DE102021131465A1 - Method for operating a heating system, computer program, storage medium, regulation and control device, heating device and use of a locking device - Google Patents

Abstract

The method proposed here for operating a heating system (10), having a heater (1) with a burner (3) whose combustion products can be discharged via an exhaust duct (9) and an exhaust system (14), comprises at least the following steps: a ) Partial closing of the exhaust duct (9) and/or the exhaust system (14) after the burner (3) has been switched off,b) Opening of the exhaust duct (9) and/or the exhaust system (14) before or when the burner (3 ) . The at least partial closing according to step a) and the opening according to step b) can take place in particular by means of a closing device (12). The exhaust gas duct (9) and/or the exhaust system (14) can be at least partially closed according to step a) in particular in such a way that gas flow through the partially closed exhaust gas duct (9) and/or the partially closed exhaust system (14) is largely prevented , but it is possible for condensate to drain off.

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a heating system, a computer program, a storage medium, a regulation and control unit, a heater and the use of a locking device.

There are constant efforts to increase the energy efficiency of heating systems in order to enable cost-effective and/or environmentally friendly operation. A large number of solutions and proposals are known for this purpose, these often increasing the complexity of a heating system, with the result that the usable service life can be reduced and the probability of an accident can be increased.

Proceeding from this, it is the object of the invention to propose a method for operating a heating system which at least partially overcomes the problems of the prior art described. In particular, the method should be able to be carried out in a heating system without significant additional installations and not significantly increase the complexity of the operation. In addition, the invention should at least not significantly increase the complexity of a heating system and only require minor structural changes to the heating system and enable simple integration into an existing production process.

These objects are solved by the features of the independent patent claims. Further advantageous refinements of the solution proposed here are specified in the independent patent claims. It is pointed out that the features listed in the dependent patent claims can be combined with one another in any technologically meaningful manner and define further refinements of the invention. In addition, the features specified in the patent claims are specified and explained in more detail in the description, with further preferred configurations of the invention being presented.

1. a) teilweises Schließen des Abgaskanals und/oder der Abgasanlage nach einem Abschalten des Brenners,
2. b) Öffnen des Abgaskanals und/oder der Abgasanlage vor oder bei einem Einschalten des Brenners.

A method for operating a heating system contributes to this, the heating system having a heating device with a burner whose combustion products can be discharged via an exhaust gas duct and an exhaust gas system. The procedure includes at least the following steps:

1. a) partial closing of the flue gas duct and/or the flue gas system after the burner has been switched off,
2. b) Opening the flue gas duct and/or the flue gas system before or when the burner is switched on.

Steps a) and b) can be carried out in a regular operating sequence each time the burner of the heater of the heating system is switched on or off.

As a result of the method, the exhaust duct and/or the exhaust system is partially closed when the burner of the heater is switched off, so that advantageously no or hardly any thermal energy can be lost through convection or air flow. The (complete) opening or (partial) closing of the flue gas path, depending on the burner status, can also reduce or even prevent a convection heat flow through the flue gas duct and the flue gas system (which can be supported by a chimney effect).

In this way, it is possible for an air flow in the burner and/or in the exhaust gas path of downstream heat exchangers (e.g. for hot water preparation or a heating circuit) to be significantly reduced or even prevented, so that a heat dissipation associated with the air flow from the burner or connected heat exchanger is equally reduced . Cooling down of the burner and the connected heat exchanger can be limited and the energy efficiency of the heater or heating system can be improved. Another advantage can be seen in the improved starting behavior of a heater that has not cooled down.

The closing/opening of the exhaust gas path can take place in particular within the exhaust gas duct arranged in the heater. This configuration is advantageous because heat flow away from the heating device is prevented and the technical implementation of the proposed method is simplified. In particular, a locking device (to be actuated by a motor) can already be completely connected and wired, so that additional assembly work can be avoided when installing the heating system. However, the advantages of the invention are also realized if the exhaust gas path is closed/opened in an exhaust gas system downstream of the exhaust gas duct.

The heater is in particular a gas heater which is set up to burn a gaseous fuel, such as natural gas or hydrogen, with the supply of ambient air, in order to provide heat, for example for a heating circuit or a hot water supply. The heater usually has at least one burner and a delivery device that delivers a mixture of fuel (gas) and combustion air through a mixture channel of the heater to the burner voltage air can be supplied to the mixture channel via an air intake. The burner is followed by an exhaust gas duct arranged in the heater, via which the combustion products can be fed to an exhaust system. In particular, the heater can be a condensing heater.

It is possible that within the scope of step a) the exhaust gas duct and/or the exhaust system is only partially closed, ie a complete gas-tight closure of the exhaust gas path is not achieved. Nevertheless, it is also preferred in this case that the exhaust gas path is at least largely closed, e.g. only a bypass exhaust gas flow through a maximum of 10% of the maximum flow cross section of the exhaust gas path is permitted there. Closing can therefore take place “only” partially (but then preferably predominantly) or (almost) completely. It is possible that the degree of closure (e.g. 90% to 100%) varies or is adjusted based on environmental parameters (e.g. current condensation formation).

As part of step b), in particular the closing process from step a) is reversed, so that a completely open exhaust path is then present again.

Both step a) and step b) take place depending on a current or (determinable) future state of the burner. In particular, a change in the state of the burner is first detected (particularly by measurement) and one of the two steps a) or b) is then (automatically) initiated. For this purpose, alternatively or cumulatively, secondary operating parameters of the burner (e.g. electrical consumption/resistance of assigned components) and/or its working results (e.g. flame quality, exhaust gas quality, temperature, etc.) can be used. It is possible that steps a) and/or b) require a specific control signal for initiation. If step b) can also be initiated before the burner is switched on, this can be done, for example, due to other environmental or operating conditions (of the heater and/or the heating system) that (as is known) require a timely and/or z. B. regular switching on of the burner can be recognized.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the closing according to step a) and the opening according to step b) can be carried out by a closing device. The closing device can be designed in such a way that a gas flow through the closed closing device is largely prevented, but a flow of condensate through the closing device is also possible in the (partially or predominantly) closed state. Advantageously, a build-up of condensate on the closing device, which would suddenly penetrate into the heater when the closing device was opened, can be prevented. Furthermore, no condensate drain has to be created in the area of the closing device, as a result of which the effort involved in carrying out a proposed method can be minimized. A build-up of condensate could occur, particularly in the case of a multiple-use exhaust system, i.e. an exhaust system to which several heaters are connected (e.g. in an apartment building).

According to an advantageous embodiment, the closing device can comprise a slide or be designed as a slide that is pushed into the exhaust gas path, ie into the exhaust gas duct or the exhaust gas system, and (partially) closes it. A partial closure could be implemented, for example, by not pushing the slider completely into the exhaust gas duct or the exhaust system (or a line of the exhaust system) or by the slider having openings for condensate to drain off.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the closing device can close at least 90%, in particular more than 95%, of the cross section of the exhaust gas duct or exhaust system available for the exhaust gas flow. Thus, a gas flow through the closing device can be largely or largely prevented, but a draining of condensate through the closing device can be made possible or guaranteed. Backflowing condensate can thus be fed to a condensate drain, which can be arranged, for example, in the lower area of the combustion chamber.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the locking device can be actuated by a motor. An automated implementation of the method proposed here can advantageously be made possible by means of a motor-controlled mode of operation of the closing device. The control can be done electrically or hydraulically, for example.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the closing device can be arranged in the exhaust gas duct of the heater, in particular in the starting area of the exhaust gas duct when viewed in the operating direction of the heating system. The flow of combustion air, exhaust gases, etc. through the heater during regular operation is referred to as the direction of operation. An arrangement immediately after the last heat exchanger of the heater, seen in the direction of operation, can be particularly advantageous. In this way, a particularly high level of energy efficiency can be guaranteed because heat emission to the exhaust gas duct is (practically completely) avoided.

According to a further aspect, a computer program is also proposed which is set up to (at least partially) carry out a method presented here. In other words, this relates in particular to a computer program (product), comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the latter to carry out a method described here.

According to a further aspect, a machine-readable storage medium is also proposed, on which the computer program is stored. The machine-readable storage medium is usually a computer-readable data carrier.

According to a further aspect, a regulation and control unit for a heating device is also proposed, set up to carry out a method presented here. For this purpose, the control unit can have a processor, for example, or have it at its disposal. In this context, the processor can, for example, execute the method stored in a memory (of the regulation and control unit).

According to a further aspect, a heater with a closed-loop and open-loop control unit presented here is also proposed. The heater is, in particular, a gas heater with a gas burner and a front device which can convey a mixture of gas and combustion air to a gas burner and the combustion products can be discharged from the burner via an exhaust duct arranged in the heater and a downstream exhaust system. In particular, the heater can be equipped with condensing technology.

According to a further aspect, a heating system is proposed, having a heating device and (at least) one closing device, which is arranged in an exhaust gas duct and/or an exhaust gas system. The closing device is set up to close the exhaust gas duct and/or the exhaust system (in particular only at predeterminable times) in such a way that a gas flow through the exhaust gas duct and the exhaust system is largely or largely prevented, but (at the same time) a draining of condensate through the (closed) locking device is possible. Such a configuration can be advantageous in particular for heating systems with multiple occupancy of the exhaust system.

According to a further aspect, a heating system with precisely one heating device is proposed, with a non-return valve being arranged in an exhaust gas duct or an exhaust gas system. The check valve can in particular be arranged and/or set up in such a way that a gas flow in the operating direction of the heating system (i.e. a gas flow from the heater via an exhaust gas duct to the exhaust system) is permitted and prevented in the opposite direction. Such a configuration of the heating system can, for example, implement a simple and cost-effective implementation of a method proposed here in a single-family home.

In particular, a heater proposed here can be equipped with condensing technology. In the case of heating devices of this type, which are already very efficient in terms of energy, a method proposed here can make a further contribution to increasing the energy efficiency.

According to a further aspect, the use of (at least) one closing device arranged in an exhaust duct and/or an exhaust system of a heating system to improve the energy efficiency of the heating system is proposed. The closing device can be motor-driven and set up to largely prevent a gas flow through the closing device, but can also be permeable to a liquid (condensate) in this state.

The details, features and advantageous configurations discussed in connection with the method can accordingly also occur in the computer program presented here, the storage medium, the regulation and control device, the heating device and/or the use and vice versa. In this respect, full reference is made to the statements there for a more detailed characterization of the features.

A method for operating a heating device, a computer program, a storage medium, a regulation and control unit, a heating device and a use of a locking device are thus specified here, which at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art. In particular, the method for operating a heater, the computer program, the storage medium, the regulation and control unit, the heater and the use at least contribute to increasing the energy efficiency of a heater.

In addition, the invention can easily be retrofitted to existing heating systems and increases the complexity of the heating system only insignificantly.

• 1: eine Heizungsanlage, und
• 2: eine Schließeinrichtung zur Durchführung eines hier vorgeschlagenen Verfahrens.

The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be noted that the invention should not be limited by the exemplary embodiments given. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to extract partial aspects of the facts explained in the figures and to combine them with other components and findings from the present description. In particular, it should be pointed out that the figures and in particular the proportions shown are only schematic. Show it:

• 1 : a heating system, and
• 2 : a locking device for carrying out a method proposed here.

1 shows a schematic example of a heating system 10 proposed here with a heater 1. The heating system 10 can include an air intake 4 through which an air flow flows in an operating direction 13 of the heater 1 and through which fuel gas can be added via a gas valve 5. During regular operation of the heating system 10, an operating direction 13 of the gas or air flow in the heating device 1 is established. Seen in this operating direction 13, the air intake 4 can be followed by a mixture channel 11 in which a conveyor device 2 can be arranged. The mixture channel 11 can lead to a burner 3 which can be arranged in a combustion chamber 8 . The combustion chamber 8 can be followed in the operating direction 13 by an exhaust gas duct 9 and an exhaust system 14 . An ionization electrode 6 can be arranged in the combustion chamber 8, by means of which a flame can be detected. A regulation and control device 7 can be electrically connected to the gas valve 5 , the conveyor device 2 and the ionization electrode 6 .

A closing device 12 can be arranged in the exhaust gas duct 9, which largely prevents a gas flow (exhaust gas flow) through the exhaust gas duct 9, but allows a condensate flow from the exhaust gas duct 9 in the direction of the combustion chamber 8 (at the same time). The locking device 12 can also be electrically connected to the regulation and control unit 7 .

2 shows an example and a schematic representation of an embodiment of a closing device 12. The closing device 12 can be arranged at the outlet 15 of a heat exchanger of the heater 1. In this way, heat loss due to heating of the exhaust gas duct 9 or exhaust gas system 14 can advantageously be limited or avoided. The closing device 12 can have a closing area 16 and an open area 17, the closing area 16 being closable, for example, by an insertable slide.

A method proposed here can be carried out on the regulation and control unit 7, for example. At the same time as or shortly after the burner 3 is switched off according to step a), this can include a partial closing of the exhaust gas duct 9 by a motorized closing of the closing device 12 and, according to step b), an opening of the exhaust gas duct 9 shortly before or at the same time as the burner 3 of the Heater 1 cause. In this way, a fully automated implementation of the method proposed here can be implemented.

A method proposed here can be carried out on the regulation and control unit 7, for example. Simultaneously or shortly after burner 3 is switched off according to step a), this can include partial closing of exhaust gas duct 9 by motorized closing of closing device 12 and, according to step b), opening of exhaust gas duct 9 shortly before or at the same time as burner 3 of the Heater 1 cause. In this way, a fully automated implementation of the method proposed here can be implemented.

According to an alternative embodiment, the closing device 12 can also be designed as a check valve. This can be arranged and set up in such a way that a fluid flow or (exhaust) gas flow in the operating direction 13 through the exhaust gas duct 9 is possible, but a fluid flow (air flow) in a direction opposite to the operating direction 13, i.e. from the exhaust gas duct 9 in the direction of the burner 3 can be prevented.

Reference List

1

heater

2

conveyor

3

burner

4

air intake

5

gas valve

6

ionization electrode

7

regulation and control unit

8th

combustion chamber

9

exhaust duct

10

heating system

11

mixture channel

12

locking device

13

operating direction

14

exhaust system

15

outlet heat exchanger

16

locking area

17

open area

Claims (10)

Method for operating a heating system (10), having a heater (1) with a burner (3), the combustion products of which can be discharged via an exhaust gas duct (9) and an exhaust gas system (14), comprising at least the following steps: a) partial closing of the exhaust duct (9) and/or the exhaust system (14) after the burner (3) has been switched off, b) Opening of the exhaust duct (9) and/or the exhaust system (14) before or when the burner (3) is switched on. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closing according to step a) and the opening according to step b) are carried out by means of a closing device (12). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closing according to step a) takes place in such a way that gas flow through the partially closed exhaust gas duct (9) and/or the partially closed exhaust system (14) is largely prevented, but drainage of condensate is possible. Computer program set up to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims. Machine-readable storage medium on which the computer program claim 4 is saved. Regulation and control device (7) for a heater (1) set up to carry out a method according to one of Claims 1 or 2 . Heater (1) with a regulation and control unit (7). claim 6 . Heating system (10) with a heater (1), having a closing device (12) which is arranged in an exhaust gas duct (9) and/or an exhaust gas system (14), the closing device (12) being set up to close the exhaust gas duct (9 ) and/or to close the exhaust system (14) in such a way that gas flow is largely prevented, but condensate can drain off. Heating system (10) with precisely one heating device (1), having a non-return valve arranged in an exhaust gas duct (9) or an exhaust gas system (14). Use of a closing device (12) arranged in an exhaust duct (9) and/or an exhaust system (14) of a heating system (10) to improve the energy efficiency of the heating system (10).

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