Optimizing the performance of a heating system

Abstract

A method for optimizing the performance of a heating system comprising energy transformation equipment (220) for supplying a hot or cold heat transfer fluid, at least one fan coil (210) arranged in at least one zone and a hydraulic circuit for connecting them, the method comprising for each zone: obtaining setpoint temperature and ambient air data, and relating to the maximum operating power of each fan coil, and for each fan coil, calculating a heat transfer fluid supply temperature, for which the fan coil at its maximum power allows the ambient air temperature to reach the setpoint temperature;and for said at least one zone, a calculation of a starting temperature TD of the heat transfer liquid supplied by said energy transformation equipment (220), among the supply temperature(s), and an adjustment of the starting temperature TD of the energy transformation equipment (220). Abstract figure: Figure 1;

Description

Title of the invention: Optimizing the performance of a heating system Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of heating systems and more particularly to heating systems comprising fan coils. Prior art

[0002] It is known that in a dwelling, heating systems are designed to provide heat efficiently and comfortably. These systems generally consist of two main elements: energy transformation equipment and energy utilization equipment, or thermal emitters.

[0003] Energy transformation equipment is the element that produces or dissipates the heat necessary to heat or cool the dwelling respectively. The equipment is then respectively a heat source or a cold source.

[0004] The most common heat source equipment used to heat a home is boilers, heat pumps, and electric radiators. Boilers often use natural gas, fuel oil, or electricity to produce heat, while heat pumps use natural resources such as air, water, or the ground to extract heat. Once the heat is produced, it is transported to emitters for distribution throughout the home.

[0005] Thermal emitters are the devices responsible for distributing the heat produced by the source to the different rooms of the home. There are several types, including radiators, heated floors and ceilings, and fan coils. Radiators are traditional emitters that use heated metal elements to transfer heat into the ambient air. Underfloor heating is integrated into the floor and diffuses heat through it, providing even heat distribution throughout the room. Fan coils are equipped with fans that blow air through a heat exchanger, heating the air before distributing it into the room.

[0006] Conversely, to cool a home, air conditioning systems are generally used as heating systems. The cold source equipment in an air conditioning system is usually a condensing unit, which uses a compressor to compress a refrigerant. This process extracts heat from the air inside the home and dissipates it outside. The cooled air is then distributed throughout the home.

[0007] Emitters in an air conditioning system are often indoor fan coil units or duct systems, or chilled floors or ceilings. Fan coils work similarly to their use for heating, but instead of heating the air they cool it by passing it through a cold heat exchanger. Duct systems may also use a network of ducts to distribute the cooled air to different rooms in the house.

[0008] Some equipment is versatile and can act as both a heat source and a cold source in heating systems. For example, heat pumps use a process of compression and expansion of a refrigerant fluid to transfer heat from one medium to another. In heating mode, a heat pump extracts heat from the outside air, groundwater, or the ground and transfers it inside the home to heat the space. In cooling mode, however, the process is reversed: the heat pump extracts heat from the indoor air and rejects it outside, thus cooling the interior of the home.

[0009] Reversible air conditioners and Canadian wells are also known as other reversible equipment options.

[0010] Overall, the operation of heating systems in a home consists of producing heat or cold from the chosen source, then distributing it efficiently and comfortably to each room using the appropriate emitters.

[0011] It is possible to have different temperatures in the rooms of a home by using zone systems. These systems allow the temperature of each zone or room to be individually controlled using thermostatic valves on radiators or independent thermostats for heated floors. This allows the temperature to be adjusted according to the specific needs of each space, thus providing personalized comfort while saving energy by heating only the necessary areas.

[0012] These different systems use different energy sources to maintain a comfortable indoor environment. The most commonly used energy sources include natural gas, fuel oil, electricity, and renewable energy sources such as wood, solar, and geothermal. The choice of energy source often depends on factors such as local availability, cost, and environmental concerns. For example, gas boilers are popular in many areas due to their efficiency and affordability, while heat pumps are valued for their low environmental impact and use of renewable energy.

[0013] Optimizing the use of energy to heat or cool a home with such systems, particularly in the current context of global warming, is a crucial point.

[0014] However, known systems show poor performance on this criterion, particularly in zone systems. Indeed, the latter generally provide for non-optimized heating of the hydraulic circuit when the setpoint for a room increases, even though this heating is very costly in terms of energy. Summary

[0015] The present disclosure improves the situation.

[0016] A method is proposed for optimizing the performance of a heating system comprising energy transformation equipment for supplying a hot or cold heat transfer fluid, at least one fan coil unit arranged in at least one zone and at least one hydraulic circuit for connecting said energy transformation equipment and said at least one fan coil unit, the method comprising: - for each zone: • obtaining at least one set temperature data for the zone, • obtaining at least one piece of ambient air temperature data for the area, • obtaining at least one piece of data relating to the maximum operating power of each fan coil in the corresponding zone, • for each fan coil in the zone, at least from the data obtained, a calculation of a minimum supply temperature of hot heat transfer fluid to the fan coil, or where appropriate a maximum supply temperature of cold heat transfer fluid to the fan coil, for which the fan coil, when operating at its maximum power, allows the ambient air temperature in the zone to reach the set temperature for the zone, - for said at least one zone, • a calculation of a starting temperature TD of the heat transfer fluid supplied by said at least one energy transformation equipment, which is defined as being the maximum temperature TM axMin among the minimum fluid supply temperature(s) hot heat transfer fluid of the calculated fan coil(s), or where applicable the minimum temperature TMin Max among the maximum cold heat transfer fluid supply temperature(s) of the calculated fan coil(s), and • an adjustment of the starting temperature TD of the heat transfer fluid supplied by said energy transformation equipment to be brought to the temperature TM axMin or where applicable TMinMax.

[0017] In a variant, the adjustment of a starting temperature TD of the heat transfer liquid supplied by said at least one energy transformation equipment may be automatic and may comprise a transmission of a set temperature data item to said at least one energy transformation equipment.

[0018] In one embodiment, the method may further comprise adjusting the operating speed of the fan of a fan coil unit of the system.

[0019] This adjustment of the operating speed of the fan of a fan coil of the system may be automatic and may include a transmission of a set speed data item to said fan coil.

[0020] Said data transmission(s) may be carried out via a wireless connection, preferably using the Zigbee protocol.

[0021] In a variant, the maximum power of a fan coil is determined according to a predefined maximum noise threshold setting for said fan coil.

[0022] In one embodiment, for a zone, a change in a setpoint temperature, from a current setpoint temperature to a new setpoint temperature, may be preprogrammed to occur at a time t; and the method may be performed before the predefined time t so that the ambient air temperature of said zone reaches the new setpoint temperature at the predefined time t.

[0023] In a variant, the set temperature data obtained for a zone may be a pre-programmed set temperature obtained by anticipating a predefined heating or cooling duration, so that the ambient air temperature of this zone reaches said pre-programmed set temperature once said predefined duration has elapsed.

[0024] This predefined duration can be between 10 and 180 minutes, preferably between 60 and 120 minutes, and even more preferably equal to approximately 90 minutes.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the invention, a computer program is provided comprising instructions for implementing the method when this program is executed by a processor.

[0026] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a non-transitory recording medium readable by a computer on which a program is recorded for implementing the method when this program is executed by a processor.

[0027] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is proposed a calculation unit comprising: - an input interface for receiving at least one setpoint temperature data for a zone, at least one ambient air temperature data for the zone, and at least one data item relating, respectively, to the maximum operating power of each fan coil unit in the zone in question, - a memory, containing at least the instructions of the computer program, - a processor having access to said memory to read said instructions and execute the method, - an output interface for providing an optimum heat transfer fluid temperature of a heat transfer fluid circuit.

[0028] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a heating system comprising: - at least one energy transformation equipment, - at least one fan coil unit, and - the calculation unit, said at least one energy transformation equipment and said at least one fan coil being arranged in at least one zone and interconnected by a circuit of a heat transfer fluid.

[0029] In a variant, the heating system may further comprise at least one human-machine interface, allowing a user to carry out or pre-program a change of setpoint.

[0030] In this heating system, said at least one energy transformation equipment and said at least one fan coil unit may comprise a bilateral communication system. Brief description of the drawings

[0031] Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the attached drawings, in which: Fig.l

[0032] [Fig.l] schematically shows a flowchart of the steps of the method according to one embodiment. Fig. 2

[0033] [Fig.2] schematically shows a heating system according to one embodiment. Fig. 3

[0034] [Fig.3] shows a diagram of the evolution of the coefficient of performance (COP) of a heat pump of the invention according to one embodiment, as a function of the outside air temperature and according to three hot heat transfer liquid temperatures. Description of the embodiments

[0035] Reference is first made to image 2 which refers to a heating system according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0036] The heating system comprises energy transformation equipment 220, as well as a set of fan coils 210 arranged among a set of zones 200a, 200b.

[0037] A zone 200a, 200b designates a space where the system can operate, often determined by its ability to act consistently. Typically, a single setpoint temperature is defined for each zone 200a, 200b. These zones are generally delimited by the walls of a room or set of rooms.

[0038] These zones allow the temperature to be regulated specifically for each space, thus providing precise and personalized control of thermal comfort. For example, in a centralized heating system, each room can be configured with its own set temperature, allowing occupants to adjust the heating according to their individual preferences. This approach also promotes more efficient use of energy by heating or cooling only the necessary zones, thus contributing to energy savings and a reduction in heating or cooling costs.

[0039] In this embodiment, the energy transformation equipment 220 may be reversible equipment such as a reversible heat pump. In heating mode, it extracts heat from the outside air, groundwater or the ground, and transfers it inside to heat a circuit of a heat transfer liquid 230. In air conditioning mode, the process is reversed: it can extract heat from the circuit of a heat transfer liquid 230 and reject it outside, thus cooling the heat transfer liquid to again supply the emitters such as the fan coils with cold heat transfer liquid. Advantageously, this ability to provide both heating and air conditioning makes it an efficient and economical solution for maintaining comfort all year round. Such equipment is generally placed outside the zones 200a, 200b, preferably outside the dwelling.

[0040] A fan coil unit thus makes it possible to heat or cool a zone 200a, 200b depending on the temperature of the heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid passes through a heat exchanger around which the air is circulated by one or more fans: this air is then heated or cooled by the exchanger.

[0041] Generally, the energy transformation equipment 220 and the fan coils 210 may comprise measurement sensors.

[0042] In particular, a fan coil 210 may comprise several temperature sensors, for measuring the temperature of the heat transfer fluid in the circuit at the inlet and / or outlet of the fan coil, as well as for measuring the temperature of the ambient air in the zone 200a, 200b in which the fan coil is located. In addition, the fan coil may comprise a speed sensor for measuring the rotational speed of its fan, such as a tachometer, or a current sensor making it possible to deduce this speed from the current of the fan motor. Alternatively, the sensor may measure the operating power of the fan coil.

[0043] Furthermore, a heat pump 220 may comprise a temperature sensor making it possible to measure the temperature of the heat transfer liquid in the circuit at the outlet of the heat pump 220.

[0044] The heat transfer fluid of the circuit 230 may be a liquid substance used to transfer heat from one location to another in the heating system. It may thus circulate through a circuit 230, i.e. a network of pipes or conduits, and transport the heat between the energy transformation equipment 220 and the emitters 210 or between the cold source and the air conditioning units.

[0045] The heat transfer fluid may be hot or cold, relative to an ambient outside temperature of approximately 20°C. Thus, to heat a zone 200a, 200b the heat transfer fluid is hot and to cool a zone 200a, 200b the heat transfer fluid is cold.

[0046] Advantageously, the heat transfer fluid may be chosen for its thermal properties, its chemical stability and its ability to withstand the high or low temperatures encountered in the system. For example, the heat transfer fluid may be water or glycolated water (mixture of water and antifreeze) or a special fluid designed for specific applications; the circuit 230 may then be called hydraulic.

[0047] The hydraulic circuit 230 can thus interconnect the different hydraulic equipment of the system: the heat pump 220 and the fan coils 210. The latter can be distributed in different zones 200a, 200b, each of which can have different thermal characteristics. For example, a zone 200b with a larger volume of air to be heated or cooled can comprise several fan coils 210. The energy transformation equipment 220 can be located in a zone 200a, 200b or not, as illustrated in [Fig.2].

[0048] The system may also include a set of control interfaces. These interfaces 240 may be Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs). These interfaces 240 may be systems that allow users to interact with the equipment of the system. The HMIs may be used to display information to a user and to adjust setpoints such as temperature setpoints. These interfaces 240 may take various forms, such as traditional thermostats, mobile applications, touch screens or web interfaces. They allow users to easily set and modify the desired temperatures for each zone 200a, 200b. The HMIs may offer advanced features such as time programming, remote management via the Internet and integration with other home automation systems.These 240 HMIs are therefore tools that advantageously allow users to control and personalize a setting in an intuitive and practical way.

[0049] Advantageously, an interface 240 can be connected to a fan coil so as to be able to adjust parameters of the fan coil, such as a set speed of the fan of the fan coil, or parameters of the zone 200a, 200b in which said fan coil is located, such as a set temperature for the zone.

[0050] Furthermore, such a connection can also allow the interface to retrieve and display the various measurement values ​​from the fan coil sensors.

[0051] An interface 240 can thus be connected to the fan coil in a wired manner, and can be directly integrated into a fan coil.

[0052] Alternatively, the interface 240 may be connected wirelessly to a fan coil incorporating a wireless communication device. For example, the interface may be connected wirelessly using a Wi-Fi, TCP, UDP, Bluetooth, or Zigbee protocol. Advantageously, such an interface may be placed at a strategic location to facilitate interactions with a user, for example close to an entrance to the zone 200a, 200b.

[0053] The communication devices thus allow bilateral communication, that is to say in both directions, between hydraulic equipment, such as a fan coil 210 or an energy transformation device 220, and one or more interfaces 240. Furthermore, these devices can also allow direct bilateral communication between the different hydraulic devices without necessarily passing through an interface 240.

[0054] Advantageously, the different interfaces 240 can communicate with each other to form a network of interfaces. In such a network, the interfaces can share with each other the different information to which they have access.

[0055] A network of interconnected interfaces 240 can thus provide access to a first interface 240 from a second interface 240, in order to allow a user to control the first interface remotely, for example outside a zone 200a, 200b. In this same diagram, the system can provide additional interfaces to facilitate access to the various settings, for example an interface can also be provided outside the zones, or close to the heat pump 220.

[0056] An interface network 240 may also provide an internet connection to allow more widespread access, for example from outside the home, or provide integration into a home automation system. For example, a home automation system may include additional temperature sensors in communication with the interfaces 240.

[0057] Advantageously, the system integrates a calculation unit.

[0058] A calculation unit 250 may comprise in particular a memory 251 connected to a computer 252, so that the memory 251 can store code instructions executed by the computer 252 to be able to implement the method of the invention. The memory 251 may in particular comprise a schedule of temperature setpoints for at least one zone 200a, 200b. The memory 251 may be a non-volatile electronic memory, an optical hard disk, etc.

[0059] The calculator 252 may for example be a calculator of the processor, microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic circuit (FPGA, etc.) type, and / or a specialized integrated circuit (ASIC, etc.).

[0060] Alternatively, the calculation unit 250 can be integrated into one of the devices of the system such as an interface 240, or else remote and connected remotely to the system, for example in the form of a server.

[0061] Such a calculation unit 250 thus makes it possible to implement the method of the invention.

[0062] The method of the invention allows optimization of the performance of a heating system, in particular by maximizing the energy efficiency of a heat pump in the system. The Coefficient of Performance (COP) of a heat pump is an indicator of its energy efficiency. It represents the ratio between the quantity of heat or cold produced by the heat pump and the quantity of electrical energy consumed to achieve this. The higher the COP, the more efficient the heat pump. For example, in heating mode, a COP of 4 means that for each unit of electrical energy consumed, the heat pump produces 4 units of heat. A high COP therefore indicates better performance and greater energy efficiency.

[0063] Thus the method makes it possible in particular to maximize the COP of a heat pump of a heating system.

[0064] Reference is now made to [Fig. 1] which schematically presents a flowchart of the steps of the optimization method according to one embodiment.

[0065] The optimization method comprises two distinct phases. First, it comprises a set of steps carried out in each zone 200a, 200b in order to calculate an optimization of the system in each of the zones. And finally, the second phase comprises the optimization of the complete system.

[0066] For each zone, the first phase of the optimization method thus comprises obtaining 110 the set temperature for the zone, obtaining 120 the ambient air temperature of the zone, and obtaining 130 the maximum operating powers of the fans of the fan coils of the zone.

[0067] These three obtaining steps can be carried out sequentially, in any order, or partly or totally in parallel. The information thus obtained by the calculation unit 250 can be in the form of digital data or an analog signal which can be converted by the calculation unit 250.

[0068] The information for obtaining 110 the set temperature may come from the data contained in the memory 251 or in an interface 240, from the zone or not.

[0069] The information for obtaining 120 the ambient air temperature of the zone may come from one or more temperature sensors present in the zone to be considered. For example, these sensors may be sensors integrated into the fan coils 210 of the zone 200a, 200b.

[0070] If several sensors are present to measure the ambient air temperature of the zone, this can be obtained 120 by a calculation carried out on part or all of the information from the sensors, for example this calculation can be an average, a weighted average, or a maximum or minimum calculation, etc. The result obtained from such a calculation advantageously makes it possible to increase the precision of the ambient air temperature of the zone obtained 120.

[0071] The information for obtaining 130 the maximum operating powers of the fan coils can be obtained from the maximum operating speeds of the fans of the fan coils in the zone. They can be obtained directly from the fan coils 210, from interfaces 240 integrated with the fan coils, or from interfaces 240 connected to the fan coils.

[0072] A maximum operating speed can vary from one fan coil to another. Indeed, the motor integrated into the fan coil to rotate the fan can allow more or less strong mixing of the air through the fan coil. The maximum rotation speed of this motor, or the maximum power that it can deliver, defines a maximum operating speed of the fan that it rotates.

[0073] The maximum operating speed of a fan of a fan coil may also depend on an operating mode of the fan. For example, the fan coil may include a quiet operating mode intended to reduce the noise emitted by the fan coil. In such a mode, the fan of the fan coil may rotate at a reduced speed so as to limit the noise emitted by its rotation. Thus, the maximum operating speed of the fan is also reduced.

[0074] In a similar manner, the maximum operating speed of the fan of a fan coil unit in the zone may be directly limited by a user's sound comfort setting, for example by means of an interface 240 which allows a user to set a maximum noise threshold not to be exceeded by the fan coil unit.

[0075] The maximum operating power of a fan coil unit in the zone may also depend on the type of fan. A fan coil unit may thus incorporate one or more fans, which may act synchronously. This or these fans may be axial or tangential fans in order to allow for a smaller footprint of the fan coil unit while maximizing its performance.

[0076] The optimization method then comprises a calculation 140 for each of the fan coils in the zone. This calculation makes it possible in particular to determine the minimum or maximum possible temperature of the heat transfer fluid, respectively hot or cold, so that a thermal power of the fan coil is sufficient for the set temperature to be reached.

[0077] Thermal power refers to the amount of heat produced or transferred per unit of time. It measures the ability of a system or equipment to generate heat or transfer heat from one location to another. Thermal power is usually expressed in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). The higher the thermal power of a device, the faster it is able to produce or transfer heat.

[0078] In other words, this calculation 140 makes it possible to determine the minimum temperature of a hot heat transfer liquid, or maximum temperature of a cold heat transfer liquid, for which the operating speed of the fan of the fan coil is maximum so that the temperature of the ambient air in the zone can reach the set temperature.

[0079] The sufficient thermal power can be determined in particular from the ambient air temperature and the set temperature.

[0080] In one embodiment, the method may comprise prior steps of obtaining additional data on the physical and in particular thermal characteristics of the zone 200a, 200b, such as its volume, its thermal inertia, its thermal resistance, or even its hygrometry. Such additional data may advantageously make it possible to refine this calculation.

[0081] Thus, the operating speed of the fan coil fan (in revolutions per minute) can be expressed as a function of the thermal power (in W) and the temperature of the heat transfer fluid according to the following affine function:

[0082] Vit essevenlilaleur - cFPouissanceTherntique + b

[0083] The parameters a and b can be directly linked to the temperature of the heat transfer fluid, as described in Table 1 below:

[0084] [Tables 1] Heat transfer fluid Heat transfer fluid temperature ab Cold [<7.8°C] 0.6 180 [7.8°C -> 9.3°C] 0.7 165 [9.3°C -> 10.8°C] 0.9 165 [10.8°C -> 12.3°C] 1.3 115 [12.3°C -> 13.8°C] 1.4 130 [13.8°C -> 15.5°C] 1.5 145 [>15.5°C] 2 40 Hot [<32.5°C] 1.4 80 [32.5°C -> 35.0°C] 1.1 100 [35°C -> 37.4°C] 0.9 110 [37.4°C -> 39.8°C] 0.8 100 [39.8°C -> 42.2°C] 0.7 100 [42.2°C -> 45.2°C] 0.6 100 [45.2°C -> 48.8°C] 0.5 110 [48.8 -> 52.4°C] 0.5 60 [52.4°C -> 56.1°C] 0.4 90 [>56.1°C] 0.4 50

[0085] In conclusion, the calculation 140 makes it possible to obtain a minimum temperature of the hot heat transfer fluid of the circuit 230 for each fan coil 210, allowing the proper functioning of the heating system; or symmetrically, to obtain a maximum temperature of the cold heat transfer fluid of the circuit 230 for each fan coil 210, allowing the proper functioning of the air conditioning system.

[0086] The method then comprises the calculation 150 of a starting temperature TD of the heat transfer liquid of the circuit 230.

[0087] For a hot heat transfer fluid, this starting temperature TD is the highest temperature among the minimum temperatures calculated 140 previously for each fan coil 210 and this temperature is then called TMaxMin.

[0088] For a cold heat transfer fluid, this starting temperature TD is the lowest temperature among the maximum temperatures calculated 140 previously for each fan coil 210 and this temperature is then called TMinMax.

[0089] In this way, the fan coil 210 which requires a most extreme heat transfer fluid temperature, TMaxMin or TMinMax, receives a heat transfer fluid at such a temperature.

[0090] Other fan coil units that require a less extreme temperature (i.e. closer to an ambient outside temperature of 20°C) can simply reduce the operating speed of their respective fan, proportionally, in order to deliver an identical thermal power (to that previously calculated). Advantageously, this also allows for better overall sound comfort.

[0091] Alternatively, the other fan coils can maintain their fan operating speed at maximum, and stop circulating the air when the ambient air temperature has reached the set temperature for the zone. Instead of a complete stop, the fan can also be maintained at a low speed, simply allowing the ambient air temperature to be maintained at the set temperature in the zone.

[0092] Reference is now made to [Fig. 3] which represents the COP of a heat pump 220 for different temperatures of hot heat transfer liquids 310, 320, 330 supplied by the heat pump as a function of the temperature of the outside air.

[0093] It is noted that for a hot heat transfer liquid 310 of lower temperature, the COP of the pump is generally higher.

[0094] The method thus makes it possible to minimize the energy expended by the energy transformation equipment 220. In this way, the heating system is optimized and can have better energy efficiency.

[0095] The method may finally comprise a step 160 for which the energy transformation equipment 220 is adjusted so that it actually delivers a heat transfer liquid at a starting temperature TD.

[0096] In a similar manner, this step may further comprise an adjustment of the fan coils and in particular of the operating speed of the fans to adapt their thermal power.

[0097] These settings can be made manually by a user, for example notified by an interface 240. For example, an interface can ask the user to set the heat pump to the flow temperature TD. Alternatively, these settings can be semi-automated, by automating the settings after confirmation from the user, for example via an interface.

[0098] Advantageously, these adjustments can be automated by the calculation unit 250 implementing the method. In particular, the method can comprise the transmission of data from the calculation unit to the heat pump 220 and / or the fan coils 210 ordering the adjustment of the latter.

[0099] These data transmissions can be wired or wireless, and follow known protocols such as those previously described such as Zigbee, or an ad-hoc protocol, for example optimized to minimize the energy used for communication in the system.

[0100] Alternatively, the speed adjustment of a fan of a fan coil can also be carried out automatically without transmission of data from the calculation unit 250: the fan coil adapts the speed of the fan according to the temperature of the heat transfer fluid which it obtains from a measurement at the input of the fan coil using a temperature sensor which is connected to it.

[0101] Finally, the optimization method may also include an anticipation of changes in setpoint temperatures. In particular, the system may provide for scheduling of setpoint temperatures at a time t. For example, according to a rule predefined by the user, a setpoint temperature may be programmed in advance by the user in order to follow a routine. In other words, a user may predefine that the setpoint temperature for a zone changes automatically, for example depending on the time and the day.

[0102] This makes it possible to set up, in particular, an intermittent heating system, ensuring thermal comfort for the user, for example, with programming based on their hours of presence in the different zones 200a, 200b.

[0103] The optimization method can thus anticipate the change in pre-programmed setpoint temperature for a zone so that the ambient air temperature of the zone reaches the new setpoint temperature at the pre-programmed time t.

[0104] In fact, generally, a user plans for his comfort, the switching on of the heating or air conditioning system for a zone several minutes or hours before his actual presence in the zone. But this programming is hazardous: the new The set temperature may be reached early and heat an area before the user is present, or late and cause discomfort to the user.

[0105] Advantageously, the calculation 150 of the method can include a projection of the evolution of the temperature of the ambient air of a zone with the new starting temperature TD of the heat transfer liquid and can estimate the time that the temperature of the ambient air of the zone will take to reach the new set temperature.

[0106] In this way, the optimization method can proceed with the adjustment 160 of the heat pump 220 in advance, so that the ambient air temperature of the zone reaches the new setpoint temperature at the time t for which the change of setpoint is programmed.

[0107] According to the embodiment, this change can be anticipated by a predefined duration, for example between 10 and 180 minutes before the time for which the change of setpoint is programmed, or preferably, between 60 and 120 minutes before, or even more preferably, 90 minutes before. Ideally, the duration of anticipation of the change in the starting temperature TD of the heat transfer liquid can be defined by following the estimation made by the calculation 150.

[0108] At the same time, by accompanying the anticipated adjustment of the temperature TD, the method can comprise the anticipated adjustment of the speeds of the fan(s) of the fan coils 210.

Claims

1. Claims Method for optimizing the performance of a heating system comprising energy transformation equipment (220) for supplying a hot or cold heat transfer fluid, at least one fan coil unit (210) arranged in at least one zone and at least one hydraulic circuit for connecting said energy transformation equipment (220) and said at least one fan coil unit, the method being characterized in that it comprises: - for each zone: • obtaining at least one set temperature data for the zone, • obtaining at least one piece of ambient air temperature data for the area, • obtaining at least one piece of data relating to the maximum operating power of each fan coil in the corresponding zone, • for each fan coil in the zone, at least from the data obtained, a calculation of a minimum supply temperature of hot heat transfer fluid to the fan coil, or where appropriate a maximum supply temperature of cold heat transfer fluid to the fan coil, for which the fan coil, when operating at its maximum power, allows the ambient air temperature in the zone to reach the set temperature for the zone, - for said at least one zone, • a calculation of a starting temperature TD of the heat transfer fluid supplied by said at least one energy transformation equipment (220), which is defined as being the maximum temperature TM axMin among the minimum temperature(s) of supply of hot heat transfer fluid to the calculated fan coil(s), or where appropriate the minimum temperature TMin Max among the maximum temperature(s) cold heat transfer fluid supply to the calculated fan coil(s), and • an adjustment of the starting temperature TD of the heat transfer fluid supplied by said energy transformation equipment (220) to be brought to the temperature TM axMin or where appropriate TMinMax.

2. Method according to claim 1 according to which the adjustment of a starting temperature TD of the heat transfer liquid supplied by said at least one energy transformation equipment (220) is automatic and comprises a transmission of a set temperature data item to said at least one energy transformation equipment (220).

3. The method of claim 1 or 2 further comprising adjusting the operating speed of a fan coil unit of the system.

4. Method according to the preceding claim, according to which the adjustment of the operating speed of the fan of a fan coil of the system is automatic and comprises a transmission of a set speed data item to said fan coil.

5. Method according to claim 2 or 4, according to which said data transmission(s) are carried out by a wireless connection, preferably according to the Zigbee protocol.

6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, according to which the maximum power of a fan coil is determined according to a predefined maximum noise threshold setpoint for said fan coil.

7. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein, for a zone, a change in a setpoint temperature from a current setpoint temperature to a new setpoint temperature is preprogrammed to occur at a time t; and wherein the method is performed before the predefined time t so that the ambient air temperature of said zone reaches the new setpoint temperature at the predefined time t.

8. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the setpoint temperature data obtained for a zone is a pre-programmed setpoint temperature obtained by anticipating a predefined heating or cooling duration, so that the ambient air temperature in that zone reaches said pre-programmed set temperature once said pre-defined time has elapsed.

9. Method according to the preceding claim, according to which the predefined duration is between 10 and 180 minutes, preferably between 60 and 120 minutes, and more preferably still equal to approximately 90 minutes.

10. Computer program comprising instructions for implementing the method according to one of claims 1 to 9 when this program is executed by a processor.

11. Non-transitory recording medium readable by a computer on which is recorded a program for implementing the method according to one of claims 1 to 9 when this program is executed by a processor.

12. Calculation unit (250) comprising: - an input interface for receiving at least one setpoint temperature data for a zone, at least one ambient air temperature data for the zone, and at least one data relating, respectively, to the maximum operating power of each fan coil unit of the zone in question, - a memory (251), comprising at least the instructions of a computer program according to claim 10, - a processor (252) having access to said memory to read said instructions and execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, - an output interface for providing an optimal heat transfer fluid temperature of a heat transfer fluid circuit.

13. Heating system characterized in that it comprises: - at least one energy transformation equipment (220), - at least one fan coil (210), and - a calculation unit (250) according to claim 12, said at least one energy transformation equipment (220) and said at least one fan coil (210) being arranged in at least one zone and interconnected by a circuit of a heat transfer fluid.

14. Heating system according to the preceding claim, further comprising at least one human-machine interface (240), allowing a user to carry out or pre-program a change of setpoint.

15. Heating system according to claim 13 or 14 wherein said at least one energy transformation equipment (220) and said at least one fan coil (210) comprise a two-way communication system.

Images