Heating system and control method of the same

Abstract

A heating system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a water heating device that heats water and supplies heating water for indoor heating through a heating water supply path; a hot water heating device that heats hot water stored in a hot water tank using heating water supplied from a hot water heating path coupled to a point on the heating water supply path; and a control unit that controls a heating operation by controlling the flow rate of at least one of the heating water supply path and the hot water heating path according to an operation mode. When operating in a heating and hot water mode, the control unit controls the heating water supply path and the hot water heating path to be both opened so that indoor heating and hot water heating are performed, and adjusts the flow rate supplied to the heating water supply path and the hot water heating path according to the control priority of the indoor heating and hot water heating operations.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heating system and a method for controlling the same. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, indoor heating systems perform indoor heating by transferring heat generated by burning fuel to the air and distributing the heated air to each room.

[0003] Since these conventional indoor heating systems perform heating through heated air, they could only be used for indoor heating.

[0004] Therefore, to use hot water, a separate hot water heating device must be provided. Since separate ducts are required to connect the air heating device and the hot water heating device, not only do installation costs increase, but space for installation is also necessary.

[0005] To address these issues, systems are being developed to implement heating and hot water functions; however, providing both functions simultaneously is not easy, and when both functions are provided at the same time, problems may arise where heating performance and hot water temperature fail to reach target values. The problem to be solved

[0006] The objective of the present invention is to provide a heating system and a control method thereof that improve space utilization and reduce costs when operating an air heating device and a hot water heating device for indoor heating by combining a hot water heating channel passing through a hot water tank on a heating water supply channel for supplying heating water for indoor heating, thereby allowing hot water to be heated through the heating water.

[0007] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to provide a heating system and a control method thereof that can simultaneously perform indoor heating and hot water heating operations to increase efficiency.

[0008] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to provide a heating system and a control method thereof that improve the performance of the heating system by ensuring that the air temperature and hot water temperature discharged into the room converge to a target temperature even when indoor heating and hot water heating operations are performed simultaneously.

[0009] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0010] A heating system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a water heating device that heats water and supplies heating water for indoor heating through a heating water supply path; a hot water heating device that heats hot water stored in a hot water tank using heating water supplied from a hot water heating path coupled to a point on the heating water supply path; and a control unit that controls a heating operation by controlling the flow rate of at least one of the heating water supply path and the hot water heating path according to an operation mode. The control unit is characterized by controlling the heating water supply path and the hot water heating path to be both opened so that indoor heating and hot water heating are performed when operating in a heating and hot water mode, and by adjusting the flow rate supplied to the heating water supply path and the hot water heating path according to the control priority of the indoor heating and hot water heating operations.

[0011] In one embodiment, the water heating device comprises: a first heat exchanger that generates heating water by heat-exchanging exhaust gas combusted in a burner with water; a second heat exchanger that generates heated air by heat-exchanging air with the heating water generated by the first heat exchanger; a fan that supplies air to the second heat exchanger; and a heating valve installed on the heating water supply path connecting the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to open and close the heating water supply path.

[0012] In one embodiment, the hot water heating path is characterized in that one side is connected to a point on the heating water supply path between the first heat exchanger and the heating valve to allow heating water flowing through the heating water supply path to flow in, and the other side is connected to a point on the return path to return the water heat-exchanged in the second heat exchanger to the expansion tank, and a heating area is formed in a predetermined section to transfer heat to the hot water in the hot water tank.

[0013] In one embodiment, the heating system according to the present invention is characterized by further including a hot water heating valve installed on the hot water heating path and opening and closing the hot water heating path.

[0014] In one embodiment, the control unit controls the heating valve to open and the hot water heating valve to close when in a heating mode, controls the heating valve to close and the hot water heating valve to open when in a hot water mode, and controls both the heating valve and the hot water heating valve to open when in both heating and hot water modes, wherein the opening amount of the heating valve and the hot water heating valve is controlled respectively based on the ratio of the heating flow rate supplied to the second heat exchanger and the hot water heating flow rate supplied to the hot water heating path.

[0015] In one embodiment, the control unit is characterized by feeding back the heating flow rate and the hot water heating flow rate and increasing the opening amount of the heating valve and the hot water heating valve when the heating flow rate and the hot water heating flow rate do not reach the target flow rate during the heating and hot water modes.

[0016] In one embodiment, the control unit is characterized by increasing or decreasing the opening amount of the heating valve and the hot water heating valve so that, during the heating and hot water mode, the temperature of the heating water supplied to the heating water supply path and the hot water heating path reaches a temperature higher than the target hot water temperature set in the hot water tank.

[0017] In one embodiment, the control unit is characterized by controlling the combustion heat amount of the first heat exchanger so that, during the heating and hot water modes, the temperature of the heating water supplied to the heating water supply path and the hot water heating path reaches the maximum heating temperature.

[0018] In one embodiment, the control unit is characterized by controlling the airflow of the fan so that the indoor temperature reaches a target temperature during the heating and hot water modes.

[0019] In addition, a control method for a heating system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: supplying heating water heated in a water heating device according to an operating mode of the heating system; controlling the flow rate of at least one of a heating water supply path through which the heating water is supplied for indoor heating; and a hot water heating path through which heating water is supplied for heating hot water stored in a hot water tank of a hot water heating device, which is coupled to a point on the heating water supply path, and controlling the heating operation. The step of controlling the heating operation is characterized by including the step of, when operating in a heating and hot water mode, opening both the heating water supply path and the hot water heating path so that both indoor heating and hot water heating are performed, and adjusting the flow rate supplied to the heating water supply path and the hot water heating path according to the control priority of the indoor heating and hot water heating operations.

[0020] In one embodiment, the step of controlling the flow rate comprises: a step of controlling the heating valve installed on the heating water supply path to open and close the heating water supply path and the hot water heating valve installed on the hot water heating path to close the hot water heating path during the heating mode; a step of controlling the heating valve to close and the hot water heating valve to open during the hot water mode; and a step of controlling the heating valve and the hot water heating valve to open during the heating and hot water modes, wherein the opening amount of the heating valve and the hot water heating valve are each controlled based on the ratio of the heating flow rate supplied to the heat exchanger that heats air for indoor heating and the hot water heating flow rate supplied to the hot water heating path.

[0021] In one embodiment, the step of controlling the heating operation further includes, when the heating flow rate and the hot water heating flow rate do not reach a target flow rate during the heating and hot water mode, the step of feeding back the heating flow rate and the hot water heating flow rate and increasing the opening amount of the heating valve and the hot water heating valve.

[0022] In one embodiment, the step of controlling the heating operation further includes the step of increasing or decreasing the opening amount of the heating valve and the hot water heating valve so that, during the heating and hot water mode, the temperature of the heating water supplied to the heating water supply path and the hot water heating path reaches a temperature higher than the target hot water temperature set in the hot water tank.

[0023] In one embodiment, the step of controlling the heating operation further includes the step of controlling the combustion heat of a heat exchanger that generates the heating water so that, during the heating and hot water mode, the temperature of the heating water supplied to the heating water supply path and the hot water heating path reaches the maximum heating temperature.

[0024] In one embodiment, the step of controlling the heating operation further includes the step of controlling the airflow of a fan that supplies air to a heat exchanger that heats the air so that the indoor temperature reaches a target temperature during the heating and hot water mode. Effects of the invention

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, by combining a hot water heating path passing through a hot water tank on a heating water supply path for supplying heating water for indoor heating, so that hot water is heated through the heating water, the space utilization of the air heating device and the hot water heating device for indoor heating can be improved and the cost can be reduced.

[0026] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, indoor heating and hot water heating operations can be performed simultaneously, thereby increasing efficiency.

[0027] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, even when indoor heating and hot water heating operations are performed simultaneously, the air temperature and hot water temperature discharged into the room converge to the target temperature, thereby improving the performance of the heating system. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0028] FIG. 1 is a conceptual drawing of a heating system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view of an air heating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the heating mode control operation of a heating system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the hot water mode control operation of a heating system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the heating and hot water mode control operation of a heating system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation flow of a control method for a heating system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0029] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. It should be noted that in assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions would hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0030] In describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used. These terms are intended merely to distinguish the components from other components, and the essence, order, or sequence of the components is not limited by such terms. Furthermore, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0031] An air heating device according to one embodiment of the present invention may be installed in a house. The air heating device is connected to ducts connected to each room of the house, and can perform indoor heating by delivering heated air to each room. Air may flow into the air heating device from outside the house or be returned to the air heating device via the rooms of the house. However, in the embodiments of the present invention, it is assumed that the air is returned.

[0032] In the specification of the present invention, the front-back, left-right, and up-down directions are referred to for convenience of explanation and may be directions orthogonal to one another. However, these directions are determined relative to the direction in which the air heating device is arranged, and the term "up-down direction" does not necessarily mean a vertical direction.

[0033] In addition, the term "flowway" used in the embodiments of the present invention may refer to a pipe-shaped piping through which fluid can flow, and may also refer to a component having various materials and shapes, such as a soft tube or a metal pipe.

[0034] In addition, the expressions "upstream" and "downstream" in the specification of the present invention may be interpreted based on the direction of fluid flow. For example, if the fluid flows from left to right, the left side may correspond to the upstream and the right side to the downstream.

[0035] First, the basic components of an air heating device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a heating system according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side view of a water heating device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 to 5 are diagrams showing control operations for each mode of a heating system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a heating system according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an air heating device (1) and a hot water heating device (90).

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the air heating device (1) may include a case (10), an expansion tank (20), a heat exchanger (30), a second heat exchanger (40), and a fan (50). Here, the case (10) may be formed to have an internal space, and the expansion tank (20), the heat exchanger (30), the second heat exchanger (40), and the fan (50) may be installed in the internal space of the case (10).

[0040] The air heating device (1) heats the water stored in the expansion tank (20) in the first heat exchanger (32) of the heat exchanger (30) and then sends it to the second heat exchanger (40). The heated water sent to the second heat exchanger (40) heats the air supplied by the fan (50). At this time, as the heated air is delivered to each room, indoor heating is achieved.

[0041] Below, with reference to FIG. 1, each component of the air heating device (1) will be described in more detail.

[0042] The expansion tank (20) is a means for storing water and is connected to a water supply channel (21) so that water can be supplied from the outside through the water supply channel (21). At this time, a water replenishment valve (22), the opening and closing state of which is controlled by a control unit (200), may be installed on the water supply channel (21). Accordingly, when there is a shortage of water in the expansion tank (20), the control unit (200) can open the water replenishment valve (22) to allow water to be replenished in the expansion tank (20) through the water supply channel (21).

[0043] A water level detection sensor (24) for detecting the water level inside the expansion tank (20) may be placed on the inner side of the expansion tank (20). The water level detection sensor (24) is connected to a control unit (200) and can provide water level detection information to the control unit (200).

[0044] Here, the expansion tank (20) may be formed to accommodate a change in volume due to a change in the temperature of the water. Additionally, the expansion tank (20) may be configured to be open to accommodate volume expansion caused by water.

[0045] When a temperature change occurs or water enters or exits while the expansion tank (20) is filled with water, a change in the internal pressure of the expansion tank (20) may occur. Accordingly, the water contained in the expansion tank (20) can be supplied to other components along the heating water supply path (60) connected to the expansion tank (20).

[0046] The expansion tank (20) is connected to the heating water supply path (60) so that water can be supplied to the heat exchanger (30) through the heating water supply path (60). The heating water supply path (60) may be a path connecting the expansion tank (20), the heat exchanger (30), and the second heat exchanger (40) to each other. Accordingly, water discharged from the expansion tank (20) into the heating water supply path (60) can flow into the second heat exchanger (40) via the heat exchanger (30).

[0047] A circulation pump (61) may be installed between the expansion tank (20) and the heat exchanger (30) in the heating water supply path (60). The circulation pump (61) pressurizes the water flowing into the heating water supply path (60) toward the heat exchanger (30) so that water is smoothly supplied to the first heat exchanger (32). The circulation pump (61) is connected to a control unit (200) and can operate based on a control signal from the control unit (200).

[0048] Additionally, the expansion tank (20) may be connected to a return flow path (70). The return flow path (70) is formed to connect the second heat exchanger (40) and the expansion tank (20), and may be a flow path for returning water that has been heat-exchanged with air in the second heat exchanger (40) to the expansion tank (20).

[0049] The heat exchanger (30) is installed on the heating water supply path (60) connecting the expansion tank (20) and the second heat exchanger (40), and can heat the water flowing in from the expansion tank (20) and discharge it to the second heat exchanger (40). The heat exchanger (30) can heat the water by causing a combustion reaction and transferring the heat generated by the combustion reaction to the water.

[0050] The heat exchanger (30) may include a burner (31) and a first heat exchanger (32).

[0051] The burner (31) can receive fuel and air, and can form a flame in the mixture of fuel and air using an ignition plug to cause a combustion reaction. Here, the fuel may be natural gas used for power generation, including methane, ethane, etc., and may be oil, but the type is not limited thereto.

[0052] The burner (31) may include a blower for supplying air to cause a combustion reaction, a fuel nozzle for injecting fuel, and a spark plug for generating a spark for ignition. Additionally, the burner (31) may further include a mixing chamber (not shown) for mixing fuel and air.

[0053] At this time, the water can be heated as the heat and combustion gases generated by the combustion reaction are transferred to the water. A first heat exchanger (32) for transferring heat generated from the burner (31) to the water may be disposed on the lower side of the burner (31). The first heat exchanger (32) allows the exhaust gas combusted in the burner (31) to exchange heat with the water supplied through the heating water supply path (60).

[0054] A heating valve (110) for opening and closing the heating water supply path (60) may be installed on the heating water supply path (60) connecting the heat exchanger (30) and the second heat exchanger (40). Here, "opening and closing" may mean an open state in which water can pass through the heating water supply path (60), and a closed state in which water passing through the heating water supply path (60) is blocked.

[0055] The heating valve (110) may have an inlet connected to the direction of the heat exchanger (30) in the heating water supply path (60) and an outlet connected to the direction of the second heat exchanger (40) in the heating water supply path (60).

[0056] At this time, the heating valve (110) can be controlled to open and close by the control unit (200). For example, the heating valve (110) may be opened when the heating system operates in a heating mode or a heating and hot water mode, and may be closed when the heating system operates in a hot water mode. The opening amount of the heating valve (110) can be adjusted by the control unit (200) according to the discharge air temperature and intake air temperature, etc.

[0057] The second heat exchanger (40) performs heat exchange between the water supplied through the heating water supply path (60) and the air. At this time, the second heat exchanger (40) receives the water heated by the heat exchanger (30) and exchanges heat with the air to be discharged for heating.

[0058] The second heat exchanger (40) may include a heat exchange tube through which water heated by the heat exchanger (30) can flow. The heat exchange tube may be formed in a pipe shape so that water can flow through the inside and air supplied by the fan (50) can flow through the outside, and may be arranged to form a winding flow path in the front-rear and left-right directions. The heat exchange tube may be made of a material including aluminum and copper.

[0059] The fan (50) supplies air to the second heat exchanger (40). As shown in FIG. 3, the fan (50) is installed on the lower side of the second heat exchanger (40), and the outlet through which the air is discharged can be formed to face upward. Accordingly, the fan (50) can supply air upward and pass through the second heat exchanger (40).

[0060] As another example, the fan (50) may be installed above the second heat exchanger (40) so that the outlet for air discharge faces downward. In this case, the fan (50) can send air downward to pass through the second heat exchanger (40).

[0061] The fan (50) includes a motor and blades, and can be electrically connected to the control unit (200). Accordingly, as the fan (50) is electrically controlled and operated by the control unit (200), the motor can rotate the blades to send air. The fan (50) may further include an impeller, etc., for pressurizing air.

[0062] An air supply space, which is an empty space, can be formed between the fan (50) and the second heat exchanger (40) within the internal space of the case (10).

[0063] Air introduced by the fan (50) is sent in an upward direction (or downward direction), and the sent air can be heated by receiving heat from the water passing through the second heat exchanger (40) as it passes through the second heat exchanger (40). The heated air can be sent to the indoor space of the house, that is, each room, through the discharge duct (2). The discharge duct (2) is formed to be in communication with the indoor space and can be used as a passage to guide the air discharged from the fan (50) into the indoor space.

[0064] An indoor temperature sensor (4) may be installed in the indoor space. Here, the indoor temperature sensor (4) may be included in an indoor temperature controller installed in the indoor space, but may also be installed separately. The indoor temperature sensor (4) is electrically connected to a control unit (200) and can transmit information on the indoor temperature measured in the indoor space to the control unit (200).

[0065] A discharge air temperature sensor (5) for measuring the temperature of the air discharged from the fan (50) may be installed in the discharge duct (2). Accordingly, the control unit (200) can control the operation of the heat exchanger (30), the fan (50), and the circulation pump (61) based on the value obtained by comparing the air temperature acquired by the discharge air temperature sensor (5) with the target discharge air temperature.

[0066] At this time, the air sent to each room or the cold air introduced into the interior of the house from the outside can be introduced back into the fan (50) through the intake duct (3). The intake duct (3) is formed to communicate with the indoor space and can be used as a passage to guide indoor air to the fan (50).

[0067] Here, an intake air temperature sensor (6) for measuring the temperature of air drawn in from the room may be installed in the intake duct (3). Accordingly, the control unit (200) can control the operation of the heat exchanger (30), fan (50), and circulation pump (61) based on the value obtained by comparing the air temperature acquired by the intake air temperature sensor (6) with the target intake air temperature.

[0068] Water flowing into the second heat exchanger (40) through the heating water supply path (60) can be returned to the expansion tank (20) through the return path (70) after heat exchange. At this time, a return temperature sensor (71) for measuring the temperature of the returned water, i.e., the return temperature, may be further installed on the outlet side of the second heat exchanger (40) in the return path (70).

[0069] A hot water heating device (90) of a heating system according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a hot water tank (91). For example, the hot water tank (91) may be a storage type hot water tank, but is not limited thereto and may be a direct-flow type hot water tank.

[0070] The hot water tank (91) can heat the hot water by receiving heat from the hot water heating path (80) passing through the inside of the hot water tank (91).

[0071] Here, the hot water heating path (80) is a path that allows water heated by the heat exchanger (30) of the air heating device (1) to pass through the inside of the hot water tank (91).

[0072] One end of the hot water heating path (80) may be connected to a first point (P1) on the heating water supply path (60) connecting the heat exchanger (30) and the heating valve (110), and the other end may be connected to a second point (P2) on the return path (70) connecting the second heat exchanger (40) and the expansion tank (20).

[0073] A heating area (81) may be formed in a section of the hot water heating channel (80). At this time, the heating area (81) of the hot water heating channel (80) may be installed to pass through the interior of the hot water tank (91) and may be an area that supplies heat to the hot water inside the hot water tank (91). Here, the heating area of ​​the hot water heating channel (80) may be formed in a spiral shape extending from the bottom to the top of the hot water tank (91).

[0074] Although the hot water heating channel (80) is installed so that the heating area passes through the inside of the hot water tank (91), it can be formed so that the inside of the hot water heating channel (80) and the inside of the hot water tank (91) are not connected to each other.

[0075] Accordingly, water heated by the heat exchanger (30) is supplied to the hot water heating path (80) at the first point (P1), passes through the heating area formed inside the hot water tank (91), and then can be returned to the expansion tank (20) through the return path (70) at the second point (P2).

[0076] A hot water heating valve (120) for opening and closing the hot water heating path (80) may be installed between the first point (P1) and the heating area (81) of the hot water heating path (80). Here, "opening and closing" may mean an open state in which water can pass through the hot water heating path (80), and a closed state in which water passing through the hot water heating path (80) is blocked.

[0077] The hot water heating valve (120) may have an inlet connected to the direction of the first point (P1) in the hot water heating path (80) and an outlet connected to the direction of the heating area (81) in the hot water heating path (80).

[0078] At this time, the hot water heating valve (120) can be controlled to open and close by the control unit (200). For example, the hot water heating valve (120) may be opened when the heating system operates in hot water mode or in heating and hot water mode, and may be closed when the heating system operates in heating mode. The opening amount of the hot water heating valve (120) can be controlled by the control unit (200) according to the input of a control device (not shown) connected to the hot water heating device (90).

[0079] Additionally, a discharge water temperature sensor (82) may be installed between the heating area (81) and the second point (P2) in the hot water heating path (80). The discharge water temperature sensor (82) can measure the temperature of the water discharged from the heating area (81). The discharge water temperature sensor (82) can transmit information on the measured discharge water temperature to the control unit (200).

[0080] A hot water temperature sensor (92) may be installed in the hot water tank (91). The hot water temperature sensor (92) may be coupled to the hot water tank (91) and electrically connected to the control unit (200). The hot water temperature sensor (92) may measure the hot water temperature within the hot water tank (91) while heat is supplied through the heating area (81) of the hot water heating path (80), and transmit information regarding the measured hot water temperature within the hot water tank (91) to the control unit (200).

[0081] A heating water temperature sensor (63) for measuring the temperature of water supplied along the heating water supply path (60) and / or hot water heating path (80) may be installed at the outlet side of the heat exchanger (30) in the heating water supply path (60). At this time, the heating water temperature sensor (63) transmits information on the measured heating water temperature to the control unit (200), and the control unit (200) can perform heat quantity control based on the information on the heating water temperature.

[0082] A first flow sensor (62) for measuring the total flow rate flowing into the heat exchanger (30) may be installed at the inlet side of the heat exchanger (30) in the heating water supply path (60). Additionally, a second flow sensor (64) for measuring the heating flow rate flowing into the second heat exchanger (40) through the heating valve (110) may be installed at the outlet side of the heating valve (110) in the heating water supply path (60).

[0083] At this time, the first flow sensor (62) and the second flow sensor (64) transmit the measured flow information to the control unit (200). Accordingly, the control unit (200) can predict the flow rate flowing into the hot water heating path (80), i.e., the hot water heating flow rate, based on the flow information transmitted from the first flow sensor (62) and the second flow sensor (64). In addition, the control unit (200) can increase or decrease the opening of the heating valve (110) and the hot water heating valve (120) so that each flow rate converges to the target flow rate while providing feedback on each flow rate.

[0084] A heating system according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a control unit (200). Here, the control unit (200) may be implemented in the form of an independent hardware device including memory and at least one processor that processes each operation, and may be operated in a form included in other hardware devices such as a microprocessor or a general-purpose computer system. The at least one processor may be implemented as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microcontroller, and / or a microprocessor.

[0085] In addition, control instructions executed by at least one processor may be stored in memory and utilized. The memory may include flash memory, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Disk), RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM) and / or EPROM (Erasable and Programmable ROM).

[0086] The control unit (200) is connected to each component of the heating system and can perform the overall functions of the heating system. At this time, the control unit (200) can be electrically connected to each component included in the heating system. The control unit (200) can control the heating system or each component to an optimal state by performing calculations using information received from each component included in the heating system and transmitting control signals.

[0087] The control unit (200) can operate in conjunction with each component of the heating system. As a result, the control unit (200) can acquire information or control data of water and air circulating in the heating system in real time and integrate and control them, thereby maintaining the heating efficiency of the heating system evenly and automatically setting the entire system to an optimal state suitable for the operating mode.

[0088] The control unit (200) is electrically connected to valves, for example, a water replenishment valve (22), a heating valve (110), and a hot water heating valve (120), and can control the opening and closing operation of the water replenishment valve (22), the heating valve (110), and the hot water heating valve (120). Likewise, the control unit (200) is electrically connected to a heat exchanger (30), a fan (50), and a circulation pump (61), and can control the operation of the heat exchanger (30), the fan (50), and the circulation pump (61).

[0089] At this time, the control unit (200) can control the operation of each valve, heat exchanger (30), fan (50), and circulation pump (61) according to the operation mode of the heating system, for example, heating mode, hot water mode, and heating and hot water mode.

[0090] Accordingly, detailed control operations during heating mode will be explained with reference to Fig. 3.

[0091] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the heating mode control operation of a heating system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The arrows in bold in FIG. 3 indicate the flow of water when operating in heating mode.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 3, the control unit (200) can control the heating valve (110) to open and the hot water heating valve (120) to close when operating in heating mode. Accordingly, as the hot water heating path (80) is blocked, water circulates along the heating water supply path (60) and the return path (70).

[0093] The control unit (200) can control whether the air heating device (1) operates based on the value obtained by comparing the indoor temperature and the target indoor temperature from the indoor temperature sensor (4) installed in the room.

[0094] Additionally, the control unit (200) can perform combustion heat quantity control based on temperature information measured from the discharge air temperature sensor (5) or the intake air temperature sensor (6). At this time, the control unit (200) can control the operation of the heat exchanger (30), fan (50), and circulation pump (61) to deliver the required amount of combustion heat quantity to the target location by comparing the measured temperature with the target temperature and providing feedback on the temperature difference confirmed as a result of the comparison.

[0095] For example, the control unit (200) can perform combustion heat quantity control based on the discharge air temperature measured by the discharge air temperature sensor (5). If the discharge air temperature obtained from the discharge air temperature sensor (5) does not reach the target discharge air temperature, the control unit (200) can control the operation of the heat exchange unit (30), fan (50), and circulation pump (61) so that the combustion heat quantity of the heat exchange unit (30) increases.

[0096] As another example, the control unit (200) can perform combustion heat quantity control based on the intake air temperature measured by the intake air temperature sensor (6). If the intake air temperature obtained from the intake air temperature sensor (6) does not reach the target intake air temperature, the control unit (200) can control the operation of the heat exchanger (30), fan (50), and circulation pump (61) so that the combustion heat quantity of the heat exchanger (30) increases.

[0097] In addition, the operation in hot water mode will be explained with reference to Fig. 4.

[0098] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the hot water mode control operation of a heating system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The arrows in bold in FIG. 4 indicate the flow of water when operating in hot water mode.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 4, the control unit (200) can control the heating valve (110) to be closed and the hot water heating valve (120) to be opened when operating in hot water mode. Accordingly, as the heating water supply path (60) connected to the outlet of the heating valve (110) is blocked, water circulates along a portion of the heating water supply path (60), the hot water heating path (80), and the return path (70).

[0100] In other words, when operating in hot water mode, water flowing from the expansion tank (20) into the heating water supply path (60) passes through the heat exchanger (30), then flows into the hot water heating path (80) at the first point (P1), passes through the heating area (81), flows into the return path (70) at the second point (P2), and is returned to the expansion tank (20).

[0101] While the water heated in this way circulates along a section of the heating water supply path (60), the hot water heating path (80), and the return path (70), the hot water stored in the hot water tank (91) can be heated.

[0102] The control unit (200) can control the operation of the heat exchange unit (30) and the circulation pump (61) based on a value obtained by comparing the hot water temperature measured by the hot water temperature sensor (92) installed in the hot water tank (91) with the target hot water temperature. If the hot water temperature obtained from the hot water temperature sensor (92) is lower than the target hot water temperature, the control unit (200) can control the operation of the heat exchange unit (30) and the circulation pump (61). In this case, the hot water temperature in the hot water tank (91) can be raised as the water heated through the heat exchange unit (30) flows into the hot water heating path (80).

[0103] Meanwhile, the control unit (200) may also perform combustion heat quantity proportional control based on the temperature of the water.

[0104] For example, when operating in hot water mode, the heating water temperature sensor (63) can measure the temperature of the heating water supplied to the hot water heating path (80). Accordingly, the control unit (200) can control the amount of combustion heat of the heat exchange unit (30) based on the value obtained by comparing the heating water temperature acquired from the heating water temperature sensor (63) with the target heating water temperature.

[0105] As another example, the control unit (200) can control the combustion heat of the heat exchange unit (30) based on a value obtained by comparing the discharge water temperature acquired from the discharge water temperature sensor (82) with the target discharge water temperature.

[0106] In addition, detailed control operations during heating and hot water modes will be explained with reference to Fig. 5.

[0107] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the heating and hot water mode control operation of a heating system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The arrows in bold in FIG. 5 indicate the flow of water when operating in heating and hot water modes.

[0108] The heating and hot water mode may refer to a mode that operates simultaneously with a heating mode requiring indoor air heating and a hot water mode requiring hot water heating.

[0109] Since the heating and hot water mode performs the heating mode and the hot water mode simultaneously, the control unit (200) can control the heating valve (110) and the hot water heating valve (120) to be both opened. Accordingly, as the heating water supply path (60) and the hot water heating path (80) are both opened, water circulates along the heating water supply path (60), the hot water heating path (80), and the return path (70). Since the water movement path and the operation of each component during operation in the heating and hot water mode correspond to a combination of the operation of the heating mode and the hot water mode, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0110] Meanwhile, when operating in heating and hot water modes, the control unit (200) can control the opening amount of the heating valve (110) and the hot water heating valve (120) based on the heating flow rate and the hot water heating flow rate confirmed while water circulates along the heating water supply path (60), the hot water heating path (80), and the return path (70). At this time, the control unit (200) can independently control the opening amount of the heating valve (110) and the hot water heating valve (120).

[0111] The control unit (200) obtains information on the total flow rate from the first flow rate sensor (62) and obtains information on the heating flow rate from the second flow rate sensor (64). At this time, the control unit (200) can predict information on the hot water heating flow rate based on the total flow rate and the heating flow rate. For example, the control unit (200) can predict the hot water heating flow rate based on the value obtained by subtracting the heating flow rate from the total flow rate.

[0112] The control unit (200) can check whether each flow rate reaches the target flow rate while providing feedback on the heating flow rate and the hot water heating flow rate, and accordingly increase or decrease the opening of the heating valve (110) and the hot water heating valve (120). For example, if the control unit (200) determines that the heating flow rate and / or the hot water heating flow rate has not reached the target flow rate, it can increase the opening amount of the heating valve and / or the hot water heating valve while providing feedback on the heating flow rate and the hot water heating flow rate so that the heating flow rate and / or the hot water heating flow rate reach the target flow rate.

[0113] At this time, the control unit (200) determines the ratio of the heating flow rate and the hot water heating flow rate in proportion to the amount of heat required for indoor heating and hot water heating, and can control the opening of the heating valve (110) and the hot water heating valve (120) according to the determined ratio of the flow rates. The ratio of the heating flow rate and the hot water heating flow rate can be adjusted according to the control priority of the indoor heating and hot water heating operations.

[0114] The control unit (200) can increase or decrease the opening amount of the heating valve (110) and the hot water heating valve (120) so that the temperature of the water supplied to the heating water supply path (60) and the hot water heating path (80) reaches a temperature higher than the target hot water temperature set in the hot water tank (91).

[0115] The control unit (200) may also control the amount of combustion heat so that the temperature of the water supplied to the heating water supply path (60) and the hot water heating path (80) reaches the maximum temperature that can be heated by the heat exchanger (30).

[0116] Additionally, the control unit (200) can control the airflow of the fan (50) so that the indoor air temperature reaches the target temperature while heated water is supplied through the heating water supply path (60).

[0117] Here, the airflow control value of the fan (50) can be calculated by referring to [Equation 1] below.

[0118]

[0119] In [Mathematical Equation 1], the target air temperature difference represents the difference between the target discharge air temperature and the intake air temperature, and a may represent an arbitrary constant. Here, the target discharge air temperature is a temperature set in advance in the heating system for discharge air temperature control. Accordingly, the control unit (200) can perform heat quantity control so that the discharge air temperature measured by the discharge air temperature sensor (5) reaches the preset target discharge air temperature. Here, heat quantity control means controlling the amount of heat supplied to heating and hot water by controlling the flow rate distributed to the heating water supply path (60) and the hot water heating path (80). The intake air temperature refers to the temperature of the air measured by the intake air temperature sensor (6).

[0120] In addition, the indoor heating output may be a value calculated by referring to [Equation 2] below.

[0121]

[0122] In [Equation 2], the heating water temperature is the temperature measured by the heating water temperature sensor (63), the return water temperature is the temperature measured by the return water temperature sensor (71), the heating flow rate is the temperature measured by the second flow rate sensor (64) installed on the heating water supply path (60), and b may mean an arbitrary constant.

[0123] Accordingly, a heating system according to one embodiment of the present invention can increase heating efficiency by using heated water to heat air for indoor heating or to heat hot water according to the operation mode, thereby performing both indoor heating and hot water heating operations, and can also improve the performance of the heating system by ensuring that the hot water heating temperature and the indoor heating temperature reach their respective target temperatures even when indoor heating and hot water heating operations are performed simultaneously.

[0125] The operation flow of the heating system according to the present invention configured as described above is explained in more detail as follows.

[0126] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation flow of a control method for a heating system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 6, the water heating device of the heating system heats water (S110) and determines the circulation path of the heated water (S120). At this time, the heating system determines an operating mode and can determine the circulation path of the water according to the determined operating mode.

[0128] When the heating system operates in heating and hot water mode (S130), the heating valve (110) and the hot water heating valve (120) can be controlled to be opened (S140). When the heating system does not operate in heating and hot water mode, it can be operated in heating mode or hot water mode (S135).

[0129] In process 'S140', when heating water is supplied through the heating water supply path (60) and the hot water heating path (80) as the heating valve (110) and the hot water heating valve (120) are opened, the heating system measures the heating flow rate (S150) and can calculate the hot water heating flow rate based on the heating flow rate (S160). In process 'S160', the heating system can calculate the hot water heating flow rate by subtracting the heating flow rate from the total flow rate.

[0130] The heating system checks the heating flow rate and the hot water heating flow rate, determines the ratio of the flow rates supplied through the heating water supply path (60) and the hot water heating path (80) according to the control priority of the heating and hot water heating operations (S170), and can adjust the opening amount of the heating valve (110) and the hot water heating valve (120) according to the ratio of the flow rates determined in the process of 'S170' (S180).

[0131] The heating system checks whether the heating flow rate and the hot water heating flow rate reach the target flow rate, and if the target flow rate is not reached (S190), it may repeat the process from 'S150' to 'S190' until the heating flow rate and the hot water heating flow rate reach the target flow rate. For example, if the heating flow rate and / or the hot water heating flow rate do not reach the target flow rate, the heating system may increase the opening amount of the heating valve and / or the hot water heating valve while repeating the process from 'S150' to 'S190' by feeding back the heating flow rate and the hot water heating flow rate, thereby allowing the heating flow rate and / or the hot water heating flow rate to reach the target flow rate.

[0132] When the heating system confirms that the heating flow rate and the hot water heating flow rate have reached the target flow rate in the process 'S190', it controls the airflow of the fan (50) according to the heat quantity control of the water circulating along the path and the temperature of the discharged air into the indoor space (S200). In the process 'S200', the heating system can perform combustion heat quantity control so that the temperature of the water becomes higher than the temperature set in the hot water tank (91) or the maximum temperature that can be heated by the heat exchanger (30). Additionally, in the process 'S200', the heating system can control the airflow of the fan (50) so that the temperature of the discharged air reaches the temperature set for the indoor space.

[0133] Although not illustrated in FIG. 6, during the execution of the 'S150' to 'S190' processes, the operation of controlling the heat quantity of the water circulating along the path and controlling the airflow of the fan (50) according to the temperature of the discharged air may be performed simultaneously.

[0134] The above description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical concept of the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to make various modifications and variations within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention.

[0135] Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in this invention are intended to illustrate, not limit, the technical concept of the invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of this invention shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of this invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0136] 1: Air heating device 2: Discharge duct 3: Intake duct 4: Indoor temperature sensor 5: Discharge air temperature sensor 6: Intake air temperature sensor 10: Case 20: Expansion tank 21: Water supply path 22: Water refill valve 24: Water level sensor 30: Heat exchanger 31: Burner 32: First heat exchanger 40: 2nd heat exchanger 50: Fan 60: Heating water supply path 61: Circulation pump 62: 1st flow sensor 63: Heating water temperature sensor 64: Second flow sensor 70: Return path 71: Return water temperature sensor 80: Hot water heating path 81: Heating area 82: Discharge water temperature sensor 90: Hot water heating device 91: Hot water tank 92: Hot water temperature sensor 110: Heating valve 120: Hot water heating valve 200: Control unit

Claims

Claim 1 A water heating device that heats water and supplies heating water for indoor heating through a heating water supply path; a hot water heating device that heats hot water stored in a hot water tank using heating water supplied from a hot water heating path connected at a point on the heating water supply path; A heating system comprising a control unit that controls a heating operation by controlling the flow rate of at least one of the heating water supply path and the hot water heating path according to an operation mode, wherein the control unit controls the heating water supply path and the hot water heating path to be both opened so that indoor heating and hot water heating are performed when operating in a heating and hot water mode, and controls the flow rate supplied to the heating water supply path and the hot water heating path according to the control priority of the indoor heating and hot water heating operation, and controls the heating valve installed on the heating water supply path and the hot water heating valve installed on the hot water heating path to open and close the hot water heating path when operating in the heating and hot water mode, and controls the opening amount of the heating valve and the hot water heating valve, respectively, based on the ratio of the heating flow rate supplied to the water heating device that heats air for indoor heating and the hot water heating flow rate supplied to the hot water heating path. Claim 2 A heating system according to claim 1, wherein the water heating device comprises: a first heat exchanger that generates heating water by heat-exchanging air heated by a burner with water; a second heat exchanger that generates heated air by heat-exchanging air with the heating water generated by the first heat exchanger; and a fan that supplies air to the second heat exchanger, wherein the heating valve is installed on the heating water supply path connecting the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. Claim 3 A heating system according to claim 2, wherein one side of the hot water heating path is connected to a point on the heating water supply path between the first heat exchanger and the heating valve to allow heating water flowing through the heating water supply path to flow in, and the other side is connected to a point on the return path to return the water heat-exchanged in the second heat exchanger to the expansion tank, and a heating area is formed in a predetermined section to transfer heat to the hot water in the hot water tank. Claim 4 delete Claim 5 A heating system according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the heating valve to open and the hot water heating valve to close during the heating mode, controls the heating valve to close and the hot water heating valve to open during the hot water mode, and controls both the heating valve and the hot water heating valve to open during the heating and hot water modes, wherein the opening amount of the heating valve and the hot water heating valve is each controlled based on the ratio of the heating flow rate supplied to the second heat exchanger and the hot water heating flow rate supplied to the hot water heating path. Claim 6 A heating system according to claim 5, wherein the control unit, when in the heating and hot water mode, feeds back the heating flow rate and the hot water heating flow rate and increases the opening amount of the heating valve and the hot water heating valve if the heating flow rate and the hot water heating flow rate do not reach a target flow rate. Claim 7 A heating system according to claim 5, wherein the control unit increases or decreases the opening amount of the heating valve and the hot water heating valve so that, during the heating and hot water modes, the temperature of the heating water supplied to the heating water supply path and the hot water heating path reaches a temperature higher than the target hot water temperature set in the hot water tank. Claim 8 A heating system according to claim 7, wherein the control unit controls the combustion heat amount of the first heat exchanger so that the temperature of the heating water supplied to the heating water supply path and the hot water heating path reaches the maximum heating temperature during the heating and hot water modes. Claim 9 A heating system according to claim 5, wherein the control unit controls the airflow of the fan so that the indoor temperature reaches a target temperature during the heating and hot water modes. Claim 10 The method comprises the steps of: supplying heating water heated in a water heating device according to the operating mode of the heating system; and controlling the flow rate of at least one of a heating water supply path through which the heating water is supplied for indoor heating, and a hot water heating path through which heating water is supplied for heating hot water stored in a hot water tank of a hot water heating device, which is coupled to a point on the heating water supply path, and controlling the heating operation, wherein the step of controlling the heating operation comprises: controlling the heating water supply path and the hot water heating path to open both of them so that indoor heating and hot water heating are performed when operating in the heating and hot water mode, and adjusting the flow rate supplied to the heating water supply path and the hot water heating path according to the control priority of the indoor heating and hot water heating operation; and controlling the heating valve installed on the heating water supply path and the hot water heating valve installed on the hot water heating path to open both of them when operating in the heating and hot water mode. A method for controlling a heating system, characterized by including the step of controlling the opening amount of the heating valve and the hot water heating valve, respectively, based on the ratio of the heating flow rate supplied to the water heating device for heating air for indoor heating and the hot water heating flow rate supplied to the hot water heating path. Claim 11 A method for controlling a heating system according to claim 10, wherein the step of controlling the flow rate comprises: a step of controlling the heating valve to open and the hot water heating valve to close during a heating mode; a step of controlling the heating valve to close and the hot water heating valve to open during a hot water mode; and a step of controlling both the heating valve and the hot water heating valve to open during the heating and hot water modes, wherein the opening amount of the heating valve and the hot water heating valve, respectively, is controlled based on the ratio of the heating flow rate supplied to a heat exchanger that heats air for indoor heating and the hot water heating flow rate supplied to the hot water heating path. Claim 12 A method for controlling a heating system according to claim 11, wherein the step of controlling the heating operation further comprises the step of feeding back the heating flow rate and the hot water heating flow rate and increasing the opening amount of the heating valve and the hot water heating valve when the heating flow rate and the hot water heating flow rate do not reach a target flow rate during the heating and hot water mode. Claim 13 A method for controlling a heating system according to claim 11, wherein the step of controlling the heating operation further comprises the step of increasing or decreasing the opening amount of the heating valve and the hot water heating valve so that, during the heating and hot water mode, the temperature of the heating water supplied to the heating water supply path and the hot water heating path reaches a temperature higher than the target hot water temperature set in the hot water tank. Claim 14 A control method for a heating system according to claim 13, further comprising the step of controlling the combustion heat of a heat exchanger that generates the heating water so that, in the heating and hot water modes, the temperature of the heating water supplied to the heating water supply path and the hot water heating path reaches the maximum heating temperature. Claim 15 A method for controlling a heating system according to claim 11, wherein the step of controlling the heating operation further includes the step of controlling the airflow of a fan that supplies air to a heat exchanger that heats the air so that the indoor temperature reaches a target temperature during the heating and hot water mode.

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