GB2604217A - An electric space heater and a control system for operating the electric space heater in an ecological operating mode - Google Patents

An electric space heater and a control system for operating the electric space heater in an ecological operating mode Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2604217A
GB2604217A GB2117926.2A GB202117926A GB2604217A GB 2604217 A GB2604217 A GB 2604217A GB 202117926 A GB202117926 A GB 202117926A GB 2604217 A GB2604217 A GB 2604217A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
setback
boost
control
processor unit
level
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
GB2117926.2A
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GB202117926D0 (en
Inventor
Mcmanus Mark
Bryan Felgate John
Ruthe Andreas
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Stiebel Eltron GmbH and Co KG
Original Assignee
Stiebel Eltron GmbH and Co KG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Stiebel Eltron GmbH and Co KG filed Critical Stiebel Eltron GmbH and Co KG
Publication of GB202117926D0 publication Critical patent/GB202117926D0/en
Publication of GB2604217A publication Critical patent/GB2604217A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D23/00—Control of temperature
    • G05D23/19—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means
    • G05D23/1902—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means characterised by the use of a variable reference value
    • G05D23/1905—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means characterised by the use of a variable reference value associated with tele control
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
    • F24H15/10—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the purpose of the control
    • F24H15/108—Resuming operation, e.g. after power outages
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
    • F24H15/10—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the purpose of the control
    • F24H15/136—Defrosting or de-icing; Preventing freezing
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
    • F24H15/10—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the purpose of the control
    • F24H15/156—Reducing the quantity of energy consumed; Increasing efficiency
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
    • F24H15/10—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the purpose of the control
    • F24H15/172—Scheduling based on user demand, e.g. determining starting point of heating
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
    • F24H15/20—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control inputs
    • F24H15/269—Time, e.g. hour or date
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H3/00—Air heaters
    • F24H3/02—Air heaters with forced circulation
    • F24H3/04—Air heaters with forced circulation the air being in direct contact with the heating medium, e.g. electric heating element
    • F24H3/0405—Air heaters with forced circulation the air being in direct contact with the heating medium, e.g. electric heating element using electric energy supply, e.g. the heating medium being a resistive element; Heating by direct contact, i.e. with resistive elements, electrodes and fins being bonded together without additional element in-between
    • F24H3/0411—Air heaters with forced circulation the air being in direct contact with the heating medium, e.g. electric heating element using electric energy supply, e.g. the heating medium being a resistive element; Heating by direct contact, i.e. with resistive elements, electrodes and fins being bonded together without additional element in-between for domestic or space-heating systems
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H9/00—Details
    • F24H9/20—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F24H9/2064—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for air heaters
    • F24H9/2071—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for air heaters using electrical energy supply
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D23/00—Control of temperature
    • G05D23/19—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means
    • G05D23/1917—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means using digital means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D23/00—Control of temperature
    • G05D23/19—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means
    • G05D23/1951—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means with control of the working time of a temperature controlling device
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H3/00—Air heaters
    • F24H3/002—Air heaters using electric energy supply

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Central Heating Systems (AREA)
  • Programmable Controllers (AREA)
  • Control Of Resistance Heating (AREA)

Abstract

An electric space heater 1 comprising an integrated control device with a control processor unit and a control storing unit that includes a control computer programmable into the control device by an external service tool 3, 4. The control computer program comprises computer program code with instructions that, when executed, cause the control processor unit to control the electric heating element based on a setback temperature value during a setback period by activating a setback level, and after the setback period has elapsed, to automatically activate a frost protection level in which the setback temperature level is reduced to a temperature limit value until a setback reactivation signal is received. The controller is also configured to control the electric space heater based on a boost temperature value during a boost period by activating a boost level and, after the boost period has elapsed, to automatically activate the setback level. The electric space heater may also comprise a user interface (5, figure 2) to allow a user to select the boost level, setback level or frost protection level. A method of controlling an electric space heater, including in an ecological mode, is also claimed.

Description

An electric space heater and a control system for operating the electric space heater in an ecological operating mode The invention relates to an electric space heater, a method for controlling an electric space heater, a computer program, a method for operating an electric space heater in an ecological operating mode as well as a control system for operating an electric space heater in an ecological operating mode.
Electric space heaters with integrated or external room temperature controllers to control a setpoint temperature between a higher comfort level and a lower setback level are known.
In the case of apartments or rooms rented for a fixed rent including all ancillary costs, it is particularly advantageous for a landlord that a room temperature is operated at a minimum required temperature level. However, there is no reason and no advantage for users and/or tenants to operate the room temperature at the minimum required temperature level.
For operation in hotel rooms, for example, there are setting options on the space heaters or external controllers that at least limit the control range of the heater. In particular, the settings can be made directly on the controller, for which a special programming mode must be activated. Even if the activation of this programming mode is not included in the general operating instructions of the space heaters, it is not possible -particularly due to the universal dissemination of the Internet -for such information to be known to specialist tradesmen, janitors and hotel operators, not to be made public. Therefore, particularly for student residences, such a solution does not appear to be reliable and sustainable.
For student residences, external controllers are known which are set by the landlord using special programming devices and which reduce the room temperature by directly switching an electric space heater as long as the user does not actively and repeatedly adjust the temperature to the comfort temperature. This solution offers maximum security against bypassing or deactivating a set lowering operation by the user. A significant disadvantage is the required complex and expensive installation of the external controller and its connection to the space heater. In addition, electric space heaters are often equipped with integrated electronic controllers, so that either separate heater variants must be developed and marketed, or the existing electronics are paid for with the heater but not used. -2 -
Therefore, it is an object to provide an improved solution. In particular, it is an object to provide a solution to alleviate the problems discussed above. In particular, it is an object to provide a solution, which is relatively simple and economical to manufacture, install, operate and maintain as well as to enable a tamper-proof operation of electric space heaters.
According to a first aspect, an electric space heater is suggested. The electric space heater comprises a housing with an electric heating element constructed to generate and output heat and a control device integrated in the electric space heater with a control processor unit and a control storing unit including a control computer program programmable into the control device by an external service tool. The control computer program comprises a computer program code with program code instructions. The program code instructions, when executed by the control processor unit, cause the control processor unit to control the electric heating element depending on a setback temperature value during a setback period by activating a setback level when receiving a setback activation signal via a heater user interface connected to the control processor unit, and, after the setback period has elapsed, to automatically activate a frost protection level in which the setback temperature value is reduced to a temperature limit value and the electric space heater is controlled depending on the temperature limit value until a setback reactivation signal is received. Further the program code instructions, when executed by the control processor unit, cause the control processor unit to control the electric heating element depending on a boost temperature value during a boost period by activating a boost level when receiving a boost activation signal via the heater user interface connected to the control processor unit and, after the boost period has elapsed, to automatically activate the setback level.
The computer program preferably enables to operate the electric space heater in an ecological operating mode for considerable savings to be made on heating costs, particularly if the utilisation of a room allows long phases in the frost protection level.
In particular, the control device is a programmable control device. In this way electric room heaters can be programmed and thus easily upgraded.
The term "external" can preferably describe that the service tool is remote from the electric space eater. Therefore, the service tool can be a separate element, which can be connected to the control device for programming the computer program into the control device. -3 -
In particular, the program code instructions, when executed by the control processor unit, can cause the control processor unit to control the electric heating element depending on the temperature limit value until a setback activation signal or a boost activation signal is received. Preferably, the program code instructions, when executed by the control processor unit, can cause the control processor unit to control the electric heating element depending on the temperature limit value by activating the frost protection level by receiving a frost protection activation signal via the user interface connected to the control processor unit.
The term "reactivation signal" can preferably describe a further activation signal for reactivating a temperature level, in particular the setback level.
Preferably, the control processor unit can be configured to access the storing unit and operate according to the computer program code to perform a method of controlling the electric heating element.
In particular, a distinction is made between terms "temperature" and "temperature value".
The term "temperature" can be associated with physical temperature of a medium, in particular a temperature of air in a room. The SI unit for temperature is Kelvin (K). In practice, also the units degree Celsius (°C) and degree Fahrenheit (°F) can be used. The term "temperature value" can be associated with a signal, which can be used for an input into the control processor unit.
According to an embodiment, the program code instructions, when executed by the control processor unit, cause the control processor unit to block reactivating the boost level after the boost period has elapsed during a blocking period, preferably wherein the blocking period can be set by the external service tool. In particular, the boost level can be reactivated after the blocking period has elapsed. This ensures a very economical operation of the electric space heater. In particular, heating costs can be saved without affecting the comfort.
According to an embodiment, the electric space heater comprises a connecting interface configured for wired or wireless connecting the external service tool to the control device.
Preferably, the connecting interface can be a physical connecting interface. In particular, the electric space heater can comprise a USB socket. -4 -
For example, the electric space heater can comprise a connecting module connected to the connecting interface for wired or wireless connecting the external service tool to the control device.
According to an embodiment, the control device is configured to receive at least one setting signal, generated by the external service tool, to set a setback temperature represented by the setback temperature value and/or to set a boost temperature represented by the boost temperature value and/or to set the boost period and/or to set the setback period and/or to switch a open window detection on or off. In this way a facility manager or a landlord can adjust variables of the program and thus also set the functions of the electric room heater.
Preferably, the open window detection can cause the control device to detect changes in temperature or humidity to detect if a window in a room is open and when a window is open to switch off the heating element for a switch-off period or while the window is open. Thereby heating costs can be saved. In particular, the electric space heater can comprise a sensor connected to the control device for detecting changes in temperature and/or a sensor connected to the control device for detecting changes in humidity.
According to an embodiment, the electric space heater comprises a heater user interface connected to the control device and configured to receive a user input for selecting the boost level and/or the setback level and/or the frost protection level and, depending thereon, to generate and send the boost activation signal and/or the setback activation signal and/or a frost protection activation signal to the control processor unit.
According to a further aspect, a method for controlling an electric space heater, in particular as described herein, by a control device integrated in the electric space heater, which is programmed by an external service tool, is suggested. The method comprises activating a setback level when receiving a setback activation signal via a heater user interface connected to the control processor unit and controlling the electric heating element depending on a setback temperature value during a setback period and after the setback period has elapsed, automatically activating a frost protection level in which the setback temperature value is reduced to a temperature limit value and the electric space heater is controlled depending on the temperature limit value until a setback reactivation signal is received. The method further comprising activating a boost level when receiving a boost activation signal via the heater user interface connected to the control processor unit and controlling the electric heating element depending on a boost temperature value during a -5 -boost period and after the boost period has elapsed, automatically activating the setback level.
In particular, the ecological operating mode can be activated by the external service tool connectable to a control device with a control processor unit integrated in the electric space heater.
According to a further aspect, a computer program is suggested. The computer program comprises a computer program code capable of execution by a control processor unit integrated in the electric space heater, the computer program being configured to perform, on execution, a method as described herein. In particular, the computer program can be io stored on a computer-readable medium and/or is programmable using an external service tool and/or for installation in a control device integrated in an electric space heater to control an electric heating element of the electric space heater.
In particular, a computer program product can be suggested. The computer program product, in particular a storing unit and/or a storing unit of an external service tool, can comprise a computer readable medium storing computer-executable program code for operating an electric space heater in an ecological operating mode, the computer-executable program codes comprising program code instructions for performing, on execution, a method as described herein According to a further aspect, a method for operating an electric space heater in an ecological operating mode is suggested. The method comprises connecting an external service tool to a control device with a control processor unit integrated in the electric space heater and configured to control the electric space heater, activating the ecological operating mode by the external service tool and/or programming a computer program as described herein into the control device and executing program code instructions of a computer program code of the computer program by the control processor unit.
In particular, the computer program can be programmed into the control device by the external service tool and stored in a control storing unit of the control device. Preferably, after the computer program is stored in the control storing unit, the ecological operating mode can be activated by the external service tool. The control processor unit can be configured to access the storing unit, after activating the ecological operating mode, and operate according to the computer program code to perform a method of controlling the electric heating element. -6 -
According to a further aspect, a control system for operating an electric space heater in an ecological operating mode is suggested. The control system comprises an external service tool with a service tool processor unit and a service tool storing unit including a control computer program, wherein the service tool processor unit is configured to be connected to a control device integrated in the electric space heater and to program the control computer program into the control device, wherein the control computer program comprises a computer program code with program code instructions, The program code instructions, when executed by a control processor unit of the control device, cause the control processor unit to control the electric heating element depending on a setback temperature value during a setback period by activating a setback level when receiving a setback activation signal via a heater user interface connected to the control processor unit, and, after the setback period has elapsed, to automatically activate a frost protection level in which the setback temperature value is reduced to a temperature limit value and the electric space heater is controlled depending on the temperature limit value until a setback reactivation signal is received. Further, the instructions, when executed by a control processor unit of the control device, cause the control processor unit to control the electric heating element depending on a boost temperature value during a boost period by activating a boost level when receiving a boost activation signal via the heater user interface connected to the control processor unit and, after the boost period has elapsed, to automatically activate the setback level.
Particularly, the computer program can be stored in a control storing unit. Preferably, the service tool processor unit is configured to program the control computer program into the control device via a connection module.
In particular, the external service tool can be a handheld device or a desktop console or a computer, preferably a laptop, with a software for configuration. Preferably, the external service tool can be configured to show an actual room temperature.
In particular, the external service tool can be configured to set a permanent key pad lock for at least one key of the heater user interface.
Preferably, the control system can comprise the control device integrated in the electric space heater with the control processor unit and a control storing unit for storing the computer program programmed into the control device by the service tool processor unit. In particular, the control system can comprise a heater user interface connected to the control device and configured to receive a user input for selecting the boost level and/or -7 -the setback level and/or the frost protection level and, depending thereon, to generate and send the boost activation signal and/or the setback activation signal and/or a frost protection activation signal to the control processor unit.
As to the advantages, preferred embodiments and details of these further aspects and their preferred embodiments, reference is made to the corresponding advantages, preferred embodiments and details described above.
Further advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent when reading the detailed description accompanied by the drawing. Exemplary embodiments shall now be described with reference to the attached drawings, in which Fig. 1 shows an electric space heater and a control system according to a preferred embodiment; Fig. 2 shows a heater user interface according to a preferred embodiment; and Fig. 3 shows an exemplary temperature-time profile.
It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present disclosure, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, many other elements, which are conventional in this art. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other elements are desirable for implementing the present disclosure. However, because such elements are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present disclosure, a discussion of such elements is not provided herein.
In the figures, elements with the same or comparable functions are indicated with the same reference numerals.
Figure 1 shows an electric space heater 1 with a housing and an electric heating element enclosed in the housing. The electric space heater 1 further comprises an integrated control device with a control processor unit and a control storing unit. A control system with two different external service tool 3, 4 are also shown in figure 1.
For example, the control system can comprise a external service tool, in particular a handheld device 3 and/or a laptop 4. The laptop 4 or the handheld device 3 can be -8 -connected to the control device to activate an ecological operating mode and/or to program a control computer program into the control device. In particular, a laptop 4 can be connected to the control device to program a control computer program into the control device. The computer program can be stored in a control storing unit and the handheld device 3 can be connected to the control device to activate an ecological operating mode.
In particular, the handheld device 3 can generate an eco activation signal and send the eco generate activation signal to the control device for activating the ecological operating mode. In the ecological operating mode, the control processor unit of the control device can access the storing unit and operate according to the computer program code to perform a method of controlling the electric heating element.
The computer program comprises a computer program code with program code instructions that, when executed by a control processor unit of the control device, cause the control processor unit to control the electric heating element depending on a setback temperature value during a setback period by activating a setback level when receiving a setback activation signal via a heater user interface connected to the control processor unit, and, after the setback period has elapsed, to automatically activate a frost protection level in which the setback temperature value is reduced to a temperature limit value and the electric space heater is controlled depending on the temperature limit value until a setback reactivation signal is received. Furthermore, the program code instructions, when executed by the control processor unit, cause the control processor unit to control the electric heating element depending on a boost temperature value during a boost period by activating a boost level when receiving a boost activation signal via the heater user interface connected to the control processor unit and, after the boost period has elapsed, to automatically activate the setback level.
Figure 1 also shows a connecting module 2, which can be connected to a connecting interface of the electric space heater for connecting the external service tool 3, 4 to the control device. In the shown example, the connecting module 2 comprises a USB socket for wired connecting the external service tool 3,4 to the control device Thus, for example, a facility manager or a landlord can program the program and/or activate the ecological operating mode by means of the external service tool 3, 4 and ensure tamper-proof operation of the electric space heater 1 in the ecological operating mode by subsequently disconnecting the external service tool 3, 4. -9 -
Figure 2 shows a heater user interface 5 connected to the control device of the electric space heater. For example, in a conventional operating mode, the heater user interface unit comprises a On/Off-key 6c to switch the electric space heater on and off, a menu-key 6a for selecting an operating mode and/or to select a variable to be set, for example a timer for a heating period and/or a setpoint temperature, and an enter-key 6b to confirm the selected operating mode and/or a set variable. Furthermore, the heater user interface unit comprises a plus-key 7a and a minus-key 7b to set a variable, in particular a temperature or a heating period.
In particular, the external service tool can be configured to set a permanent key pad lock for at least one of the keys 6a, 6b, 6c, 7a, 7b of the user interface. For example, a permanent key pad lock can be set for the On/Off-key 6c, the menu-key 6a and the enter-key 6b. In particular the computer program instructions, when executed by the control processor unit, cause the control processor unit to set a permanent key pad lock for the On/Off-key 6c, the menu-key 6a and the enter-key 6b is set.
Preferably, the plus-key 7a and the minus-key 7b can be used for activating a frost protection level, a setback level and a boost level. Thus, a tamper-proof operation of the electric space heater in the ecological operating mode can be ensured. In particular, it can be avoided that a user selects and adjusts a setup temperature himself For example, the following functions can be triggered by pushing the plus-key 7a or the minus key 7b: - By pushing the plus-key 7a, a set temperature switch to a boost temperature and a comfort symbol is shown in the display 8. An internal boost timer is counting.
By pushing the plus-key 7a again, a boost-temperature can preferably be increased by 1 °C.
- By pushing the plus-key 7a again, nothing happens.
By pushing the minus-key 7b, the boost temperature is set back to the programmed boost temperature.
By pushing the minus-key 7b again, the programmed boost temperature is reduced by 1 °C.
By pushing the minus-key 7b again, the set temperature is set to the setback temperature. A boost timer can preferably still count.
- By pushing the minus-key 7b again, the set temperature is set to the frost protection temperature. By pushing the minus-key 7b again, nothing happens.
-
If the boost timer is still counting or active, the user can preferably setup all temperature levels, in particular the boost level, the setback level and the frost protection level.
If the boost timer is finished a blocking period, in particular a minimum of 0 minutes - 60 minutes has to be elapsed before a boost timer can start again.
If an external trigger is activated, the electric space heater can preferably heat according to a boost temperature as long as the trigger signal is active.
The exemplary embodiment of the heater user interface 5 comprises a display 8 for graphical visualization of settings. In the case that the ecological operating mode is activated, the display 8 shows a clock-, lock-symbol and the setback temperature or the frost protection temperature or the boost temperature Figure 3 shows an exemplary temperature-time profile. The x-axis indicates a time and the y-axis indicates a temperature in the unit °C. In the first period 10, a frost protection level is active. The program code instructions executed by the control processor unit cause the control processor unit to control the electric heating element depending on a frost protection temperature value, which represents the frost protection temperature of 5 °C. The frost protection temperature of 5 °C can be a factory setting. In particular, the external service tool can set a new frost protection temperature, particularly of 7 °C, represented by a new frost protection temperature value.
zo In period 20, a boost level is activated. The program code instructions executed by the control processor unit cause the control processor unit to control the electric heating element depending on a boost temperature value, which represents the boost temperature of 22 °C. The boost temperature of 22°C can be a factory setting. In particular, the external service tool can set a new boost temperature represented by a new boost temperature value.
Before a boost period has elapsed, a setback level is activated in period 30 by receiving a setback activation signal via the user interface connected to the control processor. Activating the setback level causes a lowering of the boost temperature to the setback temperature. Therefore, the program code instructions executed by the control processor unit cause the control processor unit to control the electric heating element depending on the setback temperature value, which represents the setback temperature of 18 °C. The setback temperature of 18 °C can be a factory setting. In particular, the external service tool can set a new setback temperature represented by a new setback temperature value.
After a blocking period has elapsed, the program code instructions executed by the control processor unit cause the control processor unit to control the electric heating element depending on a boost temperature value during a boost period of 30 minutes by activating the boost level in period 40 when receiving the boost activation signal via the heater user interface connected to the control processor unit and, after the boost period has elapsed, to automatically activate the setback level in period 50. The boost period of 30 minutes can be a factory setting. In particular, the external service tool can set a new boost period. The factory setting of the blocking period can preferably be 10 minutes. In particular, the external service tool can set a new blocking period.
The program code instructions executed by the control processor unit cause the control processor unit to control the electric heating element depending on the setback temperature value which represents the setback temperature of 18 °C during a setback period of 48 hours in period 50 and, after the setback period has elapsed, to automatically activate the frost protection level in period 60. The setback period of 48 hours can be a factory setting. In particular, a new setback period can be set by the external service tool.
While this disclosure has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined in the following claims.

Claims (9)

  1. -12 -CLAIMS1 An electric space heater (1) comprising a housing with an electric heating element constructed to generate and output heat and a control device integrated in the electric space heater (1) with a control processor unit and a control storing unit including a control computer program programmable into the control device by an external service tool (3, 4), wherein the control computer program comprises a computer program code with program code instructions that, when executed by the control processor unit, cause the control processor unit to control the electric heating element depending on a setback temperature value during a setback period by activating a setback level when receiving a setback activation signal via a heater user interface (5) connected to the control processor unit, and, after the setback period has elapsed, to automatically activate a frost protection level in which the setback temperature value is reduced to a temperature limit value and the electric space heater (1) is controlled depending on the temperature limit value until a setback reactivation signal is received and to control the electric heating element depending on a boost temperature value during a boost period by activating a boost level when receiving a boost activation signal via the heater user interface (5) connected to the control processor unit and, after the boost period has elapsed, to automatically activate the setback level.
  2. 2. The electric space heater (1) according to claim 1, wherein the program code instructions, when executed by the control processor unit, cause the control processor unit to block reactivating the boost level after the boost period has elapsed during a blocking period, preferably wherein the blocking period can be set by the external service tool (3, 4).
  3. 3. The electric space heater (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising a connecting interface configured for wired or wireless connecting the external service tool (3, 4) to the control device.
  4. 4. The electric space heater according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device is configured to receive at least one setting signal, generated by the external service tool (3, 4), - to set a setback temperature represented by the setback temperature value and/or to set a boost temperature represented by the boost temperature value and/or to set the boost period and/or to set the setback period and/or -to switch an open window detection on or off.
  5. 5. The electric space heater (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising a heater user interface (5) connected to the control device and configured to receive a user input for selecting the boost level and/or the setback level and/or the frost protection level and, depending thereon, to generate and send the boost activation signal and/or the setback activation signal and/or a frost protection activation signal to the control processor unit.
  6. 6. A method for controlling an electric space heater (1), in particular according to at least one of the preceding claims, by a control device integrated in the electric space heater (1) which is programmed by an external service tool (3, 4), comprising: activating a setback level when receiving a setback activation signal via a heater user interface (5) connected to the control processor unit and controlling the electric heating element depending on a setback temperature value during a setback period and after the setback period has elapsed, automatically activating a frost protection level in which the setback temperature value is reduced to a temperature limit value and the electric space heater (1) is controlled depending on the temperature limit value until a setback reactivation signal is received and activating a boost level when receiving a boost activation signal via the heater user interface (5) connected to the control processor unit and controlling the electric heating element depending on a boost temperature value during a boost period and after the boost period has elapsed, automatically activating the setback level.
  7. 7. A computer program comprising a computer program code capable of execution by a control processor unit integrated in the electric space heater (1), the computer program being configured to perform, on execution, a method according to claim 6.
  8. -14 - 8. A method for operating an electric space heater (1) in an ecological operating mode, comprising connecting an external service tool (3, 4) to a control device with a control processor unit integrated in the electric space heater (1) and configured to control the electric space heater (1), - activating the ecological operating mode by the external service tool (3, 4) and/or programming a computer program according to claim 7 into the control device and executing program code instructions of a computer program code of the computer io program by the control processor unit.
  9. 9. A control system for operating an electric space heater (1) in an ecological operating mode, comprising an external service tool (3, 4) with a service tool processor unit and a service tool storing unit including a control computer program, wherein the service tool processor unit is configured to be connected to a control device integrated in the electric space heater (1) and to program the control computer program into the control device, wherein the control computer program comprises a computer program code with program code instructions that, when executed by a control processor unit of the control device, cause the control processor unit - to control the electric heating element depending on a setback temperature value during a setback period by activating a setback level when receiving a setback activation signal via a heater user interface (5) connected to the control processor unit, and, after the setback period has elapsed, to automatically activate a frost protection level in which the setback temperature value is reduced to a temperature limit value and the electric space heater (1) is controlled depending on the temperature limit value until a setback reactivation signal is received and - to control the electric heating element depending on a boost temperature value during a boost period by activating a boost level when receiving a boost activation signal via the heater user interface (5) connected to the control processor unit and, after the boost period has elapsed, to automatically activate the setback level.
GB2117926.2A 2020-12-17 2021-12-10 An electric space heater and a control system for operating the electric space heater in an ecological operating mode Pending GB2604217A (en)

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CN117326627A (en) * 2023-11-07 2024-01-02 深圳好水健康科技发展有限公司 Terahertz excitation control method and terahertz water production device applying same

Citations (2)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4442972A (en) * 1981-09-14 1984-04-17 Texas Instruments Incorporated Electrically controlled programmable digital thermostat and method for regulating the operation of multistage heating and cooling systems
US4531064A (en) * 1980-05-27 1985-07-23 Levine Michael R Electronic thermostat with repetitive operation cycle

Patent Citations (2)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4531064A (en) * 1980-05-27 1985-07-23 Levine Michael R Electronic thermostat with repetitive operation cycle
US4442972A (en) * 1981-09-14 1984-04-17 Texas Instruments Incorporated Electrically controlled programmable digital thermostat and method for regulating the operation of multistage heating and cooling systems

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