METHOD FOR PERFORMING A HYDRAULIC BALANCE OF A HEATING SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for performing a hydraulic balancing of a heating system, a computer program, a machine-readable storage medium, an electronic heating control unit and a heating system. State of the art

[0002] Various methods for performing hydraulic balancing in a heating system are known, for example from DE 10 2019 109540 A1. These methods are often performed manually and / or require numerous additional sensors and other components to transmit the information needed for hydraulic balancing to a control unit, resulting in additional costs and effort. Furthermore, additional data about the heating system is required, which is often difficult to access. Electronic valves connected to a control unit are also used. The known methods are complex and computationally intensive. The known devices are also complex.

[0003] The aim is to provide an improved hydraulic balancing system that is particularly more cost-effective, especially automatic and / or especially easier to implement. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] This problem is solved by the inventive method for carrying out an automated hydraulic balancing of a heating system according to claim 1.

[0005] The heating system comprises at least one heat generator, at least two heat exchangers, and at least two controllable heating valves, each with a variable valve position. In particular, each heating valve has a valve element whose position can be changed. Specifically, each heat exchanger is assigned at least one heating valve.

[0006] Preferably, the valve position is changed by means of a magnetic actuator or an electrically driven motor. Depending on the valve position, a flow opening, and thus the flow of a heat transfer medium through the heating valve, is controlled.

[0007] Preferably, at least one heating valve is located in the inlet of a heat exchanger. Preferably, the flow rate through a heat exchanger can be controlled via at least one heating valve. The heating valve controls the flow rate of a heat transfer medium, which is heated or cooled in the heat generator, to at least one heat exchanger.

[0008] The method is characterized by the fact that, in one process step, an increase in a target room temperature value for a room is received. This reception includes, in particular, retrieving, querying, or measuring. Preferably, the target room temperature value is a trigger designed to initiate the subsequent steps. When the target room temperature changes, the method, i.e., the subsequent process steps, are executed. Specifically, the change in the target room temperature value constitutes an event that causes heating. Preferably, the term "target room temperature value" also refers to the target room temperature.

[0009] A room can also refer to a part or area of ​​a building.

[0010] The room is equipped with at least one heating valve and a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is specifically designed as a heat transfer unit. It transfers the heat transported by the heat transfer medium to the surroundings. This primarily warms the ambient air. "Equivalent" here means that the heat exchanger is positioned in such a way that it can transfer heat to the room. Specifically, the associated heat exchanger serves to heat the room, particularly the air within it.

[0011] Furthermore, the method includes determining the heating time required to achieve a delta temperature increase in the room. Specifically, a delta temperature increase is defined and preferably remains constant. The heating time is determined until the actual room temperature reaches the target temperature. The target temperature corresponds to the initial room temperature, in particular the actual room temperature, plus the delta temperature increase. Specifically, the target temperature can be lower than the setpoint temperature. Specifically, determining the heating time includes measuring the time.

[0012] The procedure also includes determining the heating gradient from the delta temperature increase and the determined heating time. The heating gradient is calculated by dividing the delta temperature increase by the heating time. Preferably, the heating gradient is assigned to the heating valves of a room. In particular, the determination includes a calculation.

[0013] In a further process step, the average relative position of the heating valve during the heating period is determined. Specifically, the average is calculated from all valve positions the heating valve exhibited over the heating period. Preferably, the duration for which each valve position was set is taken into account.

[0014] In one process step, the ratio of the heating gradient to the mean relative valve position is determined. This ratio is specifically calculated by dividing the heating gradient by the determined mean relative valve position.

[0015] The method also includes the step of comparing the determined ratio with the previously determined ratios of at least one, and in particular all, of the other heating valves. The previously determined ratios are also referred to as known ratios. Known ratios are the most recently determined ratios of a heating valve that were not determined in the current method run. Preferably, at least one, and in particular all, of the previously determined ratios are used. In particular, only the most recently determined ratios of a heating valve are used.

[0016] In one process step, the maximum valve position of a heating valve is limited depending on the result of comparing the ratios of the heating valves. In particular, it is not necessary to limit, or limit only limit, the heating valve whose ratio was determined last.

[0017] A heat generator is a unit that can provide heat. The heat provided can be transferred to a heat transfer medium, such as gas, a fluid, or the like. Examples of heat generators include a gas or oil burner, a solar thermal system, a heat pump, a pellet stove, or an air conditioner. Water is often used as the energy-transferring heat transfer medium in these systems.

[0018] A heat exchanger is a unit or body, such as a device or similar assembly, that can store thermal energy and transfer it to a medium, such as objects, liquids, or gases. Examples include radiators, underfloor heating systems, indoor air conditioning units, and the like.

[0019] The flow rate of the heat transfer medium depends on the position of the heating valve. Depending on the valve position, the flow opening of the heating valve varies between a minimum and a maximum. In particular, the valve position can be limited mechanically or electrically. Preferably, the flow rate can be limited in this way.

[0020] A flow opening is defined as an opening in a pipe, particularly the total area of ​​the opening, and / or an opening in a heating valve, through which a fluid can pass. A heating valve typically has a valve element or similar component. This valve element can be used to close and / or open a flow opening in one or more pipes. A valve position of the heating valve refers to the position of this valve element. Depending on the valve position, the size of the flow opening is changed, specifically reduced or enlarged.

[0021] The connection between the at least one heat generator, the at least two heat exchangers, and the at least two heating valves is a hydraulic connection. In a hydraulic connection, these components are located in one or more heating circuits. The at least one heat generator and the at least two heat exchangers can also be electronically connected. For automated hydraulic balancing, no electronic or control connection between the valves themselves is required.

[0022] Preferably, a heating valve and a heat exchanger, which are associated with each other, are hydraulically connected. Preferably, the heating valve is located upstream of one or more heat exchangers. It is also possible for the heating valve to be located downstream.

[0023] Heating time is defined as the time required to heat a room from an initial temperature by a delta temperature increase, preferably between 0.2 and 1 K, preferably between 0.5 and 0.7 K, for example 0.6 K, to a target temperature. Other delta temperature increases are also possible, preferably less than 5 K, for example less than 2 K.

[0024] The term "heating time" refers to the time required to heat the heat exchanger or the room from an initial temperature, in particular the current temperature, by a delta temperature increase to a target temperature.

[0025] A heating system is considered hydraulically balanced when the available or generated heat is optimally distributed across all heat exchangers. Normally, each heat exchanger should then have precisely the amount of heat it needs to heat a room to a specific temperature.

[0026] A maximum valve position is the maximum permissible valve position to ensure that the heating system is hydraulically balanced, meaning that each of the existing heat exchangers is optimally supplied with heat.

[0027] The features listed in the dependent claims enable advantageous further developments of the method according to the main claim.

[0028] An advantageous further development of the method is characterized by limiting the maximum valve position of one or more heating valves if comparison reveals that the determined ratio of the heating valve exceeds a defined tolerance with respect to at least one other determined ratio. In particular, heating valves that fall outside the tolerance are adjusted.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment, the valve position or the flow temperature of the heat transfer medium is changed. Preferably, increasing the setpoint room temperature causes the heating valve(s) assigned to the room to change their valve position, in particular such that the flow rate of the heat transfer medium is increased. Preferably, the flow opening is enlarged. Alternatively or additionally, the flow temperature of the heat transfer medium is increased.

[0030] A further advantageous development is that the delta temperature increase lies between, in particular, 0.2 and 1 K, preferably 0.5 and 0.7 K, for example 0.6 K. These values ​​have proven advantageous because the warm-up time is not too long, yet minor temperature fluctuations due to external influences do not have a significant impact.

[0031] An advantageous further development is that, during comparison, the minimum ratio or the average ratio is determined from all calculated or known ratios. The average ratio is the mean value of all known ratios and the calculated ratios of the different heating valves. Preferably, the selection of the heating valves to be limited is based on the calculated minimum or average ratio.

[0032] An advantageous further development is that when limiting, the heating gradient is determined using the minimum ratio and / or the average ratio, and that the maximum valve position for at least one, in particular all, heating valves is determined using the determined heating gradient.

[0033] An advantageous further development of the method is characterized by the fact that the ratio is determined for each heating valve. Preferably, the ratio, and thus a maximum valve position, is determined for each heating valve. In particular, the determination of the maximum valve position can be carried out by increasing the target temperature value for the test in a test mode. The increase of the target temperature value can be performed serially or in parallel.

[0034] It is considered an advantageous further development that the ratio for heating valves assigned to one and the same room can be determined simultaneously.

[0035] A further advantageous feature is that the maximum valve position of a heating valve can be set not below, but rather only above, a limit of 50%, preferably 40%, for example 30%, of the maximum technically possible valve position. Preferably, if the maximum valve position is determined to be below the limit, it is set to the limit. This prevents a heat exchanger from receiving only a minimal or no heat energy supply. This can occur, in particular, if the heating system malfunctions, or especially if a large number of heating valves are defective.

[0036] The invention relates to a computer program which is configured to execute all steps of the process.

[0037] Furthermore, the invention relates to a machine-readable storage medium on which the computer program is stored.

[0038] Furthermore, the invention relates to an electronic heating control unit which is configured to carry out the steps of the method.

[0039] Furthermore, the invention relates to a heating system which can be hydraulically balanced automatically using a method described above. drawing

[0040] The figures show a schematic representation of a heating system according to the invention, as well as a valve and method according to the invention, which is described in more detail below. They show Figure 1 shows a heating system according to the invention, Figure 2 shows a method according to the invention, and Figure 3 shows the method using a coordinate system.

[0041] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a heating system 10 according to the invention. This system comprises a heating device 12, a heating circuit 14 with a flow 16, a return 18, and a pump 20 for circulating a heat transfer medium, in particular a gas or fluid, for example water, through the heating circuit 14. The heating circuit 14 includes, by way of example, three heat exchangers 22, 24, 26: a first heat exchanger 22, a second heat exchanger 24, and a third heat exchanger 26.

[0042] The heat exchangers 22, 24, 26 can be configured as radiators or underfloor heating systems. Alternatively, one heat exchanger can be configured as a radiator and another as underfloor heating. Preferably, at least one heat exchanger is provided in each room. However, it is also conceivable that two or more heat exchangers are arranged in one room. It is also conceivable that there are rooms without heat exchangers.

[0043] In the inlet of each heat exchanger 22, 24, 26, a heating valve 28, 30, 32 is arranged. Figure 1 The diagram shows, as examples, a first heating valve 28, a second heating valve 30, and a third heating valve 32. These are electronic heating valves 28, 30, 32, for example, electronic thermostatic valves. Each heat exchanger 22, 24, 26 is assigned a heating valve 28, 30, 32.

[0044] According to an advantageous embodiment, several heat exchangers 22, 24, 26 can also be assigned to a heating valve 28, 30, 32. The heat exchangers 22, 24, 26 assigned to a heating valve 28, 30, 32 can be connected in series and / or parallel with each other. Preferably, a heating valve 28, 30, 32 can control the flow of the heat transfer medium through one or more heat exchangers 22, 24, 26. Preferably, several heating valves can each be connected upstream of one or more heat exchangers 22, 24, 26 arranged in the same space.

[0045] The heating unit 12 typically includes a heating control unit 40 for control and / or regulation. Preferably, the heating control unit 40 can also control the flow temperature of the heat transfer medium by means of the heating unit 12.

[0046] Preferably, the room controllers 42, 44, 46 are configured as follows: The room controllers 42, 44, 46 preferably have a control element and a display, in particular a display. They allow the setting of a target room temperature. Preferably, the room controllers 42, 44, 46 are assigned to a room for which the target room temperature can be set. According to an advantageous embodiment, it is possible to set several target room temperatures using one room controller 42, 44, 46.

[0047] The room controller 42, 44, 46 can also be integrated into the heating control unit 40.

[0048] The room controllers 42, 44, and 46 are also configured to control the heating valves 28, 30, and 32. For this purpose, a control connection exists between the room controllers 42, 44, and 46 and the heating valves 28, 30, and 32. This connection can be wireless or wired.

[0049] According to a beneficial further development, the room controller is integrated into the heating valve. In particular, the heating valve has, for example, a display and a control element.

[0050] The heating valves 28, 30, and 32 can also be controlled directly via the heating control unit 40. For this purpose, a control connection exists between the heating control unit 40 and the heating valves 28, 30, and 32. This connection can be wireless or wired.

[0051] The possible control connections are shown as examples in Figure 1 Shown as dashed lines.

[0052] The heating control unit 40 is configured to execute a method 100 according to the invention. The heating control unit 40 has a communication means that allows it to receive or send setpoint and actual temperature values. Preferably, the heating control unit 40 is connected to the heating valves 28, 30, 32 by means of control connections. Preferably, the heating control unit 40 is also connected to the heating device by means of a control connection.

[0053] According to an advantageous further development, the procedure 100 is executed, distributed across the room controllers and / or the heating valves.

[0054] The target room temperature can also be set using a mobile device, in particular a smartphone or tablet. For this purpose, the target room temperature is sent to a room controller, a heating valve, or the heating control unit 40.

[0055] Preferably, a temperature sensor (not shown) is configured to detect the current temperature in a room. The current temperature value is particularly necessary for carrying out the method. The temperature sensor is required to detect the current temperature in a room. The temperature sensor provides the detected temperature to the heating control unit 40 and / or a room controller and / or a heating valve 28, 30, 32. In particular, the room controllers incorporate the temperature sensor. They can send the current temperature to the heating control unit 40. Preferably, several temperature sensors are provided, each of which is assigned to a heating valve.

[0056] Figure 2Figure 100 shows a method according to the invention for performing an automated hydraulic balancing. The method 100 comprises several process steps. The sequence in which the process steps are carried out can be partially reversed.

[0057] In process step 110, an increase in the target room temperature value is received. This change can be initiated by a user, particularly a resident, or by an automated system. It can also be triggered automatically or by a timer program. Receiving the change includes retrieving, querying, or measuring the altered target room temperature value. The change in the target room temperature value acts as a trigger, initiating the subsequent process steps.

[0058] Preferably, room controllers 42, 44, 46, especially those with a thermostat function, offer the possibility of changing the desired room temperature. Preferably, a room controller 42, 44, 46 is assigned to a room. In particular, a room controller 42, 44, 46 is also located in the room to which it is assigned. Preferably, the room controller 42, 44, 46 has a display and an operating element. Room controllers are also commonly referred to as thermostats. In particular, the room controllers also have temperature sensors for measuring the current temperature.

[0059] According to a training course, a central room controller is installed. This allows the target room temperature values ​​to be set for two or more rooms. Preferably, the heating control unit 40 and the central room controller are integrated as a single unit.

[0060] Increasing the target room temperature, particularly the target room temperature value, means that a higher temperature in the room is desired. To achieve this, heat energy must be supplied to the room and / or the amount of heat energy supplied must be increased.

[0061] According to a first embodiment, the additional supply of heat energy is achieved by changing the valve position of at least one of the heating valves 28, 30, 32 assigned to the room. If more than one heating valve 28, 30, 32 is assigned to the room, their valve positions are also changed. Preferably, the valve positions of all heating valves 28, 30, 32 assigned to the room are changed. Preferably, the valve positions are changed such that the flow rate of the heat transfer medium increases. Correspondingly, the flow rate of heat transfer medium in one or more heat exchangers 22, 24, 26, which are located downstream of the heating valve 28, 30, 32, and in particular whose valve position has been changed, also increases.

[0062] Heating valves assigned to a room are in particular those heating valves which are upstream of at least one heat exchanger assigned to the room and / or which control the flow through the at least one heat exchanger.

[0063] According to a second embodiment, the flow temperature of the heat transfer medium is increased. Increasing the flow temperature results in more heat energy being supplied to the heat exchanger medium. This increase in flow temperature is achieved in particular by the heating device 12.

[0064] In a further process step 120, the heating time tN is determined. This is the time required to heat the room from an initial temperature, also referred to as the current room temperature, by a delta temperature increase ΔT. Preferably, the time is determined to raise the temperature in a room from the current room temperature by a delta temperature increase ΔT to a target temperature.

[0065] Preferably, the target temperature must be less than or equal to the desired room temperature. This check is performed in optional process step 115. If the desired temperature is less than the target temperature, process 100 is terminated.

[0066] In the following, N represents a heating valve. For example, Figure 1N = 1, 2 or 3. In particular, N = 1 represents, for example, heating valve 28, N = 2 represents heating valve 30 and N = 3 represents heating valve 32. Preferably, the process 100 is repeated at least according to the number of heating valves.

[0067] In a further process step 130, the heating gradient ∇ N is determined. The heating gradient ∇ N is calculated from the delta temperature increase ΔT N and the heating time t N. ∇ N = ΔT N / t N

[0068] In a further process step 140, the mean relative valve position V with_N is determined. The mean relative valve position V with_N is the mean valve position over the heating time t N. It is determined, in particular, by means of a time-weighted average of the valve positions during the heating time t. Specifically, the mean relative valve position V with_N is determined for the heating valve N that is assigned to the room.

[0069] In a further process step 150, the ratio m erm_N from heating gradient ∇ N to mean relative valve position V with_N is determined. m erm_N = ∇ N / V mit_N

[0070] Preferably, a low-pass filter is additionally applied to the determined ratio m erm_N to minimize the influence of disturbances. In a hydraulically balanced heating system 10, it is advantageous that the ratio m erm_1 of a first heating valve is equal to the ratio m erm_2 of another heating valve. In particular, the system is also considered hydraulically balanced if the value m differs only minimally. For example, if the ratio m erm_1 of a first heating valve is 1.0 and the ratio m erm_2 of a second heating valve is also 1.0 or 1.01, then the heating system consisting of the two heating valves is hydraulically balanced. With more than two heating valves, m erm_1 = m erm_2 = m erm_N of all heating valves must be essentially the same or must not exceed a defined deviation, in particular tolerance T def.If the defined deviation is exceeded, it is a heating system 10 which is not hydraulically balanced.

[0071] In process step 160, the determined ratio m erm_N, also referred to as m erm_N, is compared with the determined ratios m bek of one or more other heating valves or rooms. Specifically, the m erm values ​​of the heating valves are stored as m bek in a separate memory after determination.

[0072] Preferably, the ratio m bek last determined for another heating valve is used. Preferably, the ratios m erm of all heating valves are determined. Preferably, the comparison with one or more, in particular all, m bek is repeated after each determination of m erm_N. Preferably, and especially subsequently, the determined m erm_N is stored as m bek for this valve in a memory.

[0073] According to an advantageous further development, in process step 160, the heating valve with the lowest ratio m is determined. The lowest m is also referred to as m min. All known m bek and the newly determined m erm_N are used in this process.

[0074] Furthermore, the heating gradient ∇ min is determined for the heating valve with the lowest ratio m min for a valve position of 100%, i.e., fully open. Preferably, the heating gradient ∇ min is calculated for a 100% valve position. ∇ min = m min ∗ 100 %

[0075] In process step 170, the maximum valve position of a heating valve 28, 30, 32, or several heating valves is limited. It is not necessarily the case that heating valve N, for which the ratio m erm_N is determined in one of the directly preceding process steps, is limited here.

[0076] In process step 170, the maximum valve position Vmax of one or more heating valves is specified. The maximum valve position Vmax is determined for each heating valve based on the calculated heating gradient ∇min.

[0077] According to further training, the heating valve(s) whose ratio m lies outside the permissible tolerance Tol are limited. If more than one heating valve 28, 30, 32 is outside the tolerance Tol, then several heating valves 28, 30, 32 can also be limited. V = f m bek , Tol , m erm_N

[0078] According to a further development of the invention, the heating gradient ∇ min of the heating valve with the lowest m, m bek, and m erm_N are not used. Instead, the heating gradient ∇ min is calculated using the mean ratio m minus the standard deviation σ. The mean ratio m is the average of all known ratios m bek and the determined ratios m erm_N of the different heating valves. The 100% is necessary to determine the heating gradient ∇ for a fully open valve. At a valve position of V = 100%, the following results. ∇ min = m mit − σ ∗ 100 %

[0079] This is particularly advantageous for compensating for design errors, such as undersized heat exchangers. It can also compensate for broken or faulty valves.

[0080] The standard deviation σ is a measure of the spread of the values ​​of a characteristic around its mean (arithmetic mean). Put simply, the standard deviation is the average distance of all measured values ​​of a characteristic from the mean. This allows, in particular, the exclusion of faulty valves or incorrect heating system designs. Faulty valves would lead to incorrectly limited heating valves.

[0081] The maximum valve position of a heating valve is limited by dividing the determined heating gradient ∇ min by the ratio m errn_N determined for the heating valve or known ratio m bek. V max_N = ∇ min / m erm_N or V max = ∇ min / m bek

[0082] Preferably, process step 170 is repeated, particularly for each heating valve. This determines the new maximum valve position for each heating valve. For each heating valve, either the known ratio or, if applicable, the ratio newly determined for that heating valve in the previous process steps is used.

[0083] In Figure 3 Parts of procedure 100 are explained using a coordinate system. The x-axis represents the valve position V. The y-axis represents the heating gradient ∇.

[0084] The dashed lines represent the course of the ratio m 1 of a first heating valve 28 and the dash-dotted lines represent the course of the ratio m 2 of a second heating valve 30.

[0085] For example, m 1 was previously determined and is therefore comparable to m erm_N , here m erm_1 . m 2 corresponds to the m bek of heating valve 2.

[0086] According to procedure step 160, the heating valve with the lowest ratio m min is determined (160a). In the example according to Figure 3 This is the first heating valve 28. The determination is made primarily by comparison.

[0087] Furthermore, the heating gradient ∇ min for the heating valve with the lowest ratio m min for a valve position V=100%, i.e., fully open, is determined (160b). Preferably, the ratio is calculated for a 100% valve position. 160a and 160b are subsets of 160.

[0088] The maximum valve position is then limited to 170°.

[0089] The determined heating gradient ∇ min is specified to one or all other heating valves 170a. From the specified heating gradient ∇ min, the maximum valve position V max and / or V max_N for the heating valves is determined 170b. Preferably, in the example according to Figure 3The second heating valve 30 is limited. 170a and 170b are subsets of 170.

[0090] According to a further development of the invention, the heating gradient ∇ min is not used, but the calculation is performed using the average heating gradient ∇ with all heating valves minus the standard deviation σ. This advantageously allows design errors, such as undersized heat exchangers, to be compensated for. It also allows for the compensation of broken or faulty valves.

Claims

1. Method (100) for carrying out hydraulic balancing of a heating system (10) comprising at least one heat generator (12), at least two heat exchangers (22, 24, 26) and at least two controllable heating valves (28, 30, 32), wherein the flow of a heat transfer medium through at least one heat exchanger (22, 24, 26) connected to this heating valve (28, 30, 32) is controllable in dependence on the valve position (V) of a heating valve (28, 30, 32), comprising the steps of: a. receiving (110) an increase in a target room temperature value for a room to which at least one of the heating valves (28, 30, 32) and a heat exchanger (22, 24, 26) are assigned, b. ascertaining (120) the heating-up time (tN) that is required to reach a delta temperature increase (ΔT) in the room, c. ascertaining (130) the heating-up gradient (∇N) from the delta temperature increase (ΔT) and the heating-up time (tN), d. ascertaining (140) the average relative valve position (Vmit_N) of the heating valve (28, 30, 32) over the heating-up time (tN), characterized by the steps of: e. ascertaining (150) the ratio (merm_N) of the heating-up gradient (∇N) to the average relative valve position (Vmit_N), f. comparing (160) the ascertained ratio (merm_N) with at least one of the already ascertained ratios (mbek) of at least one of the other heating valves (28, 30, 32), g. limiting (170) the maximum valve position (Vmax) of a heating valve (28, 30, 32) in dependence on the result of the comparison (160).

2. Method (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a limitation of the maximum valve position (Vmax) of a heating valve (28, 30, 32) takes place if the comparison (160) finds that the ascertained ratio (merm_N) and one of the already ascertained ratios (mbek) of the heating valves (28, 30, 32) deviate from one another by more than a defined tolerance (Tdef).

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating valve or valves (28, 30, 32) assigned to the room change their valve position or the feed temperature of the heat transfer medium is changed.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the delta temperature increase (ΔTN) lies between in particular 0.2 and 1 K, in particular 0.5 and 0.7 K, for example at 0.6 K.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the comparison (160), the minimum ratio (mmin) or the average ratio (mmit) from all the ascertained or known ratios is ascertained.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the limitation (170), the heating-up gradient (∇min) is determined by means of the minimum ratio (mmin) and / or the average ratio (mmit), and in that the maximum valve position (Vmax) for at least one of the heating valves is ascertained by means of the ascertained heating-up gradient (∇min).

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ratio (merm_N) is ascertained for each heating valve (28, 30, 32).

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ratio (merm_N) for heating valves (28, 30, 32) that are assigned to one and the same room are ascertained simultaneously.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the maximum valve position (Vmax) cannot be set below a limit value of 50%, preferably 40%, for example 30%, of the maximum technically possible valve position of the heating valve (28, 30, 32).

10. Electronic heating control unit which is designed to perform the steps of the method according to Claims 1 to 9.

11. Heating system which comprises an electronic heating controller according to Claim 10 and can be hydraulically balanced in an automated manner by means of the method according to one of Claims 1 to 9.

12. Computer program, comprising commands which have the effect that the electronic heating control unit of Claim 10 performs the method steps according to Claims 1 to 9.

13. Machine-readable storage medium on which the computer program according to Claim 12 is stored.