Control system and heating system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heating systems for buildings rely on static heating curves set during installation, which may not adapt to changing conditions over time, leading to inefficient energy use and suboptimal heating performance.

Innovation Solution

A control system that determines and adjusts the resistance value of the heating device's outside temperature sensor using offset values, allowing for dynamic adaptation of the heating device's operating behavior based on real-time measurements, including flow and return temperature values, to optimize energy use and maintain required heat production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a static heating curve is set during installation, then the heating device operates with a fixed control strategy, but it cannot adapt to changing conditions over time leading to inefficient energy use

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAdaptability to changing conditionsVSAvoidEnergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static heating curve to a dynamic control system that continuously monitors actual heating performance and adjusts the heating curve in real-time. The control system modifies the heating curve based on measured temperature deviations and energy consumption patterns, enabling the system to adapt to changing building conditions, insulation properties, and thermal mass effects throughout the heating season.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by adjusting key heating curve parameters (such as slope and offset) based on actual operational data. The system measures actual flow temperatures, return temperatures, and outdoor temperatures to calculate optimal parameter adjustments that minimize energy consumption while maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If the heating curve is set once during installation, then installation is simple, but assumptions are made that are not validated over time leading to suboptimal heating performance

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveInstallation simplicityVSAvoidHeating performance reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the heating system to automatically validate and adjust its own operating parameters without requiring manual intervention or reconfiguration. The control system continuously monitors heating performance, compares actual temperatures with predicted temperatures from the heating curve, and autonomously optimizes the curve parameters to ensure reliable heating performance throughout the building's operational life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously measuring actual indoor temperatures, flow temperatures, and outdoor temperatures, then using this feedback data to validate assumptions made during installation. The system adjusts the heating curve based on measured deviations, ensuring that the heating performance remains reliable and optimized even as building conditions change over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by moving object

If additional control systems are added to enable dynamic adjustment, then energy efficiency improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEnergy efficiencyVSAvoidControl system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a control system that performs multiple functions using a single integrated device. The control unit not only adjusts the heating curve but also monitors temperature sensors, communicates with the heating device, stores operational data, and performs calculations for optimization. This multi-functional approach improves energy efficiency without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements merging by combining the curve adjustment functionality with the existing heating control system. Rather than adding a completely separate complex control system, the invention integrates curve optimization capabilities into the existing control architecture, sharing sensors, processors, and communication interfaces, thereby achieving energy efficiency improvements with minimal increase in overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables efficient and cost-effective operation of heating devices by dynamically adjusting resistance values to minimize energy consumption and maintain optimal temperature ranges, even in changing conditions, and supports features like time-varying operation and night shutdown without requiring additional control systems.

Implementation Method 1

a determination device for determining at least one resistance value of an outside temperature sensor (110) of the heating device (100)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP4350466A1Control system and heating system
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 E ON AG
  • EP4350466A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4350466A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4350466A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a control system (10) for controlling a heating device (100) for a building (170), the control system (10) comprising a detection device (20) for determining at least one resistance value (112) of an outside temperature device (110) of the heating device (100) and a control device (40) for controlling the heating device (100) by adjusting the at least one resistance value (112) by at least one offset value (114). Furthermore, the invention relates to a heating system (140) for heating a building (170), the heating system (140) comprising a heating device (100) and a control system (10).