Method for controlling a heating system, heating system, and control device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling a heating system (1) which comprises at least one heat source device (10) for controlling the temperature of an energy transport medium, and a network (20) which is connected to the heat source device (10) and which is intended for conveying the energy transport medium, the network in turn comprising: a supply line (201) for the introduction of the energy transport medium into the network (20), the temperature of which medium has been controlled by the heat source device (10); a return line (209) for returning the energy transport medium in the network (20) to the heat source device (10); a first heating circuit (203) which is located between the supply line (201) and the return line (209) and which comprises a heat exchange device (232) to be supplied with the energy transport medium; and a bypass device (204) which is located between the supply line (201) and the return line (209), is intended to bypass the first heating circuit (203), and comprises a switchable valve unit (241) for regulating the energy transport medium conveyed through the bypass device (204), wherein the method comprises: setting a first limiting value G1 for a total volume flow rate Qtot of the energy transport medium in the network (20), which limiting value describes a minimum value to be observed of the total volume flow rate Qtot of the energy transport medium in the network (20); setting a second limiting value G2 for the total volume flow rate Qtot of the energy transport medium in the network (20), which second limiting value is greater than the first limiting value G1; detecting a total volume flow rate Qtot of the energy transport medium in the network (20); and controlling the heating system (1) on the basis of the detected total volume flow rate Qtot, this control in turn comprising increasing a degree of opening of the valve unit (241) of the bypass device (204) if the detected total volume flow rate Qtot falls below the set first limiting value G1, and reducing the degree of opening of the valve unit (241) of the bypass device (204) if the detected total volume flow rate Qtot exceeds the set second limiting value G2.

Description

Method for controlling a heating system, heating system and control device DESCRIPTION Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling a heating system, a heating system and a control device for use in a heating system. Background of the invention

[0002] Heating systems for air conditioning a building are known from the state of the art; their usual use is to specifically control room temperatures in the rooms of the building.

[0003] Such heating systems typically comprise a heat source device for controlling the temperature of an energy transport medium and a network through which this energy transport medium flows. Within the network, the energy transport medium can be distributed among one or more heating circuits, each of which includes one or more heat exchange devices. These devices are typically assigned to a room to be air-conditioned and via which heat is exchanged between the energy transport medium in the network and the surroundings of the heat exchange device, for example, to regulate the room temperature in the respective room.

[0004] The flow rate of the energy transport medium in a heating circuit depends on a variety of factors. For example, if a control valve of a heat exchanger is closed when a desired target temperature is reached, this may completely prevent the flow of the energy transport medium in the associated heating circuit, which can lead to a drop in the flow rate or, in extreme cases, even a complete cessation of the flow of the energy transport medium in the network.

[0005] As a result, the tempered energy transport medium can no longer be sufficiently removed from the heat source device, resulting in both extremely excessive flow resistance in the network and an energetic backlog, which may lead to an emergency shutdown or even damage to the heating system.

[0006] In order to avoid this disadvantageous operating condition, bypass solutions are available in the state of the art, in which a flow of the energy transport medium is enabled even in the extreme case of a closed heating circuit outlined above, by a A bridging bypass is opened via a bypass valve so that the flow of the energy transport medium in the network does not come to a complete standstill. The bypass is preferably opened depending on a measured volume flow or flow rate of the energy transport medium in the network.

[0007] For example, DE 10 2011 001223 A1 discloses a heating system with a heat source device and a hydraulic network with a heating circuit, a bypass device, and a volume flow sensor. A control device of the heating system is configured to bypass the heating circuit via the bypass device by opening a bypass valve if a total volume flow detected by the volume flow sensor falls below a minimum value of the total volume flow in the heating system, for example, in the event that a control valve in the heating circuit closes.

[0008] In order to keep costs and maintenance costs for the network low, these heating systems usually only have one volume flow sensor, which is located on a central flow or return line at the interface to the heat source device and records a resulting total volume flow, i.e. a sum of all partial volume flows in the network.

[0009] As a result, specific information regarding these partial flow rates, for example, with respect to a heating circuit or the bypass device, is lacking, making it difficult to control the heating system. In particular, this can lead to an energetic freeze of the heating system, in which the energy transport medium is unnecessarily routed through the bypass device, even though it is needed in a heating circuit. Summary of the invention

[0010] An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a more efficient way of controlling a heating system than the prior art.

[0011] To achieve this object, a method for controlling a heating system according to claim 1 is provided.

[0012] Furthermore, it is a further object of the present invention to provide a heating system that is more efficient than the prior art.

[0013] To achieve this object, a heating system according to claim 15 and a control device for a heating system according to claim 16 are provided.

[0014] The respective dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments, which can be provided individually or in combination.

[0015] According to a first aspect of the invention, a method for controlling a heating system is provided, wherein the heating system comprises at least one heat source device for tempering an energy transport medium and a network connected to the heat source device for passing the energy transport medium. The network, in turn, comprises a supply line for introducing the energy transport medium tempered by the heat source device into the network, a return line for returning the energy transport medium in the network to the heat source device, a first heating circuit arranged between the supply line and the return line, which comprises a heat exchanger device to be supplied with the energy transport medium, and a bypass device arranged between the supply line and the return line for bypassing the first heating circuit, which bypass device comprises a switchable valve unit for regulating the energy transport medium passed through the bypass device.The method comprises setting a first limit value for a total volume flow of the energy transport medium in the network, which describes a minimum value of the total volume flow of the energy transport medium in the network to be maintained, setting a second limit value for the total volume flow of the energy transport medium in the network, which is greater than the first limit value, detecting a total volume flow of the energy transport medium in the network and controlling the heating system depending on the detected total volume flow, again comprising increasing a degree of opening of the valve unit of the bypass device if the detected total volume flow falls below the specified first limit value, and reducing the degree of opening of the valve unit of the bypass device if the detected total volume flow exceeds the specified second limit value.

[0016] The energy transport medium is distributed from the heat source device through the network, which is to be understood as a hydraulic or pneumatic network with lines connecting the components of the network (for example, one or more heating circuits, heat storage, etc.) or a connecting line network.

[0017] A heating circuit of the network supplied with the energy transport medium has at least one heat exchange device, via which a heat exchange takes place between the energy transport medium flowing in the network and an environment of the heat exchange device, in particular a room of a building to be air-conditioned by the heat exchange device. The energy flow during a heat exchange is directed according to a prevailing temperature difference and can be directed in both directions, i.e. from the energy transport medium or towards the energy transport medium. The heat exchange devices can, for example and not restrictively, be designed as surface heat exchangers for use in a floor, a wall or a ceiling of a building to be room to be air-conditioned or as well-known radiators arranged in the room to be air-conditioned.

[0018] A heating circuit of the heating system is to be understood as a part of the network which can comprise at least one but also a plurality of heat exchange devices which can be arranged in series, parallel or in any combination of the two circuits mentioned above with respect to a direction of passage of the energy transport medium.

[0019] For example, a first heating circuit can comprise only one surface heat exchanger or a plurality of surface heat exchangers connected in parallel, for example all surface heat exchangers on one floor of the building.

[0020] Any liquid or gaseous medium suitable for energy transport or heat exchange in the heat exchange devices in the network can be used as the energy transport medium. In the hydraulic case, water or an aqueous solution is preferred, and in the pneumatic case, air is preferred.

[0021] The heat source device is configured to control the temperature of the energy transport medium and can be used in a heating and / or cooling mode to heat and / or cool the energy transport medium. Heating mode is suitable for raising the room temperature of an exemplary room to be air-conditioned by the heating system to a desired higher room temperature, whereas cooling mode is suitable for lowering the room temperature of the exemplary room to a desired lower room temperature. Although the term "heating system" was chosen, this should not be understood as a limitation to the aforementioned heating mode.

[0022] For example, and not by way of limitation, the heat source device may be a gas / oil or pellet heating system. However, it is particularly preferably a heat pump, which enables particularly energy-efficient tempering (heating and / or cooling) of the energy transport medium. The functioning of a heat pump is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be discussed in detail below.

[0023] The switchable valve unit of the bypass device can be switched between a fully open and a closed state and preferably comprises one or more intermediate stages. Particularly preferably, the valve unit can be continuously switched between the closed and fully open states. The same applies to all valve units described below that are marked with the suffix "switchable."

[0024] The total volume flow is the resulting volume flow of the energy transport medium passed through the network, which, for example, flow or return and describes the sum of all partial volume flows through components and / or component groups arranged in parallel in the network

[0025] The method provides a particularly efficient way of controlling the heating system, thereby avoiding unfavorable operating states of the heating system. These unfavorable operating states include, among other things, an operating state with insufficient energy consumption at the heat source device, as well as an operating state with insufficient supply of the temperature-controlled energy transport medium to the first heating circuit.

[0026] If the energy demand in the first heating circuit is met, the flow of the energy transport medium there decreases, for example due to the closing of a control valve in the first heating circuit, for example a thermostatic valve of the heat exchanger in the first heating circuit, which leads to a decrease in the total volume flow of the energy transport medium in the network

[0027] If the total volume flow drops (or, in extreme cases, stops completely), the heat energy transferred from the heat source device to the energy transport medium (or cold energy in cooling mode) can no longer be sufficiently dissipated from the heat source device via the network, which, if not remedied, can lead to an emergency shutdown or, under certain circumstances, even to damage to the heat source device.

[0028] Opening the bypass device's valve unit when the first limit is undershot prevents such an unfavorable operating condition and ensures that the first heating circuit is bypassed in the event of a reduced flow rate by allowing the energy transport medium to flow back through the bypass device to the return line. This allows a corresponding minimum value for the total volume flow in the network and thus energy consumption at the heat source device to be maintained.

[0029] If, starting from the state with the bypass device's valve unit open, energy is again required in the first heating circuit, the exemplary control valve in the first heating circuit opens to allow the energy transport medium to flow through it again. This results in an operating state in which the energy transport medium now flows both through the reopened first heating circuit and through the bypass device. However, such an operating state is disadvantageous from an energy perspective, since a portion of the heat or cooling energy provided by the energy transport medium is passed unused through the bypass device, even though there is a demand in the first heating circuit.

[0030] To avoid this disadvantageous operating condition, the valve unit of the bypass device is closed if the recorded total volume flow exceeds the second limit value. Exceeding the second limit value provides information about changing partial volume flows in the network and serves, in particular, as an indicator of an increase in the flow of the energy transport medium in the first heating circuit and thus of a corresponding energy demand in the same. To meet this demand efficiently, the degree of opening of the valve unit of the bypass device is reduced after the second limit value is exceeded, thereby redistributing the otherwise unused heating or cooling energy from the bypass device to the first heating circuit.

[0031] The reduction of the opening degree of the valve unit of the bypass device is preferably carried out under the condition that the specified minimum value of the total volume flow is maintained (first limit value). The opening degree is therefore only reduced to the extent that this does not lead to the flow falling below the first limit value.

[0032] The method thus allows efficient control of the heating system, which enables both energy consumption at the heat source device by maintaining the minimum value of the total volume flow and an efficient and, above all, demand-oriented energy supply of the first heating circuit when using a bypass device, without having to rely on additional volume flow sensors in the first heating circuit or in the bypass device.

[0033] In this way, manufacturing costs, energy costs for operating the heating system and the risk of damage to the heat source device can be reduced.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the network further comprises a switchable first valve unit connected upstream of the first heating circuit for regulating the energy transport medium passed through the first heating circuit, wherein the control of the heating system further comprises increasing an opening degree of the first valve unit if the detected total volume flow exceeds the specified second limit value

[0035] In this way, the method is provided with an additional actuator for controlling the heating system, with which the flow of the energy transport medium through the first heating circuit can be regulated.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the valve unit of the bypass device and the first valve unit are both designed as part of a distribution device of the network, in particular the distribution device is a three-way valve, such that increasing the degree of opening of the valve unit of the bypass device causes a reduction of the degree of opening of the first valve unit and vice versa, and reducing the Opening degree of the valve unit of the bypass device causes an increase in the opening degree of the first valve unit and vice versa

[0037] This allows the valve units to be designed as part of a single distribution device, reducing both the manufacturing costs of the heating system and the maintenance effort required during operation. It also prevents the simultaneous closing of both valve units due to faulty switching, which would cause the heat source device to work against a closed network, leading to an emergency shutdown or, in extreme cases, even damage.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the network comprises a second heating circuit arranged between the flow and the return, which second heating circuit comprises a further heat exchange device to be supplied with the energy transport medium, wherein the control of the heating system further comprises regulating a quantity ratio between a quantity of the energy transport medium passed through the first heating circuit and a quantity of the energy transport medium passed through the second heating circuit.

[0039] In this way, the heating system is expanded to include an additional heating circuit to be supplied with the energy transport medium, whereby the ratio of the energy transport medium to be conducted through the two heating circuits can be regulated, preferably depending on the respective energy demand. The inventive advantages of maintaining the minimum value of the total volume flow and efficient energy supply also extend to the second heating circuit. The use of a second heating circuit is advantageous in that it allows for the provision of modular heating systems in which a single heating circuit, for example, comprises all the heat exchangers of a single floor of a building.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the network comprises a switchable second valve unit connected upstream of the second heating circuit for regulating the energy transport medium passed through the second heating circuit, wherein the regulation of the quantity ratio is carried out by adjusting a degree of opening of the second valve unit

[0041] In this way, the process is provided with an additional actuator for controlling the heating system, with which the flow of the energy transport medium through the second heating circuit can be regulated, which in turn influences the quantity ratio

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the second heating circuit is designed as part of the bypass device, wherein the bypass device comprises a bypass line arranged between the valve unit of the bypass device and the return of the network and the second heating circuit is arranged parallel to the bypass line, wherein the regulation of the Quantity ratio is adjusted by adjusting the degree of opening of the valve unit of the bypass device and / or the first valve unit (if present)

[0043] In this way, the second heating circuit is integrated into the bypass device, allowing for a particularly compact heating system design without the need for additional distribution devices. Furthermore, the second heating circuit in the bypass device acts as an energy consumer, so that, in the case of a closed first heating circuit, the heat or cold energy of the energy transport medium flowing through the bypass can be used in the heat exchanger of the second heating circuit. This also increases the temperature difference of the energy transport medium between the flow and return lines, thus counteracting overheating or undercooling of the heat source device caused by insufficient energy dissipation.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the second heating circuit comprises a heating circuit pump for regulating the energy transport medium passed through the second heating circuit, wherein the regulation of the quantity ratio is carried out by adjusting a pump power or a speed of the heating circuit pump.

[0045] In this way, the method is provided with an additional actuator for controlling the heating system, with which the flow of the energy transport medium through the second heating circuit can be regulated.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises determining a first heating power requirement value for the first heating circuit, which describes an amount of energy to be provided to the first heating circuit by the energy transport medium, and determining a second heating power requirement value for the second heating circuit, which describes an amount of energy to be provided to the second heating circuit by the energy transport medium, wherein the control of the heating system takes place as a function of the determined first and second heating power requirement values, in particular the regulation of the quantity ratio takes place as a function of said heating power requirement values.

[0047] In this way, the process is expanded to include an energy demand-based functionality, which distributes the energy transport medium based on the specified heating power requirement values. This allows the tempered energy transport medium to be made available to the heating circuit with a higher energy or power requirement.

[0048] Preferably, the dependencies when controlling the heating system are prioritized in such a way that controlling the heating system as a function of the recorded total volume flow takes priority over controlling the heating system as a function of the heating output requirement values.

[0049] This means that, in the event of a conflict, control actions to be carried out by the method regarding the recorded total volume flow always supersede other control actions based on the heating power requirement values ​​in order to primarily ensure compliance with the volume flow-based boundary conditions.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the regulation of the quantity ratio comprises increasing the quantity of the energy transport medium passed through the first heating circuit if the first heating power requirement value exceeds the second heating power requirement value, and increasing the quantity of the energy transport medium passed through the second heating circuit if the first heating power requirement value falls below the second heating power requirement value.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, determining the first heating power requirement value comprises setting a target temperature for a first environment to be tempered by the heat exchange device of the first heating circuit, detecting an actual temperature of the first environment, and determining the first heating power requirement value as a function of a difference between the set target temperature and the detected actual temperature of the first environment. Additionally or alternatively, determining the second heating power requirement value comprises setting a target temperature for a second environment to be tempered by the further heat exchange device of the second heating circuit, detecting an actual temperature of the second environment, and determining the second heating power requirement value as a function of a difference between the set target temperature and the detected actual temperature of the second environment.

[0052] In this way, the heating power requirement values ​​are provided depending on the environment to be conditioned by the heat exchange device, so that the heating system can be controlled in an advantageous manner with regard to the room temperatures to be controlled.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, determining the first heating power requirement value comprises setting a target temperature of the energy transport medium in the first heating circuit for a first location upstream of the heat exchange device with respect to a direction of passage of the energy transport medium, detecting an actual temperature of the energy transport medium at the first location, and determining the first heating power requirement value as a function of a difference between the specified target temperature and the detected actual temperature at the first location.Additionally or alternatively, determining the second heating power requirement value comprises setting a target temperature of the energy transport medium in the second heating circuit for a second location upstream of the further heat exchange device with respect to a direction of passage of the energy transport medium, detecting an actual temperature of the energy transport medium at the second location and determining. of the second heating output requirement value depending on a difference between the specified target temperature and the recorded actual temperature at the second location.

[0054] In this way, the heating output requirement values ​​are provided with the aim of maintaining a predetermined target temperature of the energy transport medium in the respective heating circuit. This allows, in particular, the control of room temperatures in the rooms tempered by the heat exchange devices of the heating system to be optimized in that the control can be carried out by control valves of the heat exchange devices themselves, whereby a largely constant inlet temperature of the energy transport medium can be assumed. This allows a simple combination of a control of the heating system with a separately provided room temperature control, which can advantageously be assumed to be a constant temperature of the energy transport medium provided to the heat exchange device.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises controlling a temperature of the energy transport medium in the second heating circuit, wherein controlling the temperature of the energy transport medium in the second heating circuit comprises in particular returning a portion of the energy transport medium discharged from the further heat exchange device to an inlet of the second heating circuit and admixing the returned portion to the energy transport medium supplied through the inlet of the second heating circuit.

[0056] This provides a way to adjust the temperature of the energy transport medium in the second heating circuit, with the temperature of the energy transport medium in the first heating circuit, which is determined by the temperature of the energy transport medium at the flow line, remaining unchanged. This allows two heating circuits, each with different temperatures of the energy transport medium, to be provided without having to change the operating state of the heat source device.

[0057] According to a second aspect of the invention, a heating system is provided, comprising a heat source device for tempering an energy transport medium and a network connected to the heat source device for passing the energy transport medium, which in turn has a flow for introducing the energy transport medium tempered by the heat source device into the network, a return for returning the energy transport medium in the network to the heat source device, a first heating circuit arranged between the flow and the return, which comprises a heat exchanger device to be supplied with the energy transport medium, a bypass device arranged between the flow and the return for bridging the first heating circuit, which bypass device comprises a switchable valve unit for regulating the energy transport medium passed through the bypass device,and a volume flow measuring device for detecting a total volume flow of the energy transport medium in the network, which is particularly located at the flow, or is arranged on the return line. Furthermore, the heating system comprises a control device for controlling the heating system, which is coupled at least to the valve unit of the bypass device and is configured to adjust an opening degree of the valve unit, wherein the control device is configured, in the course of controlling the heating system, to increase the opening degree of the valve unit of the bypass device if a total volume flow detected by the volume flow measuring device falls below a specified first limit value provided to the control device for a total volume flow of the energy transport medium in the network, which describes a minimum value to be maintained for the total volume flow of the energy transport medium in the network, and is configured to reduce the opening degree of the valve unit of the bypass device if the total volume flow detected by the volume flow measuring device exceeds a specified,the second limit value provided to the control device for the total volume flow of the energy transport medium in the network, which is greater than the first limit value.

[0058] The heating system according to the second aspect can thus be controlled on the basis of the method according to the first aspect with all the advantages mentioned in this regard.

[0059] Preferably, the network further comprises a switchable first valve unit connected upstream of the first heating circuit and coupled to the control device for regulating the energy transport medium passed through the first heating circuit, wherein the control device is configured to increase an opening degree of the first valve unit if the detected total volume flow exceeds the specified second limit value

[0060] Preferably, the valve unit of the bypass device and the first valve unit are both designed as part of a distribution device of the network, in particular the distribution device is a three-way valve, such that an increase in the degree of opening of the valve unit of the bypass device causes a reduction in the degree of opening of the first valve unit and vice versa, and a reduction in the degree of opening of the valve unit of the bypass device causes an increase in the degree of opening of the first valve unit and vice versa.

[0061] Preferably, the network comprises a second heating circuit arranged between the flow and the return, which comprises a further heat exchange device to be supplied with the energy transport medium.

[0062] Preferably, the network comprises a switchable second valve unit connected upstream of the second heating circuit and coupled to the control device for regulating the energy transport medium passed through the second heating circuit, wherein the control device is configured to regulate a quantity ratio between a quantity of the energy transport medium passed through the first heating circuit and a quantity of the energy transport medium passed through the second heating circuit by adjusting a degree of opening of the second valve unit and / or the valve unit of the first heating circuit (if present).

[0063] Preferably, the second heating circuit is designed as part of the bypass device, wherein the bypass device comprises a bypass line arranged between the valve unit of the bypass device and the return of the network and the second heating circuit is arranged parallel to the bypass line, wherein the control device is configured to regulate the quantity ratio by adjusting the degree of opening of the valve unit of the bypass device.

[0064] Preferably, the second heating circuit comprises a heating circuit pump coupled to the control device for regulating the energy transport medium passed through the second heating circuit, wherein the control device is configured to regulate the quantity ratio by adjusting a pumping power of the heating circuit pump.

[0065] Preferably, the control device is configured to determine a first heating power requirement value for the first heating circuit, which describes an amount of energy to be provided to the first heating circuit by the energy transport medium, and a second heating power requirement value for the second heating circuit, which describes an amount of energy to be provided to the second heating circuit by the energy transport medium, and to control the heating system as a function of the determined first and second heating power requirement values ​​and, in particular, to regulate the quantity ratio as a function of the determined first and second heating power requirement values.

[0066] Preferably, the control device is configured to increase the amount of energy transport medium passed through the first heating circuit if the first heating power requirement value exceeds the second heating power requirement value, and to increase the amount of energy transport medium passed through the second heating circuit if the first heating power requirement value falls below the second heating power requirement value.

[0067] Preferably, the heating system comprises a first setpoint generator for setting a setpoint temperature for a first environment to be tempered by the heat exchange device of the first heating circuit and a first temperature sensor for detecting an actual temperature of the first environment, wherein the control device is configured to determine the first heating power requirement value as a function of a difference between the set setpoint temperature and the detected actual temperature of the first environment.

[0068] Preferably, the heating system comprises a second setpoint generator for setting a setpoint temperature for a second environment to be tempered by the heat exchange device of the second heating circuit and a second temperature sensor for detecting an actual temperature of the second environment, wherein the control device is configured to determine the second heating power requirement value as a function of a difference between the set setpoint temperature and the detected actual temperature of the second environment.

[0069] Alternatively, the heating system preferably comprises a third setpoint generator for setting a setpoint temperature of the energy transport medium in the first heating circuit for a first location upstream of the heat exchange device with respect to a direction of passage of the energy transport medium, and a third temperature sensor for detecting an actual temperature of the energy transport medium at the first location, wherein the control device is configured to determine the first heating power requirement value as a function of a difference between the set setpoint temperature and the detected actual temperature at the first location.

[0070] Preferably, the heating system comprises a fourth setpoint value transmitter for setting a setpoint temperature of the energy transport medium in the second heating circuit for a second location upstream of the further heat exchange device with respect to a direction of passage of the energy transport medium, and a fourth temperature sensor for detecting an actual temperature of the energy transport medium at the second location, wherein the control device is configured to determine the second heating power requirement value as a function of a difference between the set setpoint temperature and the detected actual temperature at the second location.

[0071] Preferably, the control device is configured to control a temperature of the energy transport medium in the second heating circuit and, for this purpose, comprises in particular a return device with which a portion of the energy transport medium discharged from the second heating circuit is returned to an inlet of the second heating circuit and the returned portion is mixed with the tempered energy transport medium supplied through the inlet of the second heating circuit and coming from the heat source device.

[0072] Preferably, the control device is configured to adjust the portion to be recirculated by adjusting the pump power or the speed of the heating circuit pump of the second heating circuit.

[0073] According to a third aspect of the invention, a control device for use in a heating system according to the second aspect of the invention is provided.

[0074] In this way, a retrofitting option is provided by which an existing heating system can be retrofitted with the control device in a simple and cost-effective manner in order to expand it with the advantageous functionalities of the heating system according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0075] Fig. 1 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention for controlling the heating system.

[0076] Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show schematic embodiments of the heating system according to the invention.

[0077] Fig. 4 schematically shows various operating states of an embodiment of the heating system according to the invention.

[0078] Fig. 5 shows exemplary time courses of various operating variables in the course of an embodiment of the method according to the invention for controlling the heating system.

[0079] It is emphasized that the present invention is in no way limited to the exemplary embodiments described below and their implementation features. The invention further encompasses modifications of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, in particular those resulting from modifications and / or combinations of individual or multiple features of the described exemplary embodiments within the scope of the independent claims. Detailed character description

[0080] Fig. 1 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention for controlling the heating system.

[0081] The underlying heating system comprises at least one heat source device for tempering an energy transport medium and a network connected to the heat source device for passing the energy transport medium through. The network, in turn, comprises a supply line for introducing the energy transport medium tempered by the heat source device into the network, a return line for returning the energy transport medium in the network to the heat source device, a first heating circuit arranged between the supply line and the return line, which comprises a heat exchanger device to be supplied with the energy transport medium, and a bypass device arranged between the supply line and the return line for bypassing the first heating circuit, which bypass device comprises a switchable valve unit for regulating the energy transport medium passed through the bypass device.

[0082] In step S1, a first limit value Gi is set for a total volume flow of the energy transport medium in the network, which describes a minimum value of the total volume flow of the energy transport medium in the network to be maintained

[0083] In step S2, a second limit value G2 is set for the total volume flow of the energy transport medium in the network, which is greater than the first limit value.

[0084] In step S3, a total volume flow Q is recorded to t of the energy transport medium in the network, especially at the supply or return line.

[0085] In step S4, the heating system is controlled depending on the total volume flow Q recorded in step S3 to t and the limit values ​​Gi and G2 from steps S1 and S2. Step S4 comprises a comparison step S4.1, from which one of the steps S4.2, S4.3 or S5 follows

[0086] If the recorded total volume flow Q to t the specified first limit value Gi, an opening degree of the valve unit of the bypass device is increased in step S4.2.

[0087] If the recorded total volume flow Q to t, however, exceeds the specified second limit value G2, a reduction in the degree of opening of the valve unit of the bypass device takes place in step S4.3.

[0088] In all other cases, the degree of opening of the valve unit remains unchanged, and the method continues with step S5. The method is not limited to this case of a direct transition from step S4.1 to step S5. Alternatively, any number of additional steps can be performed at this point to adjust operating variables of the heating system depending on the recorded total volume flow. For example, in the intermediate range between Gi and G2, operating variables of the heat source device, such as an operating power or a supply pressure of the energy transport medium at the flow line, can be adjusted.

[0089] In step S5, a pause of a predetermined length occurs before the method is repeated starting from step S3. Preferably, the method steps are repeated as often as desired to provide continuous control of the heating system.

[0090] Fig. 2A shows a schematic embodiment of the heating system 1 according to the invention.

[0091] The heating system 1 comprises a heat pump 10 as a heat source device, a hydraulic network 20 and a control device 30 for controlling the heating system 1.

[0092] The heat pump 10 is connected to the hydraulic network 20 via a flow line 201 and a return line 209 and is configured to control the temperature of an energy transport medium. For this purpose, the heat pump 10 is connected to an ambient energy source, for example, a geothermal or aerothermal energy source, via corresponding connecting lines 2. The temperature-controlled energy transport medium is then passed through the hydraulic network 20 according to the arrow directions shown.

[0093] The hydraulic network 20 configured to conduct the energy transport medium comprises several lines 200 (bold connecting lines) and components connected by them. These include a distribution system 202a, a first heating circuit 203 branching off from it, a bypass device 204, a volume flow sensor 205 arranged on the return line 209 for detecting a volume flow of the energy transport medium conducted through the return line 209 of the hydraulic network 20, and a flow sensor 205 arranged on the supply line 201. arranged temperature sensor 251 for detecting a temperature of the energy transport medium at the flow 201 of the hydraulic network.

[0094] The volume flow sensor 205 and the temperature sensor 251 are coupled to the control device 30 and are configured to transmit the measured values ​​detected by the sensors to the control device 30.

[0095] The energy transport medium tempered by the heat pump 10 is fed into the hydraulic network 20 via the flow 201, passed through it and returned to the heat pump 10 via the return 209

[0096] In the present exemplary embodiment, the first heating circuit 203 comprises a plurality of heat exchangers 232, which are designed as a parallel circuit comprising one heat exchanger 232 and a series circuit comprising two further heat exchangers 232. The individual heat exchangers can each comprise control valves, for example thermostatic valves, which, however, are not shown in Fig. 2A.

[0097] The bypass device 204 arranged between the flow 201 and the return 209 serves to bridge the first heating circuit 203 and in this case comprises a switchable bypass valve 241 coupled to the control device 30 for regulating the energy transport medium passed through the bypass device 204 and a bypass system 240a connected downstream of the bypass valve 241, which in this case only comprises a bypass line 242 opening into the return 209.

[0098] The bypass valve 241 is part of the distribution system 202a, which can also be designed in alternative embodiments according to Fig. 2B or Fig. 2C.

[0099] The control device 30 is embodied separately and coupled to the heat pump 10, but can also be embodied as part of the heat pump 10. The control device 30 is configured at least to adjust the degree of opening of the bypass valve 241 of the bypass device 204.

[0100] In the course of controlling the heating system 1, the control device 30 is configured to increase the degree of opening of the bypass valve 241 if a volume flow at the return line 209 (=total volume flow in the hydraulic network 20) ​​detected by the volume flow sensor 205 falls below a specified first limit value for a total volume flow of the energy transport medium in the network 20, which limit value is provided to the control device 30 and describes a minimum value of the total volume flow of the energy transport medium in the network 20 to be maintained. In this way, the first heating circuit 203 is bypassed if it can no longer ensure a sufficient total volume flow in the hydraulic network, for example, due to a closing control valve in a heat exchanger 232.

[0101] Furthermore, the control device 30 is configured to reduce the degree of opening of the bypass valve 241 if the total volume flow detected by the volume flow sensor 205 exceeds a specified second limit value, provided to the control device 30, for the total volume flow of the energy transport medium in the network 20, which is greater than the first limit value. In this way, an energetically disadvantageous state with an essentially unnecessary bypassing of the first heating circuit 203 via the bypass device 204 is avoided, in that the energy transport medium is again primarily conducted through the first heating circuit 203 in the aforementioned case.

[0102] Thus, a particularly efficient heating system 1 is provided in which unfavorable operating conditions are avoided. Said unfavorable operating conditions include, among other things, an operating condition with insufficient energy consumption at the heat pump 10, but also an operating condition with insufficient supply of the temperature-controlled energy transport medium to the first heating circuit 203.

[0103] Fig. 2B to Fig. 2E show various alternatives for components of the heating system 1 from Fig. 2A in a schematic representation.

[0104] Fig. 2B and Fig. 2C show alternative distribution systems 202b and 202c, which can be used instead of the distribution system 202a from Fig. 2A. The respective connections of the distribution systems are designated V for flow, B for bypass system, and Hi for the first heating circuit.

[0105] The distribution system 202b of Fig. 2B comprises, in addition to the bypass valve 241, a switchable control valve 231 for the first heating circuit 203, which is also electrically connected to the control device 30 of Fig. 2A. This provides the control device 30 with an additional actuator for controlling the heating system 1, via which, in particular, the flow through the first heating circuit 203 can be regulated.

[0106] In the distribution system 202c of Fig. 2C, the bypass valve 241 and the switchable control valve 231 for the first heating circuit 203 are combined in a switchable valve device, which in the present case is designed as a switchable 3 / 2-way valve 221, which is electrically connected to the control device 30 of Fig. 2A.

[0107] In all cases, the control device 30 is configured to adjust the opening degrees of the respectively coupled valves 231, 241 and 221.

[0108] Fig. 2D and Fig. 2E show alternative bypass systems 240b and 240c that can be used instead of the bypass system 240a of Fig. 2A.

[0109] The bypass system 240b of Fig. 2D comprises a second heating circuit 206 arranged parallel to a bypass line 242 with a further heat exchanger 232 to be supplied by the energy transport medium and a control device 30 of Fig. 2A electrically connected heating circuit pump 233, via whose pumping power a quantity of the energy transport medium passed through the second heating circuit 206 can be regulated.

[0110] A temperature sensor 252, which is electrically connected to the control device 30 of Fig. 2A, is arranged upstream of the second heating circuit 206 for detecting a temperature of the energy transport medium flowing into the second heating circuit 206.

[0111] The heat or cold energy contained in the energy transport medium (depending on the operating state of the heat pump 1) can be transferred to an environment of the heat exchanger 232 via the heat exchanger 232 of the second heating circuit 206, which is designed as part of the bypass device 204, in order to increase the temperature difference of the energy transport medium between the flow 201 and the return 209 required for the efficient operation of the heat source device 10 and to use said energy to temper the environment of the heat exchanger 232 of the second heating circuit 206.

[0112] The bypass system 240c of Fig. 2E comprises an energy storage device 270 for a storage medium (for example, water) that can be introduced into and discharged from the energy storage device 270, wherein the storage medium is heated or cooled via a heat exchanger by the energy transport medium flowing through the bypass system 240c.

[0113] In this way, in the event of a bypass of the first heating circuit 203, the heat or cold energy contained in the energy transport medium (depending on the operating state of the heat pump 1) can be transferred to the storage medium in order to increase the temperature difference of the energy transport medium between the flow 201 and the return 209 required for the efficient operation of the heat source device 10, without releasing the heat or cold energy extracted from the energy transport medium unused into an environment of the heating system 1. For example, thermal energy from the energy transport medium flowing through the bypass system 240c can be used to heat domestic water.

[0114] Fig. 3 shows a further schematic embodiment of the heating system 1 according to the invention. The basic structure corresponds essentially to that of Fig. 2A, wherein a distribution system 202d with an additional outlet is used here. For this purpose, the distribution system 202d comprises a switchable 4 / 3-way valve, wherein one outlet leads to a first heating circuit 203, one outlet to a bypass device 204 with a bypass system 240b with a second heating circuit 206 according to Fig. 2D and one outlet to an energy storage system 207, which comprises an energy storage device 270 according to Fig. 2E.

[0115] In this way, a heating system 1 is provided which, in addition to the bypass device 204, which comprises the second heating circuit 206, provides the energy storage 270. In this way, in the case of an inactive first heating circuit 203, excess heat or cold energy of the energy transport medium can be transferred either via the heat exchanger 232 in the second Heating circuit 206 can be withdrawn, or, if an energy requirement in the second heating circuit 206 is also covered, this can be transferred via the energy storage 270 to the storage medium contained therein.

[0116] Fig. 4 shows, in the sequence from Fig. 4A to Fig. 4F, schematically different operating states of an embodiment of the heating system according to the invention.

[0117] The heating system underlying Fig. 4 corresponds to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2A, in which the distribution system 202c according to Fig. 2C was selected.

[0118] The upper sections of Fig. 4A to Fig. 4F show a valve position of the distribution system comprising a switchable 3 / 2-way valve, this being indicated by the arrow position which describes a relationship of the degrees of opening between the first valve unit for the first heating circuit (Hi) and the valve unit of the bypass device (B). Starting from the position at Hi (see Fig. 4A), an arrow position of 90° corresponds to a 50% opening of the first valve unit and a 50% opening of the valve unit of the bypass device, and an arrow position of 180° corresponds to a closed first valve unit (0% opening degree) and a fully open valve unit of the bypass device (100% opening degree).

[0119] The lower sections of Fig. 4A to Fig. 4F show the corresponding volume flow rates (Q) in the network, in particular the volume flow rate at the return line (=total volume flow rate), in the first heating circuit (Hi), and in the bypass device (B). The first and second limit values ​​are given by Gi and G2.

[0120] Starting from Fig. 4A, the valve unit of the bypass device (B) is closed and the total volume flow (return) corresponds to the volume flow through the first heating circuit (Hr).

[0121] If the volume flow in the first heating circuit (Hi) drops, for example, due to at least a partial closure of a control valve in the first heating circuit (Hi), such as a thermostatic valve of a heat exchanger, the total volume flow (return) also drops (see Fig. 4B). In this case, it even drops below the first limit value Gi, which describes the minimum value of the total volume flow.

[0122] As a result, in the course of the method for controlling the heating system, the degree of opening of the valve unit of the bypass device is increased (see Fig. 4C), so that the volume flow through the bypass device (B) as well as the total volume flow (return) as the sum of the volume flows through the first heating circuit (Hi) and through the bypass device (B) increase.

[0123] If the volume flow in the first heating circuit (Hi) increases again, for example due to a partial opening of the control valve in the first heating circuit (Hi), there is an increase in the total volume flow (return flow), which in this case increases above the second limit value G2.

[0124] This serves as an indicator for the first heating circuit (Hi) reopening, so that in accordance with the method for controlling the heating system, the degree of opening of the valve unit of the bypass device (B) is reduced again, whereby the volume flow in the first heating circuit (Hi) increases and the volume flow in the bypass device (B) decreases (see Fig. 4E).

[0125] Finally, the valve unit of the bypass device (B) is completely closed and that of the first heating circuit (Hi) is completely opened again, so that the total volume flow (return) again corresponds to the volume flow through the first heating circuit (Hi) (see Fig. 4F).

[0126] With the aid of the method according to the invention, the underlying heating system can be advantageously controlled in such a way that bridging of the first heating circuit via the bypass device is avoided in energetically disadvantageous operating states, i.e. in operating states with an incipient energy demand of the first heating circuit when the valve unit of the bypass device is at least partially open.

[0127] Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B show exemplary time courses of various operating variables in the course of an embodiment of the method according to the invention for controlling a heating system, which is the basis of the embodiment shown in Fig. 2A, in which the bypass system 240b according to Fig. 2D was selected.

[0128] In both diagrams, the degree of opening of the bypass valve of the bypass device is shown on the right-hand ordinate. The degree of opening can take values ​​between "0" and "1", where "0" corresponds to a closed bypass valve and "1" to a fully open bypass valve.

[0129] Fig. 5A shows the time course of the total volume flow Q to t and the volume flow Qi in the first heating circuit. Although only the total volume flow is recorded during the heating system control process, the volume flow Qi is shown for the purpose of explaining the process.

[0130] Starting from time to, the volume flow Qi and thus also the total volume flow Q to t due to a closing control valve in the first heating circuit. At time ti, the control valve closes completely, causing the flow rate Qi to drop to zero and the total flow rate Q tot. In order to avoid a complete standstill of the total volume flow Qtot, the opening degree of the bypass valve of the bypass device at the time ti, at which the total volume flow Q to t a first limit Gi falls below, increases The first heating circuit is bridged more intensively and the total volume flow Q to t rises again.

[0131] At time t2, the volume flow Qi increases and thus also the total volume flow Q to t increases again due to the opening control valve in the first heating circuit. The total volume flow Q to t exceeds a second limit value G2, as a result of which the degree of opening of the bypass valve is reduced again, since there is now an energy demand in the first heating circuit and the bridging via the bypass device can be reduced.

[0132] Fig. 5B shows the temperature curves of the energy transport medium in the network corresponding to Fig. 5A. Ti describes the temperature of the energy transport medium at the flow, as measured by temperature sensor 251 (see Fig. 2A), and also corresponds to the temperature at the inlet of the first heating circuit, if it is open. T2 describes the temperature upstream of the second heating circuit, as measured by temperature sensor 252 (see Fig. 2D). During the control of the heating system, the temperatures Ti and T2 of the energy transport medium should be maintained, as far as possible, at the respective specified target temperatures Tsoii.i and Tsoii,2, respectively.

[0133] After the control valve in the first heating circuit closes and the flow rate Qi drops at time ti (see Fig. 5A), there is no energy demand from the first heating circuit, so the flow temperature T1 is lowered by the heat pump, since now only the temperature T2 upstream of the second heating circuit needs to be maintained at the target temperature Tsoii, 2 < Tsoii,i. This enables efficient operation of the heating system with reduced energy costs.

[0134] With the bypass valve closing at time t2 and the increasing flow rate Qi in the first heating circuit, the heat pump increases the flow temperature Ti back to the setpoint Tsoii.i to cover the emerging energy demand in the first heating circuit. Since the bypass valve closes at the same time, the temperature T2 drops briefly.

[0135] With the method for controlling a heating system described above, it is possible in particular to avoid disadvantageous operating states of the heating system in which, for example, there is insufficient energy consumption at the heat pump, insufficient energy supply to a heating circuit or energetically suboptimal operation of the heat pump.

[0136] Finally, it is emphasized again that the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described above and their features. The invention further comprises modifications of the aforementioned embodiments, in particular those resulting from modifications and / or combinations of one or more Features of the described embodiments emerge within the scope of protection of the independent claims. List of reference symbols 1 heating system 2 Connection to ambient energy source 10 heat pump 20 hydraulic network 30 Control device 200 line 201 Lead-up 202a-d distribution system 203 first heating circuit 204 Bypass device 205 Volume flow sensor 206 second heating circuit 207 Energy storage system 209 Return 221 3 / 2-way valve 222 4 / 3-way valve 231 Control valve first heating circuit 232 heat exchangers 233 Heating circuit pump 240a-c bypass system 241 Bypass valve 242 Bypass line 251 Temperature sensor flow 252 Temperature sensor second heating circuit 270 energy storage units Gi first limit G2 second limit Qtot total volume flow

Claims

CLAIMS Method for controlling a heating system (1) comprising at least: a heat source device (10) for tempering an energy transport medium; and a network (20) connected to the heat source device (10) for conveying the energy transport medium, in turn comprising: a supply line (201) for introducing the energy transport medium tempered by the heat source device (10) into the network (20); a return line (209) for returning the energy transport medium in the network (20) to the heat source device (10); a first heating circuit (203) arranged between the supply line (201) and the return line (209), comprising a heat exchanger device (232) to be supplied with the energy transport medium;and a bypass device (204) arranged between the flow (201) and the return (209) for bypassing the first heating circuit (203), which includes a switchable valve unit (241) for regulating the energy transport medium passed through the bypass device (204); wherein the method comprises:; Establishing a first limit value (Gi) for a total volume flow rate (Qtot) of the energy transport medium in the network (20), which describes a minimum value of the total volume flow rate (Qtot) of the energy transport medium in the network to be maintained; Capturing a total volume flow rate (Qtot) of the energy transport medium in the network (20); Control of the heating system (1) depending on the recorded total volume flow (Qtot), comprising: Increasing the opening degree of the valve unit (241) of the bypass device (241) if the detected total volume flow (Qtot) falls below the defined first limit value (Gi); characterized in that the procedure also includes: Setting a second limit value (G2) for the total volume flow (Q) to t) of the energy transport medium in the network (20), which is larger than the first limit value (Gi); where the control of the heating system (1) continues to include: Reducing the opening degree of the valve unit (241) of the bypass device (204) if the detected total volume flow (Qtot) exceeds the specified second limit (G2).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the network (20) further comprises a switchable first valve unit (231) upstream of the first heating circuit (203) for regulating the energy transport medium passed through the first heating circuit (203); wherein the control of the heating system (1) further comprises: Increasing the opening degree of the first valve unit (231) if the detected total volume flow (Qtot) exceeds the specified second limit (G2).

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the valve unit (241) of the bypass device (204) and the first valve unit (231) are both designed as part of a distributor device (221; 222) of the network (20), in particular the distributor device is a three-way valve (221), such that increasing the opening degree of the valve unit (241) of the bypass device (204) results in a reduction of the opening degree of the first valve unit (231) and vice versa, and reducing the opening degree of the valve unit (241) of the bypass device (204) results in an increase in the opening degree of the first valve unit (231) and vice versa.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the network (20) comprises a second heating circuit (206) arranged between the flow (201) and the return (209), which comprises a further heat exchange device (232) to be supplied with the energy transport medium, wherein the control of the heating system (1) further comprises: Regulating a quantity ratio between a quantity of the energy transport medium passed through the first heating circuit (203) and a quantity of the energy transport medium passed through the second heating circuit (206).

5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the network (20) further comprises a switchable second valve unit upstream of the second heating circuit (206) for regulating the energy transport medium passed through the second heating circuit (206), wherein the regulation of the quantity ratio is effected by setting an opening degree of the second valve unit.

6. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the second heating circuit (206) is designed as part of the bypass device (204), wherein the bypass device (204) comprises a bypass line (242) arranged between the valve unit (241) of the bypass device (204) and the return line (206) of the network (20), and the second heating circuit (206) is arranged parallel to the bypass line (242), wherein the regulation of the quantity ratio is carried out by adjusting the degree of opening of the valve unit (241) of the bypass device (204).

7. Method according to one of claim 6, characterized in that the second heating circuit (206) comprises a heating circuit pump (233) for regulating the energy transport medium carried through the second heating circuit (206), wherein the regulation of the quantity ratio is effected by adjusting a pumping power of the heating circuit pump (233).

8. Method according to one of claims 4 to 7 and according to claim 2, characterized in that the regulation of the quantity ratio is carried out by adjusting the degree of opening of the first valve unit (231).

9. A method according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the method further comprises: Determining an initial heating power requirement value for the first heating circuit (203), which describes the amount of energy to be supplied to the first heating circuit (206) by the energy transport medium; and Determining a second heating power requirement value for the second heating circuit (206), which describes an amount of energy to be supplied to the second heating circuit (206) by the energy transport medium; wherein the regulation of the quantity ratio is carried out depending on the determined first and second heating power requirement values.

10. The method of claim 9, characterized in that regulating the quantity ratio comprises: Increasing the quantity of energy transport medium passed through the first heating circuit (203) if the first heating power demand value exceeds the second heating power demand value; and Increase the amount of energy transport medium passed through the second heating circuit (206) if the first heating power requirement value falls below the second heating power requirement value.

11. Method according to one of claims 9 to 10, characterized in that determining the first heating power requirement value comprises: Setting a target temperature for a first environment to be tempered by the heat exchanger (232) of the first heating circuit (203); Recording the actual temperature of the first environment; and Determining the first heating output requirement value as a function of the difference between the specified target temperature and the measured actual temperature of the first environment; and / or determining the second heating output requirement value includes: Setting a target temperature for a second environment to be tempered by the further heat exchanger device (232) of the second heating circuit (206); Recording the actual temperature of the second environment; and Determining the second heating power requirement value depending on a difference between the specified target temperature and the recorded actual temperature of the second environment. ZI 12. Method according to one of claims 9 to 10, characterized in that determining the first heating power requirement value comprises: Setting a target temperature of the energy transport medium in the first heating circuit (203) for a first point upstream of the heat exchanger device (232) with respect to a flow direction of the energy transport medium; First, the actual temperature of the energy transport medium is measured; Determining the first heating output requirement value as a function of the difference between the specified target temperature and the recorded actual temperature at the first position; and / or determining the second heating output requirement value includes: Setting a target temperature of the energy transport medium in the second heating circuit (206) for a second location upstream of the further heat exchange device (232) with respect to a flow direction of the energy transport medium; Recording the actual temperature of the energy transport medium at the second position; Determining the second heating power requirement value as a function of a difference between the specified target temperature and the recorded actual temperature at the second position.

13. Method according to any one of claims 4 to 12, characterized in that the method further comprises: Controlling the temperature of the energy transport medium in the second heating circuit (206).

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that controlling a temperature of the energy transport medium in the second heating circuit (206) comprises: Returning a portion of the energy transport medium discharged from the second heating circuit (206) to an inlet of the second heating circuit (206); and Mixing the recovered portion into the energy transport medium supplied through the inlet of the second heating circuit (206).

15. Heating system (1), comprising: a heat source device (10) for tempering an energy transport medium; a network (20) connected to the heat source device (10) for conveying the energy transport medium, in turn comprising: a supply line (201) for introducing the energy transport medium tempered by the heat source device (10) into the network (20); a return line (209) for returning the energy transport medium in the network (20) to the heat source device (10); a first heating circuit (203) arranged between the supply line (201) and the return line (209), which includes a heat exchanger device (232) to be supplied with the energy transport medium; a bypass device (204) arranged between the flow (201) and the return (209) for bypassing the first heating circuit (203), which includes a switchable valve unit (241) for regulating the energy transport medium passed through the bypass device (204);and a volume flow measuring device (205) for recording a total volume flow (Qtot) of the energy transport medium in the network (20), which is arranged in particular on the supply line (201) or on the return line (209); a control device (30) for controlling the heating system (1), which is coupled at least to the valve unit (241) of the bypass device (204) and is configured to set an opening degree of the valve unit (241) of the bypass device (204);wherein the control device (30) is configured, in the course of controlling the heating system (1), to increase the opening degree of the valve unit (241) of the bypass device (204) if a total volume flow (Qtot) detected by the volume flow measuring device (205) falls below a defined first limit value (Gi) provided to the control device (30) for a total volume flow (Qtot) of the energy transport medium in the network (20), which describes a minimum value of the total volume flow (Qtot) of the energy transport medium in the network (20) to be maintained, characterized in that; The control device (30) is furthermore configured, in the course of controlling the heating system (1), to reduce the opening degree of the valve unit (241) of the bypass device (204) if the total volume flow (Qtot) detected by the volume flow measuring device (205) exceeds a specified second limit value (G2) for the total volume flow (Qtot) of the energy transport medium in the network (20) provided to the control device (30), which is greater than the first limit value (Gi).

16. Control device (30) for use in a heating system (1) according to claim 15.

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