Method for controlling a heating system, heating systems and control devices for controlling a heating system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating systems for buildings lack efficient and reliable control mechanisms that adapt to residents' habits, leading to unnecessary energy consumption and comfort issues.
Innovation Solution
A procedure and system for controlling a heating system that involves detecting presence through changes in energy supply system parameters, determining a second setpoint based on detected presence and probability values, and adjusting the heating system accordingly to optimize energy use and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If presence detection is implemented via mobile device position tracking, then the heating system can be controlled based on resident presence, but the reliability of presence detection deteriorates when the device is not carried by the resident
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary presence detection mechanism that monitors changes in operating parameters of the building's energy supply system (such as electrical consumption patterns, water usage, appliance operation) to infer resident presence. This mediator approach bypasses the unreliability of mobile device tracking by using indirect but more reliable indicators of human activity within the building, thereby resolving the contradiction between automation and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If only heating devices with wireless connections to central control units are controlled, then the control system can implement smart home features, but older heating devices without such connections are neglected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal control approach where the central control unit can manage both modern heating devices with wireless capabilities and older devices without such connections. The system achieves this by implementing multiple detection and control pathways that work across different device types, making the smart home heating control system universally applicable to diverse equipment while maintaining ease of operation.
3Loss of energy
If the heating system operates according to a fixed schedule, then energy consumption can be reduced during absence periods, but the system cannot adapt to actual resident habits and presence patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the heating control system continuously monitors actual resident presence through energy supply system parameter changes, compares this information with scheduled operations, and dynamically adjusts heating operations accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to learn and adapt to actual resident habits over time, optimizing energy consumption based on real behavior patterns rather than fixed schedules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static, fixed-schedule heating control into a dynamic system that continuously adapts its operation based on real-time presence detection and learned resident patterns. The system dynamically modifies heating setpoints, timing, and intensity according to actual resident behavior, thereby simultaneously achieving energy savings and adaptability to resident habits.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides, among other things, a method for controlling a building's heating system, comprising the steps of providing a first setpoint of a control variable to be controlled by the building's heating system for a first time T1, detecting the presence of at least one person in the building at the first time T1, determining a second setpoint of the control variable to be controlled for a second, later time T2 as a function of the provided first setpoint, and a detection result from the step of detecting presence and controlling the heating system as a function of the determined second setpoint, wherein the step of detecting presence includes at least the step of recording a change in an operating variable of an energy supply system of the building made by the at least one person at the first time T1.