EP4273457A1 - Method, system and computer program product for controlling a heat and / or cold generator - Google Patents

Abstract

System, method and computer program product for controlling a heat and/or cold generator, in particular an air-air heat pump. The method includes the steps of detecting a control variable of a volume flow control device, which is set up to control an air flow from the heat and/or cold generator to an air outlet opening of a room, and controlling the heat and/or cold generator depending on the detected control variable.

Description

Technical background

In recent years, heat generators such as heat pumps, biomass boilers, gas boilers, gas boilers, oil boilers, district heating stations, etc. have been continuously developed in order to increase the efficiency of heat generation and heat transfer. What connects the various heat generators is that they each have particularly efficient operating modes or operating modes and less efficient operating modes or operating modes.

Depending on the heat generator, the efficiency of the heat generator can be optimized to higher temperatures, for example between 50°C and 120°C, or to lower temperatures, in particular between 30°C and 50°C.

For many heat generators, heat generation is particularly inefficient and wear and tear is particularly high when the heat generator's operating times and/or pause times are relatively short. These short operating times and/or pause times are also referred to as cycling or stuttering operation. Consequently, it is desirable that clocking or stuttering is avoided as much as possible.

Based on this, it is the object of the invention to provide a method, a system and/or a computer program product for controlling a heat and/or cold generator, which solve the problem of clocking or stuttering operation.

Description

The task is solved with the features of the independent patent claims. The dependent claims relate to particular embodiments of the invention.

One aspect of the invention relates to a method for controlling a heat and/or cold generator. A heat generator can be a heat pump, in particular an air-to-air heat pump, a brine-to-water heat pump, a water-to-water heat pump or an air-to-water heat pump etc., a gas boiler, a gas boiler, a biomass boiler, an oil boiler, a district heating transfer station, an electric heater, which includes is set up to convert electrical energy into thermal energy, etc. (heat generator types). Examples of a cold generator are the heat pump, refrigeration machines, etc. A cold generator can, for example, generate cold or extract heat energy using evaporative cooling, the Joule-Thomson effect, Peltier effect (thermoelectric cooling), magnetic cooling (magnetocaloric effect), etc.

A heat and cold generator can be, for example, a heat pump, a cold generator in which both the cold generated and the heat extracted can be used, or a combination of heat generators and cold generators.

The method includes the steps of detecting a control variable of a volume flow control device, which is set up to control an air flow from the heat and/or cold generator to an air outlet opening of a room, and controlling the heat and/or cold generator depending on the detected control variable. Air can flow from a supply air pipe into a room to be supplied with air via an air outlet opening. In some embodiments, a volume flow control device may passively regulate an air flow by regulating an air passage area and/or a frictional resistance. In some embodiments, a volume flow control device can actively regulate the air flow, for example by means of an externally driven turbomachine, such as a fan.

Detecting the control variable of the volume flow control device can include detecting a control signal that controls the volume flow control device and/or detecting a control variable and/or an operating state of the volume flow control device by a sensor. In some embodiments, detecting the control variable of the volume flow control device can involve detecting an air volume flow regulation, in particular a position of an air flap, and/or a control of an Be or include fans etc. In some embodiments, the volume flow control device may be a pneumatic (thermostatic) valve.

This makes it particularly easy to coordinate the generation of heat or cold with the loss of heat or cold in a room via the ventilation of the room. As a result, short inefficient operating intervals of the heat and/or cold generator due to heat or cold that is generated but not consumed can be avoided and the efficiency of the heat and/or cold generator can be improved. This leads to lower wear on the heat and/or cold generator and lower energy consumption.

For example, the heat and/or cold generator can be controlled in such a way that if there is no or only a small air volume flow from the heat and/or cold generator to the one or more air outlet openings, the heat and/or cold generator does not operate or only with Low power is operated in a heat generation operation or cold generation operation, in particular not even if there is a heat or cold requirement. Advantageously, the heat generator and the air outlet opening can be connected to one another via a volume flow control device using ventilation pipes, ventilation shafts and/or ventilation hoses, etc. This avoids a build-up of heat or cold on the heat and/or cold generator, which can lead to “stuttering”.

A particularly advantageous embodiment can also include the step of determining, depending on the detected control variable of a plurality of volume flow control devices, at least one, in particular one or more, from the group: a reference control variable, a minimum control variable, an average control variable and/or a maximum control variable, whereby the The heat and/or cold generator can be controlled depending on the reference control variable, the minimum control variable, the average control variable and/or the maximum control variable.

This allows a large number of data from the control variables to be summarized in a simple manner and for controlling the heat and/or cold generator be used. At the same time, it can be ensured particularly elegantly that the heat or cold is generated as needed.

In some embodiments, the heat and/or cold generator can be switched off or operated with reduced power if one or more control variables prevent or reduce an air flow from the heat and/or cold generator to an air outlet opening or the control variable of one or more volume flow control devices falls below a predetermined Limit value or above a specified limit value - depending on the definition of the control variable. This can ensure that heat or cold generated by the heat and/or cold generator is also removed. This means that heat or cold build-up on the heat and/or cold generator, which can lead to "stuttering operation", is avoided.

In some embodiments, the heat and/or cold generator can be switched off when the minimum control variable falls below a first control limit, the maximum control variable falls below a second control limit, the average control variable falls below a third control limit and/or the reference control variable falls below a fourth control limit. The designation of the tax limit values as the first, second, third and fourth tax limit values only serves to differentiate, has no numerical meaning and also has no ordering effect. Accordingly, a small control variable can represent a small air flow from the heat and/or cold generator to the one or more air outlet openings. In some embodiments, the control variable and the control limits can be defined in opposite ways.

In a particularly adapted embodiment, the determination of a reference control variable, a minimum control variable, an average control variable and/or a maximum control variable can take place depending on a weighting of the control variable of the plurality of volume flow control devices. In some embodiments, the weighting can depend on physical properties, such as spatial properties of a room whose heat or cold supply is controlled by a corresponding volume flow control device, pipe properties, the design of an air outlet opening, in particular one Air outlet opening type, and / or a heat and / or cold generator, in particular a heat and / or cold generator type, etc., done.

In some embodiments, the reference control variable, the minimum, the maximum and/or the average control variable can be determined depending on weighted control variables.

In some embodiments, the determination of a reference control variable, a minimum control variable, an average control variable and/or a maximum control variable can be determined depending on physical properties, such as spatial properties of a room whose heat or cold supply is controlled by a corresponding volume flow control device, pipe properties, the air outlet opening , in particular an air outlet opening type, a heat and / or cold generator, in particular a heat and / or cold generator type, etc., done. A distinction regarding the air outlet opening can include a distinction regarding the area size of the opening, regarding the air flow characteristics and air turbulence generated by the air outlet opening and/or the directional characteristic, etc.

Room properties can be, for example, a room size, thermal insulation of the room, a position of the room in a building, in particular a floor, an outer wall length of the room, window areas, an exposure of the room, etc. Examples of the exposure of a room are an orientation of the room in relation to the rest of the building to the south, north, west, southwest, etc. Examples of pipe properties are thermal insulation of the pipe, a pipe structure, a pipe length between heat and/or Refrigeration generator and air outlet opening, a pipe cross section of the pipe, a frictional resistance of the pipe to the air, type and frequency of bends in the pipe, etc.

A particularly adaptable embodiment can include a step of determining a pneumatic adjustment between the plurality of volume flow control devices, wherein the determination of a reference control variable, a minimum control variable, an average control variable and / or a maximum control variable takes place depending on the determined pneumatic adjustment.

This has the advantage that control variables are taken into account depending on a pneumatic adjustment and therefore control variables can be used to control the heat and/or cold generator without the influence of pneumatic differences.

In a particularly further developed embodiment, the heat and/or cold generator can be controlled in such a way that the reference control variable, the minimum control variable, the average control variable and/or the maximum control variable are regulated to a predetermined value.

As a result, the generation of heat or cold by the heat and/or cold generator can be particularly adapted to an actual heat requirement or cold requirement, so that a room temperature corresponds to a predetermined value.

In a particularly adapted embodiment, a volume flow control device or a plurality of volume flow control devices can be arranged in an air distribution circuit, and the heat and/or cold generator can also be controlled depending on a type of air distribution circuit. An air distribution circuit can advantageously comprise one or more air outlet openings. In some embodiments, an air distribution circuit may further include a fan configured to generate an airflow. An example of an air distribution circuit type is a bathroom air distribution circuit, where higher temperatures are often desired. Likewise, a lower temperature may be desired for a pantry air distribution circuit. Furthermore, an air distribution circuit type can be determined depending on a desired and/or maximum fresh air temperature. For example, a distinction can be made between air distribution circuits with higher air temperatures and air distribution circuits with lower air temperatures. Furthermore, an air distribution circuit type can be subdivided in terms of a surface to be heated or cooled by the air distribution circuit/a room volume to be heated or cooled by the air distribution circuit. This allows special features of a control variable based on an air distribution circuit type to be taken into account. Possible distinguishing features regarding an air distribution circuit type are a lower Temperature, a higher temperature, designs of the air outlet openings, pipe cross-sections and pipe cross-section shapes, etc.

In a particularly flexible embodiment, a plurality of volume flow control devices can be arranged in a plurality of air distribution circuits, and the heat and/or cold generator can be controlled depending on one or more air distribution circuits of the plurality of air distribution circuits, in particular depending on a type of air distribution circuit. This means that special features of control variables based on an air distribution circuit type can be taken into account, especially when there are several air distribution circuits. This ensures that a heating or cooling requirement of an air distribution circuit is met and at the same time wear and energy consumption is reduced.

In a particularly adapted embodiment, the heat and/or cold generator can also be controlled depending on a type of heat and/or cold generator. This makes it possible, for example, to take into account an advantageous mode of operation of the heat and/or cold generator, so that it can be operated particularly efficiently, with little wear and energy saving. For example, particularly efficient working areas of the heat and/or cold generator can be preferred.

In a particularly further developed embodiment, the heat and/or cold generator can also be controlled depending on an actual room temperature. As a result, the heat and/or cold generator can be operated in a particularly adapted manner to a heat or cold requirement. In some embodiments, the heat and/or cold generator can also be controlled depending on a target room temperature. As a result, heat or cold generation by the heat and/or cold generator can be adapted to the target room temperature with regard to the supply air temperature that emerges from the air outlet opening. Since a lower supply air temperature can often be provided more energy-efficiently, this can increase efficiency.

In a particularly intelligent embodiment, the heat and/or cold generator can also be controlled depending on an outside temperature.

By taking an outside temperature into account, heat radiation or heat absorption of a room, especially to or from outside, can be compensated for in a particularly effective manner. In addition, the operation of the heat and/or cold generator can then be particularly adapted to an original temperature of the fresh air/supply air.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a step of detecting an outside temperature for controlling the heat and/or cold generator can be omitted. This has the advantage that an outside temperature sensor, which is difficult to install and prone to errors due to weather influences, becomes unnecessary or can be omitted. This in turn can reduce installation and maintenance costs. In some embodiments, the heat and/or cold generator can advantageously be controlled independently of an outside temperature. This is possible in particular because the information regarding the control variables makes it possible to draw conclusions about the heating or cooling requirements.

A particularly flexibly retrofittable method can include the step of estimating a control variable of a further volume flow control device, the control variable of which is not recorded in the step of detecting the control variable. The control of the heat and/or cold generator can then additionally take place depending on the estimated control variable of the further volume flow control device and/or the determination of the reference control variable, the minimum control variable, the average control variable and/or maximum control variable can then additionally take place depending on the estimated control variable . In some embodiments, the estimation of a control variable of a further volume flow control device, the control variable of which is not detected in the step of detecting the control variable of several volume flow control devices, can take place depending on a target room temperature, an actual room temperature and/or an outside temperature. In some embodiments, the non-detected control variable can be estimated depending on one or more detected control variables.

This means that volume flow control devices whose control variable cannot be recorded, for example due to a lack of sensors or a defect technical design etc., must be taken into account accordingly when controlling the heat and/or cold generator.

A particularly developed method can also include the steps of providing one or more target temperatures T _n,set for one or more rooms to be heated and/or cooled, detecting an actual temperature T _n,ist for the one or more rooms to be heated and/or cooled Rooms, determining a difference ΔT _n between a setpoint T _{n, target} of a room to be heated and / or cooled of the one or more rooms to be heated and / or cooled and the actual temperature T _{n, is} of the room to be heated and / or cooled , and controlling the heat and/or cold generator additionally depending on the determined difference ΔT _n . This allows the heat and/or cold generator to be controlled particularly in line with requirements.

In some embodiments, in particular independently of the difference determined, the heat and/or cold generator can be controlled depending on the actual temperature T _n,ist of the one or more rooms and the one or more target temperature T _n, set. Accordingly, the step of determining the difference can then be omitted in some embodiments.

In a particularly easy-to-maintain embodiment, the method can include the steps of comparing one or more determined differences ΔT _n with the recorded one or more control variables; and outputting an error message depending on the comparison result.

For example, it can be an indication of an error if there is a very high temperature difference ΔT _n and at the same time the control variable allows no or only a small air flow from the heat and/or cold generator to the air outlet opening in a room to be heated and/or cooled. Conversely, an error can also be detected, for example, if the control variable allows no or only a small air flow from the heat and/or cold generator to the air outlet opening in a room to be heated and/or cooled and the determined difference ΔT _n (ΔT _n is relative or very small) suggests that a room is overheating or cooling down. A very high temperature difference can occur if the temperature difference is above a specified limit. A very small temperature difference can exist if the temperature difference is below another specified limit.

This has the advantage that an error can be detected particularly quickly and therefore remedied.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a system for controlling a heat and/or cold generator. The system comprises a detection unit which is set up to detect a control variable of a volume flow control device, wherein the volume flow control device is set up to control a volume flow of an air flow from the heat and/or cold generator to an air outlet opening of a room by means of the control variable, and a Control unit that is set up to control the heat and/or cold generator depending on the detected control variable.

A particularly developed system can also include a determination unit which is set up to determine a reference control variable, a minimum control variable, an average control variable and/or a maximum control variable depending on the detected control variable of a plurality of volume flow control devices, wherein the control unit can be set up for this purpose to control the heat and/or cold generator depending on the reference control variable, the minimum control variable, the average control variable and/or the maximum control variable.

A particularly advantageous system can provide one or more setpoint generators, which provide a setpoint temperature T _n,soll for one or more rooms to be heated and/or cooled, and at least one temperature sensor per room to be heated and/or cooled for detecting an actual temperature T _n,is of the room to be heated and/or cooled, wherein the control unit can be set up to control the heat and/or cold generator additionally depending on the one or more target temperatures T _n,soll and the actual temperature T _n,ist to control one or more rooms. In some embodiments, the control unit can be set up to additionally control the heat and/or cold generator depending on a difference ΔT _n between a setpoint T _n,set of a room to be heated and/or cooled or several rooms to be heated and/or cooled and the actual temperatures T _{n of the one or more rooms to be heated and/or cooled are} to be controlled.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a computer program product comprising program instructions which cause the computer to execute the method according to one of method claims 1 to 14 when the computer program product is loaded onto the computer or executed.

This has the advantage that the process can be carried out particularly elegantly and retrofitted.

Description of the characters

• Fig. 1 and 2 each show schematically a method for controlling a heat and/or cold generator according to an embodiment of the invention.
• Fig. 3 shows schematically a system for controlling a heat and/or cold generator according to an embodiment of the invention.
• Fig. 4 and 5 each show schematically a system for controlling a heat and/or cold generator according to an embodiment of the invention.
• Fig. 6a shows schematically in a diagram a course of the heat requirement placed on a heat generator as a function of time in a method according to an embodiment according to the invention and in a conventional method.
• Fig. 6b shows schematically in a diagram a minimum, an average and a maximum control variable as a function of time according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 1 shows schematically a method for controlling a heat and/or cold generator according to an embodiment of the invention. The method includes a step S10 detecting a control variable of a volume flow control device, which is designed to control an air flow from the heat and/or cold generator to an air outlet opening of a room. A volume flow control device can be a component for shutting off and/or controlling a volume flow of air. A volume flow control device can be, for example, a throttle valve, an adjustable throttle valve, a lockable throttle valve, a lockable throttle valve, a louvre flap or a mixed form of the ones just mentioned. In some embodiments, the volume flow control device can actively, ie with electronic support, or passively regulate an air volume flow to a predetermined constant and/or a predetermined variable setpoint. In some embodiments, a volume flow control device can reduce a volume flow by reducing the cross section or by air turbulence. In some embodiments, a volume flow control device can be implemented using a fan.

The control variable can be detected, for example, by detecting a control signal that is set up to control a volume flow control device. In some embodiments, a control variable can be detected, for example, using a sensor. In some embodiments, for example, a control variable can be detected using a volume flow sensor, flow sensor and/or flow sensor.

Furthermore, the method includes a step S11 controlling the heat and/or cold generator depending on the detected control variable. Controlling the heat and/or cold generator can include controlling a fuel supply, controlling an oxygen supply, igniting a flame, changing the operating mode, operating a heat pump, in particular an air-air heat pump or an air-water heat pump, etc ., and/or controlling a pump etc. include. Examples of a heat generator are a heat pump, a gas boiler, a gas boiler, a biomass boiler, an oil boiler, a district heating transfer station, etc. (heat generator types). Examples of a cold generator are the heat pump, refrigeration machines, etc. A cold generator can, for example, generate cold or extract heat energy using evaporative cooling, the Joule-Thomson effect, Peltier effect (thermoelectric cooling), magnetic cooling (magnetocaloric effect), etc.

A heat and cold generator can be, for example, a heat pump, a cold generator in which both the cold generated and the heat extracted can be used, or a combination of heat and cold generators.

Optionally, the method can also include a step S12 of determining a reference control variable, a minimum control variable, an average control variable and/or a maximum control variable depending on the detected control variable of a plurality of volume flow control devices. A reference control variable can be determined, for example, using a mathematical function with the control variable of the plurality of volume flow control devices as an input parameter. In particular, the control variables can be weighted depending on the volume flow control devices.

The control of the heat and/or cold generator depending on the detected control variable according to step S11 can then take place depending on the reference control variable, the minimum control variable, the average control variable and/or the maximum control variable.

Advantageously, the control variable can be recorded as a function of a pneumatic adjustment. In particular, the detected control variable can be detected relative to a pneumatic adjustment. For example, differences in the fresh air supply/supply air supply to the air outlet openings due to pneumatic effects can be compensated for.

In some embodiments, the method may additionally include a step S13 of estimating a control variable of a further volume flow control device, the control variable of which is not detected in the step of detecting the control variable.

In some embodiments, the method may include the step S14 of estimating a control variable of a further volume flow control device, the control variable of which is not detected in the step of detecting the control variable, depending on a target room temperature, an actual room temperature and/or an outside temperature. Due to method step S13 or S14, the control of the heat and/or Cold generator additionally depending on the control variable of the further volume flow control device and, if necessary, determining the reference control variable, the minimum control variable, the average control variable and / or the maximum control variable additionally depending on the estimated control variable.

In some embodiments, the heat and/or cold generator can be controlled independently of an outside temperature.

Fig. 2 shows schematically a method for controlling a heat and/or cold generator according to an embodiment of the invention. This in Fig. 2 The method shown is based on that in Fig. 1 procedures shown. Accordingly, this can be done in Fig. 2 Methods shown optionally one or more of the in Fig. 1 Include steps S12, S13 and/or S14 shown and steps S10 and/or S11 can be adapted accordingly.

The method can optionally include step S21 determining a pneumatic adjustment between a plurality of volume flow control devices. Accordingly, in step S11, the heat and/or cold generator can also be controlled depending on the determined pneumatic adjustment. In some embodiments, the reference control variable, the minimum control variable, the average control variable and/or maximum control variable can then be determined depending on the determined pneumatic adjustment. By means of a pneumatic adjustment, circumstances can be compensated for that lead to different volume flows between individual air outlet openings, even if all volume flow control devices are completely open. This uneven distribution can arise, for example, due to different line lengths, different frictional resistances, different line cross-sections and/or the bends used, etc. between the heat and/or cold generator and the air outlet opening. This uneven distribution can be compensated for using pneumatic adjustment.

In some embodiments, the method may optionally include steps S22, S23 and/or S24. In a step S22, one or more Target temperatures T _{n should} be provided for one or more rooms to be heated and/or cooled. A target temperature can be provided, for example, by reading a value from a storage unit. In some embodiments, a target temperature may be provided by a human-machine interface, in particular by means of user input. In some embodiments, a target temperature value can be received from another unit, in particular by means of a communication unit. In the optional step S23, an actual temperature of the one or more rooms to be heated and/or cooled can be recorded. This can be done in particular using a temperature sensor. In some embodiments, an actual temperature value can be received from another unit, in particular by a communication unit.

In the optional step S24, a difference ΔT _n between the setpoint T _n,set of a room to be heated and/or cooled of the one or more rooms to be heated and/or cooled and the actual temperature T _n,ist of the room to be heated and /or room to be cooled can be determined. This can be done, for example, by comparing the values. The control of the heat and/or cold generator in step S11 can then also take place depending on the determined temperature difference ΔT _n . The variable n can enable an assignment to a space. In some embodiments, the volume flow control devices can also be assigned to rooms, so that an association between a difference ΔT _n and one or more volume flow control devices is possible. A room can be a closed room, a section of room or several rooms schematically combined into one room.

In some embodiments, the method may also optionally include steps S25 and S26. In step S25, one or more determined differences ΔT _n can be compared with the determined one or more control variables, in particular the volume flow control devices that control an air supply to the room n. For example, control variables relative to a pneumatic adjustment can be used for this comparison. In some embodiments, a control variable can be used for this comparison depending on the pneumatic adjustment be used. In step S26, an error message can then be output depending on the comparison result of step S25.

In some embodiments, method steps of in Figure 2 The procedure shown is part of the in Figure 1 the method shown. In some embodiments, the ones in the Figures 1 and 2 The method steps shown can be combined with one another as desired.

In some embodiments, the in the Figures 1 and 2 methods shown or a combination of those in the Figures 1 and 2 Steps shown in the method shown can be added, omitted, summarized, divided into several steps, and their order can be changed without affecting the essence of the invention. In some embodiments, steps may be replaced with steps having the same effect without changing the essence of the invention.

In some embodiments, the ones in the Figures 1 and 2 methods shown or a combination of those in the Figures 1 and 2 The method shown can be carried out as a computer program product.

Fig. 3 shows schematically a system for controlling a heat and/or cold generator according to an embodiment of the invention. The system 30 includes a detection unit 31 and a control unit 32. The detection unit 31 is set up to detect a control variable of a volume flow control device, the volume flow control device being set up to control an air volume flow from the heat and/or cold generator to an air outlet opening of a room to be controlled using the control variable. The control unit 32 is set up to control the heat and/or cold generator depending on the detected control variable.

Optionally, the system 30 can include a determination unit 33, which is set up to determine a reference control variable, a minimum control variable, an average control variable and/or a maximum control variable depending on the detected control variable of a plurality of volume flow control devices. The control unit can then be set up to control the heat and/or To control the cold generator depending on the reference control variable, the minimum control variable, the average control variable and / or the maximum control variable.

In some embodiments, the system 30 may include a reconciliation unit (not shown). Figure 3 shown), which is set up to determine a pneumatic balance between the air outlet openings. The heat and/or cold generator can then also be controlled depending on the pneumatic adjustment. In particular, the reference control variable, the minimum control variable, the average control variable and/or the maximum control variable can then be determined depending on the pneumatic adjustment.

In some embodiments, the control unit can be set up to control the heat and/or cold generator in such a way that the reference control variable, the minimum control variable, the average control variable and/or the maximum control variable is regulated to a predetermined value.

In some embodiments, the control unit can be set up to additionally control the heat and/or cold generator depending on a type of air distribution circuit in which a volume flow control device, the control variable of which is used to control the heat and/or cold generator, is arranged.

In some embodiments, the control unit can additionally control the heat and/or cold generator depending on a type of heat and/or cold generator. As a result, the control unit can adapt the heat or cold generation of the heat and/or cold generator in such a way that particularly efficient operating modes of the heat and/or cold generator, in particular with regard to the operating time, the break time, the heating or cooling capacity and/or the Heating or cooling temperature are preferred.

Optionally, the system 30 can include a setpoint generator 34 and a temperature sensor 35. The setpoint generator can be set up to provide a setpoint temperature for one or more rooms to be heated and/or cooled. The temperature sensor 35 can be set up to measure an actual temperature to detect the room to be heated and/or cooled. The control unit 32 can then be set up to additionally control the heat and/or cold generator depending on the actual temperature and the target temperature, in particular depending on a difference ΔT _n between the target value T _{n, target} of a room to be heated and/or cooled of the one or more rooms to be heated and/or cooled and the actual temperature T _n of the room to be heated.

In some embodiments, in particular independently of the difference determined, the heat and/or cold generator can be controlled depending on the actual temperature T _n,ist of the one or more rooms and the one or more target temperature T _n, set. Accordingly, the step of determining the difference can then be omitted in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the control unit 32 can also be set up to control the heat and/or cold generator depending on an outside temperature.

In some embodiments, the control unit 32 can be set up to control the heat and/or cold generator independently of an outside temperature.

In some embodiments, the system 30 may include an estimator (not included). Fig. 3 shown), which is set up to provide an estimated control variable of a further volume flow control device, the control variable of which is not detected by the detection unit 31. This can be done, for example, by an estimate by the estimation unit. In some embodiments, the estimated control quantity may be provided by a user through a human-machine interface.

In some embodiments, an estimate can be made by the estimation unit depending on a target room temperature, an actual room temperature, one or more detected control variables and/or an outside temperature.

The control unit 32 can then be set up to additionally control the heat and/or cold generator depending on the estimated control variable To control the volume flow control device and/or the determination unit 33 can then be set up to additionally determine the reference control variable, the minimum control variable, the maximum control variable and/or the average control variable depending on the estimated control variable.

In some embodiments, units of system 30 may be combined, split, added, and/or omitted without affecting the spirit of the invention. In the Fig. 3 The connections shown between the units are purely exemplary, i.e. there may be further connections between the units, or connections between the units that are in Fig. 3 shown can be omitted.

Fig. 4 shows schematically a system according to an embodiment of the invention. The system 40 includes a first air distribution circuit 41 and a second air distribution circuit 43. The air distribution circuits 41 and 43 are supplied with heated or cooled air by means of a heat and/or cold generator 45. A volume flow through the air distribution circuit 41 is controlled by means of a volume flow control device 42. A volume flow control device 44 controls the air volume flow that flows into the air distribution circuit 43. According to the system 40, outside air/fresh air 50 can be heated or cooled using a heat and/or cold generator 45. This air can then be directed via volume flow control devices into air distribution circuits with air outlet openings into rooms to be heated and/or cooled. The outside air can, for example, be actively heated or cooled by the heat and/or cold generator directly or via a medium, for example a heat exchanger.

In some embodiments, the outside air can be passively preheated or precooled via a heat exchanger/temperature recovery 51 using exhaust air from one or more rooms. In some embodiments, the temperature recovery 51 can be deactivated by means of a bypass 55, in particular if the exhaust air cannot contribute to heating or cooling the outside air/fresh air/supply air 50 due to its temperature, in particular relative to a temperature of the outside air 50. Preferably, the outside air can be filtered in one or more embodiments so that dust particles, pollen and other particles are not brought into rooms via the air outlet openings or only in smaller numbers.

Fig. 5 shows schematically a system according to an embodiment of the invention. This in Fig. 5 System 40 shown differs from that in Fig. 4 shown system 40 in that the air distribution circuit 41 includes two air outlet openings 411 and 413. In this embodiment, the air outlet openings 411 and 413 are each preceded by volume flow control devices 412, 414, so that the air volume flow to the air outlet openings 411 and 413 can be controlled individually.

Volume flow control devices connected in series and/or volume flow control devices connected in parallel can, in some embodiments, be schematically combined to form a volume flow control device with a resulting control variable.

For example, if there is a heat request from one of the air circulation circuits 31, 32, but the volume flow control devices 42, 44 and 46 are closed or only slightly open, the heat and/or cold generator 45 can overheat, so that it is switched off prematurely , as the heat is not absorbed. If the heat transfer medium in the heat and/or cold generator 45 cools down again, the heat and/or cold generator 45 generates heat again due to the heat requirement.

This can be referred to as clocking or stuttering. In order to counteract this, according to the invention, the control variables of the volume flow control devices 42, 44, 412, 414 are taken into account when controlling the heat and/or cold generator 45, so that the heat and/or cold generator 45 only generates heat or cold when It can be ensured that the heat or cold generated can be transported from the heat and/or cold generator to a heat consumer or cold consumer, in particular an air outlet opening.

In some embodiments, there may also be additional heat or cold consumers, such as hot water circuits, heating circuits, cooling circuits, which are set up to do so To remove heat or cold from the heat and/or cold generator. In some embodiments, these can advantageously be taken into account analogously. For example, valve positions etc. can be used as a measure of a decrease in heat or cold.

Advantageously, the control variables of the volume flow control devices 412, 414, 42, 44 can be used to control the heat and/or cold generator 45 depending on a pneumatic adjustment. This can have the advantage that the control variable of a volume flow control device used to control the heat and/or cold generator 45 reflects the presence of an air volume flow from the heat and/or cold generator to a heat or cold consumer, such as the air outlet opening, in a particularly meaningful way.

Fig. 6a shows schematically in a diagram a course of the heat requirement placed on a heat generator as a function of time in a method according to an embodiment according to the invention and in a conventional method. The time in a day is plotted on the x-axis of the diagram. The determined heat requirement is plotted in °C on the y-axis. The graph 601 shows the course of the determined heat requirement as a function of time, the determined heat requirement being determined according to a conventional method. The graph 602 shows the course of the determined heat requirement as a function of time, the determined heat requirement being determined according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6b shows schematically in a diagram a minimum, an average and a maximum control variable as a function of time according to an embodiment of the invention. The time in a day is plotted on the x-axis of the diagram. The control variable is plotted on the y-axis as a degree of opening in percent. The degree of opening can be determined, for example, by an air volume flow controlled by the volume flow control device. In some embodiments, the degree of opening can be determined depending on a geometric size of an opening controlled by the volume flow control device. In some embodiments, the degree of opening can be standardized depending on a pneumatic adjustment. Consequently, the degree of opening represents the control variable here.

In Fig. 6b the time course of a maximum control variable 701, an average control variable 702 and a minimum control variable 703 is shown. The maximum, the minimum and the average control variable can be determined depending on a plurality of control variables. The volume flow control devices in Fig. 6b used to determine the minimum, average and maximum tax variables are in accordance with in Fig. 6a The determined heat requirement shown is supplied with heat.

As in Fig. 6a As can be seen, the determined heat requirement 601 according to the prior art is increased from the night-time reduction to approximately 42°C to a daytime value of approximately 46°C around 6:00 a.m. This then levels off over the course of the day to around 45°C until around 8:00 p.m. From around 8:00 p.m. to around 9:00 p.m., the heat requirement is reduced to around 41°C according to a night reduction and then maintained at around 41° or 42°C over the course of the night.

Like from the Fig. 6a and 6b As can be seen, there is a strong interaction between graphs 602 and 701 or 702. Since between 00:00 a.m. and around 5:00 a.m. the average control variable 702 or the maximum control variable is relatively low (less than or equal to 10% or less than or equal to 50%), the heat requirement determined increases from around 28°C to around 34° C increased during this period in accordance with the change in the average or maximum tax size.

However, since the decrease in heat energy during this period is relatively small, as can be seen from graphs 701, 702 and 703, the determined heat requirement is reduced in accordance with the method according to the invention. That is, if the control variables, in particular a minimum, an average and/or a maximum control variable, are relatively small (smaller than a predetermined value or no flow), for example a determined heat requirement of the heat generator and/or an air volume flow can be reduced.

How out Fig. 6b Furthermore, the air volume flow is increased by means of the volume flow control device between approximately 5:00 a.m. and approximately 7:00 a.m. This can occur, for example, as a result of an end time of a night-time reduction.

Accordingly, the determined heat requirement 602 increases to a value of approximately 58 ° C during this period. As a result, the volume flow control devices are closed again slightly between approximately 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. and consequently the determined heat requirement is reduced to approximately 47°C. That is, if the control variables, in particular a minimum, an average and/or a maximum control variable, are relatively large (large flow), for example a heat requirement for the heat generator and/or an air volume flow can be increased.

Furthermore, it can be seen that the control variables of the volume flow control devices change depending on the heat requirements determined, so that, for example, there is a predetermined temperature in a room, etc.

Advantageously, the heat generator can be controlled in such a way that the minimum, average and/or maximum control variable is regulated to a predetermined value. Depending on the control parameter, overshooting, such as around 7:00 a.m., 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., can be avoided or reduced. For example, in some embodiments, overshoot can be reduced by additional sensor values from additional sensors.

In summary, from the Fig. 6a and 6b It can be seen that in the method according to the invention by controlling the heat generator depending on the control variables, the control variables can be optimized at the same time, so that the determined heat requirement for the heat generator can be reduced. The result of this is that heat losses, in particular due to heat radiation from line pipes, are reduced due to the lower heat gradients from the heat transfer medium to the line environment and thus energy losses. As a consequence, the efficiency and, especially in the case of a heat pump, the running times can be advantageously optimized.

The use of the minimum, average and/or maximum control variable is only an example. In particular, the result of a mathematical function with the control variables can be used as input parameters to control the heat generator become. A mathematical function can in particular be set up to weight the individual control variables and then determine a minimum, maximum or average control variable.

In the Fig. 6a and 6b The method according to the invention was explained using a heat generator. However, the statements made apply equally to a cold generator and a mixed form of heat and cold generator. The temperatures, control variables and limit values must be modified accordingly.

Claims (15)

Method for controlling a heat and/or cold generator, in particular an air-air heat pump, comprising the steps: - Detecting a control variable of a volume flow control device, which is set up to control an air flow from the heat and/or cold generator to an air outlet opening of a room, and - Controlling the heat and/or cold generator depending on the recorded control variable. Method according to claim 1 comprising the step: Depending on the detected control variable of a plurality of volume flow control devices, determining at least one from the group: a reference control variable, a minimum control variable, an average control variable and/or a maximum control variable, where the heat and/or cold generator is controlled depending on the reference control variable, the minimum control variable, the average control variable and/or maximum control variable. The method of claim 2, wherein
the determination of a reference control variable, a minimum control variable, an average control variable and / or a maximum control variable takes place depending on a weighting of the control variable of the plurality of volume flow control devices. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3 comprising the step: Determining a pneumatic balance between the plurality of volume flow control devices, wherein the reference control variable, the minimum control variable, the average control variable and/or maximum control variable are determined depending on the determined pneumatic adjustment. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
the heat and/or cold generator is controlled in such a way that the reference control variable, the minimum control variable, the average control variable or the maximum control variable is regulated to a predetermined value. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a volume flow control device or a plurality of volume flow control devices are arranged in an air distribution circuit, and the control of the heat and/or cold generator also takes place depending on a type of air distribution circuit. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a plurality of volume flow control devices are arranged in a plurality of air distribution circuits, and the heat and/or cold generator is controlled depending on one or more air distribution circuits of the plurality of air distribution circuits, in particular depending on a type of air distribution circuit. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the heat and/or cold generator is additionally controlled depending on a type of heat and/or cold generator; and or the heat and/or cold generator is additionally controlled depending on an actual room temperature and a target room temperature. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the heat and/or cold generator is additionally controlled depending on an outside temperature; or A step of detecting an outside temperature to control the heat and/or cold generator is eliminated. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the method comprises at least one of the following steps: Estimating a control variable of a further volume flow control device whose control variable is not recorded in the step of detecting the control variable, or Estimating a control variable of a further volume flow control device, the control variable of which is not detected in the step of detecting the control variable of several volume flow control devices, depending on a target room temperature, an actual room temperature and / or an outside temperature, where the control of the heat and/or cold generator additionally takes place depending on the estimated control variable of the further volume flow control device and/or the determination of the reference control variable, the minimum control variable, the average control variable and/or maximum control variable additionally takes place depending on the estimated control variable. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, comprising the steps: Providing one or more target temperatures T _{n, target} for one or more rooms to be heated and/or cooled, Detecting an actual temperature T _{n is} for the one or more rooms to be heated and/or cooled, and Determining a difference ΔT _n between a setpoint T _n,set of a room to be heated and/or cooled of the one or more rooms to be heated and/or cooled and the actual temperature T _n,ist of the room to be heated and/or cooled space, whereby the heat and/or cold generator is additionally controlled depending on the determined difference ΔT _n . Method according to claim 11 comprising the steps: Comparing one or more determined differences ΔT _n with the recorded one or more control variables; Outputting an error message depending on the comparison result. System for controlling a heat and/or cold generator comprising: a detection unit which is set up to detect a control variable of a volume flow control device, wherein the volume flow control device is set up to control an air volume flow from the heat and/or cold generator to an air outlet opening of a room by means of the control variable, and a control unit that is set up to control the heat and/or cold generator depending on the detected control variable. System according to claim 13 comprising: - one or more setpoint generators that provide a setpoint temperature T _n, set for one or more rooms to be heated and/or cooled, - at least one temperature sensor per room to be heated and/or cooled for detecting an actual temperature T _{n, is} the one or more rooms to be heated and/or cooled, where the control unit is set up to additionally control the heat and/or cold generator depending on a difference ΔT _n between a setpoint T _n of a room to be heated and/or cooled of the one or more rooms to be heated and/or cooled and the Actual temperatures T _{n of the one or more rooms to be heated and/or cooled are} to be controlled. Computer program product comprising program instructions that cause the computer to execute the method according to one of method claims 1 to 12 when the computer program product is loaded onto the computer or executed.

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