Rator booster

Abstract

A climate control support arrangement for cooperating with an external source for controlling the temperature in a room of a dwelling, comprising at least one fan, such as an axial fan, and an electric heating component, the arrangement also being designed to be connected to the external source for extracting heat or cold therefrom, such as from a central heating network, and delivering it to the room, such as via the electric heating component, the arrangement further being designed to perform temperature measurements on the external source, and for this purpose optionally comprising at least one thermoelectric sensor, the arrangement further comprising a microchip pre-programmed to automatically control the electric heating component and the at least one fan based on the temperature measurements on the external source, the electric heating component comprising at least one Peltier element which, together with the at least one fan, is designed to be switchable between different electrical power settings, the electric heating component comprising a heat exchanger, and the fan being controllable solely to create laminar air flows along the heat exchanger.

Description

[0001] Rator booster

[0002] This invention relates to booster systems for central heating systems for space heating .

[0003] STATE OF THE ART

[0004] The technology surrounding heating systems and smart meters has advanced signi ficantly in recent years . Modern heating systems are equipped with intelligent thermostats and sensors that automatically adj ust the temperature in a room to the needs of the users . Thi s not only saves energy but al so makes living in a home much more comfortable .

[0005] Smart meters are also becoming increasingly popular and can provide insight into household energy consumption . These meters not only measure the total amount of energy consumed but can also provide insight into the consumption per appliance . This can help identi fy energy guz zlers and reduce energy bills .

[0006] In addition, increasing research i s being conducted into the use of renewable energy sources , such as solar and geothermal energy, for heating purposes . By combining these technologies with smart arrangements and meters , the ef ficiency and sustainability of heating systems can be further improved .

[0007] More and more households are using renewable energy sources . Storing electrical energy in electrochemical cells (batteries ) such as lithium-ion batteries i s also becoming increasingly popular . This allows the consumption and output of electrical energy to be controlled to a certain extent . Nevertheless , renewable energy sources currently place unnecessary peak loads on the electricity grid . As a result , instantaneous energy prices can fluctuate signi ficantly . Currently, established intelligent systems only consider anticipated demand and often still draw electricity, or natural gas , at unfavorable times . This is detrimental to sustainable installations and the financial effectiveness of renewable energy sources . Therefore , there is a need to support climate control systems , such as central heating networks , in a sustainable manner .

[0008] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The described climate control support arrangement of fers several advantages . By connecting to an external source for extracting heat or cold, such as a central heating network or a heat exchanger, energy consumption in the home is reduced . The arrangement can deliver the heat or cold to the room via the electric heating component, which is equipped with at least one Peltier element that , together with the at least one fan, can be switched between dif ferent electrical power settings . This ensures that electrical energy i s only consumed when it i s beneficial , contributing to a lower energy bill . Advantageously, the auxiliary climate control arrangement actively extracts heat from the supplied water or air in the room to increase the arrangement ' s total power . The arrangement can automatically decide whether to let a so-called main generator, such as the central heating network, do most of the work or to actively add heat to the process via electrical energy .

[0010] The arrangement also features a microchip pre-programmed to automatically control the electric heating component and at least one fan based on temperature measurements from the external source . This ensures that the room temperature is automatically regulated, without the occupant having to worry about it . Furthermore , the arrangement is equipped with a thermoelectric sensor that can optionally be used for temperature measurements from the external source . Furthermore , the arrangement is equipped with a wireless communication unit , which allows for wireless communication with a dynamic mechanical valve on a supply line of the central heating network and / or a remote computer . This ensures ef ficient and automated communication between the various system components .

[0011] Furthermore , the arrangement can be designed to be communicatively connected to a digital gas and electricity meter in the home , allowing one setting to be selected from the various electrical power levels based on anticipated heating demand patterns . This can contribute to a further reduction in energy bills and the use of sustainable energy sources , such as an electric solar panel system with a battery that is part of the system . By programmatically switching between the various settings , the arrangement can compensate for electrical fluctuations between demand and production, further reducing energy consumption in the home and potential ly increasing grid stability .

[0012] The climate control support arrangement can also be seen as a radiator comprising two sides : a water-side section and an airside section, with at least one thermoelectric element ( Peltier element ) between them, which extracts or adds heat from the water by feeding these elements with direct current . The waterside section has a fluidic connection to a home ' s central heating network .

[0013] A temperature sensor can be installed on the central heating supply and return lines , and an electric valve can also be installed on the supply line to measure the di f ference between the supply and return temperatures and actively control the di f ference with the valve based on the room temperature , heat demand, and energy supply . The radiator can then independently select the energy source to be used using software ( open source ) yet to be developed . The heat exchangers are made of aluminum to maximi ze heat exchange ef ficiency . The fans ensure increased convection .

[0014] The arrangement , in which at least one Peltier element is integrated between a water-s ide and an air-side heat exchanger, optionally part of the arrangement or the central heating network, can further be equipped with a control system that controls the at least one thermoelectric element— pref erably a Peltier / Seebeck module block in a sandwich conf iguration— in two distinct operating modes .

[0015] In a first mode , the element functions as a heat pump : heat is actively extracted from the circulating water circuit and released into the ambient air ( or vice versa, depending on operating conditions ) , allowing the room to be ef ficiently heated .

[0016] In a second mode , the same thermoelectric j unctions are used as a generator ; the natural temperature di f ference between the heated water and the ambient air generates a direct current via the Seebeck ef fect , which can be locally dissipated to a battery, a mains inverter, or home automation loads . The microcontroller automatically switches between these modes to achieve the energy optimum .

[0017] Although generating electricity slows down heat trans fer, slowing down the temperature of a room, it can still be ef ficiently maintained . The arrangement ' s controls can be programmed so that , as soon as the second mode i s switched to , it sends a control signal to an external heat source , such as a conventional gas- fired combination boiler or a cooling source . This signal directs a heat or cooling source to increase the temperature di f ference between the water supply and the ambient air . When the water is used to heat the ambient air, the water supply temperature increases , increasing the temperature dif ference across the thermoelectric module . This increases the electrical ef ficiency of the Seebeck mode, allowing the room to continue heating, possibly without delay . During heating, in the first mode , the boiler continues to operate at a lower, comfort- driven water temperature, limiting gas consumption. When the water is used for cooling, the signal can lower the supply temperature. In any case, the signal is designed to increase the temperature difference between the ambient air and the water by changing the temperature of the supplied fluid.

[0018] The modes discussed here can be sub-modes under other overarching modes.

[0019] Another source of heat or cold is also possible; perhaps even independently of this example, the arrangement could switch between different sources. It's possible that electricity is so cheap during the day during an off-peak period that it's even profitable to store heat in a buffer tank with an electrical resistance element, and then use it to generate electricity in the evening.

[0020] An optional integrated thermoelectric sensor can continuously measure the ambient air temperature. A system equipped with such a sensor can then, once a preset target air temperature is reached, for example, a desired room temperature of 21°C, trigger a switchover command from the controller, switching the system from the first to the second mode. This reduces heat production as soon as it is no longer needed; the resulting temperature gradient is immediately used for power generation. A higher water inlet temperature with a lower water flow rate can even be used to maintain the room temperature.

[0021] In a further embodiment, an economic optimization is performed for each potential mode change. For this purpose, the control unit periodically reads the current electricity price (€ / kWh) via an external API and compares it with the marginal cost of gas (€ / kWh-eq) for the respective system. Only when the estimated yield difference exceeds a threshold value does the system actually switch to Seebeck mode. In this way, both operating costs and CO2emissions are minimized, while the user benefits from additional electrical energy yield from the same heat source.

[0022] Thanks to the switching logic and price-dependent control outlined above, the described arrangement integrates seamlessly into existing hydronic heating systems and offers a hybrid solution that dynamically balances heat output and energy recovery, depending on both thermal demand and market conditions .

[0023] Although utilizing the Seebeck effect in a hydronic heating system may seem counterintuitive at first glance, the interposition of thermoelectric junctions introduces additional thermal resistance and hinders heat transfer, the approach can nevertheless be economically advantageous under certain market conditions .

[0024] Thermal inhibition: The Peltier / Seebeck module block adds a thin semiconducting layer and contact interfaces. This reduces the effective heat transfer coefficient (U-value) of the heat exchanger, resulting in a small loss of efficiency in pure heating mode.

[0025] Energy equivalent: In the Netherlands, Im3of natural gas contains an average of ~10 kWh (net net) .

[0026] Price asymmetry: The kWh price of electricity is consistently higher than that of gas (for example, €0.30 / kWh_e compared to €0.10 / kWh_g in the reference year 2025) .

[0027] Because of this price asymmetry, even with a modest Seebeck efficiency of a few percent, it can be financially attractive to convert part of the chemical energy stored in the gas, and by extension, the thermal energy stored in the water, into electricity instead of releasing it entirely as heat. Therefore, for each potential mode switch, the system's control unit compares :

[0028] Marginal cost price of gas (€ / kWh, gas) , determined by dividing the current gas price by the calorific value (»10kWh / m3) .

[0029] Marginal electricity yield (€ / kWh, electricity) based on the applicable tariff structure or dynamic spot prices.

[0030] The internal rate of return is therefore determined by the Seebeck loop, including the additional pumping and control losses .

[0031] When the calculated payback factor exceeds a set threshold, the arrangement switches to Seebeck mode despite the lower heat transfer, a choice that can be more cost-effective for the end user than conventional reheating. This offsets the seemingly detrimental effect of thermal resistance by cost-driven optimization of the building's overall energy consumption.

[0032] In cooling mode, the arrangement operates in a mirror image of the heating mode. Cooling mode is then essentially a third mode in which the arrangement is programmed to operate. When the environment requires active cooling, the control unit reverses the polarity of the Peltier element, extracting heat from the ambient air and dissipating it into the water circuit. The water can be sourced from an existing cooling source, such as a gas- fired absorption chiller, a dry cooling tower, or a ground source. In cooling mode, the arrangement does not actually utilize the Seebeck effect.

[0033] The arrangement can be equipped with a thermally insulating cover or enclosure for the water-side section. This prevents condensation . The electric heating component can be a heat exchanger with a substantially flat back and a plurality of Peltier elements.

[0034] The at least one fan can comprise a plurality of axial or radial fans integrated into the arrangement by means of a baffle. A baffle comprises a ventilation grille and sound insulation material, whereby, in use, the fan's air is guided past this insulation material.

[0035] The microchip can be pre-programmed to switch between overarching operating modes. For example, arrangement variables such as ambient temperature, fluid inlet temperature, fluid outlet temperature, current electricity price, current gas price, current electrical power generated by solar panels, and the amount of electrochemical energy in a battery can be used to regulate and adjust the dynamic mechanical valve, the arrangement's electrical power, and the at least one fan to changes in these variables. In this example, the arrangement is part of a system equipped with a digital meter (smart meter) that is optionally equipped with solar panels and a battery, and where the central heating optionally uses gas.

[0036] In a first overarching mode, the arrangement operates within a system according to a function that, based solely on systemrelevant variables, controls the arrangement to minimize the fossil fuel footprint. In this mode, the system will therefore attempt to keep gas consumption as low as possible.

[0037] In a second overarching mode, the arrangement operates according to another function that, based solely on system-relevant variables, controls the arrangement to minimize electricity consumption and delivery from the grid, and may even provide the option of feeding power back into the grid during peak load periods. In this option, the arrangement actively absorbs fluctuations that would otherwise affect the grid. In a third overarching mode , the arrangement operates according to yet another function that , based solely on system-relevant variables , controls the arrangement to prioriti ze the cheapest available energy . For this purpose , the arrangement can be configured to retrieve online information about current energy prices via a Wi-Fi connection .

[0038] In other words , the user o f the arrangement can choose how the system operates at a meta-level .

[0039] The arrangement is further illustrated in Figures 1-3 .

[0040] Figure 1 shows the climate control support arrangement 1 for working with an external source (not shown, but common) to control the temperature in a room of a home , comprising at least one fan with a visible air inlet 2 , such as an axial fan, and an electric heating component . In this case , these are multiple Peltier elements .

[0041] The arrangement is also designed to be connected to the external source with a water inlet 3 and a water outlet 4 for extracting heat from the water flow of a central heating network and trans ferring it to the room, such as via the electric heating component 5 . The arrangement comprises a heat exchanger plate 6 to trans fer heat from the fluid to the Peltier elements . A thermal insulation layer 7 is also applied to the water side . The arrangement is further designed to perform temperature measurements on the external source , and for this purpose optionally includes at least one thermoelectric sensor ( not shown, but common) . The arrangement further comprises a microchip pre-programmed to automatically control the electric heating component and the at least one fan based on the temperature measurements on the external source , in this case the incoming and outgoing water . Figure 2 shows cross-section A-A from Figure 1 , clearly showing that a portion of the system, in use , can be flowed through by water from the central heating network . The widths of 200-400 mm and 500- 800 mm are shown here for illustrative purposes only .

[0042] The electric heating component , together with the at least one fan, is designed to be switchable between di f ferent electrical power settings . In an exemplary setting, the electric heating component as a whole does not draw any electrical power, but the fans can be controlled to generate an airf low past the Peltier elements . In various settings of varying electrical power , the Peltier elements can provide additional electrical heating to the heat exchanger 8 .

[0043] Figure 3 shows the front view o f the arrangement , where a heat exchanger 8 is connected to the Peltier elements .

[0044] In this example , the at least one fan can exclusively be controlled to create laminar airflows along the electrical heating component .

[0045] To provide electrical heat , 220 V AC can be supplied to the arrangement . The electrical interaction then works according to the following diagram :

[0046] A->B «-- C

[0047] A->D->E

[0048] C->D

[0049] A: 220 V;

[0050] B : Printed circuit board with Wi-Fi connection, connection for thermal sensor and valve , also known as a dynamic mechanical valve ;

[0051] C : Input into integrated software to control power supplies , fans , and valve ;

[0052] D : 12 V power supply in multiple groups with controllable variable current;

[0053] E: Peltiers divided into multiple groups.

[0054] The specific control can be performed via a Pi minicomputer containing the microchip.

[0055] Figure 4 shows that the arrangement is designed such that Peltier elements 5 rest in a flat support frame 8.1, or at least within a flat portion of a support frame. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, multiple Peltier elements rest in each support frame.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5, this support frame is incorporated into the arrangement and positioned between a heat exchanger plate 6 for transferring heat from a fluid to the Peltier elements 5 — and vice versa, and a heat exchanger 8 for transferring heat from the Peltier elements to ambient air — and vice versa.

[0057] Finally, the heat exchanger 8 of the arrangement can optionally be made of aluminum or copper.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A climate control support arrangement for cooperating with an external source to control the temperature in a room of a dwelling, comprising at least one fan, such as a radial fan, and an electric heating component , wherein the arrangement is also designed to be connected to the external source for extracting heat or cold therefrom, such as from a central heating network, and delivering it to the room, such as via the electric heating component , wherein the arrangement is further designed to perform temperature measurements on the external source , and for this purpose optionally comprises at least one thermoelectric sensor, wherein the arrangement further comprises a microchip pre-programmed to automatically control the electric heating component and the at least one fan based on the temperature measurements on the external source , wherein the electric heating component comprises at least one Peltier element that , together with the at least one fan, is designed to be switchable between di f ferent electrical power settings , wherein the electric heating component comprises a heat exchanger, and wherein the fan is optionally solely controllable to create laminar air flows along the heat exchanger .2 . The arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the external source is a central heating network, and wherein the arrangement is configured to control a dynamic mechanical valve on a supply line of the central heating network, or within the arrangement , via the microchip to control the supply of hot water to the arrangement .3 . The arrangement according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the arrangement comprises a wireless communication unit for communicating wirelessly with the dynamic mechanical valveand / or for communicating measurements with a remote computer .4 . The arrangement according to any of claims 1-3 , wherein the arrangement comprises a wireless communication unit and is designed to be communicatively connected to a digital meter for gas and electricity of the dwelling, such as via wireless communication, and wherein the arrangement is designed to select , on the basis of expected patterns in heat demand, such as on the basis of consumption data from the digital meter, one setting between the di f ferent electrical power settings , optionally in combination with a setting o f the dynamic mechanical valve , that matches the anticipated demand at that moment and / or selects the setting that , based on the current cost price of electricity, and optionally gas , heats the space for the lowest price at that moment .5 . The arrangement according to any of claims 1-4 , wherein at least one Peltier element is arranged between a waterside and an air-side heat exchanger, which optionally forms part of the arrangement or the central heating network .

6. The arrangement according to claim 5 , configured to switch between : a ) a first mode in which heat is trans ferred from the water to the ambient air via the at least one Peltier element , or vice versa, and b ) a second mode in which electrical energy i s generated via the heat trans fer between the ambient air and water us ing the Seebeck ef fect .7 . The arrangement according to claim 6 , wherein in the first mode the ambient air is heated, and in the second mode the arrangement sends a signal , such as to a central heating boiler from which it receives heated water, to increase the water supply temperature compared to the first mode .8 . The arrangement according to claim 7 , configured to switch from the first to the second mode once a preset target air temperature is reached, such as measured by the optional thermoelectric sensor .9 . The arrangement according to any of claims 6- 8 , wherein the water is heated by a gas- fired heat source , and wherein, when switching between the first and second modes , the relative cost of electrical energy is determined and incorporated into the switching decision .10 . The arrangement according to any of claims 1- 9 , wherein the at least one thermoelectric sensor comprises three thermal sensors for measuring the water supply temperature , the water return temperature , and the room air temperature , respectively .11 . The arrangement according to any of claims 1- 10 , wherein the external source is a central heating network, and wherein the arrangement is designed to guide water from the central heating through a first portion on a first s ide of the arrangement , and wherein the first portion i s constructed such that the water conduction path in the arrangement can be extended in length by connecting additional modules .12 . A system for controlling the temperature in a room of a dwell ing comprising a central heating network, compris ing a arrangement according to claim 4 or any of the preceding claims as far as dependent on claim 4 , an electric solar panel arrangement with a battery, and a digital meter connected to the electricity grid and the solar panel arrangement with a battery, wherein the arrangement i s communicatively connected to the digital meter and is programmed to switch between the mutually di f ferent modes based on the anticipated heat demand and the electrical energy production of the solar panel arrangement to accommodate electrical fluctuations between demand and production within the arrangement .13 . The system according to claim 12 , wherein the central heating network uses gas , and wherein the arrangement chooses between electrical backup heating and gas heating via the central heating network based on information from the digital meter, and wherein the information relates to thecurrent price for electrical energy, and wherein the system selects a mode based on the availability of stored electrical energy or electrical energy generated by the solar panel arrangement .

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