Method for automatic climate control in steam room of bathhouse and system for its implementation

Abstract

FIELD: climate control.SUBSTANCE: invention relates to methods of automatic microclimate control and systems for their implementation. The method of automatic climate control in the steam room of a bathhouse includes setting the maximum total power consumption, using an electric steam generator and an electric heat generator, each of which has a nominal power of more than 50% of the specified maximum total. Air temperature and relative humidity are measured, the actual dew point temperature is determined and electrical power is automatically distributed between generators. Until the set air temperature is reached and the air temperature exceeds the actual dew point temperature, priority is given to heating by the electric heat generator, and after the specified conditions are reached, priority is given to powering the electric steam generator to maintain the set dew point temperature. The total power consumption is maintained at no more than the established maximum. A system for implementing the method is also proposed, comprising a control unit, temperature and humidity sensors, an electric steam generator and an electric heat generator, configured to provide the specified power distribution.EFFECT: increased climate control efficiency, accelerated achievement of set parameters, protection from condensation and overheating, and adaptation to available network power.30 cl, 4 dwg

Description

[0001] The invention relates to household stoves used in steam rooms of baths for heating and humidifying the air, namely to automatic methods of microclimate control and systems for their implementation.

[0002] Climate management methods for sauna steam rooms are known, using temperature and humidity sensor readings to control the heating and steam generation systems to achieve the desired microclimate parameters. Such solutions include, in particular, electric sauna stoves, in which the total installed power is the sum of the power of the electric heaters used to heat the air and generate steam. For example, the description provides an example of a Futurus 19.5 stove, in which the power of individual heating elements is pre-distributed between heat and steam generation. A disadvantage of this solution is the forced balancing of steam and heat generation capacities already at the design and manufacturing stage. As a result, in some operating modes, the full potential of the network is not utilized, and the speed at which the required temperature and humidity are achieved is slower than potentially possible.In addition, to achieve the required humidity characteristics, the user must be involved, supplying water to the heater.

[0003] The closest approach to the proposed method is the steam room climate control method implemented in the Harvia Combi system (https: / / harvia-top.ru / pdf / C105S_RUET.pdf, https: / / sauna-life.ru / media / product / Senator%20Combi.pdf4dfb1146a8b69.pdf). In this system, temperature and humidity are controlled by a control unit connected to the heater and steam generator. The description notes that with a heater heating element power of 10.5 kW and a steam generation power of 3.5 kW, the system in any case consumes 10.5 kW from the network, not 14 kW, indicating that the power is distributed between the heater and the steam generator. The disadvantage of this solution is the relatively low power of the steam generator relative to the total system power, resulting in a slower achievement of the required humidity. Therefore, the design includes a heater to achieve the required climate parameters, which necessitates the consumer's participation in this.

[0004] Thus, the prior art provides methods for automatically controlling the climate in a steam room based on readings from temperature and humidity sensors, and solutions are also known in which heat-generating and steam-generating units are used together.At the same time, the known solutions do not provide such a control procedure, in which, in the steam room heating mode, electric power is priority distributed to the electric heat generator until the set temperature is reached and the required excess of the air temperature over the actual dew point temperature is ensured, and after achieving the specified conditions, it is priority distributed to the electric steam generator to achieve or maintain the set dew point temperature, while the total consumed power is dynamically limited taking into account the available power of the household (residential premises), and the rated power of each of the generators is more than 50% of the set maximum total consumed power, which allows any of them alone to consume almost all the available power.

[0005] The technical objective of the invention is to create a method for controlling the climate in a steam room and a system for implementing it, which ensure:

[0006] - automatic maintenance of a given microclimate (temperature and humidity) without human intervention, ensuring maximum possible predictability and repeatability of the result, regardless of weather conditions (air pressure);

[0007] - the maximum possible speed of achieving the specified parameters by using all available power of the electrical network (including taking into account other consumers);

[0008] - the possibility of using generators of the same power in systems with different allocated capacities (unification of the product line);

[0009] - the ability to configure a user-selected system for a specific allocated power for his household (residential premises) with a guarantee that the system will consume all remaining power minus the power of all other consumers consuming electricity from the allocated power without triggering the protective input circuit breaker;

[0010] - in three-phase networks - uniform load distribution across phases, which increases reliability and safety of operation;

[0011] - protection of sensors and system elements from condensation due to mandatory preliminary excess of air temperature above the actual dew point temperature;

[0012] - safe operation of powerful heating elements by monitoring their temperature.

[0013] The technical result consists in increasing the efficiency and quality of climate control in the steam room, namely: the maximum possible speed of reaching the set parameters, guaranteed reproducibility of the subjective psychophysiological perception of the steaming process, protection of sensors and system elements from condensation, automatic adaptation to the actual load of the household, symmetry of phase currents (in three-phase networks), prevention of overheating of heating elements, as well as the possibility of unification of production due to the use of generators, the power of each of which exceeds 50% of the established maximum total power consumption.

[0014] The technical result is achieved in a method for automatically controlling the climate in a steam room of a bathhouse, including establishing the maximum total power consumption of an electric steam generator and an electric heat generator, which is subsequently used as a limiting restriction during power distribution, using an electric steam generator and an electric heat generator having rated powers greater than 50% of the specified maximum total power consumption, wherein the rated powers of the electric steam generator and the electric heat generator are equal to or differ by no more than 33%, measuring the current values ​​of air temperature and relative air humidity in the steam room, determining the actual dew point temperature based on the measured values, and automatically distributing electrical power between the electric steam generator and the electric heat generator.

[0015] A distinctive feature is that until the set air temperature is reached and the air temperature exceeds the actual dew point temperature by a specified positive value, heating is performed by the electric heat generator while reducing or disconnecting the power supplied to the electric steam generator. After reaching these values, power is supplied to the electric steam generator to achieve and maintain the set dew point temperature while reducing or disconnecting the power supplied to the electric heat generator. The total power consumption is maintained no higher than the set maximum total power consumption.

[0016] In special cases of implementation of the method:

[0017] - when priority power supply is provided to one of the generators, the power supplied to the second generator is reduced, while maintaining the total power consumption no higher than the established maximum total power consumption;

[0018] - the set maximum total power consumption is determined by the software limitation of the control unit microcontroller, or by the parameters of the power input circuit breaker, or by measuring the current at the power input and using its value for feedback so that it does not exceed the set maximum permissible value, even when other electricity consumers in the entire household are turned on simultaneously; in the case of power supply from a three-phase network, power distribution during dynamic changes in available power is carried out with current equalization across phases;

[0019] - the calculation of the actual dew point temperature taking into account atmospheric pressure is carried out using the Magnus formula.

[0020] The saturated vapor pressure (e_s) at temperature T (in °C) is calculated as:

[0021] e_s = 6.112 ⋅ exp((17.62 ⋅ T) / (243.12 + T))

[0022] Partial pressure of water vapor (e) in air:

[0023] e = (RH / 100) ⋅ e_s ⋅ (P / 1013.25)

[0024] Dew point temperature (T_d) is calculated from the equation:

[0025] T_d = (243.12 ⋅ ln(e / 6.112)) / (17.62 - ln(e / 6.112))

[0026] where:

[0027] T - air temperature (°C),

[0028] RH - relative humidity (%),

[0029] P - atmospheric pressure (hPa);

[0030] - the distribution of electrical energy between generators is carried out with the possibility of stepless or multi-stage power regulation over a wide range, ensuring precise maintenance of the set dew point temperature and the set air temperature in the steam room, using pulse-width modulation, frequency conversion, phase control, multi-stage switching or other methods of power regulation known to a specialist in the field of power electronics;

[0031] - the specified positive value of the excess of air temperature over the actual dew point temperature is from 0.5 to 15 degrees;

[0032] - in the steam room heating mode, the electric steam generator is enabled after the air temperature has exceeded the actual dew point temperature by a specified positive value and the electric heat generator has reached the specified operating temperature, measured by a temperature sensor located directly in the area where the heating elements (TENs) of the electric heat generator are located, which ensures control of the thermal mode of the TENs and prevents them from overheating;

[0033] - the power supplied to the electric heat generator is determined as the product of the coefficients from three regulators: the first - according to the temperature inside the electric heat generator, the second - according to the temperature of the outer shell of the electric heat generator, the third - according to the air temperature in the steam room, while each coefficient takes a value from zero to one;

[0034] - in the mode of maintaining the set dew point temperature, priority power supply to the electric steam generator is provided with the possibility of temporarily reducing the power of the electric heat generator below the set operating temperature to maintain the set dew point temperature;

[0035] - during the power distribution process, the priority of one of the generators is changed depending on the magnitude of the deviation of the current air temperature from the set one;

[0036] - in the event of a decrease in the set maximum total power consumption during operation, the power of the generator that does not have priority is initially reduced, and, if necessary, the power of the generator that has priority.

[0037] For implementing the method, a climate control system is proposed for a steam room of a bathhouse, containing temperature and humidity sensors connected to a control unit, an electric steam generator and an electric heat generator, wherein the electric steam generator and the electric heat generator have nominal powers greater than 50% of the established maximum total power consumption, wherein the nominal powers of the electric steam generator and the electric heat generator are equal to or differ by no more than 33%, and the control unit is configured to automatically distribute electrical power between the electric steam generator and the electric heat generator based on sensor readings.

[0038] A distinctive feature of the system is that the control unit is additionally configured with the ability to set the maximum total power consumption, with the ability to determine the actual dew point temperature based on readings from temperature and humidity sensors, with the ability to automatically distribute electric power between the electric steam generator and the electric heat generator in such a way that, until the specified air temperature is reached and the air temperature exceeds the actual dew point temperature by a specified positive value, the control unit ensures heating by the electric heat generator when the power supplied to the electric steam generator is reduced or switched off, and after reaching the specified values, it provides power supply to the electric steam generator to achieve and maintain the specified dew point temperature when the power supplied to the electric heat generator is reduced or switched off,wherein the control unit is designed with the ability to maintain the total power consumption not higher than the set maximum.

[0039] The system can be additionally equipped with the following features:

[0040] - the control unit is designed with the ability to select a specified positive value of the excess of the air temperature over the actual dew point temperature from a range of 0.5 to 15 degrees;

[0041] - the control unit is designed with the ability to determine the set maximum total power consumption by software limitation of the microcontroller;

[0042] - the control unit is designed with the ability to determine the set maximum total power consumption using the parameters of the power input circuit breaker;

[0043] - the control unit is designed with the ability to measure the current at the power supply input and distribute power in such a way that the total current consumption at the input does not exceed the specified maximum permissible value even when other power consumers are turned on simultaneously;

[0044] - in the case of power supply from a three-phase network, the control unit is designed with the ability to distribute power between the electric steam generator and the electric heat generator with a dynamic change in the available power with equalization of currents across the phases;

[0045] - the control unit is designed with the ability to calculate the actual dew point temperature with correction for atmospheric pressure;

[0046] - the control unit is designed with the ability to regulate power over a wide range to maintain a given dew point temperature and steam room temperature, using pulse width modulation, frequency conversion, phase control, multi-stage switching or other power regulation methods known to a person skilled in the art of power electronics;

[0047] - in the steam room heating mode, the control unit is configured to allow the electric steam generator to be supplied with electricity after the air temperature has exceeded the actual dew point temperature by a specified positive value and the electric heat generator has reached the specified operating temperature measured in the area where the heating elements of the electric heat generator are located;

[0048] - the electric heat generator is equipped with a temperature sensor located in the area where the heating elements are located;

[0049] - the electric heat generator is equipped with a temperature sensor located on the inner surface of the outer shell of the electric heat generator;

[0050] - the control unit is designed with the ability to determine the power of the electric heat generator as the product of the coefficients from three controllers: the first - based on the temperature inside the electric heat generator, the second - based on the temperature of the outer shell of the electric heat generator, the third - based on the air temperature in the steam room, with each coefficient taking a value from zero to one, which ensures normalized scaling of the contribution of each controlled parameter to the total power and guarantees the stability of the control algorithm for any combination of input signals;

[0051] - in the mode of maintaining the set dew point temperature, the control unit is designed with the ability to provide priority power supply to the electric steam generator with a temporary reduction in the power of the electric heat generator below the set operating temperature in order to maintain the set dew point temperature;

[0052] - the control unit is designed with the ability to change the priority of one of the generators depending on the magnitude of the deviation of the current air temperature from the set one;

[0053] - the control unit is designed with the ability, when the set maximum total power consumption decreases during operation, to initially reduce the power of the generator that does not have priority, and, if necessary, the power of the generator that does have priority.

[0054] The invention is explained by figures (Fig. 1-4), which schematically show the elements of the climate control system in the steam room of the bathhouse, with the electric heat generator shown in section (Fig. 2) and in section and isometric view (Fig. 3).

[0055] The following items are used in the drawing:

[0056] 1 – steam room (Fig. 1);

[0057] 2 – electric heat generator;

[0058] 3 – fan;

[0059] 4 – heated air outlets;

[0060] 5 – electric steam generator;

[0061] 6 – water level maintenance system;

[0062] 7 – water supply inlet;

[0063] 8 – steam outlet;

[0064] 9 – control unit;

[0065] 10 – air temperature sensor;

[0066] 11 – humidity sensor;

[0067] 12 – shelves for steaming;

[0068] 13 – air duct connecting the fan and the electric heat generator;

[0069] 14 – cavity with electric heating elements (TENs);

[0070] 15 – Heating elements;

[0071] 16 – temperature sensor in the cavity with heating elements;

[0072] 17 – temperature sensor on the outer shell of the electric heat generator;

[0073] 18 – outer shell of electric heat generator;

[0074] 19 – electrical contacts of the electric heat generator;

[0075] 20 – electricity metering group board at the entrance to the household;

[0076] 21 – current measuring unit in the electricity metering group panel;

[0077] 22 – signal communication line between current measuring unit 21 and control unit 9 (or some radio data transmission channel is used);

[0078] 23 – household distribution board;

[0079] 24 – distribution board of the bath complex;

[0080] 25 – power lines of electrical consumers of the house and bath complex;

[0081] 26 – steam room of the bathhouse in the electrical consumption diagram;

[0082] 27 – Input of electricity into the household.

[0083] The pressure sensor is not shown, it will typically be located on the microcontroller board in control unit 9.

[0084] Description of the system and its operation

[0085] The climate control system in the steam room of the bathhouse (Fig. 1) contains the following, connected to the control unit 9: an electric steam generator 5, an electric heat generator 2, and temperature and humidity sensors 10 and 11 located in the steam room. To improve efficiency, the electric heat generator 2 can be equipped with a fan 3 that blows on the heating elements 15 located in the cavity 14 and directs the flow of heated air through the outlets 4. The electric heat generator 2 also contains a temperature sensor 16 in the cavity with the heating elements 14 and a temperature sensor 17 on the outer casing of the electric heat generator 18. Electric power supply to the electric heat generator 2 is supplied to electrical contacts 19. The electric steam generator 5 is designed as a heating element immersed in water and is equipped with a water level maintenance system 6, a water supply inlet 7, and a steam outlet 8.

[0086] Control unit 9 is connected to the power supply network and is capable of automatically regulating the power consumption based on readings from temperature and humidity sensors 10 and 11 in the steam room (Fig. 1). It is equipped with a programmable microcontroller and power regulators for the electric steam generator 5 and electric heat generator 2. The controller of control unit 9 is programmed so that the total current consumed does not exceed the set maximum total power consumption, which can be set:

[0087] - software limitation in the controller itself;

[0088] - parameters of the circuit breaker (trip current);

[0089] - dynamically, based on measuring the current at the input of electricity to household 27 using the current measuring unit 21 in the panel of the electricity metering group at the input to household 20 and transmitting data via any radio channel or via a signal communication line between the current measuring unit 21 and the control unit 9 (Fig. 4).

[0090] When dynamic limiting is used, control unit 9 continuously monitors the total power consumption (determined by the input circuit breaker rating and programmed into the microcontroller program during system setup) consisting of the power consumed by the system and the power consumed by other electrical appliances receiving electricity from the distribution boards of household 23 and bath complex 24 (Fig. 4). The system automatically adjusts its total consumption so as not to exceed the set maximum total power consumption, determined by the input circuit breaker rating. In the case of a three-phase network, control unit 9 additionally monitors the currents by phase and distributes the load between the generators to ensure their symmetry, which reduces phase imbalance and increases the reliability of the power supply.

[0091] Implementation of proportional power distribution (details)

[0092] In the claimed method, power distribution between generators can be accomplished using various control laws. "Priority power supply" refers to directing the bulk of available power to the appropriate generator, with the degree of priority varying depending on current conditions. Specifically, the power supplied to the electric heat generator can be determined as the product of the coefficients of three controllers (PID controllers or other algorithms): the first is based on the temperature inside the electric heat generator, the second is based on the temperature of the electric heat generator's outer shell, and the third is based on the air temperature in the steam room. Each coefficient takes a value from zero to one. Multiplying these coefficients yields the resulting power factor of the electric heat generator.This approach automatically reduces the power of the electric heat generator when any of the controlled parameters reaches a preset value (for example, when the heating elements overheat or when the steam room temperature approaches the setpoint), which, in turn, automatically allows the remaining power to be delivered to the electric steam generator. This eliminates the need for a separate "priority level" calculation—it arises as an emergent property of the feedback system.

[0093] Change priority according to temperature deviation

[0094] During control, the priority of one of the generators can be smoothly adjusted depending on the deviation of the current air temperature from the setpoint. For example, during the heating phase, if the difference between the setpoint and current air temperature is large, virtually all available power is directed to the electric heat generator (the priority factor is close to 1). As the setpoint temperature approaches, the priority factor of the electric heat generator decreases, allowing some power to be directed to the electric steam generator to maintain the set dew point temperature. This priority change is implemented using PID controllers or other algorithms, where the output signal of the air temperature controller determines the proportion of power distributed to the electric heat generator, and the remaining power (within the set limit) is directed to the electric steam generator.As a result, a smooth transition from the heating mode to the mode of maintaining the set dew point temperature is ensured without abrupt switches.

[0095] Adaptation to reduced available power

[0096] If the set maximum total power consumption decreases (for example, when other high-power household appliances are turned on), the control unit distributes the load between the generators in the following order: first, the power of the non-priority generator is reduced. If this is insufficient to meet the new limit, the power of the priority generator is proportionally reduced. This order allows for maximum control quality for the priority parameter (temperature during the heating phase or dew point temperature during the evaporation phase) while forcing a limit on total consumption.

[0097] Depending on the process dynamics, linear, exponential, power, or adaptive coefficient change laws can be used. It is important that in all cases, the total power consumption does not exceed the set maximum total power consumption, and the distribution itself is carried out with the possibility of stepless (quasi-continuous) adjustment, which is achieved using pulse-width modulation, phase control, frequency conversion, or multi-stage switching with a step size sufficient to maintain the set dew point and air temperature.

[0098] It's important to note that "proportionality of priority to deviation" is not a separate algorithm, but a natural consequence of the control architecture based on feedback controllers and total power limitation. When using a PID controller to control the steam room temperature and limit the total power consumption, the system automatically ensures a smooth change in the generator power ratio depending on the deviation of the current air temperature from the setpoint.

[0099] Working method (algorithm)

[0100] Before starting a vaping session, the user sets the desired air temperature and the desired dew point temperature. Control unit 9 calculates the actual dew point temperature based on readings from sensors 10 and 11.

[0101] During the first stage (heating the steam room), the system prioritizes power supply to Electric Heat Generator 2, directing the bulk of its available power to it. The degree of priority can vary depending on the deviation of the current air temperature from the setpoint: the greater the deviation, the greater the power allocated to the Electric Heat Generator. As the setpoint temperature approaches, the proportion of power allocated to the Electric Heat Generator can gradually decrease. A prerequisite for transitioning to the second stage is reaching not only the setpoint air temperature but also a specified positive excess of the air temperature over the actual dew point (e.g., 2-4°C). This prevents condensation on the sensors and system components, ensuring their long-term reliable operation.

[0102] Once the specified conditions are met, the control unit switches priority: the main power is directed to electric steam generator 5 to quickly increase humidity and achieve the set dew point temperature. Subsequently, during the steaming process, the system maintains the set dew point temperature by automatically distributing power between the generators: as humidity (and, consequently, the dew point temperature) decreases, the steam generator's power increases, and if necessary, the electric heat generator can draw residual power to compensate for heat loss. At any time, the total power consumption does not exceed the set maximum total power consumption, determined by one of the methods described above.

[0103] Additional modes:

[0104] - If the electric heat generator has reached the set operating temperature (e.g., 550-600°C), measured by a temperature sensor located directly in the area of ​​the electric heat generator's heating elements (which ensures thermal control of the heating elements and prevents their overheating), and the actual air temperature exceeds the actual dew point temperature by a specified positive value, power supply to the electric steam generator can be enabled early. This speeds up the system's transition to steam mode without the risk of condensation;

[0105] - In the dew point maintenance mode (in steam mode), the electric steam generator's priority may temporarily reduce the electric heat generator's power below its operating temperature, if necessary to maintain the dew point temperature. This mode is acceptable because the powerful electric steam generator quickly restores its parameters, and the electric heat generator has thermal inertia, so the steam room's temperature is replenished by blowing it out with a fan. Moreover, between steam sessions, the user can activate the steam room heating mode with a temperature and dew point temperature higher than planned for the next session (as well as before the first steam session, these parameters are set above), in order to saturate the steam room atmosphere with both the desired temperature and humidity, as well as heat the walls and ceiling of the steam room.

[0106] - When the set maximum total power consumption decreases (for example, when the load of other consumers increases), the power of the generator that does not have priority is initially reduced, and, if necessary, the power of the generator that has priority.

[0107] Features for three-phase network

[0108] When powered from a three-phase network, the control unit additionally monitors the phase currents (using current measuring unit 21 in the electricity metering panel) and distributes power between the generators to equalize the phase currents. This is achieved through independent control of the heating elements connected to different phases. Phase alignment reduces imbalance, improves the reliability of electrical equipment, and prevents false tripping of circuit breakers.

[0109] Example 1 (Basic Configuration)

[0110] The pilot system comprises an electric steam generator and an electric heat generator, each with a maximum rated power of 12 kW. The maximum total power consumption of the system was programmed to be 12 kW (i.e., each generator has a power equal to 100% of the set maximum total power consumption). In a 15 m³ steam room, the air temperature was set to 60°C, the dew point temperature was 49°C, the power supply to the electric steam generator was enabled when the steam room temperature exceeded the actual dew point temperature by 4°C, and the temperature inside the electric heat generator was 600°C. Heating the chamber with the electric heat generator's heating elements to 600°C took approximately 20 minutes, during which time the temperature in the steam room reached 45°C, and the dew point temperature was 5.6°C (very dry). At the same time, the electric steam generator was subsequently connected (if the temperature exceeded 4°C, power supply to the electric steam generator was permitted).As the temperature increased, so did the dew point temperature. Upon reaching the set temperature 35 minutes after the system was turned on, the actual dew point temperature reached 45°C, and priority completely shifted to the electric steam generator, ensuring the set dew point temperature was reached in less than 5 minutes. During the steaming of two people, the system successfully maintained the actual dew point temperature at 49±0.5°C with full priority given to the electric steam generator. These values ​​are provided as examples and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0111] Example 2 (Dynamic Input Current Limit)

[0112] The same system can be connected to a household with a total allocated power of 15 kW (input circuit breaker 25 A at 380 V). Each generator has a rated power of 12 kW, which is more than 50% of the set maximum total power consumption (15 kW), and their rated powers are equal, which corresponds to the feature of paragraph 1 of the patent claim. Current sensors are installed at the input. When other powerful consumers are turned on (an induction cooker with a power consumption of 3 kW, plus lighting with a power consumption of approximately 1.5 kW), the control unit automatically reduces the total system consumption to ensure the limit is not exceeded. During steaming, the electric heat generator is completely turned off, and 7 kW is allocated to the electric steam generator, which will slightly reduce the rate of humidity replenishment, but will ensure maximum humidity under these conditions.At the same time, the priority distribution algorithm is maintained: in the steam mode, the main available power (7 kW) is directed to the electric steam generator, and the electric heat generator receives residual power or is switched off, which ensures that the set dew point temperature is maintained even under conditions of limited available power.

[0113] Example 3 (Phase Alignment)

[0114] In a three-phase network with uneven loads across phases, the system automatically distributes the connection of the electric heat generator and electric steam generator heating elements across phases to first balance all phase currents with maximum accuracy and then maximize consumption without exceeding it. This avoids false tripping of the input circuit breaker and ensures stable operation. In the example above, the induction cooktop and lighting are connected to phase 1 and consume all power, the electric oven is connected to phase 2, from which the system consumes the remaining 2 kW, and from phase 3, the system consumes the full 5 kW.

[0115] Example 4 (implementation with software PID controllers)

[0116] In one embodiment, the control unit contains three PID controllers in the microcontroller program, calculating the power of the electric heat generator based on data from temperature sensors (and based on the corresponding setpoints): inside the cavity with the electric heat generator's heating elements (setpoint 600°C), the outer shell (setpoint 200°C), and the air in the steam room (setpoint 60°C). The power calculations of each controller (set in the range from 0 to 1) are multiplied, and the resulting product is used as the power factor of the electric heat generator from zero to 100%. The power of the electric steam generator is determined by the PID controller by calculating the actual dew point temperature (also in the range from 0 to 1) based on data from the humidity sensor (dew point temperature setpoint of 49°), and the resulting value is similarly used as the power factor of the electric steam generator from zero to 100%.Since the set maximum total power consumption (limit) is always less than the sum of the generators' rated capacities (in a typical configuration, the limit is equal to the rated capacity of one of the generators), a distribution mechanism is used to maintain the limit: the required capacity of the priority generator is subtracted from the available capacity, and the remaining capacity is allocated to the second generator (with its capacity limited to this value). When the limit is equal to the rated capacity of one generator, this means that the second generator can receive power only when the capacity of the priority generator is reduced. This scheme ensures seamless power distribution within the set limit.

[0117] The invention is industrially applicable, as it can be implemented using standard components (microcontrollers, solid-state relays, triacs, air pressure sensors, temperature and humidity sensors, current transformers) and known control algorithms. The proposed method and system enable:

[0118] - make the most efficient use of the available electrical grid power, adapting to the changing load of a household or other residential premises;

[0119] - achieve the set parameters (air temperature and dew point temperature) in the shortest possible time;

[0120] - simplify production, since the same set of generators (for example, 12 kW) can be used in systems with different values ​​of the installed maximum total power consumption (12, 15, 20 kW) by software limitation during dynamic adjustment;

[0121] - in three-phase networks, ensure uniform load distribution across phases, which extends the service life of equipment and prevents false tripping of circuit breakers;

[0122] - protect sensors from condensation and prevent overheating of heating elements.

[0123] All the described modes and features have been tested on prototypes and can be reproduced by a specialist in the field of automation of bath equipment without conducting additional research.

Claims

1. A method for automatic climate control in a steam room of a bathhouse, in which - establish the maximum total power consumption of the electric steam generator and electric heat generator, - use an electric steam generator and an electric heat generator with rated capacities greater than 50% of the specified maximum total power consumption, and the rated capacities of the electric steam generator and the electric heat generator are equal or differ by no more than 33%, - select the set air temperature and the set dew point temperature, - measure the air temperature and relative humidity in the steam room, - calculate the actual dew point temperature based on the measured values, - automatically distribute electrical power between the electric steam generator and the electric heat generator in such a way that - until the set air temperature is reached and the air temperature exceeds the actual dew point temperature by a set positive value, heating is carried out by an electric heat generator while reducing or disconnecting the power supplied to the electric steam generator, - and after reaching the specified values, provide power supply to the electric steam generator to achieve and maintain the specified dew point temperature when reducing or disconnecting the power supplied to the electric heat generator, - while the total power consumption is maintained no higher than the established maximum.

2. The method according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the specified positive value of the excess of the air temperature over the actual dew point temperature is selected from the range from 0.5 to 15 degrees.

3. The method according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the set maximum total power consumption is determined by a software limitation of the microcontroller of the control unit.

4. The method according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the established maximum total power consumption is determined by the parameters of the power input circuit breaker.

5. The method according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the established maximum total power consumption is determined on the basis of measuring the current at the power supply input, while distributing the electrical power between the electric steam generator and the electric heat generator in such a way that the total current consumption at the input does not exceed the specified maximum permissible value even when other consumers of electrical energy are turned on simultaneously.

6. The method according to paragraph 5, characterized in that in the case of power supply from a three-phase network, the distribution of power between the electric steam generator and the electric heat generator during a dynamic change in the available power is carried out by equalizing the currents across the phases.

7. The method according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the dew point temperature is calculated with correction for atmospheric pressure.

8. The method according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the distribution of electrical energy between the generators is carried out with the possibility of regulating the power over a wide range to maintain a given dew point temperature and steam temperature, using pulse-width modulation, frequency conversion, phase control, multi-stage switching or other methods of regulating power.

9. The method according to paragraph 1, characterized in that in the steam room heating mode, the electric power supply to the electric steam generator is enabled after the air temperature has exceeded the actual dew point temperature by a specified amount and the electric heat generator has reached a specified operating temperature, measured in the area where the heating elements of the electric heat generator are located.

10. The method according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the power supplied to the electric heat generator is determined as the product of the coefficients from three regulators: the first - according to the temperature inside the chamber with the heating elements of the electric heat generator, the second - according to the temperature of the outer shell of the electric heat generator, the third - according to the air temperature in the steam room, wherein each coefficient takes a value from zero to one.

11. The method according to paragraph 1, characterized in that in the mode of maintaining a given dew point temperature, the priority power supply to the electric steam generator is provided with the possibility of temporarily reducing the power of the electric heat generator below the given operating temperature in order to maintain the given dew point temperature.

12. The method according to paragraph 1, characterized in that in the process of power distribution, the priority of one of the generators is changed depending on the magnitude of the deviation of the actual air temperature from the set one.

13. The method according to paragraph 1, characterized in that in the event of a decrease in the established maximum total consumed power during operation, the power of the generator that does not have priority is initially reduced, and, if necessary, the power of the generator that does have priority.

14. A climate control system in a steam room of a bathhouse, comprising temperature and humidity sensors connected to a control unit, an electric steam generator and an electric heat generator, wherein the control unit is designed with the possibility of automatically distributing electric power between the electric steam generator and the electric heat generator based on sensor readings, characterized in that - the control unit is designed with the ability to set the maximum total power consumption, - the electric steam generator and the electric heat generator have rated capacities greater than 50% of the specified maximum total power consumption, and the rated capacities of the electric steam generator and the electric heat generator are equal to or differ by no more than 33%, - the control unit is designed with the ability to select a set air temperature and a set dew point temperature, - the control unit is designed with the ability to measure the air temperature and relative humidity in the steam room, - the control unit is designed with the ability to calculate the actual dew point temperature based on the measured values, - the control unit is designed with the capability of automatically distributing electric power between the electric steam generator and the electric heat generator in such a way that, until the specified air temperature is reached and the air temperature exceeds the actual dew point temperature by a specified positive value, the control unit ensures heating by the electric heat generator when the power supplied to the electric steam generator is reduced or switched off, and after the specified values ​​are reached, it ensures power supply to the electric steam generator to achieve and maintain the specified dew point temperature when the power supplied to the electric heat generator is reduced or switched off, - in this case, the control unit is designed with the ability to maintain the total consumed power not higher than the set maximum.

15. The system according to paragraph 14, characterized in that the control unit is configured to select a specified positive value of excess of air temperature over the actual dew point temperature from a range of 0.5 to 15 degrees.

16. The system according to paragraph 14, characterized in that the control unit is configured to determine the set maximum total power consumption by software limitation of the microcontroller.

17. The system according to paragraph 14, characterized in that the control unit is designed with the ability to determine the set maximum total power consumption by the parameters of the power input circuit breaker.

18. The system according to claim 14, characterized in that the control unit is configured to measure the current at the power supply input and distribute power in such a way that the total current consumption at the input does not exceed the specified maximum permissible value even when other consumers of electrical energy are turned on simultaneously.

19. The system according to paragraph 18, characterized in that in the case of power supply from a three-phase network, the control unit is designed with the possibility of distributing power between the electric steam generator and the electric heat generator with a dynamic change in the available power with the alignment of currents across the phases.

20. The system according to paragraph 14, characterized in that the control unit is designed with the ability to calculate the dew point temperature with correction for atmospheric pressure.

21. The system according to claim 14, characterized in that the control unit is designed with the ability to regulate power over a wide range to maintain a given dew point temperature and steam room temperature, using pulse-width modulation, frequency conversion, phase control, multi-stage switching, or other methods of regulating power.

22. The system according to paragraph 14, characterized in that in the steam room heating mode, the control unit is configured to allow the electric power supply to the electric steam generator after the air temperature has exceeded the actual dew point temperature by a specified amount and the electric heat generator has reached a specified operating temperature, measured in the area where the heating elements of the electric heat generator are located.

23. The system according to paragraph 14, characterized in that the electric heat generator is equipped with a temperature sensor located in the area where the heating elements are located.

24. The system according to paragraph 14, characterized in that the electric heat generator is equipped with a temperature sensor located on the inner surface of the outer shell of the electric heat generator.

25. The system according to paragraph 14, characterized in that the control unit is designed with the ability to determine the power of the electric heat generator as the product of coefficients from three regulators: the first - based on the temperature inside the electric heat generator, the second - based on the temperature of the outer shell of the electric heat generator, and the third - based on the air temperature in the steam room.

26. The system according to claim 14, characterized in that in the mode of maintaining a set dew point temperature, the control unit is configured to provide priority power supply to the electric steam generator with a temporary reduction in the power of the electric heat generator below the set operating temperature in order to maintain the set dew point temperature.

27. The system according to paragraph 14, characterized in that the control unit is designed with the ability to change the priority of one of the generators depending on the magnitude of the deviation of the actual air temperature from the set one.

28. The system according to paragraph 14, characterized in that the control unit is designed with the ability, when the set maximum total power consumption decreases during operation, to initially reduce the power of the generator that does not have priority, and, if necessary, the power of the generator that does have priority.

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