DE102022107592A1 - Method for controlling a heating system, heating system and control device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a method for controlling a heating system 1, which comprises at least one heat source device 10 for controlling the temperature of an energy transport medium and a network 20 connected to the heat source device 10 for passing the energy transport medium through, the latter in turn comprising a flow 201 for introducing the energy transport medium tempered by the heat source device 10 into the network 20, a return line 209 for returning the energy transport medium in the network 20 into the heat source device 10, a first heating circuit 203 arranged between the flow 201 and the return 209, which includes a heat exchange device 232 to be supplied with the energy transport medium, and one between the flow 201 and the return 209 arranged bypass device 204 for bridging the first heating circuit 203, which comprises a switchable valve unit 241 for regulating the energy transport medium passed through the bypass device 204, the method comprising setting a first limit value G1 for a total volume flow Qtot of the energy transport medium in the network 20, which is a describes the minimum value to be maintained of the total volume flow Qtot of the energy transport medium in the network 20, setting a second limit value G2 for the total volume flow Qtot of the energy transport medium in the network 20, which is greater than the first limit value G1, detecting a total volume flow Qtot of the energy transport medium in the network 20 and controlling the heating system 1 in Dependence of the detected total volume flow Qto includes, the latter in turn comprising increasing a degree of opening of the valve unit 241 of the bypass device 204 if the detected total volume flow Qtot falls below the specified first limit value G1, and reducing the degree of opening of the valve unit 241 of the bypass device 204 if the detected total volume flow Qtot falls below the specified second limit value G2 exceeds, ready

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a method for controlling a heating system, a heating system and a control device for use in a heating system.

Background of the invention

Heating systems for air conditioning a building are known from the prior art, in their usual use room temperatures in the rooms of the building are intended to be controlled in a targeted manner.

Such heating systems generally include a heat source device for controlling the temperature of an energy transport medium and a network through which this energy transport medium flows. In the network, the energy transport medium can be distributed over one or more heating circuits, each of which includes one or more heat exchange devices, which are usually assigned to a room to be air-conditioned and via which a heat exchange takes place between the energy transport medium in the network and an environment of the heat exchange device, for example to regulate a room temperature in the respective room.

The flow rate of the energy transport medium in a heating circuit depends on a variety of factors. For example, if a control valve of a heat exchange device is closed when a desired target temperature is reached, the flow of the energy transport medium in the associated heating circuit may be completely stopped, which leads to a drop in the flow rate or, in extreme cases, even to a complete cessation of the flow of the energy transport medium in the network can come.

As a result, the temperature-controlled energy transport medium can no longer be adequately removed from the heat source device and this results in both an extremely excessive flow resistance in the network and an energetic backlog, which under certain circumstances can lead to an emergency shutdown or even damage to the heating system.

In order to avoid this disadvantageous operating condition, bypass solutions are found in the prior art, in which a flow of the energy transport medium is made possible even in the extreme case of a closed heating circuit outlined above, by opening a bypass bridging the heating circuit via a bypass valve, so that the flow of the energy transport medium in the network does not come to a complete standstill. The bypass is preferably opened depending on a detected volume flow or a flow rate of the energy transport medium in the network

This is how it reveals DE 10 2011 001223 A1 a heating system with a heat source device and a hydraulic network with a heating circuit, a bypass device and a volume flow sensor. A control device of the heating system is set up to bridge the heating circuit via the bypass device by opening a bypass valve if a total volume flow detected by the volume flow sensor falls below a minimum value of the total volume flow in the heating system, for example in the event that a control valve in the heating circuit closes

In order, among other things, to keep the costs and maintenance effort for the network low, said heating systems usually only have a volume flow sensor, which is arranged on a central flow or return line at the interface to the heat source device and a resulting total volume flow, i.e. a sum of all partial volume flows in the network , recorded

As a result, there is a lack of specific information regarding said partial volume flows, for example in relation to a heating circuit or to the bypass device, which makes controlling the heating system more difficult. In particular, this can lead to an energetic stalling of the heating system, in which the energy transport medium is unnecessarily routed through the bypass device, even though it would be needed in a heating circuit.

Summary of the invention

An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a more efficient way of controlling a heating system than the prior art.

To solve this problem, a method for controlling a heating system according to claim 1 is provided

Furthermore, it is a further object of the present invention to provide a heating system that is more efficient than the prior art.

To solve this problem, a heating system according to claim 15 and a control device for a heating system according to claim 16 are provided

The respective dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments, which can each be provided individually or in combination.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a method for controlling a heating system is provided, wherein the heating system comprises at least one heat source device for temperature control of an energy transport medium and a network connected to the heat source device for passing the energy transport medium through. The latter in turn comprises a flow for introducing the energy transport medium tempered by the heat source device into the network, a return line for returning the energy transport medium in the network into the heat source device, a first heating circuit arranged between the flow and the return, which comprises a heat exchange device to be supplied with the energy transport medium, and a bypass device arranged between the flow and the return for bridging the first heating circuit, which includes a switchable valve unit for regulating the energy transport medium passed through the bypass device. The method includes setting a first limit value for a total volume flow of the energy transport medium in the network, which describes a minimum value to be maintained of the total volume flow of the energy transport medium in the network, and setting a second limit value for the total volume flow of the energy transport medium in the network, which is greater than the first limit value Detecting a total volume flow of the energy transport medium in the network and controlling the heating system depending on the detected total volume flow, in turn comprising increasing a degree of opening of the valve unit of the bypass device if the detected total volume flow falls below the specified first limit value, and reducing the degree of opening of the valve unit of the bypass device if the recorded total volume flow exceeds the specified second limit value.

The energy transport medium is distributed starting from the heat source device over the network, which is to be understood as a hydraulic or as a pneumatic network with lines connecting the components of the network (for example one or more heating circuits, heat storage, etc.) or a connecting line network.

A heating circuit of the network supplied with the energy transport medium has at least one heat exchange device, via which a heat exchange takes place between the energy transport medium flowing in the network and an environment of the heat exchange device, in particular a room in a building to be air-conditioned by the heat exchange device. In the course of a heat exchange, the energy flow is based on a prevailing temperature difference and can be directed in both directions, i.e. starting from the energy transport medium or towards the energy transport medium. The heat exchange devices can, for example and not by way of limitation, be designed as surface heat exchangers for use in a floor, a wall or a ceiling of a room to be air-conditioned or as well-known radiators arranged in the room to be air-conditioned.

A heating circuit of the heating system is to be understood as a part of the network, which can include at least one but also a large number of heat exchange devices, which can be arranged in series, in parallel or in any combination of the two circuits mentioned above in relation to a direction of passage of the energy transport medium .

For example, a first heating circuit can include only one surface heat exchanger or a large number of surface heat exchangers connected in parallel, for example all surface heat exchangers on one floor of the building.

Any liquid or gaseous medium that is suitable for energy transport or for heat exchange in the heat exchange devices in the network can be used as the energy transport medium. In the hydraulic case, water or an aqueous solution is preferably used and in the pneumatic case, air is preferably used.

The heat source device is set up to control the temperature of the energy transport medium and can be used for this purpose in a heating and/or in a cooling operation in order to heat and/or cool the energy transport medium. The heating operation is suitable for increasing a room temperature of an exemplary room to be air-conditioned by the heating system to a desired higher room temperature, whereas the cooling operation is suitable for lowering the room temperature of the exemplary room to a desired lower room temperature. Although the term “heating system” has been chosen, this should not be understood as a limitation to the above heating operation.

By way of example and not as a limitation, the heat source device may be a gas/oil or pellet heater. However, it is particularly preferred to be a heat pump that enables particularly energy-efficient temperature control (heating and/or cooling) of the energy transport medium. The functionality of a heat pump is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be discussed in detail below.

The switchable valve unit of the bypass device can be switched between a fully open and a closed state and preferably includes one or more intermediate stages. Particularly preferably, the valve unit can be switched continuously between the closed and the fully open state. The same applies to all valve units described below that have the addition “switchable”.

The total volume flow is understood to mean the resulting volume flow of the energy transport medium passed through the network, which is present or can be detected, for example, on the flow or return line and describes the sum of all partial volume flows by components and/or component groups arranged in parallel in the network.

The method provides a particularly efficient option for controlling the heating system, in the course of which disadvantageous operating states of the heating system are avoided. Said disadvantageous operating states include, among other things, an operating state with insufficient energy consumption at the heat source device but also an operating state with insufficient supply of the first heating circuit with the temperature-controlled energy transport medium.

If the energy requirement in the first heating circuit is met, there is a reduction in the flow of the energy transport medium there, for example due to a closing of a control valve in the first heating circuit, for example a thermostat valve of the heat exchanger in the first heating circuit, which leads to a drop in the total volume flow of the energy transport medium in the network leads

If the total volume flow drops (or, in extreme cases, comes to a complete standstill), the heat energy transferred to the energy transport medium from the heat source device (or cold energy in cooling mode) can no longer be sufficiently dissipated from the heat source device via the network, which leads to one without remedial action Emergency shutdown or, under certain circumstances, even damage to the heat source device can occur.

Opening the valve unit of the bypass device depending on the value falling below the first limit prevents such an unfavorable operating state and ensures that the first heating circuit is bridged in the event of a reduced flow by giving the energy transport medium the opportunity to flow back through the bypass device to the return flow. In this way, a corresponding minimum value of the total volume flow in the network and thus an energy consumption at the heat source device can be maintained.

If energy is now required again in the first heating circuit, starting from the state with the valve unit of the bypass device open, the exemplary control valve in the first heating circuit opens in order to allow the energy transport medium to flow through it again. This results in an operating state in which the energy transport medium now flows through both the reopened first heating circuit and through the bypass device. However, such an operating state is disadvantageous from an energy perspective, since part of the heat or cold energy provided by the energy transport medium is unused by the bypass device although there is demand in the first heating circuit

In order to avoid this disadvantageous operating state, the valve unit of the bypass device is closed if the recorded total volume flow exceeds the second limit value. Exceeding the second limit value provides information about changing partial volume flows in the network and serves in particular as an indicator of an increase in the flow of the energy transport medium in the first Heating circuit and thus for a corresponding energy requirement in the same. In order to cover this in an efficient manner, the degree of opening of the valve unit of the bypass device is reduced after the second limit value is exceeded, whereby the otherwise unused heat or cold energy is redistributed from the bypass device to the first heating circuit

Reducing the degree of opening of the valve unit of the bypass device is preferably carried out under the condition that the specified minimum value of the total volume flow is maintained (first limit value). The degree of opening is therefore only reduced to the extent that this does not result in the first limit value being undershot

The method thus allows efficient control of the heating system with both Energy consumption at the heat source device is made possible by maintaining the minimum value of the total volume flow as well as an efficient and, above all, demand-oriented energy supply to the first heating circuit when using a bypass device, without having to rely on additional volume flow sensors in the first heating circuit or in the bypass device.

In this way, among other things, manufacturing costs, but also energy costs when operating the heating system or the risk of damage to the heat source device can be reduced.

In a preferred embodiment, the network further comprises a switchable first valve unit connected upstream of the first heating circuit for regulating the energy transport medium passed through the first heating circuit, wherein controlling the heating system further comprises increasing a degree of opening of the first valve unit if the detected total volume flow exceeds the specified second limit value exceeds.

In this way, the method is provided with an additional actuator for controlling the heating system, with which the flow of the energy transport medium through the first heating circuit can be regulated.

In a preferred embodiment, the valve unit of the bypass device and the first valve unit are both designed as part of a distribution device of the network, in particular the distribution device is a three-way valve, such that increasing the degree of opening of the valve unit of the bypass device reduces the degree of opening of the first Valve unit and vice versa and reducing the degree of opening of the valve unit of the bypass device requires increasing the degree of opening of the first valve unit and vice versa.

In this way, said valve units can be designed as part of a single distribution device, which reduces both the manufacturing costs of the heating system and the maintenance effort during operation. Likewise, a simultaneous closing of both valve units due to possibly incorrect switching is prevented, as a result of which the heat source device would have to work against a closed network, which would lead to an emergency shutdown or, in extreme cases, even to damage.

In a preferred embodiment, the network comprises a second heating circuit arranged between the flow and the return, which comprises a further heat exchange device to be supplied with the energy transport medium, wherein controlling the heating system further involves regulating a quantitative ratio between an amount of energy transport medium passed through the first heating circuit and an amount of energy transport medium passed through the second heating circuit.

In this way, the heating system is expanded to include a further heating circuit to be supplied with the energy transport medium, whereby the quantitative ratio of the energy transport medium to be conducted through the two heating circuits can be regulated, preferably depending on the respective energy requirement. The advantages according to the invention of maintaining the minimum value of the total volume flow as well as the efficient energy supply also extend to the second heating circuit. The use of a second heating circuit makes it possible to provide modular heating systems in which a single heating circuit, for example, includes all heat exchangers on a single floor of a building.

In a preferred embodiment, the network comprises a switchable second valve unit connected upstream of the second heating circuit for regulating the energy transport medium passed through the second heating circuit, the quantitative ratio being regulated by adjusting a degree of opening of the second valve unit

In this way, the method is provided with an additional actuator for controlling the heating system, with which the flow of the energy transport medium through the second heating circuit can be regulated, which in turn has an influence on the quantitative ratio.

In a preferred embodiment, the second heating circuit is designed as part of the bypass device, wherein the bypass device comprises a bypass line arranged between the valve unit of the bypass device and the return of the network and the second heating circuit is arranged parallel to the bypass line, the quantity ratio being regulated by adjusting the Degree of opening of the valve unit of the bypass device and / or the first valve unit (if present).

In this way, the second heating circuit is integrated into the bypass device, whereby a particularly compact design of the heating system can be provided without additional distribution devices. The second heating circuit also functions in the Bypass device as an energy consumer, so that in the case of a closed first heating circuit, the heat or cold energy of the energy transport medium flowing through the bypass can be used in the heat exchange device of the second heating circuit. This also requires an increase in the temperature difference of the energy transport medium between the flow and return and thus counteracts overheating or undercooling of the heat source device due to a lack of energy dissipation.

In a preferred embodiment, the second heating circuit comprises a heating circuit pump for regulating the energy transport medium passed through the second heating circuit, the quantitative ratio being regulated by adjusting a pump power or a speed of the heating circuit pump.

In this way, the method is provided with an additional actuator for controlling the heating system, with which the flow of the energy transport medium through the second heating circuit can be regulated.

In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises determining a first heating power requirement value for the first heating circuit, which describes an amount of energy to be provided to the first heating circuit by the energy transport medium, and determining a second heating power requirement value for the second heating circuit, which describes an amount of energy to be provided to the second heating circuit through the energy transport medium Energy quantity describes, whereby the heating system is controlled depending on the determined first and second heating power requirement values, in particular the quantitative ratio is regulated depending on said heating power requirement values.

In this way, the method is expanded to include an energy requirement-based functionality, in the course of which the energy transport medium is distributed based on the heating power requirement values mentioned. This means that the temperature-controlled energy transport medium can be increasingly made available to the heating circuit in which there is a higher energy or power requirement

Preferably, the dependencies when controlling the heating system are prioritized in such a way that controlling the heating system depending on the recorded total volume flow has priority over controlling the heating system depending on the heating power requirement values

This means that in the event of a conflict, control actions to be carried out by the method regarding the recorded total volume flow always displace other control actions based on the heating power requirement values, in order primarily to ensure compliance with the volume flow-based boundary conditions.

In a preferred embodiment, regulating the quantitative ratio includes increasing the amount of energy transport medium passed through the first heating circuit if the first heating power request value exceeds the second heating power request value, and increasing the amount of energy transport medium passed through the second heating circuit if the first heating power request value exceeds the second heating power request value falls below

In a preferred embodiment, determining the first heating power requirement value includes setting a target temperature for a first environment to be tempered by the heat exchange device of the first heating circuit, detecting an actual temperature of the first environment and determining the first heating power requirement value depending on a difference between the specified Target temperature and recorded actual temperature of the first environment. Additionally or alternatively, determining the second heating power requirement value includes setting a target temperature for a second environment to be tempered by the further heat exchange device of the second heating circuit, detecting an actual temperature of the second environment and determining the second heating power requirement value depending on a difference between the specified Target temperature and recorded actual temperature of the second environment.

In this way, the heating power requirement values are provided depending on the environment to be air-conditioned by the heat exchange device, so that the heating system can be controlled in an advantageous manner with regard to the room temperatures to be controlled.

In a preferred embodiment, determining the first heating power requirement value includes setting a target temperature of the energy transport medium in the first heating circuit for a first point upstream of the heat exchange device with respect to a direction of conduction of the energy transport medium, detecting an actual temperature of the energy transport medium at the first point and determining the first heating power requirement value depending on a difference between the specified target temperature and the recorded actual temperature at the first point. Additional Lich or alternatively, determining the second heating power requirement value includes setting a target temperature of the energy transport medium in the second heating circuit for a second point upstream of the further heat exchange device with respect to a direction of passage of the energy transport medium, detecting an actual temperature of the energy transport medium at the second point and determining the second heating power requirement value depending on a difference between the specified target temperature and the recorded actual temperature at the second location.

In this way, the heating power requirement values are provided with the aim of maintaining a predetermined target temperature of the energy transport medium in the respective heating circuit. In this way, in particular, control of room temperatures in the rooms tempered by the heat exchange devices of the heating system can be optimized in such a way that the control can be carried out by control valves of the heat exchange devices themselves, whereby a largely constant input temperature of the energy transport medium can be assumed. This allows a simple combination of control of the heating system with a separately provided room temperature control, which can advantageously be based on a constant temperature of the energy transport medium provided to the heat exchange device.

In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises controlling a temperature of the energy transport medium in the second heating circuit, wherein controlling the temperature of the energy transport medium in the second heating circuit in particular returns a portion of the energy transport medium discharged from the further heat exchange device to an inlet of the second heating circuit and admixing the returned portion to the energy transport medium supplied through the inlet of the second heating circuit

In this way, a possibility is provided for adjusting the temperature of the energy transport medium in the second heating circuit, with in particular a temperature of the energy transport medium in the first heating circuit, which is determined by the temperature of the energy transport medium at the flow, remaining unchanged. As a result, two heating circuits, each with different temperatures of the energy transport medium, can be provided without the operating state of the heat source device having to be changed.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a heating system is provided, comprising a heat source device for tempering an energy transport medium and a network connected to the heat source device for passing the energy transport medium through, which in turn has a flow for introducing the energy transport medium tempered by the heat source device into the network, a return for returning it of the energy transport medium in the network into the heat source device, a first heating circuit arranged between the flow and the return, which comprises a heat exchange device to be supplied with the energy transport medium, a bypass device arranged between the flow and the return for bridging the first heating circuit, which has a switchable valve unit for regulating of the energy transport medium passed through the bypass device, and a volume flow measuring device for detecting a total volume flow of the energy transport medium in the network, which is arranged in particular on the flow or on the return. Furthermore, the heating system comprises a control device for controlling the heating system, which is coupled at least to the valve unit of the bypass device is and is set up to adjust a degree of opening of the valve unit, wherein the control device is set up in the course of controlling the heating system to increase the degree of opening of the valve unit of the bypass device if a total volume flow recorded by the volume flow measuring device exceeds a specified first limit value for a total volume flow provided to the control device of the energy transport medium in the network, which describes a minimum value to be maintained of the total volume flow of the energy transport medium in the network, and is set up to reduce the degree of opening of the valve unit of the bypass device if the total volume flow recorded by the volume flow measuring device exceeds a specified second limit value for which the control device is provided Total volume flow of the energy transport medium in the network, which is greater than the first limit value, is exceeded

The heating system according to the second aspect can therefore be controlled based on the method according to the first aspect with all the advantages mentioned in this regard.

Preferably, the network further comprises a switchable first valve unit upstream of the first heating circuit and coupled to the control device for regulating the energy transport medium passed through the first heating circuit, the control device being set up to increase a degree of opening of the first valve unit if the detected total volume flow exceeds the specified one exceeds the second limit

Preferably, the valve unit of the bypass device and the first valve unit are both designed as part of a distribution device of the network, in particular the distribution device is a three-way valve, such that increasing the degree of opening of the valve unit of the bypass device reduces the degree of opening of the first valve unit and vice versa and reducing the degree of opening of the valve unit of the bypass device causes an increase in the degree of opening of the first valve unit and vice versa.

The network preferably comprises a second heating circuit arranged between the flow and the return, which comprises a further heat exchange device to be supplied with the energy transport medium

Preferably, the network comprises a switchable second valve unit upstream of the second heating circuit and coupled to the control device for regulating the energy transport medium passed through the second heating circuit, the control device being set up to determine a quantitative ratio between an amount of energy transport medium passed through the first heating circuit and an amount passed through the second heating circuit to regulate the amount of energy transport medium passed through the second heating circuit by adjusting an opening degree of the second valve unit and / or the valve unit of the first heating circuit (if present).

Preferably, the second heating circuit is designed as part of the bypass device, wherein the bypass device comprises a bypass line arranged between the valve unit of the bypass device and the return of the network and the second heating circuit is arranged parallel to the bypass line, the control device being set up to adjust the quantitative ratio by adjusting the To regulate the degree of opening of the valve unit of the bypass device.

The second heating circuit preferably comprises a heating circuit pump coupled to the control device for regulating the energy transport medium passed through the second heating circuit, the control device being set up to regulate the quantitative ratio by adjusting a pumping power of the heating circuit pump.

Preferably, the control device is set up to determine and to control the heating system depending on the determined first and second heating power requirement values and in particular to regulate the quantitative ratio depending on the determined first and second heating power requirement values.

Preferably, the control device is set up to increase the amount of energy transport medium passed through the first heating circuit if the first heating power requirement value exceeds the second heating power requirement value, and to increase the amount of energy transport medium passed through the second heating circuit if the first heating power requirement value falls below the second heating power requirement value .

Preferably, the heating system comprises a first setpoint generator for determining a target temperature for a first environment to be tempered by the heat exchange device of the first heating circuit and a first temperature sensor for detecting an actual temperature of the first environment, the control device being set up to depend on the first heating power requirement value to determine a difference between the specified target temperature and the recorded actual temperature of the first environment.

Preferably, the heating system comprises a second setpoint generator for determining a target temperature for a second environment to be tempered by the heat exchange device of the second heating circuit and a second temperature sensor for detecting an actual temperature of the second environment, the control device being set up to depend on the second heating power requirement value to determine a difference between the specified target temperature and the recorded actual temperature of the second environment.

Alternatively, the heating system preferably comprises a third setpoint generator for determining a target temperature of the energy transport medium in the first heating circuit for a first point upstream of the heat exchange device with respect to a direction of passage of the energy transport medium and a third temperature sensor for detecting an actual temperature of the energy transport medium at the first point, wherein the Control device is set up to determine the first heating power requirement value depending on a difference between the set target temperature and the recorded actual temperature at the first point.

Preferably, the heating system comprises a fourth setpoint generator for determining a target temperature of the energy transport medium in the second heating circuit for a second point upstream of the further heat exchange device with respect to a direction of conduction of the energy transport medium, and a fourth temperature sensor for detecting an actual temperature of the energy transport medium at the second point, wherein the Control device is set up to determine the second heating power requirement value depending on a difference between the specified target temperature and the recorded actual temperature at the second location.

Preferably, the control device is set up to control a temperature of the energy transport medium in the second heating circuit and, for this purpose, in particular comprises a feedback device with which a portion of the energy transport medium discharged from the second heating circuit is returned to an inlet of the second heating circuit and the returned portion to that through the inlet of the second Heating circuit is added to the tempered energy transport medium coming from the heat source device.

The control device is preferably set up to adapt the proportion to be returned by adjusting the pump power or the speed of the heating circuit pump of the second heating circuit.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a control device for use in a heating system according to the second aspect of the invention.

• 1 zeigt ein Ablaufdiagramm eines Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zum Steuern des Heizungssystems.
• 2 und 3 zeigen schematische Ausführungsbeispiele des erfindungsgemäßen Heizungssystems.
• 4 zeigt schematisch verschiedene Betriebszustände eines Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Heizungssystems.
• 5 zeigt exemplarische Zeitverläufe verschiedener Betriebsgrößen im Zuge eines Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zum Steuern des Heizungssystems.

In this way, a retrofit option is provided through which an existing heating system can be retrofitted with the control device in a simple and cost-effective manner in order to expand it to include the advantageous functionalities of the heating system according to the second aspect of the invention.

• 1 shows a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention for controlling the heating system.
• 2 and 3 show schematic exemplary embodiments of the heating system according to the invention.
• 4 shows schematically various operating states of an exemplary embodiment of the heating system according to the invention.
• 5 shows exemplary time courses of various operating variables in the course of an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention for controlling the heating system.

It is emphasized that the present invention is in no way limited to the exemplary embodiments described below and their embodiment features. The invention further includes modifications of the exemplary embodiments mentioned, in particular those consisting of modifications and/or combinations of individual or several features of the exemplary embodiments described within the scope of Scope of protection of the independent claims emerge.

Detailed character description

1 shows a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention for controlling the heating system.

The underlying heating system comprises at least one heat source device for controlling the temperature of an energy transport medium and a network connected to the heat source device for passing the energy transport medium through. The latter in turn comprises a flow for introducing the energy transport medium tempered by the heat source device into the network, a return for returning the energy transport medium in the network into the Heat source device, a first heating circuit arranged between the flow and the return, which comprises a heat exchange device to be supplied with the energy transport medium, and a bypass device arranged between the flow and the return for bridging the first heating circuit, which has a switchable valve unit for regulating the heat exchanged through the bypass device Energy transport medium includes

In step S1, a first limit value G ₁ is set for a total volume flow of the energy transport medium in the network, which describes a minimum value to be maintained of the total volume flow of the energy transport medium in the network.

In step S2, a second limit value G ₂ is set for the total volume flow of the energy transport medium in the network, which is greater than the first limit value

In step S3, a total volume flow Q _tot of the energy transport medium in the network is recorded, in particular on the supply or return line.

In step S4, the heating system is controlled depending on the total volume flow Q _tot recorded in step S3 and the limit values G ₁ and G ₂ from steps S1 and S2. For this purpose, step S4 includes a comparison step S4.1, from which one of the steps S4.2, S4.3 or S5 follows.

If the recorded total volume flow Q _tot falls below the specified first limit value G ₁ , an opening degree of the valve unit of the bypass device is increased in step S4.2.

If, on the other hand, the recorded total volume flow Q _tot exceeds the specified second limit value G ₂ , a reduction in the degree of opening of the valve unit of the bypass device takes place in step S4.3.

In all other cases, the degree of opening of the valve unit remains unchanged and the method continues with step S5. The method is not limited to this case of direct transition from step S4.1 to step S5. Alternatively, any number of further steps can be taken at this point to adapt the operating variables of the heating system depending on the total volume flow recorded. For example, in said intermediate region between G ₁ and G ₂ , an adjustment of operating variables of the heat source device, for example an operating power or a supply pressure of the energy transport medium at the flow, can be carried out.

In step S5, there is a pause of a predetermined length before the process is repeated starting from step S3. Preferably, the process steps are repeated as often as desired in order to provide continuous control of the heating system.

2A shows a schematic exemplary embodiment of the heating system 1 according to the invention.

The heating system 1 includes a heat pump 10 as a heat source device, a hydraulic network 20 and a control device 30 for controlling the heating system 1.

The heat pump 10 is connected to the hydraulic network 20 via a flow 201 and a return 209 and is set up to control the temperature of an energy transport medium. For this purpose, the heat pump 10 is connected to an ambient energy source, for example a geo- or aerothermal energy source, via corresponding connection lines 2. The tempered energy transport medium is then passed through the hydraulic network 20 in accordance with the arrow directions shown

The hydraulic network 20 set up to convey the energy transport medium includes several lines 200 (bold connecting lines) as well as components connected to one another by these. These include a distribution system 202a, a first heating circuit 203 branching off from it, a bypass device 204, a volume flow sensor 205 arranged on the return 209 for detecting a volume flow of the energy transport medium passed through the return 209 of the hydraulic network 20 and a temperature sensor 251 arranged on the flow 201 for detecting a Temperature of the energy transport medium at the flow 201 of the hydraulic network.

The volume flow sensor 205 and the temperature sensor 251 are coupled to the control device 30 and set up to transmit the measured values recorded by the sensors to the control device 30.

The energy transport medium tempered by the heat pump 10 is fed into the hydraulic network 20 via the flow 201, passed through it and returned to the heat pump 10 via the return 209

In the present exemplary embodiment, the first heating circuit 203 comprises several heat exchangers 232, which are designed as a parallel connection of one heat exchanger 232 and a series connection of two further heat exchangers 232. The individual heat exchangers can each include control valves, for example thermostatic valves, which are in 2A however, are not shown.

The bypass device 204 arranged between the flow 201 and the return 209 serves to bridge the first heating circuit 203 and in the present case comprises a switchable bypass valve 241 coupled to the control device 30 for regulating the energy transport medium passed through the bypass device 204 and a bypass system 240a connected downstream of the bypass valve 241, which in the present case only includes a bypass line 242 opening into the return 209

The bypass valve 241 is part of the distribution system 202a, which is also available in alternative versions 2 B or 2C can be designed.

In the present case, the control device 30 is designed separately and coupled to the heat pump 10, but can also be designed as part of the heat pump 10. The control device 30 is set up at least to adjust an opening degree of the bypass valve 241 of the bypass device 204.

In the course of controlling the heating system 1, the control device 30 is set up to increase the degree of opening of the bypass valve 241 if a volume flow on the return line 209 (=total volume flow in the hydraulic network 20) detected by the volume flow sensor 205 exceeds a specified first limit value provided to the control device 30 a total volume flow of the energy transport medium in the network 20, which describes a minimum value to be maintained of the total volume flow of the energy transport medium in the network 20, falls below. In this way, the first heating circuit 203 is bridged if this can no longer ensure a sufficient total volume flow in the hydraulic network, for example as a result of a closing control valve in a heat exchanger 232.

Furthermore, the control device 30 is set up to reduce the degree of opening of the bypass valve 241 if the total volume flow detected by the volume flow sensor 205 exceeds a specified second limit value provided to the control device 30 for the total volume flow of the energy transport medium in the network 20, which is greater than the first limit value. exceeds. In this way, an energetically unfavorable state with an unnecessary bridging of the first heating circuit 203 via the bypass device 204 is avoided, in which the energy transport medium is again primarily passed through the first heating circuit 203 in the case mentioned.

A particularly efficient heating system 1 is thus provided, in which disadvantageous operating states are avoided. Said disadvantageous operating states include, among other things, an operating state with insufficient energy consumption at the heat pump 10 but also an operating state with insufficient supply of the first heating circuit 203 with the temperature-controlled energy transport medium.

2 B until 2E show various alternatives for components of the heating system 1 2A in a schematic representation.

2 B and 2C show alternative distribution systems 202b and 202c in place of distribution system 202a 2A can be used. The respective connections of the distribution systems are designated V for flow, B for bypass system and H ₁ for the first heating circuit.

The distribution system 202b 2 B In addition to the bypass valve 241, includes a switchable control valve 231 for the first heating circuit 203, which is also electrically connected to the control device 30 2A connected is. This provides the control device 30 with a further actuator for controlling the heating system 1, via which in particular the flow through the first heating circuit 203 can be regulated.

On the distribution system 202c 2C the bypass valve 241 and the switchable control valve 231 for the first heating circuit 203 are combined in a switchable valve device, which in the present case is designed as a switchable 3/2-way valve 221, which is electrically connected to the control device 30 2A connected is.

In all cases, the control device 30 is set up to adjust the degrees of opening of the respectively coupled valves 231, 241 and 221.

2D and 2E show alternative bypass systems 240b and 240c, which replace the bypass system 240a 2A can be used.

The bypass system 240b 2D comprises a second heating circuit 206 arranged parallel to a bypass line 242 with a further heat exchanger 232 to be supplied by the energy transport medium and one with the control device 30 2A electrically connected heating circuit pump 233, whose pump power can be used to regulate the amount of energy transport medium passed through the second heating circuit 206.

In front of the second heating circuit 206, the control device 30 is switched off 2A electrically connected temperature sensor 252 for detecting a temperature of the energy transport medium flowing into the second heating circuit 206 is arranged

The heat or cold energy contained in the energy transport medium (depending on the operating state of the heat pump 1) can be transferred to an environment of the heat exchanger 232 via the heat exchanger 232 of the second heating circuit 206, which is designed as part of the bypass device 204, in order to ensure the efficient operation of the heat source device 10 to increase the required temperature difference of the energy transport medium between flow 201 and return 209 and to use said energy to control the temperature of the environment of the heat exchanger 232 of the second heating circuit 206.

The bypass system 240c 2E comprises an energy storage 270 for a storage medium (for example water) that can be introduced into and discharged into the energy storage 270, the storage medium being heated or cooled via a heat exchanger by the energy transport medium flowing through the bypass system 240c.

In this way, in the event of a bridging of the first heating circuit 203, the heat or cold energy contained in the energy transport medium (depending on the operating state of the heat pump 1) can be transferred to the storage medium in order to achieve the temperature difference of the energy transport medium between the flow required for the efficient operation of the heat source device 10 201 and return 209 to increase without releasing the heat or cold energy to be withdrawn from the energy transport medium unused into an environment of the heating system 1. For example, thermal energy from the energy transport medium flowing through the bypass system 240c can be used to heat process water.

3 shows a further schematic exemplary embodiment of the heating system 1 according to the invention. The basic structure essentially corresponds to that from 2A , whereby a distribution system 202d with an additional outlet is used here. The distribution system 202d includes a switchable 4/3-way valve, with an outlet to a first heating circuit 203, an outlet to a bypass device 204 with a bypass system 240b with a second heating circuit 206 according to 2D and an outlet leads to an energy storage system 207, which has an energy storage device 270 according to 2E includes.

In this way, a heating system 1 is provided, which provides the energy storage 270 in addition to the bypass device 204, which includes the second heating circuit 206. In this way, in the case of an inactive first heating circuit 203, excess heat or cold energy from the energy transport medium can either be withdrawn via the heat exchanger 232 in the second heating circuit 206, or, if an energy requirement in the second heating circuit 206 is also covered, this can be stored via the energy storage 270 the storage medium contained therein can be transferred.

4 shows in the sequence of 4A until 4F schematically different operating states of an exemplary embodiment of the heating system according to the invention.

The 4 The underlying heating system corresponds to that in 2A illustrated embodiment, in which the distribution system 202c according to 2C was chosen.

The upper sections of each 4A until 4F show a valve position of the distribution system comprising a switchable 3/2-way valve, which is indicated by the arrow position, which describes a ratio of the degrees of opening between the first valve unit for the first heating circuit (H ₁ ) and the valve unit of the bypass device (B). Starting from the position at H ₁ (see 4A) an arrow position of 90° corresponds to a 50 percent opening of the first valve unit and a 50 percent opening of the valve unit of the bypass device and an arrow position of 180° corresponds to a closed first valve unit (0% degree of opening) and a completely opened valve unit of the bypass device (100% degree of opening).

The lower sections of the 4A until 4F show the associated volume flows (Q) in the network, in particular the volume flow at the return (=total volume flow), in the first heating circuit (H ₁ ) and in the bypass device (B). The first and second limit values are given by G ₁ and G ₂ .

Starting from 4A the valve unit of the bypass device (B) is closed and the total volume flow (return) corresponds to the volume flow through the first heating circuit (H1).

If there is a drop in the volume flow in the first heating circuit (H ₁ ), for example due to at least partial closing of a control valve in the first heating circuit (H ₁ ), such as a thermostat valve in a heat exchange device, the total volume flow (return) also drops (see 4B) . In the present case, this even drops below the first limit value G ₁ which describes the minimum value of the total volume flow.

As a result, in the course of the procedure for controlling the heating system, an increase in the degree of opening of the valve unit of the bypass device occurs (see 4C ), so that the volume flow through the bypass device (B) and the total volume flow (return) increase as the sum of the volume flows through the first heating circuit (H ₁ ) and through the bypass device (B).

If the volume flow in the first heating circuit (H ₁ ) increases again, for example due to a partial opening of the control valve in the first heating circuit (H ₁ ), there is an increase in the total volume flow (return), which in the present case increases beyond the second limit value G ₂

This serves as an indicator for the first heating circuit (H ₁ ) opening again, so that in the sense of the method for controlling the heating system, the degree of opening of the valve unit of the bypass device (B) is reduced again, whereby the volume flow in the first heating circuit (H ₁ ) increases and the volume flow in the bypass device (B) decreases (see 4E) .

Ultimately, the valve unit of the bypass device (B) is completely closed and that of the first heating circuit (H ₁ ) is completely opened again, so that the total volume flow (return) again corresponds to the volume flow through the first heating circuit (H ₁ ) (see 4F) .

With the help of the method according to the invention, the underlying heating system can be advantageously controlled in such a way that bridging of the first heating circuit via the bypass device is avoided in energetically unfavorable operating states, i.e. in operating states with an energy requirement of the first heating circuit when the valve unit of the bypass device is at least partially open.

5A and 5B show exemplary time courses of various operating variables in the course of an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention for controlling a heating system, which is the same as in 2A illustrated embodiment is based, in which the bypass system 240b according to 2D was chosen.

In both diagrams, the degree of opening of the bypass valve of the bypass device is shown on the right ordinate. The degree of opening can have values between “0” and “1”, where “0” corresponds to a closed bypass valve and “1” to a fully opened bypass valve.

5A shows the time curves of the total volume flow Q _tot and the volume flow Q ₁ in the first heating circuit. Although only the total volume flow is recorded as part of the method for controlling the heating system, the volume flow Q ₁ is shown for the purpose of explaining the method

Starting from time to, the volume flow Q ₁ and thus also the total volume flow Q _tot drops due to a closing control valve in the first heating circuit. At time t ₁ , said control valve closes completely, as a result of which the volume flow Q ₁ drops to zero and the total volume flow Q _tot also drops. In order to avoid a complete standstill of the total volume flow Q _tot , the degree of opening of the bypass valve of the bypass device is increased at time t ₁ , at which the total volume flow Q _tot falls below a first limit value G _1. The first heating circuit is increasingly bridged and the total volume flow Q _tot increases again at.

At time t ₂ the volume flow Q ₁ and thus also the total volume flow Q _tot increases again due to the opening control valve in the first heating circuit. The total volume flow Q _tot exceeds a second limit value G ₂ , as a result of which the degree of opening of the bypass valve is reduced again, since there is now an energy requirement in the first heating circuit and the bridging via the bypass device can be reduced.

5B shows the too 5A associated temperature curves of the energy transport medium in the network. T ₁ describes the temperature of the energy transport medium at the flow, as recorded by the temperature sensor 251 (see 2A) , and also corresponds to the temperature at the input of the first heating circuit if it is open. T ₂ describes the temperature in front of the second heating circuit, as recorded by the temperature sensor 252 (see 2D ). The temperatures T ₁ and T ₂ of the energy transport medium should be kept as close as possible to the specified target temperatures T _Soll,1 and T _Soll,2 in the course of controlling the heating system.

After closing the control valve in the first heating circuit and the volume flow Q ₁ drops at time t ₁ (see 5A) There is no energy requirement for the first heating circuit, so that the flow temperature T ₁ is lowered by the heat pump, since now only the temperature T ₂ in front of the second heating circuit has to be kept at the target temperature T _Soll,2 < T _Soll,1 . This enables efficient operation of the heating system with reduced energy costs.

When the bypass valve closes at time t ₂ and the volume flow Q ₁ increases in the first heating circuit, the flow temperature T ₁ is increased again by the heat pump to the setpoint _TSoll,1 to be provided in order to cover the emerging energy requirement in the first heating circuit. Since the bypass valve closes at the same time, there is a brief drop in temperature T ₂ .

With the method described above for controlling a heating system, in particular disadvantageous operating states of the heating system can be avoided, in which, for example, there is insufficient energy consumption at the heat pump, an insufficient energy supply to a heating circuit or an energetically suboptimal operation of the heat pump.

Finally, it is emphasized again that the present invention is in no way limited to the exemplary embodiments described above and their embodiment features. The invention further includes modifications of the exemplary embodiments mentioned, in particular those consisting of modifications and/or combinations of individual or several features of the described embodiments emerge within the scope of protection of the independent claims.

List of reference symbols

1

Heating system

2

Connection to ambient energy source

10

Heat pump

20

hydraulic network

30

Control device

200

Line

201

leader

202a-d

Distribution system

203

first heating circuit

204

Bypass device

205

Volume flow sensor

206

second heating circuit

207

Energy storage system

209

Rewind

221

3/2-way valve

222

4/3-way valve

231

Control valve for the first heating circuit

232

Heat exchanger

233

Heating circuit pump

240a-c

Bypass system

241

Bypass valve

242

Bypass line

251

Flow temperature sensor

252

Temperature sensor for second heating circuit

270

Energy storage

G1

first limit

G2

second limit

Qtot

Total volume flow

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102011001223 A1 [0007]

Claims (16)

Method for controlling a heating system (1), which at least comprises: - a heat source device (10) for controlling the temperature of an energy transport medium; and - a network (20) connected to the heat source device (10) for passing the energy transport medium through, again comprising: - a feed (201) for introducing the energy transport medium tempered by the heat source device (10) into the network (20); - a return line (209) for returning the energy transport medium in the network (20) into the heat source device (10); - a first heating circuit (203) arranged between the flow (201) and the return (209), which comprises a heat exchange device (232) to be supplied with the energy transport medium; and - a bypass device (204) arranged between the flow (201) and the return (209) for bridging the first heating circuit (203), which comprises a switchable valve unit (241) for regulating the energy transport medium passed through the bypass device (204); wherein the method comprises: - determining a first limit value (G ₁ ) for a total volume flow (Q _tot ) of the energy transport medium in the network (20), which describes a minimum value to be maintained of the total volume flow (Q _tot ) of the energy transport medium in the network; - Detecting a total volume flow (Q _tot ) of the energy transport medium in the network (20); - Controlling the heating system (1) as a function of the detected total volume flow (Q _tot ), comprising: - increasing a degree of opening of the valve unit (241) of the bypass device (241) if the detected total volume flow (Q _tot ) exceeds the specified first limit value (G ₁ ) falls short of; characterized in that the method further comprises: - determining a second limit value (G ₂ ) for the total volume flow (Q _tot ) of the energy transport medium in the network (20), which is greater than the first limit value (G ₁ ); wherein controlling the heating system (1) further comprises: - reducing the degree of opening of the valve unit (241) of the bypass device (204) if the detected total volume flow (Q _tot ) exceeds the specified second limit value (G ₂ ). Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the network (20) further comprises a switchable first valve unit (231) connected upstream of the first heating circuit (203) for regulating the energy transport medium passed through the first heating circuit (203); wherein controlling the heating system (1) further comprises: - increasing an opening degree of the first valve unit (231) if the detected total volume flow (Q _tot ) exceeds the specified second limit value (G ₂ ). Procedure according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the valve unit (241) of the bypass device (204) and the first valve unit (231) are both designed as part of a distribution device (221; 222) of the network (20), in particular the distribution device is a three-way valve (221), such that increasing the degree of opening of the valve unit (241) of the bypass device (204) causes a reduction in the degree of opening of the first valve unit (231) and vice versa and reducing the degree of opening of the valve unit (241) of the bypass device (204). Increasing the degree of opening of the first valve unit (231) and vice versa Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the network (20) comprises a second heating circuit (206) arranged between the flow (201) and the return (209), which comprises a further heat exchange device (232) to be supplied with the energy transport medium , wherein controlling the heating system (1) further comprises: - Regulating a quantitative ratio between an amount of energy transport medium passed through the first heating circuit (203) and an amount of energy transport medium passed through the second heating circuit (206). Procedure according to Claim 4 , characterized in that the network (20) further comprises a switchable second valve unit upstream of the second heating circuit (206) for regulating the energy transport medium passed through the second heating circuit (206), the quantity ratio being regulated by adjusting a degree of opening of the second valve unit he follows Procedure according to Claim 4 , characterized in that the second heating circuit (206) is designed as part of the bypass device (204), the bypass device (204) being between the valve unit (241) of the bypass device (204) and the return line (206) of the network (20). arranged bypass line (242) and the second heating circuit (206) is arranged parallel to the bypass line (242), regulating the quantitative ratio by adjusting the degree of opening of the valve unit (241) of the bypass device (204). Procedure according to one of the Claim 6 , characterized in that the second heating circuit (206) comprises a heating circuit pump (233) for regulating the energy transport medium passed through the second heating circuit (206), the quantitative ratio being regulated by adjusting a pump power of the heating circuit pump (233). Procedure according to one of the Claims 4 until 7 and after Claim 2 , characterized in that the quantitative ratio is regulated by adjusting the degree of opening of the first valve unit (231). Procedure according to one of the Claims 4 until 8th , characterized in that the method further comprises: - determining a first heating power requirement value for the first heating circuit (203), which describes an amount of energy to be provided to the first heating circuit (206) by the energy transport medium; and - determining a second heating power requirement value for the second heating circuit (206), which describes an amount of energy to be provided to the second heating circuit (206) by the energy transport medium; wherein the quantitative ratio is regulated depending on the determined first and second heating power requirement values Procedure according to Claim 9 , characterized in that regulating the quantitative ratio comprises: - increasing the amount of energy transport medium passed through the first heating circuit (203) if the first heating power requirement value exceeds the second heating power requirement value; and - increasing the amount of energy transport medium passed through the second heating circuit (206) if the first heating power requirement value falls below the second heating power requirement value. Procedure according to one of the Claims 9 until 10 , characterized in that determining the first heating power requirement value comprises: - determining a target temperature for a first environment to be tempered by the heat exchange device (232) of the first heating circuit (203); - Detecting an actual temperature of the first environment; and - determining the first heating power requirement value depending on a difference between the specified target temperature and the recorded actual temperature of the first environment; and/or determining the second heating power requirement value comprises: - determining a target temperature for a second environment to be tempered by the further heat exchange device (232) of the second heating circuit (206); - Detecting an actual temperature of the second environment; and - determining the second heating power requirement value depending on a difference between the specified target temperature and the recorded actual temperature of the second environment. Procedure according to one of the Claims 9 until 10 , characterized in that determining the first heating power requirement value comprises: - determining a target temperature of the energy transport medium in the first heating circuit (203) for a first point upstream of the heat exchange device (232) with respect to a direction of passage of the energy transport medium; - Detecting an actual temperature of the energy transport medium at the first point; - Determining the first heating power requirement value depending on a difference between the specified target temperature and the recorded actual temperature at the first point; and/or determining the second heating power requirement value comprises: - determining a target temperature of the energy transport medium in the second heating circuit (206) for a second location upstream of the further heat exchange device (232) with respect to a direction of conduction of the energy transport medium; - Detecting an actual temperature of the energy transport medium at the second point; - Determining the second heating power requirement value depending on a difference between the specified target temperature and the recorded actual temperature at the second location. Procedure according to one of the Claims 4 until 12 , characterized in that the method further comprises: - Controlling a temperature of the energy transport medium in the second heating circuit (206). Procedure according to Claim 13 , characterized in that controlling a temperature of the energy transport medium in the second heating circuit (206) comprises: - returning a portion of the energy transport medium discharged from the second heating circuit (206) to an inlet of the second heating circuit (206); and - adding the returned portion to the energy transport medium supplied through the inlet of the second heating circuit (206). Heating system (1), comprising: - a heat source device (10) for controlling the temperature of an energy transport medium; - a network (20) connected to the heat source device (10) for passing the energy transport medium through, again comprising: - a feed (201) for introducing the energy transport medium tempered by the heat source device (10) into the network (20); - a return line (209) for returning the energy transport medium in the network (20) into the heat source device (10); - a first heating circuit (203) arranged between the flow (201) and the return (209), which comprises a heat exchange device (232) to be supplied with the energy transport medium; - a bypass device (204) arranged between the flow (201) and the return (209) for bridging the first heating circuit (203), which comprises a switchable valve unit (241) for regulating the energy transport medium passed through the bypass device (204); and - a volume flow measuring device (205) for detecting a total volume flow (Q _tot ) of the energy transport medium in the network (20), which is arranged in particular on the flow (201) or on the return (209); - a control device (30) for controlling the heating system (1), which is coupled at least to the valve unit (241) of the bypass device (204) and is set up to adjust a degree of opening of the valve unit (241) of the bypass device (204); wherein the control device (30) is set up in the course of controlling the heating system (1) to increase the degree of opening of the valve unit (241) of the bypass device (204) if a total volume flow (Q _tot ) detected by the volume flow measuring device (205) reaches a specified, the first limit value (G ₁ ) provided by the control device (30) for a total volume flow (Q _tot ) of the energy transport medium in the network (20), which describes a minimum value to be maintained of the total volume flow (Q _tot ) of the energy transport medium in the network (20), characterized in that the control device (30) is also set up, in the course of controlling the heating system (1), to reduce the degree of opening of the valve unit (241) of the bypass device (204) if the total volume flow (Q _tot ) detected by the volume flow measuring device (205) exceeds a specified second limit value (G ₂ ) provided to the control device (30) for the total volume flow (Q _tot ) of the energy transport medium in the network (20), which is greater than the first limit value (G ₁ ). Control device (30) for use in a heating system (1). Claim 15 .

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