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 use 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 outdoor temperature sensor input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If existing room response controllers are used, then boiler operating efficiency is improved, but compatibility with many commercial and residential boilers is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a simulated outdoor temperature signal as an intermediary that translates room response control decisions into a format compatible with outdoor reset boilers. This mediator allows the controller to communicate heating demands to boilers using outdoor reset capability without requiring direct compatibility protocols, thereby expanding versatility while maintaining energy efficiency improvements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter interface by converting control signals into simulated outdoor temperature readings that match the expected input range and format of outdoor reset boilers. This parameter transformation enables compatibility across different boiler types by presenting control commands in a universal language that existing boiler control systems can interpret.
2Device complexity
If fixed outdoor temperature settings are used, then boiler operation is simplified, but operational efficiency and user comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of boiler operating temperatures by continuously monitoring actual outdoor temperature and heating demand. Instead of fixed settings, the system dynamically modifies the simulated outdoor temperature signal based on real-time conditions, allowing the boiler to operate at optimal temperatures that adapt to changing environmental and occupancy conditions, thereby improving energy efficiency while maintaining simple operation.
3Ease of operation
If fixed boiler operating temperature is used, then system operation is simplified, but energy efficiency and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by monitoring thermostat duty cycle and comparing it to target duty cycle values. This feedback loop allows the controller to automatically adjust the simulated outdoor temperature signal to achieve optimal boiler operating temperatures that balance energy efficiency with user comfort, all while maintaining simple operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs self-adjustment by automatically modifying boiler temperature setpoints based on monitored heating demands and outdoor conditions. The system serves itself by making real-time control decisions without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining operational simplicity while achieving improved energy efficiency through dynamic temperature adjustment.
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.