Optimizing the performance of a heating system

Abstract

Method for optimizing the performance of a heating system comprising an energy transformation equipment (220) to supply a hot or cold heat transfer fluid, at least one fan coil unit (210) disposed in at least one zone and a hydraulic circuit to connect them, the method comprising for each zone: obtaining setpoint and ambient air temperature data, and data relating to the maximum operating power of each fan coil unit, and for each fan coil unit, calculating a heat transfer fluid supply temperature, for which the fan coil unit 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 fluid supplied by said power conversion equipment (220), from among the supply temperature(s), and an adjustment of the starting temperature TD of the power conversion equipment (220). Figure of the abstract: Figure 1;

Description

Title of the invention: Optimization of the performance of a heating system technical field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of heating systems and more particularly to heating systems comprising fan coil units. 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 use equipment, or heat emitters.

[0003] The energy conversion 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] Among the most common heat source equipment used to heat a dwelling are 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 conveyed to the emitters for distribution throughout the dwelling.

[0005] Heat emitters are devices responsible for distributing the heat produced by the source to the various rooms of the dwelling. Several types exist, including radiators, underfloor and ceiling heating systems, and fan coil units. Radiators are traditional emitters that use heated metal elements to transfer heat into the ambient air. Underfloor heating systems are integrated into the floor and distribute heat through it, providing uniform heat distribution throughout the room. Fan coil units are equipped with fans that blow air through a heat exchanger, thus heating the air before distributing it into the room.

[0006] Conversely, to cool a dwelling, air conditioning systems are generally used as heating systems. The cooling 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 house and dissipates it outside. The cooled air is then distributed throughout the dwelling.

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

[0008] Some equipment is versatile and can act as both a heat source and a cooling source in heating systems. For example, heat pumps use a compression and expansion process of a refrigerant 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 dwelling to heat the space. Conversely, in cooling mode, the process is reversed: the heat pump extracts heat from the inside air and expels it outside, thus cooling the inside of the dwelling.

[0009] It is also known as reversible air conditioners or Canadian wells as other options for reversible equipment.

[0010] Overall, the operation of heating systems in a dwelling consists of producing heat or cold from the chosen source, and 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 dwelling using zoned heating systems. These systems allow for individual temperature control of each zone or room using thermostatic radiator valves or independent thermostats for underfloor heating. This makes it possible to adjust the temperature 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, heating oil, electricity, and renewable energies 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 dwelling 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 zoned systems. Indeed, these systems generally involve suboptimal heating of the hydraulic circuit when the setpoint for a room is increased, even though this heating is very energy-intensive. Summary

[0015] This disclosure improves the situation.

[0016] A method for optimizing the performance of a heating system is proposed, comprising energy conversion equipment for supplying a hot or cold heat transfer fluid, at least one fan coil unit disposed in at least one zone, and at least one hydraulic circuit for connecting said energy conversion equipment and said at least one fan coil unit, the method comprising: - for each zone: • obtaining at least one setpoint temperature value for the zone, • obtaining at least one ambient air temperature reading for the area, • obtaining at least one piece of data relating to the maximum operating power of each fan coil unit in the corresponding zone, • for each fan coil unit in the zone, at least from the data obtained, a calculation of a minimum hot heat transfer fluid supply temperature for the fan coil unit, or where applicable a maximum cold heat transfer fluid supply temperature for the fan coil unit, for which the fan coil unit, operating at its maximum power, allows the ambient air temperature of the zone to reach the setpoint 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 conversion equipment, which is defined as the maximum temperature TM axMin among the minimum fluid supply temperature(s) hot heat transfer fluid of the calculated fan coil unit(s), or where applicable the minimum temperature TMin Max among the maximum cold heat transfer fluid supply temperatures of the calculated fan coil unit(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 axMinou where applicable TMinMax.

[0017] In one variant, the adjustment of a starting temperature TD of the heat transfer fluid supplied by said at least one energy conversion equipment may be automatic and may include a transmission of a setpoint temperature data to said at least one energy conversion equipment.

[0018] In one embodiment, the method may further include an adjustment of 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 unit of the system can be automatic and can include a transmission of a setpoint speed data to said fan coil unit.

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

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

[0022] In one embodiment, for a zone, a change in a setpoint temperature, from a current setpoint temperature to a new setpoint temperature, can be pre-programmed to occur at a time t; and the process can be carried out before the pre-defined time t so that the ambient air temperature of said zone reaches the new setpoint temperature at the pre-defined time t.

[0023] In one variant, the setpoint temperature data obtained for a zone can be a pre-programmed setpoint temperature obtained by anticipating a predefined heating or cooling time, so that the ambient air temperature of this zone reaches said pre-programmed setpoint temperature once said predefined time 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 about 90 minutes.

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

[0026] According to a third aspect of the invention, a non-transient recording medium readable by a computer is proposed on which a program is recorded for the implementation of the process when this program is executed by a processor.

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

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

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

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

[0031] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below, and upon analysis of the accompanying drawings, on which: Fig. 1

[0032] [Fig.l] schematically shows a flowchart of the steps of the process 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 fluid temperatures. Description of embodiments

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

[0036] The heating system includes an energy transformation unit 220, as well as a set of fan coil units 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 a group of rooms.

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

[0039] In this embodiment, the energy conversion equipment 220 can be reversible, 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 heat transfer fluid circuit 230. In cooling mode, the process is reversed: it can extract heat from the heat transfer fluid circuit 230 and release it outside, thus cooling the heat transfer fluid to supply emitters, such as fan coil units, with cooled heat transfer fluid. Advantageously, this ability to provide both heating and cooling makes it an efficient and economical solution for maintaining year-round comfort. Such equipment is generally located outside 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 stirred by one or more fans: this air is then heated or cooled by the exchanger.

[0041] In general, energy transformation equipment 220 and fan coil units 210 may include measurement sensors.

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

[0043] In addition, a 220 heat pump may include a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heat transfer fluid in the circuit at the outlet of the 220 heat pump.

[0044] The heat transfer fluid of the circuit 230 can be a liquid substance used to transfer heat from one place to another in the heating system. It can thus circulate through a circuit 230, i.e. a network of pipes or ducts, and transport 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 can 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 can be chosen for its thermal properties, chemical stability, and ability to withstand the high or low temperatures encountered in the system. For example, the heat transfer fluid can be water, glycol water (a mixture of water and antifreeze), or a special fluid designed for specific applications; the circuit 230 can then be described as hydraulic.

[0047] The hydraulic circuit 230 can thus interconnect the various hydraulic equipment of the system: the heat pump 220 and the fan coil units 210. The latter can be distributed in different zones 200a, 200b, each of which may have different thermal characteristics. For example, a zone 200b with a larger volume of air to be heated or cooled may include several fan coil units 210. The energy conversion equipment 220 may 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 may be Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs). These interfaces may be systems that allow users to interact with the system's equipment. HMIs can be used to display information to a user and to adjust setpoints such as temperature settings. These interfaces may take various forms, such as traditional thermostats, mobile applications, touchscreens, or web interfaces. They allow users to easily define and modify the desired temperatures for each zone. 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 settings in an intuitive and practical way.

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

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

[0051] A 240 interface can thus be connected to the fan coil unit by wire, and can be directly integrated into a fan coil unit.

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

[0053] The communication devices thus allow bilateral communication, i.e. in both directions, between a hydraulic equipment, such as a fan coil unit 210 or an energy transformation device 220, and one or more interfaces 240. In addition, these devices can also allow direct bilateral communication between the different hydraulic devices without necessarily going through an interface 240.

[0054] Advantageously, the different interfaces 240 can communicate with each other to form an interface network. 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. Following 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 near the heat pump 220.

[0056] A 240 interface network can also provide an internet connection to allow more widespread access, for example from outside the dwelling, or be integrated into a home automation system. For example, a home automation system can include additional temperature sensors communicating with the 240 interfaces.

[0057] Advantageously, the system incorporates a computing unit.

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

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

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

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

[0062] The method of the invention allows for the 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 amount of heat or cooling produced by the heat pump and the amount 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 every 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 process makes it possible in particular to maximize the COP of a heat pump in a heating system.

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

[0065] The optimization process comprises two distinct phases. First, it includes a set of steps performed in each zone 200a, 200b with the aim of calculating a system optimization in each zone. And finally, the second phase comprises the optimization of the complete system.

[0066] For each zone, the first phase of the optimization process thus includes obtaining 110 the setpoint temperature for the zone, obtaining 120 the ambient air temperature of the zone, and obtaining 130 the maximum operating powers of the fan coil units of the zone.

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

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

[0069] The information for obtaining the ambient air temperature 120 of the zone can come from one or more temperature sensors present in the zone under consideration. For example, these sensors can be sensors integrated into the fan coil units 210 of zone 200a, 200b.

[0070] If several sensors are present to measure the ambient air temperature of the zone, this temperature can be obtained by a calculation performed on some or all of the sensor data. For example, this calculation could be an average, a weighted average, or a calculation of the maximum or minimum values, etc. The result obtained from such a calculation advantageously increases the accuracy of the ambient air temperature of the zone.

[0071] Information on obtaining the maximum operating power of the fan coil units can be obtained from the maximum operating speeds of the fan coil unit fans in the zone. This information can be obtained directly from the fan coil units, from interfaces integrated into the fan coil units, or from interfaces connected to the fan coil units.

[0072] The maximum operating speed may vary from one fan coil unit to another. This is because the motor integrated into the fan coil unit, which drives the fan, can allow for a greater or lesser degree of air circulation through the unit. The maximum rotation speed of this motor, or the maximum power, that it can deliver, defines a maximum operating speed of the fan it is turning.

[0073] The maximum operating speed of a fan in a fan coil unit can also depend on the fan's operating mode. For example, the fan coil unit may include a quiet operating mode designed to reduce the noise emitted by the fan coil unit. In such a mode, the fan can rotate at a reduced speed to limit the noise emitted by its rotation. Thus, the maximum operating speed of the fan is also reduced.

[0074] Similarly, the maximum operating speed of the fan of a fan coil unit in the zone can be directly limited by a user's noise 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 can also depend on the type of fan. A fan coil unit can thus incorporate one or more fans, which can operate synchronously. This fan or these fans can be axial or tangential fans in order to allow for a smaller footprint for the fan coil unit while maximizing its performance.

[0076] The optimization process then includes a calculation 140 for each of the fan coil units 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 the thermal power of the fan coil unit is sufficient to reach the setpoint temperature.

[0077] Thermal power refers to the amount of heat produced or transferred per unit of time. It measures the capacity of a system or piece of equipment to generate heat or to transfer heat from one place to another. Thermal power is generally expressed in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). The higher the thermal power of a device, the more rapidly it is capable of producing or transferring heat.

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

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

[0080] In one embodiment, the method may include preliminary steps for obtaining additional data on the physical and, in particular, thermal characteristics of zone 200a, 200b, such as its volume, thermal inertia, thermal resistance, or humidity. Such additional data can advantageously allow for a more precise calculation.

[0081] Thus, the operating speed of the fan coil unit (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 - cFPuissanceTherntique + b

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

[0084] [Tables 1] Heat transfer fluid temperature (T) 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, calculation 140 makes it possible to obtain a minimum temperature of the hot heat transfer fluid of the circuit 230 for each fan coil unit 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 unit 210, allowing the proper functioning of the air conditioning system.

[0086] The process then includes calculating 150 a starting temperature TD of the heat transfer fluid 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 unit 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 unit 210 and this temperature is then called TMinMax.

[0089] In this way, the fan coil unit 210 which requires the 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 outdoor temperature of 20°C) can simply reduce the operating speed of their respective fans proportionally in order to deliver the same heating capacity (as previously calculated). Advantageously, this also results in improved overall noise comfort.

[0091] Alternatively, other fan coil units can maintain their fan at maximum operating speed and stop air circulation when the ambient air temperature has reached the setpoint temperature for the zone. Instead of a complete shutdown, the fan can also be maintained at a low speed, simply maintaining the ambient air temperature at the setpoint 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 fluids 310, 320, 330 supplied by the heat pump as a function of the outside air temperature.

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

[0094] The process 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 exhibit better energy efficiency.

[0095] The process may finally include a step 160 for which the energy transformation equipment 220 is adjusted so that it effectively delivers a heat transfer fluid at a starting temperature TD.

[0096] Similarly, this step may also include adjusting the fan coil units and in particular 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 supply temperature TD. Alternatively, these settings can be semi-automated, by automating the settings after confirmation by the user, for example, via an interface.

[0098] Advantageously, these settings can be automated by the computing unit 250 implementing the method. In particular, the method may include the transmission of data from the computing unit to the heat pump 220 and / or the fan coil units 210, instructing 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 setting of a fan of a fan coil unit can also be carried out automatically without data transmission from the computing unit 250: the fan coil unit adapts the fan speed according to the temperature of the heat transfer fluid which it obtains from a measurement at the inlet of the fan coil unit using a temperature sensor which is connected to it.

[0101] Finally, the optimization process may also include anticipating changes in setpoint temperatures. In particular, the system may plan setpoint temperatures at a given time t. For example, according to a rule predefined by the user, a setpoint temperature may be programmed in advance by the user 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 day.

[0102] This allows, in particular, the implementation of 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 process 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] Indeed, generally, for their comfort, users plan to turn on the heating or air conditioning system for a zone several minutes or hours before their actual presence in the zone. But this programming is risky: the new The set temperature may be reached early and heat an area when the user is not yet present, or late and cause discomfort for the user.

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

[0106] In this way, the optimization process can proceed to 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 setpoint change is programmed.

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

[0108] At the same time, in conjunction with the advance setting of the TD temperature, the method may include the advance setting of the speeds of the fan(s) of the fan coil units 210.

Claims

1. Demands A method for optimizing the performance of a heating system comprising energy conversion equipment (220) for supplying hot or cold heat transfer fluid, at least one fan coil unit (210) disposed in at least one zone, and at least one hydraulic circuit for connecting said energy conversion 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 setpoint temperature value for the zone, • obtaining at least one ambient air temperature reading for the area, • obtaining at least one piece of data relating to the maximum operating power of each fan coil unit in the corresponding zone, • for each fan coil unit in the zone, at least from the data obtained, a calculation of a minimum hot heat transfer fluid supply temperature for the fan coil unit, or where applicable a maximum cold heat transfer fluid supply temperature for the fan coil unit, for which the fan coil unit, operating at its maximum power, allows the ambient air temperature of the zone to reach the setpoint 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 conversion equipment (220), which is defined as the maximum temperature TM axMin among the minimum temperature(s) of hot heat transfer fluid supplied to the calculated fan coil unit(s), or where applicable the minimum temperature TMin Max among the maximum temperature(s) of cold heat transfer fluid supply to the calculated fan coil unit(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 axMinou where applicable TMinMax.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the adjustment of a starting temperature TD of the heat transfer fluid supplied by said at least one energy conversion equipment (220) is automatic and comprises a transmission of a setpoint temperature data to said at least one energy conversion equipment (220).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2 further comprising an adjustment of the operating speed of the fan of a fan coil unit of the system.

4. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein the adjustment of the operating speed of the fan of a fan coil unit of the system is automatic and includes a transmission of a setpoint speed data to said fan coil unit.

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

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

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, 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 carried out 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 one of the preceding claims, wherein the setpoint temperature data obtained for a zone is a pre-programmed setpoint temperature obtained by anticipating a predefined heating or cooling time, so that the ambient air temperature of this zone reaches the said pre-programmed setpoint temperature once the said pre-defined time has elapsed.

9. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein the predefined duration is between 10 and 180 minutes, preferably between 60 and 120 minutes, and more preferably equal to about 90 minutes.

10. A computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 when this program is executed by a processor.

11. A non-transient, computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded for the implementation of the method according to any 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 in the zone considered, - a memory (251), comprising at least the instructions of a computer program according to claim 10, - a processor (252) having access to said memory for reading said instructions and executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, - an output interface for providing an optimal heat transfer fluid temperature for a heat transfer fluid circuit.

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

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

15. Heating system claim 13 or 14 wherein said at least one power conversion equipment (220) and said at least one fan coil unit (210) comprise a two-way communication system.