Method for controlling a heating system and control device for same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional heating systems with condensing boilers face inefficiencies during hot water preparation, as the heat generator operates at a less energy-efficient point, and the building heating is often interrupted, leading to discomfort and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method that reduces the heating circuit setpoint temperature during hot water preparation and resets it after completion, allowing the heating circuit to maintain a continuous heat supply while optimizing energy use by adjusting the heat generator flow temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the heat generator flow temperature is increased during hot water preparation, then hot water can be heated to target temperature, but the heat generator operates at a less energy-efficient point and building heating is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehot water target temperatureVSAvoidheat generator energy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heating circuit setpoint temperature is dynamically adjusted during hot water preparation by reducing it by a configurable value, then restored after hot water preparation completes. This dynamic temperature adjustment allows the heat generator to operate efficiently while still meeting building heating requirements through the mixer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the heating circuit setpoint temperature parameter during hot water preparation operations. By temporarily reducing this parameter and then restoring it, the system optimizes energy efficiency during hot water heating while maintaining continuous building heat supply through the mixer combining heat generator output with return water.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the heat generator flow temperature is increased during hot water preparation, then hot water heating is effective, but building heating supply is interrupted leading to discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehot water heating rateVSAvoidbuilding heating continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mixer merges the heat generator flow with the heating circuit return flow to maintain continuous building heating supply during hot water preparation. This combining of hot water from the heat generator with cooler return water allows the system to provide both hot water heating and continuous building heating without interruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating circuit setpoint temperature is dynamically adjusted during hot water preparation by reducing it by a configurable value, then restored after hot water preparation completes. This dynamic temperature adjustment allows the heat generator to operate efficiently while still meeting building heating requirements through the mixer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If the heating circuit setpoint temperature is reduced during hot water preparation, then energy efficiency is improved, but the building heating requirement may not be fully met

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat generator energy efficiencyVSAvoidbuilding heating adequacy
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the heating circuit setpoint temperature parameter during hot water preparation operations. By temporarily reducing this parameter and then restoring it, the system optimizes energy efficiency during hot water heating while maintaining continuous building heat supply through the mixer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The mixer acts as an intermediary that combines the heat generator flow with the heating circuit return flow. This intermediary device allows the system to deliver reduced-temperature water from the heat generator while still meeting building heating requirements by mixing with return water, thus maintaining heating adequacy during energy-efficient operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This approach enhances energy efficiency by ensuring continuous heat supply to the building, reducing energy wastage, and improving comfort by maintaining a stable heating system operation during hot water preparation.

Implementation Method 1

the heat generator heats a heat transfer medium to a heat transfer medium flow temperature and delivers it to the building heating and hot water preparation via a flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

The mixer mixes the heat transfer medium from the heat generator (with the heat generator flow temperature) if necessary with the heat transfer medium from the heating return (which has a lower temperature) in order to set the heating circuit setpoint temperature as the actual heating circuit temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMixing:

Implementation Method 3

The heat transfer medium from the building heating (i.e. from the heating circuits) and from the hot water preparation flows via a return flow back to the heat generator, which heats up the heat transfer medium again, after the heat energy has been released in the systems (building heating, hot water supply)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3835667B1Method for controlling a heating system and control device for same
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 TECHEM ENERGY SERVICES
  • EP3835667B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3835667B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3835667B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method for controlling a heating system (100) with a heat generator (101), at least one heating circuit (111) for building heating, and a domestic hot water system (121) for heating domestic hot water, as well as a control unit for this purpose, are described. A heat generator flow temperature ϑWEVL is selected to be greater than or equal to the heating circuit setpoint temperature ϑHZsoll, and a mixing valve (112) is provided for setting a heating circuit flow temperature ϑHZVL. During domestic hot water preparation, the regular heating circuit setpoint temperature ϑHZsoll is reduced by a configurable value and, after domestic hot water preparation (121), is restored to the regular heating circuit setpoint temperature ϑHZsoll of the heating operation.