Method for monitoring the operating state of a heating system, method for controlling a heating system, and heating system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for monitoring the operating state of a heating system (1) of a building (100), which heating system comprises at least one heating circuit (6) for heating at least one room (101) in the building (100), the heating circuit (6) being switchable at least between an operating state in which the room (101) is heated and an operating state in which the room (101) is not heated. The method comprises: measuring an exterior temperature of the building (100); determining a forecast consumption value on the basis of the measured exterior temperature, which forecast consumption value describes an anticipated energy consumption of the heating system (1) for heating the at least one room (101); determining a target value for an operating-state parameter of the heating system (1) on the basis of the determined forecast consumption value, the operating-state parameter determining an operating state of the heating circuit (6); and outputting a target-value signal corresponding to the determined target value.

Description

Method for monitoring the operating state of a heating system, method for controlling a heating system and heating system DESCRIPTION Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for monitoring the operating state of a heating system, a method for controlling a heating system and a heating system. Background of the invention

[0002] The operation of heating systems for heating rooms in a building sometimes depends on the outside temperatures of the building's surroundings, which determine not only the need for heating itself but also the associated energy consumption.

[0003] For example, in warm summer months with comparatively high outside temperatures, heating rooms with the heating system will generally not be necessary, whereas in cold winter months, the opposite is true. The potentially unnecessary operation of the heating system during these summer months leads to unnecessary energy consumption and thus to avoidable energy costs.

[0004] Especially in transitional periods between periods in which heating would be necessary due to low outside temperatures and those in which heating would not be necessary due to higher outside temperatures, the heating system is usually switched over from heating to non-heating mode, or vice versa, too late and thus causes unnecessary energy costs, which is sometimes facilitated by the fact that the operating mode is usually changed manually by an operator of the heating system.

[0005] Heating systems are known from the state of the art whose operating states are monitored in such a way that an advantageous operating state is determined taking into account a recorded outside temperature.

[0006] Thus, EP 1 988 348 A1 discloses a heating system with a heat pump whose operating state (heating or non-heating) is determined depending on an outside temperature detected by an outside temperature sensor.

[0007] The requirements for such an approach based on the outside temperature are comparatively high, since due to the volatility of the climate, not only strong fluctuations in the outside temperature over the year but also strong fluctuations over a single day must be expected, as a result of which Wrong decisions are made regarding switching the operating state of the heating system.

[0008] As a result of such wrong decisions, energy costs increase and the residents of the building feel a loss of comfort. Summary of the invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a more efficient way of determining an optimal operating state of a heating system compared to the prior art.

[0010] To achieve this object, a method for monitoring the operating state of a heating system according to claim 1, a method for controlling a heating system according to claim 14 and a heating system according to claim 15 are provided.

[0011] The respective dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments, which can be provided individually or in combination.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the invention, a method for monitoring the operating state of a heating system of a building is provided, which comprises at least one heating circuit for heating at least one room of the building, wherein the heating circuit is switchable at least between an operating state that heats the room and a non-heating operating state. The method comprises detecting an outside temperature of the building, determining a consumption forecast value as a function of the detected outside temperature, which describes an expected energy consumption of the heating system for heating the at least one room, determining a setpoint value for an operating state parameter of the heating system based on the determined consumption forecast value, wherein the operating state parameter determines an operating state of the heating circuit, and outputting a setpoint signal corresponding to the determined setpoint value,especially for further use by the heating system.

[0013] In this way, a setpoint value for the operating state parameter based on an estimated energy consumption is provided in the form of the output setpoint signal, on the basis of which numerous further actions, in particular of the heating system, can be carried out, which can include displaying the setpoint value on a display unit of a user interface device or also control actions to be carried out by a control device of the heating system depending on the setpoint value.

[0014] The determination of the setpoint takes into account the expected energy consumption associated with the heating operation, on the basis of which, among other things, it can be stated whether high or comparatively low energy consumption is to be expected during heating. For example, when viewed in conjunction with the actual value of the operating state parameter, this results in a statement as to whether it would be advisable to maintain the operating state or to switch it.

[0015] By using the consumption forecast value, the highly volatile nature of the outside temperature is mitigated by reducing it to an energy consumption forecast and thus preferably using the energy consumption to be assumed for the day as the decision criterion for an optimal operating state of the heating circuit.

[0016] The consumption forecast value is to be understood as any information or description of the energy consumption of the heating system and can be given as an energy value, for example in kWh, as a period-specific energy value, for example in kWh / day, and the like, but also as energy costs, for example in €, € / day, etc. In a particularly simple form, the consumption forecast value can also simply indicate whether energy consumption is high or low, with this assessment being made by comparison with a specified energy consumption limit value. In the same way, a classification into high, medium or low can be made based on two energy consumption limit values.

[0017] The outside temperature can be measured, for example, by an outside temperature sensor or based on retrieving weather data from a weather service or the like.

[0018] The setpoint of the operating state parameter only affects the heating functionality of the heating circuit(s) and does not include any other functionalities of the heating system, such as domestic water heating.

[0019] The setpoint signal is any electronic or electromagnetic signal that is suitable for data transmission between a transmitter and a receiver and that can be transmitted via cable and / or wirelessly.

[0020] Preferably, the method is carried out continuously over time at predetermined time intervals in order to ensure continuous monitoring of the operating status of the heating system.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the operating state parameter can assume at least a first value and a second value, wherein the first value corresponds to the heating operating state and the second value to the non-heating operating state, for example the values ​​"on" and "off" or "0" and "1" etc., wherein the determination of the setpoint value for the operating state parameter is carried out in such a way that the setpoint value corresponds to the first value if the determined consumption forecast value is greater than a predetermined first limit value, and the target value corresponds to the second value if the determined consumption forecast value is less than a predetermined second limit value

[0022] In this way, a comparatively easy-to-implement assignment is provided, on the basis of which the target value can be determined from the determined consumption forecast value.

[0023] Preferably, the second limit value is smaller than the first limit value, so that a brief undershoot of the first limit value following an overshoot does not immediately lead to a change in the setpoint. The same applies to the second limit value.

[0024] In this way, a particularly robust and fault-resistant procedure is provided, which reduces the risk of a rapid successive change in the setpoint.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises providing a consumption forecast function which describes the expected energy consumption of the heating system for heating the at least one room at least as a function of the outside temperature of the building, and wherein the consumption forecast value is determined on the basis of the provided consumption forecast function and the recorded outside temperature

[0026] The consumption forecast function refers to any type of mathematical mapping by which a target value from a target set is assigned to a value of an input variable or a combination of values ​​from several input variables. Examples include, but are not limited to, graphical mappings using characteristic maps, mapping tables, and equation-based mappings.

[0027] In this way, the method is extended by a function-based description of the expected energy consumption depending on the recorded outside temperature, which allows a comparatively fast, robust and reproducible evaluation of the consumption forecast value.

[0028] In addition, the consumption forecast function can be relatively easily adapted to specific characteristics of the heating system or can also be easily updated using the recorded outside temperatures themselves, for example by adjusting coefficients in the case of an equation-based allocation.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, a target set of consumption forecast functions comprises at least a first value describing an expected energy consumption that is equal to or greater than a specified energy consumption limit, and a second value describing an expected energy consumption that is less than the specified energy consumption limit

[0030] In this way, the statement of the consumption forecast limit is reduced to the two cases of low and high expected energy consumption, whereby the the two ranges "low" and "high" are separated by the said energy consumption limit and the consumption forecast value assigns the energy consumption to one of these two ranges.

[0031] In case of an expected low energy consumption, it can be assumed that no heating by the heating circuit should be required, as a result of which the setpoint is set to the second value, whereas for an expected high energy consumption, heating by the heating circuit would be required, as a result of which the setpoint is set to the first value.

[0032] Preferably, the specified energy consumption limit is between 0.1 and 5 kWh per day, preferably between 0.5 and 2.5 kWh per day and particularly preferably 1 kWh per day.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the consumption forecast function describes a probability that the expected energy consumption of the heating system is equal to or greater than a specified energy consumption limit, wherein a target set of the consumption forecast functions comprises a plurality of continuously distributed probability values, in particular in the value range between 0 and 1.

[0034] As before, this procedure allows a classification of a low or a high expected energy consumption, whereby, in contrast to the discrete case of the previous embodiment, a statement is made about a probability

[0035] This allows for a more precise estimation of the expected energy consumption. Ultimately, this does not provide a statement about the actual level of expected energy consumption, but rather a statement about the probability that energy consumption will exceed the energy consumption limit. This approach allows, among other things, the easy definition of transition ranges for switching the setpoint.

[0036] For example, the target value can be set to the first value if the probability described by the consumption forecast function is 20% or less, whereas the target value can be set to the second value if the probability described by the consumption forecast function is 60% or more. The intermediate range from 20 to 60% serves as a transition range in which, based on the previous probability, the target value remains unchanged.

[0037] The probability specification is not limited to the case outlined above. The probability specified by the consumption forecast function can also indicate how likely it is that the expected energy consumption of the heating system will be lower than the specified energy consumption limit.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises detecting a plurality of further outside temperatures which are detected at intervals from one another and wherein the determination of the consumption forecast value further comprises determining an average outside temperature from a set of values ​​comprising the detected outside temperature and the detected plurality of further outside temperatures, and determining a minimum outside temperature from the set of values, wherein the provided consumption forecast function describes the expected energy consumption as a function of an average outside temperature and a minimum outside temperature as input variables, and wherein the determination of the consumption forecast value is carried out on the basis of the provided consumption forecast function and the determined average and the determined minimum outside temperature as input variables of the consumption forecast function.

[0039] In this way, not only are fluctuations in the outside temperature compensated for by the averaging, but an additional evaluation is also performed based on the minimum outside temperature. Thus, not only the average outside temperature is used to estimate energy consumption, but also the minimum outside temperature. This is particularly advantageous for scenarios where a comparatively high average outside temperature exists, but very low outside temperatures are reached due to a sharp drop in temperature in the morning and / or evening hours of a day. This would require heating by the heating circuit, but might not be possible without taking the minimum outside temperature into account.

[0040] By this procedure, a fluctuation in the average outside temperature is also taken into account when determining the consumption forecast value, which proves to be particularly advantageous in the case of cool mornings and / or evenings described above as an example.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the detection of the plurality of further outside temperatures takes place over N days, with N>1, wherein for each of the N days, a plurality of outside temperatures are detected, wherein the determination of the mean outside temperature in turn comprises determining respective daily means of the outside temperatures for each of the N days, determining a first mean value from the determined daily means of the N days and outputting the determined first mean value as the mean outside temperature, and wherein the determination of the minimum outside temperature in turn comprises determining respective daily minimums of the outside temperature for each of the N days, determining a second mean value from the determined daily minimums of the N days and outputting the determined second mean value as the minimum outside temperature

[0042] In this way, not only is the robustness of the method further increased, as fluctuations in the outside temperature are further attenuated by the averaging, but a trend of the last few days can also be taken into account, so that, for example, a A short warm period does not immediately result in the heating circuit being switched off. Preferably, the number N of days is 2 to 14, or 3 to 7, and particularly preferably N=7.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the provision of the consumption forecast function comprises providing a plurality of heating systems, each of which is assigned to a building and each comprising at least one heating circuit for heating at least one room of the respective building, setting the energy consumption limit, recording operating and environmental data of the provided plurality of heating systems, which in turn comprises, for each heating system of the plurality of heating systems, recording a plurality of outside temperatures of the respective building, each of which is recorded at predetermined times over a predetermined period of time, and recording a plurality of energy consumption values, each of which describes the energy consumption of the heating system for heating the at least one room of the respective building and is recorded at the predetermined times,and determining the consumption forecast function based on the outside temperatures and energy consumption values ​​recorded when collecting operating and environmental data as well as the specified energy consumption limit.

[0044] In this way, the consumption forecast function can be provided based on a large amount of data from a wide variety of heating systems, allowing a particularly reliable statement to be made about the expected energy consumption depending on the outside temperature.

[0045] Preferably, the consumption forecast function is determined on the basis of the recorded operating and environmental data using a machine learning method, for example using a regression method, a decision tree or an artificial neural network.

[0046] In particular, when determining the consumption forecast function, a model function with one or more yet-to-be-determined function parameters is used, the values ​​of which are determined based on machine learning. By selecting the function parameters, the attempt is made to map the determined values ​​for the desired input variables as accurately as possible to the corresponding determined values ​​of the output variable of the consumption forecast function.

[0047] Preferably, only a distinction is made for the output variable between cases with an energy consumption greater or less than the specified energy consumption limit, which enables relatively simple and quick machine learning and ultimately leads to the consumption forecast function already described above, which only differentiates between low and high energy consumption (either discretely or via a probability, depending on the model function used).

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, detecting the outside temperature comprises measuring an outside temperature via an outside temperature sensor of the heating system.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises retrieving weather data for a region of the building, wherein detecting the outside temperature comprises outputting a temperature measurement value contained in the retrieved weather data as the detected outside temperature. The region can be understood (without limitation) as an area within a radius of the building from 0 to 250 km, preferably from 0 to 100 km, and particularly preferably from 0 to 25 km.

[0050] In this way, the heating system does not rely on its own outside temperature sensor, but can rely on external data sources to record the outside temperature during the process.

[0051] Preferably, the consumption forecast value can also be determined depending on the retrieved weather data, in particular depending on temperature forecast data contained in the weather data for one or more coming days.

[0052] For this purpose, for example, the recorded outside temperature acting as an input variable of the consumption forecast function can be subjected to a correction factor dependent on the temperature forecast data, or the consumption forecast function itself can be designed in such a way that these temperature values ​​of the temperature forecast data are used as a further input variable for determining the consumption forecast value.

[0053] In this way, an expected future outside temperature can be taken into account when determining the consumption forecast value, which allows energy consumption to be estimated more reliably and accurately.

[0054] Said weather data may, as described above, include one or more temperature readings from a weather station, in particular a nearby weather station in the region of the building, and / or temperature forecast data for one or more coming days, in particular for the region of the building.

[0055] Preferably, detecting the outside temperature (in the case that both the retrieved weather data and a measured sensor value of the outside temperature sensor from measuring an outside temperature are available) comprises calculating an output value based on the sensor value and the temperature measurement value contained in the retrieved weather data and outputting the output value as the detected outside temperature.

[0056] The calculation can be carried out in such a way that, for example, a weighted or an unweighted mean value of the sensor value and the temperature measurement value is calculated.

[0057] In this way, not only the recorded outside temperatures are taken into account, but also forecast data provided by external data sources for future expected outside temperature, which further increases the reliability of determining the consumption forecast value.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises detecting an actual value of the operating state parameter of the heating circuit and outputting an actual value signal corresponding to the detected actual value, in particular for further use by the heating system.

[0059] In this way, the heating system now has access to information on the current operating status of the heating circuit as well as on the optimal operating status specified by the setpoint. In particular, further actions for operating status monitoring can be initiated based on this information if the actual and setpoint values ​​differ.

[0060] Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the method comprises transmitting the setpoint signal and / or the actual value signal to a user interface device and displaying the actual value and / or setpoint value for the operating state parameter transmitted with the signals on a display unit of the user interface device.

[0061] In this way, a display option for operating status monitoring is provided for an operator of the heating system, usually a resident of the building, so that he or she can perceive at a glance any unfavorable operating status, which may be expressed, for example, in unequal actual and target values.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises outputting a notification signal based on the actual value and the setpoint signal, wherein the notification signal is output when the actual value corresponding to the actual value signal is not equal to the setpoint corresponding to the setpoint signal, and transmitting the notification signal to a user interface device, wherein the notification signal causes the user interface device to display a notification on a display unit of the user interface device, which notification (or the content of which) recommends switching the operating state of the heating circuit

[0063] In simple terms, switching the operating mode means changing the operating mode from heating to non-heating operation or vice versa, depending on which operating mode is currently prevailing at the time of switching.

[0064] In this way, the procedure is extended by a recommendation function that informs the operator of the heating system in the form of a notification that the heating system or the first heating circuit is operating in a non-optimal operating state and that a switch from "heating" to "non-heating" or vice versa would be advisable.

[0065] The embodiment of the method for monitoring the operating state described above can serve particularly advantageously as a basis for a method for controlling the heating system.

[0066] For such a method, the user interface device preferably comprises an input unit for user inputs, wherein the method for controlling additionally comprises detecting a user input following the displayed notification, outputting a control signal based on the user input by the user interface device, transmitting the control signal to a control device of the heating system, and controlling the heating system by means of the control device depending on the transmitted control signal, wherein the controlling in particular comprises switching the operating state of the heating circuit depending on the control signal by setting the operating state parameter to the target value.

[0067] In this way, the operator of the heating system can perform the switching of the operating state recommended by the notification directly on the user interface device in response to the displayed notification, as a result of which a corresponding control signal is transmitted to the control device.

[0068] The operator interaction required here prevents the heating system itself from switching over the operating state, which may be perceived as uncomfortable, so that the operator can delay or even refuse switching if he is satisfied with the prevailing operating state.

[0069] If a control signal switching the operating state is output based on the user input, the method for controlling the heating system described above preferably comprises displaying a further notification via the display unit of the user interface device at a later time, for example 3 days later, which requests a further user input via the input unit, via which the operator can enter whether or not he is satisfied with the switching of the operating state recommended in the previous notification.

[0070] If the operator is not satisfied, based on the corresponding further user input, a further control signal is output by the user interface device, the further control signal is transmitted to the control device of the heating system and the heating system is controlled by the control device in dependence on the transmitted further control signal, wherein the further control signal causes the operating state to be switched again by the control device, whereby the heating circuit changes back to the operating state it had before the first notification.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the user interface device is a control console of the heating system and / or a mobile terminal and / or a building control system coupled to the heating system and / or a cloud-based control platform for the heating system.

[0072] The user interface device can be part of the heating system or can be provided separately from it, for example in the form of a mobile device.

[0073] In this way, numerous display options are provided that inform the operator of the heating system in a variety of ways about the operating status or a recommended change of the operating status.

[0074] The mobile device can be understood as a smartphone, a notebook computer or a tablet computer, for example, through which an operator of the heating system can be notified particularly reliably.

[0075] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method is provided for controlling a heating system of a building, which comprises a heating circuit for heating at least one room of the building, wherein the heating circuit is switchable at least between an operating state which heats the room and a non-heating operating state. The method comprises monitoring an operating state of the heating system according to a method for operating state monitoring according to the first aspect of the invention, transmitting the setpoint signal output during the monitoring of the operating state to a control device of the heating system, and controlling the heating system by means of the control device as a function of the setpoint for the operating state parameter of the heating circuit transmitted with the setpoint signal.

[0076] This provides a way for the heating system itself to automatically adjust the operating state of the heating circuit, without requiring any operator intervention. This avoids energy-unfavorable conditions, especially during transitional periods, thereby saving energy costs and increasing the building's occupants' sense of comfort.

[0077] Preferably, the method comprises detecting an actual value of the operating state parameter of the heating circuit and outputting an actual value signal corresponding to the detected actual value, in particular for further use by the heating system.

[0078] Based on this, the method preferably comprises transmitting the actual value signal to a control device of the heating system, wherein the control of the heating system by means of the control device is additionally dependent on the actual value signal transmitted with the actual value for the operating state parameter of the heating circuit and in particular includes switching the operating state of the heating circuit if the actual value and the setpoint are unequal, in particular by setting the operating state parameter to the setpoint

[0079] According to a third aspect of the invention, a heating system for use in a building is provided, which comprises at least one control device configured to control the heating system, a heating circuit configured to heat at least one room of the building and switchable via the control device at least between an operating state that heats the room and a non-heating operating state, a monitoring device for monitoring the operating state of the heating system, and a temperature detection device coupled to the monitoring device, which is configured to detect an outside temperature of the building. The monitoring device is configured to determine a consumption forecast value, which describes an expected energy consumption of the heating system for heating the at least one room, depending on an outside temperature detected by the temperature detection device.to determine a setpoint for an operating state parameter that determines an operating state of the heating circuit on the basis of the determined consumption forecast value and to output a setpoint signal corresponding to the determined setpoint, in particular for further use by the heating system.

[0080] In this way, a heating system is provided which offers the advantages of the operating condition monitoring method described above, which will not be discussed again below.

[0081] For this purpose, the monitoring device comprises in particular an electronic storage unit and a processor-based calculation unit, which can be used in the course of determining the consumption forecast value and the target value.

[0082] Preferably, the operating state parameter can assume at least a first value and a second value, wherein the first value corresponds to the heating operating state and the second value to the non-heating operating state, for example the values ​​"on" and "off" or "0" and "1" etc., wherein the monitoring device is configured to determine the target value for the operating state parameter such that the target value corresponds to the first value if the determined consumption forecast value is greater than a predetermined first limit value, and the target value corresponds to the second value if the determined consumption forecast value is smaller than a predetermined second limit value

[0083] Preferably, the monitoring device comprises a memory unit in which a consumption forecast function is stored and provided for use by the monitoring device, which forecast function calculates the expected energy consumption of the heating system for heating the at least one room at least as a function of the The monitoring device is configured to determine the consumption forecast value based on the provided consumption forecast function and the detected outside temperature. The consumption forecast function can be implemented according to one of the embodiments described above in the course of the method for operating condition monitoring.

[0084] Preferably, the temperature detection device for detecting the outside temperature comprises a (separate) outside temperature sensor and / or a weather data device which can be coupled to a data system of a weather service and is configured to retrieve weather data available there, in particular for a region of the building.

[0085] Said weather data may include both current temperature measurements from a weather station, in particular a nearby weather station in the region of the building, as well as temperature forecast data for one or more coming days, in particular for the region of the building.

[0086] The weather data device is preferably configured to output a temperature measurement value from the retrieved weather data as the recorded outside temperature.

[0087] If the temperature detection device has both the outside temperature sensor and the weather data device, the temperature detection device is preferably configured to output a detected sensor value of the outside temperature sensor, the temperature measurement value from the retrieved weather data or a combination of sensor value and temperature measurement value as the detected outside temperature.

[0088] Said combination can, for example, be a weighted or an unweighted average of the two values.

[0089] In the event that the retrieved weather data contains temperature forecast data, the weather data device can be configured to also provide this to the monitoring device, which in turn can be configured to determine the consumption forecast in additional dependence on the temperature forecast data.

[0090] Preferably, the temperature detection device is configured to detect a plurality of further outside temperatures at intervals from one another and to transmit them to the monitoring device, which in turn is configured to determine an average outside temperature from a set of values ​​comprising the detected outside temperature and the detected plurality of further outside temperatures, and a minimum outside temperature from the set of values, wherein the provided consumption forecast function describes the expected energy consumption as a function of an average outside temperature and a minimum outside temperature as input variables, and the monitoring device is configured to determine the consumption forecast value on the basis of the provided consumption forecast function and the determined average and the determined minimum outside temperature as input variables of the consumption forecast function.

[0091] Preferably, the monitoring device is configured to detect an actual value of the operating state parameter of the heating circuit and to output an actual value signal corresponding to the detected actual value, in particular for further use by the heating system.

[0092] Preferably, the heating system further comprises a user interface device with a display unit and / or is coupleable to a user interface device with a display unit, wherein the monitoring device is configured to transmit the setpoint signal and / or the actual value signal to the user interface device, which in turn is configured to display the actual value and / or setpoint value for the operating state parameter transmitted with the signals on the display unit.

[0093] Preferably, the monitoring device is configured to output a notification signal based on the actual value and the setpoint signal, wherein the notification signal is output when the actual value corresponding to the actual value signal is not equal to the setpoint corresponding to the setpoint signal, wherein the monitoring device is further configured to transmit the notification signal to the user interface device, wherein the notification signal causes the user interface device to display a notification on the display unit of the user interface device recommending a change in the operating state of the heating circuit.

[0094] Preferably, the user interface device further comprises an input unit for user inputs, wherein the user interface device is configured to detect a user input made in response to the displayed notification and, based thereon, to generate a control signal and to transmit this to the control device, wherein the control device is configured to control the heating system in dependence on the transmitted control signal, and in particular is configured to switch the operating state of the heating circuit in dependence on the control signal.

[0095] Preferably, the monitoring device is configured to transmit the setpoint signal to the control device, which in turn is configured to control the heating system as a function of the setpoint for the operating state parameter of the heating circuit transmitted with the setpoint signal, in particular as an additional function of an actual value transmitted to the control device with the actual value signal.

[0096] Further aspects and their advantages as well as more specific embodiments of the aforementioned aspects and features are described below with the aid of the drawings shown in the attached figures.

[0097] Fig. 1A and 1B show flow diagrams of two embodiments of the method according to the invention for monitoring the operating state of a heating system.

[0098] Fig. 2 shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of the method according to the invention for controlling a heating system.

[0099] 3A and 3B show exemplary time courses of operating and environmental data of a heating system in the course of an embodiment of the method according to the invention for monitoring the operating state.

[0100] Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of the heating system according to the invention.

[0101] 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

[0102] Fig. 1A shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of the method according to the invention for monitoring the operating state of a heating system of a building, wherein the heating system comprises at least one heating circuit for heating at least one room of the building and the heating circuit is switchable at least between an operating state that heats the room and an operating state that does not heat the room.

[0103] In step S1, a plurality of outside temperatures (corresponding to the recorded outside temperature + the recorded plurality of other outside temperatures) of the building are recorded, which are recorded at intervals from one another.

[0104] In step S2, a consumption forecast value is determined as a function of the recorded plurality of outside temperatures, wherein the consumption forecast value describes an expected energy consumption of the heating system for heating the at least one room, again comprising the sub-steps S2.1 to S2.4.

[0105] In the present case, the higher the consumption forecast value, the higher the expected energy consumption of the heating system.

[0106] In sub-step S2.1, a consumption forecast function is provided which describes the expected energy consumption depending on an average outside temperature and a minimum outside temperature as input variables

[0107] In sub-step S2.2, an average outside temperature is determined from the plurality of outside temperatures recorded in step S1.

[0108] In sub-step S2.3, a minimum outside temperature is determined from the plurality of outside temperatures recorded in step S1.

[0109] In sub-step S2.4, the consumption forecast value is determined based on the consumption forecast function provided in sub-step S2.1 and the determined average and minimum outside temperature from sub-steps S2.2 and S2.3 as input variables of the consumption forecast function.

[0110] In step S3, a setpoint value for an operating state parameter of the heating system is determined, which determines an operating state of the heating circuit, depending on the consumption forecast value determined in step S2.

[0111] In sub-step S3.1, the determined consumption forecast value is compared with a predetermined limit. If this value is lower than the predetermined limit, sub-step S3.2a is performed; otherwise, sub-step S3.2b is performed.

[0112] Alternatively, in sub-step S3.1, a comparison can also be made with several limit values, between which there is in particular a transition range.

[0113] In sub-step S3.2a, a value assignment takes place in which a second value is assigned to the setpoint, whereas in sub-step S3.2b, a value assignment takes place in which a first value is assigned to the setpoint, whereby the first value designates the heating operating state and the second value the non-heating operating state of the heating circuit

[0114] In step S4, a setpoint signal corresponding to the determined setpoint is output.

[0115] Fig. 1B shows a flowchart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention for monitoring the operating state of a heating system of a building, which is based on the embodiment of Fig. 1A, in that the steps S1 to S4 are identical to those of the embodiment of Fig. 1A.

[0116] Starting from step S4, an actual value of the operating state parameter of the heating circuit is recorded in step S5.

[0117] In step S6, an actual value signal corresponding to the detected actual value is output.

[0118] In step S7, a notification signal is output based on the actual value and the setpoint signal from steps S6 and S4, respectively, wherein the notification signal is output if the actual value corresponding to the actual value signal is not equal to the setpoint corresponding to the setpoint signal.

[0119] In step S8, the notification signal is transmitted to a user interface device.

[0120] In step S9, a notification is displayed on a display unit of the user interface device in response to the transmitted notification signal from step S8, wherein the notification or its content recommends switching the operating state of the heating circuit

[0121] Fig. 2 shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of the method according to the invention for controlling a heating system.

[0122] The starting point of the method is the exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention for operating condition monitoring from Fig. 1A with the identically executed steps S1 to S4. To distinguish it from Fig. 1B, a star notation of the steps is chosen here.

[0123] Starting from step S4, in step S5* the setpoint signal is transmitted to a control device of the heating system.

[0124] In step S6*, the heating system is controlled by means of the control device depending on the setpoint value for the operating state parameter of the heating circuit transmitted with the setpoint signal, which in particular comprises switching the operating state of the heating circuit depending on the setpoint value.

[0125] According to an advantageous development of the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 2, this further comprises the steps (not shown here) of detecting an actual value of the operating state parameter of the heating circuit, outputting an actual value signal corresponding to the detected actual value, and transmitting the actual value signal to the control device of the heating system, wherein the control of the heating system by means of the control device is carried out in additional dependence on the actual value transmitted with the actual value signal. In particular, the operating state of the heating circuit is switched over if the actual and setpoint values ​​are unequal by setting the operating state parameter to the setpoint.

[0126] Fig. 3A and 3B show exemplary time courses of operating and environmental data of a heating system in the course of an embodiment of the method according to the invention for monitoring the operating state.

[0127] Both time courses shown in Figs. 3A and 3B refer to the same heating system for which the operating and environmental data are given over a period of 10 months.

[0128] Fig. 3 A shows the temperature curves of the outside temperature of the building in which the heating system is used, with the daily minimum outside temperatures (lower curve) and the daily maximum outside temperatures (upper curve) being plotted over time.

[0129] The time courses shown demonstrate the highly volatile nature of the outside temperature during the period under consideration, during which, for example, a drop in temperature at the end of May 2021, followed by a sharp rise in temperature, can be observed, which makes it difficult to determine an optimal operating state for a heating circuit of the heating system.

[0130] According to the invention, the consumption forecast value is used in the course of determining the setpoint for the operating state parameter determining the operating state of the heating circuit of the heating system, the time course of which is shown in Fig. 3B.

[0131] The consumption forecast value used in this example describes the probability, in values ​​between 0 and 100, that the expected energy consumption of the heating system for heating a room using the heating circuit will be less than a specified energy consumption limit, which in this example corresponds to 1 kWh / day (not limiting). This scenario is referred to as "Heating Not Required."

[0132] The higher the probability, the more likely it is that energy consumption will be less than 1 kWh / day. The consumption forecast value indicating the probability depends on the building's outside temperature. The curve shown in Fig. 3B is based, for example, on an average of the daily minimum outside temperatures and an average of the daily average outside temperatures from the temperature curves of the previous 7 days. In this example, the average outside temperature is determined from the maximum and minimum outside temperatures of a day.

[0133] According to the presented trend, it can be seen that low energy consumption was expected, particularly in the summer months from the beginning of June to the end of August, i.e. there was a high probability that consumption would be less than 1 kWh / day, whereas higher energy consumption was expected in the remaining months.

[0134] The target value (dotted-dashed line) for the operating state parameter that determines the operating state of the heating circuit is determined by considering the limit values ​​of the consumption forecast. Two limit values, G1 and G2, are defined, which respectively describe an 80% and 50% probability that energy consumption of less than 1,000 kWh / day can be expected.

[0135] The setpoint determined on the basis of the consumption forecast value can, for example, take the two values ​​"0" and "1", which respectively indicate the non-heating and heating operating state of the heating circuit.

[0136] If the consumption forecast value exceeds the first limit value Gl, the setpoint is set to "0", whereas if it falls below the second limit value G2, the setpoint is set to "1". The transition range in between serves to introduce a certain robustness into the process, as a result of which undesirably frequent changes in the setpoint due to merely local fluctuations in the consumption forecast value caused by fluctuations in the outside temperature are avoided. For example, the brief warm period at the beginning of May does not lead to a switching of the setpoint.

[0137] The procedure described above leads to a robust and reliable determination of a setpoint for the operating state parameter, which enables efficient switching of the heating circuit between heating winter operation and non-heating summer operation.

[0138] As a result, the setpoint is only set to a new value twice in the 10-month period shown: at the end of May, the setpoint suggests a change to non-heating (summer) operation, and in mid / late August, the change to heating (winter) operation occurs.

[0139] Fig. 4 shows a schematic embodiment of the heating system 1 according to the invention of a building 100, which comprises, by way of example, a first room 101 and a second room 102.

[0140] The heating system 1 comprises a heat generator 2 for controlling the temperature of one or more energy transport media, a monitoring device 3 for monitoring an operating state of the heating system 1, a control device 4 for controlling the heating system 1, a temperature detection device comprising an outside temperature sensor 5 for detecting an outside temperature of the building 100, a heating circuit 6 for heating the first room and an operating console 8a located in the first room.

[0141] The heat generator 2 comprises a heating unit 21, via which the heating circuit 6 is supplied with a tempered energy transport medium in order to heat the first room 101 of the building 100. The heating circuit 6 comprises the loop-shaped underfloor heating 61, which serves as a heat exchanger between the first room 101 and the energy transport medium tempered by the heating unit 21.

[0142] The heating circuit 6 can be switched between an operation that heats the first room 101 and an operation that does not heat the first room 101 via the heating unit 21. This switching is simplified by switching the heating unit 21 on or off.

[0143] The heat generator further comprises a domestic water unit 22, which is designed to heat domestic water, which is provided to consumers located in the building, such as a shower 102a. The monitoring device 3 is coupled to the control device 4, the outside temperature sensor 5, the control panel 8a, and a mobile device 8b, here a smartphone belonging to a resident of the building 100. The monitoring device 3 comprises a communication unit 33 for wired and wireless data transmission for the latter two devices.

[0144] The monitoring device 3 further comprises an electronic storage unit 31 and a processor-based evaluation unit 32.

[0145] A consumption forecast function is stored in the memory unit 31, which is provided for use by the monitoring device 3 or by the evaluation unit 32 and which describes the expected energy consumption of the heating system 1 for heating the first room 101 at least as a function of the outside temperature of the building 100. In the course of monitoring the operating state of the heating system 1, the monitoring device 3 is configured to determine a consumption forecast value, which describes an expected energy consumption of the heating system 1 for heating the first room 101, based on the provided consumption forecast function and an outside temperature detected by the outside temperature sensor 5.

[0146] Furthermore, the monitoring device 3 or the evaluation unit 32 is configured to determine, on the basis of the determined consumption forecast value, a setpoint value for an operating state parameter which can be used in particular by the heating system 1 or by the control device 4 and which determines an operating state of the heating circuit 6 (see also Figs. 3A and 3B) and to output a setpoint signal corresponding to the determined setpoint value.

[0147] Furthermore, the monitoring device 3 is configured to detect an actual value of the operating state parameter of the heating circuit 6, wherein in the present example it accesses an actual value of the operating state parameter stored in the control device 4 and outputs a corresponding actual value signal.

[0148] The monitoring device 3 or its evaluation unit 32 is further configured to output a notification signal based on the actual value and the setpoint value signal, wherein the notification signal is output when the actual value corresponding to the actual value signal is not equal to the setpoint value corresponding to the setpoint value signal.

[0149] The monitoring device 3 is configured to transmit the notification signal via the communication unit 33 to the control console 8a and to the smartphone 8b, which function as user interface devices.

[0150] The notification signal causes the control console 8a as well as the smartphone to display a notification 81a on a respective display unit (only shown as a touchscreen 81 in the case of the smartphone 8b), whereby the notification or its content recommends switching the operating state of the heating circuit 6.

[0151] Based on this, an operator of the heating system 1 can determine the operating state of the Heating circuit 6, for example, on the control console 8a or on the smartphone 8b, as a result of which, for example, the heating unit 21 is switched on or off.

[0152] The setpoint is determined based on energy consumption-specific aspects and identifies an optimal operating state of heating circuit 6, which can be used, for example, to prevent energetically disadvantageous heating during warm summer months, thereby saving energy costs, among other things.

[0153] In an alternative embodiment not shown here, the temperature detection device of the heating system can, in addition to or alternatively to the outside temperature sensor 5, comprise a weather data device that can be coupled to a data system of a weather service and is configured to retrieve weather data available there, in particular for a region of the building 100. The region can be understood as an area within a radius of 0 to 250 km, preferably from 0 to 100 km, and particularly preferably from 0 to 25 km.

[0154] Said weather data may include both current temperature measurements from a weather station, in particular a nearby weather station in the region of building 100, as well as temperature forecast data for one or more coming days, in particular for the region of the building.

[0155] For the first case, the weather data device is configured to output a current temperature measurement value from the retrieved weather data as the recorded outside temperature.

[0156] If the temperature detection device also has an outside temperature sensor, the temperature detection device can be configured to output a detected sensor value of the outside temperature sensor, the temperature measurement value from the retrieved weather data or a combination of sensor value and temperature measurement value as the detected outside temperature.

[0157] Said combination can, for example, be a weighted or an unweighted average of the two values.

[0158] Embodiments of the present invention and their advantages have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0159] It is emphasized again that the present invention is in no way limited to the above-described embodiments and their features. The invention further encompasses modifications of the aforementioned embodiments, in particular those resulting from modifications and / or combinations of individual or multiple features of the described embodiments within the scope of the independent claims. List of reference symbols 1 heating system 2 heat generators 3 Monitoring device 4 Control device 5 Outside temperature sensor 6 heating circuits 8a Control console 8b smartphone 21 Heating unit 22 domestic water unit 31 storage unit 32 evaluation unit 33 Communication unit 61 Underfloor heating 81 touchscreen 81a Notification 100 buildings 101 first room 102 second room 102a Shower

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A method for monitoring the operating state of a heating system (1) of a building (100) comprising a heating circuit (6) for heating at least one room (101) of the building (100), wherein the heating circuit (6) is switchable at least between an operating state heating the room (101) and an operating state not heating the room (101), comprising: Providing a consumption forecast function which, at least as a function of an outside temperature of the building (100), describes a probability that an expected energy consumption of the heating system (1) for heating the at least one room (101) is equal to or greater than a specified energy consumption limit value, wherein a target set of the consumption forecast functions comprises a plurality of continuously distributed probability values, Recording the outside temperature of the building (100); Determining a consumption forecast value as a function of the provided consumption forecast function and the detected outside temperature, wherein the consumption forecast value describes an expected energy consumption of the heating system (1) for heating the at least one room (101); Determining a setpoint value for an operating state parameter of the heating system (1), which determines an operating state of the heating circuit (6), on the basis of the determined consumption forecast value; and Output of a setpoint signal corresponding to the determined setpoint.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating state parameter can assume at least a first value and a second value, wherein the first value corresponds to the heating operating state and the second value to the non-heating operating state, and wherein the determination of the setpoint value for the operating state parameter is carried out in such a way that the setpoint value corresponds to the first value if the determined consumption forecast value is greater than a predetermined first limit value, and the setpoint value corresponds to the second value if the determined consumption forecast value is smaller than a predetermined second limit value 3. Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the method further comprises: Recording a variety of other outside temperatures, which are recorded at intervals from one another; and determining the consumption forecast value further includes: Determining an average outside temperature from a set of values ​​comprising the recorded outside temperature and the recorded plurality of other outside temperatures; and Determining a minimum outside temperature from the set of values; wherein the provided consumption forecast function describes the expected energy consumption as a function of an average outside temperature and a minimum outside temperature as input variables, and wherein the consumption forecast value is determined on the basis of the provided consumption forecast function and the determined average and the determined minimum outside temperature as input variables of the consumption forecast function.

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the recording of the plurality of further outside temperatures takes place over N days, with N> 1, wherein for each of the N days a plurality of outside temperatures are recorded, wherein the determination of the mean outside temperature in turn comprises: Determine the respective daily averages of the outside temperatures for each of the N days; Determining a first mean value from the daily means determined for the N days; and Outputting the determined first mean value as the average outside temperature. Determining the minimum outside temperature in turn comprises: Determine the respective daily minimum outside temperature for each of the N days; Determining a second mean value from the daily minimums of the N days; and Output the determined second mean value as the minimum outside temperature.

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the provision of the consumption forecast function comprises: Providing a plurality of heating systems (1), each associated with a building (100) and each comprising at least one heating circuit (6) for heating at least one room (101) of the respective building (100); Setting the energy consumption limit; Recording operating and environmental data of the provided multiple heating systems (1), again for each heating system (1) of the multiple heating systems (1), comprising: Detecting a plurality of outside temperatures of the respective building (100), each of which is recorded at predetermined times over a predetermined period of time; and Recording a plurality of energy consumption values, each of which describes the energy consumption of the heating system (1) for heating the at least one room (101) of the respective building (100) and is recorded at the predetermined times; Determine the consumption forecast function based on the outdoor temperatures and energy consumption values ​​recorded when collecting operating and environmental data as well as the specified energy consumption limit.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by Retrieving weather data from a weather service for a region of the building (100); wherein detecting the outside temperature comprises outputting a temperature measurement value contained in the retrieved weather data as the detected outside temperature, and / or wherein determining the consumption forecast value additionally takes place as a function of the retrieved weather data.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by Detecting an actual value of the operating state parameter of the heating circuit (6); and Output of an actual value signal corresponding to the recorded actual value.

8. Method according to claim 7, characterized by Transmitting the setpoint signal and the actual value signal to a user interface device (8a, 8b) coupled to the heating system (1); and Displaying the actual and target values ​​for the operating state parameter transmitted with the signals on a display unit (81) of the user interface device (8a, 8b).

9. Method according to one of claims 7 to 8, characterized by Outputting a notification signal based on the actual value and the setpoint signal, wherein the notification signal is output if the actual value corresponding to the actual value signal is not equal to the setpoint corresponding to the setpoint signal; Transmitting the notification signal to a user interface device (8a, 8b) coupled to the heating system (1), wherein the Notification signal causes the user interface device (8a, 8b) to display a notification (81a) on a display unit (81) of the user interface device (8a, 8b) recommending switching the operating state of the heating circuit (6).

10. Method according to one of claims 8 to 9, characterized in that the user interface device (8a, 8b) is a control console (8a) of the heating system (1) and / or a mobile terminal (8b) and / or a building control system coupled to the heating system (1) and / or a cloud-based control platform for the heating system (1) 11. A method for controlling a heating system (1) of a building (100) comprising a heating circuit (6) for heating at least one room (101) of the building (100), wherein the heating circuit (6) is switchable at least between an operating state heating the room (101) and an operating state not heating the room (101), comprising: Monitoring an operating state of the heating system (1) according to a method for operating state monitoring according to one of claims 1 to 10; Transmitting the setpoint signal output during the monitoring of the operating state to a control device of the heating system (1); Controlling the heating system (1) by means of the control device depending on the setpoint for the operating state parameter of the heating circuit (6) transmitted with the setpoint signal. ZI heating system (1) for use in a building (100), comprising: a control device (4) configured to control the heating system (1); a heating circuit (6) configured to heat at least one room (101) of the building (100) and switchable via the control device (4) at least between an operating state that heats the room (101) and a non-heating operating state; a monitoring device (3) for monitoring the operating state of the heating system (1); and a temperature detection device (5) coupled to the monitoring device (3) that is configured to detect an outside temperature of the building (100); wherein the monitoring device (3) comprises a memory unit in which a consumption forecast function is stored and provided for use by the monitoring device, which describes a probability, at least as a function of an outside temperature of the building (100),that an expected energy consumption of the heating system (1) for heating the at least one room (101) is equal to or greater than a specified energy consumption limit, wherein a target set of the consumption forecast functions for this purpose comprises a plurality of continuously distributed probability values, and wherein the monitoring device (3) is configured to determine a consumption forecast value that describes an expected energy consumption of the heating system (1) for heating the at least one room (101) as a function of an outside temperature detected by the temperature detection device (5) and the consumption forecast function provided in the storage unit, to determine a target value for an operating state parameter that determines an operating state of the heating circuit (6) on the basis of the determined consumption forecast value, and to output a target value signal corresponding to the determined target value.

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