Computer system for an air handling system in a building

Abstract

A computer system comprising processing circuitry (31) configured to receive sensor data (62) from at least one air handling unit (20), determine that the at least one air handling unit (20) is in a first operating condition (22); and transmit a control signal (64) to at least one thermal transfer unit (10) to adapt the energy of said thermal transfer unit (10) based on said first operating condition (22).

Description

[0001] COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR AN AIR HANDLING SYSTEM IN A BUILDING

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates generally to systems for managing indoor climate control in buildings, specifically focusing on systems incorporating thermal transfer unit(s) and air handling unit(s). More specifically, the present invention relates to a computer system, a computer implemented method, and a system.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] An integral component in keeping a pleasant indoor climate in a lot of modern housing is a thermal transfer unit. These units have become increasingly popular for their ability to efficiently transfer energy, such as heat, from one location to another, providing both heating and cooling functionalities. Traditional thermal transfer units often utilize refrigerants and compression cycles to achieve this energy transfer. However, despite their widespread adoption, existing systems suffer from inefficiencies in energy usage control, leading to suboptimal performance and energy wastage.

[0006] Conventional control systems for thermal transfer units often rely on manual adjustments to regulate operation parameters such as compressor speed, fluid flow rate, and fan speed. These control methods lack precision and adaptability, resulting in inefficient operation under varying environmental conditions and load demands. In particular, prior art fails to fully account for current operating parameters, or the aforementioned environmental conditions.

[0007] As the demand for energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions continues to rise, especially in the view of climate change, there is a pressing need for advanced control systems that can enhance the efficiency, reliability, and versatility of thermal transfer units.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] An object of the present invention is to solve or at least mitigate the problems related to prior art. This object is achieved by means of the technique set forth in the appended independent claims; preferred embodiments being defined in the related dependent claims.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the disclosure a computer system comprising processing circuitry is provided. The processing circuitry is configured to: receive sensor data from at least one air handling unit, determine that the at least one air handling unit is in a first operating condition, and transmit a control signal to at least one thermal transfer unit to adapt the energy of said at least one thermal transfer unit based on said first operating condition. %One technical effect may be the optimized energy usage by adapting the thermal transfer unit's operation according to real-time environmental conditions.

[0011] In some embodiments, in the first operating condition there is no need for thermal adjustment. The thermal adjustment may be heating or cooling. In some embodiments, the first operating condition is characterized by ambient temperature and humidity levels within a predefined comfort range. In some embodiments, the first operating condition is identified when sensor data indicates that the indoor climate parameters meet preset thresholds. In one example, the first operating condition occurs when environmental data confirms that the current indoor climate is stable. In one example, the first operating condition does not need thermal adjustments. In one example, the first operating condition is defined by an absence of deviation from a target indoor climate. One technical effect may be the reduction of unnecessary energy consumption by maintaining the thermal transfer unit in an idle state when no heating or cooling is required.

[0012] In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is configured to: receive sensor data from a first air handling unit, receive sensor data from a second air handling unit, determine that the first and second air handling units are in a first operating condition, and transmit a control signal to at least one thermal transfer unit to adapt the energy of said thermal transfer unit based on said first operating condition. One technical effect may be the ability to manage multiple air handling units simultaneously, ensuring consistent comfort levels across different zones within a building.

[0013] In some embodiments, the at least one thermal transfer unit comprises a heat pump. A technical benefit may be efficient delivery of energy to the air handling units. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is further configured to: determine that the at least one air handling unit is in a second operating condition, and transmit a control signal to at least one thermal transfer unit to adapt the energy of said thermal transfer unit based on said second operating condition. One technical effect may be the provision of targeted heating or cooling when required, enhancing the system's responsiveness to changes in environmental conditions.

[0014] In some embodiments, in the second operating condition there is a need for thermal adjustment. Thermal adjustment may be heating or cooling. In some embodiments, the second operating condition arises when sensor data indicates that the indoor climate parameters fall outside a predefined comfort range. This may requiring heating or cooling adjustments. In some embodiments, the second operating condition is identified by environmental data signaling a variation from desired climate settings, prompting the need for thermal regulation. In some embodiments, the second operating condition's defined by the requirement for thermal transfer unit intervention due to changes in indoor temperature or humidity beyond threshold limits. One technical effect may be the efficient energy allocation to meet the specific climate control needs of the building, avoiding overuse of resources.

[0015] In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is configured to: predict that the at least one air handling unit will initiate a defrosting event within a predetermined time range and transmit a control signal to at least one thermal transfer unit to adapt the energy of said thermal transfer unit based on said prediction.

[0016] In some embodiments, the at least one air handling unit comprises a first air handling unit and a second air handling unit, and the processing circuitry is configured to: receive sensor data from the first air handling unit, receive sensor data from the second air handling unit, predict that the first air handling unit will initiate a defrosting event within a predetermined time range, predict that the second air handling unit will initiate a defrosting event within the predetermined time range, determine which of the first and second air handling units that will initiate a defrosting event first in time, transmit a defrost signal to the determined air handling unit to initiate the defrosting event. In some embodiments, the defrost signal is transmitted before the time of the predicted defrosting event.

[0017] In a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a system comprising: at least one thermal transfer unit, at least one an air handling unit, and a computer system comprising the processing circuitry according to the first aspect.

[0018] In a third aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a computer-implemented method, comprising: receiving sensor data from at least one air handling unit, determining that the at least one air handling unit is in a first operating condition, and transmitting a control signal to at least one thermal transfer unit to adapt the energy of said thermal transfer unit based on said first operating condition.

[0019] In a fourth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a computer program product comprising program code for performing, when executed by the processing circuitry, the method of the fifth aspect.

[0020] In a fifth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a non-transitory computer- readable storage medium comprising instructions, which when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to perform the method of the fifth aspect.

[0021] It should be emphasized that the term “comprises / comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof. All terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a / an / the [element, device, component, means, step, etc]" are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of the example embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the example embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a system according to examples herein.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a system according to examples herein.

[0026] FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram of a system.

[0027] FIG. 4A is an exemplary schematic view of a system.

[0028] FIG. 4B is an exemplary schematic view of a system.

[0029] FIG. 5A is a flowchart of an exemplary computer-implemented method.

[0030] FIG. 5B is a flowchart of an exemplary computer-implemented method.

[0031] FIG. 5C is a flowchart of an exemplary computer-implemented method.

[0032] FIG. 5D is a flowchart of an exemplary computer-implemented method.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary control system for implementing examples disclosed herein.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary control system for implementing examples disclosed herein.

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0036] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the detailed description of the particular embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting of the invention. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

[0037] The present invention relates generally to systems for managing indoor climate control in buildings, specifically focusing on systems incorporating thermal transfer units. These units are responsible for efficiently transferring energy, such as heat, within a building environment. For the purposes of this invention, the term "thermal transfer unit" is broadly defined to encompass any device capable of transferring thermal energy. This includes, but is not limited to, heat pumps, heat exchangers, and other similar devices. In some examples, the energy transfer unit comprises a heat exchanger, a gas turbine, a thermoelectric cooler, a refrigeration cycle device, an absorption chiller, a Stirling engine, a thermal siphon, a phase change system, a fluid loop, a radiator, a condenser, an evaporator, a compressor-expander unit, a thermal battery, a closed-loop Rankine cycle, a solar thermal collector, a heat pipe, a geothermal loop, a regenerative heat unit, an intercooler, a recuperator, and / or an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) unit. In preferred embodiments, the thermal transfer unit is a heat pump. Heat pumps are a type of thermal transfer unit that can move heat from one location to another using a refrigeration cycle, making them suitable for both heating and cooling applications. Throughout the following disclosure, the terms thermal transfer unit and heat pump will, unless explicitly stated, be used interchangeably. That is to say, figures and embodiments comprising heat pumps may likewise utilize other forms of thermal transfer units.

[0038] With reference to FIG. 1, a system 100 including a thermal transfer unit 10 and an air handling unit 20 according to the inventive concept will be described, as well as the functionality and interaction between the energy transfer unit 10 and the air handling unit 20. The system 1 is preferably implemented in a building 1. The thermal transfer unit 10 is adapted to transfer energy (for example in the form of heat) to the air handling unit 20, and / or to transfer energy between the building 1 and an exterior environment. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the thermal transfer unit 10 comprises heat pumps lOa-lOc.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 further comprises a computer system 30. The computer system 30 may be configured to determine and obtain the most optimal use of energy in the system 100.

[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the system may comprise a plurality of heat pumps lOa-c as well as a plurality of air handling units 20a-c. The system may comprise any combination of heat pumps and air handling units 20a-c. As an example, the system 100 may comprise one air handling unit 20a and two heat pumps lOa-b. As an alternative example, the system 100 may comprise two air handling units 20a-b and one heat pump 10a. In yet one example, the system 100 may comprise two air handling units 20a-b and two heat pumps lOa-b. In the example of FIG. 1, the computer system 30 is external of the heat pump(s) and the air handling unit(s).

[0041] The computer system 30, 30a-c may be implemented as one or more processors (CPU) or programmable logic circuits (PLC), which is connected to or comprises a memory 32. The memory 32 may be implemented using any commonly known technology for computer-readable memories such as ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM, CMOS, FLASH, DDR, SDRAM or some other memory technology. The memory 32 may be configured to store data relating to the operation of the thermal transfer unit and / or the air handling unit. The computer system 30 may be arranged as a part of a computer system or as a separate unit being in communication with a computer system.

[0042] In one embodiment the computer system 30, 30a-c further comprises or is connected to a communication interface 34. The communication interface may for example be a wireless radio frequency interface such as a WiFi link or short-range communication technologies such as short-range standards IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15, ZigBee, WirelessHART, WIFI and Bluetooth® to name a few. Moreover, communications may also be based on transferring data via loT-services (Internet of Things). In different embodiments of the invention, different loT-protocols may be utilized. For instance, protocols include, but are not limited to Bluetooth®, WiFi, ZigBee, MQTT loT, CoAP, DDS, NFC, AMQP, LoRaWAN, RFID, Z-Wave, Sigfox, Thread, EnOcean, celluarly based communication protocols, or any combination thereof.

[0043] The computer system 30 may be a cloud-computing system 30 being included in a distributed cloud network widely and publicly available, or limited to an enterprise cloud. For instance, cloud-computing technologies include, but are not limited to Amazon EC2, Google App Engine, Firebase or Apple iCloud.

[0044] FIG. 2 is an example of a system 100. In this example, the computer system 30 is integrated into the thermal transfer unit, illustrated as a heat pump 10a for exemplary purposes. Hence, the computer system 30 may be an internal control unit of the heat pump. In an optional example, the system comprises a plurality of computer systems 30a-c where the number of computer systems 30a-c are equal to the number of thermal transfer units, such as the heat pumps lOa-c depicted. As would be understood by a person skilled in the art, the functionalities described to the external computer system can be applied to the internal computer systems 30a-c as well.

[0045] In yet another example, the computer system 30 is integrated into the air handling unit 20a, as indicated by the dashed lines around the computer system(s) 30d- 3 Of. Hence, the computer system 30 may be an internal control unit of the air handling unit 20z. In an optional example, the system comprises a plurality of computer systems 30a-c where the number of computer systems 30a-c are equal to the number of air handling units 20a-c. As would be understood by a person skilled in the art, the functionalities described to the external computer system can be applied to the internal computer systems 30a-c as well.

[0046] FIG. 3 is yet one illustration of an example of the system 100. In this example, the system 100 comprises one heat pump 10 and one air handling unit 20. The computer system is configured to communication with the heat pump 10 and the air handling unit 20. Further, in this example the at least one heat pump 10 also communicates directly with the at least one air handling unit 20.

[0047] Turning to FIG. 4A, one example of the system 100 is illustrated. In this example, the computer system 30 is configured to receive sensor data 62 from an air handling unit 20. The sensor data 62 may comprise information relating to the temperature and / or energy of the air handling unit 20. This is shown in FIG.7. The information may for example relate to one or more of: the current temperature of the air handling unit 20, the current energy used by the air handling unit 20, the estimated needed energy of the air handling unit 20 or the estimated needed temperature of the air handling unit 20. The information may further relate to indoor temperature of the building, outdoor temperature outside the building, humidity (indoor and / or outdoor), light levels in the building, energy prices, weather forecast data, precipitation outside, time data, statistical and / or historical information.

[0048] The computer system 30 is configured to transmit control signals 64 to the heat pump 10 in order to control the operation of the same. The control signal 64 transmitted to the heat pump 10 may be based on the sensor data 62 transmitted from the air handling unit 20. The computer system 30 may be configured to predict the timing of a defrosting event 26 (FIG. 6) of the air handling unit 20. The computer system 30 is further configured to transmit a defrost signal 66 to the air handling unit 20 based on said prediction.

[0049] In one embodiment, the computer system 30 is further configured to transmit control signals 63 to the air handling unit in order to control the operation of the same. The control signal 63 transmitted to the air handling unit 20 may be based on any or both of the sensor data 61, 62 transmitted from the air handling unit 20 or the heat pump 10.

[0050] The predictive capabilities to manage defrosting events may rely on continuous monitoring and analysis of sensor data received from the air handling units. This data may include variables such as indoor and outdoor temperatures, humidity levels, and pressure differences across the air handling unit. To predict defrosting events, the computer system may employ an algorithm that analyzes current and historical data trends. The algorithm may identify patterns that precede past defrosting events, such as specific combinations of temperature and humidity, or changes in airflow resistance indicating frost accumulation. By processing this data, the system can forecast the likelihood and timing of a defrosting event within a predetermined time range.

[0051] Once a potential defrosting event is predicted, the system may generate a control signal aimed at optimizing the thermal transfer unit's operation. This signal can either prepare the heat pump to produce the necessary energy in advance of the defrosting event or adjust the system to maintain efficiency during the event. For instance, the system might activate additional heat production capacity to ensure that adequate energy is available to complete the defrosting process without compromising the building’s climate control.

[0052] Furthermore, the predictive mechanism can determine the order of defrosting events if multiple air handling units are involved. By assessing which unit is likely to require defrosting first, the system prioritizes energy distribution accordingly. This strategic prioritization may help prevent simultaneous defrosting, which could otherwise lead to an unnecessary spike in energy demand.

[0053] FIG. 4B shows an alternative embodiment, wherein two air handling units 20a, 20b are connected to the computer system 30. Furthermore, two heat pumps 10a, 10b are connected to the computer system 30. As explained earlier, one or more air handling units 20 and one or more heat pumps may be connected to the computer system 30. The computer system 30 may transmit control signal 64 to the one or more pumps 10a, 10b, based on the one or more sensor data 62 received from the one or more air handling units 20a, 20b. In this manner, the computer system 30 may provide an interconnectedness between the air handling units 20a, 20b, and the heat pumps 10a, 10b.

[0054] FIG. 5A shows a computer-implemented method according to one example. The method comprises, by a processing unit, receiving sensor data 62 from at least one air handling unit, determining that the at least one air handling unit 20 is in a first operating condition 22; and transmitting a control signal 64 to at least one heat pump 10 to adapt the energy of said heat pump 10 based on said first operating condition 22.

[0055] In one example, the control signal 64 to the at least one heat pump 10 is an instruction to the heat pump 10 to initiate the process of creating energy in time before the defrosting event takes place. In this way, the system provides the needed energy for the defrost event before the defrost event is taken place.

[0056] In an alternative example, the control signal 64 to the at least one heat pump 10 is an instruction to the heat pump 10 to put the heat pump in an idle mode 12. In the idle mode 12, the start stretch of providing the needed energy is shorter than in a normal mode 14.

[0057] In an example with a plurality of air handling units, the method may further comprise receiving sensor data 62 from a first air handling unit 20a, receiving sensor data 62 from a second air handling unit 20b, determining that the first and second air handling units 20a-b are in a first operating condition 22, and transmitting a control signal 64 to at least one heat pump 10 to adapt the energy of said heat pump 10 based on said first operating condition 22.

[0058] In one example, the first operating condition 22 refers to scenarios where the air handling unit determines that there is no immediate need for additional heating or cooling within the building. This condition is typically identified when the indoor climate is deemed satisfactory based on a combination of sensor data inputs such as indoor temperature readings that fall within a predefined comfort range, outdoor temperature and humidity levels that do not necessitate the activation of heating or cooling systems, and historical and statistical data indicating periods of low energy demand based on past usage patterns. Upon determining the first operating condition 22, the system may optimize energy usage by adjusting the thermal transfer unit to a low energy or idle mode, conserving energy while maintaining comfort.

[0059] FIG. 5B shows a computer-implemented method according to one example. The method comprises, by a processing unit, receiving sensor data 62 from at least one air handling unit, determining that the at least one air handling unit 20 is in a second operating condition 24; and transmitting a control signal 64 to at least one heat pump 10 to adapt the energy of said heat pump 10 based on said second operating condition 24.

[0060] In one example, the second operating condition 24 is identified when there is a detectable need for heating or cooling to maintain the desired indoor climate. This condition may be triggered by sensor data indicating that indoor temperature has deviated from the comfort range, necessitating corrective action, external factors such as a significant drop in outdoor temperature or a rise in humidity levels that would impact indoor comfort, and predictive analytics that forecast upcoming changes in environmental conditions, prompting preemptive adjustments to the system. When operating under the second condition 24, the system transmits control signals to increase the energy output of the thermal transfer unit, ensuring that the building's climate remains within the desired parameters.

[0061] FIG. 5C shows a computer-implemented method according to one example. The method comprises receiving sensor data 62 from at least one air handling unit 20, predicting that the at least one air handling unit 20 will initiate a defrosting event 26 within a predetermined time range; and transmitting a control signal 64 to at least one heat pump 10 to adapt the energy of said heat pump 10 based on said prediction.

[0062] FIG. 5D shows a computer-implemented method according to one example. The method comprises receiving sensor data 62 from a first air handling unit 20a, receiving sensor data 62 from a second air handling unit 20b, predicting that the first air handling unit 20a will initiate a defrosting event 45 within a predetermined time range and predicting that the second air handling unit 20b will initiate a defrosting event 26 within the predetermined time range. The method further comprises determining which of the first and second air handling units 20a-b that will initiate a defrosting event 26 first in time, and transmitting a defrost signal 66 to the determined air handling unit 20a-b to initiate the defrosting event.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 6A-6B, the air handling unit 20 may be in a first operating mode 22 and a second operating mode 24. In the first operating mode 22, the air handling unit 20 is not in need for thermal adjustment. In the second operating mode 24, the air handling unit 20 is in need of thermal adjustment.

[0064] The air handling unit 20 is configured to perform a defrosting event 26. The computer system 30 is configured to transmit a defrost signal 66 to the air handling unit 20 in order to initiate a defrosting event 26.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 7, the computer system 30 may be configured to receive different kinds of data. The data may for example relate to one or more of: indoor temperature 72, outdoor temperature 73, humidity 74 (indoor and / or outdoor), light levels 75, energy prices 76, weather forecast data 77, precipitation 78 outside, time data 79, statistical and / or historical information. The time data may relate to time of the day, and / or the time of the week, month or year. The data is preferably obtained by a sensor, either locally arranged in the computer system 30 or external to the computer system 30. The data may further be received from a communication interface.

[0066] Purely by way of example, the computer system may receive data that indicates that the outdoor temperature is 25 °C and that the indoor temperature is 23 °C. This in itself may indicate that a certain energy is required from the heatpumps. Furthermore, the computer system 30 may receive data from the air handling units 20 comprise one air handling unit 20 transmitting data a pressure difference across the air handling unit 20. For example, the data may indicate a temperature difference of 1°C, in turn interpreted as indicating a certain pressure difference. In the example, the pressure difference data indicates that the air handling unit 20 will initiate a defrosting event within a defined time space. The computer system 30 may thus instruct the heat pump 10 to allocate additional energy to the other air handling units 20 such that the indoor temperature remains 23 °C.

[0067] The computer system 30 may comprise at least one computing device or electronic device capable of including firmware, hardware, and / or executing software instructions to implement the functionality described herein. The computer system

[0068] 30 may include processing circuitry 31 (e.g., processing circuitry including one or more processor devices or control units), a storage unit 32, and a system bus. The computer system 30 may include at least one computing device having the processing circuitry

[0069] 31. The system bus provides an interface for system components including, but not limited to, the storage unit 32 and the processing circuitry 31. The processing circuitry

[0070] 31 may include any number of hardware components for conducting data or signal processing or for executing computer code stored in storage unit 32. The processing circuitry 31 may, for example, include a general-purpose processor, an application specific processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a circuit containing processing components, a group of distributed processing components, a group of distributed computers configured for processing, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. The processing circuitry 31 may further include computer executable code that controls operation of the programmable device.

[0071] The storage unit 31 may be run on a cloud-computing platform, and connection may be established using DBaaS (Database-as-a-service). For instance, the storage unit 31 may be deployed as a SQL data model such as MySQL, PostgreSQL or Oracle RDBMS. Alternatively, deployments based on NoSQL data models such as MongoDB, Hadoop or Apache Cassandra may be used. DBaaS technologies include, but are not limited to Amazon Aurora, EnterpriseDB, Oracle Database Cloud Service or Google Cloud. Preferably, the storage unit 31 is deployed on the same platform as the computer system 30 deployment given that the computer system 30 is deployed in such a system.

[0072] The computer system 30 is in communication with the heat pump 10 and the air handling unit 20 to read data points in order to determine the temperature (energy) that is required under a certain circumstance. The data read may be useful both in terms of determining the heating or cooling need of the building. Moreover, the computer system 30 is preferably configured to read the data points with a certain periodicity, i.e. at different time intervals. The heat pump 10 delivers a certain amount of energy when any of the one or more air handling units 20 are in need of defrosting. If heat is produced when a defrosting cycle is due, an additional amount of energy necessary for defrosting is added. In a further embodiment, the computer system 30 may determine the energy required for other air handling units 20 based on the defrosting events for cooling or heating the building, such as an increased or decreased energy.

[0073] According to a first example, by reading data points from the air handling unit 20 at different time intervals, the computer system 30 can predict when a defrosting cycle is due and an appropriate energy is produced by the heating pump 10 beforehand such that there is enough energy at hand when the defrosting cycle is due.

[0074] According to a second example, by reading data points from the air handling unit 20 at different time intervals, the computer system 30 can predict when a defrosting cycle is due and the heating pump 10 is prepared to be ready, i.e. to exhibit a short starting distance, so that energy can be made available quickly when a defrosting cycle begins. The time intervals may be decided according to a schedule, such as a time-based schedule. For example, the time interval may be once a day, once every 30 minutes, or any other suitable time interval. Alternatively or additionally, the time interval may be determined based on the received data. For example, during humid conditions as indicated by the outdoor precipitation, the need for a defrosting event may be increased.

[0075] The function and interaction between the computer system 30, the one or more heat pumps 10 and the one or more air handling units 20 may be summarized as below:

[0076] 1. When the computer system 30 registers that no air handling unit 20 has neither one of a heating or cooling need, a sufficient amount of heat pumps 10 are activated to a suitable level / energy to cover the building’s need to be heated or cooled.

[0077] 2. When the computer system 30 registers that one or a few air handling units 20 have a need for heating or cooling, a sufficient amount of heat pumps 10 are activated to a suitable level / energy to cover the building’s and air handling unit’s 20 need to be heated or cooled.

[0078] 3. When the computer system 30 registers and predicts that one or a few air handling units 20 will perform a defrosting cycle within a given time limit, a sufficient amount of heat pumps 10 are activated to a suitable level / energy to cover the building’s and air handling units’ 20 need to be heated during defrosting. In some embodiments, the suitable energy level is higher based on the defrosting cycle.

[0079] 4. If the computer system 30 registers and predicts that several air handling units 20 will perform a defrosting cycle at the same time, the computer system 30 will send a forced defrosting instruction to the air handling unit 20 that is most likely to commence defrosting, i.e. to the air handling unit 20 that is closest in time to commence defrosting. In some embodiments, the computer system 30 sends a forced defrosting instruction to a number of air handling units. In a further embodiment, the number of air handling units 20 to which the computer system 30 sends a forced defrosting instruction is based on the current heating requirement.

[0080] The computer system will now be described more in detail according to some examples. The computer system 30 gives optimised control of the climate system and is designed to be combined with air / water heat pumps to provide an integrated climate system for homes and properties. The computer system 30 offers high flexibility when it comes to system solutions. The computer system 30 can be connected to components such as a water heater, additional heat sources and other accessories specific to a customised installation. The computer system 30 is a natural part of the users connected home. Smart technology adjusts the indoor climate automatically while the user is in complete control from your phone or tablet. Giving high comfort and low energy consumption, while doing nature a favour at the same time.

[0081] The indoor temperature depends on several different factors. Sunlight and heat emissions from people and household machines are normally sufficient to keep the house warm during the warm seasons. When it gets colder outside, the climate system needs to help heat the house. The colder it is outside, the warmer radiators and underfloor heating systems have to be. Control of the heat production is performed based on the "floating condensing" principle, which means that the temperature level needed for heating at a specific outdoor temperature is produced based on collected values from the outdoor and supply temperature sensors. The room sensor can also be used to compensate the deviation in room temperature.

[0082] The supply of heating / cooling to the house is regulated in accordance with the selected heating curve setting (or cooling curve). After adjustment, the correct amount of heat for the current outdoor temperature is supplied. The supply temperature will oscillate around the theoretically desired value.

[0083] The computer system 30 may have pre-programmed non-linear heating curves. It is also possible to create a personal own defined curve. This is an individual linear curve with a number of break points. The selected break points and the associated temperatures.

[0084] Hot water charging starts when the temperature has fallen to the set start temperature. Hot water charging stops when the hot water temperature at the hot water sensor has been reached. For temporary higher hot water demand, there is a function that allows the temperature to be raised temporarily for up to 12 hours or by a onetime increase (can be selected in the menu system). With the Smart Control function activated, the computer system 30 learns how much hot water is used and when. The Smart Control function memorises the previous week’s hot water consumption and adapts the hot water temperature for the coming week to ensure minimal energy consumption. It is also possible to set the computer system 30 in holiday mode, which means that the lowest possible temperature is achieved without the risk of freezing.

[0085] In the event of an alarm, a malfunction has occurred and the status lamp shines with a steady red light. The user receives information about the alarm on the display.

[0086] The computer system 30 may prioritize how / to what extent each docked energy source will be used. Here the user can choose if the system is to use the energy source that is cheapest at the time. The user can also choose if the system is to use the energy source that is most carbon neutral at the time.

[0087] The computer system 30 may be controlled using a clear and easy to use display. Instructions, settings and operational information are shown on the display. The user can easily navigate between the different menus and options to set the comfort or obtain the information you require. The invention has mainly been described above with reference to a few embodiments. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended patent claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A computer system comprising processing circuitry (31) configured to: receive sensor data (62) from at least one air handling unit (20); determine that the at least one air handling unit (20) is in a first operating condition (22); and transmit a control signal (64) to at least one thermal transfer unit (10) to adapt the energy of said at least one thermal transfer unit (10) based on said first operating condition (22).

2. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein in the first operating condition (22) there is no need for thermal adjustment.

3. The computer system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processing circuitry (31) configured to: receive sensor data (62) from a first air handling unit (20a); receive sensor data (62) from a second air handling unit (20b); determine that the first and second air handling units (20a-b) are in a first operating condition (22); and transmit a control signal (64) to at least one thermal transfer unit (10) to adapt the energy of said thermal transfer unit (10) based on said first operating condition (22).

4. The computer system according to claims 1-3, wherein the at least one thermal transfer unit (10) comprises a heat pump.

5. A computer system comprising processing circuitry (31) according to any of claim 1-4, further configured to: determine that the at least one air handling unit (20) is in a second operating condition (24); and transmit a control signal (64) to at least one thermal transfer unit (10) to adapt the energy of said thermal transfer unit (10) based on said second operating condition (24).

6. The computer system according to claim 5, wherein in the second operating condition (24) there is a need for thermal adjustment.

7. The computer system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the processing circuitry (31) is further configured to: predict that the at least one air handling unit (20) will initiate a defrosting event (26) within a predetermined time range; and transmit a control signal (64) to at least one thermal transfer unit (10) to adapt the energy of said thermal transfer unit (10) based on said prediction.

8. The computer system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one air handling unit (20) comprises a first air handling unit (20a) and a second air handling unit (20b), and wherein the processing circuitry (31) is configured to: receive sensor data (62) from the first air handling unit (20a); receive sensor data (62) from the second air handling unit (20b); predict that the first air handling unit (20a) will initiate a defrosting event (45) within a predetermined time range; predict that the second air handling unit (20b) will initiate a defrosting event (26) within the predetermined time range; determine which of the first and second air handling units (20a-b) that will initiate a defrosting event (26) first in time, transmit a defrost signal (66) to the determined air handling unit (20a-b) to initiate the defrosting event.

9. The computer system according to claim 8, wherein the defrost signal (66) is transmitted before the time of the predicted defrosting event (26).

10. A system (100) comprising: at least one thermal transfer unit (10),at least one an air handling unit (20), and a computer system (30) comprising processing circuitry (31) according to any of claim 1-9.

11. A computer-implemented method, comprising: receiving (102) sensor data (62) from at least one air handling unit (20); determining (104) that the at least one air handling unit (20) is in a first operating condition (22); and transmitting (106) a control signal (64) to at least one thermal transfer unit (10) to adapt the energy of said thermal transfer unit (10) based on said first operating condition (22).

12. A computer program product comprising program code for performing, when executed by the processing circuitry, the method of claim 11.

13. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions, which when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to perform the method of claim 11.

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