EP4093150A1 - Electric surface heater with controllable heating components and method of operation - Google Patents

Abstract

An electric panel heater (100) for laying in the construction sector is described, the electric panel heater (100) having: i) a first heating component (110); ii) a second heating component (120); andiii) at least one control device (150) which is coupled to the first heating component (110) and to the second heating component (120), wherein the at least one control device (150) is configured to control the first heating component (110) according to a first temperature characteristic and /or to regulate and, independently thereof, to control and/or regulate the second heating component (120) according to a second temperature characteristic, the first temperature characteristic being different from the second temperature characteristic.

Description

technical field

The invention relates to an electric surface heating for the construction sector with heating components and a control device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating an electric panel heater. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing the electric surface heating. In addition, the invention relates to the use of a control device in a modular electrical surface heating system.

The invention can thus relate to the technical field of heating systems, in particular electrical panel heating systems.

Technical background

Electric surface heating systems (eFH) are known as surface resistance heating systems or systems based on heating cables. In the case of the heating cable-based systems, there are also variants with self-limiting heating cables. However, known eFHs are not very flexible when it comes to providing a dynamic and/or targeted heating output. In particular, only limited rapid heating can be realized by means of self-limiting cables, because the self-limiting cable regulates its output independently from a certain temperature.

Summary of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an electric panel heater which allows selective and rapid heating, but is at the same time safe and reliable.

This object is solved with the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous configurations result from the dependent claims.

1. i) eine erste (elektrische) Heizkomponente (beziehungsweise ein erstes Feld/Modul);
2. ii) eine zweite (elektrische) Heizkomponente (beziehungsweise ein zweites Feld/Modul); und
3. iii) (zumindest) eine Steuervorrichtung, welche an die erste Heizkomponente und an die zweite Heizkomponente (elektrisch) gekoppelt ist (beispielsweise über ein Verbindungselement), wobei die zumindest eine Steuervorrichtung konfiguriert ist
   1. a) die erste Heizkomponente gemäß einer ersten Temperaturcharakteristik zu steuern und/oder zu regeln, und, unabhängig davon,
   2. b) die zweite Heizkomponente gemäß einer zweiten Temperaturcharakteristik zu steuern und/oder zu regeln. Insbesondere wobei die erste

According to one aspect of the invention, an electric surface heating for laying in the construction sector is described, the electric surface heating having:

1. i) a first (electrical) heating component (or a first panel/module);
2. ii) a second (electrical) heating component (or a second panel/module); and
3. iii) (at least) one control device which is (electrically) coupled to the first heating component and to the second heating component (e.g. via a connection element), wherein the at least one control device is configured
   1. a) to control and/or regulate the first heating component according to a first temperature characteristic, and, independently of this,
   2. b) to control and/or regulate the second heating component according to a second temperature characteristic. In particular, the first

Temperature characteristic is different from the second temperature characteristic.

1. i) Steuern und/oder Regeln einer ersten Heizkomponente gemäß einer ersten Temperaturcharakteristik, und, unabhängig hiervon,
2. ii) Steuern und/oder Regeln einer zweiten Heizkomponente gemäß einer zweiten Temperaturcharakteristik.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for operating an electric surface heating is described, which has a plurality of heating components arranged in a modular manner with respect to one another, the method having:

1. i) controlling and/or regulating a first heating component according to a first temperature characteristic, and, independently thereof,
2. ii) controlling and/or regulating a second heating component according to a second temperature characteristic.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a computer program product is described which, when operated on a processor or computer, is configured to carry out a method for operating an electric surface heating system as described above.

1. i) Bereitstellen der Steuervorrichtung, welche mittels einer mechanischen Abdeckung geschützt ist,
2. ii) Verlegen eines ersten Flächenheizmoduls, welches die erste Heizkomponente aufweist,
3. iii) Verlegen eines zweiten Flächenheizmoduls, welches die zweite Heizkomponente aufweist, und
4. iv) Montieren der geschützten Steuervorrichtung und danach Entfernen der mechanischen Abdeckung.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for producing an electric panel heater (in particular as described above) is provided. The method comprising:

1. i) providing the control device, which is protected by means of a mechanical cover,
2. ii) laying a first surface heating module, which has the first heating component,
3. iii) Laying a second surface heating module, which has the second heating component, and
4. iv) mounting the protected control device and then removing the mechanical cover.

1. i) Heizen der ersten Heizkomponente und/oder der zweiten Heizkomponente,
2. ii) Detektieren der Position der ersten Heizkomponente und/oder der zweiten Heizkomponente mittels einer Wärmekamera.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a method is described for locating a first heating component and a second heating component of an electric panel heater (in particular as described above), the method having:

1. i) heating the first heating component and/or the second heating component,
2. ii) detecting the position of the first heating component and/or the second heating component using a thermal camera.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the use of a control device is described in order to independently control a plurality of heating components (e.g. as surface heating modules) of an electric surface heating system arranged in a modular manner relative to one another. In particular, the control device is (at least partially) integrated in the electric surface heating.

In the context of this document, the term "electric surface heating" (EFH) can be understood in particular as a device which emits thermal energy when electrical energy is supplied to it.

The EFH is preferably of flat design, ie it has two

Main extension directions (length direction x and width direction y). An EFH can have a heating element, eg a heating wire, a heating cable, a heating foil, or a heating surface. In a simple exemplary embodiment, an EFH can be implemented by means of a flat heating wire through which current flows, so that it heats up and correspondingly emits heat to the environment. In another embodiment, a heating cable is used as the heating element. This can be arranged on or in a carrier material of a carrier structure (for example a carrier film). In a preferred example, a heating cable, in particular in a curved, more particularly meandering arrangement, can be fitted in a carrier material or embedded in the carrier material. For example, the carrier structure can be designed as a film, which can then be transported on rollers is. To lay the EFH as a wall, ceiling or floor covering, the rolls can then be unrolled and fastened. In one embodiment, the installed EFH can be covered with a floor, eg parquet, or with wallpaper. In particular, electric panel heating can be used in the construction sector, for example house construction and building construction. An eFH can have a modular structure and have a number of heating components. In one example, the term "construction" does not include industrial or aviation applications.

In the context of this document, the term "carrier structure" can be understood to mean a planar structure (e.g. in the form of a foil) which is suitable for acting as a carrier for a heating element (e.g. a heating cable). The carrier structure has a carrier material in which a heating element can be embedded and/or on/on which a heating element can be arranged. The carrier material can, for example, have at least one of the following materials: i) cut Styrofoam plates (or similar insulating material), ii) insulating elastomeric foams (or inorganic structured insulating materials as a substrate) with an insertion or fastening option for the heating element, iii) polymer clips, which either directly be mounted on the floor (similar to the clamps of warm water underfloor heating), iv) flat plastic plates/foils, which are structured by means of a deep-drawing process in such a way that heating elements can be inserted, v) heat spreaders (e.g. aluminum plates, bent in such a way that heating elements can be inserted ). Also suitable are, for example, film-like and lattice-like carrier structures on which a heating element can be attached (and which can at best be transported as rolled goods).

In the context of this document, the term "heating component" (or field, module) can in particular refer to one or more heating elements, which can be summarized as a module. Such a module can, for example, be specifically controlled/regulated by a control device. In particular, such a heating component can be distinguished from another heating component. A heating component can particularly preferably be a module which can be controlled/regulated independently of other heating components. In this case, an eFH can (at least partially) have a modular structure, ie have a plurality of heating component modules. A heating component can, for example, be a specific section of a vehicle Heating element (eg heating cable) or a lattice structure of a plurality of rod-shaped heating elements. In an example, a heating component can be a heating field (or heating zone) in a heating surface. A heating component can be a partitioned or separable area. In another example, a heating component can be arranged (also inseparably) together with other heating components in the same area (eg floor of a room), in which case each heating component can still be controlled/regulated independently of the other heating components. A heating component can represent a surface heating module or be part of a surface heating module.

In addition to the heating component, a surface heating module can also have a control device or control device, in particular the control device/control device being integrated into the surface heating module.

In the context of this document, the term "heating element" can in particular refer to an element which is particularly suitable for dissipating heat to the environment when electrical energy is supplied. A heating element can, for example, comprise a heating wire, a heating cable, a heating foil, or a heating surface. A heating element can also be realized, for example, by a copper track or a carbon composite. In this document, the term "heating cable" can refer to a cable which is particularly suitable for dissipating heat to the environment when energy is supplied in the form of electricity or when the cable is electrically contacted. In the context of this document, the term "heating cable" can also include heating wires and heating tapes.

In the context of this document, the term "cable" can refer to an electrically conductive length conductor (or supply conductor). The term "cable" can mean a stranded wire or a solid wire. In particular, the electrically conductive linear conductor can be at least partially surrounded by an insulating material. A cable can extend in a longitudinal direction x and, viewed in cross-section, have a width direction y and a height direction z. In the case of a round cable, the width direction and height direction can be essentially the same size. In the case of a ribbon cable, the width direction can be larger (in particular significantly larger) than the height direction.

In this document, the term "control device" can refer in particular to a device, e.g. a computer, a PLC (programmable logic controller), a computer system, a processor, which is suitable for controlling the energy supply to an electric surface heating or to control (and regulate) individual heating components. In the case of an electric surface heating, the term “energy supply” can relate in particular to an electric energy supply. In a simple embodiment, the energy supply is realized by a power cable, which provides electricity to the electric surface heating or a heating element of the eFH. The control device can be implemented in such a way that the amount of electrical energy provided to the eFH is controlled or regulated, e.g. by means of a control computer. In a further exemplary embodiment, a plurality of energy supply lines are controlled by a computer system and readjusted during operation by means of a sensor network. In one exemplary embodiment, the control device can be set up in such a way that the amount of energy in an energy burst can be variably adjusted. In particular, the control device can determine this amount of energy itself or can also have it specified (e.g. by a user or another control system).

The term "controller" can refer to a single device or a plurality of devices, each of which can be referred to as a "controller". In an exemplary example, an eFH can have a control device which consists of a plurality of control units, each of which is assigned to a heating component (in particular is integrated into the respective heating component). In one example, the control device can measure the local temperature of a heating component by means of a temperature sensor system (e.g. temperature sensor) and, if necessary, determine the current energy consumption. Furthermore, the control device can be set up to provide a specific temperature characteristic(s) to a specific heating component.

In this document, the term "temperature characteristic" can in particular refer to specific temperature-indicative parameters. In particular, a temperature characteristic may be a thermal profile, with desired temperatures at a specific time at a specific position are provided. Parameters for this can in particular include thermal conductance values and heat capacity. In one example, a first controller of a first heating component includes a first thermostat, while a second controller of a second heating component includes a second thermostat. Even if the thermostat should be the same in both cases, completely independent control is still possible. Differences in the temperature characteristics can result, for example, from the fact that a styrofoam plate is placed on one of the heating components and the corresponding thermostat then specifies a different temperature profile (a different amount of energy).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the invention can be based on the idea that an electric surface heating can be provided which allows selective and rapid heating, but is at the same time safe and reliable when a control device of the eFH independently applies specific temperature characteristics to different heating components of the eFH .

The known variants of the prior art cannot prevent the heating function remaining switched off, for example, under a refrigerator placed on the floor surface, while other areas of the heating surface are heated normally at the same time. Also, different small zones on a heating surface cannot be dynamically controlled or even regulated with regard to maximum temperature and energy throughput.

Disadvantages of the prior art can be solved in a surprisingly efficient manner by dividing an eFH (e.g. on the floor or wall surface) into small modules of heating components (e.g. zones of 25×25 or 50×50 cm independently controlled heating zones). . In one example, a control device is built into the surface of the eFH, which heats the different heating components (surfaces) depending on a desired heat profile (temperature characteristic), but throttles or switches off the further supply of energy at a certain maximum temperature. In a simple variant, thermostats are used, while microprocessors (and the required additional components such as voltage stabilization, memory, sensors and actuators) can be used in more special variants.

Exemplary embodiments

According to an exemplary embodiment, the control device is (at least partially) (in particular fully) integrated into the electric surface heating. This can have the advantage that the eFH can be constructed in a particularly compact manner. The control device can thus be laid and operated directly with the eFH in the construction area. This can also save workload.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the control device is configured to process information associated with temperature characteristics (in particular to receive, detect or forward this information).

This can have the advantage that information associated with and potentially necessary for the temperature characteristic is handled in a flexible and dynamic manner. For example, a control device (e.g. by means of a temperature sensor) can measure the information itself. In another example, the information may be provided by another controller or an external temperature sensor.

For example, a reading (of each individual heating component or as average values over heating component areas) can be provided to a receiver external to the heating surface. This can allow an external entity to perform consumption logging, statistics and monitoring functions.

According to a further embodiment, the temperature characteristic-associated information has at least one from the group consisting of: measured value, setpoint, temperature per heating component, average temperature of a plurality of heating components, power per heating component, average power of a plurality of heating components, energy per heating component, average energy a plurality of heating components.

1. i) eine erste Steuereinheit, welche der ersten Heizkomponente zugeordnet ist, und eingerichtet ist eine erste Funktion durchzuführen; und
2. ii) eine zweite Steuereinheit, welche der zweiten Heizkomponente zugeordnet ist, und eingerichtet ist eine zweite Funktion durchzuführen. Dadurch kann sich der Vorteil ergeben, dass zumindest einigen Heizkomponenten eine eigene Steuereinheit (wobei eine Mehrzahl von Steuereinheiten die zumindest eine Steuervorrichtung bilden können) zugeordnet ist und somit eine besonders effiziente und dynamische Steuerung/Regelung ermöglicht sein kann.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the control device has:

1. i) a first control unit, which is assigned to the first heating component and is set up to carry out a first function; and
2. ii) a second control unit, which is assigned to the second heating component and is set up to carry out a second function. This allows the The advantage is that at least some heating components have their own control unit (whereby a plurality of control units which can form at least one control device) is assigned and thus a particularly efficient and dynamic control/regulation can be made possible.

In particular, the first control unit and the second control unit are spatially spaced apart from one another. For example, a first control unit is coupled/installed with a first heating component, while a second control unit is coupled/installed with a second heating component.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the first control unit is set up to at least partially carry out the second function of the second control unit (in particular if the second function cannot be carried out at least temporarily using the second control unit), and/or the second control unit is set up to carry out the first function of the first control unit at least partially to be carried out (in particular if the first function cannot be carried out at least temporarily by means of the first control unit). This has the advantage that the control units can supplement or even replace one another, which can result in particularly stable operation.

In one example, measured values from one control unit are passed on to another control unit (in the heating surface). As a result, an additional safety device can be implemented: a second control unit can thus monitor the first control unit and, in the event of a malfunction, intervene in the control of the energy supply. In particular, if several control units come to the same conclusion, they can switch off a control unit to be on the safe side or take over its function (redundancy).

This can be further optimized if a control unit controls only every second field. In this way, simpler redundancy monitoring can be implemented, or switching off a defective control unit is easier for the entire heating system to cope with.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the first function and/or the second function is at least one from the group consisting of: providing heating power, reducing heating power, switching off heating power, compensating for heating power, providing a signal, switching on at least one heating component. A redundant heating function can be achieved by a plurality of control units, with at least one other control unit being able to take over additional functions if one control unit fails. through the Coupling several control units can thus achieve redundancy with regard to operational reliability and/or availability. In one example, directly adjacent heating components (fields) can be controlled by different control units.

According to a further embodiment, the first control unit is configured to forward (or receive) temperature characteristic-associated information to the second control unit and/or an external device. According to a further embodiment, the second control unit is configured to forward (or receive) the temperature characteristic-associated information to the first control unit and/or the external device.

If the possibility of receiving a setpoint temperature and/or a room temperature is created, the control unit/control device can create a suitable temperature profile for each heating component field (or also continuously adapt this) and thus control the temperature of a field in a targeted manner.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, forwarding (or receiving) includes at least one from the group consisting of: separate cable, superimposition of mains voltage, bus system, analog signal, radio signal, in particular one of WLAN, Bluetooth, NFC, LoRaWAN, UWB.

This can have the advantage that tried and tested, standardized procedures can be implemented directly.

In this document, RFID (radio-frequency identification) can designate a technology for transmitter-receiver systems for the automatic and contact-free identification and localization of objects and living beings with radio waves.

In this document, NFC (near field communication) can refer to an international transmission standard based on RFID technology for the contactless exchange of data via electromagnetic induction using loosely coupled coils over short distances of a few centimetres.

UWB (ultra-broad band) may refer to a radio technology that can use a very low power level for short-range, high-bandwidth communication over a large portion of the radio spectrum. UWB can thus refer to a technology for the transmission of Obtain information that is distributed over a large bandwidth (> 500 MHz).

LoRaWAN (Long Range wide area network) can denote a low-power wireless network.

BLE refers to the Bluetooth Low Energy Standard.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the control device is configured to create the first temperature characteristic and/or the second temperature characteristic based on the temperature characteristic-associated information. This can enable particularly efficient regulation, e.g. based on measured values.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the first heating component has at least one first electrical heating element, in particular a heating cable or a heating rod. According to a further exemplary embodiment, the second heating component has at least one second electrical heating element, in particular a heating cable or a heating rod.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the electric surface heating also has: a heating area in which at least one heating component (or heating element) is arranged, and a free area in which no heating component (or heating element) is arranged.

In particular, an extent of the free area in a main direction of extent (along the X and Y axis) of the electric surface heating is 1 cm or more, in particular 2 cm or more, further in particular 3 cm or more.

In the context of this document, the term “heating area” can in particular refer to an area within an electric surface heating system which has an electric heating component and is therefore not suitable for being processed (in particular drilled through). In an example of a heating area, a heating cable is embedded in a support structure of the electric surface heating. In the heating area, the probability of damaging the heating component (e.g. the heating cable, the heating foil) and/or its insulation when drilling through non-transparent covering material and the heating area underneath (e.g. through the support structure of the electric surface heating) can be significantly increased ( or to pierce). This probability can be so increased in the heating area that a specialist advises against piercing because of the risk of a damage is too great. In one example, the term "heating area" refers not only to the heating component itself, but also to the surrounding area around the heating component, in which machining or drilling would generally not be carried out because safety is jeopardized. In an example, the heating area of an electric surface heating is defined or documented.

In the context of this document, the term "free area" can in particular refer to an area within an electric surface heating system which has no electric heating component or no heating element and is therefore suitable for being processed (in particular drilled through). In an example of a free area, no heating cable is embedded in an area of the support structure of the electric surface heating. In another example, a heating foil has free areas without a heating function. In a further example, heating foil sections are used as heating areas, between which free areas are then left. The free area can have appropriate dimensions so that drilling through non-transparent covering material and the free area underneath is possible without risk. The size of the free area can be selected in such a way that the probability of missing the free area when drilling becomes negligibly small.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, a plurality of the electrical heating elements are (essentially) rod-shaped and arranged as an array (in particular as a lattice structure). According to a further exemplary embodiment, the electrical heating elements arranged as a lattice structure form the heating area and the free area is formed between the heating elements of the lattice structure. This can have the advantage that the electrical heating components are designed to be particularly stable and robust. At the same time, a particularly efficient and flexibly controllable surface heating can be made possible.

In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the electrical heating elements form a lattice structure ("grid") as an array. In this context, a lattice structure can be an arrangement of rod-shaped or elongated (heating) elements at regular or even intervals.

The electrical heating component can be constructed by an array of interconnected (semi-rigid) heating elements in the form of rods. These rods are arranged, for example, as a grid (lattice structure). Due to their rigidity, the rods form a carrier material and, on the other hand, can also be electrically semiconductive or conductive and thus form the heating component.

In one embodiment, the rod-shaped heating elements (of the array) are immersed or coated in a liquid that forms the heating element (e.g. paint with copper or carbon particles). Special variants of this configuration use one of the known materials with a temperature-limiting effect for the coating. This temperature limitation is to be distinguished from so-called self-limiting heating cables, which achieve temperature limitation through the thermistor or PTC effect, with an increase in temperature leading to an increase in resistance and thus a reduction in energy.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the electrical heating elements arranged as a lattice structure form the heating area and the free area is formed between the heating elements of the lattice structure. This can have the advantage that an efficient and robust surface heating is provided, the free areas of which can be clearly defined. On the one hand, the interior spaces of the grid or the grid structure can be used as free areas, but on the other hand, additional free areas can also be realized.

The heating system is implemented in a further embodiment using an insulating base material, to which conductive copper or carbon has been applied as a heating medium and structured accordingly. This application can take place by printing, laminating copper tracks, plasma coating, etching and/or vapor deposition and/or this application can be structured.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the electric surface heating also has: a support structure, which is formed along two main extension directions (x, y) and spans a support plane, with at least a section of the first heating component and/or the second heating component on and/or in the support structure is arranged. This can have the advantage that the electrical heating component can be implemented directly in an established and proven system.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the carrier structure is designed as a film web. In one example, heating areas and free areas are arranged alternately (in particular transversely) to the film web. As a result, the electric surface heating can be laid cost-effectively and efficiently, with the heating components (and the free areas) being able to be clearly defined. For example, heating areas (eg a heating foil) and free areas can be arranged alternately on a foil web that can be rolled out.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the electric surface heating (at least partially) (in particular at least one from the group consisting of: the first heating component, the second heating component, the control device) has a thickness (z) of 8 mm or less, in particular 6 mm or less, more particularly 5 mm or less. This advantageously results in a particularly small structural height.

This can particularly affect the control unit. By using a print that is only populated on one side (generally: component carrier) and SMD electronic components on the opposite side, a very low installation height can be achieved. In addition, in one example, the component carrier acts as an additional protection for the control unit against structural damage if it is constructed from suitable material and is installed on top of the heating system.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the electric surface heating has, at least in sections, 10 or more, in particular 20 or more, further in particular 40 or more, free areas, in particular recesses, per square meter.

So that few mechanical forces act on the eFH, in particular on the control unit, the heating components of the EFB can be designed in such a way that they have a plurality of cut-outs which are larger than 1 cm in the x and y direction, preferably larger than 2 cm, particularly preferably greater than 3 cm. As a result, assembly fluid can pass through these openings and thus form a stable connection between the subfloor and the top covering after the mounting fluid has hardened (in certain cases, the mounting fluid can also form the top covering immediately after hardening (poured floor).

According to a further exemplary embodiment, a temperature difference in the operating mode between the first heating component and/or the second heating component and a surface heating cover layer (in particular a subsurface such as a floor covering, a ceiling covering, a wall covering) is 10° C. or less, in particular 7° C. or less , more particularly 5°C Or less. This can have the advantage that an efficient and robust heating output is achieved with a low installation height.

For example, by using a wide-area heating element or by using a large number of individual heating wires per m ² , large temperature differences between the heating element/heating component and the surface, in particular the finished floor, can be prevented at certain points. In addition, a module can be made so thin and also efficiently thermally conductive by suitable structural measures that the maximum temperature difference between the heating element and the surface (in particular the surface of the finished floor) is particularly small.

1. i) ein erstes Flächenheizmodul, welches die erste Heizkomponente (und insbesondere die erste Steuereinheit), aufweist, und
2. ii) ein zweites Flächenheizmodul, welches die zweite Heizkomponente (und insbesondere die zweite Steuereinheit) aufweist.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the electric surface heating also has:

1. i) a first surface heating module, which has the first heating component (and in particular the first control unit), and
2. ii) a second surface heating module, which has the second heating component (and in particular the second control unit).

With this (modular) structure, each heating component can be assigned to a surface heating module, which has additional components such as a support structure and a control unit. Furthermore, a panel heating module can be designed, for example, as a (rectangular) angular panel, which can be connected to other panel heating modules on the side.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the first panel heating module and/or the second panel heating module has an area of 100 dm ² or less, in particular 75 dm ² or less, in particular 50 dm ² or less, in particular 25 dm ² or less, more particularly 10 dm ² or more less, more particularly 5 dm ² or less. This can have the advantage that the surface heating modules can be provided as rectangular, angular, round or otherwise shaped panels of a defined size. The smaller the modules, the more precisely different temperature characteristics can be realized.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the electric surface heating also has: a connecting element which connects the first surface heating module, in particular the first heating component, and the second surface heating module, in particular the second heating component, to one another. The connecting element can be equipped with an electrical heating component (E.g. a heating cable, a heating foil, etc.) can be coupled (and/or coupled) to the electric surface heating. Additionally or alternatively, the connecting element can be coupled (and/or coupled) to a heating component-associated element (e.g. a supply line, a control connection, a sensor (in particular connected with a connecting cable), a further heating component, etc.) (the coupling can in particular be a (fixed) integrating the connecting element to/into the electrical heating component and/or to/into the heating component-associated element).

In one embodiment, an electric surface heating consists of individual surface heating modules, which can be connected to one another by means of connecting elements. The corresponding securing of the position when the connection is created can be achieved by the connection elements described, in which case the connectors can already be part of the next module in this case. The connection element can be, for example, a plug or a connector strip on the edge of the module. Additional mechanical (step) protection of the control unit can be achieved by the mechanical components of the connecting element.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the control device is (at least partially) integrated into the connecting element. This can result in a particularly compact and practical structure.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the electric surface heating also has: a connection element for connection to a power source, the control device being at least partially integrated into the connection element. This can also result in a particularly compact and practicable structure.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the control device is configured to control and/or regulate an energy supply to the first heating component and/or the second heating component. The control device is also configured to control the energy quantity of the energy supply in such a way that a time-limited burst of energy is provided to the first heating component and/or to the second heating component.

In this document, the term “energy surge” can refer in particular to an amount of energy (in the context of an energy supply to an eFH) that is significantly higher than the usual amount of energy that is supplied to an eFH during operation. In one embodiment, the amount of energy an energy surge at least 40% or more, in particular twice (or more) of the usual amount of energy that is supplied to an eFH in leveled operation. In a specific example, the amount of energy of the energy burst may essentially correspond to the maximum (heating) output). In a further specific example, the energy surge is 50 W/m ² during mid-winter level-off operation, and the maximum output can be 80 to 150 W/m ² .

The significantly higher amount of energy of the energy burst can lead to a corresponding heat burst (or a heat burst that corresponds to the amount of energy of the energy burst) in an eFH, or an initial thermal overheating. In one example, such a thermal shock can lead to a sudden, extremely rapid heating of the eFH and thus also of the surrounding space. Thus, immediate heating to a comfortable temperature (not necessarily reaching an absolute temperature) can be achieved.

In another embodiment, such an energy burst can be applied to a heating cable, but not to a self-limiting heating cable, because in the latter the temperature-dependent resistance of the self-limiting material (see below) would counteract rapid heating.

In an exemplary embodiment, the duration of the energy burst is in the range of 20 seconds to 20 minutes (in particular 10 minutes, more particularly 5 minutes, more particularly 2 minutes).

1. i) Schnellaufheizung des ganzen Raumes.
2. ii) Ortsabhängige Schnellaufheizung (z.B. unter einem Fenster, wenn dieses geöffnet wurde oder für einige Zeit nach dessen Schließung).
3. iii) Boostfunktion lokal abhängig von vorher aufgezeichneten Daten, welche z.B. beinhalten können, auf welchen Heizkomponenten (Feldern) wieviel Heizenergie in den Raum abgestrahlt werden kann. Diese Daten können z.B. durch Konfigurieren, Einlernen oder gezieltes Kalibrieren entstanden sein.
4. iv) Kurzzeitige Überhitzung eines lokalen Feldes im Wissen um die Wärmespeicher und -leitfähigkeit des Bodenaufbaus. Dabei kann die Temperaturbegrenzungsfunktion eines einzelnen Feldes kurzzeitig übersteuert werden, im Wissen, dass die über der eFH liegenden baulichen Komponenten für eine gezielte Verzögerung der Wärmeabgabe (Speicherfunktion) und Temperaturmaximalbegrenzung sorgen (beispielsweise ein dicker Steinboden kann zuerst einmal sehr viel Wärmeenergie aufnehmen, bis diese dann an den Raum abgegeben wird).

Due to the large-scale heat generation, a boost function (energy surge) can be implemented without large temperature differences. A boost function allows a large amount of energy to be supplied to a room within a short period of time. The following mechanisms can be coupled with each other:

1. i) Rapid heating of the whole room.
2. ii) Localized rapid heating (e.g. under a window when it is open or for some time after it is closed).
3. iii) Boost function locally depending on previously recorded data, which can include, for example, on which heating components (fields) how much heating energy can be radiated into the room. This data can have been created, for example, through configuration, teach-in or targeted calibration.
4. iv) Short-term overheating of a local field in the knowledge of the heat storage and conductivity of the soil structure. The temperature limitation function of an individual field can be overridden for a short time, in the knowledge that the structural components above the eFH ensure a targeted delay in heat emission (storage function) and maximum temperature limitation (e.g. a thick stone floor can initially absorb a great deal of heat energy, until this is then delivered to the room).

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the energy burst has at least one characteristic from the group consisting of: locally variable, dependent on historical data, dependent on the environmental conditions. Accordingly, the energy burst can advantageously be used in a dynamic manner. In particular, heating components can be supplied with different bursts of energy independently of one another.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the electric surface heating is free from self-limiting heating elements, in particular self-limiting heating cables. While a self-limiting heating cable continuously reduces the heating output as the temperature increases, the control device can ensure that the maximum temperature is regulated. This enables targeted bursts of energy in specific regions that a self-limiting heating cable would prevent.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, a unique identifier is assigned to the first heating component and/or the second heating component, the unique identifier being associated with the spatial position. As a result, particularly efficient and user-friendly operation can advantageously be made possible.

1. i) Kalibrierung und Identifikation aufgrund von internen Identifikationsmerkmalen der Steuereinheit (z.B. MAC-Adresse, uniqe IDbasierend) im Rahmen des Produktetests beim Hersteller (Initalcodierung) oder Durchlaufen einer Installationssequenz beim Installieren der eFBH (Installationscodierung).
2. ii) Selbstidentifizierender Algorithmus mit entweder bauformabhängiger Identifikation (z.B. via Daisychain-Leitung bei der Selbstidentifikation) oder Kollision-detektierender Mechanismus (CSMA/CD) mit nachträglicher Feldzuordnung wie er im Grundprinzip von Ethernet verwendet wird.
3. iii) Manuelle Zuordnung einer ID und dadurch Identifikation der Felder (bei Konfiguration).

Since an eFH can have several control units, it is advantageous if the individual control units have an identification that describes their physical location and thus allows the heating components/panel heating modules to be uniquely addressed. For example, there are the following mechanisms:

1. i) Calibration and identification based on internal identification features of the control unit (e.g. MAC address, unique ID-based) as part of the product test at the manufacturer (initial coding) or Go through an installation sequence when installing the eFBH (installation coding).
2. ii) Self-identifying algorithm with either design-dependent identification (e.g. via daisy chain line for self-identification) or collision-detecting mechanism (CSMA/CD) with subsequent field assignment as used in the basic principle of Ethernet.
3. iii) Manual assignment of an ID and thereby identification of the fields (when configured).

According to a further embodiment, the first temperature characteristic and/or the second temperature characteristic is based at least in part on historical data. In particular, a temperature characteristic is created at least partially by means of a self-learning algorithm. As a result, the operating mode of the eFH can be continuously improved through constant learning.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the control device is configured to control and/or regulate the energy supply to the first heating component and/or the second heating component, the control and/or regulation of the energy supply having at least one from the group that consists from: trailing edge control, leading edge control, pulse width modulation, voltage control, energy surge overvoltage, phase packet control. Applications of this approach may include, for example, the following aspects.

Limitation of the maximum field temperature: In contrast to a self-limiting cable, which continuously reduces the heating output as the temperature increases, the control unit ensures the maximum temperature by means of a regulation. For this purpose, the electrical energy supplied to a field is controlled in a suitable manner. For this purpose, leading edge or trailing edge methods can be used, since a heating field essentially represents a pure resistance (without large induction or capacitance coefficients).

Furthermore, power can be controlled via phase packets. The power supply for a heating element is switched on and off again for a specific number of mains half-waves. The performance control is achieved from the ratio of free and blocked time. This can have the advantage that essentially only voltages and no currents have to be switched, which in turn leads to better EMC values.

When driving with direct current, pulse width modulation (PWM) or voltage control (power variation through voltage variation) can also take place. For rapid heating, more power can be temporarily provided for heating by means of a so-called boost overvoltage (energy surge).

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the control device is configured to compensate for different resistance values of the first heating component and the second heating component. This in particular taking into account at least one from the group consisting of resistance, temperature, power, energy.

Because each field is controlled or regulated individually, different resistance values (e.g. due to production) in the heating elements can be compensated. In the case of controlled systems, this can be done by measuring the resistance, current or power of the heating element, or in the case of a regulated system, by regulating the temperature per field.

According to a further embodiment, the control device is configured to recognize an external energy supply or an external energy drain (e.g. energy-storing stone slab, child lying on the floor) to the first heating component and/or the second heating component, and, in response thereto, the energy supply to control, in particular to reduce or increase. This can have the advantage that dynamic energy control based on external environmental influences is made possible. In one example, individual modules can detect an external energy supply, in particular then reduce the heating output, more particularly in a disproportionate manner.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the electric surface heating is configured to at least partially supply the control device with electricity continuously, even when the first heating component and/or the second heating component is/are not being heated.

In one embodiment, the temperature control is performed by the control unit and not by the power supply lines. However, the combination of the two forms of control is also possible, with the control device (in principle) never being completely and for long periods without a power supply. through the Permanent supply of the control device with operating voltage can make it possible for historical data on the field temperatures and their different courses to be recorded and transmitted to a receiver outside the eFH. Furthermore, permanent self-learning mechanisms and auto-calibration (in particular for different resistance values) of the fields outside of the heating period can be possible.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the control device also has: a first operating mode in which a heating function is activated and a second operating mode in which the heating function is not activated. In particular, the second operating mode enables at least one from the group consisting of configuring, teaching, identifying, software updating, commissioning.

In one example, the control device is operated in two different modes: on the one hand the normal mode, in which the normal heating function is active, and on the other hand a maintenance mode in which at least one of the following activities is possible: configuration, teaching, identification, software update, commissioning. Switching to this second operating mode can be limited both in terms of time and with regard to the group of users. For example, it may only be possible to switch on this second operating mode for a certain time after the power supply has been switched on, or it may require special access rights and/or mechanisms.

According to a further embodiment, the first heating component and/or the second heating component comprises a material with a positive or negative coefficient of resistance. In particular, this temperature-dependent resistor can be used as a temperature sensor.

Another preferred embodiment uses the heating elements of the heating components as a temperature sensor at the same time. To do this, they are implemented using resistance materials that have a positive or negative temperature coefficient (when the temperature changes). Any production-related differences in resistance or differences in linearity in the temperature coefficient can, for example, be calibrated at the factory and stored in the control unit - or a self-calibration can take place during commissioning. By using the heating elements as sensors, an average of the temperature is also formed over a larger area, which is more suitable in contrast to a point measurement using a temperature sensor can be. In addition, resistance differences can be measured and stored by means of calibration, self-learning and/or a configuration.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the control device has a self-learning algorithm, on the basis of which the controlling and/or regulating is adapted.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the method also includes: detecting an amount of energy in order to provide a time-limited burst of energy to the first heating component and/or to the second heating component, and controlling and/or regulating the amount of energy of an energy supply to the electric panel heating in such a way that the time-limited burst of energy is provided to the first heating component and/or to the second heating component.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the method, the controlling and/or regulating also includes at least one from the group consisting of: manual or automatic selection of a heating component, switching off a heating component, excluding a heating component from the use of an energy burst, calibrating a heating component.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises: detecting that the first heating component and/or the second heating component has a heat storage capacity and directing excess heat energy to the heating component having the heat storage capacity. As a result, memory management can be set up in a simple and advantageous manner.

Based on the temperature measurement in the room (and in particular its progression over time), an eFH system can create a map showing which fields are preferably suitable for rapid heating of the room and which fields only release the heat to the room with a delay (higher storage capacity). Based on this knowledge, for example, based on a weather forecast for a cold night on a sunny winter evening, energy can be loaded into the storage fields as a precautionary measure and thus a better self-consumption value can be achieved.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the method also includes: encapsulating the electrical panel heating at least partially with an assembly fluid, in particular after removing the mechanical Cover. This can have the advantage that cost-efficient and stable laying is made possible.

Surface heating modules can be laid out and connected to each other, whereby these can contain other building materials such as insulation, protection against footsteps (during the construction period) or carrying/assembly aids. In one example, the control unit is protected by a mechanical cover and this is only removed after deployment at the destination. The control unit is protected from structural damage by removing the protective cap directly before pouring the monthly fluid.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the heating components (or the surface heating modules) are connected to one another as a unit (in particular connected at the side). The heating components may or may not be electrically connected to each other. In this example, the heating components (or the surface heating modules) are not manufactured separately and then laid next to each other on a floor, but the heating components (or the surface heating modules) are manufactured, (sold,) transported and laid as a unit (the electric surface heating).

Brief description of the figures

• Figur 1 zeigt eine Draufsicht auf eine elektrische Flächenheizung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.
• Figur 2 zeigt eine Draufsicht auf eine elektrische Flächenheizung gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.
• Figur 3 zeigt eine Draufsicht auf eine elektrische Flächenheizung gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.
• Figur 4 zeigt eine Draufsicht auf eine elektrische Flächenheizung als Heizfolie gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.
• Figur 5 zeigt eine Draufsicht auf eine elektrische Flächenheizung als Heizfolie gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.
• Figur 6 zeigt eine Draufsicht auf eine elektrische Flächenheizung als Gitterstruktur gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following figures.

• figure 1 shows a plan view of an electric panel heater according to an embodiment of the invention.
• figure 2 shows a plan view of an electric panel heater according to a further embodiment of the invention.
• figure 3 shows a plan view of an electric panel heater according to a further embodiment of the invention.
• figure 4 shows a top view of an electric surface heating as a heating foil according to an embodiment of the invention.
• figure 5 shows a plan view of an electric surface heating as a heating foil according to a further embodiment of the invention.
• figure 6 shows a top view of an electric surface heating as a lattice structure according to a further embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of the figures

Before the figures are described in detail, the following is a discussion of some exemplary embodiments of the invention.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, in contrast to self-limiting heating cables, a surface heating is implemented, which is divided into a large number of small zones (heating components, surface heating modules) and the power of each of these zones can be controlled or regulated individually by means of a control device (control device, control unit). can. When it comes to surface heating, you usually don’t know at the time of construction what will later be placed where or attached (to the wall). Even short-term changes in objects on the heating surface or the covering over the heating surface can be compensated in this way. For example, a fluffy piece of cloth on a floor can represent thermal insulation, so that with constant power output in the floor, the heating can be too great for sensitive materials. The same problem is more evident with a baby or toddler lying on the floor.

1. i) Felder, welche gegenüber anderen Feldern besonders viel Leistung pro Grad Temperaturerhöhung aufnehmen können, sind erkennbar und können für die Eigenverbrauchssteuerung und das demand-side-management entsprechend verwendet werden.
2. ii) Eine Temperaturerhöhung eines Feldes ohne Heizleistung lässt sich als Indikator für einen thermisch aktiven Bereich verwenden, der nicht beheizt werden soll (z.B. wird der Boden im Sommer in den Bereichen, auf denen ein Kühlschrank steht, wärmer als die Umgebungsbereiche). So kann z.B. auf das Heizen unter einem Kühlschrank verzichtet werden. Diese Auszeichnung von speziell anzusteuernden Feldern kann manuell, durch Kalibrierung, oder durch selbständiges Einlernen erreicht werden. Insbesondere können einzelne Felder von einem Energiestoss (Boostfunktion) ausgeschlossen werden.
3. iii) Erkennen von dynamischen externen Wärmeeinflüssen auf die Zone über dem Heizfeld. So kann zum Beispiel die Sonne einzelne Felder durch ein Fenster erwärmen. Diese können erkannt werden und daraufhin die Heizleistung reduziert werden, insbesondere in überproportionaler Weise, oder es kann abgeschaltet werden.
4. iv) Aufzeichnen von Sensorwerten und diese für eine smarte Regelung nutzen. Zum Beispiel kann aufgrund der aufgezeichneten historischen Daten eine damalige Überheizung des Raumes oder eines Bereiches erkannt werden und durch Anpassen des aktuellen Wärmeprofils kann dies verhindert werden.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the arithmetical combination of temperature, energy and time (or temperature and power) per heating component field is used to determine how good the heat dissipation is above the field. As a result, the following additional control options can be implemented, for example:

1. i) Fields which, compared to other fields, can absorb a particularly large amount of power per degree of temperature increase can be identified and can be used accordingly for self-consumption control and demand-side management.
2. ii) An increase in temperature of a field without heating output can be used as an indicator for a thermally active area that should not be heated (e.g. in summer the soil in the areas where a refrigerator stands becomes warmer than the surrounding areas). For example, heating under a refrigerator can be dispensed with. This award from Fields to be controlled specifically can be achieved manually, by calibration, or by self-teaching. In particular, individual fields can be excluded from an energy burst (boost function).
3. iii) Detection of dynamic external thermal influences on the zone above the heating field. For example, the sun can heat individual fields through a window. These can be recognized and the heating output can then be reduced, in particular in a disproportionate manner, or it can be switched off.
4. iv) Recording sensor values and using them for smart control. For example, based on the recorded historical data, overheating of the room or an area can be detected and this can be prevented by adjusting the current heat profile.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, individual heating component fields can measure how much energy flow they achieve. When placed almost directly in air, with constant heat flux, the temperature rises rapidly. If a thick stone is placed on the eFH, heat is stored, recognizable by the delayed rise in temperature. This can be recognized by learning effects, and it can thus be made dynamic. It is possible to react to electricity price and weather forecasts in such a way that cheap energy or rising, increased or reduced outside temperatures are reacted to either directly or via a storage medium.

Identical or similar components in different figures are provided with the same reference numbers.

figure 1 shows a plan view of an electric surface heating (eFH) 100 for laying in the construction area according to an embodiment of the invention. The electric surface heating 100 has a modular structure and has a first heating component 110 with a first heating element (heating cable) 111 and a second heating component 120 with a second heating element (heating cable) 121 . Furthermore, the eFH 100 has a carrier structure 130, which is formed along two main directions of extent x, y and thereby spans a carrier plane TE. The heating cables 111, 121 are arranged or embedded in a curved (meandering) manner in the carrier material of the carrier structure 130, which is designed as a carrier foil.

The electric surface heating 100 also has: a heating area 102 in which heating elements 111, 121 are arranged, and a free area 104 in which the heating elements 111, 121 are not arranged. The latter serves, for example, as a free zone, for example to drill holes if the electric surface heating 100 is covered by a floor or wallpaper and is no longer visible.

The electric surface heating 100 has a first surface heating module 115 (first zone), in which the first heating component 110 (first field) is arranged, and a second surface heating module 125 (second zone), in which the second heating component 120 (second field) is arranged . Both surface heating modules 115, 125 are connected to one another via a connecting element 160.

A control device 150 is integrated into the eFH 100, integrated into the connecting element 160 in the example shown. The control device 150 is thus coupled (electrically connected) to the first heating component 110 and to the second heating component 120 . The controller 150 is configured to control and/or regulate the first heating component 110 according to a first temperature characteristic and, independently, to control and/or regulate the second heating component 120 according to a second temperature characteristic, the first temperature characteristic differing from the second temperature characteristic is different.

figure 2 shows a plan view of an electric surface heating 100 for installation in the construction sector according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention. In this example, each heating component 110, 120 is connected to its own power source. In this case, the first surface heating module 115 has a first control unit 151 (of the control device 150), while the second surface heating module 125 has a second control unit 152 (of the control device 150). As a result, the control units 151, 152 are connected between the power source and the heating component 110, 120 and can independently provide the first and second temperature characteristics. The surface heating modules 115, 125 border one another laterally, but are not electrically connected to one another in this example. Nevertheless, the surface heating modules 115, 125 form a unit (the electric surface heating 100) and are manufactured, transported and installed as a unit.

figure 3 shows a plan view of an electric surface heating 100 for installation in the construction sector according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention. In this example, a plurality of panel heating modules 115, 125 with respective heating components 110, 120 are laid on a floor, with corners left out. It is shown that a corresponding control unit 150 is integrated into each panel heating module. As a result, each of the modules can be controlled/regulated individually according to a respective temperature characteristic.

figure 4 shows a plan view of an electric panel heater 100 as a heating foil 170 according to an embodiment of the invention. A plurality of heating areas 102 and a plurality of free areas 104 are arranged alternately. The carrier structure 130 is designed as a film web in the length direction x and the plurality of free areas 104 are arranged transversely to the film web in the width direction y. Length conductors 171, 172 (or supply conductors) are arranged along the film web (and also embedded in and/or arranged on the support structure 130) and supply the heating areas 102 with electrical energy. In the example shown, each heating area 102 is designed as a surface heating module 115, 125, which has a heating component 110, 120 and a control unit 151, 152 in each case.

figure 5 shows a top view of an electric panel heater 100 as a heating foil according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention. The structure is similar to figure 4 , but the free area 104, the heating area 102, and also the length conductors 171, 172 are arranged in a wavy manner.

figure 6 shows a plan view of an electric panel heater 100 as a lattice structure 180 according to an embodiment of the invention. The eFH 100 has a plurality of electrical heating elements 181 which are essentially rod-shaped. This arrangement is implemented as an array in such a way that the rod-shaped electrical heating elements 181 form the lattice structure 180 . The electrical heating elements 181 arranged as a lattice structure 180 themselves form the heating area 102 , while the free areas 104 are each formed between the rod-shaped heating elements 181 of the lattice structure 180 . Defined along the heating elements 181 are heating components 110, 120 which are coupled to a plurality of control units 150 and temperature sensors 182, respectively. One unity (Module) of heating components 110, 120 and associated control units 150 can be referred to as surface heating module 115, 125.

Additionally, it should be noted that "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be pointed out that features or steps that have been described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments can also be used in combination with other features or steps of other exemplary embodiments described above. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting.

Reference sign

100

Electric panel heating

102

heating area

104

free area

110

First heating component

111

First heating element

115

First surface heating module

120

Second heating component

121

Second heating element

125

Second surface heating module

130

support structure

150

control device

151

First control unit

152

Second control unit

160

connector, connecting element

170

heating foil

171

First length ladder

172

Second length ladder

180

grid array

181

heating rod

182

temperature sensor

190

connection element

TE

carrier level

x

direction of length

y

latitude direction

e.g

height direction

Claims (15)

An electric panel heater (100) for laying in the construction sector, the electric panel heater (100) having: a first heating component (110); a second heating component (120); and at least one control device (150), which is coupled to the first heating component (110) and to the second heating component (120), wherein the at least one control device (150) is configured to control the first heating component (110) according to a first temperature characteristic and/ or to regulate, and, regardless of to control and/or regulate the second heating component (120) according to a second temperature characteristic,
wherein the first temperature characteristic is different from the second temperature characteristic. The electric panel heater (100) according to claim 1,
wherein the control device (150) is at least partially integrated into the electric surface heating (100). The electric surface heater (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (150) comprises: a first control unit (151), which is assigned to the first heating component (110) and is set up to carry out a first function; and a second control unit (152), which is assigned to the second heating component (120) and is set up to carry out a second function; in particular wherein the first control unit (151) and the second control unit (152) are spatially spaced apart from one another; wherein the first control unit (151) is set up to at least partially carry out the second function of the second control unit (152), in particular if the second function cannot be carried out at least temporarily by means of the second control unit (152); and or wherein the second control unit (152) is set up to carry out the first function of the first control unit (151) at least partially, in particular when the first function cannot be carried out at least temporarily by means of the first control unit (151). The electric surface heating (100) according to claim 3, wherein the first function and/or the second function is at least one from the group consisting of: providing heating power, reducing heating power, switching off heating power, compensating for heating power, providing a signal, switching on at least one heating component (110, 120), especially wherein the first control unit (151) is configured to forward temperature characteristic-associated information to the second control unit (152) and/or an external device; and or wherein the second control unit (152) is configured to forward the temperature characteristic-associated information to the first control unit (151) and/or the external device, further in particular wherein the forwarding comprises at least one from the group consisting of:
separate cable, superimposition of mains voltage, bus system, analogue signal, radio signal, in particular one of WLAN, Bluetooth, NFC, LORA, UWB. The electric panel heater (100) according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising: a first surface heating module (115) which has the first heating component (110) and in particular the first control unit (151); and a second surface heating module (125) which has the second heating component (120) and in particular the second control unit (152). The electric panel heater (100) of claim 5, further comprising:
a connecting element (160) which connects the first surface heating module (115), in particular the first heating component (110), and the second surface heating module (125), in particular the second heating component (120), with one another, the control device (150) being at least partially in the connecting element (160) is integrated. The electric panel heater (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one of the following features: wherein the control device (150) is configured to process information associated with temperature characteristics, in particular to receive, detect or forward it, more particularly wherein the temperature characteristic-associated information has at least one from the group consisting of: measured value, setpoint, temperature per heating component, average temperature of a plurality of heating components, power per heating component, average power of a plurality of heating components, energy per heating component, average energy of a plurality of heating components; wherein the control device (150) is configured to create the first temperature characteristic and/or the second temperature characteristic based on the temperature characteristic-associated information; wherein the first heating component (110) has at least a first electrical heating element (111), in particular a heating cable or a heating element; and or wherein the second heating component (120) has at least one second electrical heating element (121), in particular a heating cable or a heating element; wherein the electric panel heater (100) further comprises: a heating area (102) in which at least one heating element (111, 121) is arranged; and a free area (104) in which no heating element (111, 121) is arranged, in particular wherein an extent of the free area (104) in a main direction of extent (x, y) of the electric surface heating (100) is 1 cm or more, in particular 2 cm or more, further in particular 3 cm or more; wherein a plurality of electrical heating elements (111, 121) are essentially in the form of rods (181) and are arranged as an array (180), in particular as a lattice structure, further in particular wherein the electrical heating elements (111, 121) arranged as a lattice structure (180) form a heating area (102) and a free area (104) is formed between the heating elements (141) of the lattice structure (180); wherein the electric panel heater (100) further comprises: a support structure (130) which is formed along two main extension directions (x, y) and spans a support plane (TE), at least a section of the first heating component (110) and/or the second heating component (120) being arranged on and/or in the carrier structure (130), in particular wherein the carrier structure (130) is designed as a foil web (170), in particular wherein heating areas (102) and free areas (104) are arranged alternately, in particular transversely, to the foil web (170); wherein the electric surface heating (100) at least partially, in particular at least one from the group consisting of: the first heating component (110), the second heating component (120), the control device (150), has a thickness (z) of 8 mm or less, in particular 6 mm or less, further in particular 5 mm or less; wherein the electric surface heating (100) has, at least in sections, 10 or more, in particular 20 or more, further in particular 40 or more, free areas (104), in particular recesses, per square meter; wherein a temperature difference in the operating mode between the first heating component (110) and/or the second heating component (120) and a surface heating cover layer, in particular an underground covering, is 10°C or less, in particular 7°C or less, more particularly 5°C or less, is; wherein the first panel heating module (115) and/or the second panel heating module (125) has an area of 50 dm ² or less, in particular 25 dm ² or less, more particularly 10 dm ² or less; wherein the electric panel heater (100) further comprises:
a connection element (190) for connection to a power source, wherein the control device (150) is at least partially integrated into the connection element (190); wherein the control device (150) is configured to control and/or regulate an energy supply to the first heating component (110) and/or the second heating component (120), wherein the control device (150) is further configured to control the energy quantity of the energy supply in such a way that a time-limited burst of energy is provided to the first heating component (110) and/or to the second heating component (120), in particular wherein the energy burst has at least one characteristic from the group consisting of: locally variable, dependent on historical data, dependent on environmental conditions; wherein the electric surface heating (100) is free of self-limiting heating elements, in particular self-limiting heating cables; wherein the first heating component (110) and/or the second heating component (120) is assigned a unique identification, and wherein the unique identifier is associated with the spatial location; wherein the first temperature characteristic and/or the second temperature characteristic is/are created at least partially based on historical data, in particular by means of a self-learning algorithm; wherein the control device (150) is configured to control and/or regulate the energy supply to the first heating component (110) and/or the second heating component (120), and wherein the control and/or regulation of the energy supply has at least one from the group consisting of: phase control, phase control, pulse width modulation, voltage control, energy surge overvoltage, phase packet control; wherein the control device (150) is configured to compensate for different resistance values of the first heating component (110) and the second heating component (120), in particular considering at least one from the group consisting of resistance, temperature, power, energy; wherein the control device (150) is configured to recognize an external energy supply or an external energy removal to the first heating component (110) and/or the second heating component (120), and, in response to this, to control the energy supply, in particular to reduce or increase it; wherein the electric surface heating (100) is configured to at least partially supply the control device (150) with current continuously, even if the first heating component (110) and/or the second heating component (120) is not heated; the controller (150) further comprising: a first operating mode in which a heating function is activated; and a second operating mode in which the heating function is not activated, In particular, the second operating mode enables at least one from the group consisting of configuring, teaching, identifying, software updating, commissioning; wherein the first heating component (110) and/or the second heating component (120) comprises a material with a positive or negative coefficient of resistance, In particular, this temperature-dependent resistor can be used as a temperature sensor; wherein the control device (150) has a self-learning algorithm, on the basis of which the control and/or regulation is adapted. A method for operating an electric panel heater (100) which has a plurality of heating components (110, 120) arranged in a modular manner with respect to one another, the method having: Controlling and/or regulating a first heating component (110) according to a first temperature characteristic; and, independently of this, Controlling and/or regulating a second heating component (120) according to a second temperature characteristic. The method of claim 8, further comprising: detecting an amount of energy to provide a time-limited burst of energy to the first heating component (110) and/or to the second heating component (120); and Controlling and/or regulating the energy quantity of an energy supply to the electric surface heating (100) in such a way that the time-limited burst of energy is provided to the first heating component (110) and/or to the second heating component (120); and or
wherein the controlling and/or regulating further comprises at least one from the group consisting of: manually or automatically selecting a heating component (110, 120), turning off a heating component (110, 120), excluding a heating component (110, 120) from use a burst of energy, calibrating a heating component (110, 120). The method according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising: detecting that the first heating component (110) and/or the second heating component (120) has a heat storage capacity; conducting excess heat energy to the heating component (110, 120) having the heat storage capacity. A computer program product which, when operated on a processor or computer, is configured to carry out a method for operating an electric panel heater (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 10. A method of manufacturing an electric panel heater (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: providing the control device (150) protected by a mechanical cover; Laying the first surface heating module (115), which has the first heating component (110); Laying the second surface heating module (125), which has the second heating component (120); Mount the protected control device (150) and then remove the mechanical cover. The method of claim 12, further comprising:
potting the electric surface heating (100) at least partially with an assembly fluid,
especially after removing the mechanical cover. A method of locating a first heating component (110) and a second heating component (120) of an electric surface heater according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the method comprising: heating the first heating component (110) and/or the second heating component (120); Detecting the position of the first heating component (110) and/or the second heating component (120) using a thermal camera. Use of a control device (150) to control a plurality of modularly arranged heating components (110, 120) of an electric surface heating (100) independently of one another, the control device (150) being at least partially integrated in the electric surface heating (100).

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