room size of an n-th room, so that the maximum difference ΔT max results from Δ T max = max n Y T n , soll − T n , ist , X n Y(a,b) is a function dependent on the function parameters. X n can, for example, represent the area or volume of the nth room. In some embodiments, X n can represent a characteristic / reference value dependent on the area or volume of the nth room.

[0098] In some embodiments, X n can be determined, for example, using artificial intelligence or by analyzing the temperature profile of the nth room over time while the nth room is being heated. In some embodiments, X n can be a vector and include multiple values.

[0099] This has the advantage, particularly in rooms with particularly large deviations in room size from room to room, that overheating or overproduction of the amount of heat, in particular due to a dead time of a control system, can be avoided.

[0100] Fig. 6 shows a process flow diagram of a method for operating a heating unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 6 The procedure shown differs from that in Fig. 4 shown method in that step S401 can optionally be changed to step S401a, the provision of one or more temperature setpoints T n,soll for one or more rooms to be heated as a function of time.

[0101] Additionally, the method may include the optional step S501 of providing an outside temperature. Step S501 may, for example, be inserted after step S402.

[0102] According to the optional changes, step S404 can be changed to step S404a. In step S404a, a heating unit is controlled depending on the determined difference ΔT n and additionally depending on the outside temperature and / or depending on a temperature setpoint of the one or more temperature setpoints T n,setpoint.

[0103] The outside temperature can be provided, for example, using a temperature sensor. By providing the outside temperature, the control loop can be described in more detail, so that the control objective (the temperature setpoints) can be achieved more efficiently and quickly by taking appropriate account of the control system.

[0104] By providing the temperature setpoints T n,setpoint over time, room temperatures can be controlled in a highly automated manner based on room usage. Combined with the particularly fast-responding room temperature control, this can improve room occupant confidence in the room temperature control system, allowing room temperature reductions to be more widely accepted, thus saving energy.

[0105] In particular, with a method according to the invention, the temperature can be further reduced because the method features a faster and more efficient response of the control loop. Consequently, a match between the temperature setpoint and the actual temperature of a room can be achieved more quickly.

[0106] Fig. 7 shows a process flow diagram of a method for operating a heating unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 7shows a mixture of the Fig. 4 to 6 The method shown is as follows. In a first step S401a, one or more temperature setpoints T n,soll are provided for one or more rooms to be heated as a function of time. In a next step S402, one or more actual temperatures T n,ist are provided for the one or more rooms to be heated. In a next step S501, an outside temperature is provided.

[0107] In step S502, a maximum temperature setpoint T soll,max is determined from among the provided temperature setpoints T n,soll. In step S403, a difference ΔT n between a temperature setpoint T n,soll and the actual temperature T n,ist of a room is determined. In step S503, a maximum difference ΔT max is determined from among the differences ΔT n.

[0108] Finally, in step S404b, the heating unit is controlled as a function of the maximum difference ΔT max and additionally as a function of the outside temperature and as a function of the maximum temperature setpoint T soll,max.

[0109] This method enables optimal use of the sensor variables to control one or more room temperatures.

[0110] In some embodiments, steps in the Fig. 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 The methods shown may be interchanged, modified, performed in parallel, and their sequence may be changed without losing the essence of the invention. In some embodiments, steps may be split or combined.

[0111] In some embodiments, the Figures 4 to 7 process features shown, even if such a combination is not included in the Figures 4 to 7shown without affecting the essence of the invention. The Figures 4 to 7 are purely exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the invention in any way.

[0112] In some embodiments, the Fig. 4 to 7 The methods shown may be nested with each other, in particular with respect to various units and elements of the heating unit (heat generation unit, heat distribution unit, pump, mixer, actuator, etc.).

[0113] The Figures 4 to 7 The methods shown can be used in particular by means of the Figures 1 and 2 The systems shown in the Figures 1 and 2 The control device 110 shown is designed to control the heating unit 111.

Claims

1. System (100) for operating a heating unit (111) in a building having a plurality of rooms to be heated, comprising: at least one heat exchanger (114) per room (120) to be heated, a heating unit (111) having at least one heat generation unit (115) for heating a carrier medium which flows via a feed line (VL) to the at least one heat exchanger (114) and via a return line (RL) to the heat generation unit (115), and a heat distribution unit (116), a pump (117) arranged in the feed line (VL) or in the return line (RL) for circulating the carrier medium, a control device (110) for controlling the heating unit (111), a plurality of setpoint value transmitters (112) which each provide a setpoint temperature Tn,soll for the plurality of rooms to be heated, at least one temperature sensor (113) per room (120) to be heated for determining an actual temperature Tn,ist of the room (120) to be heated, the control device (110) is set up to control the heating unit (111) as a function of a maximum difference Δ T max = max n Y T n , soll − T n , ist , X n and additionally as a function of the setpoint temperature Tn,soll of the one room (120) to be heated or of the plurality of rooms to be heated, wherein: Y is a function as a function of the setpoint temperature Tn,soll of a room (120) n of the plurality of rooms to be heated, the actual temperature Tn,ist of the room (120) n, and a parameter Xn, which comprises a value of the area of the room (120) n to be heated, a value for a volume of the room (120) n to be heated, a value as a function of the exposure of the room (120) n, a value as a function of a weather forecast and / or a value as a function of weather data, and the maximum over the plurality of rooms to be heated of the building is determined.

2. System (100) according to Claim 1, wherein the setpoint temperature Tn,soll is predefined as a function of time.

3. System (100) according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device (110) is furthermore set up to control the heating unit (110) additionally as a function of an outside temperature.

4. System (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein in a building having a plurality of rooms to be heated, the control device (110) is configured to control the heating unit (110) as a function of a maximum setpoint temperature T soll , max = max n T n , soll , wherein: Tn,soll is the setpoint temperature of a room (120) n, and the maximum over the plurality of rooms to be heated of the building is determined.

5. System (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the control device (110) is set up to control the heating unit (110) additionally as a function of a type of the at least one heat exchanger (114).

6. Method for operating a heating unit (110) in a building having a plurality of rooms to be heated, comprising the steps of: providing a setpoint temperature Tn,soll for the plurality of rooms to be heated, providing an actual temperature Tn,ist for the plurality of rooms to be heated, determining a maximum difference by means of the equation Δ T max = max n Y T n , soll − T n , ist ; X n where Y is a function as a function of: the setpoint temperature Tn,soll of a room (120) n of the plurality of rooms to be heated, the actual temperature Tn,ist of the room (120) n, and a parameter Xn, which comprises a value of the area of the room (120) n to be heated, a value for a volume of the room (120) n to be heated, a value as a function of the exposure of the room (120) n, a value as a function of a weather forecast and / or a value as a function of weather data, and controlling a heating unit (110) as a function of the determined maximum difference ΔTmax and additionally as a function of the setpoint temperature Tn,soll of the one room (120) to be heated or of the plurality of rooms to be heated, wherein the heating unit (110) comprises a heat generation unit (115) and a heat distribution unit (116).

7. Method according to Claim 6, wherein the setpoint temperature Tn,soll is predefined as a function of time.

8. Method according to Claim 6 or 7, wherein the heating unit (110) is additionally controlled as a function of an outside temperature.

9. Method according to one of Claims 6 to 8, comprising the step of: finding a maximum setpoint temperature T soll , max = max n T n , soll wherein: Tn,soll is the setpoint temperature of a room (120) n, the maximum over the plurality of rooms to be heated of the building is determined, the heating unit (110) is additionally controlled as a function of the maximum setpoint temperature Tsoll,max.

10. Method according to one of Claims 6 to 9, wherein the heating unit (110) is additionally controlled as a function of a type of at least one heat exchanger (114) of the heating unit (110).