Systems and controllers for controlling heating unit temperature with a simulated outdoor temperature, and methods using the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing room response controllers produce control signals incompatible with many commercial and residential boilers, limiting the implementation of room response technology, which aims to improve heating unit efficiency without sacrificing user comfort.
Innovation Solution
The development of control systems and methods that utilize a simulated outdoor temperature to generate a resistance signal, enabling room response technology on boilers with outdoor reset capability, allowing for modulation of boiler operating temperatures based on a heating unit's target temperature and duty cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing room response controllers produce control signals, then boiler temperature control is achieved, but compatibility with many commercial and residential boilers is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an outdoor temperature sensor as an intermediary device that provides outdoor temperature data to the controller. This mediator enables the controller to indirectly influence boiler operation through outdoor reset functionality, bypassing the need for direct incompatible control signals. The sensor acts as a bridge between the control system and the boiler's existing outdoor reset capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control approach from direct boiler control signals to manipulating outdoor temperature sensor readings. By adjusting the simulated outdoor temperature parameter fed to the boiler's outdoor reset function, the system achieves temperature modulation without requiring compatible control signal interfaces. This parameter transformation resolves the compatibility issue.
2Loss of energy
If boiler operates at fixed high temperature, then heating demand is met during cold days, but energy efficiency deteriorates on milder days
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic boiler temperature adjustment by linking the outdoor reset function to simulated outdoor temperature readings. Instead of fixed high temperature operation, the system dynamically modulates boiler temperature based on current (or simulated) outdoor conditions. This dynamic adjustment reduces energy waste on milder days while maintaining adequate heating during cold periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses outdoor temperature sensing as feedback to continuously adjust boiler operating parameters. The outdoor temperature reading (actual or simulated) provides feedback that triggers the outdoor reset function to modulate boiler temperature accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism optimizes energy efficiency by matching boiler output to actual heating demands.
3Productivity
If room response technology is implemented, then heating efficiency is improved, but implementation is limited to boilers with compatible control inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an outdoor temperature sensor as a mediator to enable room response functionality on boilers without compatible control inputs. The sensor provides outdoor temperature data that feeds into the outdoor reset function, serving as an indirect control mechanism that works with existing boiler interfaces rather than requiring new compatible inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the universal outdoor reset function that exists on many boilers regardless of their control signal compatibility. By using this pre-existing universal feature combined with outdoor temperature sensing, the system achieves room response efficiency improvements across a broader range of boiler types without being limited by specific control interface requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for controlling a heating Technologies for controlling a heating unit are disclosed. In embodiments, the systems and methods determine a heating unit target temperature based at least in part on a duty cycle of at least one thermostat. The systems and methods may then determine a simulated outdoor temperature corresponding to the heating unit target temperature, and a resistance value corresponding to the simulated outdoor temperature. The systems and methods may then cause a resistance signal including or indicative of the resistance value to be provided to an outdoor temperature input for the heating unit, e.g., to cause the heating unit to modulate to the heating unit target temperature.