METHOD, SYSTEM AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR CONTROLLING A HEAT GENERATOR

Description

Technical background

[0001] In recent years, heat generators such as heat pumps, biomass boilers, gas boilers, gas boilers, oil boilers, district heating stations, etc. have been continuously developed to increase the efficiency of heat generation and heat transfer. What the various heat generators have in common is that they each have particularly efficient operating modes and less efficient operating modes.

[0002] Depending on the heat generator, the efficiency of the heat generator can be optimized for higher flow temperatures, for example between 50°C and 120°C, or for lower flow temperatures, in particular between 30°C and 50°C.

[0003] For many of the heat generators, heat generation is particularly inefficient and wear is particularly high when the operating times and / or pause times of the heat generator are relatively short. These short operating times and / or pause times are also referred to as pulsing or stuttering operation. Consequently, it is desirable to best avoid pulsing or stuttering operation.

[0004] WO 2018 / 162679 A1 discloses a method for operating a heating system in a building with at least two rooms. The heating system comprises at least one radiator per room, a heat generator for heating a carrier medium that flows to the radiators via a flow line and back to the heat generator via a return line, a pump arranged in the flow line or return line for conveying the carrier medium, and a central control device for controlling the heat generator and the pump. The radiators each comprise an actuator for adjusting a volume flow through the radiator and an adjustment device with a temperature sensor for determining an actual room temperature, a controller for adjusting an actuator opening of the actuator depending on a respective predetermined room target temperature and the determined actual room temperature, and a communication device for communicating with the central control device.The method comprises the steps: if the actual room temperature in a room is lower than a predefined room target temperature and the difference between the actual room temperature and the predefined room target temperature is greater than a predefined temperature difference, operating the radiators in the room in heating mode; if radiators in more than one room are operated in heating mode, determining a heating value as a function of a room temperature change within a specified period for each room with radiators in heating mode; for each radiator in heating mode: specifying an upper limit value for the actuator opening as a function of the respectively determined heating value and an average value of all determined heating values ​​and operating the radiators as a function of the predefined upper limit values.

[0005] EP 3 473 939 A1 shows a method for operating a heating system in a building with at least one heatable room. The heating system comprises at least one radiator in each heatable room. The at least one radiator comprises an actuator for adjusting a volume flow through the radiator. The heating system comprises a heat generator for heating a carrier medium, which flows via a supply line to the at least one radiator and flows back to the heat generator via a return line. A pump for conveying the carrier medium is arranged in the supply line or return line. A temperature sensor for determining a supply temperature of the carrier medium is arranged in the supply line. A temperature sensor for determining an actual room temperature of the room is arranged in the at least one heatable room.The heating system comprises a control device that regulates or controls the heat generator in order to set the flow temperature of the carrier medium to a predetermined flow target temperature, and a room temperature controller for regulating the room temperature by adjusting an actuator opening of the actuator as a function of a respectively predetermined room target temperature and the determined actual room temperature. The method comprises the steps of detecting a current actuator opening of the actuator of the at least one radiator; determining the flow target temperature as a function of the current actuator opening of the actuator of the at least one radiator; and determining a set of control parameters for operating the room temperature controller as a function of the current actuator opening of the actuator.

[0006] DE 10 2014 202738 A1 discloses a method for the automated hydraulic balancing of a heating system with at least one heat generator, at least two heat consumers, and at least two valves. The heat generator, the heat consumers, and the valves are interconnected. The valve opening is limited according to the heat supply to the heat consumer, allowing the heating system to be hydraulically balanced step by step and adapted to changing conditions.

[0007] Based on this, it is the object of the invention to provide a method, a system and / or a computer program product for controlling a heat generator which solves the problem of cycling or stuttering operation. Description

[0008] This object is achieved by the features of the independent patent claims. The dependent claims relate to particular embodiments of the invention. Aspects and embodiments that serve to understand the invention are described below.

[0009] One aspect relates to a method for controlling a heat generator according to claim 1.

[0010] Detecting a valve position can include detecting a control signal that controls the valve and / or detecting a valve position using a sensor. A radiator can be, for example, a wall heater, a floor heater, a radiator, a convector, a combination of the aforementioned radiator types, etc. In some embodiments, the valve can be part of a (room) thermostat, in particular an electronically controllable (room) thermostat. In some embodiments, the valve can be a thermostatic valve.

[0011] This makes it particularly easy to coordinate heat generation with heat consumption by a radiator. As a result, short, inefficient operating intervals of the heat generator due to heat generated but not consumed can be avoided, and the heat generator's heating output can be optimized and reduced. This leads to less wear and tear on the heating system and lower energy consumption.

[0012] For example, the heat generator can be controlled in such a way that if a valve is closed or only slightly open, in particular if all valves are closed and / or only slightly open, the heat generator is not operated in heat generation mode, in particular even if there is a heat demand.

[0013] A particularly advantageous embodiment may additionally comprise the step of determining, depending on the detected valve position of the plurality of valves, at least one from the group: a minimum valve position and / or a maximum valve position, wherein the control of the heat generator also takes place depending on the minimum valve position and / or the maximum valve position.

[0014] This allows a large amount of valve position data to be easily summarized and used to control the heat generator. At the same time, it's a particularly elegant way to ensure that heat is generated as needed.

[0015] In some embodiments, the heat generator can be switched off if one or more valves are closed or the valve position (valve opening) of one or more valves is below a predetermined limit.

[0016] In some embodiments, the heat generator can be shut down if the minimum valve position falls below a first valve limit, the maximum valve position falls below a second valve limit, the average valve position falls below a third valve limit, and / or the reference valve position falls below a fourth valve limit. The designation of the valve limits as first, second, third, and fourth valve limits serves only to distinguish them; they have no numerical significance and are not intended to be ordinal.

[0017] In a particularly adapted embodiment, the determination of a reference valve position, a minimum valve position, an average valve position, and / or a maximum valve position can be carried out depending on a weighting of the valve position of the plurality of valves. Weighting can be carried out, for example, using a mathematical function with the detected valve positions as input parameters. In some embodiments, the weighting can be carried out depending on physical properties, such as room properties of a room whose heat supply is controlled by a corresponding valve, pipe properties, heat exchanger surfaces, a radiator whose heat supply is controlled by a corresponding valve, in particular a radiator type, and / or a heat generator, in particular a heat generator type, etc.

[0018] In some embodiments, the minimum, maximum and / or average valve position may be determined as a function of weighted valve positions.

[0019] In some embodiments, the determination of a minimum valve position, an average valve position, and / or a maximum valve position can be carried out depending on physical properties, such as room properties of a room whose heat supply is controlled by a corresponding valve, pipe properties, heat exchanger surfaces, a radiator whose heat supply is controlled by a corresponding valve, in particular a radiator type, a heat generator, in particular a heat generator type, etc. A distinction with regard to the heat exchanger surfaces can include a distinction with regard to the surface size, the external geometry, the surface structure, a material, etc.

[0020] Room properties can be, for example, a room size, a thermal insulation of the room, a position of the room in a building, in particular a floor, an external wall length of the room, window areas, etc. Examples of pipe properties are a thermal insulation of the pipe, a pipe structure, a pipe length, a pipe cross-section of the pipe, a flow resistance of the pipe, etc.

[0021] A particularly adaptable embodiment may comprise a step of determining a hydraulic balance between the plurality of valves, wherein the determination of the reference valve position, the minimum valve position, the average valve position and / or the maximum valve position is carried out as a function of the determined hydraulic balance.

[0022] This has the advantage that valve positions are taken into account depending on a hydraulic balance and thus valve positions can be used to control the heat generator without the influence of hydraulic differences.

[0023] In a particularly advanced embodiment, the heat generator can be controlled in such a way that the reference valve position, the minimum valve position, the average valve position or the maximum valve position is regulated to a predetermined value.

[0024] This means that the heat generation by the heat generator can be specifically adapted to the actual heat requirement, so that a room temperature corresponds to a specified value.

[0025] In a particularly adapted embodiment, the plurality of valves can be arranged in a heating circuit, and the heat generator can additionally be controlled depending on the type of heating circuit. Advantageously, a heating circuit can comprise one or more radiators. In some embodiments, a heating circuit can also comprise a pump. An example of a heating circuit type is a bathroom heating circuit, where higher temperatures are often desired, for example for a towel dryer. Furthermore, a heating circuit type can be determined depending on a desired and / or maximum flow temperature. For example, a distinction can be made between low-temperature circuits and condensing heating circuits, in particular with higher flow temperatures compared to low-temperature circuits. Furthermore, a heating circuit type can be subdivided with regard to the area to be heated by the heating circuit / the volume of space to be heated by the heating circuit.This allows for the specific characteristics of a valve position based on a heating circuit type to be taken into account. Possible distinguishing features regarding a heating circuit type include low-temperature, condensing-temperature, a combination of these, or wall heating, underfloor heating, a radiator, a convector, a combination of these, etc.

[0026] In a particularly flexible embodiment, the plurality of valves can be arranged in a plurality of heating circuits, and the heat generator can be controlled depending on one or more heating circuits of the plurality of heating circuits, in particular depending on a heating circuit type. This allows, particularly in the case of multiple heating circuits, specific valve position characteristics based on a heating circuit type to be taken into account. This ensures that a heating circuit's heat requirement is met while simultaneously reducing wear and tear and energy consumption.

[0027] In a specially adapted embodiment, the heat generator can also be controlled depending on the heat generator type. This allows, for example, an advantageous operating mode of the heat generator to be taken into account, so that it can be operated particularly efficiently, with low wear and tear, and with energy savings.

[0028] In a particularly advanced embodiment, the heat generator can also be controlled based on the actual room temperature. This allows the heat generator to be operated in a manner specifically tailored to the heat demand. In some embodiments, the heat generator can also be controlled based on the target room temperature. This allows the heat generator's flow temperature to be adjusted to the target room temperature. Since a lower flow temperature can often be provided more efficiently, this can increase efficiency.

[0029] In a particularly intelligent embodiment, the heat generator can also be controlled based on the outside temperature. By taking the outside temperature into account, heat radiation from a room, especially to the outside, can be compensated for particularly effectively.

[0030] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a step of detecting an outside temperature for controlling the heat generator can be omitted. This has the advantage that an outside temperature sensor, which is complex to install and prone to error due to weather influences, becomes superfluous or can be omitted. This, in turn, can reduce installation and maintenance costs. In some embodiments, the heat generator can thus advantageously be controlled independently of the outside temperature. This is possible in particular because the information regarding the valve positions allows corresponding conclusions to be drawn about the heat demand.

[0031] A particularly flexible retrofittable method can include the step of estimating a valve position of a further valve whose valve position is not detected in the step of detecting the valve position. The control of the heat generator can then additionally take place as a function of the estimated valve position of the further valve and / or the determination of the reference valve position, the minimum valve position, the average valve position and / or the maximum valve position can then additionally take place as a function of the estimated valve position. In some embodiments, the estimation of a valve position of a further valve whose valve position is not detected in the step of detecting the valve position of several valves can take place as a function of a desired room temperature, an actual room temperature and / or an outside temperature.

[0032] This means that valves whose valve position cannot be detected, for example due to a lack of sensors, a defect, the technical design, etc., can be taken into account accordingly when controlling the heat generator.

[0033] A particularly advanced method may additionally comprise the steps of providing one or more target temperatures T n,target for one or more rooms to be heated, detecting an actual temperature T n,actual for the one or more rooms to be heated, determining a difference ΔT n between a target value T n,target of one of the one or more rooms to be heated and the actual temperature T n,actual of the room to be heated, and controlling the heat generator additionally as a function of the determined difference ΔT n. This allows the heat generator to be controlled particularly in line with demand.

[0034] In a particularly easy-to-maintain embodiment, the method may comprise the steps of comparing one or more determined differences ΔT n with the detected one or more valve positions; and outputting an error message depending on the comparison result.

[0035] For example, it can be an indication of a fault if there is a very high temperature difference ΔT n and at the same time a closed or only slightly open valve in a room to be heated. Conversely, an error can also be detected if a valve is very wide open and the determined difference ΔT n (ΔT n relative or very small) suggests that a room is overheated. A very high temperature difference can occur if the temperature difference is above a predefined limit. A very small temperature difference can occur if the temperature difference is below another predefined limit.

[0036] This has the advantage that an error can be detected and corrected particularly quickly.

[0037] A further aspect relates to a system for controlling a heat generator according to claim 12.

[0038] A particularly advanced embodiment provides that the determination unit is configured to determine a minimum valve position and / or a maximum valve position depending on the detected valve position of the plurality of valves, wherein the control unit is configured to control the heat generator also depending on the minimum valve position and / or the maximum valve position.

[0039] A particularly advantageous system can comprise one or more setpoint transmitters that 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 detecting an actual temperature T n,ist of the room to be heated, wherein the control unit can be configured to additionally control the heat generator as a function of a difference ΔT n between a setpoint T n,soll of one of the one or more rooms to be heated and the actual temperatures T n,ist of the room to be heated. A further aspect relates to a computer program product comprising program instructions that cause the computer to execute the method according to one of the method claims 1 to 11 when the computer program product is loaded onto the computer or executed.

[0040] This has the advantage that the process can be implemented and retrofitted particularly elegantly.

[0041] In some embodiments, a heat generator can be a cold generator. Accordingly, a heating circuit can be a cooling circuit, a heating circuit type can be a cooling circuit type, and a space to be heated can be a space to be cooled. Cooling circuit types can be differentiated, in particular, with regard to their cooling temperature. Description of the characters

[0042] Fig. 1 and 2 each schematically show a method for controlling a heat generator. Fig. 3 schematically shows a system for controlling a heat generator according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 4 and 5 each schematically show a heating system according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 6a shows schematically in a diagram a target flow temperature as a function of time in a method according to an embodiment of the invention and in a conventional method. Fig. 6bshows schematically in a diagram a minimum, an average and a maximum valve position as a function of time according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0043] Fig. 1 schematically shows a method for controlling a heat generator according to an embodiment of the invention. The method comprises a step S10 detecting a valve position of a valve that is configured to control a volume flow of a fluid from the heat generator to a radiator. A valve can be a component for shutting off and / or controlling a flow of fluids, in particular liquids and / or gases. A valve can be a shut-off device, in particular a

[0044] A valve such as a gate valve, a butterfly valve, a ball valve, etc. In some embodiments, a valve can also be adjusted by a pump, particularly in conjunction with a gravity brake. A gravity brake can also be designed in the form of a check valve and / or a non-return valve.

[0045] The valve position can be detected, for example, by detecting a control signal configured to control a valve. In some embodiments, a valve position can be detected, for example, using a sensor. In some embodiments, a valve position can be detected, for example, using a volume flow sensor or flow sensor.

[0046] Furthermore, the method comprises a step S11 for controlling the heat generator depending on the detected valve position. Controlling the heat generator may include controlling a fuel supply, controlling an oxygen supply, igniting a flame, changing the operating mode, and / or controlling a pump, etc. Examples of a heat generator include a heat pump, a gas boiler, a gas boiler, a biomass boiler, an oil boiler, a district heating transfer station, etc. (heat generator types).

[0047] According to the invention, the method further comprises a step S12 determining a reference valve position and / or an average valve position as a function of the valve position of a plurality of valves.

[0048] A reference valve position can be determined, for example, using a mathematical function with the valve position of the majority of valves as input parameters. In particular, the valve positions can be weighted depending on the valves.

[0049] The control of the heat generator depending on the detected valve position according to step S11 then takes place depending on the reference position and / or the average valve position.

[0050] Advantageously, the valve position can be detected as a function of a hydraulic adjustment. In particular, the detected valve position can be detected relative to a hydraulic adjustment.

[0051] In some embodiments, the method may additionally comprise a step S13 of estimating a valve position of a further valve, the valve position of which is not detected in the step of detecting the valve position. In some embodiments, the method may include the step S14 of estimating a valve position of a further valve, the valve position of which is not detected in the step of detecting the valve position, as a function of a desired room temperature, an actual room temperature and / or an outside temperature. Due to method step S13 or S14, the control of the heat generator can additionally take place as a function of the valve position of the further valve and, if appropriate, the determination of the reference valve position, the minimum valve position, the average valve position and / or the maximum valve position can additionally take place as a function of the estimated valve position.

[0052] In some embodiments, the heat generator can be controlled independently of an outside temperature.

[0053] Fig. 2 shows schematically a method for controlling a heat generator according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 The method shown is based on the Fig. 1 The method can optionally include step S21: determining a hydraulic balance between a plurality of valves. Accordingly, in step S11, the heat generator can then be controlled additionally depending on the determined hydraulic balance. In some embodiments, the determination of a reference valve position, a minimum valve position, an average valve position, and / or a maximum valve position can then be carried out according to step S12 depending on the hydraulic balance.

[0054] In some embodiments, the method can optionally include steps S22 to S24. In a step S22, one or more target temperatures T n,target can be provided for one or more rooms to be heated. The provision of a target temperature can be effected, for example, by reading a value from a memory unit. In some embodiments, a target temperature can be provided via a human-machine interface, in particular by means of a user input. In some embodiments, a target temperature value can be received from a further unit, in particular by means of a communication unit. In optional step S23, an actual temperature of the one or more rooms to be heated can be detected. This can be effected, in particular, by means of a temperature sensor. In some embodiments, an actual temperature value can be received from a further unit, in particular by a communication unit.

[0055] In optional step S24, a difference ΔT n between the setpoint 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 can be determined. This can be done, for example, by comparing the values. The control of the heat generator in step S11 can then additionally take place depending on the determined temperature difference ΔT n. The variable n can enable an assignment to a room. In some embodiments, the valves can also be assigned to rooms, so that an assignment between a difference ΔT n and one or more valves is possible. A room can be a closed room, a section of a room, or several rooms schematically combined to form a room.

[0056] In some embodiments, the method may optionally further comprise steps S25 and S26. In step S25, one or more determined differences ΔT n may be compared with the determined one or more valve positions, in particular of the valves arranged in space n. In particular, valve positions relative to a hydraulic balance may be used for this comparison. In some embodiments, a valve position dependent on the hydraulic balance may be used for this comparison. In step S26, an error message may then be output depending on the comparison result of step S25.

[0057] In some embodiments, method steps of the Figure 2 The procedure shown is part of the Figure 1 In some embodiments, the methods described in the Figures 1 and 2 The process steps shown can be combined with each other as desired.

[0058] In some embodiments, the Figures 1 and 2 methods shown or a combination of the methods shown in the Figures 1 and 2 In the methods shown, steps may be added, omitted, combined, divided into multiple steps, or changed in their order without affecting the essence of the invention. In some embodiments, steps may be replaced by steps having the same effect without changing the essence of the invention.

[0059] In some embodiments, the Figures 1 and 2 shown methods or a combination of the methods described in the Figures 1 and 2 The method shown can be executed as a computer program product.

[0060] Fig. 3schematically shows a system for controlling a heat generator according to an embodiment of the invention. The system 30 comprises a detection unit 31 and a control unit 32. The detection unit 31 is configured to detect valve positions of a plurality of valves, each of which is configured to control a volume flow of a fluid from the heat generator to a radiator using the valve position. The control unit 32 is configured to control the heat generator depending on the detected valve position. In some embodiments, the valve can be part of a (room) thermostat, in particular an electronically controllable (room) thermostat. In some embodiments, the valve can be a thermostatic valve.

[0061] The system comprises a determination unit 33 configured to determine a reference position and / or an average valve position depending on the detected valve position of the plurality of valves. The control unit is then configured to control the heat generator depending on the reference position and / or the average valve position.

[0062] In some embodiments, the system 30 may include a balancing unit (not shown in Figure 3 shown), which is configured to determine a hydraulic balance between the valves. The heat generator can then be controlled additionally depending on the hydraulic balance. In particular, the reference valve position, the minimum valve position, the average valve position, and / or the maximum valve position can then be determined depending on the hydraulic balance.

[0063] In some embodiments, the control unit may be configured to control the heat generator such that the reference valve position, the minimum valve position, the average valve position, and / or the maximum valve position is regulated to a predetermined value.

[0064] In some embodiments, the control unit may be configured to additionally control the heat generator depending on a type of heating circuit in which a valve, the valve position of which is used to control the heat generator, is arranged.

[0065] In some embodiments, the control unit can additionally control the heat generator depending on the type of heat generator. This allows the control unit to adapt the heat generator's heat generation in such a way that particularly efficient operating modes of the heat generator are favored, particularly with regard to operating time, pause time, and / or flow temperature.

[0066] Optionally, the system 30 can include a setpoint device 34 and a temperature sensor 35. The setpoint device can be configured to provide a setpoint temperature for one or more rooms to be heated. The temperature sensor 35 can be configured to detect an actual temperature of a room to be heated. The control unit 32 can then be configured to additionally control the heat generator depending on a difference ΔT n between the setpoint T n,setpoint of one of the one or more rooms to be heated and the actual temperature T n,actual of the room to be heated.

[0067] In some embodiments, the control unit 32 may also be configured to control the heat generator as a function of an outside temperature.

[0068] In some embodiments, the control unit 32 may be configured to control the heat generator independently of an outside temperature.

[0069] In some embodiments, the system 30 may include an estimation unit (not Fig. 3 shown) configured to provide an estimated valve position of another valve whose valve position is not detected by the detection unit 31. This can be done, for example, by an estimation by the estimation unit. In some embodiments, the estimated valve position can be provided by a user through a human-machine interface.

[0070] In some embodiments, an estimation by the estimation unit can be carried out as a function of a desired room temperature, an actual room temperature and / or an outside temperature.

[0071] The control unit 32 can then be configured to additionally control the heat generator as a function of the estimated valve position of the further valve and / or the determination unit 33 can then be configured to additionally determine the reference valve position, the minimum valve position, the maximum valve position and / or the average valve position as a function of the estimated valve position.

[0072] In some embodiments, units of the system 30 may be combined, split, added, and / or omitted without affecting the essence of the invention. Fig. 3 The connections between the units shown are purely exemplary, ie there may be further connections between the units, or connections between the units that are Fig. 3 are shown, are omitted.

[0073] Fig. 4schematically shows a heating system according to one embodiment of the invention. The heating system 40 comprises a first heating circuit 41 and a second heating circuit 43. The heating circuits 41 and 43 are supplied with heat by means of a heat generator 45. A volume flow through the heating circuit 41 is controlled by means of a valve 42. A valve 44 controls the volume flow that flows / circulates through the heating circuit 43.

[0074] Fig. 5 shows schematically a heating system according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5 The heating system 40 shown differs from the one in Fig. 4 shown heating system 40 in that the heating system can additionally include a hot water supply 46. A volume flow of a heat transfer medium that transports heat from the heat generator to the hot water supplier 46 can be controlled by means of a valve 47.

[0075] In addition, Fig. 5Further elements of the heating circuit 41 are shown by way of example. For example, the heating circuit 41 can comprise a radiator 411 and a radiator 413. A volume flow of a heat transfer medium flowing through the radiator 411 or 413 can be additionally controlled by a valve 412 or 414.

[0076] A valve can be configured to regulate a volume flow. In some embodiments, a valve can be implemented, for example, by a pump, particularly in conjunction with a check valve and / or a gravity brake. In some embodiments, a valve can be implemented, for example, by controlling an opening through which a heat transfer medium flows. In some embodiments, the opening can be controlled, for example, by a stepper motor, servomotor, etc.

[0077] In some embodiments, a valve can be controlled, for example, by controlling a pumping power. A high pumping power can then represent a wide-open valve position, and a low pumping power can represent a slightly open valve position.

[0078] In some embodiments, valves connected in series and / or valves connected in parallel can be schematically combined to form one valve with a resulting valve position.

[0079] For example, if there is a heat request from one of the heating circuits 41, 43 or from the hot water circuit 46, but none of the valves 42, 44, and 46 are open or are only slightly open, this may lead to overheating of the heat generator 45, causing it to shut down prematurely. If the heat transfer medium in the heat generator 45 cools down again, the heat generator 45 will generate heat again due to the heat request.

[0080] This can be referred to as cycling or stuttering operation. To counteract this, according to the invention, the valve position 42, 44, 47, 412, 414 is taken into account when controlling the heat generator 45, so that the heat generator 45 only generates heat when it can be ensured that the generated heat can be transported from the heat generator to a heat consumer, in particular a radiator 411, 412, a heating circuit 41, 43, or a hot water circuit 46.

[0081] Advantageously, the valve positions of valves 412, 414, 42, 44, 47 can be used to control heat generator 45 depending on a hydraulic balance. This can have the advantage that the valve position of a valve used to control heat generator 45 particularly accurately reflects the potential volume flow from the heat generator to a heat consumer.

[0082] Fig. 6ashows a schematic diagram of a target flow temperature as a function of time for a method according to an embodiment of the invention and for a conventional method. The time of day is plotted on the x-axis of the diagram. The determined target flow temperature in °C is plotted on the y-axis. Graph 601 shows the course of the target flow temperature as a function of time, wherein the target flow temperature was determined according to a conventional method. Graph 602 shows the course of the target flow temperature as a function of time, wherein the target flow temperature was determined according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0083] Fig. 6bshows a schematic diagram of a minimum, an average, and a maximum valve position as a function of time according to one embodiment of the invention. The time of day is plotted on the x-axis of the diagram. The valve opening (valve position) is plotted in percent on the y-axis. The valve opening (valve position) can be determined, for example, by a volume flow flowing through the valve. In some embodiments, the valve opening (valve position) can be determined as a function of a geometric size of the valve opening. In some embodiments, the valve opening can be standardized as a function of a hydraulic balancing.

[0084] In Fig. 6bThe time course of a maximum valve opening 701, an average valve opening 702 and a minimum valve opening 703 is shown. The maximum, the minimum and the average valve opening can be determined depending on a plurality of valve positions. The valves that are in Fig. 6b used to determine the minimum, average and maximum valve opening are calculated according to the Fig. 6a supplied with heat at the target flow temperature shown.

[0085] As in Fig. 6aAs can be seen, the target flow temperature 601 is increased according to the state of the art at around 6:00 a.m. from the night-time reduction to around 42°C to a daytime value of around 46°C. This then flattens out over the course of the day until around 8:00 p.m. to around 9:00 p.m., the target flow temperature is reduced to around 41°C according to a night-time reduction and then maintained at around 41° or 42°C during the course of the night.

[0086] As can be seen from the Fig. 6a and 6b As can be seen, there is a strong interaction between graphs 602 and 701 or 702. Since the average valve opening 702 or the maximum valve opening is relatively small (less than or equal to 10% or less than or equal to 50%, respectively) between midnight and approximately 5:00 a.m., the target flow temperature is increased from approximately 28°C to approximately 34°C during this period in accordance with the change in the average or maximum valve opening.

[0087] However, since the heat energy consumption during this period is relatively low, as can be seen from graphs 701, 702, and 703, the flow temperature is reduced according to the method according to the invention. This means that if the valve openings, in particular a minimum, an average, and / or a maximum valve opening, are relatively small (small or no flow), for example, a flow temperature of the heat generator and / or a volume flow can be reduced.

[0088] As from Fig. 6bAs can also be seen, the valves are opened between approximately 5:00 a.m. and approximately 7:00 a.m. This can occur, for example, as a result of a night-time reduction. Accordingly, the target flow temperature 602 rises to a value of approximately 58°C during this period. As a result, the valves are closed again slightly between approximately 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. and consequently the target flow temperature is reduced to approximately 47°C. This means that if the valve positions, in particular a minimum, an average and / or a maximum valve opening, are relatively large (large flow rate), a flow temperature of the heat generator and / or a volume flow can be increased, for example.

[0089] Furthermore, it is clear that the valve positions change depending on the flow temperature, so that, for example, a predetermined temperature is present in a room, etc.

[0090] Advantageously, the heat generator can be controlled such that the average and / or maximum valve position is regulated to a predetermined value. Depending on the control parameters, overshoot, such as around 7:00 a.m., 6:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m., can be avoided or reduced. In some embodiments, overshoot can be improved, for example, by additional sensor values ​​from additional sensors.

[0091] In summary, the Fig. 6a and 6bIt can be seen that, in the method according to the invention, by controlling the heat generator depending on the valve openings, the valve openings can be optimized simultaneously, so that the flow temperature of the heat generator can be reduced. This results in heat losses, particularly due to heat radiation from pipes, being reduced by the lower thermal gradients from the heat transfer medium to the pipe environment, and thus energy losses. As a result, efficiency and, especially in the case of a heat pump, running time can be advantageously optimized.

[0092] The use of the minimum, average, and / or maximum valve opening is merely an example. In particular, the result of a mathematical function with the valve openings as input parameters can be used to control the heat generator. A mathematical function can, in particular, be configured to weight the individual valve openings and then determine a minimum, maximum, or average valve opening.

[0093] In some embodiments, a heat generator, in particular according to the Figures 1 to 3 , a cooling generator may be meant. Accordingly, a heating circuit can be a cooling circuit, and a room to be heated can be a room to be cooled. Accordingly, a heating circuit can be a cooling circuit, a heating circuit type can be a cooling circuit type, and a room to be heated can be a room to be cooled. Cooling circuit types can be differentiated particularly with regard to their cooling temperature.

Claims

1. Method for controlling a heat generator, comprising the steps of: - detecting (S10) valve positions of a plurality of valves, which are each configured to control a volume flow of a fluid from the heat generator to a heating body, - determining (S12), as a function of the detected valve position of the plurality of valves, at least one from the group: a reference valve position and / or an average valve position, and - controlling (S11) the heat generator as a function of the detected valve position, wherein the heat generator is controlled as a function of the reference valve position and / or the average valve position.

2. Method according to Claim 1, comprising the step of: determining (S12), as a function of the detected valve positions of the plurality of valves, at least one from the group: a minimum valve position and / or a maximum valve position, wherein the heat generator is also controlled (S11) as a function of the minimum valve position and / or the maximum valve position.

3. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination (S12) of a reference valve position, a minimum valve position, an average valve position and / or a maximum valve position is carried out as a function of a weighting of the valve position of the plurality of valves.

4. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 3, comprising the step of: determining (S21) a hydraulic balance between the plurality of valves, wherein the determination (S12) of the reference valve position, the minimum valve position, the average valve position and / or the maximum valve position is carried out as a function of the determined hydraulic balance.

5. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the heat generator is controlled (S11) in such a way that the reference valve position, the minimum valve position, the average valve position or the maximum valve position is regulated to a predefined value.

6. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of valves are arranged in a heating circuit, and the heat generator is additionally controlled (S11) as a function of a type of the heating circuit, and / or wherein the plurality of valves are arranged in a plurality of heating circuits, and the heat generator is controlled (S11) as a function of one or more heating circuits of the plurality of heating circuits, in particular as a function of a type of a heating circuit.

7. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the heat generator is additionally controlled (S11) as a function of a type of the heat generator, and / or additionally as a function of a room actual temperature and a room setpoint temperature, and / or additionally as a function of an outside temperature.

8. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein a step of detecting an outside temperature for controlling the heat generator is omitted.

9. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the method comprises at least one of the following steps: estimating (S13) a valve position of a further valve, the valve position of which is not detected in the step of detecting the valve position, or estimating (S14) a valve position of a further valve, the valve position of which is not detected in the step of detecting the valve position of a plurality of valves, as a function of a room setpoint temperature, a room actual temperature and / or an outside temperature, wherein the heat generator is additionally controlled (S11) as a function of the estimated valve position of the further valve and / or the determination of the reference valve position, the minimum valve position, the average valve position and / or the maximum valve position is additionally carried out as a function of the estimated valve position.

10. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 9, comprising the steps of: providing (S22) one or more setpoint temperatures Tn,soll for one or more rooms to be heated, detecting (S23) an actual temperature Tn,ist for the one or more rooms to be heated, and determining (S24) a difference ΔtTn between a setpoint value Tn,soll of a room to be heated of the one or more rooms to be heated and the actual temperature Tn,ist of the room to be heated, wherein the heat generator is additionally controlled (S11) as a function of the determined difference ΔtTn.

11. Method according to Claim 10, comprising the steps of: comparing (S25) one or more determined differences ΔtTn with the detected one or more valve positions; outputting (S26) an error message as a function of the comparison result.

12. System (30) for controlling a heat generator, comprising: a detection unit (31) which is configured to detect valve positions of a plurality of valves, which are each configured to control a volume flow of a fluid from the heat generator to a heating body by means of the valve position, a determination unit (33) which is configured to determine a reference valve position and / or an average valve position as a function of the detected valve positions of the plurality of valves, and a control unit (32) which is configured to control the heat generator as a function of the detected valve position, wherein the control unit (32) is configured to control the heat generator as a function of the reference valve position and / or the average valve position.

13. System according to Claim 12, wherein the determination unit (33) is configured to determine a minimum valve position and / or a maximum valve position as a function of the detected valve positions of the plurality of valves, wherein the control unit (32) is configured to control the heat generator also as a function of the minimum valve position and / or the maximum valve position.

14. System according to Claim 12 or 13, comprising: - one or more setpoint value transmitters (34), which provide a setpoint temperature Tn,soll for one or more rooms to be heated, - at least one temperature sensor (35) per room to be heated for detecting an actual temperature Tn,ist of the room to be heated, wherein the control unit (32) is configured to additionally control the heat generator as a function of a difference ΔtTn between a setpoint value Tn,soll of a room to be heated of the one or more rooms to be heated and the actual temperatures Tn,ist of the room to be heated.

15. Computer program product comprising program instructions which cause the computer to carry out the method according to one of Method Claims 1 to 11 when the computer program product is loaded or executed on the computer.