Method and system for controlling and regulating a system for heating premises

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current heating control systems for buildings face challenges in accurately regulating temperature setpoints without intrusive devices and are prone to errors in heating consumption data, particularly when using load curve disaggregation methods.

Innovation Solution

A method using computer means to forecast overall energy consumption by developing a model expressed as a function of setpoint temperature, heat loss coefficient, and other factors, allowing for precise control and regulation of heating systems without the need for intrusive devices, by iteratively calculating indoor temperature and adjusting heating system activation based on temperature differences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If load curve disaggregation method is used to extract heating consumption data, then heating consumption data can be obtained, but the method is prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating consumption data accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary model that correlates setpoint temperature with energy consumption through a structured relationship (Gglobal = f(GV, Pot degH, Threshold, Talonrep)). This intermediary model acts as a mediator between temperature control and consumption measurement, providing more reliable and accurate heating consumption data without directly measuring it, thereby resolving the contradiction between obtaining consumption data and ensuring measurement reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If intrusive devices are installed to determine heating consumption, then accurate consumption data can be obtained, but the system complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating consumption measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the heating system to self-determine its consumption characteristics by using readily available data (setpoint temperature, outdoor temperature, historical consumption patterns) to build a consumption model. The system serves itself by correlating operational parameters with energy usage without requiring external intrusive measurement devices, thus maintaining measurement accuracy while reducing system complexity and installation requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If setpoint temperature is increased to improve thermal comfort, then occupant comfort is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal comfortVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the calculated heating consumption is fed back into the temperature control system. This feedback loop allows the system to understand the energy impact of temperature settings and optimize setpoint temperatures to balance thermal comfort with energy efficiency, resolving the contradiction between comfort and energy consumption by providing information about the energy cost of comfort settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3847520B1Method and system for controlling and regulating a system for heating premises
Publication Date: 2022.06.15 ELECTRICITE DE FRANCE
  • EP3847520B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3847520B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3847520B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for controlling and regulating a system for heating premises over a period of time, based on a received setpoint temperature. The method comprises: developing a model for predicting the total energy consumption of the premises, allowing a temperature inside the premises to be maintained which is equal to the setpoint temperature over said period of time, the model being expressed as a function of the setpoint temperature by an equation: Ctotal= GV * (PotdegH — threshold) + Baseload, then defining a maximum value of the total energy consumption over the period of time and, based on the model for predicting the total energy consumption of the premises: obtaining as the output a new setpoint temperature to be reached in the premises such that the value of the total energy consumption of the premises is less than or equal to said maximum value at the end of the period of time.