Multi-Stage Underfloor Heating Control With Dual Energy Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underfloor heating systems lack energy efficiency and are not user-friendly, with complex and costly installations, and they do not effectively utilize alternative energy sources for economical and reliable operation.
Innovation Solution
A control module designed as a PI controller manages heating circuits based on temperature deviations, integrating a second energy source like a photovoltaic system, and an operating mode switching unit allows for energy supply from either the primary or alternative energy source, or both, ensuring efficient and variable heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual thermostats are used to control different power levels, then heating control flexibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple thermostat functions into a single control device that can manage multiple power levels through one unified interface. This single thermostat integrates the functionality of what would otherwise require multiple separate thermostats, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to control different heating power levels flexibly.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is designed with multi-functionality to handle various heating scenarios through a single unit. It can independently control first and second heating circuits, manage different power levels, and adapt to various operating conditions, thereby providing the versatility of multiple thermostats without the corresponding complexity.
2Loss of energy
If heating circuits are controlled individually, then energy efficiency is improved, but control device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into multiple independently controllable heating circuits (first heating circuit and second heating circuit), each with its own power level. This segmentation allows the control device to activate only the necessary circuits based on temperature requirements, improving energy efficiency. The control device manages this segmentation through a unified control mechanism rather than requiring separate complex control systems for each circuit.
3Device complexity
If a single control device manages all heating circuits, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different temperature conditions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device incorporates dynamic control capabilities that allow it to adapt to different temperature conditions in real-time. It can adjust the activation and power levels of different heating circuits based on current temperature requirements, making the single device as adaptable as multiple specialized thermostats would be.
4Speed
If heating output is maintained at high levels, then heating speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device applies partial action by activating only the necessary heating circuits and power levels required to meet the temperature demand. Instead of always maintaining high heating output, it selectively activates the first heating circuit, second heating circuit, or both at appropriate power levels, thereby achieving sufficient heating speed while avoiding excessive energy consumption.
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 solution provides energy-saving, efficient, and user-friendly operation by gradually reducing heating output as the target temperature is approached, allowing for reliable long-term functionality and efficient use of alternative energy sources, with reserve heating circuits for increased reliability.
Implementation Method 1
When the heating conductor is subjected to voltage, it releases heat
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor for measuring the actual temperature
Implementation Method 3
the second energy source is designed as an individual alternative energy source, such as a photovoltaic system or wind turbine
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
An electric heating device (10), in particular underfloor heating, which can be connected to a first electrical energy source (16), with a heating conductor device (12), with a first heating circuit (14.1) and a first power stage (L1), at least a second heating circuit (14.2) with a second power stage (L2) and/or further heating circuits (14.3) with further power levels (L3), a heating temperature setting unit (24) for setting the setpoint temperature, a temperature sensor (18) for measuring the actual temperature, a device for activating the heating element device (12) depending on the respective values of the setpoint and actual temperature, characterized in that a single control device (20) with a control module (22) is provided, which is designed as a multi-stage controller and is connected between the first energy source (16) and the heating element (12), wherein the heating temperature setting unit (24) and the temperature sensor (18) send their signals to the control device (20) and the control module (22) activates or deactivates one or more power levels (L1, L2, L3) of the heating circuits (14.1, 14.2, 14.3) individually or in combination depending on the difference between the setpoint and actual value.