HEATING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A HEATING DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a heating device and a method for operating the heating device. The heating device is designed to heat a building or part of a building and / or to supply it with hot water.

[0002] DE 10 2019 117 658 A1 describes a heating device that can be suppressed via a user interface. The heating device has a control device, for example, a microcontroller. A suppression signal can be read via the microcontroller. The microcontroller can have a memory in which functions and / or algorithms are stored to convert the received suppression signal into a hardware signal. The hardware signal can be an analog signal, an electrical voltage signal, and / or an electrical current signal for safety-relevant suppression.

[0003] US 2006 / 0101216 A1 relates to a magnetic storage array (RAID). The individual magnetic storage devices are connected in parallel to a storage controller, allowing parallel read or write access to multiple storage devices. Two or more of the magnetic storage devices can always contain the same data to prevent data loss. The data can be subjected to error checking.

[0004] A system and method for responding to error detection is described in US 2011 / 0047440 A1. If an uncorrectable error occurs while reading from one memory, the data is read from a redundant second memory. The data read from the second memory can then be stored in the first memory to replace the unreadable data there.

[0005] A modern heating device is controlled via an electrical and / or electronic control unit. The control unit can have a memory for storing data relevant to the control system, which is loaded and used when the control unit is started up. It is generally advantageous or desirable for at least some of this data to be variable and able to be adapted to preferred settings, operating states, the specific application, etc. In this case, it is important to read out the current data when the control unit is replaced and transfer it to the new control unit. Pluggable storage media such as USB storage devices or memory cards are usually used for this purpose. The pluggable memories remain in the control unit and can be replugged when a control unit is replaced.

[0006] Reusing the pluggable memory when replacing the control unit has the disadvantage that the control unit can only be replaced with a new one that has the same connectors and connection devices for accommodating the pluggable memory. Reusing the memory also results in the memory being older than the new control unit after the control unit has been replaced. This can lead to data corruption or complete data loss due to memory aging.

[0007] It can therefore be considered the object of the present invention to provide a heating device and a method that simplifies the replacement of a control unit and at the same time provides a high level of data security.

[0008] This object is achieved by a heating device having the features of patent claim 1 and a method having the features of patent claim 13.

[0009] The heating device according to the present invention comprises a heating device and a first control unit for controlling the heating device. The heating device has a burner for combusting a supplied fuel. The fuel can be, for example, fossil fuels such as oil or gas, biomass fuels (e.g., wood), or non-fossil gases, such as hydrogen or synthesis gas, or any combination thereof. The heating device is configured to heat a heat transfer medium (e.g., water). The heat transfer medium can, for example, circulate in a heating circuit and be used to heat a building or part of a building.

[0010] The first control unit has a non-volatile first memory in which a first data set is stored. A second control unit has a non-volatile second memory in which a second data set is stored. The second control unit is configured to control a component or assembly of the heating device and has a control function that differs from the control function of the first control unit. For example, the second control unit can be configured to control a pump and / or a fan of the heating device. The second control unit can also be used to control the heater or the burner, wherein the second control unit, in contrast to the first control unit, controls or regulates, for example, safety-critical parameters. In any case, the first control unit and the second control unit are not identical in terms of their function and are therefore not merely redundant control units.The two control units are designed as separately interchangeable modules, each with its associated memory. Each module can, for example, comprise a carrier (e.g., a circuit board) and components arranged thereon, such as a microcontroller, the memory, and, if applicable, a communication or data bus interface.

[0011] The first control unit and the second control unit are communicatively connected, for example, via a data bus. Other components of the heating device, such as additional control units and / or sensors, can also be connected to the data bus.

[0012] Once activated following initial installation or maintenance or repair, the first control unit is configured to perform the steps described below:

[0013] First, the first data record is read from the first memory and the second data record is read from the second memory. The order in which the data records are read can vary. Both the first data record and the second data record are then checked. Each data record is checked separately. The data records are checked separately using a check value procedure (e.g. cyclic redundancy check, abbreviated: CRC). If the check based on the check value shows that at least one of the data records was read correctly or without errors, the other, possibly incorrect, data record can be corrected based on this correct data record. This is not necessary if both data records are correct and match. If no correct data record can be determined, the first data record and the second data record are created again.For this purpose, for example, factory data and / or initialization sequences stored in the first memory and / or the second memory can be accessed. The data records created in this way are then saved, with the first data record being stored in the first memory and the second data record being stored in the second memory. The created and saved data records are identical.

[0014] With this method, the control units can be implemented without mobile, pluggable memory. For example, if the first control unit has been replaced after a repair, it can read the second data set from the second memory after activation. If no valid first data set exists in the first memory, the first data set is identified as incorrect. If the second data set is correct, its data is also stored as the first data set in the first memory, so that identical data sets are again present in the memories.

[0015] It is advantageous if the heating device also has a fan for generating a gas flow through the heater. The second control unit can be configured to control the fan, forming a fan control unit, so to speak.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first data set and the second data set can contain control data for operating the heater. It can be advantageous if the first control unit is configured to also execute the steps described below after its activation: If a correct data set was detected during the test, this correct data set can be loaded, and its control data can be used in the first control unit to operate the heater. If no correct data set was detected during the test, the newly created data set can be loaded, and its control data can be used in the first control unit to operate the heater.

[0017] The steps performed by the first control unit after activation can additionally also be executed during operation of the heating device, for example when a request (e.g. interrupt signal) is present and / or cyclically.

[0018] The first control unit can also be configured to update the data of the first data set and the second data set regularly during operation of the heating device, or upon receipt of a corresponding signal, with the goal of ensuring that the two data sets always have identical data content. If an error occurs during transmission or storage, this can be detected when the first control unit checks the data sets, as described above.

[0019] It is also advantageous if the first control unit is configured to change, upon request, the data set currently used by the first control unit to operate the heater. For example, this request can be transmitted to the first control unit by a request signal generated via an operating interface. The operating interface and the first control device are communicatively connected for this purpose, for example via a data bus. The request signal can also be additionally or alternatively transmitted to the first control unit via another external unit, a network, the Internet, or the like. The changed data set can then be stored as the first data set in the first memory and as the second data set in the second memory.

[0020] It is also advantageous if each data set contains service life data for a component of the heating device, and in particular for the heater. For example, service life data for a gas valve unit can be included in the data sets. The service life data can include, for example, the number of switching cycles, date information, operating times, operating times in specific operating states, and the like. Service life data for other components, such as a fan, can also be included in the data sets additionally or alternatively.

[0021] Each data record contains a check value determined from the data record's user data (in particular, lifetime data and / or control data) according to a predefined calculation rule. Using such a check value, each data record can be individually checked to determine whether it was stored and / or transmitted correctly. The check value can be generated using any suitable mathematical method that represents the calculation rule, for example, based on a cyclic redundancy check (CRC).

[0022] Preferably, the first control unit is configured to calculate the check value of each data record from its payload based on the specified calculation rule when checking the data records and to compare it with the check value stored in the data record, so that each data record can be individually checked for correct storage or transmission. It is also preferred if the data records are checked against each other for identity during the check.

[0023] It is also advantageous if three or more separate data sets are present in one memory each, so that additional redundancy for the payload data in the data sets is provided and / or fault tolerance is achieved through comparison and so-called "voting".

[0024] Advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0025] Figure 1 and 2 each a block diagram of an embodiment of a heating device,

[0026] Figure 3 a block diagram of a first control unit with a first memory, a second control unit with a second memory and a third control unit with a third memory, which are communicatively connected to one another via a data bus,

[0027] Figure 4 a flowchart of an embodiment of a method according to the invention which can be carried out by the first control unit of the heating device and

[0028] Figure 5a schematic representation of a data set comprising payload data and a check value.

[0029] Figure 1 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a heating device 10. The heating device 10 has a heater 11, which is controlled by a first control unit 12. In the embodiment, the heater 11 has a burner 13 and a valve unit 14. In the embodiment, the valve unit 14 is controlled by the first control unit 12 to control the supply of a fuel B to the burner 13. As fuel B, liquid and / or gaseous fuels, for example, oil, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen, etc., or any combination thereof, are particularly suitable.

[0030] The first control unit 12 has a non-volatile first memory 15 and a first microcontroller 16. The first microcontroller 16 is configured to read data from the first memory 15, modify data, and store data in the first memory 15. A first data set DS1 can be stored in the first memory. The first control unit 12 with the first microcontroller 16 and the first memory 15 can be configured as an assembly with the valve unit 14.

[0031] The burner 13 is arranged in a combustion chamber 20, which is located in the interior of a housing 21. An oxidant flows into the combustion chamber 20 and is mixed with the fuel B. The mixture is combusted by the burner 13, thereby generating a flow of hot combustion gases in the interior of the housing 21. In the exemplary embodiment, air L is supplied as the oxidant via a supply opening 22. Instead of air L, oxygen and / or an oxygen-air mixture could also be supplied.

[0032] The flow of hot combustion gases flows within the housing 21 over at least one heat exchanger unit of a heating circuit 23. The heating device 10 can be designed, for example, as a calorific value or condensing device. Therefore, a first heat exchanger unit 24 and a second heat exchanger unit 25 are arranged within the housing 21 in the flow direction of the hot combustion gases. The first heat exchanger unit 24 is fluidically connected to an inlet line 26. The second heat exchanger unit 25 is fluidically connected to a return line 27 of the heating circuit 23.

[0033] The heating circuit 23 also includes a heat dissipation arrangement 28 by means of which heat is dissipated to the building or parts of the building. The heat dissipation arrangement 28 can comprise radiators and / or heating coils of a surface heating system, for example, underfloor heating, and the like. A heat transfer medium W flows through the heating circuit 23 from the first heat exchanger unit 24 via the supply line 26 to the heat dissipation arrangement 28, wherein the heat transfer medium W releases heat and cools as it flows through the heat dissipation arrangement 28. The cooled heat transfer medium W flows via the return line 27 to the second heat exchanger unit 25 and from there to the first heat exchanger unit 24.

[0034] The interior of the housing 21 is, for example, divided into a first zone 32 and a second zone 33. The combustion chamber 20 and the first heat exchanger unit 24 are located in the first zone 32. The second zone 33 is arranged downstream of the first zone 32 in the flow direction of the hot combustion gases. The second heat exchanger unit 25 is located in the second zone 33. An exhaust duct 34 opens into the second zone 33. A fan 35 is arranged in the exhaust duct 34, which fan sucks the generated combustion gases G or exhaust gases from the interior of the housing 21 and, for example, the second zone 33 and discharges them through the exhaust duct 34. The generated gas flow sucks the oxidant and, in the exemplary embodiment, air L, into the combustion chamber 20 in the interior of the housing 21 via the supply opening 22.

[0035] As an alternative to this embodiment, the fan 35 can also be arranged at another location in the flow path, for example in the region of the supply opening 22.

[0036] When the hot combustion gas flows along the second heat exchanger unit 25 during operation, it can cool below the dew point of some or all of the combustion gas components, so that a condensate K is formed, which can be discharged from the housing 21 or the second zone 33 via a condensate drain 36.

[0037] To control the fan 35, a second control unit 37 is provided, which has a second memory 38 and a second microcontroller 39. The second microcontroller 39 can read data from the second memory 38 and store data in the second memory 38. A second data set DS2 can be stored in the second memory 38. The second control unit 37 with the second microcontroller 39 and the second memory 38 is preferably designed as an assembly with the fan 35 (motor, rotor, housing, etc.).

[0038] The first control unit 12 and the second control unit 37 are communicatively connected, for example via a data bus 40.

[0039] In addition to the first control unit 12 and the second control unit 37, the heating device 10 can have at least one further control unit and / or at least one sensor, which are communicatively connected to the first control unit 12 and / or the second control unit 37, for example by means of the data bus 40. In the exemplary embodiment, an exhaust gas sensor 41 is present, which can be arranged in the second zone 33 or in the exhaust gas duct 34. At least one property of the combustion gas G can be detected via the exhaust gas sensor 41, for example the temperature and / or the presence of at least one gas component of the combustion gas and / or the quantity of at least one gas component of the combustion gas G. Additionally or alternatively, in the region of the burner 30 orA combustion sensor 42 may be present in the combustion chamber 20, which is configured to detect the presence of a flame at the burner 13 and / or to detect the state of combustion in the combustion chamber 20. Based on the sensor signals generated by the at least one sensor 41, 42, the first control unit 12 can control the heater 11 and / or the second control unit 37 can control the fan 35. The actual value detected by one or more of the sensors 41, 42 can also be used as a feedback variable in a combustion control system.

[0040] As it is dashed in Figure 1As shown, a further, third control unit 45 may be present and, for example, configured to control the heater 11. The control function of the first control unit 12 differs from that of the third control unit 45. For example, the third control unit 45 may represent a so-called "Safety Control Unit (SCU)". The first control unit 12 carries out the conventional combustion control or combustion regulation, while the third control unit 45 fulfills an additional safety function and, for example, excludes safety-critical states of the heating device 10, for example if a fault occurs in the first control unit 12 or in other components of the heating device 10. The third control unit 45 may be designed as separate hardware with a separate memory and a separate microcontroller, or it may be implemented virtually as a function in one of the other existing control units 12, 37.An integrated control unit comprising the first control unit 12 and the third control unit 45 can be referred to as a "Burner Control Unit (BCU)".

[0041] If the third control unit 45 is implemented as separate hardware, it may comprise a third memory 46 and a third microcontroller 47. The third microcontroller 47 is configured to access the third memory 46 and can read data from the third memory 46 and write data to the third memory 46. A third data set DS3 may be stored in the third memory 46 ( Figure 3 ).

[0042] In the exemplary embodiment, an operating interface 48 is communicatively connected to at least one control unit, and in particular to the first control unit 12. It is possible to implement the operating interface 48 and at least one of the other control units 12, 37, 45, or two or more of the control units 12, 37, 45, as a common control unit or structural unit. For example, the first control unit 12 with the first microcontroller 16 and the first memory 15 can be part of the operating interface 48, and / or the second control unit 37 with the second microcontroller 39 and the second memory 38 can be part of the operating interface 48.

[0043] The operating interface 48 can also be used as an additional control unit with an additional memory. In the exemplary embodiment, the operating interface 48 is communicatively connected to all other control units 12, 37, 45 and / or sensors 41, 42 via the data bus 40. An operator can receive information and / or enter data via the operating interface 48. For example, the operating interface 48 can have a display and at least one input field. The display and the input field can be designed as a structural unit in the form of a touch-sensitive screen. The operating interface 48 can also have acoustic output means and keys or buttons as input means.

[0044] Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of the heating device 10. In contrast to the Figure 1In the embodiment shown, the blower 35 is designed as a premixing blower which sucks in a gaseous fuel B and an oxidant, for example air L, mixes them and feeds them to the burner 13.

[0045] In all embodiments, the control units 12, 37 can be part of the respective component, i.e. the valve unit 14 or the blower 35, which is shown in the Figure 1 and 2 is illustrated by the dashed border. Analogous to the exemplary embodiment in Figure 1, an additional third control unit 45 can be present. In all exemplary embodiments, one or more control units 12, 37, 45, 48 can be combined or integrated with one another. For example, the operating interface 48 and the first control unit 12, and optionally also the third control unit 45, can be designed as a common control unit for the heater 11.

[0046] In Figure 5The structure of a data set DS1, DS2, DS3 is illustrated schematically. Each data set contains user data N, which in the exemplary embodiment can have control data S and / or service life data Q. The control data S relate to parameters used for control or regulation, for example setpoints, limit values, control or regulation characteristics, etc. The service life data Q relate to service life data of one or more components of the heating device 10, for example of the valve unit 14 and / or the fan 35. The service life data Q of the valve unit 14 can contain, for example, the number of switching cycles and / or the number of step movements of a stepper motor and / or date information and / or operating times in certain switching states and / or the total operating time.The service life data of the fan 35 can, for example, contain date information and / or total operating time and / or one or more operating times in defined operating states (e.g., speed states or stepper motor classes or load states). Additionally or alternatively, the useful data N can also contain current and / or historical sensor data of the at least one sensor 41, 42.

[0047] In the exemplary embodiment, each data set DS1, DS2, DS3 has a check value P in addition to the payload data N. The check value P is determined from the payload data N or at least a portion of the payload data N using a predefined calculation rule C. For example, the check value P can be determined based on a cyclic redundancy method ("Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC)"). Other check values ​​or checksums can also be determined using the calculation rule C, for example by forming the checksum and / or a parity bit and / or a hash function (e.g., "Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA)"). All known mathematical and / or cryptographic calculation rules C can be used to form the check value P.

[0048] The above-described embodiments of the heating device 10 thus each have a data set DS1, DS2, DS3 in at least two memories or even three or more memories, with the goal of having the user data N, in particular the service life data Q, redundantly present in the data sets. With error-free storage and transmission, the data sets DS1, DS2, DS3 are identical. Thus, if a control unit, for example, the first control unit 12, is replaced during maintenance, servicing, or repair, the user data N can be retrieved from the at least one additional memory, for example, the second memory 38, for example, service life data Q of non-replaced components of the heating device 10.For this purpose, the new control unit 12, which then does not have a valid first data set DS1 in its first memory 15, can access the second control unit 37 or the second memory 38 via the data bus 40 or another suitable communication connection. This can be done when the first control unit 12 is commissioned. In . Figure 4 is a flow diagram of a preferred method which is explained below.

[0049] In a first method step V1, the control system is activated, for example the first control unit 12, the second control unit 37 and the user interface 48, as well as, if applicable, the optionally present third control unit 45. In a second method step V2, the first data set DS1 is read from the first memory 15. Assuming that the first control unit 12 is new, the first memory 15 contains no valid data in the first data set DS1, for example the value zero throughout as payload N or another payload content that can be identified as invalid. At the same time, before or after, in a third method step V3, the second data set DS2 is read from the second memory 38. Optionally, at the same time, before or after, at least one further data set can also be read in, for example the third data set DS3.

[0050] Even if another control unit has been replaced, for example the second control unit 37, there are initially user data in the memory that can be identified as invalid, analogous to the above description.

[0051] In a fourth method step V4, the at least two data records, for example the first data record DS1 and the second data record DS2 individually, are checked separately for freedom from errors, i.e. they are checked to see whether the storage and transmission of the data record DS1, DS2 was error-free and whether the data record DS1, DS2 is therefore correct. For this purpose, the check value P is calculated using the known calculation rule C based on at least some of the payload N or all of the payload N of the data record DS1, DS2 in question and compared with the check value contained in the data record DS1 or DS2. If the calculated check value P and the check value P contained in the data record DS1 or DS2 match, it is determined that the associated data record DS1 or DS2 is correct (branch OK from the fourth method step V4). If at least one of the read data records DS1, DS2 is error-free or correct, the method then continues in a fifth method step V5.In this fifth process step V5, the read data records DS1 and DS2 are compared and checked for identity. This can only be the case if all data records were identified as correct in the fourth process step V4.

[0052] If only some of the data sets are correct, the data sets are not identical (branch NOK from the fifth method step V5). In a sixth method step V6, the error-free, correct data set is loaded into the first control unit 12 (e.g., into the RAM of the first microcontroller 16), and the at least one faulty data set is replaced by the correct data set, so that the data sets DS1, DS2 (and optionally DS3) are identical again. Subsequently, in a seventh method step V7, operation of the heating device 10 can be started.

[0053] If it is determined in the fifth method step V5 that the read data sets are identical (branch OK from the fifth method step V5), this means that the first data set DS1 and the second data set DS2 are both correct and match each other. The first or second data set can be loaded into the working memory of the first microcontroller 16 (eighth method step V8), and the method can then continue with the operation of the heating device 10 in the seventh method step V7.

[0054] If, in the fourth method step V4, it is determined based on the described test value comparison that none of the existing data sets DS1, DS2 (and optionally DS3) is correct (branch NOK from the fourth method step V4), the initialization of new user data N and thus new data sets DS1, DS2 (and optionally DS3) is carried out in a ninth method step V9. For this purpose, standard settings or factory settings for the user data N can be used, for example, which are either stored in a memory area of ​​the first memory 15 or are provided automatically or manually via the user interface 48. After initialization in the ninth method step V9, the method can then be continued in the seventh method step V7 with the operation of the heating device 10.

[0055] The memories 15, 38 are components of separately manageable and replaceable modules. Preferably, the first control unit 12 and the second control unit 37 are each formed by a module. For this purpose, each module can have a carrier, in particular at least one circuit board, and components arranged directly on the carrier. Therefore, the first microcontroller 16 or second microcontroller 39, the respectively associated first memory 15 or second memory 38, and optionally further electrical and / or electronic components, such as a data bus interface, can be arranged on the carrier.

[0056] The second memory 38 can be part of the fan 35, and / or the first memory 15 can be part of the heater 11 or its control system. Ultimately, the useful data N from the memories 12, 38 are compared and / or exchanged among the relevant components 11, 14, 35 or assemblies of the heating device 10.

[0057] The invention relates to a heating device 10 and a method for operating the heating device 10. The heating device 10 has a first control unit 12 with a non-volatile first memory 15 for controlling a heater 11. To control a component or assembly of the heating device 10, for example a fan 35, the heating device 10 has a second control unit 37 with a non-volatile second memory 38. When the control of the heating device 10 is activated during commissioning, at least one control unit and in particular the first control unit 12 can carry out the following steps: A first data set DS1 is read from the first memory 15 and a second data set DS2 is read from the second memory 37. The data sets DS1, DS2 are checked for their correctness, for example by a test value method and / or by a comparison.If no correct data record DS1, DS2 is detected, new data records DS1, DS2 are created. If at least one of the read data records DS1, DS2 is correct, the incorrect data record is replaced with the correct one and stored in the corresponding memory 15, 38. List of reference symbols:

[0058] 10Heating device 11Heater 12First control unit 13Burner 14Valve unit 15First storage tank 16First microcontroller 20Combustion chamber 21Housing 22Inlet opening 23Heating circuit 24First heat exchanger unit 25Second heat exchanger unit 26Inlet line 27Return line 28Heat dissipation arrangement 32First zone 33Second zone 34Exhaust duct 35Fan 36Condensate drain 37Second control unit 38Second storage unit 39Second microcontroller 40Data bus 41Exhaust sensor 42Combustion sensor 45Third control unit 46Third storage unit 47Third microcontroller 48Operating interface BFuel CRalculation rule DS1first data set DS2second data set DS3third data set GCombustion gas KCondensate LAir NUse data PPest value QService life data SControl data V1first process step V2second process step V3third process step V4fourth process step V5fifth process step V6sixth process step V7seventh process step V8eighth process step V9ninth process step WWet transfer medium

Claims

1. A heating device (10) comprising: - a heating appliance (11) having a burner (13), - a first control unit (12) having a non-volatile first memory (15), wherein the first control unit (12) is arranged to control the heating appliance (11), wherein the first control unit (12) and the associated first memory (15) form a separately exchangeable assembly, - a second control unit (37) having a non-volatile second memory (38), wherein the second control unit (37) is arranged to control a component or assembly of the heating device (10), wherein the second control unit (37) and the associated second memory (38) form a further separately exchangeable assembly, wherein the first control unit (12) is arranged to perform the following steps after its activation following initial installation or following maintenance or repair: - reading a first data set (DS1) from the first memory (15), - reading a second data set (DS2) from the second memory (38), - performing a check to determine whether at least one of the data sets (DS1, DS2) has been stored and transmitted without errors and is therefore correct, whereby each data set (DS1, DS2) is checked separately using a check value procedure, - if no correct data set (DS1, DS2) was detected, creating the first data set (DS1) and the second data set (DS2) based on default or factory settings and / or initialization sequences and storing the first data set (DS1) and the second data set (DS2), and - if one correct and one incorrect data set (DS1, DS2) was detected, replacing the incorrect data set (DS1 or DS2) with the correct data set (DS2 or DS1).

2. The heating device according to claim 1, further comprising a fan (35) for generating a gas flow through the heating appliance (11), wherein the second control unit (37) is arranged to control the fan (35).

3. The heating device according to claim 2, wherein the second control unit (37) is part of a fan (35).

4. The heating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first control unit (12) is part of the heating appliance (11) and / or an operating interface (48).

5. The heating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each data set (DS1, DS2) contains control data (S) for the operation of the heating appliance (11) and wherein the first control unit (12) is arranged to also perform the following steps after its activation: - if a correct data set (DS1 and / or DS2) was detected during the check, loading the correct data set (DS1 or DS2) and if no correct data set (DS1, DS2) was detected during the test, loading the newly created data set (DS1, DS2), - using the control data (S) of the loaded data set (DS1, DS2) in the first control unit (12) to operate the heating appliance (11).

6. The heating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first control unit (12) is arranged to change the data set currently used in the first control unit (12) for operating the heating appliance (11) upon request.

7. The heating device according to claim 6, wherein the request can be generated via an operating interface (48) .

8. The heating device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first control unit (12) is arranged to store the changed data set as a first data set (DS1) in the first memory (15) and as a second data set (DS2) in the second memory (38).

9. The heating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first control unit (12) is arranged to update the data of the first data set (DS1) and the second data set (DS2) during operation of the heating device (10) regularly or after receiving a corresponding signal.

10. The heating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each data set (DS1, DS2) contains service life data (Q) of at least one component of the heating device (10).

11. The heating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating appliance (11) has a valve unit (14) for controlling a fuel supply to the burner (13) .

12. The heating device according to claims 10 and 11, wherein each data set contains service life data (Q) of the gas valve unit (14).

13. A method for operating a heating device (10) comprising a heating appliance (11) with a burner (13), a separately exchangeable assembly comprising a first control unit (12) for the heating appliance (11) and a first memory (14) assigned to the first control unit (12), a further separately exchangeable assembly comprising a second control unit (37) for a component or assembly of the heating device (10) and a second memory (38) assigned to the second control unit (37), the method comprising the following steps: - activating the first control unit (12) after initial installation or following maintenance or repair, - reading a first data set (DS1) from the first memory (15), - reading a second data set (DS2) from the second memory (38), - performing a check to determine whether at least one of the data sets (DS1, DS2) has been stored and transmitted without errors and is therefore correct, whereby each data set (DS1, DS2) is checked separately using a check value procedure, - if no correct data set (DS1, DS2) was detected, creating the first data set (DS1) and the second data set (DS2) based on default or factory settings and / or initialization sequences and storing the first data set (DS1) and the second data set (DS2), and - if one correct and one incorrect data set (DS1) was detected, replacing the incorrect data set (DS1 or DS2) with the correct data set (DS2 or DS1).